A chance to set a precedent: Mercedes Kilmer on father Val Kilmer’s AI-powered final roleA chance to set a precedent: Mercedes Kilmer on father Val Kilmer’s AI-powered final role Apr 30, 2026, 14:19:13 IST PTI Share via Copy link Los Angeles
There was "no meaningful shift" away from big tech platforms like TikTok and Instagram in the immediate wake of Australia's world-leading teen social media ban, government documents obtained by AFP show.Australia in December banned under 16s from a raft of popular social media platforms
Do the 2026 exit polls signal a comeback for the Congress, or do they underline its shrinking footprint? Projections across key states point to a familiar, uneven story—pockets of resilience in the South, particularly Kerala, but continued struggles in high-stakes battlegrounds like Assam and
For six seasons of Game of Thrones, one phrase defined the looming sense of dread across Westeros — “Winter is coming." When it finally arrived, it brought widespread destruction and one of the deadliest winters in the world, created by George R.R. Martin.For six seasons of Game of Thrones
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted bail to Sharad Kalaskar, one of the convicts in the murder of anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar, Live Law reported. A bench of Justices Ajay Gadkari and Ranjitsinha Bhonsale also expressed doubts about Kalaskar being identified as the assailant
Yami Gautam says Dhurandhar's success tells ‘it was always about scripts’; reveals Aditya Dhar is ‘unaffected’ by itYami Gautam emphasised that Dhurandhar's success reflected a shift towards quality storytelling, while she and Aditya remain humble and grateful. Apr 30, 2026
In a time when wellness and mindful eating are reshaping everyday kitchens, the focus is shifting from restrictive diets to nourishing, balanced meals that support long-term health. Today’s approach to food is less about cutting out ingredients and more about choosing what truly fuels the body
US-Iran War: Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump and warned of “inevitable and extremely damaging consequences" if the United States and Israel resume military action against Iran, the Kremlin said after the call
EPS-95 pension hike: Why minimum EPF pension may rise to Rs 3,570; maximum to Rs 12,500 — here’s the calculation
EPS-95 pension hike: Why minimum EPF pension may rise to Rs 3,570; maximum to Rs 12,500 — here’s the calculation
Labour unions have once again stepped up their demand to raise the minimum pension under EPS-95 to Rs 9,000 a month. But is such a sharp jump from the current Rs 1,000 even feasible?
The issue has resurfaced in Parliament and in the Supreme Court, putting the spotlight back on the pension calculations under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995, run by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
In a recent unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, MP Dr. Kirsan Namdeo asked whether various labour unions, including the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), had urged the government to increase the minimum EPS pension to Rs 9,000.
Replying to the House, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Sushri Shobha Karandlaje confirmed that representations have indeed been received from trade unions and public representatives seeking an increase from the existing Rs 1,000 per month.
However, the government did not indicate any timeline for a hike.
The Minister underlined that EPS-95 is a “Defined Contribution-Defined Benefit” scheme. The pension fund corpus is built from:
-Employer contribution of 8.33% of wages
-1.16% contribution from the Central Government on wages up to Rs 15,000
She also highlighted that the government is already providing a minimum pension of Rs 1,000 per month through budgetary support, over and above the 1.16% contribution.
Importantly, 47,04,270 active member pensioners are currently receiving pension of less than Rs 9,000 per month. This number explains why the demand for revision has remained politically and socially significant.
A direct jump from Rs 1,000 to Rs 9,000 would mean a nine-fold increase. Given that EPS is funded by fixed contribution percentages and is actuarially valued every year for long-term sustainability, such a steep hike would significantly increase the outgo from the pension fund.
The government has repeatedly maintained that sustainability of the fund and future liabilities are key considerations before taking any decision.
This is where the wage ceiling becomes crucial.
In early 2026, the Supreme Court of India directed the Centre to review and potentially increase the EPFO wage ceiling of Rs 15,000 within four months.
The current wage ceiling has been in place since September 1, 2014, when it was raised from Rs 6,500 to Rs 15,000. That earlier ceiling of Rs 6,500 had remained effective from June 1, 2001.
The Court's direction has revived expectations that a revision in wage ceiling could automatically raise pension amounts — because pension is directly linked to pensionable salary.
Reports suggest the government may consider raising the EPFO wage ceiling to Rs 25,000–Rs 30,000, especially after the rollout of new labour codes that focus on strengthening social security.
Let us assume a realistic scenario: wage ceiling increased to Rs 25,000.
