1. ₹1 Lakh Crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Launched
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a monumental ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme on November 3, 2025, during the Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025) in New Delhi. This six-year initiative is designed to fuel private sector research and deep-tech breakthroughs in critical areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. The scheme aims to foster a private sector-driven research and innovation ecosystem, reduce India's dependence on imported technologies, and position the nation as a global leader in technology. Approximately ₹20,000 crore is earmarked for the first year. Unlike traditional grants, the scheme will support high-risk, high-impact projects through low or zero-interest loans and investments in deep-tech ventures, encouraging businesses to undertake long-term research.
2. EPFO Introduces Employee Enrolment Scheme 2025
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) rolled out the Employee Enrolment Scheme 2025, effective November 1, 2025. This scheme aims to bring more workers into the formal social security system by encouraging employers to voluntarily enrol eligible employees who were previously unregistered. Employers can enrol workers who joined between July 1, 2017, and October 31, 2025, without facing heavy penalties. They are required to pay only their share of the provident fund contribution along with a nominal penalty of ₹100, while being exempt from the employee's share if not previously deducted. This initiative provides significant benefits to workers by granting them access to social security, retirement savings, and other EPF advantages.
3. Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) Deadline Extended and Digital Life Certificate Campaign Underway
The government has extended the deadline for opting into the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to November 30, 2025. This extension allows employees and retirees additional time to review the scheme's provisions, including tax benefits and rules related to resignation.
Concurrently, the Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW) launched the 4th National Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign, running from November 1 to 30, 2025. This extensive outreach program aims for 100% digital submission of life certificates by pensioners across every district and over 2,000 sub-divisional headquarters in India.
4. India Lowers November APM Gas Price
In a move to maintain energy affordability and support various economic sectors, India has lowered the November Administered Price Mechanism (APM) gas price to $6.55 per million British thermal units (mBtu). This represents a 3% reduction from October's price of $6.75/mBtu. This pricing decision, which also saw commercial LPG cylinder prices adjusted downward, is part of a coordinated energy policy aimed at balancing commercial viability for state-controlled producers with affordable access for essential sectors.
5. Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls Commences
The Election Commission of India (ECI) initiated the enumeration phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls on November 4, 2025. This major exercise will cover approximately 51 crore voters across 12 States and Union Territories, including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Fresh voter registrations will be conducted simultaneously with the house-to-house enumeration.
6. Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) Initiative Launched
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Tribal Affairs, launched the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) initiative in October 2025. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this program will be rolled out in a phased manner across over 1,000 schools nationwide, including Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Residential Schools.