EPFO Rolls Out WhatsApp Service to Check PF Balance, Passbook and Recent Transactions

New Delhi, November 2: In a major step towards making provident fund services more accessible, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a verified WhatsApp-based service that will allow subscribers to check their PF balance, view passbooks and access their latest transactions directly from their mobile phones.

 Representaional Image 

Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launched the new digital initiatives on Sunday, aimed at improving convenience and reducing the need for subscribers to visit EPFO offices for routine services.

Through the new WhatsApp facility, members will be able to access their provident fund balance, view their passbook, check recent transactions and receive personalised guidance regarding the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY).

According to the Labour Ministry, the initiative will make essential EPF services available through a familiar mobile platform, ensuring easier access and a more convenient experience for subscribers.

Automatic Settlement of Small Inoperative PF Accounts

In another significant reform, EPFO has introduced automatic settlement of eligible inoperative provident fund accounts carrying balances of up to ₹1,000.

Under the new system, subscribers with Aadhaar-verified inoperative accounts will no longer need to submit individual claims to withdraw their eligible dues. Following the prescribed identity and bank account verification, the amount will be automatically transferred to the rightful beneficiaries.

The initiative is expected to benefit approximately one lakh accounts, involving a total amount of nearly ₹5 crore.

EPFO Focuses on Digital and Worker-Friendly Reforms

EPFO currently has more than 34 crore total members, including over 8 crore active subscribers, and manages a retirement fund corpus of approximately ₹32 lakh crore.

Addressing the organisation’s 74th Foundation Day celebrations, Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stressed the importance of making social security services more compassionate, accessible and responsive to workers’ needs.

He urged officials to introduce more worker-centric innovations ahead of EPFO’s 75th anniversary and called for continuous improvements in service delivery to keep pace with changing times.

Labour Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar also highlighted the need to extend social protection and labour reforms to workers in both organised and unorganised sectors. He emphasised that digital transformation and administrative reforms must focus on accessibility and ease of living for ordinary citizens.

With the introduction of WhatsApp-based PF services and automatic settlement of small inoperative accounts, EPFO is taking another step towards a simpler, faster and more subscriber-friendly digital service system.

Thunes and UnionPay International Transform Payments to China’s Mainland, Launching High-Capacity Instant Payouts

Deepened strategic alliance between Thunes and UnionPay International unlocks instant payouts to UnionPay cards covering 79 major Chinese banks and up to $10,000 USD daily limits.

SINGAPORE and SHANGHAI, Nov. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, today announced a deepening of its strategic alliance with UnionPay International (UPI), transforming cross-border money movement into China’s mainland with bank-grade security and expansive operational scale.

Through this collaboration, Thunes enables Financial Institutions, Payment Service Providers, and Money Transfer Operators to route instant cross-border consumer payouts to UnionPay cards in China’s mainland. With a strategic reach that spans countries worldwide, key expansion corridors include Africa, Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Thailand, and the USA.

The direct connection will result in streamlined access to a massive base of UnionPay cardholders across 79 major Chinese banks, including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Agricultural Bank of China (ABC), Bank of China (BOC), China Construction Bank (CCB), Bank of Communications (BOCOM), China Merchants Bank (CMB).

Cross-border remittances into China’s mainland have historically been constrained by low daily transaction caps, forcing senders to split larger personal transfers across multiple days or endure complex manual processing. By integrating UnionPay International’s increased daily payment limit directly into its payout rails, Thunes bridges this critical market gap. Network Members can now process real-time, compliant transfers of up to $10,000 USD per recipient cardholder, empowering businesses to send larger volumes, and consumers to send substantial family support onto UnionPay cards in a single daily transaction, eliminating operational friction and settlement delays.

As an officially recognised strategic partner to UnionPay International, Thunes provides a fully compliant, bank-grade route for Pay-to-Card services into China’s mainland that eliminates system outage risks, unauthorized routing, and service disruptions.

The collaboration connects Thunes’ Direct Global Network to UPI International through a single API, so Thunes’ Members gain immediate, high-capacity reach into China’s card ecosystem without high setup costs, strict eligibility hurdles, or ongoing technical maintenance.

