Top 5 news of the day: India’s GDP grows at 8.2% in Q2, beating expectations; PM Modi unveils 77-foot Lord Ram statue; & more | India News
NEW DELHI: India’s economic and political landscape saw major developments on Friday, with fresh data showing stronger-than-expected GDP growth. In parallel, New Delhi and Washington moved closer to finalising the first tranche of their Bilateral Trade Agreement. Meanwhile, the Congress high command is preparing to intervene as the leadership tussle between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar intensifies in Karnataka.Here are the top 5 news stories of the day:
India’s Q2 GDP growth surges to 8.2%, beats all estimates
India’s real GDP grew 8.2% in Q2 FY 2025-26, far exceeding economist projections of around 7% and marking the fastest pace in six quarters. Strong expansion in the secondary and tertiary sectors, especially manufacturing, construction and financial services, lifted overall growth. Consumption also improved, rising 7.9%. Nominal GDP grew 8.7% during the quarter. With this, India maintains its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Read full story
India, US Push to seal first tranche of Bilateral Trade Agreement by year-end
India is aiming to finalise the opening tranche of the India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement before December-end, with commerce secretary Rajesh Agarwal saying negotiations have progressed well despite recent shifts in US tariff policy. Both sides are now running parallel talks — the long-term BTA and a short-term Framework Trade Deal to address high tariffs. Agarwal said most issues are resolved, with final decisions needing political clearance. Read full story
PM Modi unveils 77-foot Lord Ram statue, attends key religious events in Karnataka and Goa
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 77-foot bronze statue of Lord Ram at Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math in Goa during the Math’s 550th-year celebrations. He also inaugurated a Ramayana-themed park, and released a commemorative stamp and coin. Earlier in Karnataka’s Udupi, he offered prayers at Sri Krishna Matha, joined the Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana, and inaugurated the Suvarna Teertha Mantapa. Read full story
DK Shivakumar to visit Delhi as Congress high command set to decide on Karnataka leadership issue
Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said he and chief minister Siddaramaiah will travel to Delhi to meet the Congress high command amid mounting speculation over a leadership transition. Shivakumar acknowledged a “confidential understanding” on a possible power-sharing pact but declined to reveal details. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the high command will resolve the issue at the right time, even as ministers admitted the tussle has intensified after the government crossed its halfway mark. Read full story
ED alleges Al-Falah University chief forged documents to grab Delhi land linked to terror module probe
The Enforcement Directorate has accused Al-Falah University chancellor Javed Ahmed Siddiqui of fraudulently acquiring land in Delhi’s Madanpur Khadar using forged documents issued in the names of Hindu landowners who had died decades earlier. The agency said a fake 2004 GPA was used to transfer the land to a trust linked to Siddiqui. Read full story
