The government of Madhya Pradesh is preparing to implement a budget that aligns salaries and pensions with the recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission. This plan will affect approximately 7.5 lakh regular government employees and 4.5 lakh pensioners. A salary and pension increase of around 15 percent is anticipated, marking a significant adjustment for state employees.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, the Madhya Pradesh administration is working on budget projections for the upcoming fiscal years. A dedicated committee has been established to oversee this process. Currently, government employees and pensioners in Madhya Pradesh receive compensation based on the 7th Pay Commission, which is set to conclude in December 2025.

As the Modi government has already appointed a chairman for the 8th Pay Commission, there is an expectation that the Commission will submit its report to the central government prior to the expiration of the current commission. Once this report is approved, Madhya Pradesh is poised to implement the newly recommended salary structures.

The financial implications of this transition are significant. Presently, approximately 33 percent of the state’s annual budget is allocated to establishment costs. Should the 8th Pay Commission recommend an increase in salaries based on a multiplier of 3 to 3.25 percent, the establishment expenditure could rise to between 37 and 40 percent of the total budget.

To prepare for this potential shift, the Finance Department has instructed all state departments to formulate proposals for establishment expenditures, assuming an annual salary increase of 3 percent. Historically, under the 7th Pay Commission, a multiplication factor of 2.75 was utilized, which resulted in monthly salary increments ranging from Rs 7,000 to Rs 18,000.

The conversation around the 8th Pay Commission is not only about salary increases but also about how the state will manage these changes within its budgetary framework. As the government prepares for future financial planning, the impact on public sector employees and the overall economy remains a topic of keen interest.

The competition between tech giants **Google** and **Microsoft** for top engineering talent is intensifying, with both companies offering impressive salary packages. Recent reports indicate that Google is providing software engineers salaries as high as **Rs 2.9 crore** per year, not including stock options and bonuses. This trend reflects a broader effort among tech firms, including **Meta**, to attract skilled professionals, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and research.

Salary Insights from Google

According to data submitted to the U.S. government in early **2025**, Google’s compensation packages are notably high for roles in artificial intelligence, research, and hardware development. The base salary range for software engineers at Google spans from **$109,180 to $340,000** (approximately **Rs 91 lakh to Rs 2.9 crore**). Importantly, these figures do not account for bonuses or equity, suggesting that total compensation could be significantly higher.

Salary figures for various technical roles at Google include:

– Hardware Engineers: **$130,000–$284,000**
– Research Engineers: Up to **$265,000**
– Electrical Engineers: Up to **$203,000**
– Data Engineers: Up to **$175,000**
– Network Engineers: Up to **$195,000**
– Data Scientists: **$133,000–$260,000**
– Research Scientists: **$155,000–$303,000**

Even in non-core engineering positions, such as product managers and finance professionals, leadership roles command annual pay packages exceeding **Rs 2 crore**.

Microsoft’s Competitive Offerings

On the other hand, Microsoft also presents strong compensation packages across various roles. A report from **Business Insider** in January **2025** highlighted that Principal Software Engineers at Microsoft can earn up to **$215,000** (approximately **Rs 1.8 crore**), while Senior Data Scientists command around **$200,000** (nearly **Rs 1.7 crore**). The company’s Corporate Vice Presidents can earn up to **$650,000** (about **Rs 5.4 crore**).

While Microsoft’s high-end salaries do not surpass Google’s peak engineering salaries, they remain competitive, especially for leadership and strategic roles. Positions in research and program management reportedly reach **$240,000** (around **Rs 2 crore**) annually.

The data suggests that while Google typically offers higher maximum salaries, particularly in core engineering and AI roles, Microsoft maintains a consistent high-pay structure across its senior and strategic roles. This competition for talent in the tech industry reflects the ongoing demand for skilled professionals and the significant financial resources both companies are willing to invest in their workforce.

As tech companies continue to innovate and expand their capabilities, the stakes in this talent battle are likely to rise, further influencing salary trends across the industry.

Couples seeking the perfect backdrop for their wedding or honeymoon can find exceptional options across Asia. With stunning landscapes and unique cultural experiences, these regions offer more than just luxury; they provide a canvas for creating lifelong memories. From the beaches of Thailand to the bustling streets of Tokyo, here are some of Asia’s foremost resorts that promise a truly enchanting experience for couples.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is nestled among lush rice paddies and serene lotus ponds, making it an idyllic setting for romantic ceremonies. Couples can choose to exchange vows in the tranquility of the countryside, surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Start the day with breakfast in the rice fields, followed by a candlelit dinner at the Rice Barn, a traditional Lanna structure overlooking a peaceful pond. The resort offers wellness experiences, including mindful yoga and cycling tours. The Wara Cheewa Spa features the signature Rose of the North – Kularb Lanna Ritual, which combines a rose-infused scrub and massage. Couples can also engage in pottery workshops or cooking classes, ensuring that every moment spent together is filled with joy and creativity.