Chloé Mayenobe, Deputy CEO at Thunes, said: “Strengthening our strategic alignment with UnionPay International marks a major evolution in how money moves globally. By enabling high-capacity, direct-to-card payouts into China’s mainland, we are breaking down legacy barriers in one of the world’s most dynamic payment corridors. Unlocking these higher transaction limits supports the growth of our Members, empowering financial institutions everywhere to scale their cross-border flows into China with unmatched speed and compliance.”

About Thunes:

For more information, visit: https://www.thunes.com/

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Investcorp Announces Aggregate Financial Activity for 2026 at Gateway Gulf Investment Forum

Global investment manager reports US$65.2 billion in assets under management and strong investment and fundraising momentum during the first nine months of 2026

MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Investcorp, a leading global alternative investment manager, today announced that it recorded US$11.1 billion in aggregate activity across fundraising, capital deployment and exits during the first nine months of 2026, underscoring the continued strength and growth of its global platform.

The announcement, made at Gateway Gulf 2026 in Bahrain, highlights Investcorp’s global investment momentum and its continued commitment to the Kingdom, where it was founded in 1982.

Between January and September 2026, Investcorp raised US$4.8 billion from its global investor base, deployed US$3.7 billion in new investments and recorded US$2.6 billion in exits across its investment businesses. As of September 2026, Investcorp’s total assets under management stood at US$65.2 billion.

During the same period, Investcorp achieved significant fundraising milestones across its North America Private Equity and Strategic Capital platforms, securing more than US$2.3 billion in aggregate commitments.

Mohammed Alardhi, Executive Chairman of Investcorp, said: “Investcorp was founded in Bahrain more than four decades ago, and the Kingdom remains central to our global growth and ambitions. Our continued momentum reflects the strength of our international platform and the confidence of our investors and partners. As we look ahead, we remain committed to connecting global capital with alternative investment opportunities, embracing innovation and contributing to Bahrain’s position as a leading international financial center.”

Key Investment and Innovation Highlights

Investcorp continued to expand its international investment activities during 2026, with significant transactions and milestones across its businesses:

• North American Private Equity: Invested in Berger Financial Group, a leading US wealth management platform.
• US Real Estate: Announced approximately US$800 million in industrial real estate transactions, including acquisitions and exits, alongside a US$200 million acquisition of senior living and multifamily properties across key US markets.
• Private Equity India: Acquired 20Cube 3PL Solutions, a digital-first contract logistics business, to support its expansion and build a pan-India logistics platform.
• Private Equity Europe: Invested in Smart Managed Solutions in the UK, and established a new software engineering growth platform with NetRom Software and Trivium Solutions, focused on AI-enabled software development. Investcorp also acquired a majority stake in Connectif, a Spanish provider of AI-powered marketing automation solutions.
• Private Equity GCC: Acquired a strategic stake in Metra, a regional IT distribution platform, and joined a consortium to acquire Reda Gulf Holding, a leading Saudi-based provider of fire protection, safety, security, and hazard-control solutions.
• Digital Innovation: Investcorp Wealth, launched in 2024 and developed by the firm’s Bahrain-based teams, has digitally enabled more than US$620 million in capital raising from clients since its launch, demonstrating its international reach and the important role of Investcorp’s Bahrain-based teams in its digital wealth management capabilities.
• Artificial Intelligence: Launched an AI Investment Framework to identify AI-driven investment opportunities, enhance portfolio performance and support long-term value creation.

These achievements reflect Investcorp’s ability to connect investors with opportunities across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Investcorp’s participation in Gateway Gulf 2026 reinforces its longstanding commitment to Bahrain and the Kingdom’s role as a gateway for global capital and financial innovation.

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SICO Announces USD 1.6 Billion in New Business Awarded by Institutional and Individual Investors at Gateway Gulf 2026

MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SICO BSC (c), a leading regional asset manager, broker, and investment bank with direct presence in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, announced today at the Gateway Gulf 2026 Forum in Manama approximately USD 1.6 billion in new business awarded by institutional and individual investors during 2026.

The total represents the aggregate value of new mandates awarded to SICO across its Asset Management, Wealth Management, and Investment Banking businesses, spanning a diverse range of asset classes, predominantly in public markets, with the remainder in private markets. This includes approximately USD 1.4 billion in new inflows and investments into public and private funds and portfolios managed by SICO, in addition to more than USD 200 million in transactions and mandates across public and private markets and alternative investment products.

