PM Launches Major Agricultural Schemes: 'PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana' and 'Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses'
Key Facts
- Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a Krishi program at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.
- Schemes Launched:
- PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: Outlay of ₹24,000 crore. It is a coordinated initiative combining 36 sub-schemes from 11 ministries to accelerate agricultural development in aspirational districts.
- Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: Outlay of ₹11,440 crore. Aims for India's self-sufficiency in pulses by 2030-31 and zero dependence on imports by December 2027.
- Significance: The initiatives aim to boost agricultural productivity, reduce import dependency, and increase farmers' income.
Background Story and Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: The 14th Prime Minister of India since 2014. His administration has consistently focused on agricultural reforms and boosting farmer welfare through various schemes like PM-KISAN, Fasal Bima Yojana, and now the new initiatives for pulses and overall agricultural development.
Krishi Program (IARI, New Delhi): This event was held at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), a premier national institute for agricultural research, education, and extension. The institute, founded in 1905, is also known as Pusa Institute. The choice of venue highlights the government's emphasis on scientific and research-driven agricultural advancements.
Aatmanirbharta (Self-Reliance): The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses aligns with the broader national vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' or Self-Reliant India. This vision, announced by PM Modi, emphasizes boosting domestic production to reduce reliance on imports, particularly in critical sectors like food and defence. Pulses are a crucial part of India's nutritional security, and their import dependence has long been a policy concern.
The Mission's Components: The pulses mission includes a seed revolution (promoting high-yielding varieties), procurement security (ensuring 100% Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement for key pulses like Tur, Urad, and Masoor), and value chain development. The recommendations from a September 2025 NITI Aayog report, focusing on localized seed production and market linkages, are incorporated into the mission.
India and Canada Agree on Series of Measures to Restore Ties
Key Facts
- Participants: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar (India) and Foreign Minister Anita Anand (Canada).
- Outcome: Talks held in New Delhi led to an agreement on a roadmap to restore bilateral relations.
- Measures Agreed: Restarting discussions on bilateral trade and investment, re-establishing the Ministerial Energy Dialogue, relaunching the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee, and encouraging Canadian participation in India's AI Impact Summit.
Background Story and Context
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar: Served as India's Foreign Secretary (2015–2018) before becoming a minister. A career diplomat, he has been instrumental in shaping India's foreign policy under the Modi government.
Foreign Minister Anita Anand (Canada): A prominent Canadian politician who assumed the role of Foreign Minister in a recent cabinet shuffle. Her visit to India is seen as a crucial step to mend strained relations.
Tensions between India and Canada: Bilateral relations experienced a downturn due to diplomatic tensions and allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil. The agreed-upon roadmap signals a de-escalation and a move toward repairing diplomatic and economic ties.
Government Launches Employees' Enrolment Campaign 2025 to Boost Social Security Coverage
Key Facts
- Initiative: Employees' Enrolment Campaign 2025, a scheme to encourage employers to voluntarily declare and enroll eligible employees under social security.
- Duration: November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026.
- Eligible Employees: Those who joined an establishment between July 1, 2017, and October 31, 2025.
- Benefit: Aims to regularize past records with minimal financial burden on employers, boosting enrollment under the social security cover.
Background Story and Context
Ministry of Labour and Employment: The ministry announced the campaign, focusing on the welfare and social security of the workforce. This is a continuation of the government's efforts to simplify labor laws and ensure social protection for a wider segment of the working population.
Background of Labor Codes: The campaign follows the notification of four major labor codes in 2020. The codification of labor laws aims to simplify and rationalize existing legislation, create a climate of trust, and promote economic growth and employment.
India to Host UN Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs Conclave
Key Facts
- Event: UN Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs Conclave in New Delhi.
- Date: October 14–16, 2025.
- Participants: Delegates from 32 nations contributing troops to UN peacekeeping operations.
- Host: The Indian Army.
Background Story and Context
India's Role in UN Peacekeeping: India has a long and distinguished history of contributing to UN peacekeeping missions since its inception. Hosting this conclave reinforces India's commitment to international peace and security and its role as a significant contributor of peacekeeping forces.
United Nations: Founded in 1945, the UN's primary mission is to maintain international peace and security. UN Peacekeeping is one of the key tools it uses to achieve this goal, with contributions from member states like India.
RBI Appoints Sonali Sen Gupta as Executive Director
Key Facts
- Appointment: Smt. Sonali Sen Gupta appointed as Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- Effective Date: October 9, 2025.
Background Story and Context
Reserve Bank of India (RBI): India's central bank, established in 1935. It is responsible for regulating the monetary policy, supervising the financial sector, and managing the country's currency and credit systems. The appointment of an Executive Director is a significant internal event, with the individual playing a key role in the bank's operational and policy decisions.