Author: vitorcherulli

  • EPFO Services to Remain Offline Until June 30: PF Claims, Balance Checks, and Passbook Access Suspended

    EPFO Services to Remain Offline Until June 30: PF Claims, Balance Checks, and Passbook Access Suspended

    The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has announced a planned system upgrade that will temporarily take its online services offline for five days, from June 26 to June 30, 2026. During this period, members will be unable to submit new PF withdrawal claims, check claim statuses, download e-passbooks, or access the UMANG app.

    The maintenance window begins at 12:00 AM on June 26 and ends at 11:59 PM on June 30. EPFO confirmed via its official portal and social media channels that the upgrade is intended to improve platform speed, security, and overall performance. Employers will also be unable to file Electronic Challan cum Returns (ECR) during this time, and are advised to complete essential filings before the shutdown begins.

    EPFO assured members that pending claims submitted before June 26 remain safe and will be processed once services resume. For those needing basic account information, the SMS service and missed call facility remain functional for registered users. The EPFO helpline is also available for general support and account queries.

    While the temporary shutdown may cause inconvenience, the upgrade is expected to deliver faster claim processing, stronger security, and fewer technical issues when services return on July 1, 2026. This move is part of EPFO’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at introducing faster, smoother online transactions for members and employers alike.

  • Ark Invest Expands Crypto Holdings in Coinbase and Robinhood as Base Resumes Block Production

    Ark Invest Expands Crypto Holdings in Coinbase and Robinhood as Base Resumes Block Production

    Ark Invest increased its positions in several crypto-linked companies on Thursday, purchasing shares of Coinbase, Circle, Bullish, and Robinhood after each stock closed lower. The buying activity was spread across three of Ark’s exchange-traded funds, coinciding with the restoration of block production on the Coinbase-backed Base network following a brief outage.

    Ark Invest Adds to Crypto-Linked Holdings

    Ark Invest’s latest trading disclosure revealed purchases of 9,014 Coinbase shares through the ARKK, ARKW, and ARKF ETFs, valued at approximately $1.28 million based on Thursday’s closing price. The firm also acquired 9,264 Circle shares worth roughly $637,455, 9,136 Bullish shares valued at about $199,895, and 35,023 Robinhood shares through the ARKK fund, totaling approximately $3.27 million.

    All four stocks ended the session lower: Coinbase fell 5% to $142.52, Circle lost 3% to close at $68.81, Robinhood dropped 3.85% to $93.47, and Bullish declined 6.77% to $21.88. Ark actively manages portfolio weightings, ensuring no single holding exceeds 10% of a fund’s assets.

    Cathie Wood Points to Slowing Inflation

    During a roadshow across Asia and Europe, Ark CEO Cathie Wood noted that many investors remain concerned about inflation. She expressed confidence that inflation could decline further, citing lower oil prices and improved productivity. Wood highlighted that unit labor costs, a key inflation measure, have already slowed to 0.5% year-over-year, attributing this trend to stronger productivity gains.

    She also commented on Kevin Warsh, suggesting he understands both the role in lowering inflation and weaknesses in government inflation measurements. Wood added that financial markets could benefit from a master class in monetary policy if Warsh pursues that approach.

    Base Network Restores Operations After Outage

    Coinbase-backed Base resumed normal operations after a consensus issue halted block production for nearly two hours on Thursday. The Ethereum layer-2 network confirmed that engineers resolved the problem, with blocks returning to normal production. Base first reported unhealthy block production at 4:03 p.m. UTC, later identifying a consensus issue involving an invalid block that entered sequencing, stopping new blocks after block 47,806,542.

    Base announced via X that block production had fully resumed, and the team will continue investigating before releasing a complete post-mortem. Base creator Jesse Pollak assured users that funds remained safe throughout the interruption, though he acknowledged that a network halt is unacceptable for a platform designed to support global financial activity. The outage temporarily paused on-chain transactions, and ecosystem node operators were instructed to restart their nodes to restore syncing.

    What’s Next?

    Ark Invest’s increased holdings in Coinbase, Circle, Bullish, and Robinhood reflect a strategic bet on crypto-related equities amid price declines. Meanwhile, Base’s swift recovery from the outage underscores the resilience of Layer-2 infrastructure. Investors will likely monitor both market movements and network developments closely in the coming days.

  • MIT Administration Updates: Governance, Appointments, and Strategic News

    MIT Administration Updates: Governance, Appointments, and Strategic News

    MIT’s administration encompasses the governance, leadership appointments, and institutional strategies that drive the Institute forward. The following are key highlights from recent MIT News coverage on the administration topic, covering board elections, faculty hires, financial reports, and the evolving role of science and education.

