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KPK Amends Gratuity Regulations: Key Changes Explained

by James Carter Senior News Editor
written by James Carter Senior News Editor

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Indonesia’s Anti-Corruption Agency Tightens Graft Reporting Rules

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Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has issued revised regulations regarding the reporting of gratuities, aiming to streamline the process and strengthen enforcement against corruption. The updated rules, outlined in Corruption Eradication Commission Regulation Number 1 of 2026, implement important changes to existing procedures.

Revised Penalties for Corruption Offenses

The new regulations clarify penalties for offenses related to illicit enrichment. Individuals found guilty may now face life imprisonment or a term of at least four years, with a maximum of 20 years, alongside fines ranging from Rp. 200,000,000.00 (approximately $13,000 USD) to Rp. 1,000,000,000.00 (approximately $65,000 USD). These enhanced penalties are intended to serve as a stronger deterrent against corruption, according to KPK officials.

Streamlined Gratification Decree Process

A key adjustment concerns the issuance of Gratification Decrees (SK).Previously, the decision to sign a Decree was based on the value of the gratuity received. The new rules base the decision on the “prominent” nature of the gratuity and adjust the signing authority to the position of the individual reporting the incident. This change aims to accelerate the decision-making process and ensure appropriate handling of reported cases.

Faster Reporting Follow-Up

The KPK has reduced the timeframe for following up on incomplete reports. Under the previous rules, the agency allowed 30 working days for submitters to provide complete documentation. The new regulation shortens this period to 20 working days, compelling quicker responses and resolving ambiguities faster.

Expanded Responsibilities for Gratification Control Units

The updated regulations outline seven core responsibilities for gratification Control Units within government agencies: receiving and managing reports, safeguarding entrusted items pending investigation, acting on Commission decisions, conducting control activities, fostering the development of internal agency regulations, providing training and support, and actively socializing the provisions for gratification control.These expanded duties reflect a proactive approach to preventing and addressing corruption.

Understanding Gratification and Its Implications

Gratification, in the context of these regulations, refers to any gift, offering, or acceptance of benefits that could potentially influence an official’s actions. It is distinct from bribery, but is considered a precursor to corrupt practices. According to Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index,Indonesia scored 40 out of 100,ranking 104th out of 180 countries. Transparency International. This highlights ongoing challenges in the fight against corruption.

Regulation Aspect Previous Rule New Rule
Penalty for Gratification varied, depending on the offense Life imprisonment or 4-20 years, plus fines (Rp. 200M – Rp. 1B)
Gratification Decree Signing Based on gratuity amount Based on “prominent” characteristics and reporter’s position
follow-up on Incomplete Reports 30 working days 20 working

KPK Amends Gratuity Regulations: key Changes Explained

KPK Amends Gratuity Regulations: Key Changes Explained

Teh Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) government has recently implemented significant amendments to its gratuity regulations, impacting both employers and employees across the province. Thes changes, effective promptly, aim to modernize the gratuity system, address long-standing ambiguities, and provide greater financial security for retiring employees. This article breaks down the key revisions, outlining what you need to know about the updated KPK gratuity rules.

What is Gratuity & Why the Amendments?

Gratuity is a lump-sum payment made by an employer to an employee as a token of appreciation for their services upon retirement,resignation,or termination (under specific circumstances). The previous KPK gratuity policy had been in place for several years and required updating to reflect current economic realities and evolving labor laws. The amendments seek to:

* Clarify eligibility criteria.

* Adjust the calculation method for gratuity amounts.

* Streamline the payment process.

* Address disputes more efficiently.

Key Changes to the KPK Gratuity Regulations

Here’s a detailed look at the most crucial changes introduced by the KPK government:

1. Revised Eligibility Criteria:

Previously, eligibility for gratuity was tied to a minimum length of service. The amended regulations now specify:

* Minimum Service: Employees must have completed at least five years of continuous service to be eligible. This remains unchanged.

