SALARY INCREASE SURVEY
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.
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.
India's unemployment rate falls to 5.1% in July-September as rural joblessness declines
India's unemployment rate saw a decline to 5.1% from 5.4% in the prior quarter. The decrease in unemployment primarily occurred in rural areas, where it fell to 4.3%. The survey indicated that more individuals were either working or seeking jobs during this period. Women's employment participation also improved, rising to 34.7% from 33.2%. The overall employment figure reached approximately 57.9 crore individuals in India.
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.
The business of running a hospital: Balancing profitability, patient trust and scale
A hospital’s financial health depends on more than occupancy and revenue, requiring a careful balance of cost control, cash flow and patient trust.
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‘Facing ‘gerontonomia’, the West’s young opt for political extremes’
Tim Vlandas analyzes the influence of aging populations on electoral politics in advanced capitalist nations like Europe. Older voters display different policy preferences, emphasizing pensions over issues of younger demographics. Consequently, governments often allocate more resources to pension spending rather than investing in education and infrastructure. Young voters may become politically disenchanted, leading to radical shifts towards extreme parties.
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.
44% of India’s GCCs now own platforms and AI outcomes: Report
Global Capability Centres in India are transitioning into AI capability hubs, significantly increasing salaries for digital professionals. The focus of GCCs is shifting from execution to innovation and strategic capabilities. Reports indicate that AI talent in India commands a significant wage premium due to higher demand. As GCCs expand their roles, the need for skilled talent in AI and related fields continues to grow.
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.
Brazil Presidential Election run off: Who is winning Donald Trump's ally Flavio Bolsonaro or Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva whom Barack Obama once called 'world's most popular politician'?
Brazil Presidential run off: Lula, who at 80 is one of the world's oldest heads of state, is Brazil's 35th and 39th president, having served from 2003-2010 and again since 2023. Bolsonaro, 45, aims to return his family name to power while his father serves time for attempting a coup to prevent the end of his 2019-2022 presidency.
As hotels seek quality talent, salaries of senior roles see substantial jump
Senior hospitality executives, particularly general managers, have seen substantial pay increases due to market demand and talent shortages. Compensation for luxury hotel general managers has risen by 40-75% over three years, reflecting a competitive environment. Key roles in operations, sales, and marketing are also witnessing significant pay growth. In tier-II cities, general managers now earn between Rs 75-80 lakh, compared to earlier figures.
Why 36.6% of Americans earning over $500,000 a year still live paycheck to paycheck, and what Goldman Sachs’s new survey says about lifestyle costs
Half a million dollars a year should feel comfortable, but it often does not. Goldman Sachs surveyed 5,106 people aged 45 to 75 and found 36.6% of households earning above $500,000 live paycheck to paycheck.
Giant 'heat storms' are scorching the Earth. This is the story of the biggest one on record
Heat storms have increased dramatically, causing severe global consequences including excess deaths and environmental catastrophes. Recent heat storms have been identified as a new classification, representing larger and more persistent heat events. The intensity of these heat storms has worsened due to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Associated weather patterns have significantly disrupted ecosystems and agriculture worldwide.
Donald Trump approval ratings crash in 39 states ahead of November 3 US Midterm elections, energy, gasoline prices add to worry. Can Social Security Cost of Living-Cola Payment save it for Republicans?
Donald Trump approval ratings in some states were sliding to negative from the positive that is recorder earlier in 2026. Republicans are retreating from a handful of battleground U.S. House races, while Democrats are racing to raise money to boost candidates who seemed like long shots earlier this year.
India Inc to give 9.1% pay hike in 2027, almost similar to 2026: Aon
In 2027, employees across India Inc are projected to enjoy a salary boost of 9.1%, as reported by Aon Plc. However, the attrition rate has surged to 18% in 2026, a significant rise from previous years. Non-banking financial firms are anticipated to lead the charge with a 10.1% wage increase.
Planning a job switch? These sectors may see the biggest salary hikes in 2027
Salaries in India are projected to increase by 9.1% in 2027 after a 9% rise in 2026. Non-banking financial companies are expected to lead in salary growth with an increase of 10.1%. Employers face challenges in retaining talent amid rising attrition rates and the implementation of the Wage Code. AI skill demand is growing as companies adopt AI productivity tools at a significant pace.
