India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
New Delhi, Dec 18 (VOICE) The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on Wednesday gave a final opportunity till January 31, 2025 to employers to upload wage details regarding over 3.1 lakh pending applications for Pension on Higher Wages.Employers have also been requested to submit replies or update the information in 4.66 lakh cases by January 15, 2025 where clarification has been sought by the EPFO. The EPFO said that the final opportunity is being given as, in spite of so many extensions, it has been observed that more than 3.1 lakh Applications for Validation of Options/Joint Options are still pending with employers. Many representations have also been received from employers and employers' associations wherein requests have been made to extend further the time period for uploading wage details of applicant pensioners/members. "In view of the representations received from employers and associations the employers were given multiple opportunities to submit wage details etc. online till 30.09.2023, again till 31.12.2023 and thereafter till 31.05.2024 to ensure that employers are able to process the applications," the EPFO said. The online facility was made available by EPFO for submitting Applications for Validation of Options/Joint Options for pension on higher wages. The facility was for eligible pensioners/members in compliance with the Supreme Court order dated April 4, 2022. The facility was launched on February 26, 2023 and was to remain available only till May 3, 2023. However, considering the representations of the employees, the time limit was extended to June 26, 2023 in order to provide four months' time to eligible pensioners/members for filing applications. A last opportunity of 15 days was further given to remove any difficulty faced by the eligible pensioners/members. "Accordingly, the last date for submission of Applications for Validation of Option/Joint Options by employees was extended to 11.07.2023 and a total of 17.49 lakh Applications for Validation of Option/Joint Options were received from pensioners/members till 11.07.2023," the statement said.
Berhampur (Odisha), Jun 6 (PTI) Environmental activist Medha Patkar on Saturday appealed to the people of Odisha for protection of Rushikulya river. The government planned to construct a dam in the river Pipalapnaka under Sorada block in the district. While participating in the Save Rushikulya river movement in Ganjam district, she said, "Rivers may be small or big, but they are our mother. We have to protect the rivers from attacks." She attended a meeting were organised by the Rushikulya Banchao Kriyaanusthan Committee (RBKC) and the Centre for Climate Justice, spearheading the agitation a ...Read More >
EPFO has now set a final deadline of January 31, 2025, for employers. The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has granted a final extension for employers to process and upload pending applications for the Validation of Options/Joint Options related to pensions on higher wages. According to the Ministry of Ministry of Labour & Employment, this extension follows multiple requests from employers and their associations for more time to complete the required submissions. The online facili ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 17: In a major move that could bring relief to over 7 crore Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) members, the Centre is reportedly considering a proposal to allow full or partial withdrawal of EPF savings after 10 years of service. According to a Moneycontrol report, the retirement fund body has floated this idea to address the needs of those who wish to exit the formal workforce earlier than the official retirement age of 58. Currently, EPF members can withdraw their full balance only upon retirement or after remaining unemployed for over two months. However, many in ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who was last seen in 'The Miranda Brothers', is heaping praise on the recently released film 'Saiyaara', and its team. On Saturday, the actor took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and penned a special note for the film and its makers after it witnessed a stellar opening day. He wrote, "Another melodious example of a love story shattering all myths and formulas of the industry. Honest heart wrenching love story wins again in 2025! #Saiyaara". 'Saiyaara', which stars Aneet Padda, and marks the debut of Ahaan Panday, is helmed b ...Read More >
Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao has alleged that the Congress govt is preparing to "plunder" public funds under the guise of the Musi river beautification project. He stated that while the former BRS govt , led by K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), laid all the groundwork and prepared a master plan, the current Congress govt has inflated the project's estimates to facilitate a massive scam. Addressing the media, KTR said that it was the KCR govt that brought Godavari river water to Kondapoch ...Read More >
Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya told a meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) in New Delhi on Monday (October 13, 2025) that the Cabinet was actively considering increasing the minimum PF pension. Though the issue was not in agenda, trade union members in the CBT said during the discussions that the minimum PF pension should be revised from the present amount of ₹1,000 a month. "The Minister did not rule it out and said the Ca ...Read More >
SHILLONG, July 2: The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation Regional Office (EPFO RO), Shillong, conducted an engagement session with local employers on Wednesday, to disseminate information about the newly approved Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme in a move to promote formal employment and enhance social security coverage in the region. As part of the broader communication and outreach efforts, the interaction was spearheaded by EPFO RO Shillong officials, who briefed representatives from a few prominent establishments. The interaction served as an informative platform where the pro ...Read More >
VMPLMumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 1: For most salaried Indians, Provident Fund (PF) is that one pot of money that quietly grows in the background, meant to be there when life stops going according to plan or there is a crucial life event such as marriage, home loan or purchase. Yet the moment people actually need it or try online PF withdrawal, many discover a hard truth: PF withdrawal often feels less like a process and more like a toss of a coin.The rules are written. The steps are lis ...Read More >
