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GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - July 2024

Jul 2024

Dec 18, 2025

Lok Sabha passes 100% FDI in insurance Bill

The Lok Sabha passed a Bill on 16 December 2025 to raise foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%, along with other amendments to insurance laws. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman argued that higher FDI would bring capital, technology, and better insurance products, while reducing the need for domestic partners. Opponents criticized the move as reducing domestic control. Proponents say the reform could attract more global insurers and expand coverage. The Bill now advances to the Rajya Sabha for considerations and potential further amendments before becoming law.

Lok Sabha approves 100% FDI in insurance (16 Dec 2025).
FDI raised from 74% to 100%; additional law amendments included.
Finance Minister cites capital infusion and better products.
Opposition concerns about domestic control.

Dec 17, 2025

Bihar approves Saat Nishchay-3 programme for 2025-30

The Nitish Kumar government in Bihar approved the Saat Nishchay-3 programme for 2025-30. The plan foregrounds double employment and double income; prosperous industries; agricultural progress; quality education; accessible healthcare; and ease of living as core pillars. Bihar seeks to build on Saat Nishchay-1 and Saat Nishchay-2, expanding the development-with-justice approach. The cabinet decision aims to accelerate investment, boost job opportunities, and advance social and physical infrastructure across the state. Officials emphasized inclusive growth, with a focus on rural uplift, urban development, and improved public service delivery.

Saat Nishchay-3 approved for 2025-30.
Key pillars: double employment, double income; prosperity in industries; agriculture; education; healthcare.
Continuation of Saat Nishchay-1 and -2’s development-with-justice approach.
Aims to boost investment, jobs, and infrastructure in Bihar.
Emphasis on inclusive, accessible public services.

Raj Kumar Goyal appointed Chief Information Commissioner

President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Raj Kumar Goyal, former IAS officer, as the Chief Information Commissioner of the Central Information Commission in December 2025. The swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan was attended by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister P. K. Mishra, and Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh. The CIC oversees information access and transparency in government. Goyal’s appointment follows a lengthy civil service career, with responsibilities including ensuring timely responses to Right to Information requests and strengthening accountability in federal governance.

Raj Kumar Goyal sworn in as Chief Information Commissioner.
Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan; December 2025.
Attendees included Vice-President and PM Secretary.
CIC responsibilities: access to information and transparency.
Goyal’s background: career IAS officer.

Dec 16, 2025

India and Mexico Begin Talks on Preferential Trade Agreement

India has initiated discussions with Mexico on a Preferential Trade Agreement to counter higher tariffs on non-FTA partners, aiming to protect roughly $2 billion of Indian exports. Mexico recently implemented tariff reforms that raise duties on many imports from non-free-trade-partner nations. The talks will cover market access, rules of origin, and dispute settlement, among other topics. Officials note that negotiations are in early stages and contingent on domestic approvals. A PTA could improve competitiveness for textiles, automotive parts, and IT services while shaping future economic ties between the two nations.

India-Mexico PTA discussions launched to address tariffs.
Exports at risk: about $2 billion worth of goods.
Mexico introduced tariff changes affecting non-FTA partners.
Topics include market access, origin rules, dispute resolution.

University of Patanjali Named Yoga & Ayurveda Cluster Center Under Gyan Bharatam

The University of Patanjali has been designated as the country’s first Yoga and Ayurveda Cluster Center under the Gyan Bharatam Mission, formalised by MoU in Haridwar with senior officials and Yogaguru Swami Ramdev. The mission has 33 MoUs, including eight cluster-center universities. Patanjali will mentor 20 associated institutions and bolster nationwide efforts in cultural preservation. The university has digitised millions of pages and published thousands of manuscripts, illustrating its role in preserving ancient knowledge. The designation aligns with national goals to integrate traditional wisdom with contemporary education and public engagement.

Patanjali named Yoga & Ayurveda Cluster Center under Gyan Bharatam.
MoU signed in Haridwar; 33 MoUs to date; eight cluster centers.
Patanjali to mentor 20 associated institutions.
Extensive digitisation and manuscript preservation underway.

