The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is launching ‘EPFO 3.0’, a major update. This will make PF withdrawals easier; subscribers will soon be able to withdraw their provident fund directly from ATMs, just like any other bank transaction.

Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that the new system will include various digital features to improve convenience and simplify transactions for EPFO members.

He also mentioned that EPFO plans to develop ‘EPFO 3.0’, which will provide its users with banking-like convenience. “The EPFO 3.0 version will be released soon. This indicates that the EPFO will become similar to a bank. As with bank transactions, you (EPFO customers) will have your Universal Account Number (UAN) and will be able to complete all of your job,” Mandaviya stated.

EPFO 3.0 is an enhanced version of the present system that aims to make withdrawals faster and more user-friendly. With this change, EPFO members will no longer need to visit government offices or obtain consent from their employers to access their PF funds. Instead, users will be able to withdraw their funds from ATMs, just as they would from a bank account.

Subscribers will be able to control their accounts using their Universal Account Number (UAN). It is unclear what the cap will be for PF withdrawals from ATMs. Withdrawing PF funds is now complicated and time-consuming. EPFO 3.0 attempts to address this by making fund withdrawals, claim settlements, and pension transfers significantly easier and faster.

The EPFO has implemented various modifications to improve the user experience. Complaints regarding EPFO services have diminished, and new features such as speedier claim processing, name corrections, and pension withdrawals from any bank have already been implemented.

The government intends to introduce the EPFO 3.0 app in May or June of this year. This software allows users to effortlessly check their PF balance, follow transactions, and make withdrawals. The minister emphasized that because the money in these accounts belongs to the employees, they should be able to access it at any time and from any location without incurring excessive delays.

A staggering 90% of rural women entrepreneurs in India save a percentage of their monthly income, according to a new survey released on Thursday, ahead of International Women’s Day.

DBS Bank India, in cooperation with Haqdarshak, conducted a survey of 411 women entrepreneurs from rural districts in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, 402 of them were members of Self-Help Groups (SHG).

According to the research, of the 90%, 57% save less than 20% of their monthly income, while 33% save between 20% and 50%. Approximately 5% save more than 50% of their income, while the remainder respondents are unaware of the percentage of their income saved, indicating a need for increased financial knowledge and planning.

According to the survey, 56% of rural women entrepreneurs use bank deposits, 39% participate in SHG savings programs, and 18% save cash without investing it in any instruments.

Fixed deposits (FDs), recurring deposits (RDs), and gold investments were found to be less frequent, with only 11% and 5% using these strategies, respectively. Approximately 64% returned their business revenues into their businesses, indicating a high preference for business expansion and growth.

“Our report provides useful insights to inform programs aimed at accelerating women’s entrepreneurship and overcoming growth barriers,” stated Azmat Habibulla, Managing Director and Head of Group Strategic Marketing and Communications at DBS Bank India.

“We aim to drive meaningful dialogue and build actionable solutions that bridge knowledge gaps, ensuring these women have improved access to social protection and financial services, ultimately fostering a more equitable economy,” said Aniket Doegar, CEO and co-founder of Ha

The survey noted a trend toward increased financial autonomy, stating that 18% of rural women entrepreneurs make financial decisions on their own, while 47% make financial decisions with their husbands.

Approximately 24% said their husbands make all financial choices, with the other 11% consulting their close or extended family members. This distribution emphasizes both progress and enduring conventional norms.

The Adani Foundation stated that it has been committed to empowering women for than three decades, beginning in 1996 with a series of focused initiatives designed to meet the unique needs of women at all phases of life.

The event on February 19 brought together important stakeholders to debate strategies and map out pathways to promote women’s empowerment throughout India. The national event also featured the launch of the Foundation’s ‘Butterfly Effect’ framework, a transformative strategy designed to meet the changing needs of women throughout their lifetimes.

According to a statement from the Adani Foundation, this roundtable was an essential venue for engaging stakeholders and gaining strategic perspectives on how to improve the outreach and impact of women-centric activities.

It also aims to identify additional alliances to increase the socioeconomic empowerment of women of all ages throughout India.

The Adani Foundation stated that it has been committed to empowering women for than three decades, beginning in 1996 with a series of focused initiatives designed to meet the unique needs of women at all phases of life.

From infancy and early childhood to adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, and old age, the Foundation works to provide ongoing support for women, ensuring that they have the necessary guidance and opportunity to improve their socioeconomic well-being.

