LABOUR CODES
Rentomojo revenue rises 53% to Rs 142 crore in Q2
The company's live subscribers rose 42.5% YoY to 3.24 lakh in Q2, while the number of live itemsincreased 44% to 10.5 lakh. Average occupancy improved to 85.9% from 85.3% a year earlier, indicating better utilisation of its furniture and appliance inventory, per its investor deck.
Tea industry groups back panel's proposal for minimum sustainable price as costs outpace prices
Five tea industry associations have welcomed the government committee's recommendation for a minimum sustainable price for tea. This recommendation aims to address rising production costs that are exceeding the prices received by producers. The proposed benchmark price is linked to wage movements and consumer price indices, which will be reviewed periodically. Producers believe this pricing mechanism will help absorb wage increases and support investment in tea production.
Canada launches free CRS calculator to help Express Entry candidates check new high-wage points
CanadaVisa has released a free online calculator for Express Entry candidates to determine their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores following the implementation of Canada's high-wage occupation changes, effective November 3, 2026. The updated calculator factors in points for qualifying high-wage Canadian work experience or job offers, alongside other CRS factors such as age, education, language skills and employment history.
Women must feel safe using cabs for worry-free career, NCW chief says: Report
The National Commission for Women has recommended strict safety measures for women using app-based cabs. These include driver background checks and emergency response systems to improve safety during rides. The growing presence of women in various sectors highlights the need for these guidelines. Rahatkar emphasises that safety concerns should not hinder women's professional growth in the workforce.
AI gains fail to cool rising staff costs at Indian IT services firms
Although artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are changing the traditional labour-intensive model of IT services, they have yet to bring down employee costs for the country’s top six IT services companies—Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, HCLTech, Wipro, Tech Mahindra and LTM (formerly LTIMindtree).
India’s IT sector needs a new talent architecture
Growing demand for AI-related services is challenging providers, as they struggle to generate significant revenue. Companies must redesign their workforce models to capture opportunities in an AI-driven market. Existing talent architectures focus on old skill sets and hierarchies, which are becoming less relevant. Investing in specialized roles and capabilities will better align with the new market demands.
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Make urban legend real: Our cities must become far more business-friendly for India to achieve high per-capita income
India's urban population has grown slowly, with a significant portion living in small rural habitations. The country requires substantial rural-urban migration to boost urbanisation and economic productivity. Urban centres must create favorable business environments to attract new and expanding enterprises. State governments should implement measures to alleviate urban land scarcity and improve labor regulations.
The business of running a hospital: Balancing profitability, patient trust and scale
A hospital’s financial health depends on more than occupancy and revenue, requiring a careful balance of cost control, cash flow and patient trust.
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.
Hospital balance sheet: How AI could cut costs and improve efficiency
As hospitals grapple with soaring costs in drugs, supplies, and labor, the integration of AI emerges as a vital necessity.
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.
India’s Arrakis problem: The price of what low-skilled workers know
Indian workers contribute valuable data for training AI systems, which is transforming how tasks are automated. As technology advances, low-cost labour is becoming a significant resource for AI development globally. Companies are increasingly relying on Indian workers for video data that demonstrates various physical tasks. This trend poses challenges regarding data ownership and the economic benefits for India.
Supreme Court to hear plea saying labour code keeps charitable hospital and welfare body workers out of labour courts
The All India Trade Union Congress in Tamil Nadu has filed a petition against the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. They argue the law excludes charitable institutions and welfare organizations from the definition of 'industry'. This exclusion denies workers in these fields access to legal protections against unfair termination and labor disputes. The Supreme Court's previous ruling established the nature of activities as the defining factor for 'industry'.
DPIIT advances trust-based governance to ease business regulations across India
The government has cut 47,957 compliance requirements across Central ministries and states to ease business operations, including 22,290 digitised, 16,141 simplified, 5,255 decriminalised and 4,271 eliminated, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said.
AI adoption rises sharply among US small businesses, but technical expertise remains key challenge: Goldman Sachs
AI adoption among rural small business owners has significantly increased, reaching 80% in 2026. Despite this growth, a lack of technical expertise is still an issue hindering deeper integration. Most users rely on low-cost generative AI tools and integrate them with existing software.
Great Eggspectations: Brown, free-range, omega-3 or protein-rich? What’s really worth paying for in an egg
India’s premium egg market is growing as health-conscious consumers pay more for free-range, cage-free and nutrient-enriched varieties. But higher prices do not always mean better nutrition. While farming practices and specialised feed can raise costs, experts say unclear labelling and limited verification make it difficult for consumers to assess what they are paying for.
