Government Boosts Sustainable Aviation and Manufacturing
In a significant step towards environmental sustainability and economic growth, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced on Thursday that India will soon unveil its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Policy. This policy aims to position India as a global leader in SAF production and targets a 5% SAF blending by 2030, a move expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fuels. The minister highlighted India's potential to produce SAF from its vast biomass resources, which could also lead to a substantial reduction in crude oil import bills and the creation of one million green jobs.
Further bolstering the manufacturing sector, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy launched the third round of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Speciality Steel in November 2025. This initiative, known as PLI scheme 1.2, is designed to enhance domestic production of high-value, advanced steel products, reinforcing India's self-reliance in this crucial industry.
Financial Reforms and Digitalization Take Effect
Effective November 1, 2025, several key financial and tax-related reforms have been implemented, impacting Indian citizens and businesses. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure has been simplified from a four-tier system to a dual system of 5% and 18%, with luxury items now attracting a higher 40% tax. Bank account holders can now nominate up to four individuals for a single bank account, locker, or safe custody item, with options to assign specific entitlement percentages. Aadhaar update fees have also been revised, offering free biometric updates for children for one year and standardized charges for adults. New charges for SBI Credit Card users and a revised FASTag penalty system, effective from November 15, 2025, are also part of these reforms.
Advancements in Research, Healthcare, and Critical Minerals
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched a substantial ₹1 Lakh Crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund on November 3, 2025, to foster a private sector-driven research and development ecosystem in the country. This fund is part of broader efforts to strengthen India's research and innovation landscape, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
In the healthcare sector, India's flagship health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), has been recognized as the world's largest public healthcare program. By October 28, 2025, over 42 crore Ayushman cards had been issued, providing cashless health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family annually to over 12 crore low-income families.
India is also making strategic moves in the critical minerals sector, with the launch of a National Critical Minerals Mission in January 2025. This mission, with a budget of ₹16,300 crore, aims to ensure India's long-term critical mineral security, including rare earth elements. Recent bilateral and multilateral initiatives, including engagement with Australia, are expanding to secure reliable external supplies and reduce dependence on specific nations.
Focus on Bioeconomy and Regional Tourism
The government continues to emphasize the bioeconomy sector with initiatives like the BioE3 Policy (2024) and the National Policy on Bioeconomy (Draft 2024), aiming to expand India's bioeconomy to $300 billion by 2030. Schemes such as Gobardhan Yojana and the Digital Agriculture Mission (2021–25) are promoting bio-inputs, circular waste-to-wealth models, and precision farming.
At the state level, Madhya Pradesh launched the 'PM Shri Air Tourism' helicopter service on November 1, 2025, to boost intra-state air connectivity and tourism by linking major tourist and pilgrimage destinations. This initiative, operating under a public-private partnership, aims to improve accessibility to heritage, adventure, and wildlife destinations.