Welcome to the latest edition of India Governance Watch, covering key policy and economic developments from November 1 to 15, 2025. This edition highlights significant updates including the revocation of Quality Control Orders on key fibres, minerals, and steel products following industry feedback, and the Union Cabinet’s approval of the Export Promotion Mission aimed at strengthening India’s export competitiveness.
You will also find detailed coverage of structural reforms such as regulatory adjustments in strategic sectors, initiatives to boost digital infrastructure, advancements in human development programs, and policy decisions impacting rural transformation and national security.
This newsletter is designed to keep policy analysts, researchers, and stakeholders closely informed of the evolving regulatory environment and economic strategy, enabling a clear understanding of the impact and implications of recent government actions.
I. Economic Growth and Structural Reforms
A. Policy Announcements
Export Promotion Mission To Strengthen India’s Export Ecosystem Approved By The Cabinet - Ministry Of Commerce And Industry
Source: Click Here
Summary: The Union Cabinet has approved the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), a new ₹25,060 crore initiative (FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31) to significantly boost India’s export competitiveness. The EPM is a comprehensive, flexible, and digitally driven framework, primarily targeting MSMEs, first-time exporters, and labour-intensive sectors. A core function is to consolidate and replace fragmented existing support schemes like the IES and MAI into a single, streamlined, outcome-based mechanism for a swifter response to global trade challenges. The Mission is structured into two subschemes: NIRYAT Protsahan (for financial access to MSMEs) and NIRYAT Disha (for non-financial market readiness and competitiveness).
Quality Control Orders Revoked On Key Fibres, Minerals And Steel - Ministry Of Steel, Ministry Of Chemicals And Fertilizers, Ministry Of Mines
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Summary: The Government of India is implementing a significant course-correction of its Quality Control Order (QCO) policy by rolling back several recent mandates across various ministries, including Chemicals and Fertilisers, Mines, and Steel. This coordinated action, which involves withdrawing QCOs on products like polyester yarns, key minerals (nickel, copper, aluminium), and 55 steel items, is intended to specifically support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The ultimate goal is to enhance the Ease of Doing Business and boost the competitiveness of MSMEs in the export market.
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) Launched-Ministry of Commerce and Industry
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Summary: The Cabinet has approved the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) to boost the global competitiveness and market expansion of Indian exporters, including MSMEs. Under the CGSE, the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) will provide a 100% credit guarantee coverage to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs), which is expected to facilitate an additional ₹20,000 crore in collateral-free credit for exporters. This aims to improve liquidity, ensure smooth business operations, and help achieve India’s $1 trillion export target.
Relief Measures For Tariff Affected Exporters - Reserve Bank Of India
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Summary: The RBI has announced relief measures for Indian exporters affected by US tariffs to alleviate liquidity issues and help with outstanding payments. The key provisions include a four-month moratorium on loan and interest payments (September 1st to December 31st), an extension of export credit tenure to 450 days, an increased timeline for realizing and repatriating export value to 15 months (up from 9), and relaxed asset classification norms.
Free Trade Agreement Talks And Negotiations Between India And The European Union - Ministry Of Commerce And Industry
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Summary: A high-level European Union delegation visited New Delhi from November 3rd to 7th, 2025, to hold comprehensive stock-take meetings with Indian counterparts on the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The discussions covered key chapters such as goods, services, investment, and technical trade barriers. The primary goal is to quickly conclude a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement that deepens the India-EU relationship, supports sustainable economic growth, and addresses new EU regulatory challenges like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and new steel regulations.
Key Financial Rules Changed For Banking Customers - Reserve Bank Of India
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Summary: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated four major reforms to improve banking security and convenience. Key changes include requiring banks to adopt the more secure “.bank.in” domain for net-banking by October 31, 2025; allowing customers to appoint up to four nominees for accounts and lockers; extending the deadline for switching from the National Pension Scheme to the Unified Pension Scheme until November 30, 2025; and enabling Aadhaar holders to update most personal details online via the MyAadhaar portal. These measures are intended to boost public trust, security, and flexibility in digital banking services.
‘Audit Practice Toolkit’ Published By The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA)- NFRA
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Summary: The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) has introduced an “Audit Practice Toolkit” to improve audit quality across India. Designed as a flexible sample document, it is scalable and adaptable to fit auditee companies of various sizes and across different industry sectors, particularly benefiting small and medium-sized practitioners.