    • MIT Corporation elects 10 term members, two life members for 2026 – The term members will each serve five years on MIT’s board of trustees. (May 28, 2026)
    • 3Q: Why science is curiosity on a mission – VP for Communications Alfred Ironside describes how a new initiative from MIT seeks to remind Americans of the value and power of curiosity-driven research. (May 14, 2026)
    • Q&A: MIT SHASS and the future of education in the age of AI – As the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences marks 75 years, Dean Agustín Rayo reflects on how AI is reshaping higher education and why SHASS disciplines continue to be central to MIT’s mission. (April 14, 2026)
    • Desirée Plata appointed associate dean of engineering – Faculty member in civil and environmental engineering will advance research and entrepreneurial initiatives across the School of Engineering. (April 8, 2026)
    • The strength of “infinite hope” – MIT Dean of Engineering Paula Hammond keynotes the 52nd MLK Celebration, with a message of resilience and determination. (February 17, 2026)
    • Maria Yang named vice provost for faculty – Design leader brings extensive interdisciplinary track record to key role supporting faculty across the Institute. (February 12, 2026)
    • Brian Hedden named co-associate dean of Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing – He joins Nikos Trichakis in guiding the cross-cutting initiative of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing. (February 4, 2026)
    • Keeril Makan named vice provost for the arts – An acclaimed composer and longtime MIT faculty member, Makan will direct the next act in MIT’s story of artistic leadership. (January 28, 2026)
    • MIT in the media: 2025 in review – MIT community members made headlines with key research advances and their efforts to tackle pressing challenges. (December 22, 2025)
    • MIT community in 2025: A year in review – Top stories highlighted the Institute’s leading positions in world and national rankings; new collaboratives tackling manufacturing, generative AI, and quantum; how one professor influenced hundreds of thousands of students around the world; and more. (December 22, 2025)
    • NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya visits MIT – In a conversation with Rep. Jake Auchincloss, Bhattacharya focused on the agency’s policy goals and funding practices. (December 8, 2025)
    • Paula Hammond named dean of the School of Engineering – A chemical engineer who now serves as executive vice provost, Hammond will succeed Anantha Chandrakasan. (December 5, 2025)
    • MIT releases financials and endowment figures for 2025 – The Institute’s pooled investments returned 14.8 percent last year; endowment stands at $27.4 billion. (October 10, 2025)
    • At convocation, President Kornbluth greets the Class of 2029 – “We believe in all of you,” MIT’s president said at the welcoming ceremony for new undergraduates. (August 25, 2025)
    • Marcus Stergio named ombudsperson – Offering confidential, impartial support, the Ombuds Office helps faculty, students, and staff resolve issues affecting their work and studies at MIT. (August 22, 2025)

    For the most recent administration news, visit the MIT News Administration topic page.

  • Additive Manufacturing: MIT Research and Innovations in 3D Printing

    Additive Manufacturing: MIT Research and Innovations in 3D Printing

    Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is revolutionizing production across industries. MIT researchers are at the forefront of developing new techniques, materials, and applications for additive manufacturing, from drug-delivery microparticles to fully 3D-printed electronics and rocket components.

  • MIT Accounting Research: Insights into Investor Behavior, Corporate Disclosures, and Global Rankings

    MIT Accounting Research: Insights into Investor Behavior, Corporate Disclosures, and Global Rankings

    Inspiring Student Growth

    Professors Xiao Wang and Rodrigo Verdi have been honored as “Committed to Caring” for their dedication to student development. June 30, 2025

    Playing a New Tune

    After stepping away from a family bagpiping tradition, Andrew Sutherland forged a new path as an innovative business scholar, making notable contributions to accounting research. September 24, 2024

    MIT Tops QS World University Rankings for 2021-22

    For the 10th consecutive year, MIT has been ranked the world’s No. 1 university, also placing first in 12 subject areas. June 8, 2021

    QS World University Rankings: MIT No. 1 in 12 Subjects for 2021

    The Institute ranked second in four additional subject areas. March 3, 2021

    MIT Named World’s Top University for 2020-21

    Securing the No. 1 spot for the ninth straight year, MIT also led in 12 subject areas. June 9, 2020

    QS World University Rankings: MIT No. 1 in 12 Subjects for 2020

    The Institute ranked second in five subject areas. March 3, 2020

    MIT Tops Global University Rankings for 2019-20

    For the eighth consecutive year, MIT was ranked first overall and led in 11 of 48 disciplines. June 18, 2019

    QS World University Rankings: MIT No. 1 in 11 Subjects for 2019

    The Institute placed within the top two in 17 of 48 subject areas. February 26, 2019

