In a series of key announcements and initiatives over the last 24 hours, the Indian government has underscored its focus on agricultural development and social welfare, particularly for the girl child. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on October 11, 2025, unveiled two significant schemes designed to transform the agricultural sector: the 'PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana' and the 'Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission'.
Agricultural Sector Boost: PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission
The 'PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana', allocated ₹24,000 crore, is set to enhance agricultural productivity and promote crop diversification across 100 selected districts. This scheme aims to strengthen irrigation facilities, improve post-harvest storage infrastructure, and increase access to credit for farmers. Notably, it integrates 36 existing government schemes to provide comprehensive support.
Complementing this, the 'Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission' (also known as 'Pulse Self-Reliance Mission' or 'Dalhan Aatmnirbharta Mission'), with an outlay of ₹11,440 crore, targets a substantial increase in pulse production. The mission seeks to expand the area under pulse cultivation from 27.5 million hectares to 31 million hectares by 2030-31, aiming for a production of 35 million tonnes. Key components include the distribution of 1.26 crore quintals of certified seeds and 88 lakh free mini seed kits. To promote local value addition and ensure fair returns, 1,000 processing units will be established, each receiving a ₹25 lakh subsidy, and central agencies will procure 100% of registered farmers' produce at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
These initiatives are part of a broader agricultural program worth over ₹35,440 crore, which also includes the inauguration and laying of foundation stones for projects in agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing sectors, totaling over ₹5,450 crore and ₹815 crore respectively.
Empowering the Girl Child: International Day and Consultations
On October 11, observed as the International Day of the Girl Child, India reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and empowerment of girls. Various government schemes aimed at improving education, health, and financial security for girls were highlighted. These include flagship programs such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP), CBSE Udaan Scheme, Balika Samriddhi Yojana, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Ladli Scheme, Kanya Kosh, and the National Scheme of Incentive for the Girls of Secondary Education.
Further demonstrating this commitment, the Supreme Court of India organized a two-day National Annual Stakeholders Consultation on 'Safeguarding The Girl Child: Towards a Safer And Enabling Environment For Her In India' on October 11-12, 2025. The consultation focused on discussing challenges and strengthening the implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, involving active participation from various ministries including Women and Child Development, Health, and Education.
Regulatory Updates and Policy Changes
Beyond these significant launches, several regulatory updates and policy changes are also in focus. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is set to introduce digital Know Your Customer (KYC) processes for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), implement predictive market surveillance, and streamline Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) registration. Additionally, new rules concerning online gaming regulation and promotion were notified on October 3, 2025. India is also planning stricter regulations for companies with foreign ownership, creating a new category of "foreign-owned and controlled entities" (FOCE).
A range of new rules became effective from October 1, 2025, impacting various aspects of citizens' lives, including consumer rights, environmental regulations, digital mandates (such as stricter authentication and KYC procedures), safety norms, and tax policies.
In related news, the Gujarat government is observing 'Vikas Saptah' from October 7-15, during which beneficiaries of various government schemes received their benefits in Rajkot on October 11. The India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, which concluded on October 11, also focused on promoting self-reliance in telecommunications and digital technology.