Its dedication to women’s empowerment is holistic and multifaceted. The goal is to enhance outcomes for women throughout generations, from birth to old age.

Rather than charitable distributions, it prioritizes education, nutrition, and health security, skill development, and long-term results through program designs that promote self-reliance, agency, and autonomy.

With a strong emphasis on supporting economic activity, the Foundation is igniting change for women via health, education, sustainable livelihoods, and infrastructure initiatives that enable them to make meaningful decisions for themselves and their families.

The ‘Butterfly Effect’ paradigm exemplifies this holistic approach by putting women at the center of all initiatives. The framework was created to assist women at various phases, fostering their progress, self-reliance, and overall well-being.

During the event, the Adani Foundation also unveiled its ‘Supporting Her Exponential Empowerment (S.H.E.)’ Report, a meticulously chosen document that showcases the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to empower women at all stages of life.

India won the highest-ever run chase against Australia in ICC knockouts, advancing to their fifth Champions Trophy final in Dubai on Tuesday. The team continued its faultless performance, delivering a triumph that the country could be proud of.

Virat Kohli was once again the star of the show, scoring 84 runs to lead his side to a four-wicket win. With this win, India became the first team to qualify for the Champions Trophy final for the third time in a row.

Despite losing to Australia in the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup in Ahmedabad and the World Test Championships in 2022, Indian fans and retired cricketers alike celebrated the triumph and rushed to social media to congratulate the team.

Virat Kohli’s 84, combined with KL Rahul’s unbeaten 42 and Hardik Pandya’s 28-run cameo, enabled India win by four wickets over Australia in the first semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy on Tuesday at the Dubai International Stadium.

“I do not know. That is up to you to break down. I’ve never focused on such things. When you don’t think about these milestones, they happen. If I reach the three-figure mark, that’s terrific, but the win is what matters. “Those things don’t matter to me anymore,” Virat Kohli remarked in the post-match interview.

India captain Rohit Sharma stated that his team was cool and composed in their chase of 265 points, which they handily achieved against Australia to go to the Champions Trophy final for the third time in a row.Rohit is pleased with his squad’ current form and is unconcerned about his opponents in the summit clash.

“I thought the bowlers did an excellent job; they worked hard throughout, and the spinners squeezed and took the game deep.””If we had scored 280, things would have been different,” Smith stated in the post-match presentation.

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar praised India’s ‘clinical’ performance and wished the team success in the forthcoming final on March 9. “Clinical performance by Team India. @MdShami11 set the tone early, and our batters chased with patience. @imVkohli’s knock stood out. All the very best for the final,” posted Tendulkar.

“Finals, here we come! Bowlers did the job with @MdShami11 leading from the front & keeping the Aussies in check. Great partnership between @imVkohli and @ShreyasIyer15 handling the pressure and then @klrahul and @hardikpandya7 taking the game away in the end! One step away from glory – let’s get it, boys! #INDvsAUS #ChampionsTrophy # CT2025. Best wishes for the final,” said Yuvraj Singh.

“VIRAT win for #TeamIndia! Indian players consistently displayed talent and perseverance throughout the match. @imVkohli played another fabulous inning. @MdShami11 delivered the crucial wickets. And what a powerful innings by @klrahul and @hardikpandya7! Above all, a well-deserved victory in the semifinal against the mighty Australia,” read the post by former India spinner Harbhajan Singh.

“Well done to India on qualifying for the #ChampionsTrophy Final to be played on March 9 in Dubai. A great team performance against a quality opponent,” posted ICC Chairman Jay Shah.

“Sukoon. Thank you, Team India #IndvAus,” read the post by former India opener Aakash Chopra.

Brief scores:

Australia 264 all out in 49.3 overs (Steve Smith 73, Alex Carey 61; Ravindra Jadeja 2-40, Mohammed Shami 3-48, Varun Chakaravarthy 2-49) lost to India 267/6 in 48.1 overs (Virat Kohli 84, Shreyas Iyer 45; Nathan Ellis 2-49, Adam Zampa 2-60) by four wickets.

The Indian stock market‘s key indices, the Sensex and Nifty, opened lower on Tuesday, driven down by index heavyweight Reliance Industries and IT stocks.