    MIT Professor Uncovers Secrets to Better Investing

    MIT Sloan’s Eric So sheds new light on investor behavior and stock market dynamics. December 17, 2018

    Why Private Firms’ Accounting Disclosures Help the Economy Grow

    MIT’s Nemit Shroff studies how corporate accounting information enables managers to make better business decisions. November 3, 2018

    MIT Ranks No. 1 Globally for 2018-19

    For the seventh year in a row, MIT was named the world’s top university, leading in 12 of 48 disciplines. June 6, 2018

    MIT No. 1 in 12 Subjects in 2018 QS Rankings

    MIT ranked within the top five in 19 out of 48 subject areas. February 28, 2018

    Work Continues Toward a More Diverse, Inclusive MIT

    Many recommendations from black students made in 2015 have been implemented, and departmental discussions continue. February 7, 2018

    MIT Tops QS World University Rankings for 2017-18

    For the sixth straight year, MIT was ranked No. 1 overall and first in 12 of 46 disciplines. June 8, 2017

    MIT No. 1 in 12 Subjects in 2017 QS Rankings

    The Institute ranked within the top five for 19 of 46 subject areas. March 8, 2017

  • MIT’s Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Lab: Transforming Global Learning Through Innovation

    MIT’s Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Lab: Transforming Global Learning Through Innovation

    The Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Lab (J-WEL) at MIT is a pioneering initiative dedicated to transforming education worldwide. Through research, innovation, and collaboration, J-WEL empowers educators, learners, and institutions to reimagine teaching and learning for the 21st century.

    Recent highlights from J-WEL include the “Biomedical Lab in a Box” program, which equips engineers in low- and middle-income countries with hands-on experience in medical hardware engineering. Workshops based on an MIT class have been successfully conducted in Kenya and Uganda, fostering practical skills and innovation.

    J-WEL also supports learners from underserved communities. For example, a Sudanese learner leveraged MIT Open Learning’s online resources to transition from adversity to a career in data science. Similarly, the MIT Emerging Talent program provides technical and employment skills to learners across 24 countries, creating pathways for global talent.

    In leadership news, Professor Dimitris Bertsimas has been named vice provost for open learning, bringing over 35 years of MIT experience to transform teaching on and off campus. Additionally, the Jameel World Education Lab awarded over $900,000 in Education Innovation Grants to MIT researchers for 14 innovative education projects.

    Other notable initiatives include the MICRO internship program, which expands materials science research opportunities for undergraduates, and the Itz’at STEAM Academy in Belize, a revolutionary educational endeavor in collaboration with the Belize Ministry of Education. MIT OpenCourseWare’s YouTube channel continues to inspire millions globally with free online courses, while the MIT Refugee Action Hub celebrates its largest cohort of refugee learners yet.

    J-WEL’s work underscores MIT’s commitment to accessible, impactful education that addresses global challenges and empowers learners everywhere.

  • J-WAFS: MIT’s Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab – Latest Research and Innovations

    J-WAFS: MIT’s Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab – Latest Research and Innovations

    The Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab (J-WAFS) at MIT is a pioneering research initiative dedicated to addressing global challenges in water and food security. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, J-WAFS develops innovative solutions that range from atmospheric water harvesting to AI-driven ecosystem monitoring. Below is a selection of recent news highlights from the lab.

    Recent News

    For the full list of articles and updates, visit the J-WAFS topic page on MIT News.

  • Xbox Price Hike Collides with GTA 6 Preorders: What Gamers Need to Know

    Xbox Price Hike Collides with GTA 6 Preorders: What Gamers Need to Know

    Microsoft has raised the prices of Xbox consoles worldwide just as GTA 6 preorders have begun, creating a financial crossroads for gamers planning to upgrade their hardware alongside Rockstar’s long-awaited title.

    The official blog post from Microsoft attributes the increase to rising development costs, higher component prices, and shifting market conditions. The company noted that component prices have jumped by more than 2.5 times since the last adjustment, making another increase unavoidable. Starting August 1, 2026, the 512GB variant of the Xbox Series X and S will cost $100 more, while the 1TB version will see a $150 price hike. Microsoft has also warned that these prices could double by Fall 2027.

    The timing of the price increase coincides directly with the opening of GTA 6 preorders, surprising many fans who had been planning to purchase a new Xbox alongside the game. The blockbuster title is expected to be one of the largest gaming launches in history, and many players were eager to upgrade their consoles before release. The higher console prices may now force some buyers to delay or hunt for discounts rather than buying everything at once.

