SALARY HIKES
Suvendu Sarkar rolls out Diwali bonanza for Bengal babus, hikes IAS allowances by 50%
The Suvendu Adhikari-led West Bengal government has announced a range of benefits for its IAS officers, including a 50% hike in monthly sumptuary allowances for senior officials, education loans of up to Rs 50 lakh for children's studies in India and abroad, and expanded foreign travel benefits under LTC. The package also includes housing, electricity and post-retirement benefits, along with allowances for official work-related expenses.
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.
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.
DA hike: Diwali bonanza for UP govt employees, 63% raise announced; revised rates effective from July 1
The revised allowance will be reflected in the November salary, while the arrears for the preceding four months will be deposited separately into their provident fund accounts. The announcement comes ahead of Diwali, with the revised allowance set to benefit a large section of the state's workforce.
Gold taxation explained: How much tax you pay on selling physical gold, ETFs, fund of funds and SGBs
Tax on capital gains from gold investment: Investing in gold can yield gains, but investors must be informed about the associated tax liabilities. Different types of gold investments, including physical gold, ETFs, and FoFs, have varying tax implications. Gold held for less than 24 months generates short-term capital gains, while long-term gains apply to gold held longer. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) have specific tax exemptions if held until maturity, which investors should note.
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AI gains fail to cool rising staff costs at Indian IT services firms
Although artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are changing the traditional labour-intensive model of IT services, they have yet to bring down employee costs for the country’s top six IT services companies—Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, HCLTech, Wipro, Tech Mahindra and LTM (formerly LTIMindtree).
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.
Ahead of Diwali, Gujarat govt hikes DA by 3% for employees, pensioners
The Gujarat government has announced a 3% Dearness Allowance hike for 4.62 lakh serving employees and 5.07 lakh pensioners ahead of Diwali. Effective from July 1, 2026, the increase will bring four months of arrears with November salaries and pensions, costing the state Rs 523 crore in arrears.
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.
Gratuity calculator: How 3% DA hike can increase your retirement gratuity by nearly Rs 50,000
The central government's recent decision to increase the dearness allowance from 60% to 63% will affect salaries significantly. This hike, effective from July 1, 2026, results in notable changes in retirement gratuity.
8th Pay Commission pension calculator: How Rs 25,000 to Rs 75,000 basic pensions can change at 2.0, 2.25 and 2.57 fitment factors
8th Pay Commission news: The central government has many more pensioners than employees. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced DA and DR hikes that will benefit both employees and pensioners. The 8th Pay Commission will consider various recommendations regarding pension adjustments. Estimates show potential pension increases based on fitment factors of 2.0, 2.25, and 2.57. However, the final decision will be made once the Commission releases its report.
RBI hikes FRB 2034 interest rate to 7.26%: How much can you earn on Rs 5 lakh investment?
The Reserve Bank of India has declared a new interest rate of 7.26% per annum for the Government of India Floating Rate Bond 2034, reflecting an increase from the earlier rate of 6.45%. This updated rate will be effective from October 30, 2026, to April 29, 2027, allowing investors to earn more on their six-monthly coupon payments.
DA hiked by 3% to 63%: Know the impact of hike on salaries of Level 1-10 central government employees
DA hike news: In a significant update for central government employees, a 63% dearness allowance will be implemented for the period of July to December 2026. This marks a 3% rise in the current allowance, providing enhanced financial assistance. Level 1 employees can expect an increase of Rs 540 in their monthly salary.
School Assembly Headlines for October 30: Top national, international, sports and business updates
School Assembly News Headlines for October 30, 2026: The Centre will release the 24th instalment of the PM-Kisan scheme on October 30, benefiting eligible farmers. The Bombay High Court has denied Meta's request to relocate a lawsuit to California, affirming Indian jurisdiction. Jamia Millia Islamia has prolonged online classes until November 24 due to ongoing protests on campus. In Israel's 2026 elections, Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc is reportedly leading with a projected seat count near 54.
8th Pay Commission salary calculator: What 7% increment rate means for employees with Rs 53,100, Rs 56,100 and Rs 67,700 basic pays
8th Pay Commisssion newsThe 8th Pay Commission held its final meetings in Mumbai, focusing on salary and pension reform for central government employees. Associations have proposed an annual increment rate of 5-7%, aimed at counteracting inflation and enhancing salaries. If implemented, these adjustments could lead to substantial pay raises over the coming decade, with definitive figures pending in the forthcoming report from the Pay Commission.
