LABOUR MINISTRY
Five sectors account for 83% of India's record October merchandise export surge: Report
Exports from the five sectors - engineering goods, petroleum products, electronic goods, gems and jewellery, and organic and inorganic chemicals - increased 59.4 per cent to USD 34.37 billion in October, compared with USD 21.56 billion in the corresponding month last year.
US assures India of tariff edge over competitors in trade pact
India and the US are working to finalize an interim trade deal by the end of this financial year. Ongoing negotiations focus on tariff advantages and customs issues as outlined in the agreement. New Delhi will uphold concessions on Scotch whiskey in its trade relationship with London. Concerns have been raised over high import duties on bulk Scotch at Indian ports despite reductions proposed in the trade pact.
Higher EPS pension: PMO examined higher pension matter and Rajya Sabha committee asked for report, says MP Gopchade
As of now, approximately 1.5 lakh applications for higher EPS pensions have been processed by the EPFO. A high-level PMO meeting is currently evaluating pending EPS pension cases in relation to ongoing Supreme Court petitions. MP Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade raised concerns about uniformity in EPS pension implementation during a recent Rajya Sabha session. The National Confederation of Pensioners’ Associations is advocating for swift actions on long-standing higher EPS pension cases.
Central government sets Rs 1.5 lakh laptop price limit for employees; Rs 1.8 lakh for Make-in-India devices
The central government has issued new guidelines allowing officers in Pay Levels 8 and above to buy laptops for their official duties. Eligible officers can invest up to Rs 1,50,000, or Rs 1,80,000 for Make-in-India devices. After four years, these laptops can be kept, provided that all data is erased prior. In case of transfers or retirements, officers can retain laptops by settling the book value.
8th Pay Commission: High fitment factor vs high increment rate; how salaries of Level 5-7 employees may change over 10 years
8th Pay Commission calculator: The growth of central government employees' salaries heavily relies on fitment factors and annual increment rates. Various organizations have proposed differing fitment factors and increment rates for the 8th Pay Commission. Salary estimates reveal the potential financial impacts for Level 5-7 employees based on varying conditions. A high increment rate could potentially close the salary gap over time compared to a high fitment factor.
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.
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Higher EPS pension: Pensioners request Labour Ministry to withdraw EPFO circular rejecting exempted employees' higher pension claims
The National Confederation of Pensioners' Associations has requested the Labour Ministry's urgent intervention in pending pension cases. They seek to withdraw a circular from January 2025 that affects higher EPS pension eligibility. The NCPA emphasizes eliminating discrimination between exempted and unexempted establishments regarding pension rights. They have proposed several recommendations to streamline the processing of pension applications and address delays.
India's unemployment rate falls to 5.1% in July-September as rural joblessness declines
India's unemployment rate saw a decline to 5.1% from 5.4% in the prior quarter. The decrease in unemployment primarily occurred in rural areas, where it fell to 4.3%. The survey indicated that more individuals were either working or seeking jobs during this period. Women's employment participation also improved, rising to 34.7% from 33.2%. The overall employment figure reached approximately 57.9 crore individuals in India.
EPFO’s November 19 meeting to be held in New Delhi: Can EPFO increase minimum EPS pension from Rs 1,000?
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation is gearing up for its 240th Central Board of Trustees assembly, scheduled for November 19, 2026, in New Delhi. However, official confirmation from the government about these proposed changes is still pending, even as calls for enhanced pension benefits persist.
China’s high-tech ports push raises global trade ambitions, sparks security concerns
China is expanding its global maritime influence through AI-powered automated ports, smart shipping technologies and digital infrastructure. While these innovations promise greater efficiency, Western governments fear growing dependence on Chinese systems could create security vulnerabilities, geopolitical leverage and risks to critical global supply chains and international trade networks
7,000 snack items destroyed, 568 litres of cooking oil dumped, 32 licences suspended: Amid festive rush, FSSAI flags unsafe food practices that could put your health at risk
The Kerala Food Safety Department deployed 56 special squads to inspect food establishments across the state as part of a crackdown on unsafe cooking oil reuse. The 160 inspections resulted in the disposal of 568 litres of used cooking oil and 7,000 snack items. Authorities also suspended 32 licences and issued 23 notices for food safety violations, according to figures shared by FSSAI.
Canva laid her off during maternity leave, but she is not walking away empty-handed: Pune woman reveals benefits included in severance package
A Pune woman who was laid off by Canva while on maternity leave has shared details of the company's severance package. Shraddha Khule, who joined the design platform in 2023, said employees can retain their MacBooks and receive a one-year LinkedIn Premium subscription, career coaching, interview preparation and access to an alumni talent directory. She also recalled how Canva supported her during maternity leave.
