Lifestyle
Delay Looms for 8th Pay Commission; Implementation Timeline Extended

The implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, which aims to revise salaries and pensions for millions of central government employees and retirees in India, is facing potential delays. Concerns have arisen regarding the timely execution of the commission’s recommendations, initially expected to take effect in January 2026.
The Central Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the establishment of the 8th Pay Commission to benefit approximately 5 million current employees and 6.5 million retired personnel. In January, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw indicated that in due course, salaries and pensions would see substantial revisions. However, the timeline for these changes is now uncertain.
Potential Delays and Financial Implications
The 8th Finance Commission is expected to submit its recommendations by the end of 2025. Following this, the government will assess the recommendations before granting approval. According to a report by Ambit, the lengthy process of proposal submission and approval could delay implementation until the financial year 2027. The report also suggests that salaries could increase by approximately 30 to 40 percent once the commission’s recommendations are in place.
The Terms of Reference for the commission have not yet been finalized, which adds another layer of uncertainty to the timeline. As highlighted by the Economic Times, the implementation could either occur by late 2026 or early 2027.
Impact on Employees and Pensioners
The 7th Pay Commission serves as a historical reference, having been announced in February 2014 but only coming into effect two years later, in January 2016. When the 8th Pay Commission is eventually implemented, it stands to directly benefit around 44 lakh central government employees across various ministries and departments. Additionally, over 68 lakh pensioners will also see the effects, bringing the total number of direct beneficiaries to more than a crore.
Notably, the 4.4 million central government employees and armed forces personnel represent approximately 0.7% of India’s 600 million strong labor force, while also constituting nearly 9% of the formal sector. The growing anticipation surrounding the commission’s recommendations highlights the importance of timely action from the government to ensure that employees and retirees receive the financial support they rely on.
Lifestyle
Elitecon International Shares Surge Amid Acquisition Postponement

Shares of Elitecon International, a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, experienced a significant rise on July 17, 2025, reaching a fresh 52-week high. The stock opened with a notable gain of 5 percent, trading at Rs 119.11. This performance is particularly impressive given the prevailing market volatility influenced by recent foreign fund outflows.
In a strategic move, the company announced that it has decided to pause the acquisition of 100 percent equity shares of Prime Place Spices Trading LLC. This decision, communicated through a recent filing with the exchanges, effectively nullifies the previously signed Share Purchase Agreement and associated documents. This approach reflects the company’s commitment to making well-informed business decisions.
Stock Performance and Market Context
According to BSE Analytics, Elitecon International has delivered an exceptional return of 1,048 percent this year, with an impressive 808 percent increase over the past six months. This remarkable performance underscores the company’s robust market position and its capacity to generate significant returns for investors.
Despite the positive performance of Elitecon International, the stock has been placed under the Short Term Additional Surveillance Measure Stage 4 (ST ASM-4) by the BSE. This measure aims to monitor the trading of stocks that exhibit unusual volatility, potentially prompting increased scrutiny and caution among investors.
On the broader market front, equity benchmark indices Sensex and NSE Nifty started the day positively but later faced selling pressure. Investors adopted a cautious stance, particularly as they await developments from ongoing US-India trade talks. The 30-share BSE Sensex initially climbed by 119.05 points to reach 82,753.53, while the 50-share NSE Nifty increased by 18.7 points to 25,230.75. However, both indices later exhibited declines, with the Sensex falling by 71.51 points to 82,554.47 and the Nifty down by 30.30 points to 25,182.55.
This combination of factors illustrates the resilience of Elitecon International in a challenging market environment while highlighting the cautious sentiment prevailing among investors. The company’s strategic decisions and historic stock performance position it as a noteworthy player in the FMCG sector.
Lifestyle
Gujarat Launches Pioneering Genome Mapping Project for Tribes

In a groundbreaking initiative, the state of Gujarat has announced the launch of a large-scale genome mapping project dedicated to its tribal communities. This extensive study aims to collect 4,158 biological samples from individuals across 17 districts with significant tribal populations. The project will generate approximately 2,000 whole genome sequences, providing critical insights into the genetic diversity of over 20 tribal communities.
During a session titled ‘Creation of Reference Genome Database for Tribal Population in Gujarat’ held on March 6, 2024, officials discussed the project’s details. The session was chaired by Kuber Dindor, the minister of tribal development, and Kunwarji Halpati, the minister of state for tribal development. They were joined by scientists from the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), officials from the department of science and technology, and tribal development experts. “This is the first such initiative in the country, focusing exclusively on tribal groups,” an official stated.
Significance of the Genome Mapping Project
The genome mapping project represents a significant step towards merging scientific research with the rich traditions of Gujarat’s tribal communities. The data collected will enhance understanding of the genetic health and diversity within these populations, which make up nearly 15% of the state’s total population. The communities involved in the study include the Bamcha, Garasia Bhil, Dholi Bhil, Chaudhari, Dhanka, Tadvi, Valvi, Dubla, Gamit, Gond, Kathodi, Kukna, Kunbi, Nayaka, Pardhi, Patelia, Rathwa, Warli, Kotwalia, and others. Notably, the Sidi community, known for its African ancestry, will also participate.
Each tribe will contribute at least one genetic trio for the study, meaning samples will be collected from both parents and a child to trace inherited genetic traits. The study will focus on healthy individuals aged 18 and above, ensuring that no participants have visible blood disorders. Furthermore, officials aim for a target of 50% female representation in the sampling.
Health and Community Impact
The project is not only a scientific endeavor but also a means to address health and welfare needs in tribal populations. Dindor described it as a bridge between science and tradition, emphasizing its potential to provide personalized and community-level genetic insights. The genome data will create a comprehensive repository of genetic markers, helping experts assess the likelihood of specific diseases or health conditions.
National surveys have highlighted a higher prevalence of anaemia and malnutrition within tribal populations, alongside increased infant mortality rates. By identifying genetic markers, the project aims to create distinct profiles for these communities, ranging from their genetic attributes to their interactions with larger population markers. This data can ultimately inform public health initiatives and improve health outcomes for tribal populations.
Local administrative bodies will play a crucial role in disseminating information and obtaining informed consent from participants. This initiative marks a pioneering effort in ensuring that Gujarat’s tribal communities are represented in genetic research, setting a precedent for future studies across India.
As Gujarat embarks on this ambitious project, it stands at the forefront of integrating modern science with traditional knowledge, paving the way for improved health and welfare for its tribal populations.
Lifestyle
Gujarat High Court Grants Bail to Khyati Hospital Executives