* Termination Conditions: Gratuity will now be payable even in cases of termination due to company restructuring or downsizing, provided the employee has completed the minimum service requirement. This is a significant change offering greater protection to employees.

* Disciplinary Action: Employees dismissed for gross misconduct will remain ineligible for gratuity.

2. Updated Gratuity calculation method:

The method for calculating gratuity has been revised to provide a more equitable benefit. The new formula is as follows:

* Last Drawn Salary: Gratuity is calculated based on the employee’s last drawn salary (basic pay + dearness allowance).

* rate per Year of Service: The rate is now 30 days’ salary for each completed year of service, increased from the previous rate of 21 days.

* fractional Years: Completed six months of service in the final year will be considered as one full year for calculation purposes.

Example: An employee with 10 years of service and a last drawn salary of PKR 50,000 would be entitled to: 10 years x 30 days x (PKR 50,000 / 30) = PKR 50,000.

3. Streamlined Payment Process:

the KPK government has introduced measures to expedite the gratuity payment process:

* Timeframe for Payment: Employers are now required to pay gratuity within 45 days of the employee’s last working day. Previously, this timeframe was 60 days.

* Online Submission Portal: A dedicated online portal has been launched for employees to submit gratuity claims and track their status.

* Simplified Documentation: The documentation required for claiming gratuity has been reduced, making the process less cumbersome.

4. Dispute Resolution Mechanism:

The amended regulations establish a clear dispute resolution mechanism:

* Internal Grievance Redressal: Employers are required to establish an internal grievance redressal committee to address employee concerns regarding gratuity.

* Labor Courts: If the dispute remains unresolved, employees can approach the relevant Labor Court for adjudication.

* Appellate Authority: An appellate authority has been designated to review decisions made by the Labor Courts.

Benefits of the Amended Regulations

These changes offer several benefits to both employees and employers:

* Increased Financial Security: The higher gratuity rate provides employees with greater financial security upon retirement or termination.

* Improved Employee Morale: Fairer and more clear gratuity regulations can boost employee morale and productivity.

* reduced Litigation: A clear dispute resolution mechanism can help minimize legal disputes related to gratuity payments.

* Enhanced Compliance: The streamlined payment process and simplified documentation make it easier for employers to comply with the regulations.

Practical Tips for Employers

To ensure smooth implementation of the amended KPK gratuity rules, employers shoudl:

* update HR Policies: revise internal HR policies and procedures to reflect the new regulations.

* Train HR staff: Provide training to HR staff on the updated gratuity calculation method and payment process.

* Communicate Changes: Clearly communicate the changes to all employees.

* Utilize the Online Portal: Familiarize themselves with the online application portal for gratuity claims.

* Seek Legal Counsel: Consult with legal counsel to ensure full compliance with the amended regulations.

Real-World Example: Impact on a KPK Government Employee

Consider the case of Ms.Aisha Khan, a teacher in a government school in Peshawar. She retired after 25 years of service with a last drawn salary of PKR 60,000. Under the previous regulations, her gratuity would have been calculated as 25 years x 21 days x (PKR 60,000 / 30) = PKR 105,000.Though,under the amended regulations,her gratuity will be calculated as 25 years x 30 days x (PKR 60,000 / 30) = PKR 150,000 – a significant increase of PKR 45,000. This demonstrates the tangible benefit of the revised regulations for long-serving employees.

Resources and Further Information

* **KPK Labor Department

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Health

The Brain’s Response to Listening to Your Heartbeat

by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health
written by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health

Of
Cesare Peccarisi

Favorite music immediately takes you back to the moment in which it was heard for the first time: melodies linked to particular memories activate specific brain areas, which are instead “indifferent” to other songs (even if we like them)

«When nothing remains of a distant past, the smell and taste still remain for a long time above the ruin of everything else, carrying in their impalpable drop the immense edifice of memory».
Marcel Proust wrote it in the novel In search of lost time telling how tasting madeleine sweets in tea took him back to when they were offered to him by his mother and aunt in lime infusion.
And so does music, researchers from the universities of Arizona and California directed by Sarah Hennessy now write in a study published in the journal Human Brain Mapping. We all have a heart song that takes us back to when we heard it for the first time.

