The National Council (Staff Side) of the Joint Consultative Machinery has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to significantly amend the Terms of Reference for the 8th Pay Commission. Key demands include restoring the Old Pension Scheme for 26 lakh employees, revising pensions for all existing retirees, and reinstating the ‘stakeholders’ expectations’ clause.
India’s merchandise exports showed steady growth, reaching $220 billion in H1 FY26 despite global volatility. While the US remains a key market, its share has decreased, with India diversifying its export destinations. The government is providing significant assistance to exporters facing challenges like US tariffs.
India’s retail boom is shifting beyond metros, with Tier II and III cities now leading organized retail expansion. Rising incomes and evolving consumer tastes for lifestyle experiences are fueling this growth. Cities like Raipur, Vizag, and Bhubaneswar are becoming key hubs, attracting brands and investors eager to tap into new, aspirational audiences.
US government data on October inflation and jobs won’t be released due to a record shutdown, leaving the Federal Reserve blind ahead of its December policy meeting. The Bureau of Labor Statistics confirmed the cancellations, citing an inability to collect essential survey information. This data gap intensifies uncertainty for the Fed as it considers interest…
A US bankruptcy court has slapped Byju Raveendran with a default judgment exceeding $1.07 billion. This severe penalty stems from his repeated failure to comply with court orders regarding discovery in a case alleging fraudulent transfer of company funds. The court cited a “pattern of delay and obfuscation” as justification for the substantial award.
India has unified its labour laws by implementing four new codes, consolidating 29 existing statutes into a single framework. This reform aims to enhance transparency, simplify compliance, and extend protections to unorganised, gig, and platform workers, marking a significant shift in the country’s labour landscape.
Sebi is exploring measures to boost liquidity for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), including discussions to include them in market indices. The regulator is also examining proposals to broaden investment options for REITs and InvITs, while enhancing investor protection and facilitating greater institutional participation.
The Indian rupee plummeted to a record low of 89.49 against the dollar on Friday, experiencing its sharpest fall since May. This decline was driven by strong dollar demand, portfolio outflows, and concerns over US sanctions on entities facilitating Iranian oil sales. Despite the RBI’s stance on not targeting specific levels, intervention occurred after the…
India Inc faces significant operational shifts, including revised salary structures and mandatory health check-ups, to align with new labor provisions. While demanding these changes for years, businesses also welcome the flexibility in hiring women for night shifts and managing seasonal workforce needs, boosting sector competitiveness.
Kotak Mahindra Bank’s board has approved a 1:5 equity share sub-division to enhance affordability and market liquidity. This decision, made on the bank’s 40th foundation day, aims to encourage broader investor participation. The move, subject to regulatory approvals, will split Rs 5 face value shares into five Rs 1 shares.