Shimla, April 2: The Himachal Pradesh Assembly has passed a bill to deny pension benefits to legislators disqualified under the anti-defection law, with the treasury and opposition benches engaging in sharp exchanges over its intent and legality. The legislation, piloted by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday, seeks to amend the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Allowances and Pension of Members) Act, 1971, to bar pension benefits for MLAs disqualified under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The bill was passed by voice vote. Participating in the debate, Leader of Op ...Read More >
Resignation is the only option before Justice Yashwant Varma to avoid impeachment by Parliament as the government pushes for bringing a motion to remove the Allahabad high court judge over alleged corruption. IMAGE: Justice Yashwant Varma. Photograph: ANI Photo/span> Officials aware of the procedure to appoint and remove Supreme Court and high court judges pointed out that while defending his case before lawmakers in any of the House, Justice Varma can announce that he is quitting and his verba ...Read More >
New Delhi: Traffic in central Delhi will be affected on Thursday as the traffic police has issued an advisory due to the Janmashtami and Tazia processions.According to police, the traffic movement in Paharganj is likely to be affected from 1.30pm in view of the shobha yatra for Janmashtami and the Tazia procession.The Janmashtami procession will start from Mandir Shri Banke Bihari Ji in Paharganj's Sangatrasan Bazar and pass through Desh Bandhu Gupta Road, Chuna Mandi, Main Bazar, Munja Chowk and Arakashan Road. The Tazia procession will start from Ajmeri Gate and proceed through Pul Paharganj ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], October 16 (ANI): Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Labour and Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, on Wednesday highlighted the substantial relaxation in the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) rules, making EPF withdrawal simpler for employees. According to the new rules, employees who lose their jobs can now withdraw 75% of their EPF amount immediately. The remaining 25% can be withdrawn after one year, ensuring that the employee's 10-year service tenure remains intact. Mandaviya said, "...EPF withdrawal has been made simpler now...If someone loses the ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Employees' Provident Fund Organisation's (EPFO) move to allow withdrawals of up to 75% of the corpus will make life easier for its over 7 crore subscribers, while the norms around 25% balance are meant to ensure a healthy kitty, without imposing any restrictions on pension or PF payment at the time of retirement, a top official said. "The idea is to empower members and repose trust. The changes are meant to pave the way for automated settlement of claims," Central Provident Fund commis ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 19 (ANI): A contingent of 23 athletes supported by Reliance Foundation look to compete at the World University Games across six cities in Germany, with events running until July 27. Representing athletics, archery, and judo, these young talents aim to improve international rankings, achieve personal bests, and bring home laurels. The athletics team forms the backbone of the foundation campaign, with 18 athletes competing in sprints, jumps, throws, hurdles, relay, long jump, decathlon, among other events, beginning July 21, a release said. James Hillier, Di ...Read More >
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 1: For most salaried Indians, Provident Fund (PF) is that one pot of money that quietly grows in the background, meant to be there when life stops going according to plan or there is a crucial life event such as marriage, home loan or purchase. Yet the moment people actually need it or try online PF withdrawal, many discover a hard truth: PF withdrawal often feels less like a process and more like a toss of a coin. The rules are written. The steps are listed. The contributions are real. But whether the money actually reaches you in time through an ...Read More >
New Delhi, October 3, 2025: Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighted India's historic expansion in social security coverage from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, covering over 940 million citizens, as recognised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya was addressing the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia today, where India has been conferred with the prestigious International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award 2025 for 'Outstanding Achievement in Social Security'. Furt ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], March 2 (ANI): The central government has retained an 8.25 per cent annual rate of interest to be credited on Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) accumulations in members' accounts for the financial year 2025-26, according to the Ministry of Labour and Employment of India. The interest rate would be officially notified by the Government of India, following which the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) would credit the rate of interest into the subscribers' accounts. This comes as Union Minister for Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday chaired the 239th m ...Read More >
Dimapur, Jul 18 (PTI) Two persons have died of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Nagaland, a health department official said on Friday. Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur, Dr Yartenla Jamir, said that of the seven JE cases detected in Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland districts, two persons have died so far. She expressed concern over the rise in Japanese encephalitis (JE) cases in the three districts, especially during the monsoon season, which increases the risk of transmission. The Health department has urged district administrations to issue a public advisory on JE prevention measures and to i ...Read More >