The Gujarat High Court has granted bail to three individuals associated with Khyati Hospital in Ahmedabad, following serious allegations related to the deaths of two beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) scheme. The court’s decision came on September 26, 2023, allowing the hospital’s director, Chirag Rajput, along with marketing executives Pankil Patel and Pratik Bhatt, to be released on conditional bail.
The case stems from accusations that Khyati Hospital conducted wrongful angioplasty procedures to exploit the PM-JAY benefits. The procedures, carried out in 2022, allegedly led to the deaths of two patients, raising significant concerns about patient safety and hospital practices.
Justice M R Mengdey granted bail on the condition that each individual provides a personal bond of Rs 10,000 and a surety of the same amount. The trio sought bail through their advocate, Ajj Murjani, emphasizing their willingness to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
Details of Allegations and Court Proceedings
According to the prosecution, Chirag Rajput holds a 6.8% stake in Khyati Hospital and was involved in its overall administration. Allegations suggest that he pressured the marketing team to increase patient admissions, which resulted in the organization of additional medical camps. His actions were seen as part of a strategy to maximize hospital revenues under the PM-JAY scheme.
The roles of Pankil Patel and Pratik Bhatt were also scrutinized. They were accused of persuading patients to undergo the disputed procedures, further complicating the hospital’s legal challenges. Given the serious nature of the allegations, the court mandated that the accused report to the Vastrapur police station once a month for the next six months as part of their bail conditions.
The investigation into Khyati Hospital has been extensive, with the city crime branch arresting a total of nine individuals, including the hospital’s chairman, Kartik Patel. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the integrity of healthcare practices and the importance of regulatory oversight in medical institutions.
As the legal proceedings continue, the situation at Khyati Hospital serves as a critical reminder of the need for transparency and accountability within the healthcare system, particularly in relation to government-funded schemes designed to provide essential medical services to vulnerable populations.
Lifestyle
Bitcoin Creator Satoshi Nakamoto Joins World’s Richest at $129 Billion

The mysterious creator of Bitcoin, known only by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, has officially become one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, now ranking as the 11th richest person globally. This shift occurred as Bitcoin’s value surged past $120,000 on Sunday, increasing Nakamoto’s holdings to approximately 1.096 million bitcoins, worth around $129 billion.
This remarkable financial ascent places Nakamoto ahead of notable figures such as Michael Dell, the CEO of Dell Technologies, whose wealth is estimated at $125.1 billion. According to a report by Cointelegraph, which referenced data from blockchain analytics firm Arkham, Nakamoto’s wealth has been largely unaffected by market fluctuations since they have never moved any of their original bitcoin holdings, despite the substantial increase in price.
The Enigma Surrounding Bitcoin’s Creator
The identity of Satoshi Nakamoto has remained one of the internet’s most enduring mysteries since the launch of Bitcoin in 2009. Despite extensive speculation and numerous investigations, Nakamoto’s true identity has never been conclusively established. This anonymity adds a layer of intrigue to the Bitcoin phenomenon. The creator’s decision to remain hidden while controlling a significant portion of Bitcoin has raised questions about the future of cryptocurrency and its regulation.
Bitcoin’s rise to over $120,000 has also sparked discussions regarding the inclusion of cryptocurrencies in traditional financial assessments. While the Forbes Billionaires List does not currently recognize crypto wallets in its rankings, Nakamoto’s growing wealth is garnering increasing attention as the cryptocurrency market evolves.
The Market Impact of Bitcoin’s Surge
The recent surge in Bitcoin’s value can be attributed to a combination of factors, including increased adoption, institutional investment, and growing public interest. As more individuals and businesses embrace cryptocurrency, the financial landscape is shifting, prompting analysts and investors to reconsider the implications of such digital assets.
Nakamoto’s position in the wealth rankings highlights the substantial impact cryptocurrency can have on traditional wealth accumulation. The fact that an anonymous figure can achieve such wealth without disclosing their identity speaks to the transformative nature of digital currencies in the global economy.
As Bitcoin continues to capture public and investor interest, the spotlight on its enigmatic creator grows brighter. Whether this will lead to greater transparency in the cryptocurrency market or further speculation remains to be seen, but Satoshi Nakamoto’s story is far from over.
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