Government Hikes Fertilizer Subsidies for Rabi 2025-26
In a significant move to support the agricultural sector, the Union Cabinet has approved a substantial increase in non-urea fertilizer subsidies for the upcoming Rabi 2025-26 season. The subsidy for phosphorous (P) and sulphur (S) fertilizers has been raised, with a total allocation of ₹37,952 crore, an increase of approximately ₹14,000 crore compared to the previous Rabi season. This decision aims to offset higher input costs and ensure the availability of essential fertilizers like DAP and TSP without increasing their Maximum Retail Price (MRP). The new rates, effective from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, will see phosphate subsidy at ₹47.96 per kg and sulphur at ₹2.87 per kg, while nitrogen and potash rates remain unchanged. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to farmer welfare and food security.
Major Boost for Electronics Manufacturing with ₹5,532 Crore Project Approvals
The government has given a significant push to domestic electronics manufacturing by approving the first batch of seven projects under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), totaling an investment of ₹5,532 crore. These projects are spread across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh and are projected to generate production worth ₹36,559 crore and create over 5,100 direct jobs. The approved facilities will produce critical components such as multi-layer printed circuit boards (PCBs), High-Density Interconnect (HDI) PCBs, camera module sub-assemblies, and polypropylene films, significantly reducing India's reliance on imports. This move is part of the broader ECMS, which has received 249 applications with proposed investments totaling ₹1.15 lakh crore, aiming for a potential production value of ₹10.34 lakh crore and 1.42 lakh jobs.
8th Central Pay Commission Terms of Reference Approved
Central government employees and pensioners received positive news as the Union Cabinet approved the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the 8th Central Pay Commission (8th CPC) on October 28, 2025. This temporary body will review salaries, allowances, and pensions for central government employees and pensioners and is tasked with submitting its recommendations within 18 months of its constitution. The TOR outlines the scope of the review, including pay structures, benefits, and retirement schemes, and will consider improvements to existing retirement benefits like pension and gratuity.
Discussions on IT Hardware Import System Continue
With the deadline for India's import-management system (IMS) for IT hardware approaching on December 31, 2025, the Ministries of Commerce and Electronics and Information Technology have begun discussions on its future. The IMS, rolled out in November 2023, tracks inbound shipments of products like laptops and tablets, with its primary goal being to promote domestic manufacturing under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and reduce import dependence. A decision on the system's continuation or modification will factor in the progress of local manufacturing and addresses concerns from international partners like the United States.
Updates on Social Security and Elderly Welfare Schemes
Several government initiatives aimed at social security and the welfare of senior citizens continue to show significant progress. The Atal Pension Yojana (APY), a flagship pension scheme, has surpassed 8.27 crore subscribers by October 2025, with assets exceeding ₹49,000 crore. The Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) was expanded in 2024 to cover 6 crore senior citizens aged 70 and above, providing free annual health coverage up to ₹5 lakh, with over 40 lakh senior citizens enrolled as of January 2025. The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) continues to provide monthly pensions to over 2.2 crore beneficiaries aged 60 and above living below the poverty line. Additionally, the government's focus on the elderly is reinforced by initiatives under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) and the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 (amended 2019).
Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses Gathers Momentum
Launched on October 11, 2025, the "Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31)" aims to make India self-reliant in pulse production. This national initiative seeks to boost domestic output, improve productivity, and ensure price stability through integrated value-chain development. The mission, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, targets raising pulses production from 242 lakh MT (2023–24) to 350 lakh MT (2030–31), thereby enhancing farmer profitability and reducing import dependency.
Government Promotes Deep-Sea Fishing and Cold Storage Infrastructure
Under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the government plans to distribute 200 deep-sea fishing vessels nationwide over five years on a cooperative basis. This initiative aims to enhance India's deep-sea fishing capacity and explore resources within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Furthermore, to reduce post-harvest losses and support farmers, the Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme under the National Horticulture Board (NHB) offers a 35% to 50% subsidy on the cost of setting up or modernizing cold storage facilities. This includes support for advanced equipment like Controlled Atmosphere Generators and specialized CA Doors.
Kerala Agrees to PM SHRI Scheme Implementation
Kerala has agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre to implement the PM SHRI scheme, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at upgrading 14,500 schools into model institutions that demonstrate best practices under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This agreement will allow Kerala to avail ₹1,500 crore in pending Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds.