India has seen a flurry of governmental activity in the last 24 hours, with several new schemes and policy advancements aimed at boosting manufacturing, enhancing social welfare, and developing critical infrastructure.
Manufacturing and Technology Boost
The Union Cabinet has approved a substantial ā¹7,280 crore scheme to promote the domestic manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs). This initiative, cleared on November 26th, is a landmark move to establish an integrated REPM ecosystem in India, aiming to create a domestic capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA). The scheme is critical for reducing import dependence and strengthening key sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems, aerospace, and defence, aligning with India's Net Zero 2070 commitment and the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision.
In the textile sector, the government has given its nod to the Tex-RAMPS (Textiles Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and Start-up) scheme, with an outlay of ā¹305 crore. This plan, to be implemented from 2025 to 2031, is designed to promote research and innovation, address gaps in research and development, and position India as a global leader in sustainability, technology, and competitiveness within the textile industry.
Additionally, a new Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, launched in November 2025, will establish a ā¹1 lakh crore corpus to finance private-led R&D in sunrise sectors through low or zero-interest loans, aiming to boost self-reliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced a significant policy shift towards opening up India's nuclear sector for private players, citing the success of private entities in the space sector. This reform is expected to bolster India's energy security and technological leadership by fostering opportunities in small modular reactors, advanced reactors, and nuclear innovation.
Social Welfare and Labour Reforms
The government has unveiled a revamped Senior Citizen Scheme for 2025, designed to strengthen the safety net for older adults. This comprehensive reform focuses on four key pillars: enhanced pension support, expanded healthcare coverage, free preventive health checkups, and high-return savings options. The scheme aims to ensure financial independence and security for senior citizens, with increased monthly pension payouts and broader medical insurance coverage under existing frameworks like Ayushman Bharat ā PM-JAY.
The implementation of four new Labour Codes, which came into effect on November 21, 2025, continues to be a major talking point. These codes consolidate 29 existing labour laws, covering wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety. While the government claims these reforms modernize regulations and enhance workers' welfare, major trade unions have condemned them as "anti-worker" and a "deceptive fraud," leading to nationwide protests. Concerns have been raised regarding increased thresholds for mandatory prior approval for layoffs and potential weakening of worker protections.
Furthermore, a "Federal $2,000 Deposit Scheme" for India is reported to provide a consolidated payment to eligible beneficiaries under various welfare schemes, aiming to simplify the process and offer timely financial support to vulnerable families.
Infrastructure and Other Initiatives
The Union Cabinet also approved two significant infrastructure projects: multi-tracking railway projects in Maharashtra and Gujarat worth ā¹2,781 crore and Pune Metro Phase-2 with an investment of ā¹9,857.85 crore. These projects are set to enhance passenger and freight connectivity, boost green mobility, and support urban growth.
In a unique initiative under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), India has introduced its first scientific model for the dignified recycling of National Flags and defence-grade fibres. This project, established under IIT Delhi, aims to integrate sustainability with patriotic values and provide breakthrough solutions for handling high-performance aramid waste.