B. Announcements
Ninth Round Of India-Peru Trade Agreement And Third Round Of India-Chile CEPA Negotiations Successfully Concluded - Ministry Of Commerce And Industry
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Summary: The 9th Round of India–Peru Trade Agreement negotiations took place in Lima, Peru, from November 3rd to 5th, 2025, and made significant progress. Discussions covered key areas such as Trade in Goods and Services, Rules of Origin, Customs Procedures, Dispute Settlement, Technical Barriers to Trade, and Critical Minerals. Both nations aim to enhance their Latin American partnerships through mutual economic cooperation. Intersessional meetings are planned to resolve remaining issues before the 10th round of negotiations, which is proposed for January 2026 in New Delhi.
Government Panel On Reforms To Help Stressed Real Estate Projects - Ministry Of Corporate Affairs
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Summary: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is launching policy reforms, in partnership with other regulatory bodies, to speed up the completion of stalled real estate projects, revive struggling developers, and enhance the debt resolution process. A committee will be formed to create a systemic reform blueprint for the sector. Key initiatives include strengthening the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) with dedicated benches for insolvency, implementing project-wise insolvency resolution, and ensuring early project registration with local authorities to protect homebuyers.
Fourth Round Of Free Trade Agreement Negotiations Between India And New Zealand-Ministry of Commerce and Industry
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Summary: The Fourth Round of negotiations for the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) began in Auckland, New Zealand, on November 3rd. This round will focus on critical areas such as Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, and Rules of Origin. Both nations aim to constructively build upon earlier progress, resolve outstanding issues, and expedite the conclusion of a balanced, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial FTA.
2025 Ministerial Dialogue On Trade And Investment Between India And Canada - Ministry Of Commerce & Industry
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Summary: The 7th Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment (MDTI) was held between the Commerce and Industry Minister of India and Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development to deepen bilateral cooperation. Key outcomes included encouraging long-term supply chain partnerships in critical minerals and clean energy, and identifying investment and trading opportunities in aerospace and dual-use capabilities, leveraging Canada’s presence and the growth of India’s aviation sector.
II. Infrastructure, Technology and Sustainability:
A. Policy Updates
Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025 Notified - Ministry Of Electronics And Information Technology
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Summary: The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is now fully effective with the notification of the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 on November 14, 2025. This new framework is citizen-centric, built on principles of clear consent, transparency, purpose limitation, data minimisation, and accountability. A four-member Data Protection Board (DPB) has been established for enforcement. Organisations (Data Fiduciaries) have 18 months to comply, facing strict obligations like mandatory breach notification and substantial penalties. Individuals (Data Principals) gain rights, including the right to access, correction, and and erasure of their data.
India AI Governance Guidelines under IndiaAI Mission Released-Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
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Summary: The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the India AI Governance Guidelines under the IndiaAI Mission to promote the safe, inclusive, and responsible use of AI across all sectors. The framework is built on four main components: seven core ethical AI principles (”Sutras”), key recommendations across six governance pillars, an action plan (short, medium, and long-term), and practical guidance for stakeholders. The guidelines are centered on a “Do No Harm” ethos, advocating for a human-centric approach, innovation sandboxes, risk mitigation, and transparency in AI deployment.
Standard Operating Procedure To Curtail Dissemination Of Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery (NCII) - Ministry Of Electronics And Information Technology
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Summary: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) to combat the online sharing of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII). The SoP mandates that digital intermediaries must remove or block reported content within 24 hours. Significant social media platforms are also required to use technologies like hash-matching to prevent the re-uploading of flagged images. Individuals can report incidents through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), and the SoP establishes a coordination framework involving the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre and other bodies to enforce compliance and block specific URLs. The primary goal is to empower individuals, especially women, to regain control over their digital identity and create a safer online space.
Launch Of ₹ 1 Lakh Crore Research Development And Innovation (RDI) Fund - Department Of Science And Technology
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Summary: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has launched the ₹ 1 lakh crore Research and Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to encourage private sector investment in R&D. The Fund uses a two-tiered structure: a Special Purpose Fund (SPF) within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) serves as the custodian of the corpus, and the capital is then indirectly channeled to second-level fund managers (such as AIFs, DFIs, and NBFCs). The Fund’s objective is to provide capital for high-risk science and technology projects with the potential for significant societal or economic impact.
Seventeen Approvals Under Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) - Ministry Of Electronics & Information Technology
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Summary: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has approved 17 new proposals under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), adding to the initial seven approved projects. These 17 projects, spread across nine states (including Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu), involve a total investment of ₹ 7,172 crore. The collective ventures are expected to generate a cumulative production worth ₹ 65,111 crore and create 11,808 direct jobs, including the facility for India’s first Optical Transceiver (SFP) manufacturing. This move highlights the government’s focus on balanced regional growth and creating high-skill jobs outside major cities.
