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The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, initiated in February 2024, supports rooftop solar setups for households. The scheme offers up to 300 units of free electricity per month. Details here.
8th Pay Commission key updates: Nationwide consultations in full swing 10 FAQs answered
Check out the latest updates on the 8th Pay Commission as of 29 May 2026, including an extension of the memorandum submission deadline and the announcement of a Kolkata visit.
Form 26AS replaced with Form 168: What changes for taxpayers under the new Income Tax Act, 2025?
Form 26AS, used for taxes verification, will be replaced by the new Form 168 under the Income Tax Act, 2025. This auto-generated statement will provide comprehensive tax-related information starting from the 2026-27 tax year. Details here.
Retirement goals: Can 1 crore in FDs and debt funds beat inflation and give you a steady income?
Retirement planning needs more than FDs and debt mutual funds. Smart SIP investing in equity mutual funds can help build a 1 crore retirement corpus while beating inflation.
A 30-year-old earning 1 lakh monthly saves 40,000 but seeks guidance on investment allocation. ChatGPT advises a balanced approach, suggesting increased equity exposure while maintaining emergency funds and conservative options like mutual funds and recurring deposits for long-term growth.
I asked ChatGPT, how can I prevent my electricity bill from shooting up in Delhi's blistering heat
As Delhi swelters with day-time temperatures reaching 43 degrees Celsius and prolonged heat wave conditions, I ask ChatGPT to devise a strategy that prevents my electricity bill from shooting up this summer.
Should senior citizens continue investing in equity mutual funds after retirement? Expert explains
A 60-year-old retiree sought guidance on whether she should continue investing in equity mutual funds after retirement. Experts say senior citizens can retain some equity exposure to beat inflation, provided regular expenses are covered through stable income sources. Aligning the portfolio, reducing overlap, and balancing SIPs with lumpsum investments remain key.
5 smart credit card hacks to save money and maintain a healthy credit score
Smart credit card usage can boost savings and protect your finances. Timely payments, low credit utilisation and reward point tracking help avoid debt and improve your credit score.
NFO Update: Groww Mutual Fund launches Groww Nifty Smallcap 250 Momentum Quality 100 ETF
Groww Mutual Fund has launched the Groww Nifty Smallcap 250 Momentum Quality 100 ETF, offering passive exposure to small-cap companies selected on momentum and quality factors. The ETF aims to provide diversified participation in Indias small-cap segment through a rules-based investment strategy focused on stronger price trends and relatively sound fundamentals.
Struggling to manage your money in college? Use our simple 24-hour rule and 'needs vs. wants' framework to stop impulse spending and save for your future.
Unlock smarter investing with the Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio as a key stock valuation metric that compares price and earnings to guide valuation and long-term wealth decisions. This metric, along with a host of other factors, can help aspiring investors make sensible investment decisions.
I asked ChatGPT: EV vs petrol - which really saves you more money? The answer isnt what you expect
Given the current fuel situation, if you drive a car, youve probably thought at least once, An EV would have saved me a lot of money and protected me from rising fuel prices. But is that really true?
Can your health claim be rejected? IRDAIs 5year moratorium rule explained
Five-year health insurance moratorium reduces wrongful claim rejections for genuine non-disclosures while preserving fraud checks, so policyholders must stay transparent and maintain continuous cover for protection.
Bandhan Small Cap Fund topped the list with 251 stocks in March 2026, followed by Nippon India Small Cap Fund and HDFC Large and Mid Cap Fund, highlighting strong portfolio diversification trends.
I asked ChatGPT whether DIY travel booking beats packages for Ladakh and Spiti heres what it said
Travel packages and DIY bookings for Ladakh and Spiti Valley trips suit families of four, depending on preferences. Travel packages to Ladakh are often cost-effective and convenient, while Spiti Valley may be cheaper when booked separately.
NFO Alert: Kotak Mutual Fund launches Kotak Nifty Alpha Low-Volatility 30 Index Fund
Kotak Mutual Fund has launched the Kotak Nifty Alpha Low-Volatility 30 Index Fund, an open-ended scheme tracking the Nifty Alpha Low-Volatility 30 Index. The fund, open for subscription until June 12, aims to provide investors with exposure to equities through a structured, factor-based approach combining Alpha and Low-Volatility characteristics for long-term capital growth.
