UPSC Mains Current Affairs for 29 November 2025

India’s Q2 FY26 GDP Growth Accelerates to 8.2%

November 29, 2025

GDP Growth Latest News

India’s GDP growth for Q2 FY26 (July-September 2025) surged to 8.2%, marking a six-quarter high, driven by strong performance in manufacturing, construction, and financial services.

Overview of India’s GDP Performance in Q2 FY26

India’s economy outpaced expectations, recording 8.2% real GDP growth, significantly higher than the consensus forecast of around 7.3%.
This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of acceleration, signalling robust economic momentum despite global uncertainties.
The government attributed this growth to a combination of pro-growth reforms, elevated public investment, strong services activity, and rising private consumption, particularly after the recent GST rate cuts that boosted discretionary spending.

Sectoral Performance Driving GDP Expansion

Manufacturing and Industry Rebound
- Manufacturing GVA rose by 9.1% in Q2, the fastest in six quarters, reflecting higher industrial output, improved capacity utilisation, and resilient demand.
- This compares to 7.7% in Q1 and just 2.2% in the same quarter of the previous fiscal.
- Industry as a whole grew 7.7%, supported by robust construction activity (7.2% growth). Mining was the only laggard, contracting due to monsoon disruptions.
Services Sector Continues Dominance
- The services sector expanded by over 9% for the second consecutive quarter, led by:
  - Financial, Real Estate & Professional Services: 10.2%
  - Public Administration, Defence & Other Services: 9.7%
- These components played a pivotal role in pushing overall GDP beyond forecasts.
Agriculture Shows Mild Improvement
- Agriculture GVA grew 3.5%, supported by stable food inflation and better kharif output, though still lower than industry and services contributions.

Consumption and Investment Trends

Private Consumption Strengthens
- Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) grew 7.9%, up from 7% in Q1, driven by:
- Lower food inflation
- GST rationalisation
- Moderation in interest rates
- Improvement in rural demand
- Economists highlighted that lower inflation boosted discretionary spending, reinforcing consumption-led growth.
Investment Activity Supported by Capex
- Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) grew 7.3%, aided by:
  - A 31% rise in government capital expenditure
  - Early signs of revival in private investment
  - Stronger credit flow to the industry
- Economists noted, however, that private investment remains sensitive to global risks, especially higher U.S. tariffs.

Fiscal and Nominal Growth Concerns

Despite strong real growth, India’s nominal GDP growth slipped to 8.7%, a four-quarter low. Economists warned that low nominal growth could strain fiscal math, as tax revenues rose only 4% in the first seven months of FY26.
To meet the budget target of 12.5% gross tax revenue growth, revenues must grow 22.3% in the remaining months of FY26, an ambitious requirement.

Revised Growth Outlook

The Chief Economic Advisor revised India’s FY26 GDP growth projection to at least 7%, up from 6.3-6.8% previously.
The RBI may also revise its 6.8% projection upward as the Q2 figure far exceeded expectations, especially ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee’s meeting.
However, economists expect growth to moderate to 6.1% in the second half of FY26 due to normalisation of capital expenditure and global headwinds.

Macroeconomic Implications

Monetary Policy
- With retail inflation at 0.25% in October, the lowest on record, the RBI was widely expected to initiate a rate cut. The strong GDP print may influence the central bank’s rate trajectory, but does not diminish easing expectations.
Demand-Side Resilience
- The combined effect of falling inflation, consumption revival, and government spending indicates durable economic momentum.
Global Risks
- Persistent uncertainties, global slowdown, geopolitical tensions, and tighter trade conditions could weigh on export-linked sectors.

Source : TH | IE

GDP Growth FAQs

Q1: What was India’s GDP growth rate in Q2 FY26?

Ans: India recorded 8.2% GDP growth, the highest in six quarters.

Q2: Which sectors drove the Q2 GDP surge?

