New Policy Changes Effective October 1, 2025, Reshape India's Financial and Digital Landscape

India has rolled out a series of significant regulatory updates and new rules effective from October 1, 2025, impacting a broad spectrum of sectors from banking and pensions to digital payments and online gaming. These reforms aim to enhance transparency, consumer protection, cybersecurity, and financial inclusion across the nation.

Among the key changes in the National Pension System (NPS), non-government subscribers now have the flexibility to invest up to 100% in equity and manage multiple schemes under a single Permanent Account Number (PAN). This move is designed to offer greater investment flexibility and potential for better returns in retirement planning.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced continuous cheque clearing, replacing the older batch-processing system. This reform, which began its phased rollout from October 4, 2025, is expected to ensure faster settlements and quicker access to funds, with full implementation anticipated by January 2026.

In the realm of digital payments, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has discontinued the Person-to-Person (P2P) "collect request" (pull transaction) feature on UPI to bolster transaction security and mitigate fraud risks. Furthermore, the Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Act has come into effect, banning real-money betting and gambling applications, while permitting only e-sports and skill-based games. This measure seeks to protect youth from gambling addiction and promote safer online engagement.

Other notable updates include new RBI locker rules, revised bank charges across various services, and adjustments to railway reservation policies. These comprehensive changes underscore the government's focus on modernization and citizen welfare.

PM Modi Advocates for Early Trade Pact Review and Unified Fight Against Terrorism at India-ASEAN Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a virtual address at the India-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) annual summit held on October 26, 2025, emphasized the need for an early legal and commercial review of the 15-year-old ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement. He highlighted that the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is becoming a robust foundation for global stability and growth.

During the summit, PM Modi also underscored terrorism as a significant challenge to global peace and security, calling for a united effort to combat this menace. He reiterated India's commitment to ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific region and proposed organizing the second ASEAN-India defence ministers' meeting and maritime exercise to ensure a secure maritime environment.

India to Commence Major Tri-Service Exercise 'Trishul' on Western Frontier

In a move signaling heightened preparedness, the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force are slated to launch a large-scale tri-service exercise named "Trishul" near the Pakistan border. The exercise, scheduled to run from October 30 to November 10, indicates India's focus on strengthening its defense capabilities and inter-service coordination in a crucial strategic region.