Economies.
India's 8th Pay Commission Hears Pensioner Demands for OPS Restoration
India's Chennai GPO Pensioners Forum urged the 8th Pay Commission to restore the Old Pension Scheme and increase pension benefits. The Commission, formed in November 2025, will finalise its recommendations by May-June 2027, impacting millions of government retirees.
India's August 2026 CPI inflation rises to 4.82%
India's consumer price index climbed in August, driven by higher food costs, though price changes varied significantly across everyday goods and services.
Sri Lanka expands water schemes amid Colombo contamination concerns
New community water supply projects by the Department of National Community Water Supply aim to complete 197 outstanding schemes by 2027, addressing two decades of urban water quality decline.
Punjab Employees End Strike After Disciplinary Action Pledge
The decision follows talks between employee unions and Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, who agreed to withdraw show-cause notices issued after a mass leave protest on 27 August.
India Slashes Sugar Stock Limits, Producers' Shares Fall
India's government reduced sugar stockholding limits for dealers by half, effective September 15. This policy aims to curb hoarding and stabilise domestic prices. Major sugar producers' shares fell following the announcement.
India's Ministry of Health Expands Lifetime Benefits for Dependents
India's Ministry of Health now grants lifetime medical benefits to dependent sons and brothers suffering from critical or terminal illnesses. This policy update relaxes age and marital status requirements under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).
India's RBI: Lending Rates Mixed, Fresh Deposits Cheaper in July
India's central bank reported varied rate movements for commercial banks last month. Fresh rupee loans became slightly cheaper. However, outstanding loan rates rose, while deposit rates showed a mixed trend.
RBI: India's Domestic Economy Resilient in August
India's economy maintained strength in August 2026, driven by internal demand and activity. This occurred despite global geopolitical and trade uncertainties, the Reserve Bank of India stated in its monthly Bulletin.
India's EPFO Opens Compliance Window for Uncovered Workers
India's Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched a temporary scheme. It allows companies to formalise past employment records and enrol previously uncovered staff for social security benefits. The campaign runs until October 31, 2026.
Mumbai's BEST Electrification Sparks Driver Protests Over Pay, Job Security
Mumbai's public bus operator, BEST, is electrifying its fleet, but contractual models for e-buses are eroding driver pay and job security. This has sparked protests and safety concerns.
India's Modi Details 2047 Chip, AI, Export Development Plan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined India's long-term economic strategy. This plan aims for developed-nation status by 2047. Key pillars include semiconductor production, artificial intelligence training, and an export-focused trade policy.
ICRA: India Q1 FY27 GDP Growth Slows to 7.0% Amid Tensions
India's gross domestic product growth likely eased to 7.0% in Q1 FY27, down from 7.8%, ICRA reported. Services sector deceleration and West Asia tensions drove the slowdown.
Delhi Mandates EV Shift for Commercial Vehicles, Incentivises Private Owners
Delhi’s new Electric Vehicles Policy introduces registration deadlines for commercial electric vehicles and offers purchase incentives. However, critics argue the policy does not address underlying car dependence or environmental harm displacement.
Karnataka Bandh Today: Banks Open Amid Water Dispute; India Faces August Holiday Disruptions
Karnataka observes a statewide strike today, August 13, 2026, over a water dispute. Banks and essential services will operate normally. Other Indian states face multiple bank closures throughout August.
India's Women Cash Transfers Reshape Household Spending
India's direct cash transfer schemes for women, active in over 15 states, demonstrate broader household financial effects beyond direct recipients, new research reveals.
Assam Expands Orunodoi Aid to 3.7 Million Women
Assam's Orunodoi 3.0 scheme will provide monthly financial assistance to over 3.7 million women from this August. The initiative offers ₹1,250 to beneficiaries, aiming for broader financial inclusion.
Jharkhand Coal Mining Spurs Santhal Labour Migration, Raising Industry Risks
Coal mining and climate impacts in India's Jharkhand state compel Santhal communities into temporary labour migration, creating operational risks for resource industries and affecting labour supply in other states.