Cabinet approves additional instalment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.e.f. 01.01.2026

• Union Cabinet approved a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA)/Dearness Relief (DR) effective 01.01.2026, raising the rate from 58% → 60% of Basic Pay/Pension.
• Routine inflation-indexation payout to Central Government employees and pensioners; UPSC-relevant for Indian Economy (inflation indexation, fiscal impact) and Polity (Pay Commission framework).