India has seen a wave of new government schemes and policy updates over the past few days, signaling a proactive approach towards economic growth, social welfare, and digital transformation. These initiatives are poised to impact various sectors and segments of the population.
Economic Stimulus and Export Promotion
The Union Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 12, 2025, approved a comprehensive Export Promotion Mission (EPM) and a Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters. These initiatives, announced on November 13, 2025, are designed to enhance India's global competitiveness, support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and foster self-reliance in the global market. The EPM is a flagship central sector scheme under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, prioritizing MSMEs, first-time exporters, and labor-intensive sectors.
Further strengthening economic supply chains and promoting green energy, the Cabinet also approved the rationalization of royalty rates for critical minerals such as graphite, caesium, rubidium, and zirconium. This decision aims to create job opportunities and boost sustainability.
Social Security and Welfare
A significant announcement made on November 16, 2025, concerns a new pension scheme for senior citizens, set to roll out in 2025. This scheme will provide eligible elderly citizens with a monthly benefit of ā¹20,000, aiming to improve their financial security and provide a steady income stream for daily needs. Eligibility criteria will include being over 60 years old and meeting specific income thresholds, with detailed guidelines expected closer to the launch.
In a move to enhance transparency and curb misuse, the government has announced new rules for ration cards and LPG subsidies, effective from November 20, 2025. These reforms aim to make the distribution system more digital, accurate, and corruption-free through measures like digital verification, Aadhaar linking, and the "One Family ā One Ration Card" initiative.
Adding to the social welfare landscape, a recent Supreme Court verdict on the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) has offered significant relief and clarity regarding eligibility for OPS restoration for government employees. This ruling is expected to influence future policy decisions on pensions.
Digital Governance and Agricultural Reforms
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025, on November 13, 2025. These rules operationalize the DPDP Act, 2023, strengthening India's framework for data privacy and protection.
To modernize the agricultural sector, the Centre has released the Draft Seeds Bill 2025. This bill aims to replace the outdated Seeds Act 1966 and the Seeds (Control) Order 1983, proposing uniform seed quality standards, controlled imports for research, and a new institutional structure for oversight and dispute resolution.
In a push for digital literacy, the 'YUVAi (Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI) for ALL' programme has been launched through a partnership between Intellipaat and the IndiaAI Mission. This nationwide initiative aims to empower 10 million citizens with foundational AI competencies by January 2026, fostering an AI-ready workforce.
Regional Development and Consumer Protection
The Maharashtra Government has issued the Global Capability Center (GCC) Policy 2025, valid for five years. This policy aims to establish Maharashtra as a premier global destination for GCCs, targeting 400 new GCCs and creating 4 lakh high-skilled jobs. It also promotes GCC-led research and specialized clusters.
Furthermore, the Central Government launched ā¹1,500 crore worth of modernization projects at the New Mangalore Port, enhancing its capacity and digital infrastructure. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution also announced that its e-Jagriti platform is set to revolutionize consumer justice in 2025, promising swifter redressal.