India is witnessing a flurry of governmental activity in early November 2025, with major announcements aimed at bolstering the agricultural sector, fostering innovation, and streamlining various public services. These initiatives underscore the government's commitment to economic development and citizen welfare.
New Agricultural Schemes and Direct Financial Aid
On November 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled new schemes valued at over ₹42,000 crore, specifically targeting the nation's farmers. Under this historic initiative, two flagship programs, the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission, were launched. These schemes are designed to significantly increase farmers' income, achieve self-reliance in pulse production, and promote modern and sustainable agricultural practices across the country. Farmers are set to benefit from free seeds, access to advanced technology, and improved market access through these programs.
In a move to provide direct relief to vulnerable sections of society, ration card holders will begin receiving ₹1,000 per month in direct financial assistance, transferred straight to their bank accounts, starting November 10, 2025. Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh Government has introduced a Free Driving License Scheme for Women, allowing eligible women to obtain their driving licenses without any fee if they apply by November 10. Other benefits announced include a Free Scooty Scheme for Girl Students, Free Sewing Machines for Poor Women, Increased Pension for Senior Citizens, Free Scholarships for Tribal Students, Free Plots under the New Urban Housing Scheme, and Free Solar Energy Devices for Rural Areas.
Boost to Research, Development, and Innovation
Further demonstrating a commitment to technological advancement and self-reliance, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science & Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on November 3, 2025. During this event, a landmark ₹1 Lakh Crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund was launched. This ambitious initiative aims to cultivate a robust, private sector-driven R&D ecosystem, encouraging greater industry participation in innovation and technological development.
In a related development, policy reforms are providing India's MedTech sector with a global competitive edge. This includes the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices, with an outlay of Rs 3,420 crore, and the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme, allocating Rs 5,000 crore for R&D infrastructure.
Key Policy Changes Effective November 1, 2025
Several significant policy changes came into effect from November 1, 2025, impacting various aspects of public life and financial transactions:
- Aadhaar Updates: The UIDAI's new e-Aadhaar App now allows citizens to update their Aadhaar details, including name, address, and mobile number, online, removing the need for in-person visits for certain demographic changes.
- Banking Norms: Banks have implemented stricter KYC (Know Your Customer) verification for both digital and physical accounts to combat fraud and money laundering. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is also revising digital transaction rules for UPI, NEFT, and RTGS, with additional authentication measures for high-value transactions. Account holders can now appoint up to four nominees for their bank deposits, safety lockers, and items in safe custody, simplifying inheritance processes.
- GST Overhaul: India's GST structure has been streamlined to only two main slabs: 5% and 18%. The 12% and 28% slabs have been abolished, while luxury and sin goods will now attract a 40% GST rate. This change is expected to make essential goods more affordable and simplify the tax system for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- Pensioner Mandates: Central and state government pensioners are required to submit their annual life certificate (Jeevan Pramaan) between November 1 and November 30, 2025, to ensure uninterrupted pension payments. Additionally, the deadline for central government employees to transition from the National Pension System (NPS) to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) has been extended to November 30, 2025.
These comprehensive policy updates and new scheme launches reflect the government's proactive approach to addressing key economic and social challenges, aiming to create a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous India.