MATERNITY BENEFITS
Bengaluru woman takes her 3.5-year-old son to bank to mark end of Rs 43 lakh debt; recounts journey from year without income to building her own coaching practice
Bengaluru-based Arpitha Rao has repaid her Rs 43 lakh education loan after eight years, navigating career setbacks, financial hurdles and motherhood along the way. To mark the achievement, she took her three-and-a-half-year-old son to the bank, hoping to teach him the value of financial independence and taking responsibility for one's future.
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.
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.
In 1990, a Texas family donated a cave to protect its bats; today, about 4 million female bats use it as a nursery each summer
A Texas family's vision for conservation transformed their cave into the Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve in 1990, eschewing fertilizer extraction. Annually, about 4 million female Mexican free-tailed bats find refuge here, utilizing the site as their maternity colony during the crucial breeding season from May to September. Dedicated research and management initiatives strive to protect this critical habitat and deepen understanding of bat population dynamics.
Low vitamin C intake during pregnancy linked with negative emotions in infants: Study
Mothers with lower vitamin C intake during pregnancy were more likely to have fussy infants at six months. Supplemental vitamin C intake can mediate these negative emotions and support healthy brain development. The study analyzed data from over 300 pregnant women, focusing on nutrition and maternal mental health. Researchers suggest that this nutritional change is easily modifiable and can benefit families significantly.
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.
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Most wanted stocks 2026: 6 stocks mutual funds are buying even as markets slump
Stock market investors are growing wary as prices continue to drop amid broader economic issues. Nevertheless, mutual fund managers are optimistic, identifying many investment opportunities during this downturn. The article identifies six stocks that have seen a rise in mutual fund investments, showcasing their resilience and growth potential during tough times. This analysis offers investors valuable insights to enhance their future strategies.

Woman joins contractual role for short-term, employer doesn't pay three months salary for taking maternity leave, High Court orders temporary employees should receive that benefit too
Chhattisgarh High Court has held that a woman working as a guest lecturer cannot be denied maternity leave salary merely because she is not a regular employee. Justice Bibhu Datta Guru directed the State authorities to decide Pushpa Jaiswal's claim for unpaid maternity salary, preferably within three months.

'I am so torn on what to do': Microsoft employee returning from maternity leave offered voluntary exit, turns to internet for advice
A Microsoft employee in Canada says she was offered a voluntary exit package worth around 10 months of pay just before her maternity leave ends. With nearly a decade at the company, plans for another child and concerns about layoffs and remote job opportunities, she sought advice online. Respondents discussed severance, savings, job searches and the risks of staying.

Eyes now on Viksit, net zero later: Can India achieve high-income status by 2047 without compromising on climate promises?
India aims to achieve a high-income economy status by 2047, requiring substantial economic growth and investment. However, ambitious climate goals may impose significant financial burdens that could jeopardize this progress. Investment requirements for achieving carbon neutrality by 2070 could cost India approximately $8.1 trillion, equivalent to a large percentage of GDP. Reports suggest that climate policies might divert funds from essential services like education and healthcare.

Horoscope Today, October 15, 2026: Scorpio Moon Puts Career, Money and Relationships Under the Spotlight
Horoscope Today, October 15, 2026, brings career, money, love and personal guidance for all 12 zodiac signs. The Scorpio Moon highlights emotional awareness and careful decisions, while Shardiya Navratri Day 5 honours Maa Skandamata. Discover each sign's main opportunity, what to approach cautiously and the practical action to prioritise as you navigate Thursday's responsibilities and relationships.

Office critical illness cover: How well does it protect employees and their families?
The distinction matters for how HR teams design the benefit. A fixed benefit CI policy addresses income replacement and non medical costs that a health insurance policy does not cover, e.g. months of lost salary and family support during recovery. An indemnity CI policy addresses treatment cost coverage for critical conditions specifically.

Wall Street’s $10 billion India hospital bet sparks a fight over bills
Wall Street has poured about $10 billion into Indian hospital chains over the past five years, with investors including Blackstone, KKR, TPG and General Atlantic betting on India’s huge shortage of hospital beds and rising demand for specialised care.

Karnataka gig workers seek implementation of welfare schemes
In a letter to the board’s chief executive officer, Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT) and Karnataka App-based Workers Union (KAWU) sought immediate rollout of health and accident insurance, income support during medical emergencies and temporary disablement, maternity benefits, scholarships for children of platform workers and an emergency distress fund.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay launches 1-gram gold ring scheme for newborns; ₹755.83 crore earmarked
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has unveiled the Maternal Uncle Gold Ring Scheme, granting a one-gram gold ring to babies born on or after June 22, 2026. This innovative program, part of Vijay's electoral commitment, is backed by an allocation of ₹755.83 crore. The launch ceremony held in Madurai highlights the government's dedication to welfare initiatives.

