India's Big Week: FTA with NZ, ISRO's Record Launch, Aviation Shake-up, Protests Erupt

• India concluded FTA negotiations with New Zealand, aiming to double bilateral trade in five years and boost Indian exports and skilled workforce opportunities.
• ISRO successfully launched LVM3-M6/BlueBird Block-2, its 9th consecutive LVM3 success, carrying the heaviest satellite (6,100 kg) for US client AST SpaceMobile.
• Civil Aviation Ministry approved three new airlines (Al Hind Air, FlyExpress, Shankh Air) to challenge India's aviation duopoly after the IndiGo crisis.
• Violent protests erupted across India over the lynching of Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh, straining India-Bangladesh ties.
• Niti Aayog reported a significant brain drain with 13.36 lakh Indian students studying abroad, while gig workers threaten a New Year's Eve strike.

Why It Matters: India saw major developments this week, from trade and space triumphs to aviation changes and diplomatic strains.