ModiWatch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in New Delhi, expressing satisfaction with their strong bilateral relations and reaffirming commitments to deepen cooperation across trade, clean energy, space, and people-to-people ties.

Parliamentary affairs

Upper House approves aviation bill to regulate aircraft operations and promote growth: The Rajya Sabha (Upper House) has passed the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024, empowering the Central Government to regulate aircraft safety, design, and operations, while aiming to make the country an aviation hub and create jobs. 

Lok Sabha adjourned over BJP's Dubey's remarks on Congress links to US billionaire: Lok Sabha (Lower House) proceedings were adjourned on Thursday after BJP member Nishikant Dubey's comments linking opposition leader Rahul Gandhi to a US-based multi-billionaire. Despite attempts to resume discussions, protests continued, halting the House's functioning.

Foreign Secretary briefs parliamentary panel on China, Canada and Bangladesh relations: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed a parliamentary committee on the disengagement process with China and the tensions with Canada; a follow-up meeting on Bangladesh to address concerns over targeted attacks on Hindus and political developments is scheduled for December 11.

Jaishankar reaffirms support for two-state solution in Israel-Palestine conflict in Parliament: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, speaking in Parliament, reaffirmed India’s long-standing stance on a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, highlighting India’s vote in favour of 10 out of 13 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions on Palestine since October 7, 2023.

Food processing sector attracts $368 million in FDI: Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu informed Parliament that the food processing sector received $368.37 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in April-September FY25, with significant investments from Ireland, Singapore, and the US. 

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Winter Session Day 9: Lok Sabha Stalemate, Rajya Sabha Approves New Aircraft Bill

Lok Sabha The opposition presented two adjournment notices under Rule 267 over Rahul Gandhi being stopped on his way to Sambhal and issues of fishermen in Kanyakumari. The Congress MPs held a protest on the Adani issue inside the Parliament House complex before the parliament session began. Proceedings begin. Transport

Delhi BriefingDaanish Narayan

India-Bangladesh trade

Political unrest in Bangladesh disrupts cross-border exports: Exports of gem and jewellery, textiles, and oilmeals from India to Bangladesh are facing delays due to political instability and a shortage of US dollars for payment conversions, with security at the Petrapole-Benapole checkpoint increased.

CEA cautions against overinterpreting Q2 GDP decline: Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran cautioned that the Q2 GDP drop should not be overinterpreted, citing global instability and supply chain disruptions.

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Russia sees profit in manufacturing tie-ups under Make in India: Russian President Vladimir Putin praised India’s “Make in India” initiative, drawing parallels with Russia's import substitution efforts and announcing a $20 billion investment by Rosneft.

Pre-budget talks

Finance Minister begins pre-Budget talks with economists, industry leaders: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman kicks off pre-Budget consultations today with economists, followed by discussions with farmer associations and MSME sector representatives on December 7. The Union Budget 2025-26 is expected to be presented to Parliament on February 1.

Fadnavis takes oath

Fadnavis sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister for third term: Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday took the oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister for a third term, with Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers.

Jharkhand Chief Minister expands Cabinet with 11 Ministers: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren expanded his Cabinet on Thursday, with 11 new ministers, including six from Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), four from Congress, and one from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

ISRO launches European spacecraft

ISRO launches PSLV C-59 carrying European satellites: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C-59, carrying the European Space Agency’s PROBA 3 spacecraft into orbit, marking a milestone in commercial ventures led by NewSpace India Limited, ISRO’s commercial arm.

Delhi Today: Sunny.

Delhi air quality improves with AQI at 161: Delhi's air quality index (AQI) reached the 'moderate' category at 161, with relief expected for two to three days; minimum temperature dropped to 9°C.

Supreme Court eases pollution measures for Delhi, NCR: The Supreme Court has allowed a relaxation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV measures for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), following improved air quality, while instructing the Commission for Air Quality Management not to relax restrictions below GRAP stage II and to consider additional measures under GRAP-III.