Business

EPFO Welcomes 178,900 New Members in January, Female Enrollment Soars by 13.48%

Published

1 year ago

March 21, 2025

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) released provisional payroll data on Thursday for January 2025, showing a net increase of 1.789 million members. This marks an 11.48% rise in net payroll additions from December 2024.

Additionally, a year-on-year comparison indicates an 11.67% growth in net payroll additions compared to January 2024, highlighting enhanced employment opportunities and greater awareness of employee benefits, supported by EPFO’s effective outreach efforts.

In January, approximately 823,000 new subscribers joined, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 1.87%. The Ministry of Labour & Employment noted that this increase in new subscribers is linked to improving job opportunities, rising awareness of employee benefits, and EPFO’s successful outreach programs.

Among the new subscribers in January, around 217,000 were female, showcasing a significant year-over-year growth of 6.01%. The net female payroll addition for January reached approximately 344,000, marking a 13.48% increase compared to December and a year-over-year growth of 13.58% when compared to January 2024.

An analysis of the payroll data by state reveals that the top five states and Union Territories account for roughly 59.98% of net payroll additions, totaling around 1.073 million net additions for the month. Maharashtra leads with 22.77% of net payroll growth, while Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana each contributed over 5% of the overall net payroll for January.

Notably, the data shows a strong representation of the 18-25 age group, with 470,000 new subscribers in this category, which constitutes a substantial 57.07% of the total new subscribers for January 2025. The number of new subscribers in the 18-25 age group represents a 3.07% increase compared to January 2024. The net payroll addition for this age group in January 2025 was approximately 727,000, reflecting a 6.19% increase from December 2024 and an 8.15% rise compared to the previous year.

In terms of industry representation, about 39.86% of the total net payroll addition came from expert services, which include manpower suppliers, contractors, security services, and various other activities.

Business

Fuel Prices Hiked by Rs.3 per Litre across India

Published

9 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Petrol and diesel prices have been increased by Rs.3 per litre across the country from today. Oil marketing companies revised the rates due to the rise in global crude oil prices.

After the hike, petrol price in Bengaluru has reached Rs.106.17 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs.94.10 per litre.

The increase comes amid fluctuations in international crude oil prices and tensions in West Asia, including the Iran conflict. The fall in the value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar has also increased import costs.

The fuel price hike is expected to affect transportation and daily essentials. Transport charges for goods may rise, leading to higher prices of vegetables, fruits, milk, and other items. Bus, auto, and taxi fares may also increase.

Earlier, fuel prices were reduced before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2022, the Centre had also cut excise duty to control inflation after the Covid pandemic.

Business

Gold Prices Rise in Mangaluru; Demand for Ornaments Remains Strong

Published

2 weeks ago

May 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mangaluru: Gold prices in the coastal city of Mangaluru have been reported at high levels today. The rate for 24 karat gold (99.9% purity) stands at Rs.14,962 per gram. The price for 22 karat gold (91.6% purity) is Rs.13,715 per gram. Meanwhile, 18 karat gold (75% purity) is being sold at Rs.11,222 per gram.

Mangaluru is well known for its deep cultural connection with gold. The city has a long tradition of buying and wearing gold ornaments. This tradition continues strongly even today.

Local jewellers say that demand for gold remains steady despite high prices. Many people still prefer to invest in gold for safety and long-term value. Gold is also an important part of weddings and festivals in the region.

Apart from its love for seafood, Mangaluru is also famous for its gold market. The gold trade in the city has a long history and continues to grow.

Buyers are advised to check the latest rates before making a purchase. They can also use a gold rate calculator to get exact pricing based on weight and purity.

Experts say that gold prices may change depending on global market trends. Customers should stay updated and make careful decisions while buying gold.

Business

Pune FDA Seizes 3,800 Kg of Adulterated Mango Pulp in Major Crackdown

Published

1 month ago

April 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

In a major action against food adulteration, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Pune has seized over 3,800 kilograms of mango pulp mixed with unsafe food colours.

The raid was carried out after officials received confidential information about illegal production activities in the district. Acting quickly, an FDA team traced the source to a manufacturing unit in Urse village in Maval taluka.

During the inspection, officers found that the mango pulp was being prepared using unauthorised food colours and other banned substances. These materials are not allowed under food safety rules and can be harmful to consumers.

The unit was reportedly operated by Mohammad Ekramul, also known as Akram Gulam. Authorities said the facility was violating multiple food safety regulations.

Officials immediately seized the adulterated stock and stopped further production at the site. The FDA has also begun investigating the supply chain to identify where the products were being distributed.

Authorities warned that strict action will be taken against those involved in food adulteration. They also urged the public to stay cautious while buying food products, especially during the mango season.

Further investigation into the case is currently underway.