Commenting on the announcement, Najla Al Shirawi, Group CEO of SICO, said: “The USD 1.6 billion in new mandates awarded to SICO by institutional and individual investors across Asset Management, Wealth Management, and Investment Banking reflects their confidence in our capabilities, the strength of our client relationships across the region, and our ability to meet their diverse investment needs. We remain focused on connecting capital with opportunity, expanding our investment capabilities, and delivering long-term value for our clients.”

Looking ahead, Al Shirawi added: “Dynamic markets reinforce the importance of innovation, disciplined execution, and client-focused solutions. Our ability to anticipate evolving investor needs and identify emerging opportunities will remain central to our growth and regional leadership. We also commend the Bahrain Economic Development Board for bringing together regional and international investors through Gateway Gulf, and the Central Bank of Bahrain for its continued commitment to strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a leading financial and investment hub.”

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On the Sidelines of Gateway Gulf 2026: Mumtalakat and ARP Group partner to establish an AI native wholesale bank in Bahrain

Proposed bank to support institutional clients with regional and international banking needs

MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and ARP Group have partnered to establish an AI-native and blockchain enabled wholesale bank headquartered in Bahrain. ARP Group is the holding company of ARP Global Capital and ARP Digital, the latter co-founded by Yusuf Alireza alongside Abdulla and Abdulaziz Kanoo. The venture has received in-principle approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain and will commence regulated activities only after obtaining final authorisation.

The partnership combines Mumtalakat’s long-term investment approach with ARP’s experience in institutional finance and digital financial infrastructure.

The proposed bank is intended to serve regulated financial institutions, payment companies and businesses with cross-border operations. It aims to simplify banking for clients whose needs span multiple markets and currencies, using technology to reduce the complexity and cost of serving them.

The bank is being designed to use artificial intelligence across its operations and offer programmable services that connect directly with clients’ systems through APIs, supported by appropriate human oversight, governance and risk controls. Products and services would be introduced in phases, informed by engagement with prospective clients.

His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Mumtalakat, said: “Financial services have long been a cornerstone of Bahrain’s economy, and as the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom, our role is to invest in opportunities that strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and support its continued evolution. Through this partnership, we are bringing together an experienced institutional team with Bahrain’s well-established regulatory and business environment, further reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional financial hub.

“This investment reflects our commitment to creating long-term value for Bahrain by supporting strategic sectors, creating high-quality opportunities for Bahraini talent, and generating sustainable returns that contribute to the Kingdom’s economic growth and prosperity.”

Yusuf Alireza, Chairman of ARP Group, said: “Institutional clients with complex cross-border needs still face fragmented banking services. We see an opportunity to combine a regulated bank’s balance sheet and institutional relationships with blockchain enabled technology and AI designed into its operating model from the outset, making these clients more efficient to serve.

“Bahrain’s established financial sector and regulatory experience provide a strong foundation for this venture. Together with Mumtalakat, we aim to build a bank that supports clients across the Gulf and international markets.”

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Bahrain Awards Golden Licenses to Four New Projects at Gateway Gulf 2026 Valued at USD 3.89 Billion

Spanning aviation logistics, real estate, and technology, the latest Golden License projects underscore Bahrain’s growing global investment appeal and diversified growth ambitions

MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Kingdom of Bahrain announced USD 3.89 billion in investment stemming from four large-scale projects awarded Golden Licenses at Gateway Gulf 2026, further reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a destination for high-value global investment. Spanning diversified sectors, across aviation logistics, real estate, and technology, the projects are expected to contribute to advancing Bahrain’s economic diversification and long-term growth.

The announcement was made at fourth edition of Gateway Gulf, held on 1–2 November 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), the invitation-only forum gathered over 200 global ministerial and senior government officials, visionary chief executives, and investors in Bahrain to explore high-value investment opportunities and partnerships across the Gulf.