The legislation, initiated by chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, amends the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Allowances and Pension of Members) Act, 1971. It effectively bars pension for any MLA disqualified under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The bill was passed by voice vote. Leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur led the charge for the BJP, alleging the amendment was born of "political vendetta" against those who recently exited the ruling party. "This is being done with an o ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI) Retirement fund body EPFO has extended time till January 31, 2025 for employers to upload wage details etc regarding 3.1 lakh pending applications for pension on higher wages. An online facility was made available by EPFO for submitting applications for validation of options/joint options for pension on higher wages, a [...] New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI) Retirement fund body EPFO has extended time till January 31, 2025 for employers to upload wage details etc regarding 3.1 lakh pending applications for pension on higher wages. An online facility was made available by EPFO f ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that Hindi was a "friend to all Indian languages", adding that there should be "no opposition" to any foreign tongues. This comes as several political parties have criticised the Centre over three-language policy, accusing it of Hindi imposition."I sincerely believe that Hindi can't be opposed ('virodhi') to any Indian language. Hindi is a friend ('sakhi') of all Indian languages," Amit Shah said. Shah was addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of the central government's official language department."There is no opposition to any l ...Read More >
Bathinda: With stubble-burning again on the rise, Punjab govt has decided to take stricter action against farmers beyond registering FIRs and imposing 'environmental compensation' fines. District officials have been told to take drastic steps, such as withdrawing benefits of govt schemes to dissuade farmers from burning crop residue.Farmers who burn stubble may also have their arms licences cancelled.Deputy commissioners are writing to subdivisional magistrates (SDM) to direct heads of various departments, including district social security officers and child development and project officers ( ...Read More >
VMPLMumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 1: For most salaried Indians, Provident Fund (PF) is that one pot of money that quietly grows in the background, meant to be there when life stops going according to plan or there is a crucial life event such as marriage, home loan or purchase. Yet the moment people actually need it or try online PF withdrawal, many discover a hard truth: PF withdrawal often feels less like a process and more like a toss of a coin.The rules are written. The steps are listed. The contributions are real.But whether the money actually reaches you in time through an EPF o ...Read More >
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 2 (ANI): The Himachal Pradesh Assembly has passed a bill to deny pension benefits to legislators disqualified under the anti-defection law, with the treasury and opposition benches engaging in sharp exchanges over its intent and legality. The legislation, piloted by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday, seeks to amend the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Allowances and Pension of Members) Act, 1971, to bar pension benefits for MLAs disqualified under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The bill was passed by voice vote. Partici ...Read More >
Bengaluru stampede: Police flagged lack of time to prepare and make security arrangements, document shows Even as a blame game has broken out between the police and the State Government over mishaps during Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebrations, it has now emerged that the Vidhana Soudha security had flagged concerns of overcrowding, lack of time and shortage of security personnel for the felicitation for the team on the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha. This letter is the only document that shows the State Government overruled concerns raised by the Bengaluru City Police and wen ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 7: In the wake of the controversy over his stay at the official residence beyond permissible time, former Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud on Monday cleared the air saying his luggage was packed and he along with his wife and children would soon move to a paid government accommodation. Chandrachud, his wife Kalpana and daughters Priyanka and Mahi, both of whom are persons with disabilities, were living in the official CJI residence of 5, Krishna Menon Marg, New Delhi. "We have actually packed up our luggage. Our luggage is already completely packed up. Some of the luggag ...Read More >
Amritsar (Punjab) [India], August 2 (ANI): Counter-Intelligence (CI), Amritsar, has busted a cross-border illegal arms smuggling module with alleged links to Pakistan and arrested five operatives, recovering six sophisticated pistols from their possession, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Friday. According to a statement issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations, Punjab, those arrested have been identified as Jagroop Singh of Dhun (Tarn Taran), Navdeep Singh of Patti Lahian Di (Tarn Taran), Arshdeep Singh of Shaliwal (Amritsar), Gurlal Singh of R ...Read More >
Kolkata, Oct 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) With the Union Cabinet having approved a further three per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) rates for Central government employees and pensioners earlier this week, the gap in the DA rates paid to the West Bengal government employees as compared to that to be received by their counterparts in the Union government has increased further. With the latest hike, the DA rates to be received by the Central government employees will be 58 per cent, as against the paltry amount of 18 per cent received by the West Bengal government employees, making the gap as hi ...Read More >
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Madhya Pradesh government and High Court registry regarding the refusal to raise judicial officers' retirement age from 60 to 61. The Madhya Pradesh Judges Association challenged the High Court's administrative decision, alleging it violated previous Supreme Court directives. The apex court had previously indicated no legal impediment to this enhancement. The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from the Madhya Pradesh government and the high c ...Read More >
CHANDIGARH: A portion of the frontal section of Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira's house in Bholath, Kapurthala, was demolished on Monday by the office of the Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO). Khaira, a strong critic of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, condemned the move, calling it the dangerous introduction of "bulldozer (Pila-Panja) politics" in Punjab by Mann under directions from AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, aimed at silencing criticism and democratic dissent. As the demolition began, Khaira went live on social media, criticising the state government. Anticipating the ...Read More >