CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
Gold hits record $3,400 this week amid economic turmoil, creates 'sticker shock' for buyers. Is it a smart investment?
Gold prices are soaring to record highs as investors seek safety amid economic worries. Trade tensions and a US government shutdown are fueling this surge. Lower interest rates and geopolitical conflicts are also driving demand. This trend impacts jewelry markets and raises concerns about mercury use in mining. Gold's appeal as a safe haven is being tested.
US Chamber of Commerce sues Trump administration over $100,000 H-1B visa fee
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration, contesting the legality of a newly introduced $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. This fee is perceived as potentially damaging to the backbone of American businesses, notably in industries reliant on high-skilled talent from countries like India.
Lost your job but can't withdraw your 25% EPF balance, wait 3 years for EPS 95 final pension withdrawal, how fair are these new EPFO rules?
The Central Board of Trustees has revised Employees' Provident Fund Organisation rules. New regulations have changed EPF withdrawal limits and minimum balance requirements. Premature final settlement periods have been extended significantly. These changes aim to streamline processes and enhance retirement corpus accumulation. However, some critics argue the new rules restrict access to personal funds.
EPFO reforms: CBT announces 100% EPF withdrawal, sets new minimum balance rules, launches ‘Vishwas Scheme’ to reduce litigation
EPFO has introduced significant changes to EPF withdrawal rules. Members can now withdraw up to 100% of their eligible balance. Limits for education and marriage withdrawals have increased. Minimum service for partial withdrawal is now 12 months. A new minimum balance requirement ensures retirement savings. These reforms aim for greater flexibility and ease of living for members.
US government shutdown delays release of critically important inflation figures
A government shutdown is delaying crucial economic reports, including inflation data, creating a cloudier picture for the Federal Reserve. Policymakers are relying on private sector data and anecdotal reports as they navigate persistent inflation and a slowdown in hiring, a challenging scenario with conflicting policy goals.
Ladakh groups set to hold march, blackout
Ladakh's Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance will hold a peace march and blackout to protest alleged administration excesses and the September 24 killings. They demand a judicial probe, release of detainees including Sonam Wangchuk, and compensation for victims. The groups stated these demands must be met before resuming dialogue with the Union home ministry.
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Bengaluru needs urgent action: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw says 'our cities need world class infrastructure'
Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw reignited the debate on Bengaluru's dire infrastructure after an overseas executive's critical comments. She urged the government to act fast on decades of deteriorating infrastructure and garbage management. State ministers acknowledged the challenges, highlighting ongoing road repair efforts and infrastructure development projects.
Jerome Powell signals US Fed's on track to keep cutting rates
Jerome Powell, head of the Federal Reserve, indicated more interest rate cuts are likely this year. This move aims to boost the labor market. Powell acknowledged rising inflation but stressed concerns about job growth. The central bank will proceed with cuts despite a government shutdown delaying key economic data. Officials are using alternative data sources to make decisions.
Visakhapatnam's AI jackpot; Lenskart IPO scoop
Google, Adani and Airtel are partnering to build a major AI hub in Andhra Pradesh. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.
Centre has shifted email IDs of 12 lakh employees to Zoho's platform: report
Central government employees, including those in the PMO, have had their email services migrated to Zoho Corporation's platform over the past year. This move follows a ransomware attack on AIIMS servers and aims to enhance data sovereignty and reduce reliance on global tech giants. Zoho's suite of work apps has also been activated for government use.
Has General Provident Fund interest rate for govt employees been hiked?
GPF interest rate: The Ministry of Finance has announced the GPF interest rate for October-December 2025. This rate applies to various government provident funds, including GPF, CPF, and All India Services Provident Fund. The government also maintained unchanged interest rates for small savings schemes for the same quarter.
DPIIT seeks inputs on ecomm FDI; ETSA 2025 Bootstrap Champ bets on AI, talent
Happy Tuesday! The central government is seeking inputs from ecommerce and retail players on foreign investment rules. This and more in today's ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Social media restrictions and two-day internet shutdown rattle Afghanistan
Afghanistan's Taliban government recently shut down internet and cellphone services nationwide. This move, impacting businesses and education, mirrors past restrictions. While services returned, content on social media is now controlled. Officials cite preventing 'immoral acts' as the reason. The shutdown caused widespread disruption, affecting daily life and the economy.
Latest CGHS package rates: What is changing for central government employees and pensioners from October 13, 2025
The Central Government Health Scheme has announced revised package rates for empanelled healthcare organisations, effective October 13, 2025. These new rates aim for greater uniformity and rationalisation, incorporating factors like hospital accreditation, city classification, and ward entitlement. Existing MoAs will cease, requiring hospitals to re-empanel by the effective date.
