Wed Dec 31 01:32:32 UTC 2025: Summary

This e-paper from The Hindu, dated December 31, 2025, covers a range of news stories with an Indian perspective. Key highlights include India surpassing Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, directives from the Election Commission of India regarding elderly voters, China’s claimed role in mediating India-Pakistan tensions, Prime Minister Modi’s focus on reforms, advisories on social media content, VPN bans in Kashmir, and diplomatic reactions to global events involving Ukraine, Canada, and Iran. It also covers domestic issues like air pollution in Delhi, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections, a plea against racial slurs, language proficiency debates in Kerala politics, defense procurement contracts, criticism of attacks on Christmas celebrations, allegations regarding the Special Intensive Revision process in West Bengal, concerns of apple growers in Himachal Pradesh, an arrest at IGI Airport, and the ICC Women’s T20I Player rankings.

News Article

India Climbs to Fourth Largest Economy, Focuses on Reforms in 2025

New Delhi, December 31, 2025 – India has officially overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy with a size of $4.18 trillion, according to government sources. The nation is also on track to surpass Germany and secure the third position by 2030, fueled by a robust 8.2% GDP growth in the second quarter of the fiscal year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted 2025 as a year dedicated to reforms in a LinkedIn post, noting the country’s “Reform Express” is driven by its young population.

Other key developments include:

  • Electoral Roll Revisions: The Election Commission of India intervened in West Bengal’s Special Intensive Revision process, directing officials not to summon elderly or ailing voters for physical hearings following public outcry.
  • Geopolitical Tensions: China claimed to have mediated tensions between India and Pakistan, a claim New Delhi disputes, stating the issue was resolved through direct talks.
  • Social Media Content Regulation: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has issued an advisory to social media platforms, mandating the removal of “obscene” content.
  • Security Measures: District administrations in Kashmir have banned the use of VPNs citing security concerns.
  • International Relations: Bangladesh mourns the passing of Khaleda Zia, Ukraine rejects claims of an attack on Putin’s residence, Iran designates the Royal Canadian Navy as a terrorist organization, and the UAE plans to withdraw its forces from Yemen.
  • Domestic Issues: Delhi grapples with severe air pollution, while a plea is filed in the Supreme Court to recognize racial slurs as hate crimes.
  • Defense Acquisitions: The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth ₹4,666 crore for military equipment.
  • Sports: Shafali Verma climbs to sixth place in the latest ICC Women’s T20I Player rankings

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