Looking for a job? Don't pay a single rupee for registration, interviews or job offers: Labour Ministry flags fraudsters posing as NCS officials
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has warned jobseekers against fake calls, emails and fraudulent job offers claiming an association with the National Career Service (NCS). The ministry clarified that all NCS services, including registration, job applications and interview processing, are completely free. It has also shared helpline numbers 1514 and 1930 for assistance and reporting fraud.
Care comes at a cost: India's ageing population exposes a broken caregiving system
India's rapidly ageing population is driving demand for caregivers, but the sector faces a shortage of trained workers, low wages, poor working conditions and uneven recruitment standards. High costs burden families, while inadequate training and job security undermine care quality. Experts call for professional recognition, better pay and structured training.
Sonam Wangchuk appeals to President Murmu, alleges smear campaign by Ladakh administration
Sonam Wangchuk has expressed concerns to President Droupadi Murmu regarding administrative actions affecting critics in Ladakh. He alleges that a smear campaign is being orchestrated by the Lieutenant Governor's administration against him and others. The appeal follows the cancellation of the land lease for the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh, which he co-founded.
Waste to wealth: Centre earns over Rs 970 crore from disposal of scrap
Inspired by the vision and direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and under the guidance of Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh, the Special Campaign 6 for institutionalising swachhata and minimising pendency in government offices has recorded its highest-ever achievements across key parameters since the commencement of the annual special campaign in 2021, an official statement said.
Paraguayan president Santiago Pena impeached minutes after resigning following bank collapse
The 78-0 vote marked a stunning repudiation of Pena by lawmakers from his long-ruling Colorado Party, who joined the opposition in backing his impeachment after three days of demonstrations rocked the capital, Asuncion.
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.
EPFO reveals conditions to join EPF, EPS and EDLI
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has raised the Employees' Provident Fund wage ceiling to enhance participation. Employees earning between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000 will now be required to join the schemes. Those earning less than Rs 15,000 can also opt into the schemes voluntarily. This increase in ceiling may lead to higher PF contributions and, consequently, greater retirement savings.
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.
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.
Supreme Court directs Centre to set up special cell to monitor child labour law
The Supreme Court has instructed the Centre to create a special cell for monitoring child labour law implementation. This special cell is to ensure compliance with the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is responsible for issuing directions to state enforcement agencies. The court noted the importance of strict enforcement of the amended provisions of the law.
'Very sad' that 23 states, UTs not yet responded to Centre over discrimination in jails: SC
The Supreme Court has expressed disappointment regarding the lack of responses from 23 states and Union Territories. These regions have not provided the requested information about eliminating jail discrimination. The apex court previously deemed caste-based discrimination unconstitutional in jail regulations. A final opportunity has been given to these states to reply, with a hearing scheduled for January 13. The court has indicated potential consequences if responses are not received.
Karnataka seeks Rs 22,400 cr drought relief from Centre, urges early release
Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara has requested Rs 22,400.58 crore in drought relief from the Centre. He emphasizes the urgency for the Prime Minister and union ministers to approve the funds. The revised memorandum indicates that 226 taluks suffered from drought, affecting millions of hectares of crops. Parameshwara critiques the insufficient assistance rates and seeks updated data for beneficiaries.
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.
India, EU discuss FTA implementation ahead of December signing
In an effort to advance their free trade agreement, India and the European Union held pivotal discussions led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, who visited Brussels for dialogues with prominent EU officials. Central to the talks were customs cooperation and trade facilitation, deemed critical for the agreement's efficacy. Additionally, industry stakeholders from the diamond sector were engaged to harness opportunities within India's expanding market.
Mansukh Mandaviya rolls out EPFO services on WhatsApp, starts auto-settlement of small inoperative accounts
Union Labour & Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launched EPFO services through WhatsApp for easier access. Subscribers can check their PF balance and transaction history conveniently using this platform. The automatic settlement for inoperative EPF accounts was also introduced, streamlining the process for beneficiaries. In total, around one lakh accounts will benefit from this initiative. The EPFO's commitment to evolve and focus on worker-centric innovations was emphasized during the celebration.
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.
Singapore layoffs hit highest level since 2020 in third quarter
Singapore recorded 4,800 retrenchments in the third quarter of 2026, the highest level since late 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. The rise, driven by business reorganisations, came despite overall employment growth of 27,700 during the quarter. The Ministry of Manpower flagged emerging weaknesses in parts of the labour market, with more companies indicating plans to retrench employees over the next three months.
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