Dec 15, 2025

CoalSETU policy approved to create auction window for coal linkages

The government approved CoalSETU, a policy to auction coal linkages for industrial use and exports. Named to ensure seamless, efficient and transparent utilisation, CoalSETU adds a new window to the Non‑Regulated Sector (NRS) Linkage Auction Policy of 2016. Domestic buyers can participate in long‑term linkages for any end use, including exports (up to 50 percent exportable under holders). The policy allows flexible allocation among group companies and excludes resale within India. It seeks to improve efficiency and ensure fair access to coal resources while supporting national energy security and export goals.

CoalSETU introduces auction window for coal linkages
New window in NRS Linkage Auction Policy of 2016
Domestic buyers can export up to 50% of allocated coal
Cannot resell coal domestically under policy

Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill to create single higher education regulator

The Union Cabinet approved the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill, a unified regulator replacing UGC, AICTE, and NCTE. Earlier called the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, the reform follows NEP 2020 recommendations for streamlined governance and oversight in higher education. The bill will be introduced in the ongoing Winter Session. A single regulator aims to improve quality assurance, accreditation, and policy implementation across universities and technical institutes, reducing fragmentation and enhancing regulatory clarity for institutions and students.

Single regulator for higher education proposed
Replaces UGC, AICTE, NCTE under SHIKSHA Adhikshan
Aligned with NEP 2020 objectives

Plan for conducting Census of India 2027 approved by Union Cabinet

The Union Cabinet approved the Census of India 2027 plan at a cost of Rs 11,718.24 crore. This will be India’s 16th national census and its first fully digital count. Phase one covers house listing and housing census from April to September 2026; population enumeration is scheduled for February 2027. In snow-prone Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, enumeration will occur earlier in September 2026. About 30 lakh field workers will participate. The data aims to produce faster, cleaner and more accessible policy information for governance and planning.

Census 2027 approved; cost Rs 11,718.24 crore
First completely digital national census
Two phases: House listing (Apr–Sep 2026) and Population Enumeration (Feb 2027)
Special enumeration in some hilly/border states in Sept 2026
Around 30 lakh field workers engaged

SHANTI Bill clears to allow private players in nuclear energy field

The Union Cabinet approved the SHANTI — Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India — Bill 2025. The legislation seeks to end the decades‑old monopoly of the Department of Atomic Energy by enabling private participation in nuclear energy. It aims to unify and update regulations, address gaps, and promote safe, transparent growth in the sector. The government projects a roadmap to reach 22,000 MW of nuclear capacity by 2032 and 100 GW by 2047, aligning with net‑zero goals for 2070 and the broader Viksit Bharat vision. Parliament is expected to table the bill during the Winter Session.

SHANTI Bill approved to allow private nuclear participation
Aims to reach 22,000 MW by 2032; 100 GW by 2047
Regulatory unification and modernization
Part of net-zero 2070 and Viksit Bharat goals

Dec 12, 2025

Nagaland launches Mission Watershed Punarutthan under flagship schemes

Nagaland launched the State-Level Watershed Mahotsav 2025 alongside Mission Watershed Punarutthan to rejuvenate traditional water bodies and restore degraded lands. The initiative emphasizes community-driven action and convergence with national schemes such as MGNREGA to improve water harvesting and rural livelihoods. By reviving springs, strengthening watershed structures, and promoting conservation practices, the program aims to secure water supply and support agriculture in villages. Local governance and citizen participation form the core of the project, with state agencies coordinating with central programs to sustain gains over time.

Nagaland launches Mission Watershed Punarutthan with Mahotsav 2025.
Focus on rejuvenating water bodies and restoring degraded land.
Community-driven actions linked to national schemes like MGNREGA.
Aims to improve water security and rural livelihoods.

SBI and BoB get RBI nod to set up Digital Payments Intelligence Platform (IDPIC)

The Reserve Bank of India has approved the creation of a Digital Payments Intelligence Platform (IDPIC) by the State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda. The new entity, named Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation, will coordinate and strengthen fraud detection and prevention across public sector banks. The platform aims to integrate data from multiple payment rails to flag suspicious patterns and drive faster remediation. This development aligns with RBI rules on digital payments security and governance, and enhances the overall resilience of India’s digital banking ecosystem. The move is expected to improve consumer trust and reduce system-wide fraud risks.

RBI approves formation of IDPIC by SBI and BoB.
Entity named Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation.
Aims to improve fraud detection across public sector banks.
Intends to integrate data across payment rails for rapid alerts.
Enhances RBI-regulated digital banking security and governance.

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