The four newly-awarded Golden Licenses comprise the following projects:

• Reinforcing its commitment to its MENA hub in Bahrain, DHL will establish its first and only regional maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Bahrain International Airport, supporting its growing fleet and expanding capacity for global operations from the Kingdom.
• Three major aviation ventures led by Capital A, the parent company of AirAsia, are set to enhance connectivity with the Far East and Europe, expand air cargo capacity through phased freight growth, and advance in-country aircraft MRO capabilities, further reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a regional aviation hub.
• A landmark waterfront development in Amwaj by Meliá, in partnership with Infracorp, will feature a five-star hotel and Meliá-branded residences, further elevating Bahrain’s premium tourism and lifestyle offering.
• Digital City Bahrain will establish a next-generation hub for ICT, innovation, and education, supported by world-class infrastructure and designed to attract cluster technology companies, accelerate sector growth, and further advance Bahrain’s digital ecosystem.

At the heart of Bahrain’s investment environment is the Team Bahrain approach, a distinctive model of public-private partnership that brings government and business together to create the conditions for investment and enterprise to thrive. Bahrain EDB plays a central role in this ecosystem, serving as a bridge between investors and government and helping translate opportunity into long-term growth. This collaborative approach is underpinned by Bahrain’s continued investment in digital transformation, progressive regulation, and future-ready talent, alongside a diversified economy in which non-oil activity accounts for around 86% of GDP, providing a resilient foundation for sustainable growth.

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Shenzhen Unveils APEC China 2026 Host-City Theme Song and Music Video

SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The host-city theme song for APEC China 2026, Meet You Where Wonders Bloom (在奇迹之城遇见你), was produced by the Publicity Department of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee and created by Shenzhen Media Group. Written and composed by He Muyang, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Musicians Association and a Shenzhen-based musician, the song is performed by popular singers Jane Zhang and Joseph Zeng. With its fresh, youthful pop sound, the song tells the stories of ordinary dreamers, weaving together personal aspirations, Shenzhen’s remarkable development, and the broader vision of Asia-Pacific cooperation.

Released alongside the song, the music video goes beyond showcasing Shenzhen’s cityscape to put people at the heart of the story. Through the experiences of people from all walks of life, particularly young people and those from overseas, it captures the energy and appeal of Shenzhen, the City of Miracles, and its warm welcome to the world. Running 4 minutes and 45 seconds, the video features 176 shots filmed across Shenzhen, with more than 100 residents appearing on screen. From location coordination and filming support to bringing participants together, the production was a citywide effort. More than just a music video, it became a shared expression of Shenzhen’s enthusiasm as APEC host city.

From a refreshing melody to a city ready to welcome the world, Shenzhen is embracing its role as APEC host with openness and inclusiveness, extending a warm invitation to guests from near and far to gather in Shenzhen.

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Nepal, Bhutan Push for Special Himalayan Climate Agenda at COP31 Amid Rising Disaster Risks

Kathmandu, Nov 1: Amid growing threats from climate change and an increase in extreme weather events across the Himalayan region, Nepal and Bhutan have jointly called for a dedicated Himalayan climate agenda at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).

 Representational Image 

The two Himalayan nations have proposed a separate agenda item titled “1.5-Degree Temperature Rise in the Himalayan Region”, seeking greater international recognition of the environmental challenges confronting mountain ecosystems and communities.

The conference is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20.

According to a statement issued by the secretariat of Nepal’s Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment on Saturday, the joint proposal was submitted under Rule 12 of the draft rules of procedure of the conference. Nepal’s Agriculture, Forests and Environment Minister Geeta Chaudhary submitted the proposal on behalf of both countries.

Growing Climate Threats Across the Himalayas

The joint initiative comes against the backdrop of increasingly severe climate-related disasters in the Himalayan region, including devastating floods, glacial lake outbursts, rising temperatures and accelerated glacier melting.

The proposal highlights concerns that continued temperature increases could cause irreversible damage to fragile mountain ecosystems, threaten biodiversity and undermine the livelihoods of communities dependent on Himalayan natural resources.

It also emphasises the importance of the Himalayan river systems, which provide water, food and energy to more than two billion people living downstream.

The region is also home to nearly half of the world’s important biodiversity areas, making its protection critical for ecological stability.

Call for Scientific Research and Global Action

Under the proposed agenda, Nepal and Bhutan have urged the international community to support comprehensive scientific studies on rising temperatures in the Himalayan region and assess the consequences of exceeding global temperature targets.

The two countries have also proposed an annual high-level dialogue on mountains and climate change to ensure that the concerns of Himalayan nations receive sustained attention in international climate negotiations.