How rice husks are helping protect American homes from wildfires, rot and costly repairs as builders turn farm waste into wood siding alternatives
Homeowners are considering rice husk panels as a viable alternative to conventional wood siding due to their durability. These building materials are designed to resist moisture, decay, and fire, making them suitable for various climates. Their use is already expanding in regions prone to wildfires and severe weather, showing versatility for other applications. However, initial installation costs may be higher than traditional materials, which could affect widespread adoption.
No additional EPS contribution by government on higher wage ceiling of Rs 25,000; know what it means for your pension
EPS pension: In a recent notification, the central government confirmed that the Employees' Pension Scheme contribution will remain at the current cap of Rs 15,000, despite announcing a new wage ceiling of Rs 25,000. This choice reflects findings from earlier actuarial evaluations pointing to a potential funding shortfall. Additionally, the government has promised supplementary budgetary support to ensure current pension payouts, although sustainability concerns have been voiced in Parliament.
EPFO Vishwas 2026 scheme: How penalty on employer for late PF contributions can be cut from 37% a year to 1% a month
Under the EPFO's VISHWAS, 2026 scheme, employers can settle delayed PF contribution penalties at reduced rates. This scheme allows penalties to be lowered from 37% per year to 1% per month based on the delay.
Keralam to form special committee with trade union representatives on labour codes; report due in 10 days
Keralam government is forming a special committee that will include trade union representatives to review Labour Codes. This committee will submit recommendations within ten days regarding the state's rules implementation. Chief Minister V D Satheesan emphasized the need for protecting workers' interests during the meeting. All trade unions will be invited to provide their suggestions for amendments to the draft prepared in 2021.
Pakistan's factory workers swelter in extreme heat as global brands fail on safety pledges
Workers in Karachi's garment factories face extreme heat and unsafe conditions while producing clothing for international brands. Many report health issues due to the high temperatures and lack of adequate protections from their employers. Complaints about working conditions often go ignored, leading to serious health repercussions for workers. Some companies have pledged to improve safety measures, but implementation remains insufficient.
Software majors add more hands in Q2 on deal wins, growth optimism
Data showed the top six had added a net 5,500 to their rolls in the April-June quarter. Employee data of Infosys, the country’s second-largest software exporter, isn’t included in these calculations as the company is due to announce earnings on October 23 and hasn’t shared its latest manpower data.
'Mixed feelings': AI cracks centuries-old ciphers
Napoleon Bonaparte ordered the wartime missive written in code, creating a puzzle that went unsolved for more than 200 years -- until AI cracked it in a matter of hours. Tomokiyo said that since mid-September, most of the ciphers on his list have been cracked using AI. "There remain some tough problems" which could stay an enigma for years to come, because there is less relevant data available to help AI figure them out, the 58-year-old told AFP. "I'm excited long-time problems are now solved, but on the other hand, I have mixed feelings, because AI seems to have solved these difficult problems so easily," he said.
Mark Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chan pay $57 million for 16,000-square-foot Gothic-style Strancally Castle in Ireland’s County Waterford
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan recently acquired Strancally Castle in County Waterford for over €51 million. This purchase is the highest price paid for a residential property in Ireland this year. The couple's acquisition of the estate follows 25 years of restoration work by the previous owners. Local representatives welcomed the news, hoping it will boost the region's profile.
AI job-loss fears are ‘hogwash’, says Infosys chairman Nandan Nilekani
Nandan Nilekani has expressed optimism about the impact of artificial intelligence on employment in India. He argues that while AI automates certain tasks, it will generate demand for new skills and roles. Nilekani believes the transformation of enterprises will lead to more work for companies like Infosys. He emphasizes the need for businesses to reskill their workforce and adapt to emerging technologies.
DA hike for central government employees: AIDEF urges cabinet secretary, Finance Ministry to announce DA hike soon, increase in bonus ceiling
DA hike: Central government employees and pensioners are in eager anticipation of the upcoming announcement regarding the dearness allowance and relief hike. The All India Defence Employees’ Association is urging the government to speed up this declaration. They also propose a significant increase in the performance-linked bonus ceiling, from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000.
PERMafrost without bite: Indian IT must stop treating every US rule change as a crisis to be lobbied away, fix lies elsewhere
US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling has suspended eight companies from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme, significantly impacting their operations. Companies primarily delivering services from India are affected, hindering their ability to hire foreign workers. This situation is anticipated to push Indian tech talent to consider alternatives, including returning to India. The decision may also disrupt ongoing trade discussions between the US and India regarding skilled labor mobility.
Employers face compliance hurdles as states delay notification of Labour Code rules
Ten states and union territories have formally adopted some Labour Codes, creating compliance challenges for companies. Major industrial states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have delayed notifying rules, causing confusion for employers. Inconsistencies between central and state rules complicate adherence to labour laws.
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