India has ushered in a period of significant policy overhauls, with the government implementing major reforms in labour, science and technology, and international trade sectors. These initiatives are poised to reshape India's economic and social landscape, with a strong focus on growth, innovation, and worker protection.

Transformative Labour Codes Implemented

In a landmark decision on November 21, 2025, the Government of India officially implemented four new Labour Codes, consolidating 29 existing central labour laws into a more streamlined and modern framework. This historic move aims to rationalize and modernize India's labour governance, which had largely operated under colonial-era regulations. The new codes are designed to provide enhanced protection and social security for a wide spectrum of workers, including women, youth, those in the unorganized sector, gig workers, and migrant workers. For industries, these reforms are expected to simplify compliance, improve the ease of doing business, and support expansion and global competitiveness. The implementation marks a significant step towards aligning India's labour ecosystem with global standards while ensuring social justice and dignity for the workforce.

Boost to Science, Technology, and Innovation with ESTIC and RDI Fund

The nation's science and technology landscape is set for a major transformation with the launch of the 5th National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) and the inauguration of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025. The 5th National STIP aims to reorient India's Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) priorities and strategies through a process described as bottom-up, decentralized, expert-driven, and inclusive.

The first-ever ESTIC, held from November 3-4, 2025, replaced the long-standing Indian Science Congress. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the conclave served as a platform for leading minds from academia, research institutions, industry, and government to discuss advancements in emerging technologies. A pivotal announcement accompanying ESTIC was the launch of the ₹1 Lakh Crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund. This ambitious initiative is designed to foster a robust private sector-driven R&D ecosystem, encouraging greater industrial participation in innovation and technological development across 11 key thematic areas, including AI, advanced materials, and space technologies.

Trade Facilitation through Customs Reforms and "Make in India" Push

In a move to enhance trade and ease of doing business, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) implemented significant customs reforms effective November 1, 2025. This involved consolidating 31 disparate customs duty notifications into a single, simplified framework, aiming to reduce administrative burdens for importers and exporters. Additionally, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) launched the Bharat Aayat Niryat Lab Setu, a digital single-window platform to integrate testing and inspection agencies, thereby enabling faster and paperless certification of export and import consignments.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India's strategic pivot in international relations, noting that politics increasingly "trumps" economics. He highlighted the government's strong emphasis on self-reliance and the "Make in India" initiative as a crucial response to global shifts, advocating for new trade arrangements and connectivity initiatives guided by people-centric and strategic goals.

Economic Performance and Pro-Growth Stance

The Prime Minister also lauded India's robust economic performance, welcoming an impressive 8.2% GDP growth in the second quarter of FY 2025-26. He attributed this growth to the government's consistent pro-growth policies and reforms, alongside the hard work and enterprise of the Indian populace, reaffirming the government's commitment to advancing reforms and strengthening the Ease of Living for every citizen.