DR rises by 3% to 63%: How will the hike impact pension, family pension and commuted pension? See calculations for basic pensions of Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000
DR hike: On October 28, 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw heralded a notable 3% rise in dearness relief for pensioners, lifting the rate from 60% to 63%. This increase aims to provide substantial financial support to both regular and family pensioners. Those under the Old and Unified Pensioner Schemes will find their monthly pensions adjusted favorably, enhancing financial well-being for many retirees nationwide.
AI can perform the work of 10 people, says Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu, warns of headcount impact
Sridhar Vembu, the visionary behind Zoho, raises alarms regarding the transformative role of AI on computer-related jobs. He posits that one AI-empowered individual might outperform several workers. While acknowledging impending job cuts, he is optimistic about fresh opportunities opening across different sectors. Vembu also points out the soaring costs tied to AI technologies, urging companies to pivot swiftly.
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.
Akasa Air to hike pilots’ salaries by up to 20% from January 2027 as it expands fleet and routes
Akasa Air plans to raise pilots' salaries by up to 20 percent from January 1, 2027. The airline will also increase the minimum protected flying hours to 50 per month for pilots. Additionally, pilots will receive more annual leave and flexible work patterns to improve work-life balance. The airline currently operates 45 Boeing 737 MAX planes and employs over 800 pilots.
Cabinet hikes Dearness Allowance by 3% with Rs 10,000 crore allocation; check key announcements
DA hike: The Union Cabinet has approved several development schemes totaling Rs 29,267 crores for various initiatives. Among these is a Rs 10,016 crore increase in Dearness Allowance for Central government employees. The DA will benefit about 48 lakh employees and 68 lakh pensioners, with hikes effective from July 1, 2026.
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.
Industrial DA hike for CPSE employees: Rate rises to 59.1% from October 1; check revised rates for 1997, 2007 and 2017 pay scales
The Ministry of Finance announced a revision in the Industrial Dearness Allowance rates for certain CPSE employees. This revision will be applicable starting from October 1, 2026, affecting various pay scales. Employees in board-level and supervisory roles will see an increase in their IDA rates. Different IDA rates will apply for those under distinct pay scales from 1987 to 2017.
DA hike for central government employees: Can government announce dearness allowance increase on Wednesday?
DA news: More than 55 lakh central government employees are anticipating a dearness allowance hike announcement soon. The hike is expected to be announced following the cabinet meeting scheduled for October 28, 2026. If approved, the DA rate may increase from 60% to an estimated 63%, resulting in salary increases. Employees are hopeful for the announcement after delayed expectations in previous meetings this month.
Lifestyle inflation: Earning more, saving less? How to enjoy life without sacrificing your financial goals
Find out how lifestyle creep undermines wealth creation and how to enjoy a better standard of living without sacrificing your financial goals.
DA hike announcement: Do central government employees need to wait till next cabinet meeting?
DA hike news: As of now, the central government has not disclosed the dearness allowance hike for July 2026, leaving employees in suspense. Hopes were raised during recent cabinet discussions, yet no announcement was made. The next potential reveal is scheduled for October 28, 2026. Workers are eagerly awaiting this increase, which will directly affect their salaries and ongoing allowances, with arrears also considered for the July-December 2026 timeframe.
No additional EPS contribution by government on higher wage ceiling of Rs 25,000; know what it means for your pension
EPS pension: In a recent notification, the central government confirmed that the Employees' Pension Scheme contribution will remain at the current cap of Rs 15,000, despite announcing a new wage ceiling of Rs 25,000. This choice reflects findings from earlier actuarial evaluations pointing to a potential funding shortfall. Additionally, the government has promised supplementary budgetary support to ensure current pension payouts, although sustainability concerns have been voiced in Parliament.
DR hike for pensioners: As government delays release of dearness relief and arrears, Bharat Pensioners' Samaj urges cabinet secretary to intervene
Dearness relief hike: The Bharat Pensioners' Samaj has formally addressed a letter to the cabinet secretary concerning the urgent need for a dearness relief hike for pensioners. They stress the importance of timely disclosures to support pensioners reliant on such adjustments. With expectations for a DR increase of 3% to 4%, many hope for this announcement before Dussehra, as any delay has caused disappointment among those looking to better manage their festive expenses.
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