    Despite the added expense, analysts believe the long-term impact may be limited. GTA 6 has generated immense excitement over the years, and many fans are still expected to buy the game on day one—even if they postpone hardware purchases. Existing Xbox owners, of course, won’t be affected by the console price increase.

    The situation highlights the close link between major game launches and console sales. A highly anticipated title typically boosts hardware sales, but this time around, Microsoft’s price hike could slow upgrade plans. While GTA 6 is likely to remain a massive success, the company’s decision may make some buyers think twice before opening their wallets.

  • Apple Readies ‘iRing’ Smart Wearable to Challenge Samsung and Oura in Health Tracking

    Apple Readies ‘iRing’ Smart Wearable to Challenge Samsung and Oura in Health Tracking

    Apple is reportedly developing the iRing, a smart wearable designed to compete directly with the Samsung Galaxy Ring and Oura Ring. The device could expand Apple’s health ecosystem by bringing advanced tracking features and deeper integration across its portfolio of connected devices.

    The iRing appears to be in early development, and few details are available about its capabilities or launch timeline. Tipster Kosutami (@Kosutami_Ito) recently posted on X: “iRing thing under development. What a surprise.” The leak offers no further specifics but signals Apple’s intent to enter the rapidly growing smart ring market.

    How iRing Could Compete With Samsung Galaxy Ring and Oura

    The iRing is expected to rival Samsung’s Galaxy Ring, which launched in 2024 at Rs. 38,999 and offers health and fitness monitoring, sleep scoring, snoring analysis, and IP68 dust and water resistance in sizes 5 through 13. Samsung is rumored to release the Galaxy Ring 2 in early 2027 with improved battery life (up to 10 days) and sensor accuracy.

    Oura’s lineup, including the Oura Ring 4 and Oura Ring 5, also sets a high bar. The Oura Ring 5 boasts a lighter body, better accuracy, and up to 9 days of battery life.

    What Apple’s Wearable Expansion Means for Consumers

    Apple often takes a measured approach, analyzing market trends before entering new categories. The iRing would follow that pattern, similar to the company’s late but successful entry into foldable phones. If launched, the iRing could give consumers another health and fitness tracking option within the Apple ecosystem, intensifying competition and potentially accelerating innovation in the wearable sector.

    For now, the iRing remains unconfirmed, but the rumor underscores Apple’s ongoing interest in health-tech wearables.

  • Jio vs Airtel 84-Day Prepaid Netflix Plans: Which Offers Better Value in 2026?

    Jio vs Airtel 84-Day Prepaid Netflix Plans: Which Offers Better Value in 2026?

    Netflix remains one of the most popular streaming services, offering a vast library of films, web series, documentaries, and more. However, combining phone recharge costs with OTT subscriptions can quickly add up. Fortunately, users on Jio or Airtel networks can access exclusive prepaid plans that bundle daily data, unlimited calls, SMS, and a complimentary Netflix subscription. Here, we compare the 84-day prepaid Netflix plans from Jio and Airtel to help you decide which delivers better value.

    Jio Plan: ₹1,299 – 84-Day Validity with Netflix, Hotstar & Gemini Benefits

    Jio customers can opt for the ₹1,299 prepaid pack, which offers 84-day validity. The plan includes:

    • 2 GB high-speed data per day
    • Unlimited voice calls (local, STD, roaming)
    • 100 SMS per day
    • 84-day Netflix mobile subscription
    • Unlimited 5G data for eligible customers in 5G-covered areas
    • JioTV and JioAICloud access with 50 GB cloud storage
    • Special promotion: 3-month JioHotstar Mobile membership
    • Google Gemini Pro features for up to 18 months for eligible users

    Airtel Plan: ₹1,799 – 84-Day Validity with Netflix, 5G & Creative Tools

    Airtel’s equivalent 84-day plan is priced at ₹1,799. Subscribers receive:

    • 2 GB data per day
    • Unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls
    • 100 SMS per day
    • Netflix Basic subscription for the recharge period
    • 3-month access to Xstream Play Premium, Zee5 Premium, and JioHotstar Super
    • Unlimited 5G data for eligible users
    • 12 months free Adobe Express Premium
    • Free Hellotunes and The Safe Network

    Which Plan Should You Choose?

    If your primary needs are Netflix access and reliable daily data at a lower price, Jio’s ₹1,299 plan is a clear winner—it costs ₹500 less than Airtel’s option while offering nearly identical core benefits. However, if you value access to multiple OTT platforms (like Zee5, Hotstar, and Xstream Play) plus premium tools like Adobe Express Premium, Airtel’s ₹1,799 plan provides extra value that may justify the higher price.