PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION
UPI sees Diwali boom; AI cracks Captcha
Diwali spending fuelled a surge in UPI transactions, with both payment volumes and values rising. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Amazon Prime Refund: $3 million for customers after lawsuit alleges company made subscription cancellations complicated; also pledges $1.5 million for consumer protection
Amazon Prime Refund: Amazon has agreed to pay $3 million to eligible Prime customers in Arizona to settle allegations that its six-step membership cancellation process made it difficult for subscribers to end their memberships. The company will also contribute $1.5 million towards consumer protection, pay $1.5 million in legal expenses and donate $1 million to food charities. Amazon has denied wrongdoing.
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.
Pharma & healthcare funds top mutual fund return charts with over 19% gains. Should investors invest now or wait for a correction?
Pharma and healthcare mutual funds have topped return charts in 2026 with over 19% gains. While strong sector growth supports the outlook, experts caution against chasing the rally and advise investors to assess valuations, risks and portfolio exposure.
Rippling steps up AI hiring in India, looks to expand enterprise push
The firm is hiring principal engineers, senior staff engineers and senior directors among others as the lab focuses on developing core components of Rippling’s global AI platform, Parandekar told ET in an exclusive interaction.
Have incorrect details in your EPF account? 5 easy steps to update name, date of birth, date of joining & more online
EPF members now have the ability to rectify discrepancies in their account records using the newly introduced online joint declaration facility. This tool enables users to update personal information, such as names and dates of birth. Once a correction request is made, it requires verification and approval from the employer before the EPFO office finalizes the process.
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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.
Ode to a compassionate algorithm: Philanthropists are backing AI for public good
From Flipkart’s Binny Bansal to Chrys Capital’s Ashish Dhawan and Karishma Sanghvi of Sun Pharma, a growing number of entrepreneurs are writing cheques for AI that can diagnose diseases, empower teachers, modernise courts and strengthen public services, betting that the technology can create social returns as significant as commercial ones.
Pune teacher sells father's land to teach 10 poor students, all clear MPSC exams; now he runs a Rs 20 crore campus in his village but still lives in a rented house
After selling his inherited house and farmland in 2005, Pune-based teacher Yajurvendra Mahajan started educating 10 underprivileged students. All cleared MPSC exams. His Deepsthamb Foundation now supports around 600 students, including persons with disabilities, orphans and transgender people, offering free education, accommodation, counselling and employment assistance.
Kotak eyes ₹4,500 crore fundraise to deepen bets on India's real estate market
Kotak Investment Advisors plans to raise ₹4,500 crore through its 16th real estate fund. This fund will focus on investments across India's real estate market, encompassing residential and commercial properties. The fund will utilize both debt and equity while targeting institutional capital to enhance liquidity for developers. It aims to conduct multiple transactions primarily in major cities and select tier-II locations.
EPFO total contributions expected to rise by 25% in 2027-28 due to wage ceiling increase
EPFO is forecasting a major increase in its total contributions for the financial year 2027-28. The wage ceiling has been raised to ₹25,000 from ₹15,000, effective September 17. Total contributions for the current year are estimated to exceed previous budgeted amounts significantly. Additionally, the board will consider investing up to 3% in alternative investment funds.
Alivus Life Sciences block deal: Promoter Nirma sells over 28 lakh shares worth Rs 390 crore; Norges Bank, Helios MF among buyers
Nirma sold 28.46 lakh Alivus Life Sciences shares worth Rs 390 crore through a block deal at Rs 1,370 apiece. Norges Bank, Bandhan MF and others bought shares as Alivus reported strong Q2FY27 earnings growth.
Jailed Malaysian ex-PM Najib pays fine, meeting condition for house arrest
Jailed Malaysian former prime minister Najib Razak paid a $12 million fine Friday, allowing him to serve the rest of his sentence under house arrest, his party said. Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim had granted Najib the conditional pardon in September, allowing him to serve out the rest of his prison sentence under house arrest provided he pay the fine.
"Allegation is baseless...no evidence provided": CJP's Saurav Das hits back at Jitendra Singh over foreign funding claims
The escalating war of words followed statements by Union MoS Jitendra Singh, who alleged that CJP activists are being funded by unauthorised foreign sources, deep state operatives, and anti-India organisations operating within and outside the country.
A couple helped fund a new hospital for rescued wildlife in Thailand; it opened in December 2025 to provide emergency treatment and ongoing care
A newly established wildlife hospital in Thailand aims to enhance medical care for rescued animals facing injuries and threats from exploitation or illegal wildlife trade. This state-of-the-art facility will cater to various needs, including emergency treatments and rehabilitation. Long-term care is also available for animals that cannot return to their natural habitat, highlighting the importance of ongoing funding to sustain its vital operations.