Under EPS-95, monthly pension is calculated using the formula:
(Pensionable Salary × Pensionable Service) / 70
Pensionable salary: Average of last 60 months' basic salary plus DA
Minimum service required: 10 years
Maximum pensionable service: 35 years
Minimum pension (10 years service)
Rs 25,000 × 10 / 70 = Rs 3,570 per month
Maximum pension (35 years service)
Rs 25,000 × 35 / 70 = Rs 12,500 per month
This shows that even if the wage ceiling is raised to Rs 25,000, the minimum pension for someone with just 10 years of service would be around Rs 3,570 — not Rs 9,000.The logical takeaway
Instead of expecting a sudden jump to Rs 9,000, a more practical outcome may be a moderate increase linked to a higher wage ceiling.
If the ceiling is revised to Rs 25,000 or Rs 30,000, pensions will automatically rise under the existing formula. The exact quantum will depend on years of service.
The government, in its parliamentary reply, has reiterated its commitment to “robust social security coverage” under EPF, EPS-95 and EDLI schemes, while keeping fund sustainability in mind.
For over 47 lakh pensioners receiving less than Rs 9,000, any upward revision would bring relief. But the final decision will likely balance three factors:
-Actuarial viability of the pension fund
-Supreme Court's direction on wage ceiling
-Fiscal implications for the Centre
For now, the key development to watch is the government's response to the Supreme Court's directive on revising the EPFO wage ceiling. That decision may quietly decide the future of EPS-95 pensions more than any headline demand.
Source: Msn.com
Source: OfficeNewz
Related Posts: BMS, 15 other trade unions lend support to four Labour Codes 8th Central Pay Commission schedules meetings with unions Zomato, Swiggy hike delivery workers’ incentives amid unions’ call for strike on New Year’s Eve FM Nirmala Sitharaman Holds Pre-Budget Consultations With Trade Unions Ahead Of Union Budget 2026-27 Starbucks workers and unions in 10 countries to protest in support of US baristas Trade unions seek inheritance tax Viral MMS 19 Min Instagram Rapper-politician Balendra Shah on course to be Nepal's next prime minister Vijay Thalapathy's Jana Nayagan 5-min scene leaked
Priyanka Chopra has opened up about the many phases in her career, starting from being a pageant winner to becoming a global star who has conquered both Bollywood and Hollywood. Priyanka made her debut in 2002 in Thamizhan. In 2003, she was seen in both The Hero: Love Story of a Spy and Andaaz
14 minutes ago
Cristiano Ronaldo moved a step closer to the elusive 1000-goal milestone after scoring in Al-Nassr’s 2-0 win over Al-Ahli SFC on Wednesday. The goal took his official tally for club and country to 971, underlining his remarkable longevity. Kingsley Coman added the second to seal a result that
14 minutes ago
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has announced the results of the Class 10 (ICSE) and Class 12 (ISC) board examinations on Thursday (April 30, 2026) at 11 a.m., officials said. Parents and students can access the official CISCE websites for downloading the
14 minutes ago
What is ‘Operation Child Protector VIII’? All about US sting that led to arrest of ‘for-hire Santa Claus’ & 18 othersAs many as 19 people have been arrested during an undercover operation – ‘Operation Child Protector VIII’ – that focused on child predators. Published on: Apr 30
15 minutes ago
One of Malayalam cinema’s most anticipated releases, Patriot, is gearing up for a grand theatrical release on May 1. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the spy action thriller has already generated significant buzz, largely due to its star-studded cast and gripping premise
14 minutes ago
Strong demand for in China has nearly doubled prices for 's B300 servers to about 7 million yuan ($1 million) each, industry sources said, as a crackdown on chip smuggling dries up black-market supply.Prices of Nvidia's most advanced and powerful server
15 minutes ago
At Jus Drums, there is a variety of percussion to choose from at their 24th annual summer camp; the drums, konakkol or the art of vocal percussion which has its origins in South India, cajón which is a box-shaped instrument from Peru played by slapping its hide, and the djembe
15 minutes ago
Nepal Airlines on Thursday (April 30, 2026) apologised for what it described as cartographic inaccuracies in the wake of a furore showing Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan in a “network map”. The airlines had deleted the social media post on Wednesday (April 29) following the backlash
15 minutes ago
Was Nancy Guthrie crime scene ‘staged’ to mislead authorities? Experts's chilling theory, ‘Killed somewhere else…’A renowned forensic psychologist has suggested that the physical evidence left at Nancy Guthrie’s home may have been “staged.” Updated on: Apr 30
15 minutes ago
Skeptical Democrats confronted Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday (April 29, 2026) for the first time since the Trump administration went to war with Iran, touching off tense exchanges over a costly conflict with unclear objectives that has been waged without congressional approval