Third Round Of Specialty Steel Incentive Scheme Launched - Ministry Of Steel
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Summary: The Government of India has launched the Third Round (PLI 1.2) of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel. Initially introduced in 2021 to boost domestic production of high-value, high-grade steels for critical sectors like defence and automotive, this new round aims to attract investment in advanced and emerging categories. The focus is on materials such as Super alloys, CRGO steel, Stainless steel products, Titanium alloys, and Coated steels, which are essential for next-generation industrial and defence applications. The overarching strategic goal of PLI 1.2 is to strengthen India’s position in the global value chain, promote export-led growth, drive technological innovation, and enhance sustainability in steel production.
B. Announcements
MOSPI Signs MoU With IICA To Develop A Comprehensive SDG Alignment Framework - Ministry Of Statistics And Program Implementation
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Summary: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) have signed an MoU to create a Comprehensive SDG Alignment Framework. This framework will expand the existing National Indicator Framework (NIF) by integrating National, State, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) indicators. The objective is to align state-level indicators with national priorities and incorporate corporate sustainability dimensions, thereby strengthening evidence-based policymaking, fostering sustainable corporate participation, and ensuring coherent SDG monitoring and implementation.
III. Human Development And Social Welfare
A. Policy Updates
MoU Signed Between India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) And Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) - Ministry Of Labour And Employment
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Summary: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has partnered with the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) to launch a doorstep Digital Life Certificate (DLC) service for its pensioners. This initiative, aimed at enhancing “Ease of Living” for senior citizens, allows pensioners to submit their DLC from home, eliminating the need to visit bank branches or EPFO offices. IPPB’s extensive network of postal service providers (Postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks), equipped with Doorstep Banking Devices and Digital Identification Technologies, will deliver this convenient and dignified service.
EPFO’s Employees’ Enrolment Scheme, 2025 Launched - Ministry Of Labour And Employment
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Summary: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched the Employees’ Enrolment Scheme – 2025, running from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. This scheme aims to extend social security coverage to workers excluded from EPF between July 1, 2017, and October 31, 2025. Establishments can enroll eligible employees via the EPFO portal. The scheme offers significant relief: the employee’s contribution for the exclusion period is waived if not deducted, and the establishment only pays the employer’s share, interest, and charges, along with a minimal ₹100 flat penalty. Even establishments currently under inquiry for non-compliance are covered, with damages capped at a notional ₹100 and no automatic follow-up compliance action
Jan Sunwayi At More Than 25,000 Adi Seva Kendras Across The Country Organized- Ministry Of Tribal Affairs
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Summary: The Government of India has launched the nationwide “Jan Sunwai” campaign, running until 15th November 2025 in all states, as part of enhancing tribal governance via participatory mechanisms and ensuring better access to entitlements for tribal communities. During the Jan Sunwayi, villagers gathered at their respective ASKs to voice concerns, submit grievances, and deliberate on Village Action Plans under DAJUA. Discussions focused on livelihood opportunities, land rights, housing, healthcare, education, and access to welfare schemes.
IV. National Security and Foreign Policy:
A. Policy Updates
Fifteenth India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue And MOU On Mutual Submarine Search, Rescue Support & Cooperation - Ministry Of Defence
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Summary: The 15th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue in Hanoi concluded with key agreements to strengthen defence ties. Both nations agreed to deepen cooperation in emerging fields like cyber security and real-time information exchange. Significant outcomes include the signing of an MoU on Mutual Submarine Search, Rescue Support and Cooperation, and a Letter of Intent to boost defence industry collaboration focusing on technology transfer, joint ventures, and equipment procurement. These initiatives are seen as a boost to India’s Act East Policy and its maritime strategic position in the South-East Asia and Indian Ocean regions.
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Exercise Phase II Commences-Election Commission Of India
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Summary: The Election Commission of India has launched Phase-II of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, running from 4th November to 4th December 2025. This revision covers 9 States and 3 Union Territories, involving around 51 crore electors. Over 5.3 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are performing house-to-house verification, using pre-filled Enumeration Forms (EFs) to ensure the accuracy, inclusion, and correction of errors in the voter lists.
India’s Indigenous Space Based Communication Satellite, GSAT7R Launched - Department Of Space
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Summary: On November 2nd, 2025, ISRO successfully launched the Indian Navy’s GSAT-7R (CMS-03), which is India’s heaviest communication satellite at approximately 4,400 kg. This satellite incorporates indigenous components and is designed to provide robust, high-capacity, and secure telecommunication coverage across the Indian Ocean Region, enabling seamless communication between the Navy’s ships, aircraft, submarines, and Maritime Operations Centres.
