SOCIAL SECURITY FRAMEWORK
Beyond Retirement: Why India needs a new architecture for ageing
India’s retirement planning focuses heavily on money and healthcare but often overlooks the need for continued cognitive stimulation, social connection and a sense of purpose in later life. Drawing on the Saptasopan model and personal experience, a structured senior-engagement programmes should be scaled through CSR, housing communities, educational institutions and hybrid platforms as part of India’s ageing infrastructure.
Reimagining tax compliance through trust
In 2025, the Income Tax Act sets the stage for a new paradigm in tax compliance within India. This legislation prioritizes transparent dialogue and collaboration between taxpayers and governmental bodies, aiming to restore trust and foster compliance. A comprehensive outreach strategy is set to engage diverse populations across the country. The effectiveness of this framework will rely on reinforcing the fiscal bond shared between the State and its citizens.
Road ministry proposes a simplified Rent-a-Cab scheme 2026; to replace the 1989 scheme
The proposed draft Rent-a-Cab Scheme 2026, which comes into force from January 2027, reduces the minimum fleet requirement to 5 compared to 50 mandated earlier, extends its coverage to even rental cars with or without drivers and provides for online licensing, time-bound approvals, stringent safety, insurance and operational requirements and formal grievance redressal mechanism.
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.
Growing demand, demographics, digital agenda & energy security are long-term and secular tailwinds for India: Macquarie’s Ed Northam
Head of green Investments for the Australia’s largest asset manager said the firm is looking to reboot its India operations. While renewables will remain the biggest focus, industrial energy transition and E-mobility will be other key areas, he said. Since 2005, Green Investments group has deployed over $21 billion across 94 investments worldwide.
Chinese President Xi Jinping likely to skip ASEAN Summit in Manila: Report
The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shared this information on Wednesday while responding to reports about Xi's expected absence from the annual summit, which the Philippines is hosting this year.
Centre issues advisory to states to boost fodder production, livestock infra under VB-G RAM G
The Centre has issued an advisory to states and Union territories to improve fodder security and livestock infrastructure. This advisory promotes convergence under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Act, 2025. It identifies 22 permissible works supporting fodder cultivation, livestock shelters, and veterinary health facilities. States are encouraged to increase expenditure on these works while aligning with local development priorities.
ETtech Explainer: Food delivery, ride-hailing firms differ on gig worker welfare levy calculation
Food delivery and quick-commerce companies such as Zomato and Swiggy are seeking a levy based on the value of transactions facilitated through their platforms, while cab and bike-taxi aggregators such as Uber and Rapido want it to be calculated on their own turnover rather than the total value of rides facilitated.
Nostradamus US midterm election predictions: American forecaster Allan Lichtman has made two bold prediction for midterm polls results, Donald Trump
US Midterm Election Result news: American election forecaster Allan Lichtman, popularly known as the 'American Nostradamus', has predicted a major Democratic victory in the November 3, 2026, US midterm elections. He has given Democrats more than a 90% chance of winning control of the House of Representatives and a 70% chance of capturing the Senate from Donald Trump's Republicans. Lichtman believes Republicans could suffer a significant setback.
Centre sets up social security board to frame welfare schemes for gig workers
In a significant move, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has initiated the National Social Security Board, designed to improve welfare for unorganised and gig economy workers. This board will advise on the rollout and supervision of important social security programs. Scheduled to meet three times annually, it will also manage policy discussions and oversee the financial aspects of the Social Security Code.
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.
Uttar Pradesh to launch state Quantum Mission, steps up push for AI and robotics
The state of Uttar Pradesh is gearing up to launch a transformative Quantum Mission, poised to bolster its technology framework. By focusing on quantum technology within a broader digital transformation agenda, the initiative aims to ignite innovation. At the ETGovernment AI Vision Conclave, leading industry figures explored the adoption of AI, investment avenues, and workforce readiness.
MeitY unveils DEPA handbook to enable trusted data sharing for AI training
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has launched a handbook on Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture. This handbook is designed to enhance collaboration on data for AI training while ensuring data control. IT Secretary S Krishnan emphasized the importance of responsible and secure data usage in India's AI ambitions. The handbook enables accountability and transparency by tracing data provenance throughout the training process.
Gig workers get a seat at the table as Centre notifies social security boards
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified the National Social Security Board for unorganised workers and gig workers. This board will enable the implementation of welfare schemes designed to address social security gaps. It will include representatives from government, companies, and civil society to ensure diverse input. The board is expected to meet regularly to discuss policies affecting these workers.
India’s CBG push hits manure bottleneck as plants struggle to find buyers
India’s compressed biogas expansion faces a growing hurdle as plants struggle to sell organic manure generated alongside gas, threatening project viability. With only 217 of 1,908 registered plants commissioned, operators face rising storage costs and underutilisation. Industry executives say the lack of assured manure offtake threatens the sector despite government support.
SEBI to make direct mutual fund plans default from November 1; reviews IPO and SME listing rules: Reports
SEBI will make direct mutual fund plans the default option on AMC digital platforms starting November 1, while investors choosing regular plans must be informed about their higher costs. The regulator is also reviewing IPO frameworks, simplifying market regulations and expanding the use of AI to strengthen supervision and investor protection.
TRAI’s internet TV proposal raises concerns over wider OTT regulation, say legal experts
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has proposed a new framework for internet-based linear television distribution. This recommendation could broaden the interpretation of the Telecommunications Act and affect other digital content. Legal experts express concerns over TRAI's jurisdiction regarding OTT services and the implications for freedom of speech. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting must decide whether to adopt these recommendations.
South Korea updates international education reforms; introduces incentives to develop Korean language skills
South Korea aims to change its international student visa system by focusing on Korean language proficiency and academic performance. The Ministry of Justice outlined plans to allow students with intermediate Korean skills to obtain visas without financial proofs. Proposed regulations will affect part-time work eligibility based on language achievements and could require language proficiency for visa extensions.
Rajnath Singh, US War Secretary Hegseth review progress of 10-year defence pact
In a significant move, India and the US are enhancing their defence relationship through a comprehensive 10-year agreement aimed at fostering technological advancements and military integration. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, engaged in dialogue about the security landscape of the Indo-Pacific region and marked the anniversary of their partnership.
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