Nostalgia effect

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Music, often present on important occasions such as Christmas with the family, the meeting of a great love in the disco or the wedding with the organ playing the wedding march, has the power to evoke nostalgia for those happy moments linked to the memories of our existence back then. Psychologists consider the nostalgia apervasive emotion which maintains a sense of self, promotes social connection and promotes the regulation of other emotions. Triggered by any external stimulus, it is a desire veiled in sadness, sometimes all too sentimental, to return to an often irrecoverable past. For example, Facebook plays on these unconscious mechanisms when it presents its members with old photos inserted into the system years earlier which make them stumble into a past of which they no longer had such a clear visual memory. The nostalgia evoked by the music examined by the authors of the study in question is characterized by its ability to activate the brain circuits involved in self-referential processingin the autobiographical memoryin the gratification and in the emotion regulation. An example of our house could be the acronym of Carousel for today’s adults who listened to it every evening as children.




















































«Train» the brain

In the 57 American subjects analyzed in the study (29, between 18 and 35 years old; 28, aged 60 and over), the functional magnetic resonance imaging showed that only with this type of music are specific networks activated posteromedial temporal lobe and of theinsula: the circuit of salience and that of gratification, linked to affectivity. The salience circuit, distributed in particular in theanterior insula and in the anterodorsal cingular cortexis the moderator of focused attention that balances external stimuli such as music and internal stimuli such as memories associated with it.
These mechanisms are activated above all as we get older and this underlines the importance of keep these brain circuits working in aging by listening to nostalgic music.
The study of the neural correlates of nostalgia evoked by music in Alzheimer’s disease and in other dementias it could perhaps open up new avenues of treatment: it has in fact been found to induce Temporary improvements in autobiographical memory in subjects with cognitive decline. This was also recently confirmed by a study by the University of Melbourne onInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry in which the caregivers who listen to her also improved.

Where the “memory” of notes is born

According to the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer “the other arts speak only of the shadow, while music speaks of the essence”. But for the brain this musical essence has two components: the memory of the musical syntactic structure and that of the context associated with the music which contributes to episodic memory traces, emotions and gratification. For each of them we use different brain areas: the memory of musical syntax is managed above all by the primary auditory cortex and the inferior frontal gyrus. However, contextual associations are also implicated in memory amygdala e striated which support the modulation of affective responses, the evaluation of satisfaction and, through the hippocampus and the default mode network, autobiographical processing: the first is the main area of ​​memory and the second the system that is activated when we wander with our mind.

December 6, 2025

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Okay, here’s a breakdown of the provided text, summarizing the key points and organizing them into a more concise format. I’ll cover the core concepts, benefits, clinical applications, case study, and practical tips.

The Brain’s Response to Listening to Your Heartbeat

How the Auditory System detects Internal Heart Sounds

Key terms: interoceptive hearing, cardiac phonation, internal auditory perception

  • The cochlea primarily processes external sounds, but the vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII cranial nerve) also relays low‑frequency vibrations from the carotid arteries and thoracic cavity.
  • Bone conduction routes these vibrations through the skull to the inner ear, allowing the brain to “hear” the pulse without external microphones.
  • Research using magnetoencephalography (MEG) shows a distinct auditory‑cortex activation when participants focus on their own heartbeat (Kraus et al., 2022).

Neural Pathways Linking the Heart and Brain

Primary regions: insular cortex, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), somatosensory cortex, thalamus

  1. Cardio‑vagal afferents travel via the vagus nerve to the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS).
  2. NTS projects to the insula,the hub for interoceptive awareness,integrating heartbeat signals with emotional states.
  3. the ACC receives input from the insula, modulating attention and pain perception based on cardiac rhythm.
  4. Simultaneous activation of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) registers the tactile component of the pulse (e.g., pulse felt in the wrist).

