SALARY GROWTH
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.
Farmer's son from small Tamil Nadu village builds Rs 1.5-crore software business after quitting nine-year Chennai IT career & starting with just two laptops
Eswaran Arumugam launched his Tamil Nadu-based software venture, Yaa Creations, with just Rs 1 lakh borrowed from his brother and two laptops. The business faced several hurdles, including financial strain, disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and accumulated debt of Rs 5 lakh. However, he gradually turned things around and expanded operations. Today, the company, headquartered in Rasipuram in Namakkal district, employs 26 people, serves clients in seven countries and completed projects worth Rs 1.5 crore in 2025.
Qualcomm global recast may cost 1,000 jobs in India
The US chipmaker employs about 20,000 people in India, mainly at its engineering and design facilities in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and the National Capital Region. ET first reported in October that its global restructuring could affect 600-1,000 jobs in India.
Xiaomi eyes local partners; Electronics firms target AI infra
Xiaomi is looking for local partners as it plans to manufacture home appliances in India. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Kiley Pulley Walmart career: How a college dropout went from cashier to store manager, bought a house and earns six figures like CEO John Furner
Kiley Pulley, the youngest Walmart store manager in the US, draws parallels with that of Walmart CEO John Furner, who started his career at the retailer as a part-time hourly associate in the garden centre in 1993. Kiley Pulley, who i just 23, has brought her own house and earns a six-figure salary. Both Pulley and Furner began their Walmart journeys in entry-level positions.
Qualcomm initiates India layoffs: Here’s how much employees will get in severance
Qualcomm has begun implementing planned job cuts globally, affecting employees in India and the US (in California).
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Economic advancement can’t be judged through a single income figure, other conditions apply
India’s creamy layer debate has renewed focus on whether income alone can measure socioeconomic advancement. The Supreme Court’s March 11 judgment, upheld last Friday, said parental salary cannot be the sole criterion for determining creamy layer status among OBCs; occupational and service status must also be considered.

Jessie Bates put $150,000 into SpaceX before it went public; the stake could now be worth 10 times that, and he’s cashing out
Jessie Bates III invested $150,000 in SpaceX during its Series J funding round in 2022. The investment grew significantly after SpaceX's IPO, which valued the company at $1.77 trillion. Bates expressed that he wished he had invested more after witnessing the company's growth trajectory. His financial strategy includes various technological investments and aims for long-term wealth creation. Bates also promotes financial literacy and community support through his foundation and initiatives.

China is the world's factory but still can't give jobs to youth: Sridhar Vembu says India has a problem that is about to get worse
China's position as the world's manufacturing powerhouse has not prevented a growing employment challenge among its educated youth. Despite its massive industrial base, advanced technology capabilities and a merchandise trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion, around 70% of unemployed people in the 20-24 age group reportedly hold university degrees. Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has highlighted this contradiction, warning that India could face a similar problem.

Why a 9% personal inflation rate could change your retirement corpus calculations
Equity can fall 30-40% in a bad year, so money needed in the next few years must never sit there. A conservative investor may hold less. Few can afford to hold none: avoiding equity swaps the risk of a temporary fall for the certainty of losing purchasing power.

These large-, mid- and small-cap stocks have upside potential of up to 31% in 1 year, according to analysts
In the last two years, the world has learnt that you can never quite predict what US President Trump will do next. Tomorrow, to pull attention one way or another, there could well be some more action against Iran, changing the mood again in a single afternoon. So, the improvement in sentiment is real, but it is also fragile.
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.

Canva layoffs: CEO Melanie Perkins calls job cuts ‘hardest moment’ in company's history, says ‘deeply sorry’. Read full letter
Canva Group, recognized as a prominent Australian graphic design platform, is set to undergo significant changes with a restructuring plan that impacts its workforce. The company has announced the elimination of 1,271 jobs, representing about 22% of its total employees. After a decade of steady growth, this move aims to optimize operations.
68.4% respondents in survey plan job change in 2027; half seek 31%-plus pay hike: Survey
According to a recent survey, 68.4 percent of Indian professionals are planning to explore new job opportunities in 2027. Career growth is identified as the primary motivation for changing jobs, with high salary expectations influencing decisions as well. The report highlights that most professionals feel confident about their job prospects in the evolving job market. Many are actively engaged in upskilling, especially in AI.

