November 4, 2026: The Union Cabinet approved a two-year extension for Agniveers, a ₹4,371 crore scheme to modernise India’s statistical system and a 92 GWh energy storage programme. The government also approved the continuation of Fast Track Special Courts for five years and launched a national campaign to strengthen intergenerational bonding.
Top India Headlines
- Cabinet Approves Two-Year Extension for Agniveers: The Union Cabinet approved a two-year extension for Agniveers who were earlier scheduled to exit after four years of service. Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani said 75% of Agniveers who were due to exit would receive the additional extension.
- Cabinet Clears ₹4,371 Crore VISTAR Scheme to Modernise Statistical System: The Cabinet approved the Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics and Research (VISTAR) for 2026–27 to 2030–31, with an outlay of over ₹4,371 crore. The scheme aims to establish a dynamic, real-time and future-ready official statistical architecture.
- Cabinet Approves 92 GWh Energy Storage Scheme: The Union Cabinet cleared a 92 gigawatt-hour energy storage scheme to strengthen India’s clean energy programme. The plan includes 30 GWh of battery storage and 60 GWh of additional storage capacity.
- Cabinet Extends Fast Track Special Courts Scheme Until 2031: The Cabinet approved the continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts, including exclusive POCSO courts, for five more years from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031. The scheme has a financial outlay of over ₹3,788 crore and aims to expedite trials in rape and POCSO Act cases.
- Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan Launched to Strengthen Intergenerational Bonding: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar launched the Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana in New Delhi. The national campaign aims to promote intergenerational solidarity.
- Supreme Court Seeks Responses on Immunity for Election Commissioners: The Supreme Court sought responses from the Centre and the Election Commission of India on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of a provision granting blanket legal immunity to the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners for acts performed in their official capacity.
- Rajnath Singh Says Indo-Pacific Future Depends on Responsible Technology and Partnerships: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the Indo-Pacific’s future would be shaped by how wisely countries use technology, the partnerships they build and the confidence they create among nations. He said India stands ready to contribute to the region’s future.
- Health Ministry Proposes Drug Manufacturing Rules Aligned with WHO Guidelines: The Health and Family Welfare Ministry proposed amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, to align microbial monitoring requirements in Grade A clean areas with World Health Organization guidelines. The proposed amendment was notified on October 28.
- Rajnath Singh Says Agniveer Extension Will Prepare Future-Ready Military: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the two-year extension for Agniveers would help create a younger, fitter, technologically equipped and future-ready military. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the decision.
- Nitin Gadkari Says Electric Vehicles Can Reduce Petroleum Imports: Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said electric vehicles could reduce India’s dependence on imported petroleum. Addressing an EV ecosystem awards event in New Delhi, he stressed the importance of strengthening the electric vehicle ecosystem and improving its economic viability.