Tamil Nadu gold ring scheme for babies: Who is eligible, how to avail benefits and other key details
Tamil Nadu gold ring scheme news: On Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay will launch a one-gram gold ring scheme for newborns. This initiative aims to honor motherhood and promote women’s health while encouraging institutional deliveries. Eligible mothers, who are permanent residents of Tamil Nadu and registered under the relevant programs, will receive the gold rings. Distribution will start on September 28, with a focus on public healthcare trust.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to launch 1-gram gold ring scheme for newborns on Monday, Sept 28
On September 28, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay will inaugurate a one-gram gold ring scheme for newborns. The scheme, named Thaimaaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, has 1.28 lakh rings ready for distribution. Newborns born after June 22 will benefit from this initiative if mothers register under the state's monitoring system. The government allocated Rs 755.83 crore to provide nearly 4.41 lakh rings annually.

Himachal Pradesh government to provide Rs 1,000 monthly pocket money to widows' children in 19-27 age group: CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Himachal Pradesh is set to enhance financial support for older children of single mothers through the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, now extending coverage to those aged nineteen to twenty-seven. With over twenty-one thousand beneficiaries, this initiative aims to empower youth. Additionally, plans include facilitating international opportunities for outstanding students and constructing childcare institutions along with a unique village complex.

Why women's financial protection must evolve
India has made major strides in women’s financial participation, with rising workforce participation, bank-account ownership and entrepreneurship, but a wide protection gap remains in insurance. Women still account for only about a third of individual life insurance ownership and under a third of health insurance proposers, highlighting the need for products that better reflect longer lifespans, career breaks, caregiving and changing financial responsibilities.

UP govt steps up outreach to key voter groups ahead of 2027 Assembly polls
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s government has announced a series of measures benefiting Panchayat Sahayaks, farmers, ex-servicemen, former Agniveers, ration dealers, lawyers and fishermen ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls. The measures include higher honorariums, job-related benefits, concessional loans, reservation, healthcare support and other welfare measures.

WHO chief meets JP Nadda, praises India's health gains in maternal, child care and TB fight
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised India's health sector progress. He highlighted advancements in maternal and child health initiatives. India's Ayushman Arogya Mandirs bring health screenings closer to communities. ASHA workers support mothers and children from conception through adolescence. Discussions also covered India's efforts to end tuberculosis and strengthen regulations.

CA manager with Rs 2.6 lakh salary returns after maternity leave on same pay but was given less responsibilites; court orders Rs 10 lakh compensation
Delhi High Court ruled maternity protection includes job responsibilities and career prospects. A Chartered Accountant Rakhi Bisht's role was reduced after maternity leave. The court stated employers must restore women to their original positions. If not possible, an equivalent alternative role is mandatory. The court awarded Bisht compensation and directed broader maternity safeguard rules.

Woman went on maternity leave as a manager returned to a find a clerk role waiting for her and her team gone; Court orders employer to pay her Rs 10 lakh
Delhi High Court has ordered HashiCorp to pay Rs 10 lakh compensation to Rakhi Bisht, a Chartered Accountant who returned from maternity leave in 2024 to find her managerial role and reporting team gone, and was instead placed in a clerical-level treasury job. The court held that maternity protection under law covers a woman's actual duties and authority, not just her salary and title, and has directed the Centre to frame a national implementation framework within six months.

Maternity can't be allowed to become reason of ignominy at workplace: Delhi HC
The Delhi High Court has established that maternity leave is crucial for safeguarding a woman's professional standing and opportunities for career advancement. In a landmark ruling, a chartered accountant was awarded ten lakh rupees in compensation. The court also instructed the Centre to develop regulations for reintegrating women into the workplace after maternity leave, emphasizing necessary accommodations and role protection within six months.

Maternity cover in group health insurance plans: Why outdated limits leave employees paying more out of pocket
One of the biggest advantages of a group policy is the waiver of the maternity waiting period. In individual policies, maternity typically comes with a waiting period of up to three years. In group insurance, this period is usually waived. This allows the employees to claim for themselves or their spouses almost immediately after joining.

How much salary do women get on maternity leave - full salary or basic?
Maternity Leave in India: Not many women know the benefits they get under the Maternity Benefit Act. This includes the maximum number of paid leave allowed, when the maternity leave starts, circumstances on when it can be extended, salary benefits and so on. Read the article to know the benefits guaranteed to a woman under the Maternity laws.

Government to conduct survey on maternity benefit scheme to find its efficacy
The scheme, which aims to provide partial compensation for wage loss to women during pregnancy and a cash incentive of Rs 6,000, has so far reached 4.8 million beneficiaries.

NCW sees spurt in complaints of maternity benefits being denied
Maternity Benefits Act states, any organisation with 50 or more employees must have a creche or day-care centre to help women get back to their jobs after childbirth.

Maternity benefit also covers those already on leave: Labour Ministry
The Labour Ministry today clarified that the employees already on maternity leave will be eligible for enhanced paid leave under the amended Maternity Benefit Act, which came into force on April 1.
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