Son applies for late father’s bank job on compassionate grounds, gets no response for years, files case, wins Rs 1 lakh, Allahabad High Court order
The Allahabad High Court ordered SBI to pay Rs 1 lakh to a son whose father died during proceedings contesting his dismissal. The son sought compassionate employment but faced years of delay from the bank. While the court dismissed the son's plea due to his own laches, it penalised SBI for its apathy.
DA hike for Arunachal Pradesh employees: State government also increases dearness relief to 58%
Arunachal Pradesh has followed the Central Government's lead by approving a 3% Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) hike for state employees and pensioners. This revision, effective July 1, 2025, raises the DA to 58% and will benefit thousands of state government staff, retirees, and AIS officers serving in the region.
HNGIL revival kicks off with Kolkata as Madhvani Group's INSCO takes charge
Uganda's Madhvani Group, through INSCO, has successfully acquired Hindustan National Glass & Industries Ltd (HNGIL) for Rs 2,250 crore. New chairman Shrai Madhvani visited Kolkata facilities, outlining a revival plan with Rs 1,000 crore capex for modernization and diversification. Employees express optimism about the group's global turnaround expertise.
ED files chargesheet against Religare ex-top executive in Rs 179cr scam, calls her 'mastermind'
The ED has filed a chargesheet against former Religare Enterprises executive chairperson Rashmi Saluja, labeling her the "principal architect" of a Rs 179.54 crore ESOP scam. The conspiracy, involving other former Religare executives, aimed to obstruct the Burman family's takeover and maintain control over the company and its financial benefits.
EPFO to make Rs 17,000 crore profit if allowed to redeem these 2 ETFs
EPFO plans to redeem CPSE and Bharat 22 ETF investments in FY26, potentially generating Rs 17,237 crore gains, while extending other ETF tenures and revamping IT via EPFO 3.0.
Govt proposes new law to provide social security, pension benefits to coal workers
The Coal Ministry is proposing a new law for coal workers' social security and pensions. This legislation will replace an act from 1948. It will address industrial disputes, working conditions, and digitalization. Stakeholders are invited to comment on the draft bill. The new framework aims for greater accountability and effectiveness in the coal sector.
EPFO seeks nod to redeem only CPSE, Bharat 22 ETFs
The EPFO plans to redeem investments in CPSE and Bharat 22 ETFs in FY26, expecting a ₹17,237 crore capital gain to be credited as interest to members. The organization will also seek approval for EPFO 3.0, a project to overhaul its IT infrastructure and cater to gig workers and increased subscriber base.
7th pay commission update: Central govt employees retiring in the middle of the year will be paid proportionate dress allowance; Check other details
The central government clarified proportionate dress allowance payments for new recruits and officials retiring mid-year after July 2025. This ensures consistency, with proportionate payments for retirees starting June 2025. Recoveries for excess amounts will occur from October 2025, but not for those already retired or retiring by September 30, 2025. Check details.
Festive boost: Cabinet clears 3% DA, DR hike from July 1, 2025
The Union cabinet approved a 3% increase in dearness allowance and dearness relief for 12 million central government employees and pensioners, effective July 1, 2025, aiming to spur consumption. Additionally, a ₹6,957 crore project for four-laning NH-715 in Assam was sanctioned, featuring an elevated corridor through Kaziranga National Park to protect wildlife.
How DA hike of 3% will impact central government employees and pensioners
DA Hike: The central government announced a 3% hike in DA for 33 lakh employees and DR for 66 lakh pensioners, effective July 1. This final revision under the 7th Pay Commission increases DA to 58% of basic pay, with employees receiving cumulative arrears. The 8th Pay Commission is expected in January 2026.
Cabinet approves 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas with an outlay of more than Rs 5,862 cr
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas. These schools will cater to central government employees' children. The project involves Rs 5,862.55 crore over nine years from 2026-27. This includes capital and operational expenditures. For the first time, these KVs will feature Balvatikas. Twenty KVs will open in districts lacking existing schools.
DA hike for govt employees: Cabinet okays 3% Dearness Allowance rate increase ahead of Diwali
DA Hike: The Union Cabinet approved a 3% Dearness Allowance hike, raising it to 58% for central government employees and pensioners. This significant move, aimed at combating inflation, will benefit millions and is expected to be effective from July 1, 2025, with arrears. It follows a previous 2% increase earlier in March.
Government extends UPS enrollment deadline by two months after underwhelming response
The Finance Ministry has extended the deadline for central government employees to opt for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) until November 30, 2025. This decision follows a lukewarm response and recent positive changes to UPS, which offers assured payouts and is a contributory option under NPS. The extension aims to give eligible employees more time to make their choice.
DA Hike: When will Modi govt give the good news? Here’s what we know
Central Government employees and pensioners anticipate a 3% DA/DR hike to 58%, expected in October 2025, effective from July 1. This revision, following a 2% increase in March, offers crucial financial relief against rising prices ahead of Diwali. Concerns are mounting over the delay in its official announcement.
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