India is actively implementing and refining its policy landscape, with several key government schemes and initiatives making headlines in the past 24 hours. These developments span critical areas such as digital governance, social welfare, and economic reform, aiming to enhance citizen services, promote innovation, and ensure equitable access to benefits.

Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025 Fully Operationalized

In a landmark move for digital governance, the Indian government has fully operationalized the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025, which were notified on November 14, 2025. These rules give full effect to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, establishing a clear and citizen-centric framework for the responsible use of digital personal data. The framework places equal importance on individual rights and lawful data processing, reinforcing privacy, building public trust, and supporting responsible innovation. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology had invited public comments on the draft rules before their finalization, ensuring a widely informed framework.

Key provisions of the DPDP Rules, 2025, empower individuals to access their personal data, seek corrections, updates, or request data removal in certain situations. Data Fiduciaries are mandated to respond to such requests within ninety days. The rules also establish a fully digital Data Protection Board of India, comprising four members, allowing citizens to file and track complaints online through a dedicated portal and mobile application. An eighteen-month phased rollout has been introduced to allow organizations of all sizes to prepare for compliance.

Enhanced Benefits for Senior Citizens in 2025

The year 2025 brings significant updates to schemes benefiting senior citizens across India, particularly those aged 65 and 70+. These reforms aim to provide upgraded financial support, improved healthcare access, and stronger social security.

• Higher Pension Support: Monthly pension amounts have been enhanced to ensure stable and reliable income, offering relief to retirees facing rising living costs.
• Increased Medical Coverage: The scheme expands insurance coverage for critical illnesses, addressing a major concern for the elderly.
• Discounted Public Transport: Reforms include increased discounts on public transport services for seniors, promoting mobility and social engagement.
• Free Preventive Health Checkups: Citizens aged 65+ and 70+ are now eligible for yearly free health checkups at government-authorized facilities, focusing on early diagnosis and preventative care.

These updates are designed to reduce financial stress, increase monthly savings, and enable senior citizens to live with dignity and independence.

Pruning of Ineligible Beneficiaries from Free Ration Scheme

The government has removed approximately 2.25 crore ineligible beneficiaries from the free monthly ration scheme over the last 4-5 months. This action aims to make the program more focused, ensuring that benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) reach only the rightful recipients. Ineligible beneficiaries identified included those owning four-wheelers, having monthly incomes above a certain threshold, or holding directorships in companies. States are responsible for identifying beneficiaries and issuing ration cards, with the deletion of ineligible and addition of eligible beneficiaries being a continuous process.

Push for Green Hydrogen and Research & Innovation

India is making strides towards becoming a leading green hydrogen economy, backed by a $2 billion incentive scheme. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, initiated in January 2023, targets an annual production of 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. Complementing this, the Prime Minister launched the ₹1 Lakh Crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund on November 3, 2025. This scheme aims to foster a private sector-driven R&D ecosystem, accelerating deep-tech and clean energy innovation and promoting collaboration between startups and industry. Four Hydrogen Valleys are also being developed across India to demonstrate the complete hydrogen value chain.

GST Slab Overhaul and Other Financial Changes

Effective November 1, 2025, India implemented a major overhaul of its Goods and Services Tax (GST) slabs. The country now operates with only two main GST slabs: 5% and 18%, effectively abolishing the previous 12% and 28% categories. Luxury and "sin goods" will now attract a higher GST rate of 40%. This simplification aims to benefit MSMEs and make essential goods like packed snacks, rice, pasta, and instant noodles cheaper.

Other financial changes from November 1, 2025, include simplified banking and nomination rules, allowing up to four nominees for a bank account or locker.

Digital India Initiatives Showcased

The Digital India Pavilion was inaugurated at the 44th India International Trade Fair on November 14, 2025, showcasing India's digital transformation journey. The pavilion highlights impactful e-governance initiatives such as DigiLocker, UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance), and myScheme. These platforms offer secure and inclusive digital public services, with UMANG providing access to over 210 central and state government departments and myScheme hosting more than 4,000 schemes across various government levels.

National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025 Announced

The Government of India has announced the National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025, recognizing outstanding contributions in the livestock and dairy sector, particularly those promoting indigenous cattle and scientific dairying. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to the development of the animal husbandry sector.