Increased Financial Assistance for Ex-Servicemen and Dependents

In a move to bolster the welfare of military veterans and their families, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has sanctioned a 100% increase in financial assistance across several welfare schemes for ex-servicemen and their dependents. This significant enhancement, managed by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through the Kendriya Sainik Board, will take effect for applications submitted from November 1, 2025. The total annual financial implication of these revisions is estimated at approximately ₹257 crore, to be met from the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.

• Penury Grant: Doubled from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month per beneficiary, providing crucial lifetime support to aged and non-pensioner ex-servicemen and their widows over 65 years of age who lack regular income.
• Education Grant: Increased from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month per head. This applies to up to two dependent children studying from Class I to graduation, or for widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course.
• Marriage Grant: Raised from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per beneficiary. This grant is applicable for up to two daughters of ex-servicemen and for widow remarriage, specifically for marriages solemnised after the issuance of this order.

This decision underscores the government's dedication to strengthening the social security net for veterans and honouring their service and sacrifice.

India's Comprehensive Approach to Food and Nutritional Security

Coinciding with World Food Day on October 16, the government highlighted its extensive initiatives aimed at ensuring food and nutritional security across the nation. These efforts span from agricultural production to equitable distribution and nutritional support:

• National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: This landmark act continues to be a cornerstone of India's food security framework, guaranteeing access to highly subsidized foodgrains for 81.35 crore beneficiaries. The Central Government has extended the free distribution of foodgrains under NFSA for five years from January 1, 2024, with an estimated financial outlay of ₹11.80 lakh crore, fully funded by the Central Government.
• Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Launched to alleviate hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic, PMGKAY has ensured free foodgrain distribution, which has been further extended to support the poor and needy.
• PM POSHAN (POshan SHAkti Nirman) Scheme: Formerly known as the National Programme of Mid-Day Meal in Schools, this scheme continues to provide nutritious hot cooked meals to children in Government and Government-aided schools, improving their nutritional status and encouraging attendance.
• Rice Fortification Initiative: To combat micronutrient deficiencies, the universal supply of fortified rice under all central government schemes has been approved until December 2028, with 100% funding (₹17082 crore) from the Government of India.
• Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: Launched on October 11, 2025, with a budgetary allocation of ₹11,440 crore for the period 2025-26 to 2030-31, this mission aims to significantly boost domestic pulse production, enhance nutritional security, and benefit nearly two crore pulse farmers by increasing the area under cultivation by 35 lakh hectares.
• Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice: Under the Open Market Sale Scheme Domestic (OMSS-D) policy, these initiatives provide wheat flour and rice to general consumers at subsidized rates, helping to increase market availability and control inflation.

Key Regulatory Changes Effective October 1, 2025

Several new rules and policy updates came into effect on October 1, 2025, bringing significant changes across various sectors and impacting citizens' daily lives and financial transactions.

• National Pension System (NPS) Overhaul: Non-government investors now have greater flexibility, allowing them to allocate up to 100% of their investments into equities and diversify across multiple schemes using a single Permanent Account Number (PAN).
• RBI Cheque Clearing: The Reserve Bank of India has transitioned to a continuous cheque clearing method, replacing the previous batch processing. This aims to facilitate faster settlements and quicker access to funds for beneficiaries.
• Revised Bank Locker Agreements and Charges: Banks are now mandating updated locker agreements with customers in compliance with new RBI norms. Additionally, service charges related to locker rentals, standing instruction failures, debit card issuance, and ATM transactions have been revised to enhance transparency and cover operational costs.
• Online Gaming Regulations: New regulations have been implemented to ban real-money betting and gambling applications. Only e-sports and skill-based games will be permitted, aiming to curb addiction and financial risks associated with online gaming.
• Digital Mandates and KYC: Stricter authentication norms for online transactions and more detailed 'Know Your Customer' (KYC) procedures have been introduced for digital services and identity verification. This is intended to reduce fraud and strengthen security in the digital sphere.
• Environmental Rules: New environmental regulations have come into force, including stricter emissions standards, more regulated waste disposal protocols, and mandatory green compliance for a wider range of industries. These rules also extend to mandates for households regarding waste segregation and e-waste disposal.
• Consumer Rights: Consumer protection mechanisms have been updated, expanding the rights of buyers in e-commerce contexts, demanding faster refunds, and mandating clearer return policies from businesses.

These policy changes reflect the government's ongoing efforts to modernize systems, enhance social security, ensure food availability, and protect consumer interests in a rapidly evolving economy.