January 8, 2026

Tamil Nadu Rolls Out Assured Pension Scheme Instead of Old Pension Plan

Tamil Nadu’s DMK government introduces the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS), blending old and new pension rules. The plan aims to balance election promises and budget limits by offering 50% of last pay to pensioners. It includes employees’ contributions and promises a minimum payout, keeping fiscal health in mind.

January 8, 2026

TTD's Aseervachanam Scheme Sees ₹3.1 Crore Donations via Money Order in 2025

Despite digital payments booming, devotees still use Money Order to send donations to Tirumala. In 2025 alone, TTD got ₹3.1 crore from 1.26 lakh devotees via this method under the Aseervachanam scheme.

January 8, 2026

BlueScope Rejects Kerry Stokes' $13.2bn Bid as 'Drastically Undervalued'

BlueScope Steel has firmly rejected Kerry Stokes' $13.2 billion takeover offer, calling it 'an attempt to buy the company on the cheap.' The board says the bid undervalues the company’s assets and growth. Shares soared 20.6% to a 17-year high after the bid.

January 8, 2026

West Bengal BJP Leader Sparks Row Over Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Favoring TMC Women Voters

A BJP leader in West Bengal sparked outrage by telling husbands to 'lock up wives' to stop them voting TMC under Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. The cash scheme boosts TMC’s hold on 2.21 crore women voters with monthly ₹1,000 payments. Despite controversy, cash incentives remain a key election tool in West Bengal.

January 7, 2026

90% of Low-Income Aussie Families Struggle to Afford Back-to-School Essentials Due to Rising Costs

A new survey by The Smith Family reveals nine in ten low-income Australian families worry about paying for school essentials. Inflation and rising costs hit hard, leaving many kids without proper uniforms, digital devices, or access to extracurricular activities.