DELHI GOVERNMENT GIG WORKERS WELFARE

Rahul Gandhi announces Telangana’s gig worker welfare package, details insurance & payment benefits

Telangana to provide gig workers Rs 5 lakh accident cover, Rs 10 lakh health insurance: Rahul Gandhi

Telangana has announced a new welfare scheme aimed at supporting gig workers in the state. The initiative includes accident insurance amounting to Rs 5 lakh and health insurance of Rs 10 lakh. Workers will receive 1% of each transaction for their deliveries directly into their bank accounts. This payment will be facilitated through a dedicated gig workers' board.

Congress believes in making workers partners, will stand by gig workers: Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad

Congress and Telangana government have launched the Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme in Hyderabad. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi emphasized the importance of data rights for gig workers during the event. He noted that workers currently lack access to their work-related information from digital platforms. Additionally, he addressed the challenging working conditions faced by gig workers while promising improvements.

MeitY examines data collection by home services platforms for physical AI training

The consultation comes amid growing interest among AI and robotics developers in first-person video and sensor data, which can help train machines to understand and replicate human actions in real-world environments. Such recordings capture how people perform routine activities, providing training inputs for robots designed to undertake physical tasks.

MeitY probes physical AI data use; Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigns

MeitY is reviewing the practice of collecting first-person video and sensor data from gig workers to train physical AI models. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.

Gold worth 9 million euros found inside cellar wall: 18-year-old student digging sewage pipes stumbles upon 49 gold bars & thousands of coins in Belgium

Construction workers in Belgium, including an 18-year-old student, discovered around 50 gold bars and thousands of gold coins worth an estimated 9 million euros (nearly Rs 99 crore) hidden behind a cellar wall. Found during a sewer installation project in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, the treasure has triggered an investigation into its origins and ownership.

India gets quota of 1.75 lakh pilgrims under Saudi Arabia's Haj 2027 agreement

India and Saudi Arabia signed the Haj agreement for 2027, permitting 1,75,025 Indian pilgrims to participate. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met with Saudi Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah to establish the agreement. Discussions also included enhancing cooperation for pilgrims' welfare and logistical support in the upcoming pilgrimage. The Haj quota for India has gradually increased, reflecting the growing number of pilgrims.

Amit Shah sets 65-seat target for BJP in Uttarakhand, calls for third consecutive term

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a target of more than 65 seats for the BJP in Uttarakhand's 70-member Assembly, urging party workers to secure a third consecutive term. At a rally marking the state's 26th Foundation Day, he also targeted Congress over alleged encroachments and Rahul Gandhi's 'Vote Bachao Yatra'.

Aadhaar App: 300 organisations adopt offline verification system; users can verify identity without photocopies

In a significant move, UIDAI has rolled out its offline verification service to incorporate 300 organizations spanning diverse sectors like hospitality, healthcare, education, and consumer services. This initiative enables users to validate their identities through the Aadhaar App, which boasts upgraded security features. Consequently, the requirement for physical Aadhaar cards during transactions is eliminated, showcasing the increasing importance of Aadhaar in routine transactions, extending well beyond governmental functionality.

Centre releases Rs 1.09 lakh crore to states five days early, UP gets biggest share

The Centre has released Rs 1.09 lakh crore to state governments as tax devolution, advancing the November instalment by five days to support capital expenditure and welfare commitments. Uttar Pradesh received the largest allocation at Rs 19,208 crore, followed by Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. November's total transfer stands at Rs 2.18 lakh crore.

Welfare pay can't be voter ID-linked

Union panchayati raj minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced plans to replace Aadhaar with voter ID numbers for welfare programs. This change would shift the basis for beneficiary identification and payment processing. Critics argue that voter ID is not a universal form of identification and is tied to electoral registration. The proposed switch raises concerns about access for those not on electoral rolls.

Oman tightens expat worker recruitment rules from January 2027; agencies must provide insurance, refunds

Effective January 1, 2027, Oman is set to enforce new, tougher rules for hiring expatriate workers, which will necessitate insurance coverage and adherence to recruitment timelines. Recruitment agencies will shoulder increased financial duties, including the possibility of refunds for employers.

UP 2027 polls extremely crucial for poor, exploited Dalits: Mayawati

Mayawati emphasized the critical role of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections for both the Bahujan Samaj and the upper-caste. She criticized the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and BJP for inadequately addressing the needs of marginalized groups. The meeting was geared towards strategizing for victory and tackling pivotal issues like poverty and unemployment, reflecting her dedication to the principles laid out by B R Ambedkar.

Voter ID to replace Aadhaar for welfare schemes and benefits? BJP government's plan sparks row

The Centre plans to require voter ID numbers and biometric authentication for welfare benefits. This proposal has sparked criticism from the CPI(M), which claims it could exclude vulnerable individuals from essential government schemes. Critics argue that many rural residents lack access to necessary technology, thereby hindering their ability to receive benefits.

Lenskart, Nykaa, PhysicsWallah see Q2 profits surge

New-age companies Nykaa, Lenskart, and PhysicsWallah reported strong numbers for the September quarter. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.

Gig workers may get social security benefits through 2% transaction levy on businesses

The government is considering implementing a 2% transaction-based levy on aggregators to support social security for gig workers. This levy will fund benefits such as insurance, health, and maternity support for over 12 million workers. There is a consensus that this approach ensures fairness among different types of aggregators. The new scheme is expected to be launched in 2027, requiring gig workers to meet specific work criteria.

ETtech Explainer: Food delivery, ride-hailing firms differ on gig worker welfare levy calculation

Food delivery and quick-commerce companies such as Zomato and Swiggy are seeking a levy based on the value of transactions facilitated through their platforms, while cab and bike-taxi aggregators such as Uber and Rapido want it to be calculated on their own turnover rather than the total value of rides facilitated.

Premji's deeptech bets; Razorpay gets IPO nod

Happy Thursday! Premji Invest is stepping up its bets on defence and aerospace manufacturing.This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.

Centre sets up social security board to frame welfare schemes for gig workers

In a significant move, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has initiated the National Social Security Board, designed to improve welfare for unorganised and gig economy workers. This board will advise on the rollout and supervision of important social security programs. Scheduled to meet three times annually, it will also manage policy discussions and oversee the financial aspects of the Social Security Code.

Bangladesh garment factories reopen as wage protests keep industry on edge

Bangladesh's garment factories reopened on Monday after widespread closures and production disruptions a day earlier, but manufacturers remain concerned about further unrest over workers' demands for higher wages.

Delhi govt mandates registration of domestic help agencies; Rs 50,000 fine for violations

The Delhi government has mandated registration for all private placement agencies providing domestic help services. Agencies must register within 15 days and complete police verification for workers. A penalty of Rs 50,000 will be imposed for non-compliance with these regulations. Employers are advised to verify agency registrations and insist on police checks before hiring. The measures aim to prevent exploitation of domestic workers and ensure fair working conditions.

Amit Shah lays out UP poll agenda: UCC and Hindutva

Amit Shah praised CM Yogi Adityanath's law-and-order record and implementation of central welfare schemes, amid speculation over differences between the state leadership and the BJP's central leadership. Addressing BJP's state executive meeting in Lucknow, Shah asked party workers to put aside all doubts and distractions and focus single-mindedly on the party's victory.

Gig workers get a seat at the table as Centre notifies social security boards

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified the National Social Security Board for unorganised workers and gig workers. This board will enable the implementation of welfare schemes designed to address social security gaps. It will include representatives from government, companies, and civil society to ensure diverse input. The board is expected to meet regularly to discuss policies affecting these workers.