RETAINING EMPLOYEES
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.
Fairfax's Rs 52,878-crore IDBI Bank deal sets stage for a financial services powerhouse
Fairfax Financial Holdings has successfully acquired a controlling stake in IDBI Bank for Rs 52,878 crore. The investment aims to redefine IDBI Bank as a comprehensive financial services provider in India and abroad. Fairfax plans to integrate its existing insurance and capital market businesses into IDBI Bank to enhance its offerings. The acquisition reflects Fairfax's strategy of leveraging IDBI Bank's infrastructure for greater market competitiveness.
Can I withdraw my EPF to repay home loan principal; will I have to pay tax on it?
ET Wealth Reader's Query: Can I withdraw my Provident Fund to repay my home loan principal? Will I have to pay taxes on PF withdrawal? How long can I retain the money in my EPF account and continue earning interest—up to three years from the date of my last contribution or until I turn 58?
Govt raises price cap for electronic devices to Rs 1.8 lakh for officers; personal retention rights after 4 yrs
The Centre has raised the purchase ceiling for laptops, tablets and similar devices for eligible government officers to ₹1.5 lakh plus taxes, or ₹1.8 lakh for devices with more than 40% Make-in-India content. Officers in Pay Level 12 and above will be eligible, while departments can extend coverage to some lower pay levels, and employees may retain the devices after four years of use.
Indonesia tightens scrutiny of language training for foreign workers, plans mandatory proficiency test from February 2027
Indonesia is increasing scrutiny of employers' compliance with mandatory Indonesian language training for foreign workers, although work permit application procedures remain unchanged. Employers must facilitate language education for non-exempt foreign employees, either through in-house programmes or approved institutions. While proof of training completion is not currently required with work permit applications, officials may question workers about their training during permit renewals.
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.
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Jensen Huang addresses infidelity in meeting with staff, keeps to business as usual amidst 'spy scandal': Report
Huang was also in the office on Tuesday, and attended meetings even as the company prepares for its quarterly earnings report.
Nvidia faces deepening scrutiny over China chip ties, CEO affair
The market value of Nvidia has plummeted following troubling accusations against CEO Jensen Huang, linked to his association with Alice Huang, who faces espionage allegations. The FBI is currently investigating whether foreign intelligence agencies have targeted Huang due to this connection. In response, Nvidia's board has begun an internal review to mitigate potential threats, highlighting vital concerns about the company's security measures and governance structure.
Jensen Huang probe: Who will investigate Nvidia CEO? AI giant announces officials
Nvidia co-founder owns 3.6 per cent of Nvidia's stock and has dozens of direct reports, suggesting a tight grip on the company.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang-Alice Huang affair controversy: Tech billionaire's biggest strength could also save his job; the 1958 psychological theory explained
Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang has publicly admitted to an extramarital affair with an alleged Chinese spy Alice Huang, prompting discussions about his capacity to lead. Tech billionaire Jensen Huang faces mounting pressure as the company has launched an investigation. But his 33-year track record and a 1958 psychological theory help him retain his job.
AI is entering the boardroom, warehouse, and checkout. Are businesses ready?
The AI Business Transformation Masterclass & Awards 2026 at IIM Bangalore will focus on integrating AI into businesses on 19 November. The program features sessions on enterprise AI frameworks, real-world use cases, and discussions on Agentic AI in finance, physical AI applications, and contextual commerce, culminating in the ET Most Innovative AI Product Awards.
Is your HR strategy creating measurable impact? This could be the time to get it recognised
The Economic Times HR Excellence Awards 2027 shine a light on exemplary HR practices within various organizations, teams, and leaders. Encompassing 42 categories, the awards highlight significant accomplishments in realms like HR transformation, talent acquisition, employee experience, and workplace culture, showcasing how effective people strategies can directly enhance business performance.
AI could eliminate up to 70% of manual risk tasks in banks, free capacity for strategic roles: McKinsey
McKinsey said banks could reinvest half of the capacity released through automation into stronger analytical capabilities, strategic risk advisory and faster portfolio decisions. The remaining capacity could be directed towards specialised AI engineering, data governance and platform development.
Between the chip and the slip: Honeytrap suspicions further sours ties between US and China
Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang is being investigated for having an alleged affair with a potential Chinese intelligence agent. This individual reportedly sought to gather information about Nvidia's advanced technology. Nvidia's board has launched an independent probe to examine the allegations against Huang. US lawmakers are demanding a briefing on the matter amid heightened concerns over national security.
Human, all too human: More than whether Jensen Huang can survive the scandal, can Nvidia survive Jensen Huang?