Another key recommendation is to initiate a process for developing a dedicated action plan for Himalayan ecosystems under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The proposal further calls for mountain-specific priorities to be incorporated into global discussions on climate adaptation, climate finance and loss and damage.

Devastating Floods Highlight Economic Cost of Climate Change

The urgency of the joint initiative has been underscored by recent disasters in both countries.

In Nepal, devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems on August 26, 2026, caused extensive destruction. The flooding was linked to an avalanche that temporarily dammed a river, according to the report.

A Rapid Disaster Needs Assessment prepared by the Nepalese government estimated the damage at approximately $2.7 billion, while recovery and reconstruction requirements were projected at $4.7 billion.

Bhutan has also experienced the devastating impact of climate-related events. A flash flood on Thursday night, reportedly triggered by the bursting of the Shintaphu glacial lake, washed away infrastructure at the Gasa Tshachu natural hot springs.

No casualties had been reported as of Friday.

Himalayan Nations Seek Stronger International Support

Through the joint proposal, Nepal and Bhutan are seeking to shift greater global attention towards the specific vulnerabilities of mountain regions, which often face disproportionate consequences from climate change.

The initiative underscores the need for stronger international cooperation, adequate climate financing and science-based adaptation measures to protect vulnerable Himalayan communities.

As COP31 approaches, the two countries are hoping to secure a more prominent place for Himalayan concerns in global climate negotiations and push for concrete action to safeguard the region’s ecological and economic future.

INDIA Bloc Gears Up for ‘Chalo Dilli’ Rally at Ramlila Maidan, Targets Election Commission Over SIR

New Delhi, Nov 1: The opposition INDIA bloc is set to stage a major show of strength in the national capital on Sunday with its ‘Chalo Dilli’ march, culminating in a rally at Ramlila Maidan against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the Election Commission’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

The opposition alliance is expected to bring together political leaders, party workers, student organisations and supporters from various parts of the country. Among its key demands are a halt to alleged irregularities in voter list revision and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

The rally is expected to intensify the political confrontation between the opposition parties and the BJP-led Central Government over the credibility of the electoral process.

Security Tightened Across Delhi

Ahead of the proposed demonstration, Delhi Police have strengthened security arrangements across the national capital. Restrictions under Section 163 are in force in several districts, prohibiting unauthorised gatherings at sensitive locations, including Jantar Mantar and the Election Commission’s office.

Police and paramilitary personnel are expected to remain deployed at strategic locations, particularly around Ramlila Maidan, to maintain law and order during the gathering.

Authorities have also put traffic and crowd management arrangements in place. Opposition leaders and participants have been asked to follow the designated security and movement arrangements.

Rahul Gandhi Appeals to Visitors to Support Local Traders

Ahead of the rally, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi appealed to people travelling to Delhi to participate in the demonstration while also supporting local businesses during the festive season.

In a post on X on Saturday, Gandhi said thousands of people would be arriving in the capital for the march and urged them to shop at small local establishments during the festive period of Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj.

He dismissed concerns that the political gathering would adversely affect traders, alleging that the BJP was spreading rumours out of fear of the opposition’s mobilisation.

Gandhi called on participants to combine their political protest with efforts to support Delhi’s small traders and shopkeepers.

Venugopal Alleges Large-Scale Voter List Irregularities

Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal has also appealed to people across the country to join the November 1 mobilisation.

In a video message shared on X on Thursday, Venugopal described the campaign as ‘Chalo Dilli, Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’, alleging that democratic institutions and electoral processes were under threat.

He claimed that nearly 13 crore names had been deleted from electoral rolls and alleged widespread irregularities in voter list revision across several states.

Venugopal also praised Rahul Gandhi for leading the opposition’s campaign and questioning the functioning of institutions responsible for safeguarding democracy.

Opposition Seeks Accountability

Through the Ramlila Maidan gathering, the INDIA bloc aims to bring its concerns over the SIR exercise and electoral transparency to the forefront of national politics.

The opposition parties have maintained that the revision process must be transparent and that no eligible voter should be excluded from electoral rolls.

The rally is expected to serve as a significant political platform for the alliance as it seeks to build a united campaign around voter rights, electoral accountability and the functioning of the Election Commission.

Further political developments are likely to emerge following the opposition’s demonstration in the national capital.