Daily Current Affairs – 29-11-2025
Economy News
India’s Fiscal Deficit Reaches 52.6% of Target: Controller General of Accounts (CGA)
According to data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), India’s fiscal deficit for the current financial year 2025–26 reached 52.6% of the annual target, amounting to ₹8.25 lakh crore by the end of October 2025. The fiscal deficit during the same period in the previous financial year (2024–25) stood at 46.5%. The fiscal deficit for 2025–26 is projected at 4.4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), estimated at ₹15.69 lakh crore. Between April and October 2025, the central government earned ₹18 lakh crore in total revenue, including ₹12.74 lakh crore from tax revenue, ₹4.89 lakh crore from non-tax revenue, and ₹37,095 crore from non-debt capital receipts, accounting for 51.5% of the 2025–26 budget estimates. During the same period, ₹8.34 lakh crore was released to states as tax devolution, which is ₹1.11 lakh crore higher than the previous year. The government’s total expenditure during April–October 2025 stood at ₹26.25 lakh crore or 51.8% of the budget estimate, with ₹20 lakh crore spent on revenue expenditure and ₹6.17 lakh crore on capital expenditure. Out of this, ₹6.73 lakh crore was spent on interest payments and ₹2.46 lakh crore on subsidies.
Sports News
Santiago Nieva Appointed as Head Coach of Indian Women’s Boxing Team
Santiago Nieva, a Swedish boxing coach with over 20 years of international experience, has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian women’s boxing team, according to the announcement made on November 28, 2025. Nieva earlier served as the head coach of the Indian men’s boxing team from 2017 to 2022, during which India achieved notable success, including participation in the Tokyo Olympics and winning two medals at the 2019 Men’s World Boxing Championship. Before this appointment, Nieva was associated with the Australian boxing federation as its head coach and has also held key positions in the World Boxing Federation. He will now lead the Indian women’s team in preparation for major international events such as the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) President Ajay Singh confirmed that P. Chandra Rao, who previously held the coaching role, will continue as part of the support staff. The Indian women’s boxing team concluded the year successfully by securing 4 medals, including 2 gold, at the World Championships, and 10 medals at the World Cup hosted in India.
Portugal Wins Its First FIFA U-17 World Cup Title
Portugal clinched its first-ever FIFA Under-17 World Cup title by defeating Austria 1-0 in the final of the 20th edition of the tournament held in Qatar. The winning goal was scored in the 32nd minute by Anisio Cabral, a Benfica forward, marking his seventh goal of the tournament. Johannes Moser of Austria won the Golden Ball award. This edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup featured 48 nations, with European teams securing the top three positions. The tournament, organised annually by FIFA, will continue to be hosted by Qatar for the next four years. In the third-place match, Italy defeated Brazil 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw, with Alessandro Longoni saving two penalties.
Tamil Nadu News
Tamil Nadu to Allot Land for Folk Art Training School and Enhance University Grant
The Tamil Nadu government has announced that land will be allotted for establishing a training school to promote traditional folk art forms at Valayangulam village in Thiruparankundram taluk, Madurai district, as stated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The announcement was made during the third convocation of the Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University in Chennai. The Chief Minister, who serves as the ex-officio Chancellor of the university, also announced that a postgraduate programme will be introduced from the 2026–27 academic year to enhance students’ skills and income potential. Additionally, the financial assistance provided to the university will be increased from ₹3 crore to ₹5 crore.
International News
Vladimir Putin to Visit India for 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on a two-day state visit from December 4, 2025, to attend the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs. During the summit, both leaders will review progress in the India–Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, discuss measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and exchange views on regional and global issues. President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in honour of Mr. Putin. This will be his first visit to India since 2021, when he attended the 21st India–Russia Annual Summit. The visit holds importance as the two countries are expected to address the trade deficit resulting from India’s purchase of large volumes of Russian crude oil and to explore cooperation in civil nuclear energy. The summit also follows Russia’s Special Military Operation launched against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, which led to a restructuring of India–Russia trade relations.
National News
India Launches ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to Aid Cyclone-Hit Sri Lanka
The Government of India has launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to provide humanitarian assistance and relief materials to Sri Lanka, which was severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The first consignment of relief supplies was delivered through the Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri. The operation is part of India’s continued commitment under its Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Mauritius in March 2025. The relief mission coincided with the International Fleet Review (IFR) held in Sri Lanka, where INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri participated. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that the operation had commenced and further assistance measures were underway.
India’s GDP Grows 8.2% in Q2 FY26 – Fastest in Six Quarters
India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 8.2% in the second quarter (Q2) of FY26, marking the fastest growth in six quarters and significantly higher than 5.6% recorded during the same period last year. The growth was driven by strong performances in manufacturing (9.1%), construction (7.2%), and services (9.2%) sectors. Private consumption rose 7.9%, compared to 6.4% a year ago, while Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) — an indicator of infrastructure and investment activity — grew 7.3%. The nominal GDP expanded 8.7%, reaching approximately ₹85.25 lakh crore. The improvement reflects steady rural demand, robust public capital expenditure, and continued momentum in services and manufacturing, contributing to India’s strong economic performance in FY26.