1. PM MODI INAUGURATES SOUTH INDIA NATURAL FARMING SUMMIT 2025 IN COIMBATORE
SUBJECT: NATIONAL / ECONOMY
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the three-day South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, emphasizing natural farming as the key to restoring soil health degraded by excessive chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- During the event, the PM released the 21st instalment of PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, transferring over ₹18,000 crore directly to the bank accounts of around 9 crore beneficiary farmers across the country.
- The summit, organized by the Tamil Nadu Natural Farming Stakeholders Forum, focuses on promoting chemical-free agriculture, creating market linkages for farmer-producer organizations, and showcasing innovations in organic inputs and indigenous technologies.
- Participation includes over 50,000 farmers, practitioners, scientists, and stakeholders from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.
- The initiative aligns with broader goals of sustainable agriculture, enhancing farmer incomes, and reducing dependency on chemical inputs amid climate challenges.
- Concepts: PM-KISAN (income support scheme under Article 21 implications for right to livelihood); Natural farming as part of agro-ecology under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture.
2. GOVERNMENT APPROVES 17 NEW PROJECTS UNDER ELECTRONICS COMPONENT MANUFACTURING SCHEME
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- The Government of India approved the second tranche of 17 projects worth approximately ₹7,172 crore under the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) to strengthen domestic production of electronic goods and components.
- Announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the scheme aims to reduce import dependence, boost value addition in electronics manufacturing, and support the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
- These projects are expected to attract significant private investment, create jobs, and enhance India’s position in global electronics supply chains.
- The ECMS is part of broader efforts to achieve self-reliance in critical sectors amid rising geopolitical tensions over semiconductor and component supplies.
- Earlier approvals under the scheme have already spurred growth in display fabrication units and high-value components.
- Concepts: Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes; Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) policy for strategic autonomy.
3. LAUNCH OF NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION (NIC) 2025
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation launched the National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025, a comprehensive revision aligning India’s economic activity coding with global standards.
- Replacing the five-digit NIC-2008, the new six-digit system incorporates emerging sectors like AI, green energy, digital services, and space economy for better data granularity.
- Launched during the 75th anniversary of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in Udaipur, it will improve GDP estimation, policy formulation, and international comparability.
- NIC 2025 aligns with the UN’s International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) Revision 5, facilitating accurate tracking of India’s evolving economic structure.
- It includes new categories for gig economy, e-commerce logistics, and renewable energy services.
- Concepts: Index of Industrial Production (IIP); Use in National Accounts Statistics for measuring sectoral contributions.
4. THIRD CHANAKYA DEFENCE DIALOGUE 2025 HELD IN NEW DELHI
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, hosted the third Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 with the theme “Reform to Transform: Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat.”
- Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi highlighted the intrinsic link between national development and security in his address.
- The dialogue focused on military reforms, technological integration, and strategic preparedness amid evolving threats like drones and cyber warfare.
- Discussions covered indigenization under Atmanirbhar Bharat, jointness among armed forces, and lessons from ongoing global conflicts.
- It serves as a platform for policymakers, strategists, and industry leaders to align defence capabilities with India’s vision of a developed nation by 2047.
- Concepts: Integrated Theatre Commands; Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) for faster modernization.
5. INDIA’S MERCHANDISE AND SERVICES EXPORTS SHOW MIXED PERFORMANCE IN FY26
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry data indicates India’s combined merchandise and services exports reached an estimated USD 491.8 billion from April to October 2025, up 4.84% year-on-year.
- However, October 2025 exports were estimated at USD 72.89 billion, marking a slight decline of 0.68% compared to October 2024.
- Growth driven by services sector resilience despite global headwinds like protectionism and supply chain disruptions.
- Merchandise exports faced challenges from softening global demand and geopolitical factors affecting key markets.
- The data underscores the need for diversified markets and enhanced competitiveness under schemes like RoDTEP and PLI.
- Concepts: Balance of Payments; Current Account Deficit management through export promotion.
