PM E-DRIVE Scheme Expanded to Boost Electric Mobility
The Indian Government has significantly expanded its flagship PM E-DRIVE Scheme, allocating an additional Rs. 1,634.62 crore as of November 23, 2025, to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the nation. This substantial financial push aims to bolster the development of a cleaner, technology-driven transportation ecosystem. A notable portion, Rs. 500 crore, has been specifically earmarked for the deployment of e-ambulances. The scheme also includes plans to introduce 1,500 electric buses in Mumbai, 2,800 in Delhi, and 1,000 in Pune to reduce urban emissions and enhance public transport convenience. Updated guidelines for EV charging infrastructure have been shared with states and Union Territories to ensure uniform standards and wider accessibility. While support for e-ambulances and other EV categories is extended until March 31, 2028, the incentive for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers remains until March 31, 2026.
Government Revokes Mandatory Cybersecurity App Pre-installation on Smartphones
In a significant development, the Indian government has rescinded its order requiring smartphone manufacturers to preload a state-run cybersecurity application, Sanchar Saathi, on all new devices. The decision, announced on December 4, 2025, comes after widespread backlash from politicians, privacy advocates, and global technology companies who raised concerns over surveillance and user privacy. The initial directive, issued on November 28, privately instructed companies like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi to pre-install the non-deletable app within 90 days. The government had defended the app as a tool to track stolen phones and prevent misuse, but faced strong opposition regarding its potential for executive overreach into personal digital devices.
Rajasthan Cabinet Approves New Policies for Business, Trade, and Tourism
On December 4, 2025, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma approved a series of major policy decisions aimed at strengthening business processes, expanding trade, boosting tourism, and improving ease of life within the state. The approved policies include the Rajasthan Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Ordinance, the Non-Resident Rajasthani Policy (NRRP), the Rajasthan Trade Promotion Policy (RTPP), and the Rajasthan Tourism Policy (RTP), all dated 2025. The Jan Vishwas ordinance seeks to decriminalize minor offenses by replacing jail terms with monetary penalties under 11 state Acts, mirroring a central act from 2023. The NRRP aims to strengthen ties with the Rajasthani diaspora, while the RTPP and RTP focus on improving credit access for traders, modernizing markets, encouraging private investment in tourism, and enhancing infrastructure.
Green Credit Programme Rules Amended for Verifiable Ecosystem Restoration
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has significantly amended the Green Credit Programme (GCP) rules for tree plantation. As per a notification in August 2025, the focus has shifted from mere "tree planting" to verifiable ecosystem restoration. The new 2025 guidelines mandate a minimum 40% canopy density after five years for credit eligibility, effectively closing loopholes where companies might have claimed credits for saplings that did not survive. This move aims to ensure that credits are traded only for genuine ecological value, demonstrating an agile governance approach to environmental sustainability.
PLI Scheme Provides Significant Boost to India's Medtech Sector
India's medtech manufacturing ecosystem has received a substantial impetus under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for medical devices. Reports indicate that 22 Greenfield MedTech manufacturing projects have been commissioned, with production now underway across several high-end device categories. These new facilities are expected to produce 55 types of medical devices, including advanced equipment like linear accelerators, MRI and CT scanners, and mammography equipment. This expansion of domestic capabilities is a strategic move to reduce India's long-standing reliance on imported medical technologies. The PLI scheme, with a budgeted outlay of INR 3,420 crore for medtech, also extends its support to the pharmaceutical sector to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependency on critical drug ingredients.
Law Commission Briefs Parliament on Simultaneous Elections Bill
On December 4, 2025, the Law Commission briefed a joint committee of Parliament on the legal intricacies of a proposed Constitution amendment bill. This bill aims to establish a legal framework for holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The Law Commission had previously rendered a detailed opinion in October and provided a brief opinion on November 28, stating that the amendment does not require ratification by at least 50% of the state legislatures to come into force, as it falls under Parliament's power to make laws. The commission also asserted that the proposed amendment does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
R&D Roadmap for Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Launched
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched a pioneering R&D Roadmap on December 2, 2025, designed to enable India's Net Zero Targets through Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS). The roadmap, unveiled by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, is intended to guide coordinated action, foster collaboration, and attract investments to accelerate technology deployment in CCUS. This initiative is crucial for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like power, cement, and steel, aligning with India's long-term commitment to achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2070 and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Advocacy Workshop Held for Jiyo Parsi Scheme
The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) organized a comprehensive Advocacy and Outreach Workshop in Mumbai on December 3, 2025, to promote and amplify the Jiyo Parsi Scheme. Launched in 2013-14, the scheme aims to reverse the declining trend of the Parsi population in India through a scientific protocol and structured interventions. It comprises three main components: medical assistance for infertility treatments, advocacy including counseling and workshops, and community health support that offers monthly financial aid to Parsi couples with children and dependent elderly members.