India's Global Outreach at G20 Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, proposed six new initiatives aimed at global development. These proposals include establishing a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, an Africa Skills Multiplier program, a Global Healthcare Response Team, an initiative to counter the drug-terror nexus, an Open Satellite Data Partnership, and a Critical Minerals Circularity initiative. These initiatives underscore India's active role in addressing global challenges and fostering international cooperation.
Major Labour Law Reforms Implemented
In a landmark decision, the Government of India has announced the full implementation of four new Labour Codes, effective November 21, 2025. These codes—the Code on Wages, 2019; the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Code on Social Security, 2020; and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020—rationalize 29 existing labor laws. The reforms aim to modernize labor regulations, enhance workers' welfare, and simplify compliance for employers, laying the foundation for a future-ready workforce and resilient industries.
Digital Personal Data Protection Rules Come into Force
India has embarked on a new chapter in its digital journey with the enforcement of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), 2023, and the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025. Notified on November 13, 2025, these rules empower individuals with greater control over their personal data and aim to foster a privacy-first ecosystem that balances innovation with accountability.
Capital Gains Accounts Scheme Updated
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has notified the Capital Gains Accounts (CAG) (2nd Amendment) Scheme, 2025, with effect from November 19, 2025. This amendment revises the 1988 framework, allowing taxpayers to temporarily deposit capital gains in designated bank accounts to retain eligibility for tax exemption when purchasing or constructing a new property.
New Trilateral Technology and Innovation Partnership
India, Australia, and Canada have agreed to establish a new trilateral technology and innovation partnership, the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership. Announced on November 22, 2025, this initiative will focus on strengthening cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, with an emphasis on green energy innovation, building resilient supply chains, including critical minerals, and developing artificial intelligence to improve citizens' lives.
State-Level Scheme for Food Security
In a significant state-level development, the Indira Ahara Kit scheme is slated for implementation in the Kodagu district starting January. This initiative is part of the state government's broader "guarantee schemes" aimed at the economic development of the poor.
Streamlining Steel Import Registration
The Ministry of Steel (MoS) launched 'SARAL SIMS' (Steel Import Monitoring System) on November 21, 2025, to ease the steel import registration process. This new system, along with restructured regular SIMS processes, aims to simplify procedures for steel imports, particularly for small consignments.
Quality Control Rules Relaxed for MSMEs
India has rolled back some provisions of its quality control rules as the number of products under mandatory quality control approaches 800. This move aims to provide Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with more flexibility, though it has raised some concerns regarding dumping and India's "zero defect" commitment.