Ans: Manufacturing (9.1%), services (9%+), and construction (7.2%) led the growth.

Q3: What boosted private consumption in Q2 FY26?

Ans: Lower inflation and GST cuts significantly lifted consumer spending.

Q4: Why is nominal GDP growth a concern?

Ans: Nominal growth slowed to 8.7%, raising challenges for tax revenue targets.

Q5: What is the revised GDP outlook for FY26?

Ans: The government now expects at least 7% growth for the full fiscal year.

Bharat NCAP 2.0: New Safety Rules, Crash Tests & Stricter Star Ratings Explained

November 29, 2025

Bharat NCAP 2.0 Latest News

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released a revised draft of the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP), updating the 2023 version that is valid until September 2027.
The new draft significantly broadens the programme’s scope by adding new mandatory crash tests, revised scoring criteria, and expanded assessment verticals.
A major shift in the draft is the inclusion of vulnerable road user (VRU) protection tests, especially for pedestrians, who make up over 20% of road accident fatalities in India.
For the first time, vehicles will be evaluated on pedestrian safety features such as impact protection, braking systems, and design elements that reduce injury risks.
Overall, the revised Bharat NCAP aims to enhance road safety by encouraging manufacturers to produce vehicles with higher crashworthiness and better protection for both occupants and pedestrians.

Bharat NCAP: India’s Vehicle Crashworthiness Rating System

Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) is a voluntary vehicle safety rating system that evaluates cars based on crashworthiness, going beyond basic roadworthiness requirements.
Cars are tested using India-specific crash protocols, and those performing best receive a five-star safety rating.
Designed to give Indian consumers clearer safety information, Bharat NCAP aligns with global NCAP models but adapts them to Indian conditions and technologies.
Manufacturers can voluntarily submit vehicles for testing and use the ratings in marketing.
The Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), Pune, is the authorised agency for issuing Bharat NCAP ratings.

Key Changes Proposed in Bharat NCAP 2.0

Bharat NCAP 2025 broadens its evaluation method.
Instead of the earlier three verticals — AOP (Adult Occupant Protection), COP (Child Occupant Protection), and SAT (Safety Assist Technologies) — the new programme rates vehicles across five assessment areas:
- Safe Driving – 10%
- Accident Avoidance – 10%
- Crash Protection – 55%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection – 20%
- Post-Crash Safety – 5%
This gives a more holistic picture of a vehicle’s overall safety performance.

More Comprehensive Crash Tests

The earlier version required three crash tests.
Bharat NCAP 2.0 increases this to five mandatory crash tests:
- 64 km/h frontal impact against a deformable barrier
- 50 km/h lateral impact with a mobile deformable barrier
- 32 km/h oblique side impact against a rigid pole
- 50 km/h frontal impact against a full-width rigid barrier
- 50 km/h rear impact against a mobile rigid barrier
These tests help assess injury risk in real-world crash scenarios.

Enhanced Injury Assessment

Using Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATDs) (crash-test dummies), the new draft evaluates injury risk for:
- Adult occupants
- Driver, front passenger and rear-seat occupants
- Child occupants
This ensures a more precise measurement of protection across all seating positions.

Protection for Vulnerable Road Users

For the first time, Bharat NCAP incorporates tests to assess:
- Pedestrian injury risk
- Cyclist safety measures
This addresses India’s high share of pedestrian fatalities.

Vulnerable Road User Protection: Key Safety Measures in Bharat NCAP 2.0

Bharat NCAP 2025 introduces a dedicated Vulnerable Road User Protection vertical with 20% weightage, assessing how well vehicles protect pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists during crashes.

Mandatory Impact Tests

Pedestrian legform impact on the vehicle bumper
Adult headform impact on the bonnet/windshield
Child headform impact on the bonnet/windshield
These tests evaluate how vehicle design minimizes injury during collisions.