15 minutes ago
Anti-stigma campaign, digital tool help mitigate mental health problems in slums: StudyAnti-stigma campaign, digital tool help mitigate mental health problems in slums: Study Published on: Apr 30, 2026 2:38 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link New Delhi
15 minutes ago
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran on Wednesday (April 29, 2026) that it should "get smart soon" and capitulate to Washington's demands for tight controls on its nuclear programme, as a U.S. naval blockade turned the screws on Iran's economy
15 minutes ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Power cuts this summer are unavoidable: These 10 inverter and battery combos keep you preparedPower cuts during summer can disrupt daily life
15 minutes ago
Supreme Court reserves order on Cong leader Pawan Khera’s anticipatory bail pleaSenior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared for Congress leader Pawan Khera, argued that the case did not justify arrest Published on: Apr 30, 2026 2:42 PM IST By Ayesha Arvind Share via Copy link The Assam
15 minutes ago
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) appointed Care Ratings Ltd. to function as the Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA), according to a circular released 29, April 2026. The agency will vet Investment advisors and research analysts for their past performance and risk
15 minutes ago
China will ban the sale of drones in Beijing and require permits to fly them under new rules that take effect on Friday. Drones and key components will be prohibited from being sold, rented or brought into the Chinese capital. Drone owners will also be required to register their devices with the
15 minutes ago
‘He didn’t stop because he accepted my ride’: Bengaluru woman gives T-shirt to drenched auto driver, internet movedA Bengaluru woman shared how she helped a drenched auto driver during rain, winning hearts online. Published on: Apr 30, 2026 2:07 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy
15 minutes ago
India’s agricultural transformation has long been driven by technological shifts—from the Green Revolution’s high-yielding varieties to the widespread use of synthetic fertilisers. Today, nano urea is being positioned as the next leap: a precision input that promises higher efficiency
15 minutes ago
Exit polls are revealing potential political shifts across India. In West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress faces its toughest challenge yet from the BJP. Assam shows continued BJP dominance. Tamil Nadu sees a complex scenario with the DMK alliance ahead but Vijay's new party disrupting the scene
15 minutes ago
Kara Twitter review: Best Dhanush film ‘in recent years’ floors viewers, internet hails Vignesh Raja's gripping thrillerKara Twitter review: Dhanush plays a small-time thief who specialises in robbing the rich in this crime thriller directed by Vignesh Raja. Apr 30, 2026
15 minutes ago
The IPL 2026 season isn’t just heating up on the pitch; it’s practically boiling over on social media. A new video released by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) has fans convinced that the franchise just took a massive, “pink-tinted" swipe at RCB icon Virat Kohli
15 minutes ago
‘Ghost’ claim leads Guj officials to skeletal remains in 30-yr-old caseThe remains are suspected to belong to Farzana alias Shabnam, a Mumbai resident who had come to Ahmedabad to meet her partner, Shamshuddin over three decades ago Published on: Apr 30
15 minutes ago
Former FBI Director James Comey surrendered to authorities to face charges alleging that an image he briefly shared on social media posed a threat to the life of US President Donald Trump. The case stems from a 2025 Instagram post shared by Comey
15 minutes ago
Can autism or ADHD be diagnosed in adulthood? Psychologist shares what they look like in adultsExpert debunks common myths and discloses how ADHD and autism can be masked for years, well into adulthood. Published on: Apr 30, 2026 2:40 PM IST By Adrija Dey Share via Copy link Austism is usually
15 minutes ago
AP SSC 10th Class Results 2026 Link, results.bse.ap.gov.in Live Updates: The Board of Secondary Education, Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) has announced the AP SSC Results 2026. The overall pass percentage has seen a rise this year. A total of 85.25% of the students passed the AP SSC exams 2026 up from 2025
15 minutes ago
When temperatures climb past 40°C, staying cool is no longer about comfort, it’s about survival. In Indian households, two traditional favourites often take centre stage: buttermilk (chaas) and lassi. Both are made from curd, both are refreshing but when it comes to beating extreme heat
15 minutes ago
Hyundai has taken its compact SUV and added a sporty twist with the Venue N Line N10 DCT Dual Tone, priced at Rs 15,66,000 (ex-showroom). This is the top model in the Venue N Line range and is aimed at buyers who want a small SUV that is not just practical, but also fun to drive
15 minutes ago
