Global Scans · India · Weekly Summary

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WHAT'S NEXT?: India's ambitions, particularly in technology and economic growth targets promise much from this populous country determined to be a world leader.

• [New] By 2025 India will be more populous than China. CEPR
• [New] Despite the delay in reaching $5 trillion, the IMF maintains that India will remain one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, supported by strong domestic demand and improving structural fundamentals. Moneycontrol
• [New] India is witnessing an unprecedented opportunity in the space sector on the back of its transformation over the past six to seven years into an open, cooperative and innovation-driven ecosystem that saw the private sector taking flight. The Hindu
• [New] India and Afghanistan will launch direct air cargo flights in a move that deepens their economic ties and signals a strategic shift in South Asia's power dynamics, as both countries grow increasingly estranged from their mutual neighbour Pakistan. South China Morning Post
• [New] The India free trade agreement alone could increase GDP by over 0.1% in the long term. GOV.UK
• [New] India's Reliance Industries and its joint-venture partners plan to invest $11 billion in AI-focused data capacity. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• [New] India is set to pip both Japan and Germany and become the third-largest economy on the planet by 2030, with the South Asian powerhouse's GDP rising to $7.3 trillion from current levels. Sputnik India
• [New] India recorded a growth rate of 7.8% in the first quarter, and analysts have forecast a 7.5% growth in the next three months of the current fiscal. Sputnik India
• [New] Amid rapid economic growth driven by healthy consumer spending, increasing investment, and ongoing policy reforms, India's FY2026 growth is projected at around 6.5% by the World Bank and 6.4% by the United Nations. Devex
• [New] India is forecast to surpass one billion 5G subscriptions by the end of 2031. Digital Watch Observatory
• [New] There will be approximately 394 million Indian 5G subscriptions by the end of 2025, roughly one-third of all connections. Digital Watch Observatory
• [New] As urbanization is projected to touch 40% by 2030, affordable housing will become imperative for sustainable and inclusive growth, thus advancing the goal of a developed India. ET Edge Insights
• [New] As the Government of India strives to achieve its vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the affordable housing finance segment will play a key role in driving inclusive economic growth. ET Edge Insights
• [New] Polygon / Anq are working on developing India's ARC token, a rupee-backed, debt-collateralized stablecoin, which aimed for a tentative launch in Q1 2026 under a two-tier framework complementing the RBI's CBDC. This Week in Fintech
• [New] If Karnataka gets it right, it could truly become the command center of India's space economy. The Week
• [New] If executed well, Karnataka could position itself as the digital nerve center of India's space future. The Week
• [New] By investing in reskilling, governance, and cultural shifts, Indian firms can unlock AI's potential to deliver superior experiences amid rapid change and global competition. CX Quest
• [New] India's bioeconomy has grown from $10 billion in 2014 to $165 billion today, and it is on track to cross $1 trillion in the 2040s. The Hindu
• [New] With over 460 licensed defence companies, India is now exporting to 80+ countries and aims to reach Rs3 lakh crore production and Rs50,000 crore exports by 2029, strengthening its position as a global defence manufacturing hub. Adda247
• [New] India's 2025 wastewater reuse policies mark a critical shift from treating only 28% of urban sewage to mandatory circular water management, addressing both environmental challenges and economic opportunities worth INR 630 million. SUSBIO | Sewage Treatment Plant | Packaged STP
• [New] India's digital transformation risks becoming exclusionary unless structural caste, class, and rural barriers are actively dismantled. INSIGHTS IAS - Simplifying UPSC IAS Exam Preparation
• [New] India's digital insurance sector reached a valuation of $12 billion during 2023, with forecasts indicating expansion to $50 billion by 2030 at a 25% annual growth trajectory. Insurance Business

Last updated: 30 November 2025