V. Rural and Agriculture Transformation
A. Policy Updates
Draft Seeds Bill Released For Public Comments - Ministry Of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
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Summary: The Ministry of Agriculture has released the Draft Seeds Bill 2025 to replace the outdated Seeds Act, 1966, proposing a modern regulatory framework for seed production and distribution. Key features of the bill include mandatory registration of all seed varieties, the introduction of digital monitoring and QR code-based traceability, the enshrining of farmer rights to ensure access to quality seeds, and an update to penalties, which decriminalizes minor infractions but imposes severe fines (up to ₹30 lakh) and imprisonment (up to three years) for major violations.
Roadmap Titled “Reimagining Agriculture: A Roadmap For Frontier Technology Led Transformation” Launched- NITI Aayog
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Summary: NITI Aayog has launched a strategic vision, “Reimagining Agriculture: A Roadmap for Frontier Technology Led Transformation,” through its Frontier Tech Hub. This roadmap aims to revolutionize Indian agriculture by utilizing frontier technologies, including agentic AI, digital twins, climate-resilient seeds, advanced mechanisation, and precision agriculture. Developed with the input of academic and industry partners, the initiative seeks to enhance productivity, farm incomes, and sustainability. Ultimately, it aims to drive inclusive rural prosperity, make Indian agriculture globally competitive, and contribute to the “Viksit Bharat 2047” national objective.
Rules For “Sustainable Harnessing Of Fisheries In The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)” Notified- Ministry Of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry And Dairying
Source: Click Here
Summary: In line with its blue-economy strategy, the Government of India has introduced the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone Rules, 2025, to sustainably manage deep-sea and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) fisheries. The rules prioritize small-scale fishers and cooperatives, promote modernisation and value-chain linkages, and enforce environmental safeguards by curbing harmful practices like LED-light, paired, and bottom trawling. The overall goal is to unlock India’s deeper seabed potential comprehensively while protecting marine biodiversity and supporting coastal livelihoods.
VI. Miscellaneous Policy Updates
Counter Terrorism Operations In Delhi-NCR Conducted - NIA, J&K Police And Haryana Police
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Summary: Jammu & Kashmir Police, in a joint operation with Haryana Police, successfully dismantled a major terror module operating from Faridabad in the Delhi-NCR region. The operation resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of materials, including approximately 360 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate, IED components like electronic timers and detonators, an assault rifle, a pistol, and various rounds of ammunition. This recovery indicates the module was planning both bombing campaigns and armed attacks
Free Online Coaching To SC, OBC and Beneficiaries of PM CARES Children Scheme - Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Source: Click Here
Summary: The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE) and PW Foundation (Physics Wallah Foundation) have signed an MoU to provide free, high-quality, structured online coaching to 15,000 aspirants from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and PM CARES Children Scheme beneficiaries. The PW Foundation will offer complimentary digital coaching for major competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and Banking to broaden access to resources for underprivileged segments, thereby supporting the UN’s SDG-4 on inclusive and equitable quality education.
VII. What You Need To Know - Key Takeaways for the Fortnight:
Economic Growth and Structural Reforms: The government has revoked multiple Quality Control Orders on fibres, minerals, and steel to ease industry constraints, and launched the Export Promotion Mission to improve export competitiveness through finance access and market readiness.
Infrastructure, Technology, and Sustainability: Key initiatives include the launch of the ₹1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation Fund to foster private sector R&D investments and the introduction of Digital Personal Data Protection Rules 2025 to strengthen data governance and privacy frameworks.
Human Development and Social Welfare: The Employees Provident Fund Organisation launched the Employees Enrolment Scheme 2025 to extend social security coverage, and the government partnered with the PW Foundation to provide free online coaching for underprivileged aspirants.
National Security and Foreign Policy: India advanced strategic defense cooperation with Vietnam through a submarine search and rescue MOU, launched the indigenous GSAT-7R naval communication satellite, and started Phase II of the Special Intensive Revision exercise of the electoral rolls covering over 51 crore electors.
This edition of India Governance Watch reflects an active phase in India’s policy and governance landscape, marked by efforts to enhance export competitiveness, digital governance frameworks, and social security coverage. The developments detailed here underscore the government’s multifaceted approach to fostering sustainable economic growth, technological innovation, and inclusive social welfare.
As India continues to implement structural reforms and new regulatory frameworks, staying informed of these changes is crucial for understanding their broader impact on the economy and society. We remain committed to providing clear, timely, and comprehensive updates to support informed discussion and analysis.
Thank you for engaging with this edition. Your continued interest in India’s governance trajectory is vital for encouraging transparency, accountability, and evidence-based policy-making. We look forward to keeping you updated on future developments.