Kerala Joins PM SHRI Schools Scheme Amidst Opposition
The Kerala government has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union government to participate in the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. This move aims to secure an estimated ā¹1,446 crore for the modernization of government schools across the state. The PM SHRI scheme, launched in 2022, is a centrally sponsored initiative designed to upgrade over 14,500 existing schools nationwide, transforming them into model institutions that showcase the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Each selected school is expected to receive an annual average assistance of ā¹1 crore for five years. The decision comes after prolonged uncertainty and despite strong objections from the Communist Party of India (CPI), a key ally in Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), which views the scheme as intrinsically linked to the NEP and potentially infringing on federalism.
Assam Relaxes Two-Child Norm for Vulnerable Communities
In a significant policy shift, the Assam government has decided to relax its two-child policy for certain indigenous communities. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday that the exemption from the two-child norm, particularly for government employment, will apply to tribal groups, tea garden workers, and the Moran and Mottock communities. This decision was made following consultations with social scientists, who highlighted that restricting population growth in these micro-communities could lead to their decline or even vanishing within the next 50 years. While the Assam Public Services Rules, 2019, which introduced the two-child norm in January 2021, will continue to apply to other communities, the government plans to gradually link the policy to certain welfare schemes, maintaining the exemption for these specific indigenous groups.
MeitY Proposes Magnet Recycling in PLI Scheme to Tackle E-Waste
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has urged the government to integrate magnet recycling as a crucial component within India's upcoming Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs). This initiative aims to address India's growing electronic waste (e-waste) challenge, as the country ranks among the top three global producers of e-waste, generating approximately 4.17 million tonnes in 2022. The proposal seeks to promote the recycling of spent magnets to enhance self-reliance in REPM production, reduce import dependence, and align with environmental objectives. While the proposed PLI scheme for REPMs currently focuses on boosting domestic manufacturing, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has recommended expanding its scope to include recycling for sustainable resource management.
Government Limits Content Takedown Powers to Senior Officials
The Indian government has revised its policy regarding content takedown from online platforms, limiting the authority to issue such orders to a smaller group of senior bureaucrats. This change follows a legal dispute with Elon Musk's social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which had challenged the previous policy allowing a broader range of officials to issue takedown requests. Under the amended Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2025, only bureaucrats of joint secretary rank or higher, and police officers at the level of deputy inspector general or above, will have the authority to direct online platforms to remove content. The new rules, effective November 15, also mandate that takedown orders must be accompanied by a "reasoned intimation" specifying the legal basis and will be subject to monthly review by a secretary-rank officer to ensure accountability and proportionality.
RBI Releases Draft Amendments for External Commercial Borrowing (ECB)
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued draft Foreign Exchange Management (Borrowing and Lending) (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2025, on October 3, 2025, with comments invited from stakeholders until October 24, 2025. These proposed amendments aim to liberalize corporate finance by simplifying regulations, broadening eligibility criteria for borrowers and lenders, easing end-use restrictions, and streamlining reporting requirements. Key proposals include linking borrowing limits to a borrower's financial strength (or up to $1 billion), and allowing manufacturers to borrow for 1 year, up to $50 million, while maintaining a usual 3-year minimum average maturity period for other sectors. The draft also proposes to expand the recognized lender pool to include overseas entities and Indian banks' foreign branches.
Uttar Pradesh's ODOP Scheme Eyes Global Expansion
Building on the success of its flagship One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, the Uttar Pradesh government has outlined an ambitious plan to scale up the scheme by deepening value chains, expanding its product base, and enhancing its global presence. The state aims to double ODOP's export contribution by 2030, supported by a dedicated export desk, a Business-to-Business matchmaking portal, and logistics partnerships. Uttar Pradesh's exports have already seen a significant increase, growing from Rs 88,000 crore in 2017 to Rs 186,000 crore in 2024, largely due to the ODOP initiative. The plan also includes expanding district coverage by adding new products to the existing list of 110 and embracing technology for quality assurance and traceability.
17th Rozgar Mela Distributes Over 51,000 Appointment Letters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly recruited youth across various government departments and organizations during the 17th Rozgar Mela. The event, conducted via video-conferencing, is part of the ongoing initiative to provide employment opportunities to young individuals.