Digest for 29 October, 2025
Cabinet Approves Formation of 8th Pay Commission
The Union Cabinet has approved the terms of reference for the 8th Pay Commission, which will recommend revised salaries, allowances, and pensions for central government employees. The commission's proposals, expected within 18 months, will likely take effect from January 1, 2026. This move will impact nearly 50 lakh employees and 69 lakh pensioners. Headed by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, the commission will consider the country's economic conditions and fiscal impact while formulating its recommendations.
Cyclone Montha Weakens After Landfall in Andhra Pradesh, Killing One
Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, bringing winds up to 100 kmph and heavy rainfall before weakening. The storm caused one fatality, submerged over 43,000 hectares of crops, and led to significant infrastructure damage, particularly to the power sector. The cyclone's impact was also felt in neighboring Odisha. The storm extensively disrupted transport, with authorities cancelling or diverting over 160 trains and numerous flights in the region as a precautionary measure.
India Partners with Sanctioned Russian Firm to Manufacture Passenger Aircraft
State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an agreement with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to manufacture the SJ-100 passenger aircraft in India. The deal marks a major step for India's domestic civil aviation manufacturing and aligns with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. The collaboration is geopolitically significant as UAC is under US and EU sanctions. The twin-engine, short-haul jets are expected to boost regional connectivity under the UDAN scheme, addressing a growing demand for such aircraft in India.
Israeli Airstrikes Kill at Least 60 in Gaza Amid Ceasefire Collapse
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed at least 60 people, including 27 children, according to local hospital officials. The attacks followed an order from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for "powerful strikes" after accusing Hamas of violating a fragile ceasefire. The flare-up began after Israeli forces were allegedly fired upon and Hamas returned what Israel claimed were only partial remains of a hostage. The intense overnight bombardment represents a significant escalation, seriously jeopardizing the tenuous US-brokered ceasefire that had been in place.
Services Sector Employs Under a Third of India's Workforce, NITI Aayog Finds
A new NITI Aayog report reveals a significant disconnect between India's economic growth and job creation. While the services sector contributes over half of the national output, it employs just under 30% of the workforce—well below the global average of 50%. The report highlights that most of these jobs are informal and low-paying, creating a mismatch with the rising education levels of the workforce. It calls for structural reforms, including formalising work and targeted skilling, to improve job quality.