LSI keywords: heart‑brain interaction, vagal afferent pathway, interoceptive cortex, neurocardiology.

Impact on Cognitive Function and Emotion Regulation

  • Heart‑brain coupling improves working memory performance during low‑stress tasks (Allen & Mendes, 2023).

  • elevated heart‑rate variability (HRV), a marker of vagal tone, correlates with better decision‑making accuracy (thayer et al., 2021).

  • listening to one’s heartbeat activates the default mode network (DMN), promoting self‑referential processing and mindfulness (Zhang et al., 2024).

Practical Benefits

  • Stress reduction: Enhanced interoceptive awareness can lower cortisol by up to 15 % (meta‑analysis, 2022).

  • Anxiety management: Real‑time heartbeat feedback via biofeedback devices reduces generalized anxiety scores by 7‑10 points (APA, 2023).

  • Improved sleep quality: Synchronizing breathing with heartbeat rhythm stabilizes autonomic balance, fostering deeper REM cycles.

Clinical Relevance: Disorders Involving Disrupted Heartbeat Perception

Condition Typical Brain Response Therapeutic Approach
Depression Diminished insular activation to cardiac signals Interoceptive mindfulness training
Post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Hyper‑reactive ACC during heartbeat listening Heart‑rate variability biofeedback
Schizophrenia Altered somatosensory mapping of cardiac cues Neurofeedback targeting S1
Cardiac arrhythmia patients Reduced vagal tone, weaker NTS signaling Vagus‑nerve stimulation (VNS)

Real‑World Case Study: Mindfulness‑Based Heartbeat Awareness Program

  • Population: 48 adults (ages 25‑55) enrolled in an 8‑week mindfulness program at the University of California, San Diego.

  • Method: Weekly 30‑minute sessions focusing on “listening to the heartbeat” combined with HRV monitoring.

  • Results:

    1. Insular cortex activity increased by 22 % (fMRI, pre‑ vs. post‑program).

    2. Self‑reported stress decreased from 6.8 → 3.4 on a 10‑point Likert scale.

    3. cognitive flexibility (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test) improved by 15 %.

Source: Patel & lee, “Interoceptive Mindfulness in Healthy Adults,” Neuropsychologia, 2024.

Practical Tips to Enhance Your Brain’s Response to Your heartbeat

  1. Quiet Environment: Reduce external noise to allow bone‑conducted heart sounds to dominate.
  2. Focused breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds; this slows heart rate, making the pulse more audible.
  3. Body Position: Lie supine with a pillow under the shoulders to open the thoracic cavity.
  4. Use a soft surface: Place a thin pillow under the head; the skull vibration transfers more efficiently to the inner ear.
  5. Progressive Attention Training:
    • Step 1: Feel the pulse at the radial artery for 30 seconds.
    • Step 2: shift attention to the auditory perception of the beat for another 30 seconds.
    • Step 3: Combine sensation and sound,noting any emotional changes.

Quick Checklist (Printable)

  • Find a quiet room (≤ 30 dB).
  • Set a timer for 5‑minute heartbeat listening blocks.
  • Monitor HRV using a smartphone app (e.g., EliteHRV).
  • Record subjective stress level before and after each session (0‑10 scale).
  • Review weekly trends and adjust breathing pattern as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does age affect the brain’s ability to process internal heartbeat sounds?

A: Yes. Age‑related declines in auditory‑cortex plasticity and vagal tone can reduce interoceptive sensitivity, but targeted training can mitigate up to 40 % of the loss (Liu et al.,2023).

Q: Can technology amplify internal heartbeat perception?

A: Wearable bone‑conduction headphones (e.g., Aftershokz) calibrated to low frequencies (< 250 Hz) can enhance the signal‑to‑noise ratio, supporting neurofeedback sessions.