6 in 10 Americans believe Trump is profiting unethically or illegally from presidency: AP-NORC poll
A recent AP-NORC poll shows that many Americans think Donald Trump is prioritizing his personal financial interests over national welfare. Approximately 60% of U.S. adults say he is either illegally profiting or acting unethically. While most Republicans believe he is not doing anything wrong, many independents and Democrats disagree. Over half of American adults perceive Trump as emphasizing his businesses significantly since taking office again.
Diwali Sale 2026: Buying fridge, AC, or washing machine online? Here’s how to get the best deal on big appliances and save more
Online sales of big appliances are growing at 25% as the festive sales begin. The Kagan 2026 Asia-Pacific Consumer Insights survey by S&P Global Market Intelligence, conducted in June 2026 among 1,000 internet adults each in China, South Korea and India, shows that most Indian respondents still primarily make retail purchases from stores.
Skip the raise? Some employers are boosting health benefits instead to save on payroll taxes in 2026, and workers are taking notice now
Payroll taxes make wage increases expensive for small businesses. To cut tax overhead in 2026, many employers are expanding health coverage instead. Benefits bypass payroll taxes while lowering worker medical bills.
AI hopes, industrial malaise drive boom in German startups
More than 3,000 startups were founded in Germany in the first half of 2026, according to economy ministry data. That's an all-time record and a 52% increase from the previous six months.
IIT, IIM paychecks hit pause as median campus salaries stay flat for Class of 2027
IIT graduates from the Class of 2027 are expected to see median compensation remain flat at Rs 16.46 lakh per annum, while top IIM packages are projected to hold at Rs 26 lakh, according to Aon’s Campus Study Report. Tier-1 engineering and management colleges, however, are expected to see increases as employers become more selective and focus on skills and job readiness.
How much money is considered rich in America? $2.3 million may be the benchmark, but where you live changes everything
There is no number that suddenly makes a person rich. Still, Americans have a figure in mind. A 2025 Charles Schwab survey found that people believe an average net worth of $2.3 million is needed to be considered rich. That is a useful glimpse into how Americans view wealth, but it is not a fixed rule. Two households with the same amount of money can have very different financial lives.
‘I might be next...’: Corporate employee shares concerns after colleague gets fired without notice. Is your job safe?
The abrupt firing of a colleague has triggered unease among employees, leading them to reevaluate their own job stability. This unsettling event amplifies the anxiety felt in the workplace, as surveys show that a worrying number of staff believe their positions are at risk. The fear of layoffs is influencing not only office morale but also overall job satisfaction beyond just financial compensation.
EPFO wage ceiling raised to Rs 25000 per month; over 10 million formal sector workers to benefit
The enhanced wage ceiling, approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday, will put additional financial burden on employees and the government while the employees may see a dip in take home salary. As per government estimates, the average additional outgo for employers will be Rs 600 per worker per month under the enhanced wage ceiling, which comes into effect from Thursday. The annual government outgo is estimated at about Rs 11,339 crore.
St Gallen tops FT Masters in Management ranking; IIM Ahmedabad leads Indian schools
The University of St Gallen has topped the Financial Times’ 2026 Masters in Management ranking, while IIM Bangalore emerged as India’s highest-ranked institution at joint 21th. IIM Ahmedabad graduates reported the ranking’s highest weighted salary, averaging $199,706 three years after graduation.
Visa squeeze in the West sends Indians packing for home
Western visa rules are tightening, impacting skilled Indian professionals seeking overseas employment. Rising sponsorship costs and stricter criteria are forcing many to reconsider their international career plans. This trend is leading to a 'reverse brain drain' as companies in India seek returning talent. Job seekers face challenges finding comparable roles and salaries upon their return.
Salaries in India projected to go up by 9% in 2026, says Aon study
Salaries in India are projected to rise 9% in 2026, slightly up from 8.9% in 2025, according to Aon’s Annual Salary Increase and Turnover Survey 2025-26. Real estate, infrastructure, and NBFCs are expected to lead salary growth, while attrition rates have declined to 17.1%, indicating improved employee retention. Strong domestic consumption, investments, and policy reforms support continued wage growth and talent stability.
Salaries in India expected to increase 9.9% in 2022, highest in five years: Aon Survey
According to the survey, which analysed data across 1,500 companies from more than 40 industries, this is the highest hike in the last five years. The industries with the highest projected salary increases are e-commerce, venture capital, hi-tech/IT, IT-enabled services (ITeS) and Life Sciences.
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