NEWS TODAY 01.04.2026

 

IT rules may soon cover social media news

IT rules may soon cover social media news 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 01.04.2026

New Delhi : The Centre has moved to extend its digital media rules to news and current affairs content shared by non-publisher users on social media platforms, proposing changes that expand the reach of Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, beyond registered publishers. 

In draft amendments issued on March 30, the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) has invited stakeholder comments till April 14, signalling a move to strengthen compliance requirements for intermediaries and expand oversight of online content. A key proposal seeks to make it clear that Part III of the Rules — applicable to digital news publishers — will also apply to “news and current affairs content” shared on social media by users who are not registered publishers. While the draft itself focuses on clarifying applicability and strengthening oversight mechanisms, officials indicated the framework could enable action on such content through the existing grievance redress process overseen by the Inter-Departmental Committee, though the draft does not spell out specific actions. It also proposes changes under Part II, including insertion of a new Rule 3(4), which requires intermediaries to follow govt-issued advisories, directives and guidelines as part of their legal responsibilities under Section 79 of the IT Act. 

It further states that platforms must retain user data as required under the Rules. The draft also expands the role of the Inter-Departmental Committee under Rule 14, allowing it to examine not only complaints from users but also cases referred directly by govt. The ministry, in its notice, said the amendments were intended to ensure “an Open, Safe, Trusted and Accountable Internet” and to “strengthen compliance with clarifications, advisories and directions issued by the ministry”, while improving how digital content is regulated. Govt has described the proposed changes as “clarificatory and procedural”, aimed at furthering legal certainty and strengthening enforceability of its directives

Back to work at 60: What's driving the un-retirement trend?

Back to work at 60: What's driving the un-retirement trend? 

Shruti Bansal New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 31, 2026 15:15 IST

Retirement is no longer the end of the road. Across the US, a growing number of seniors are swapping leisure time for laptops and meetings again. The surprising rise of the Great un-retirement is reshaping how the world views ageing and work. 

A growing number of retirees in the United States are rejoining the workforce, signalling a shift in traditional retirement patterns. The trend, widely referred to as the Great Un-retirement, is being driven by a mix of economic pressures and changing attitudes towards work in later life.

According to an AARP (February 2026) report, around 7% of retired individuals returned to work in the past six months, up from 6% earlier. Of these, 48% cited financial need as the primary reason, pointing to the impact of inflation and rising living costs.

FINANCIAL PRESSURE AND LONGER LIFE SPANS DRIVE RETURN TO WORK

Experts say the rising cost of living and increased life expectancy are key factors behind the trend. Fixed pensions and retirement savings are often insufficient to sustain long-term financial needs, particularly with growing healthcare expenses.

At the same time, non-financial motivations are also playing a role. Many retirees are seeking purpose, routine, and social engagement, which work continues to provide even after retirement.

"The ‘un-retirement’ trend reflects a deeper shift towards lifelong learning and purpose-driven careers. While financial security can be a factor, many professionals in their 60s are returning to stay intellectually engaged and contribute meaningfully," says Ajitesh Basani, Executive Director, ABBS, Bengaluru.

"In the education sector, this is particularly visible – institutions are increasingly welcoming experienced professionals as mentors, adjunct faculty, and advisors, where their industry insights add immense value to students," he adds.

Beyond academia, organisations are also recognising that seasoned professionals bring not just experience, but perspective, something that is critical in today’s evolving business environment.

HIRING STILL SELECTIVE, BUT DEMAND FOR EXPERIENCE RISING

Industry leaders suggest that while the movement is still largely driven by individuals, companies are beginning to tap into this experienced talent pool.

Sonica Aron, Founder & Managing Partner, Marching Sheep, said the trend remains largely candidate-led, but organisations are responding where there is a need for stability and leadership. Companies facing high attrition or leadership gaps are increasingly open to hiring experienced professionals in advisory capacities.

ADVISORY, MENTORING ROLES SEE HIGHEST DEMAND 

Companies are largely offering roles where experience outweighs the need for rapid skill adaptation. These include advisory, consulting, mentoring, governance, and client-facing roles.

"Employers today are more open to engaging professionals in their 60s, but the roles are evolving in line with how organisations view experience. The strongest demand is typically in advisory, consulting, mentoring, and leadership roles, where deep domain knowledge and decision-making maturity add immediate value," says Saikiran Murali, Founder of Workline.

"The unretirement trend is being driven by a mix of both financial need and the desire for continued engagement, rather than a single factor. On one hand, rising living costs and longer life expectancy are pushing many professionals to seek financial stability beyond traditional retirement years," he adds.

In roles that depend more on experience than rapid technical change, professionals in their 60s are often valued for their expertise, judgment, and mentorship.

"Fields like consulting, medicine, education, and research benefit from decades of hands-on work, which enhances decision-making, pattern recognition, and the ability to handle complex situations," says Upasana Raina, HR Director, GI Group Holding.

Their strategic insight, credibility, and leadership make them especially effective in high-stakes roles, leading many organisations to prefer experienced candidates in such domains.

MIX OF FINANCIAL NEED AND PURPOSE DRIVING TREND 

Experts agree that the “un-retirement” movement is not driven by a single factor. Financial necessity remains a strong motivator, but the need for purpose, identity, and continued relevance is equally significant.

Sonica Aron emphasised that many professionals in their 60s today are healthier and more capable, and are not ready to disengage from meaningful work.

Similarly, Saikiran Murali said that for many, work is a long-standing routine, making complete retirement difficult to adapt to.

"The ‘un-retirement’ trend reflects a clear shift in workforce patterns. Data shows that nearly 20–25% of retirees are working again, with many returning due to financial needs and longer life spans. This indicates that retirement is no longer a fixed stage. In my view, companies should look at experienced professionals as part of their workforce strategy," says Dipal Dutta, CEO at RedoQ.

"They contribute through knowledge transfer, mentoring, and informed decision-making. The focus now should be on building teams that combine experience with new skills," she further adds.

EARLY SIGNS EMERGING IN INDIA 

While the trend is more prominent in the United States, India is beginning to see similar patterns, albeit on a smaller scale. The rise of the gig economy, consulting roles, and mentorship opportunities is enabling professionals over 50 to re-enter the workforce.

Experts believe that as India’s workforce evolves, experienced professionals will play a larger role, particularly in knowledge transfer and strategic decision-making.

The Great un-retirement reflects a broader shift in how retirement is perceived. With longer lifespans, economic pressures, and evolving work cultures, retirement is increasingly becoming a transition rather than an endpoint.

Accounts officer ends life for non-issuing of NOC for retirement

 Accounts officer ends life for non-issuing of NOC for retirement

The Hindu Bureau

Virudhunagar 01.04.2026

In a shocking incident, an Accounts Officer of Rameswaram municipality had ended his life alleging mental agony over non issuing of no-objection certificate from Virudhunagar municipality for his retirement.

The deceased, identified as Ravi, had left a video message to his colleagues, in which he said that despite having served 35 years in Government Department, the officials had failed to act on Government Order to give NOC on time.

He said that he had got NOC from all the municipalities where he had served over the years, except for Virudhunagar municipality.

He was told that the NOC was not issued as an audit objection over not imposing tax for some match industry was pending. However, he contended that since it was a collective responsibility, he could have allowed to retire.

The deceased also alleged that some officers were expecting bribe from him. The man had left the video message and switched off his mobile phone. Next day, he was admitted to hospital after he complained of having consumed some tablets.

His son has lodged a complaint with the Soolakkarai police station about the mental agony driving his father to take the extreme step.

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050 and Speak2Us helpline at 9375493754.)