India is witnessing a flurry of governmental activity this November, with the introduction of new policies and updates to existing schemes aimed at streamlining processes, boosting economic growth, and enhancing citizen welfare. These measures span various sectors, from finance and aviation to manufacturing and technology, reflecting a comprehensive approach to governance.
Key Financial Changes Effective November 2025
Several financial regulations came into effect on November 1, 2025, bringing significant changes for citizens and businesses. India has transitioned to a simplified dual Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, replacing the previous four-tier structure with two flat rates of 5% and 18%. Luxury items will now face a 40% tax, instead of the earlier 28% category. This move is expected to streamline taxation and improve compliance.
Bank account and locker holders can now nominate up to four individuals, with the option to assign specific entitlement percentages or list successive nominees. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has revised Aadhaar update fees, making biometric updates free for children for one year. For adults, biometric updates will cost ₹125 and demographic updates ₹75, with online demographic updates now possible without supporting documents.
Additionally, new charges have been introduced for SBI Credit Card users, including a 1% fee for education-related payments via apps like CRED and MobiKwik, and a 1% wallet load fee for transactions above ₹1,000. A new FASTag penalty system will commence on November 15, 2025, imposing 2x toll charges for cash payments and 1.25x for digital payments. Government pensioners are required to submit their annual life certificates between November 1 and November 30, 2025, with a deadline of November 30, 2025, for Central Government employees to switch from the National Pension System (NPS) to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
Proposed Airline Policy Reforms for Passenger Convenience
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed a new set of guidelines to reform airline ticket cancellation policies, aiming to enhance passenger flexibility and provide financial relief. The draft policy, released for public consultation on November 3, 2025, suggests eliminating cancellation fees for tickets canceled within 48 hours of booking. This would apply to both domestic and international flights, with certain exceptions based on departure time and booking advance.
The new rules also emphasize faster refunds, with credit card refunds to be processed within seven days, cash bookings immediately, and travel agent bookings within 21 working days. Taxes and airport fees would be fully refunded even on non-refundable tickets. Public feedback on this draft policy is being collected until November 30, 2025.
Third Round of PLI Scheme for Speciality Steel Launched
Union Steel and Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy launched the third round of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI 1.2) Scheme for Speciality Steel on November 5, 2025. This initiative, approved in 2021 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, seeks to position India as a global manufacturing hub for high-value steel products by encouraging domestic production and reducing import dependency. The scheme covers 22 sub-categories of speciality steel and offers incentives ranging from 4% to 15% on incremental sales for up to five years, starting from FY 2025–26. So far, the PLI scheme has attracted ₹43,874 crore in committed investment.
India AI Governance Guidelines Unveiled
On November 5, 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the India AI Governance Guidelines, advocating a "hands-off" approach to AI regulation to foster innovation. The guidelines aim to promote innovation with guardrails, focusing on principles such as trust, people-centricity, responsible innovation, equity, accountability, understandability, safety, resilience, and sustainability. The government currently has no immediate plans to introduce a new AI law.
₹1 Lakh Crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme
The historic ₹1 Lakh Crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 3, 2025, during the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025. This significant fund aims to bolster India's research and development ecosystem and foster private sector-driven innovation, marking a transformative milestone in the nation's scientific journey.
State-Level Women's Cash Transfer Schemes
A report indicates that 12 Indian States plan to allocate a substantial ₹1.68 lakh crore for women's unconditional cash transfer (UCT) schemes by 2025-26. Notable schemes include Tamil Nadu's Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam, Madhya Pradesh's Ladli Behna Yojana, and Karnataka's Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which provide monthly support ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500. While these schemes aim to empower women, concerns have been raised about the potential strain on state budgets.
Nationwide Digital Life Certificate Campaign
Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched a month-long nationwide campaign on November 5, 2025, to promote Digital Life Certificates (DLCs) for pensioners. This initiative aims to replace physical life certificates with Aadhaar-linked biometric and face-authenticated digital submissions, ensuring uninterrupted pension disbursal and administrative efficiency for elderly pensioners.