“The current market climate is characterized by excessive pessimism and fear, which are frequently prelude to long-term bottoms. While a strong positive trigger has yet to surface (which is essential), historical patterns, technical indicators, and sectoral values all point to the market approaching a medium-term bottom,” the firm stated.

The brokerage business advises investors to allocate some long-term funds between 21700 and 22000. “While most of us cannot predict the exact top and bottom, sensible investing is about capitalizing on opportunities, especially when sentiment is so one-sided. “One such opportunity exists right now,” it stated.

“While most of us cannot predict the exact top and bottom, sensible investing is about capitalizing on opportunities, especially when sentiment is so one-sided. “One such opportunity is now,” the paper stated.

Sector valuations are lower than their one-year and five-year norms, indicating that long-term investors may find opportunities.

The Nifty 50 index has fallen by almost 16% from its peak of 26,277 in September 2024, marking the sixth-largest drop since the 2008-2009 Great Recession and the second-largest after the Covid-led slump in March 2020.

This five-month decline, which last occurred in November 1996, has aroused concerns about a possible bear market.

The Nifty has hit a significant support zone outlined by the 100-week Moving Average Envelope (+/- 3%), which has typically limited drops unless during extreme occurrences such as the Covid crisis. This implies that there is a solid foundation nearby.

“Historical patterns suggest that extreme breadth readings often precede market bottoms, but investors should wait for confirmation of a recovery before taking positions,” according to the research.

March has historically been a strong month for market recovery, with an average increase of 1.7% since 2009 (excluding the 2023 outlier fall). The Nifty has never seen six consecutive months of dropping prices, indicating a possible rebound.

“We are observing things that almost always occur close to a durable bottom – excessive pessimism, palpable fear, questioning the very rationale of investing in equities even for the long-term and a shift from upside excesses to the downside, not to mention social media memes,” a report from Axis Securities stated.

Varun Chakravarthy led India’s assault with a magnificent 5/42, the highest bowling stats in the competition, as India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in the final Group A match on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium.

With the win, India finishes first in Group A and will meet Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday, a rematch of the 2023 ODI World Cup final. New Zealand will face South Africa in the second semi-final on Wednesday at Gaddafi Stadium, with both sides flying to Lahore on Monday.

Following Shreyas Iyer’s 79, which helped India reach 249/9 in 50 overs, Chakaravarthy tricked the Blackcaps batters with his pace and variety, finishing with 5-42 in his 10 overs on Champions Trophy debut and bowling them out for 205 in 45.3.

Kane Williamson led the way for New Zealand with 81 off 120 balls on a tough field, relying on nudges, glances, and inside-out drives for boundaries. However, the Indian spin foursome applied the squeeze in the middle overs and took nine wickets, resulting in a win for the Rohit Sharma Team.

India could have taken their first wicket in the fourth over if Chakaravarthy hadn’t dropped Will Young’s catch at mid-on off Hardik Pandya’s bowling, resulting in the fielder booting the ball off his boot for four. But four balls later, Pandya gave the early breakthrough when Rachin Ravindra upper-cut to deep third, where he made a low diving catch.

Though Young and Williamson hit some tight boundaries, India did not let them off the hook, as New Zealand scored 44/1 on the first power play. Varun Chakaravarthy, who got enough turn in his opening over, took a wicket when Young inside-edged a googly into his stumps.

With India’s spinners getting plenty of turn, Williamson, given a life on 32 by Chakaravarthy, and Mitchell were prepared to wait while sometimes hitting boundaries in their 44-run third-wicket stand. But Kuldeep Yadav ended the partnership with a googly that spun past the inside edge and trapped Mitchell lbw for 17.

Williamson danced down the pitch to knock Axar over mid-on, but missed the delivery and was easily stumped by Rahul for a tough 81 off 120 balls, sealing the game’s outcome. Mitchell Santner hit some late boundaries in scoring 28 off 31 balls before his off-stump was uprooted by Chakaravarthy, who took five wickets in only his second ODI game.

Hardik stayed tall and fired a forehand-like shot for four off Henry, who subsequently had Jadeja slice to backward point and make a one-handed diving catch. New Zealand’s lengths were dead on, and they kept Hardik quiet until the all-rounder cut loose in the 49th over.