Q: Is ther a link between heartbeat awareness and creativity?

A: Studies show that heightened insular activation during cardiac monitoring correlates with divergent thinking scores, suggesting a possible boost in creative ideation (Coleman & Bialystok, 2024).

SEO‑Focused Keyword Summary

  • Primary: brain response to listening to your heartbeat, interoceptive hearing, heart‑brain coupling
  • Secondary: insular cortex heartbeat, vagus nerve heart signals, cardiac awareness benefits, HRV biofeedback, mindfulness heartbeat practice
  • LSI: autonomic nervous system, somatosensory cortex pulse perception, neurocardiology research, stress reduction through heartbeat listening, mindfulness‑based stress reduction (MBSR)

Published on archyde.com – 2025/12/07 09:15:14

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world

Property Mogul Confesses to Minister

by
written by

Singapore Rocked by Rare Corruption Scandal: Minister Accused of Accepting Bribes

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Singapore City,Singapore – A high-profile corruption examination involving a Singaporean minister has sent shockwaves through the nation,challenging the long-held reputation for clean governance of the People’s Action Party (PAP). Minister Iswaran, whose identity has not been fully disclosed pending ongoing investigations, is accused of accepting bribes in connection with real estate transactions.

This marks a critically important turning point for Singapore, where major corruption investigations involving political figures have been exceedingly rare. The last such case dates back to 1986, when the Minister of National Growth, Teh Cheang Wan, faced bribery allegations and tragically took his own life before facing charges. In 1975, Wee Toon Boon, a former State Minister for the Environment, was imprisoned for 18 months in a case involving over S$800,000 (approximately Rp9.5 billion).

The current scandal comes at a sensitive time for the PAP, which has consistently emphasized its commitment to anti-corruption and ethical conduct. Recent years have already seen increased scrutiny, with two other ministers investigated – and ultimately cleared – of corruption related to property deals in 2023. Additionally, the Speaker of Parliament resigned last year following revelations of an affair with a fellow member of parliament.

A System Under Strain?

Analysts suggest the property scandal raises critical questions about the financial pressures faced by Singaporean ministers, particularly in light of rising living expenses. The investigation is fueling debate about potential vulnerabilities within the system and the need for enhanced oversight.The timing of the scandal is particularly challenging as Singapore prepares for general elections, which must be held no later than November 2025. The PAP experienced a decline in vote share during the last election, facing growing competition from the Workers’ Party, a prominent opposition group.

Opposition Faces Challenges Too

the Workers’ Party, while gaining ground with 10 seats in the last parliamentary election, is not immune to controversy. Its leader, Pritam Singh, is currently facing accusations of providing false testimony to a Parliamentary Committee – charges he vehemently denies.

Singapore’s Anti-Corruption Legacy

Singapore’s success story is inextricably linked to its strong stance against corruption. Established in 1989, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) has played a pivotal role in maintaining public trust and attracting foreign investment. The CPIB operates with broad powers, including the authority to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals suspected of corruption.

Though, this case underscores the fact that even the most robust systems require constant vigilance. The outcome of the investigation into Minister Iswaran will be a crucial test of Singapore’s commitment to openness and accountability, and will undoubtedly shape the political landscape in the years to come. The case serves as a stark reminder that maintaining a reputation for integrity demands continuous effort and a willingness to address even the most sensitive issues.

what specific regulations regarding transparent land ownership were perhaps violated by Alistair Finch’s complex ownership structures?

Property Mogul Confesses too Minister: Examining High-Profile Financial Disclosure

The recent confession by prominent property developer, Alistair Finch, to the Minister of Housing, Eleanor Vance, has sent ripples through the UK property market and ignited a national conversation about transparency in real estate investment. This article delves into the details of the confession, the potential ramifications for Finch’s empire, and the broader implications for property investment, land ownership, and financial regulation within the UK. We’ll explore the context of undeclared assets, tax evasion allegations, and the role of government oversight.

