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The US military, including US Central Command, used Anthropic’s Claude AI for intelligence analysis, target identification, and battle simulations during airstrikes on Iran, just hours after President Trump ordered federal agencies to stop using the company’s technology over a Pentagon contract dispute.
Central banks, including India, are expanding gold holdings while Western institutions lag, driven by geopolitical risks, debt concerns and the search for stable assets. The Rising Bharat Summit 2026 highlighted import for investment diversification and future demand across household and institutional portfolios.
Top central government employee organizations, are advocating for a 3.25 fitment factor, 7% annual increments at 8th Pay commission. These proposals will be discussed at the National Council (Staff Side) JCM meeting, alongside requests for larger family units in pay calculations and higher medical allowances.
Central government employees are set for a 2% Dearness Allowance (DA) boost from 58% to 60% based on December 2025 AICPI-IW index at 148.2, helping lakhs cope with rising prices while basic pay stays unchanged until 8th Pay Commission. With Holi on March 3, 2026, unions expect the announcement soon like previous years before major festivals, adding extra monthly cash to salaries. மத்திய அரசு ஊழியர
Central government employees and pensioners in India are set for a modest 2% Dearness Allowance (DA) increase effective January 2026, raising it from 58% to 60% of basic pay. This marks the smallest revision in seven years, driven by subdued CPI-IW inflation rates that haven’t crossed the threshold for a larger jump, similar to the 2% hike in January 2025
The Central government has revised toll rules for partially operational National Expressways, effective February 15, 2026. Previously, these charged 25% higher fees than regular National Highways; now, users pay the lower NH rate on completed stretches until full operation.
The central government is expected to announce a higher Provident Fund interest rate for EPF members after Holi. The rate may rise from 8.25% to 8.35%, benefiting nearly 8 crore employees across India. If approved, the increased interest will be automatically credited to PF accounts by June. Higher balances could earn significant interest, offering stronger long-term savings support to salaried em
Central government employees will soon get a minimum Dearness Allowance (DA) next month, along with arrears for the past two months. This boost aims to offset inflation and provide financial relief to millions of employees and pensioners amid rising living costs
The 8th Central Pay Commission has launched its official website at 8cpc.gov.in and opened a structured 18-question questionnaire on the MyGov portal to gather feedback on pay structures, allowances, and service conditions from central government employees, pensioners, unions, and other stakeholders.
Central government employees face uncertainty as Union Budget 2026 omitted any mention of salary hikes or 8th Pay Commission implementation, despite its approval in late 2025 and expected retrospective effect from January 1, 2026.