Brief Scores:
India 249/9 in 50 overs (Shreyas Iyer 79, Hardik Pandya 45; Matt Henry 5-42) beat
New Zealand 205 in 45.3 overs (Kane Williamson 81, Mitchell Santner 28; Varun Chakaravarthy 5-42, Kuldeep Yadav 2-56) by 44 runs

The Rajya Sabha MP praised the action and expressed hope that similar facilities will be given to other airports in the country. The AAP Rajya Sabha member turned to social media to share photos of the highly subsidised canteen that has opened at Chennai International Airport, expressing his delight at the action.

Parliamentarian Raghav Chadha hailed the opening of cheap canteen facilities at airports, the most recent of which was inaugurated at Chennai airport, and congratulated all those who helped to bringing about a “paradigm change” in how airports serve to ordinary folks.

“The government has finally heard the voice of the average man. While the project begins at Kolkata Airport, I hope it expands to include all airports across the country. This will ensure that flying travelers do not have to pay Rs 100-250 for essential commodities such as water, tea, or coffee,” Chadha explained.

He underlined that economical airport amenities are critical to the general public’s convenience.

Raghav Chadha raised the topic in Parliament during the Winter session, drawing members’ attention to the excessive prices of water, tea, and snacks at airports, as well as their negative impact on the common man.

In his statement, the RS MP underlined travelers’ misery and stated how they were compelled to pay exorbitant costs for food and beverages at airports.

“A water bottle costs Rs 100, and tea is priced between Rs 200 and 250. Can’t the government set up inexpensive canteens at airports? He had questioned. He also condemned bad airport management, comparing it to bus stops owing to long lines, overcrowding, and disarray.

“Glad to see affordable food canteens being set up at Airports. Grateful to everyone who supported my demand for affordable food and drinks at airports. Congratulations to each one of you – every drop together makes the ocean rise,” he wrote in a post on social media platform X.

The cafe debuted at Chennai airport’s T1 domestic terminal, providing clean and affordable refreshments. The water bottle costs Rs 10; tea costs Rs 10; coffee costs Rs 20, and samosas and sweets cost Rs 20 each.

Notably, on December 19, last year, the first Udaan Yatri Cafe opened at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, commemorating the airport’s 100th anniversary.

Chadha raised the problem of pricey food stalls at airports, claiming that such outlets were making it difficult for air travelers, and presented a strong case in the Rajya Sabha for lowering the inflated rates.

Uttam Mohanty, Veteran Odia Actor in the Odia film industry, died on Thursday night at the age of 66 while being treated at a private hospital in Delhi. Mohanty, known for his unparalleled contributions to Odia film, died, leaving a loss in the hearts of admirers and the Odisha art community.

The actor, who had been suffering from significant liver problems, was evacuated to Delhi from Bhubaneswar on February 8 when his health worsened. Despite intense medical care, he succumbed to his health concerns, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. According to his medical staff, he was admitted to the hospital in critical condition four days ago and was on ventilator support.

He married Aparajita Mohanty, another well-known name in Odia cinema, and their son, Babushaan, has carried on the family history as a significant figure in the business.

Mohanty’s career spanned four decades, beginning in 1977 with the film Abhimaan. He went on to appear in more than 135 films, including classics like Nijhum Ratira Sathi (1979), Phula Chandana (1982), Jhiati Sita Pari (1983), and Danda Balunga (1984). His diverse performance earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Jayadeb Puraskar in 1999 and the Odisha Living Legend Award in 2012. He also dabbled in Bengali cinema and TV serials, leaving a lasting impression on regional entertainment.

The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, expressed his deep sadness following Mohanty’s death, stating on Twitter: “I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Odisha’s famous and popular actor, Sikkli Mohanty.” His departure has left an enormous vacuum in the Odia art scene. His legacy in the Odia art field will live on in the audience’s hearts. I pray for eternal peace for his soul and extend my heartfelt condolences to the grieving family.”

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also expressed his sympathies in a tweet, writing, “I am saddened and shocked to hear the news of the demise of Odisha’s prominent actor and the evergreen hero of the Odia film world, Bikli Mohanty.” He was more than just an artist; he felt like a member of my family. His long-term contribution to the Odia film industry was unrivaled. His most notable accomplishments were the movie Ramayana, Phulachandan, Sita Pari Nanditi, and others. His immaculate and vibrant performance made him renowned with the Odia audience. His death has left a vacuum in Odisha’s artistic community. Odisha lost a yoga janma. He will rule over the hearts of the Odia people for a long time. Wishing the eternal soul peace and expressing condolences to the bereaved family.”