Google voluntary buyouts: What's the exit package, which teams qualify and how many employees are eligible after Microsoft's similar offer?
Google Voluntary Exit Programme Details: Google has expanded its voluntary buyout programme to selected employees in five countries. The offer comes as Microsoft rolls out a similar voluntary exit scheme covering around 60,000 employees. Here's a look at Google's severance package, eligible teams and the number of employees who could opt for the offer.

Gold price correction to lift Dhanteras sentiment, but sales volumes likely to remain flat: Jewellers
The decline in gold prices is expected to boost demand this Dhanteras, All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) Chairman Rajesh Rokde told.

Beyond Equity: Jiraaf’s Saurav Ghosh on how to customise your portfolio, and the importance of bonds
An investment portfolio should be customised to one’s own needs, because there tends to be no one-size-fits-all portfolio. The idea is to ensure financial goals are realised across timelines and not just a decade or twenty years later. Jiraaf founder, Saurav Ghosh, talked about the customisation, profit margins, risk management and more when it comes to allocating a part of one’s portfolio to bonds. Read on!

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.

Middle class spending boom in India comes with growing debt bill
Consumer borrowing in India has surged significantly as access to credit has expanded across the population. Individuals like Navjot Singh illustrate the financial burdens incurred from loans that have become widespread among the populace. As interest rates increase, many consumers face a heightened risk of default on their debts. Reports show that borrowing against gold and informal loans has also intensified in recent years.

India’s professionals keen to sharpen AI skills, see productivity gains
Nearly 97% of Indian professionals are willing to develop their AI skills, while 88% expect the technology to improve productivity and efficiency, according to Michael Page India’s Candidate Pulse Report 2026, based on a survey of 3,401 professionals across 11 APAC markets, including 2,550 in India.

US Midterm Elections 2026: Could the SMARTER Act change how Indians get US Green Cards?
With the upcoming midterm elections, a new immigration proposal in Congress could reshape the future of green cards and family sponsorship, especially for Indian professionals. The SMARTER Act aims to introduce a points-based system, eliminate country-based visa limits, and restrict family immigration to closer relatives, but its success hinges on the election outcomes.

Playing in mud vs solving maths at 3: Indian man in Norway questions academic pressure on children in India
Vinod, an Indian man living in Norway, highlights the differences in child development and education between India and Norway. Norwegian children learn through exploration and problem-solving, enjoying outdoor activities without pressure. In contrast, Indian children face early academic demands and competitive pressures. This raises concerns about the long-term impact on their self-worth and happiness. Vinod suggests the need to balance educational goals with children's natural curiosity and development.

UK Budget 2026: Skilled Worker salary thresholds, Graduate visa and HPI route changes signal new immigration direction
In its 2026 Budget, the UK Government has unveiled pivotal changes to immigration policies with a focus on driving economic growth and increasing productivity. Key updates include an adjustment to salary thresholds for the Skilled Worker visa and an expansion of the High Potential Individual visa pathway. Additionally, the two-year Graduate visa for international students will continue, emphasizing the importance of skilled migration in the country’s economic strategy.

Dubai in Transit: The megalopolis is trying to shake off nightmarish war months, but caution remains in the air
Dubai is struggling to regain business momentum eight months after Iranian missile strikes disrupted tourism, real estate and other sectors. While tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy have recovered from their March lows, the recovery has stalled amid renewed regional tensions.

Odoo 20 strengthens business operations with deeper India-specific compliance features
Odoo 20 has launched several updates designed specifically for Indian businesses. These updates focus on enhancing GST compliance, payroll processing, and accounting workflows to meet local demands. The integration of AI facilitates improved data handling and analysis in everyday operations, ultimately boosting productivity.

How AI is changing pay, career growth and the employee deal in India
As AI changes the skills companies need, the relationship between employers and employees is being renegotiated. Career progression, access to training and the way salaries reward new capabilities are becoming central to retaining talent and preparing the workforce for changing roles.

Akasa Air hikes pilots' salaries by up to 15% to retain them
The revised pay structure will take effect January 1, 2027, with fixed monthly salaries increasing across all eight pilot grades, from first officers to designated examiners.

Bengaluru CA's salary rose from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 24 lakh in 5 years: Here's how she did it
Bengaluru-based Chartered Accountant Meenal Goel revealed how her annual salary rose from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 24 lakh in five years. After switching companies twice and receiving hikes within the same organisation, her biggest jump came in year five, when her pay increased by approximately 84%. She urged professionals to recognise their worth and seek better compensation.
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