ModiWatch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni unveiled a Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 at the G20 Summit, focusing on trade, technology, clean energy, and defence, alongside initiatives like the Global Biofuels Alliance and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto discussed trade, investment, defence, and connectivity.

PM Modi and Portuguese PM Luís Montenegro discussed trade, investment, defence, and collaboration in IT, renewables, startups, and skilled worker mobility.

PM Modi and Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre discussed the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) and explored cooperation in renewable energy, green hydrogen, shipping, and the Arctic.

PM Modi and British PM Keir Starmer agreed to expedite Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and advance the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, covering trade, technology, green finance, and people-to-people ties.

PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed advancing defence, space, and civil nuclear cooperation, alongside strengthening digital and Artificial Intelligence ties.

PM Modi and Brazilian President Lula Da Silva reviewed bilateral ties and pledged cooperation in energy, bio-fuels, defence, and agriculture.

Parliamentary affairs

Government to hold all-party meeting ahead of winter session: An all-party meeting on 24 November will address the smooth functioning of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha ahead of the winter session from 25 November to 20 December.

Jaishankar and Wang Yi review ties during G-20 talks

Jaishankar meets Wang Yi to review bilateral ties: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, meeting during the G-20 Summit, discussed resuming direct flights, visa facilitation, journalist access, and pilgrimages to Kailash Mansarovar.

India targets top 10 in shipbuilding by 2030

India aims to be among top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030: India plans to become one of the top ten global manufacturers of ships by 2030, with a goal of reaching the top five by 2047, according to Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Goyal says India’s current account deficit is manageable: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India's current account deficit (CAD) remains manageable at 1.1% of GDP, driven by strong services exports, which cover a significant portion of the trade deficit.

Ministry of Power may take on nuclear energy

Nuclear energy could shift to Ministry of Power: Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Suman Bery suggested nuclear power may move under the Ministry of Power to support net-zero targets, with growing interest in small modular reactors driven by data centre energy demand.

New industrial cities to anchor economic corridors: Ten new industrial cities along four major economic corridors, approved under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP), will involve an investment of $3.4 billion across 10 states, according to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

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Italy-India action plan targets trade and tech collaboration: India and Italy outlined a 2025-2029 Strategic Action Plan focusing on trade, green technologies, defence, and space collaboration.

Foreign investors eye shipbuilding yards: Japanese and South Korean companies are reportedly exploring investment opportunities in shipyards in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, while the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is discussing financing options with banks. The Centre is also pushing for new incentives under the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy 2.0.

Uttar Pradesh ramps up EV infrastructure with private investment: Uttar Pradesh is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging network across 75 districts through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with private firms like Adani Group, Hinduja Group, and Tata Power committed to investment.

Karnataka unveils Global Capability Centres Policy: Karnataka’s new Global Capability Centres (GCC) Policy 2024-2029 targets creating 500 new GCCs and attracting $17.5 billion in investments, with a focus on Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi as innovation hubs.

West Bengal readies policies for semiconductor, drones, and global capability centres: West Bengal's government is finalising policies for semiconductor and global capability centres, while updating its drone policy to attract investment.

ISRO collaborates with SpaceX for GSAT-20 launch

GSAT-20 launched via SpaceX Falcon 9: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its 4,700 kg GSAT-20 satellite on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, marking its first collaboration with SpaceX through New Space India Limited (NSIL). The satellite will provide broadband and in-flight internet services.

Delhi pushes for cloud seeding approval

Delhi seeks Centre’s nod for artificial rain: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has urged the Central Government to permit cloud seeding to address severe air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Kailash Gahlot leaves AAP for BJP

Former Delhi Transport Minister joins BJP: Former Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, days after resigning from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), citing concerns over principles and values, just months before the Delhi Assembly elections.

Delhi Today: Hazy.

Delhi-NCR air quality hits severe levels: Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR has reached an average of 494, with some areas hitting the maximum 500, as smog and dense fog are forecast over the next two days.