Equity mutual funds saw strong performance in May, with returns reaching up to 17%. International funds led the gains, driven by markets like the US, Korea, and Taiwan. While global diversification is beneficial, experts advise caution due to high valuations. Investors should consider a systematic investment plan for global exposure, focusing on long-term data for market assessment.
Gold prices on MCX eased on 29 May as investors booked profits amid uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran ceasefire extension. MCX gold June futures fell 0.18% to 1,57,410 per 10 grams, while silver July futures slipped 0.45%.
The Income Tax Department has launched online filing for ITR-1, ITR-2, and ITR-4 for AY 2026-27. Taxpayers must note changes, including a new rent field and the ability to report income from two properties, simplifying the filing process for many individuals.
Jio BlackRocks Rishi Kohli says earnings recovery delayed by West Asia conflict
Jio Blackrock's Rishi Kohli says the earnings upcycle has been pushed back by one to two quarters, while arguing that combining stock, sector and factor strategies can improve portfolio resilience.
8th Pay Commission: Not just DA or fitment factor, this formula can push minimum basic pay to 69,000
The 8th Pay Commission is considering changes to the family unit formula, suggesting it should reflect modern family structures.
EPFO 3.0: Withdrawing 75% of PF money through ATM? Heres how it impacts your pension
EPFO 3.0 introduces a fully digital system for EPF withdrawals, allowing members to access funds via UPI and ATMs.
Atal Pension Yojana: Here's a look at who is eligible for the pension scheme, if Aadhaar, mobile number and bank account are mandatory, whether NRIs and minors can open accounts and other top FAQs answered
Credit cards come with some of the highest interest rates and a slew of additional charges and fees attached. Some of these include the annual fee, joining fee, late payment charges, foreign currency mark-up fee and transaction charges.
Employees Provident Fund: Want to withdraw your pension or obtain a scheme certificate from the EPFO? Here's how EPF members can initiate their claims online using Form 10C. Check the stepwise guide
Income-tax returns: Here's how taxpayers can claim deductions under Sections 80C, 80CCD, 80DD, 80E, 80GG, 80U of the I-T Act. Check here for the required documents while filing your ITR for FY26 / AY27
How much home loan can you get on 15 lakh or 20 lakh annual salary?
Currently, the average home loan interest rate in India for most salaried individuals with stable credit ranges between 8.2% and 9% per annum.
RBI monetary policy next week: What fixed-income investors should expect here's what experts say
Markets await the Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy as fixed-income investors look for stable rates and range-bound yields amid inflation risks, currency pressures and cautious policy guidance.
8th CPC: The 8th pay commission has invited applications from eligible candidates for consultant roles. Here's how many vacancies are posted, qualifications required, and scope of work and the salary scale.
Dearness Allowance: Difference between DA, Dearness Relief and House Rent Allowance, explained
Dearness Allowance: Amid 8th pay commission discussion over revisions to central government employee salaries, allowances and benefits, we take a look at the difference between DA, Dearness Relief (DR) and House Rent Allowance (HRA).
How Aadhaar mismatches, duplicate UANs and HR errors derail EPF transfers
From duplicate UANs to Aadhaar mismatches, small compliance errors can derail EPF transfers and leave salaried employees struggling to access retirement savings.
NPS solves the biggest retirement challenge: generating steamarket-linked income
The introduction of the Retirement Income Scheme marks a significant shift in retirement planning, moving from just accumulating wealth to ensuring a steady income stream. With features like predictable cash flow and automatic risk reduction, retirees can enjoy peace of mind.
5 types of digital banking fraud in India and safety tips to protect your money
Digital banking frauds in India are rising as scammers use UPI scams, phishing attacks and OTP frauds, making online banking safety and awareness important for every user.
Digital living wills: a guide to costs, steps, trends and risks of advance medical directives
Digital living wills are emerging as a practical solution amid increasing awareness of the need for such advance medical directives in India due to changing family dynamics and potential medical incapacitation.
Why gilt mutual funds are struggling to gain popularity among retail investors
Smallcap IPOs dominated MF portfolios in March quarter. Which stocks made the top 10?
Mutual funds significantly increased their investments in smallcap IPOs during the March quarter, with a focus on newly listed companies. Amagi Media Labs and Fractal Analytics emerged as top holdings, followed by Sedemac Mechatronics and Shadowfax Technologies.