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, Japan

For those wishing for a wedding reminiscent of a Japanese fairytale, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo presents a unique blend of traditional charm and modern luxury. Once known as a fine-dining venue, this hotel boasts a grand ballroom steeped in history, ideal for exchanging vows.

Private dining rooms adorned with exquisite ceiling art and murals enhance the romantic atmosphere. Honeymooners can dine at Tofu-tei, a thatched-roof restaurant that resembles an art gallery. The hotel also features the famous “Hyakudan Kaidan – The Hundred Stairs,” a wooden hallway showcasing art and connecting seven beautifully preserved rooms. The peaceful gardens, complete with koi ponds and waterfalls, provide a serene retreat in the heart of Tokyo.

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia

Set against a backdrop of dramatic limestone cliffs and pristine beaches, the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi offers couples a stunning seafront location for their special day. With a mile-long beach, the azure waves create a picturesque setting for romantic ceremonies.

Every wedding here becomes a cherished memory, with white sands and breathtaking views. Couples can enjoy the beauty of the island’s nature while exchanging vows in this idyllic sanctuary.

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, Thailand

Located on the tranquil shores of Layan Beach, the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort turns tropical wedding dreams into reality. Imagine saying “I do” with the soft sand beneath your feet and the Andaman Sea sparkling in the background.

The resort offers various breathtaking venues, from intimate beach ceremonies to cliffside chapels with breathtaking ocean views. After the ceremony, couples can retreat to luxurious pool villas or expansive residences, many featuring private infinity pools. The award-winning Anantara Spa provides rejuvenating couples’ treatments, while culinary classes offer a taste of local Thai cuisine. Dining at Dara Cuisine Phuket, set beside a lagoon, is a must, along with a visit to the Sky Observatory for stargazing.

Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia

Escape to the Pangkor Laut Resort, a private island that embodies tranquility and romance. This exclusive destination is surrounded by 300 acres of ancient rainforest and emerald waters, making it perfect for intimate ceremonies.

Couples can choose to celebrate their love with a traditional ‘pheras’ in a secluded garden or a magical ‘vermala’ ceremony under the stars. The award-winning Spa Village offers a blend of healing traditions, providing a range of treatments for relaxation. Adventurous couples can explore guided jungle treks, snorkelling, and island hopping, while dining options include fresh seafood with stunning ocean views at Fisherman’s Cove.

As couples plan their weddings and honeymoons, these resorts offer not just luxury but also a chance to create unforgettable experiences that celebrate their unique love stories. Each location promises a blend of romance, culture, and breathtaking scenery, making Asia a prime destination for those looking to mark their special moments in style.

Bitcoin has recently reached a staggering valuation of $123,000, making it the fifth most valuable asset globally. With a market capitalisation exceeding $2.4 trillion, the cryptocurrency has outpaced tech giants such as Amazon and Google. Amid this financial surge, questions about the identity of Bitcoin’s elusive creator, known by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, continue to intrigue the public.

The mystery surrounding Nakamoto, who published the Bitcoin white paper in 2008 and mined the first block in 2009, deepens as reports indicate that this individual is now the 11th richest person in the world. Nakamoto is estimated to hold approximately 1.096 million bitcoins, valued at around $128 billion. Despite the creator’s anonymity, their wealth is a testament to the cryptocurrency’s meteoric rise.

Several prominent figures have been speculated to be Nakamoto, including Elon Musk, Jack Dorsey, and cryptographic pioneer Hal Finney. Each of these individuals has publicly denied any connection to the Bitcoin creator. Additionally, Australian computer scientist Craig Wright claimed to be Satoshi, but a UK High Court ruled against him, branding his assertions as false and categorising them as “legal terrorism.”

Ongoing Investigations and Cultural Impact

Countless investigations have sought to uncover Nakamoto’s true identity, but so far, none have succeeded. The enigma surrounding Bitcoin’s creator has captivated journalists and filmmakers alike. A documentary titled ‘Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery’, directed by Cullen Hoback, delves into this intrigue, featuring interviews with experts like Peter K. Todd, who also denies being Nakamoto.

Interestingly, Nakamoto was active in online forums and communications until the spring of 2011, after which all correspondence abruptly ceased. Reports indicate that the figure behind the pseudonym possesses exceptional programming skills, particularly in C++. According to journalist Benjamin Wallace, author of ‘The Mysterious Mr. Nakamoto: A Fifteen-Year Quest to Unmask the Secret Genius Behind Crypto’, Satoshi remains “an elusive figure who might or might not exist.”

A Symbol of Intrigue

Despite the ongoing mystery, Satoshi Nakamoto’s influence is undeniably significant. In a unique tribute to this enigmatic figure, a bronze statue depicting a hooded Nakamoto has been erected in Graphisoft Park, Budapest, Hungary. Created by artists Gergely Réka and Tamás Gilly, the statue embodies the timeless and global appeal of Nakamoto’s vision for cryptocurrency.

The enduring curiosity about Nakamoto highlights the profound impact Bitcoin has had on the financial landscape. As Bitcoin continues to evolve and attract interest, the search for its creator remains a compelling narrative in the world of technology and finance.