EPFO Disburses August Pensions to Kerala Pensioners Amid Onam Celebrations The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has successfully disbursed the August pensions to 4,40,901 pensioners in Kerala, coinciding with the Onam festival celebrations. This initiative, reported by PTI, was part of special arrangements made to ensure that pensioners and their families could meet their financial needs and celebrate the festival without disruption. Typically, pensions under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995, are disbursed at the end of the month, but this year’s early credit on August 26 through the Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS) allowed for timely payments. The CPPS facilitates direct transfers to beneficiary bank accounts nationwide, ensuring seamless access to funds. The Labour Ministry highlighted that the EPFO remains committed to delivering social security benefits promptly, leveraging technology-enabled initiatives to improve pension services. This effort aligns with broader citizen-centric reforms aimed at simplifying processes for pensioners. The early disbursement during Onam, a significant cultural festival in Kerala, underscores the EPFO’s focus on addressing the unique financial needs of its beneficiaries during critical periods. Under the EPS 1995, all EPF members become eligible for pension at age 58, with an option to delay payments until 60. This delay can be achieved by either pausing contributions for two years, which earns 4% annual interest until 60, or continuing contributions for two years to accumulate a higher payout. Pensions are distributed monthly to eligible members or beneficiaries through banks or post offices, covering various categories such as superannuation, early, family, orphan/ widow, and disablement pensions.#kerala #epfo #employees_provident_fund_organisation #onam #centralised_pension_payment_system
A Little Rest for Onam; No Change in Record Gold Prices The price of gold remained unchanged on August 26, 2026, with rates continuing at the same level as the previous trading day. The 22-carat gold price stood at 15,010 rupees per gram and 1,20,080 rupees per tola (8 grams). Despite ongoing fluctuations in global gold markets, the domestic price showed no significant movement. Analysts attributed this stability to a combination of international market trends, the rupee-dollar exchange rate, and global economic conditions. The international gold price has crossed the 4,600-dollar mark per troy ounce, with experts predicting further upward momentum in the coming days. If this trend continues, gold prices could rise to as high as 1.50 lakh rupees per tola. Factors influencing this trajectory include the U.S. economic landscape, where recent gains in American debt and a weaker dollar have supported gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset. Additionally, the U.S. imposition of economic sanctions on Iran has added uncertainty to global markets, potentially amplifying gold’s attractiveness. The wedding season and festival period have heightened demand for gold, prompting buyers to closely monitor daily price fluctuations. However, the current stability in rates has eased some pressure on consumers. Investors are advised to account for additional costs such as labor charges and GST when purchasing jewelry. Historical price data for the past week showed minor variations, with the tola price fluctuating between 1,13,640 and 1,20,240 rupees. For instance, on August 25, the price was 1,20,080 rupees, while it dipped slightly to 1,19,600 rupees on August 23. These minor adjustments reflect the volatile nature of the market, even as the overall trend remains steady.#gold #22_carat_gold #onam #troy_ounce #us_economic_sanctions