Optional AEBS Assessments

Performance of Autonomous Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) is assessed for:
- Child pedestrian detection
- Adult pedestrian detection
- Car-to-motorcyclist rear-end scenarios

Accident-Avoidance Technologies

This new vertical focuses on driver-assist technologies that help prevent crashes before they occur.
Key Requirements
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Mandatory for eligibility under Bharat NCAP 2.0
  - ESC helps maintain vehicle stability, especially during skids or sudden manoeuvres.
- AEBS: Optional but encouraged to enhance star ratings

Post-Crash Safety Measures

A new vertical ensures vehicles help protect occupants after a crash.
- Mandatory Evaluations
  - Energy Management for Fire & Electrical Hazards - Ensures protection from electric shocks, especially in EVs
  - Occupant Extrication Assessment - Checks ease of door opening; Evaluates seatbelt buckle release after collision.
These measures ensure emergency responders can rescue occupants quickly.

Revised Star Rating System Under Bharat NCAP 2.0

Bharat NCAP 2.0 introduces a stricter star-rating structure to enhance vehicle safety standards.
The thresholds for 4-star and 5-star ratings have been raised to 65 and 80 points, up from 60 and 70 in the 2023 framework.
- The thresholds for 1-star, 2-star, and 3-star ratings are fixed at 30, 40, and 50 points, respectively.
A minimum Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) score of 55% within the Crash Protection vertical is mandatory to qualify for 3 stars or above. Falling short results in a 1-star penalty.

Additional safeguards include

A 5-star vehicle cannot score zero in any assessment vertical; otherwise, its rating is capped at 4 stars.
No injury values in the red zone for adult or child ATDs (Anthropomorphic Test Device — commonly known as a crash test dummy) are permitted in a 5-star rating before modifiers are applied.

Source: IE | NDTV

Bharat NCAP 2.0 FAQs

Q1: What is Bharat NCAP 2.0?

Ans: Bharat NCAP 2.0 is an updated Indian crashworthiness rating system that expands safety assessments, adds new crash tests, and emphasises pedestrian protection to enhance road safety.

Q2: What are the new assessment areas introduced?

Ans: The updated framework evaluates vehicles across five areas: safe driving, accident avoidance, crash protection, vulnerable road user protection, and post-crash safety.

Q3: How many crash tests are now mandatory?

Ans: Bharat NCAP 2.0 increases mandatory crash tests from three to five, adding full-width frontal and rear-impact assessments for more realistic crash evaluation.

Q4: How does the programme protect pedestrians and cyclists?

Ans: It adds mandatory headform and legform impact tests and optional AEBS evaluations to reduce injuries to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

Q5: What changes affect the star rating system?

Ans: The threshold for 4- and 5-star ratings is higher, requiring minimum AOP scores and prohibiting zero vertical scores for a top rating.

Sirpur UNESCO Bid: India’s Plan to Transform the 5th Century Heritage Site

November 29, 2025

Sirpur UNESCO Bid Latest News

Sirpur, a 5th–12th Century archaeological site in Chhattisgarh, is undergoing a major upgrade as the government seeks UNESCO World Heritage status.
A recent joint inspection by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Sirpur Special Area Development Authority (SADA) marks a significant step in advancing its nomination.
Located two hours from Raipur on the banks of the Mahanadi, Sirpur hosts 34 Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist monuments.
The planned facelift includes battery-operated golf carts, digital exhibits, and immersive storytelling modules to enhance visitor experience and strengthen the site’s UNESCO credentials.

UNESCO World Heritage Tag

The UNESCO World Heritage tag is an international recognition awarded to cultural or natural sites of “outstanding universal value” — places considered important for all humankind, transcending national boundaries.
Sites may include ancient monuments, historic cities, natural landscapes, ecosystems, or mixed cultural-natural heritage.
The designation is given by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which evaluates nominations submitted by member countries.
Once inscribed, a site gains global visibility, higher tourism potential, and improved opportunities for funding and technical assistance.
Importantly, the tag also obligates governments to ensure stronger protection, conservation, and sustainable management of the site.
Overall, the UNESCO tag serves as a powerful tool for safeguarding heritage while boosting international prestige, research interest, and local development.