Uttam Mohanty’s death signals the end of an era in Odia cinema, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his followers and in the film business. With his demise, the Ollywood Industry has lost one of its most revered icons, and the people of Odisha will always remember his achievements.

Technical talents, such as software development and artificial intelligence knowledge, are in high demand, as are soft skills like communication and problem-solving. According to a LinkedIn research, more than 60% of HR professionals in the country believe AI-powered technologies may help streamline and accelerate the hiring process.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has progressed from a buzzword to a critical business strategy, with 98% of Indian company leaders emphasizing AI implementation for 2025, according to a new survey issued on Thursday.

The demand for technical skills such as software development and AI knowledge is increasing, as are vital soft skills like as communication and problem-solving. According to a LinkedIn research, more than 60% of HR professionals in the country feel AI-powered technologies may help streamline and expedite the hiring process.

“AI is reshaping how we hire and develop talent, but the real unlock isn’t just adopting AI—it’s making it work for the business,” said Ruchee Anand, LinkedIn’s India Country Head for Talent and Learning Solutions.

She stated that firms invest in AI tools without the necessary talent to fully realize their promise, resulting in a squandered opportunity. Around 84% see skill development as a major concern for 2025.

As AI becomes more integrated into the workplace, businesses prioritise staff training. They are particularly interested in AI training and crucial soft skills like as collaboration and communication.

Furthermore, all polled learning and development (L&D) experts in India feel that soft skills are becoming equally important as technical expertise. Despite the fast adoption of AI, obtaining trained talent remains a big barrier, according to the research.

According to the report, recruiters in India are having difficulty finding individuals with the perfect combination of AI and human abilities. Approximately 54% of HR experts believe that just half or fewer of job applicants meet the essential qualifications.

Many recruiters claim they receive an overwhelming number of applications from people that are unsuitable for the positions.

“To break this cycle, businesses need to approach hiring with a skills-first mindset — because while AI will be the tool that unlocks innovation, it’s human skills like creativity, communication, and collaboration that will help companies truly stay ahead of change,” Anand told me.

More than half of HR professionals in India now prefer to hire individuals who meet at least 80% of the job requirements. According to the research, this shift implies a hiring strategy that prioritizes quality above quantity.

Maha Shivratri is a prominent Hindu festival commemorating Shiva and Parvati’s marriage, as well as the performance of Shiva’s cosmic dance, the Tandava. It is also a chance to reflect on conquering ignorance and darkness.

Maha Shivratri is a significant day for Hindus because it is a time to connect with the divine, Lord Shiva, and recognize our oneness with the universe. To receive Lord Shiva’s blessings, devotees observe Maha Shivaratri as a day of fasting, prayer, and meditation. It is lucky for spiritual pursuits such as visiting Shiva temples, offering prayers, and doing rituals.

Maha Shivratri is popularly regarded as the holy marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. However, scholars argue that this incident is not mentioned in ancient books, such as the Shiva Purana.

According to the Shiva Purana, the Shivling appeared for the first time on the fourteenth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Falgun, also known as Chaturdashi Tithi. Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma worshipped the Shivling on this day, which became known as Shivratri, a sacred occasion.

The President Droupadi Murmu wrote on X, “I extend my heartfelt greetings to all my countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. I pray that the blessings of the Supreme God Mahadev remain on all of us and that our country continues to move ahead on the path of progress.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on the auspicious festival of Maha Shivratri, wishing them pleasure, prosperity, and a stronger resolve to establish a ‘Viksit Bharat.’

Sharing a video on X, PM Modi wrote, “I wish all my countrymen a very happy Mahashivratri, a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. May this divine occasion bring happiness, prosperity, and good health to all of you and also strengthen the resolve for a Viksit Bharat. Har Har Mahadev!”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also sent his Maha Shivratri greetings, emphasizing the festival’s profound spiritual and introspective significance and posted on X, “Heartiest greetings to all countrymen on the holy festival of Mahashivratri. This festival of the union of Shiva and Shakti is a great festival of spirituality, introspection, and faith. I pray to Devadhidev Mahadev for the welfare of all“.

People around the country are celebrating Maha Shivratri with tremendous devotion and excitement, visiting Lord Shiva temples and offering prayers.