The Indian economy grew by 8.2% year-on-year in the July-September quarter, up from 7.8% in the previous quarter, data released by the National Statistics Office showed. The economy had recorded 5.6% growth in the same period last year.

Growth in the secondary sector (8.1%) and tertiary sector (9.2%) helped push real Gross Domestic Product above 8% in the second quarter of 2025-’26, the data showed.

The secondary sector refers to industries such as manufacturing and construction, while the tertiary sector encompasses services such as finance, real estate, trade and professional services.

Within the secondary sector, manufacturing grew by 9.1% and construction by 7.2%, both registering growth above 7% at constant prices. Read more.

The Supreme Court told the Maharashtra government not to exceed the 50% reservation ceiling in local body elections that are yet to be notified. While elections that have already been notified can be held as per schedule, their results will be subject to the final judgement in the case, the court said.

Local body elections in Maharashtra have been stalled since 2021 on account of pending petitions that have challenged the implementation of the Other Backward Classes quota.

The state election commission told the court on Friday that elections to 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats are scheduled for December 2, with counting on December 3. Of these, there are two municipal corporations, 17 nagar panchayats and 40 municipal councils where the extent of reservation exceeds 50%, the commission said. Read more.

United States President Donald Trump said that he will “permanently pause migration from all third-world countries”. The remark came a day after an individual believed to be an Afghan citizen shot two members of the National Guard in Washington DC.

The US president alleged that his predecessor Joe Biden had illegally allowed millions of migrants from third-world countries to settle in the country. He said that his administration would now “remove anyone who is not a net asset” to the nation, “or is incapable of loving our country”.

It was unclear how Trump would enforce the pause in migration. His previous actions to limit migration have been challenged in the courts.

Trump’s comments came hours after one of the two National Guard members, Sarah Beckstrom, succumbed to her injuries on Thursday. The second member is being treated in hospital. Read more.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India from December 4 to December 5, in what will be his first trip to the country since Moscow’s war on Ukraine began. Putin will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participate in the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The visit comes at a time when Indian entities are facing a threat of Western sanctions for purchasing oil from Russia. Read more.

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