Nvidia's co-founder Jensen Huang has acknowledged an extramarital affair which has raised security concerns. He reportedly engaged with a Chinese businesswoman who may have influenced his lobbying efforts. Nvidia has initiated an independent investigation regarding these allegations and their implications. Although personal scandals might impact reputation, Huang's leadership is currently deemed important for the company's future. Nvidia's board maintains confidence in Huang as they navigate this challenging situation.
Microsoft reports $36 billion quaterly profit, employees complain salary raises below 1%, describe workplace as 'joyless and demoralizing' after 60,000 people receive buyout offers
Microsoft reported a 32% jump in quarterly profit to $36.6 billion but its employees complain of salary increases below 1%, rising workloads and pressure to use AI tools. An open letter describes the workplace as “joyless and demoralizing” following voluntary buyout offers to around 60,000 employees across four countries.
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.
Rs 35 to Rs 111 crore: Udupi boy who washed utensils in Mumbai at 13, now owns 15 restaurants
From arriving in Mumbai with just Rs 35 at the age of 13 to building a restaurant business with Rs 111.45 crore in annual revenue, Narayan T Pujari's journey is remarkable. The Karnataka native once washed utensils and cleaned floors to survive. Today, his Shiv Sagar brand operates around 15 restaurants across India.
8th Pay Commission: Rs 69,000 minimum pay, 40% HRA, 67% pension; 5 key NC-JCM demands and their impact on payouts
The National Council of the Joint Consultative Machinery has submitted essential recommendations to the 8th Pay Commission that could impact central government employees. Key proposals include a significant increase in minimum pay, pension, and annual increments. The council also suggests revising house rent allowance rates and allowing leave encashment for up to 600 days. If implemented, these changes could benefit over one crore employees and pensioners financially.
Centre supports plea to deny perks to high office holders who quit to avoid removal
The Centre has expressed support for a public interest litigation regarding constitutional functionaries and their resignation benefits. The petition aims to prevent these functionaries from retaining perks upon resigning to evade removal proceedings. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta indicated the government would respond to the petition. The plea also argues that such provisions are arbitrary and violate constitutional rights. This legal action highlights the importance of accountability among high constitutional offices.
US midterm elections: What a Democratic Congress could mean for Indian H-1B visa holders
The potential shift towards a Democratic majority in Congress may reshape the discourse on immigration law. Nevertheless, specialists indicate that immediate adjustments for Indian tech workers concerning H-1B visas are improbable. The lingering impact of the previous administration on immigration policy remains prominent.
Lenskart outlines roadmap for 25% Ebitda margin, says growth will take priority
In its shareholders' letter for the July-September quarter, the company said its strategy centred on controlling the entire value chain, from manufacturing frames and lenses to selling products directly to consumers, allowing it to retain margins otherwise distributed among suppliers and retailers.
Who won in Massachusetts? And all you need to know about Mass ballot questions 2026 results on gun-control, marijuana repeal and more
On November 3, 2026, Massachusetts voters elected all Democratic representatives to the US House of Representatives. Incumbent Democrat Ed Markey retained his Senate seat against Republican John Deaton in a contested race. Voters approved several key ballot measures, such as expanding public records and same-day voter registration. However, proposals for all-party primaries and marijuana repeal were soundly rejected.
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.
US midterm election results: Indian-origin US Congressman Ro Khanna wins California election, backs H-1B visa reform and immigrant rights
In a resounding victory, Congressman Ro Khanna, of Indian descent, has been re-elected in California's 17th District, garnering an impressive 72 per cent of the votes cast against his Republican opponent, Ritesh Tandon. As a notable progressive figure in Congress, Khanna is a fierce advocate for immigrant rights and champions reforms in the tech sector.
Law firms draft special teams to help GCCs navigate India terrain
Multinational companies expanding their global capability centres in India may face multiple regulatory and operational challenges going forward. Law firms are forming specialist teams to help these companies navigate complex issues including employment laws and data localisation.
Is Election Day a federal holiday? Check states, companies that will give time offs to employees on Tuesday voting day for US Midterm elections 2026
Election Day a federal holiday? Election Day in the US generally falls between November 2 and November 8, depending on the year. The next Presidential Elections will be held on November 7, 2028.
Your boss may soon know what you’re asking Claude to do at work
Claude’s parent Anthropic has rolled out a new feature for its enterprise customers that gives administrators a window into how their teams use Claude, the work they produce with it and how much they spend on the AI tool.
87% of India CEOs confident of growth despite cyber, geopolitical risks: KPMG
Nearly 87% of Indian CEOs are confident about their companies' growth prospects in the next three years. They are increasing investments in cybersecurity to mitigate risks associated with growing threats. Attracting and retaining employees remains a major challenge along with skill gaps. Additionally, 66% of CEOs say sustainability is integrated into core strategies for future growth.
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