Sirpur’s Historical Significance

Sirpur — also known as Shripur or Sripura — was a vibrant multi-religious urban centre first documented in 1882 by Alexander Cunningham, ASI’s first Director-General.
Excavations from the 1950s to the 2000s uncovered a rich tapestry of monuments dating back to the 5th Century AD, showcasing the city’s cultural and architectural splendour.

A Multi-Religious Heritage Hub

The site contains 22 Shiva temples, five Vishnu temples, 10 Buddhist viharas, and three Jain viharas.
It flourished as the capital of Dakshina Kosala under the Panduvanshi and Somavamshi dynasties.
Archaeological remains include palace complexes, markets, residences, stupas, brick temples, meditation cells, and ancient water systems.

Remarkable Monuments and Architecture

Lakshmana Temple (7th Century) is one of India’s finest brick temples, dedicated to Vishnu.
Surang Tila stands on a high terrace with a steep staircase of 37 steps and features a dramatic panchayatana layout.
- The Panchayatana layout is a temple architectural style featuring a central shrine surrounded by four smaller subsidiary shrines at each corner of a square, making a total of five shrines
Large Buddhist viharas and stupas point to Sirpur’s role as a major Buddhist centre, including the Tivaradeva Mahavihara with its notable Buddha statue.

A Sacred Riverine Cultural Landscape

Sirpur’s location along the Mahanadi River enhances its spiritual and cultural significance.
The presence of ghats, temples, and ancient settlements forms a rich riverine landscape that aligns with UNESCO’s vision of combined natural and cultural heritage — strengthening Sirpur’s case for World Heritage status.

What the Govt Plans To Do

Tourists currently spend nearly three hours navigating scattered village tracks to see Sirpur’s monuments.
The Chhattisgarh government plans to reduce this by an hour through paved heritage pathways and battery-operated vehicles, enabling smoother and eco-friendly movement across the site.

Thematic Clusters and Integrated Pathways

Sirpur naturally divides into four heritage zones:
- Buddhist Monastic Cluster
- Hindu Temple Cluster
- Civic–Administrative Zone
- Riverine Sacred Landscape
A primary pathway will link all four thematic clusters, while a secondary pathway will provide last-mile access to each monument, ensuring a coherent visitor experience.

Land Transfer for Unified Site Management

To strengthen conservation and streamline administration, the ASI has requested 30 hectares of state land around the site.
This includes land near major monuments, approach routes, buffer zones, and areas needed for heritage management infrastructure.
Identified archaeological mounds and zones with high potential will undergo fresh surveys and excavations, allowing ASI to uncover more structures and strengthen Sirpur’s bid for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Source: IE | UNESCO

Sirpur UNESCO Bid FAQs

Q1: Why is Sirpur being upgraded?

Ans: Sirpur is undergoing major restoration, accessibility improvements, and visitor experience enhancement as part of India’s effort to secure UNESCO World Heritage status.

Q2: What makes Sirpur historically significant?

Ans: Sirpur hosts 34 Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist monuments, including Lakshmana Temple, Surang Tila, ancient markets, viharas, and a rich 5th–12th century urban landscape.

Q3: How does a UNESCO tag benefit Sirpur?

Ans: A UNESCO tag enhances tourism, global recognition, conservation funding, and international support while mandating improved protection and sustainable management.

Q4: What are the government’s key development plans?

Ans: Plans include paved heritage pathways, battery-operated carts, thematic clusters, improved site management, and new excavations to strengthen Sirpur’s nomination.

Q5: How will visitor movement be improved?

Ans: Integrated primary and secondary pathways will cut travel time by one hour and provide seamless access to monuments across all four thematic clusters.