In a series of strategic moves, the Indian government has rolled out and highlighted several key policies and schemes aimed at fostering economic growth, social justice, and technological advancement. These initiatives underscore the nation's commitment to comprehensive development across various critical sectors.
Marine Reform: New Deep-Sea Fishing Rules Notified
The Centre has notified new deep-sea fishing rules for India's Exclusive Economic Zone, a significant reform aimed at empowering domestic fishermen and ensuring sustainable marine practices. Notified on November 4th, these rules prioritize Fishermen Cooperative Societies and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) for deep-sea operations using advanced vessels. A major component of this reform is the outright ban on foreign vessels in Indian waters, fulfilling a Budget 2025-26 promise. The government intends to boost high-value tuna fishing and expand opportunities within the marine fisheries sector. The new framework also introduces a "mother-and-child vessel" model for mid-sea transhipment, particularly benefiting the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. To protect marine ecosystems, harmful practices like LED light fishing, pair trawling, and bull trawling have been prohibited. Furthermore, the policy emphasizes digital transparency and sustainable practices, making transponders and QR-coded Aadhaar/Fishers ID cards mandatory for identification and tracking. Credit access will be facilitated under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).
PM Modi Stresses Universal Access to Justice and Legal Aid Achievements
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently underscored the government's commitment to ensuring social justice through universal access to legal aid. Addressing the National Conference on Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms, PM Modi highlighted the successes of initiatives such as Tele-Law and Legal Services, which aim to provide justice to every citizen, irrespective of their socio-economic background. Under the Tele-Law scheme, launched in 2017, over one crore beneficiaries nationwide have received pre-litigation advice. The budget allocation for legal aid activities under the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has seen a substantial increase, rising from ₹68 crore in 2015-16 to ₹400 crore in the current financial year. The Legal Aid Defence Counsel System, a central government initiative, has successfully resolved nearly eight lakh criminal cases in just three years. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of making legal documents available in local languages to enhance accessibility.
India AI Governance Guidelines Unveiled
In a strategic move to position India as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence, the government has unveiled comprehensive India AI Governance Guidelines. Launched under the India-AI Mission (initiated in 2024 by MeitY), this initiative aims to make India a global hub for "Making AI in India and Making AI Work for India." The guidelines are structured around "Seven Sutras" emphasizing trust, people-centricity, responsible innovation, fairness & equity, accountability, understandability by design, safety, resilience, and sustainability. They are supported by six governance pillars covering infrastructure, capacity building, policy and regulation, risk mitigation, accountability, and institutions. A multi-phase action plan outlines priorities for short, medium, and long terms, including the creation of new governance institutions and necessary amendments to existing laws.
New Policies and Schemes for Tackling Rare Diseases
The government has detailed several policies and schemes dedicated to addressing rare diseases in India. These include the National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021, which provides a core framework for diagnosis and treatment. A National Fund for Rare Diseases, with an allocation of ₹974 crore, has been established to finance high-cost therapies. Additionally, a Customs & IGST Exemption (2022) grants full tax exemption on imported orphan drugs and medical devices. A Patient Registry (ICMR–NIMS) aims to create a national database for tracking patients and improving research. Furthermore, State Rare-Disease Cells have been formed in states like Kerala, Karnataka, and Delhi for decentralized implementation of these policies.
Boosting Telecom: TEC and IIT Bombay Accelerate 6G and Advanced Networks
A significant partnership between the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) and IIT Bombay has been announced to accelerate research and development in 6G and advanced networks. This collaboration seeks to bolster India's influence in global standardization processes and advance the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative within the telecom sector. The objective is to enhance India's engagement in the United Nations' International Telecommunication Union – Telecommunication Standardisation Sector (ITU-T) technical study groups and contribute to global forums like the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The partnership will develop India-specific standards and test frameworks to increase national self-reliance and secure communication infrastructure.
Child Labour Platform Programme Launched in India
In a crucial step towards eradicating child labor, the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the Government of Telangana, has officially launched the Child Labour Platform (CLP) Programme in India. This program adopts an area-based approach, specifically tailored to address the challenges faced by migrant workers and their children in agricultural supply chains. Initially focusing on Karnataka and Telangana, the program aims to improve access to public services and institutions for migrant workers, thereby reducing socio-economic vulnerabilities that contribute to child labor. It will also strengthen the capacity of supply chain actors to develop fair recruitment and employment practices and enhance business due diligence systems in targeted areas such as coffee, spices, cotton, and sugarcane sectors.
National Policy on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Forthcoming
India is set to release a national policy on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) soon, as announced by the Minister for Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu. The Minister emphasized India's unique position as an agriculture powerhouse, capable of catering to the rising global demand for SAF, which is derived from non-fossil sources. This move aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organisation's (ICAO) goals to reduce CO2 emissions. India has set targets to blend SAF into its international flights, starting with a 1% blend by 2027, increasing to 2% by 2028, and reaching 5% by 2030 under ICAO's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) programme. India's substantial agricultural residue (213 million tonnes) and domestic oil manufacturing capacity (70 million liters annually) position it well to meet these targets.