India has fully operationalised four new labour codes, consolidating 29 existing laws into a single modern framework. The government says the overhaul strengthens worker protection while making compliance easier for businesses. Key promises include equal pay for equal work and universal social security, with officials positioning the move as both pro-poor and industry-friendly.
Thousands of Pakistani Shia workers are reportedly being expelled from the UAE, deepening strains with Abu Dhabi. The move follows a reported demand for loan repayment and comes amid wider regional tensions tied to shifting alliances. With remittances crucial to Pakistan’s economy, the expulsions could quickly hit household incomes and create new political pressure back home.
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Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate a nationwide free annual health check-up initiative for workers aged 40 and above on May 7, 2026. The program, tied to the new Labour Codes, is designed to boost social security and worker well-being, and will be rolled out through 11 ESIC hospitals starting from New Delhi.
Millions of workers are taking to the streets on May Day, driven by a mix of economic strain and global tensions. Rising inflation and falling purchasing power, alongside stagnant wages, are sharpening demands for higher pay and relief. The situation is further worsened by the ongoing Iran conflict, which has pushed up energy prices and intensified cost pressures across countries.
Protests by Noida factory workers have thrust India’s minimum wage debate back into focus. With inflation steadily eroding purchasing power, many workers say wage hikes are not translating into better living standards. Wage growth varies across states and gaps remain, while more households lean on borrowing. Analysts call for a more granular minimum-wage approach plus targeted support for MSMEs and migrant workers.
Uttar Pradesh announced an interim minimum wage revision effective April 1, 2026, for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers. Noida and Ghaziabad workers get the highest increase of 21%, while other districts are slated for near 15% and 9.21% hikes depending on category. The government also clarified that a proposed Rs 20,000 statewide minimum wage is untrue.
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