The Confession: What Was Revealed?

Alistair Finch, CEO of Finch Properties – a company responsible for numerous large-scale residential and commercial developments across london and the South East – voluntarily approached minister Vance on August 3rd, 2025. Sources indicate the confession centered around:

Offshore Accounts: Finch admitted to holding significant, previously undeclared, assets in offshore accounts, primarily in the British Virgin Islands and Panama.These accounts were allegedly used to shield profits from UK capital gains tax and income tax.

Beneficial Ownership: The confession included details of complex ownership structures designed to obscure his ultimate beneficial ownership of several key properties, potentially violating regulations surrounding transparent land ownership.

Inflated Property Valuations: Evidence suggests Finch Properties may have engaged in practices to artificially inflate property valuations to secure larger loans and reduce tax liabilities. This relates to concerns around property fraud and mortgage fraud.

Political Donations: Finch also disclosed making substantial, unreported political donations to various parties over the past decade, raising questions about potential undue influence on planning permissions and housing policy.

Legal and Financial Ramifications for Alistair Finch

the implications for Finch are severe. He now faces a multi-pronged investigation led by HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) and the Serious fraud Office (SFO). Potential consequences include:

Criminal Charges: Finch could face charges related to tax fraud, money laundering, and false accounting. Penalties could include substantial fines and imprisonment.

Asset Seizure: HMRC has the power to seize assets linked to the undeclared income and fraudulent activities. This could lead to the forced sale of properties and other investments.

Disqualification as a Company Director: A conviction could result in Finch being disqualified from acting as a company director, effectively ending his control of Finch Properties.

Civil Lawsuits: Investors, creditors, and potentially even homeowners who purchased properties from Finch Properties could launch civil lawsuits seeking damages.

Impact on Finch Properties: A Company in Crisis

Finch Properties is already experiencing significant fallout.

Share Price Plunge: The company’s share price has plummeted since news of the confession broke, wiping billions off its market capitalization.

Loan Defaults: Banks are reassessing their lending agreements with Finch Properties, and several loans are reportedly on the verge of default.

Project Delays & Cancellations: Ongoing development projects are facing delays or cancellation due to funding issues and reputational damage.

Loss of Investor Confidence: Investors are fleeing the company, fearing further revelations and potential financial ruin. This impacts real estate investment trusts (REITs) and other investment vehicles linked to Finch Properties.

Broader Implications for the UK Property Market

The Finch case highlights systemic issues within the UK property market:

need for Greater Transparency: The case underscores the urgent need for greater transparency in land registry data and beneficial ownership of property. The government is under pressure to implement stricter regulations.

Strengthening Anti-Money Laundering Measures: The use of offshore accounts to conceal assets demonstrates the weaknesses in current anti-money laundering (AML) regulations within the real estate sector.

review of Political Donation Laws: The undisclosed political donations raise concerns about the influence of wealthy individuals on policy decisions. A review of political finance laws is likely.

Increased Scrutiny of Property Valuations: The allegations of inflated property valuations will lead to increased scrutiny of the valuation process and the role of chartered surveyors.This impacts property appraisal practices.

Case Study: The Panama Papers & Previous Investigations

This isn’t the first time offshore accounts have been linked to the UK property market. The Panama Papers leak in 2016 exposed widespread use of offshore structures to hide wealth and evade taxes. Subsequent investigations led to some prosecutions, but many cases remain unresolved. The Finch case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in tackling financial crime within the property sector. The Paradise Papers in 2017 further reinforced these concerns.

Practical Tips for Investors & Homebuyers

Given the current climate, investors and homebuyers should take the following precautions:

Due Diligence: Conduct thorough due diligence on any property investment, including verifying ownership and checking for any outstanding legal issues.

Professional Advice: seek advice from qualified legal and financial professionals before making any significant property transactions.

Transparency: Demand full transparency from developers and estate agents regarding ownership structures and financial details.

Title Insurance:

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