1. Revised Guidelines Issued for Computer Related Inventions (CRIs), 2025
Authority: Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM)
Date: August 1, 2025
The Indian Patent Office has released updated Guidelines for Examination of Computer Related Inventions, with an aim to enhance clarity, consistency, and predictability in examining software-based and digital technology patents. The guidelines specifically address inventions in areas such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning
- Cloud Computing and Quantum Computing
- Blockchain technologies
The 2025 revisions align India’s approach more closely with international patent examination practices and aim to support innovation in high-growth tech sectors.
2. SHAKTI Policy, 2025: Transparent Coal Allocation for Power Sector
Authority: Ministry of Coal
Date of Notification: May 20, 2025
The revised SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyla Transparently in India) Policy, 2025 enhances the coal linkage framework for the power sector. Notable changes include:
- Wider eligibility for participants
- Greater flexibility in procurement
- Support for pithead-based capacity and lower power tariffs
The policy aims to foster competition, improve coal utilization efficiency, and ensure affordable electricity for consumers.
3. Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 Now in Force
Effective Date: August 1, 2025
Key provisions of the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 came into effect this week. The Act is designed to:
- Strengthen governance mechanisms in banking institutions
- Improve depositor and investor confidence
- Enhance oversight through streamlined compliance frameworks
This legislative step is a part of the broader reform drive to improve resilience and transparency in India’s banking sector.
4. National Agriculture Policy, 2025 Approved
Announced By: Union Cabinet
Date: August 1, 2025
India’s new National Agriculture Policy, 2025 introduces a future-ready strategy focused on:
- Climate-resilient and sustainable farming
- Adoption of agri-tech and digital tools
- Strengthening value chains and market access
- Improving farmer incomes and food security
The policy represents a significant shift towards technology-driven agriculture that is environmentally aligned and market-oriented.