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.
Gold retailers' revenue to rise up to 23% as volume decline moderates this fiscal: Crisil
India's organised gold jewellery retailers are expected to see a slower decline in sales volumes this fiscal, with revenue projected to grow 21-23 per cent despite elevated gold prices, while their credit profiles are likely to remain resilient on the back of healthy cash flows and controlled expansion, according to Crisil Ratings.
Bank account frozen suddenly? Check why it happened, how to unfreeze it and recover your money
For individuals affected by the freezing of their bank accounts due to untraceable money sources, remedy is available via the Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) and the Money Restoration Module (MRM). Users can contest any debit freezes by filing official complaints through GRM. Meanwhile, MRM aids in reclaiming disputed funds after thorough verification.
Canva layoffs: Affected staffers to get 6 months’ pay, a MacBook, and $10,000 to start up
Canva has announced significant changes that will impact around 1,271 team members, driven by a downturn in revenue growth. To improve project management and empower decision-making, teams will be consolidated. From January, employees will need to work in the office two to three times a week. A support package will provide generous severance, healthcare benefits, and career assistance, alongside a grant program to help exiting employees pursue new career paths.
Canva layoffs severance package: From six months’ salary, $10,000 grants to MacBooks, here’s what company has promised affected employees following a 22% workforce reduction
Canva layoff news: Canva Group has announced plans to lay off approximately 1,271 employees as part of a major restructuring effort. The company aims to consolidate its teams to enhance operational efficiency and clarify ownership. Employees affected by the layoffs will receive a generous severance package, which includes financial support for their future endeavors. Canva will require some staff to relocate to Sydney, where product teams will be centralized.
Canva to cut about 22% of staff as growth slowdown triggers restructuring
Australian graphic design platform Canva Group said on Wednesday it would cut 1,271 jobs, or about 22% of its workforce, as part of a restructuring after growth slowed for the first time in a decade.
EPFO WhatsApp Service: How to check PF balance, view transaction history and download passbook easily; here's how
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a convenient WhatsApp service to enhance member access to their provident fund details. This innovation enables users to effortlessly check their EPF balance and examine transaction histories. Additionally, members can obtain their passbook directly via WhatsApp following a verification step. Launched by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, this initiative aims to simplify service access for all members.
How Jeff Bezos’ $5 million grant helped 6,000 homeless families find a safe home including a five-year-old daughter and her struggling mother
Mary's Place, a nonprofit located in Seattle, plays a crucial role in helping homeless families by providing emergency shelter and housing support. Following a generous $5 million grant received in 2020, the organization has aided thousands in securing stable homes. The ongoing demand, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, led Mary’s Place to broaden its services, including a new pilot program aimed at families with complex needs.
EPFO’s WhatsApp service: You can check EPF balance, view last 5 transactions and download passbook by sending message
The launch of the EPFO WhatsApp service was announced by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. This new feature empowers subscribers to easily check their EPF balance, view the latest transactions, and download passbook details. Moreover, the initiative addresses automatic settlements for dormant accounts, benefiting around one lakh users whose balance falls under Rs 1,000, thereby simplifying processes and minimizing the necessity for in-person visits.
US midterm elections 2026: Inside the $11.6 billion money war for Senate control as battleground races heat up
Campaign spending for the US Senate elections in 2026 is expected to surpass $11.6 billion. Both Democrats and Republicans are strategically investing in key battleground states to influence outcomes. The races in Texas and several Republican-held states are drawing significant financial resources from political action committees and wealthy donors. While increased spending can enhance visibility, it does not guarantee voter support or electoral success.
Has EPFO extended ECR filing deadline from October 31, 2026? What employers need to know
Employers must file the Electronic Challan-cum-Return for September 2026 by October 31, 2026. The EPFO extended the previous deadline to accommodate changes in contribution calculations due to the new wage ceiling. For the period of September 1 to 16, contributions are calculated at Rs 15,000, while from September 17 onward, they will be at Rs 25,000.
Is EPFO set to invest in startups, AIFs? Report says provident fund body is working on guidelines
Employees' Provident Fund Organisation plans to establish rules for investments in alternative investment funds. The organization is considering allocating up to 3% of new annual accretions to AIFs for diverse investments.
EPFO plans to invest in startups, AIFs five years after govt approval
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation is working on guidelines for investing in alternative investment funds for better portfolio diversification. The proposed allocation could be up to 3% of fresh annual accretions to these funds. This decision follows recommendations for EPFO's participation in the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0. Proposed safeguards will include limits on individual fund exposures and minimum corpus requirements.
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