5 simple Demat account opening steps and smart stock market investing tips for beginners in India
Indias stock market investing boom is creating new wealth opportunities. Simple Demat account setup steps, beginner investing tips and long-term strategies can help investors grow their money wisely.
How bond prices and yields work: Hidden risk most investors overlook in fixed income markets
The real risk in bond investing often lies not in the asset class, but in the investors speculative approach to it.
Top 4 debt mutual fund managers oversee over Rs 1 lakh crore AUM in March quarter.Check details
As of the March 2026 quarter, four leading debt mutual fund managers oversee at least Rs 1 lakh crore in assets under management. Kaustubh Gupta of Aditya Birla Sun Life leads with Rs 1.61 lakh crore, followed by Manish Banthia of ICICI Prudential at Rs 1.45 lakh crore.
Gold ETFs vs gold mutual funds: Key differences in returns, costs, taxation and SIPs
Gold ETFs invest directly in physical gold and related instruments, while gold mutual funds buy units of gold ETFs. While both fall under the mutual fund category regulated by AMFI, they differ significantly in terms of investment structure, taxation, costs, liquidity, and investment approach.
Gold is trading near $4,450 and silver is around $72 to $78.50, as rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions affect the inflation outlook and investor sentiment. Focus is on how the US-Iran dispute unfolds. A peace deal can provide much-needed respite from rising inflation and commodity prices.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund marks 13 years with impressive growth. A Rs 10,000 SIP since inception turned into Rs 51 lakh. The fund prioritizes value, quality management, and global diversification. Its consistent strategy has made it India's largest active fund. Investors benefit from its disciplined approach across market cycles.
ITR-2 filing begins: Who should file, who cannot Check eligibility, exclusions, deadlines
The Income Tax Department has launched online filing for ITR-2 for assessment year 2026-27, targeting individuals and HUFs with income from capital gains and other sources. Eligibility criteria are specified, while ITR-1 and ITR-4 have also been made available for small and medium taxpayers.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari launched the 'Annapurna Bhandar' scheme, offering 3,000 monthly assistance to eligible women. Applications can be submitted online or offline, with verification ensuring benefits reach the right recipients.
EPFO 3.0: Want to withdraw 100% of your PF money? Check the latest withdrawal rules
EPFO subscribers will soon be able to access their provident fund savings directly through UPI, reducing paperwork and waiting times. Members can withdraw 50% to 75% of their EPF balance. The new system aims for a paperless experience, with testing completed and rollout expected soon.
US degree now costs more than a 2BHK in Bengaluru and Gurgaon How parents are prioritising
Indian parents face emotional and financial challenges sending children abroad for education, with costs rising to 5 crore by 2036 due to rupee depreciation and tuition hikes. Despite high expenses, 90% still prefer overseas studies, relying on long-term investments to ease the financial burden.
Most banks will be closed on May 28, 2026, for Bakrid/Eid al-Adha, a gazetted public holiday. Central government offices will also observe this day off, replacing the previously scheduled holiday on May 27.
Who is a Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident and what are the tax implications?
Most returning NRIs are eligible for RNOR status for nearly two to three financial years, depending on their earlier duration of stay in India. Failing to claim this status properly can result in foreign income being unnecessarily subjected to Indian taxation
The EPFO provides pension benefits for subscribers with over 10 years of service. Members can withdraw their provident fund while retaining pension benefits. Here's when and why Form 10C is used
Attention taxpayers! The tax department has today enabled excel utility for income-tax returns for AY2026-27 (FY25-26) for online form ITR-2 on its official e-filing portal. Here's all you need to know
Bank FDs offer senior citizens a secure investment option for managing expenses like medical and living costs. Here is a comparison of fixed deposits from various public, private and small finance lenders
Are gifted shares taxed in India? Key rules, exemptions explained
Previously, the person making the gift was liable to pay tax under the provisions of the Gift Tax Act
Credit Card APR explained: How annual percentage rate works and why it matters for users
High credit card annual percentage rate (APR) charges can quietly increase debt and monthly expenses. Understanding the concept behind APR can help credit card users manage repayments wisely and avoid costly interest charges.
Should you use your annual bonus for prepayment of an outstanding home loan?
For a 30 lakh home loan, utilizing an annual 2 lakh bonus through lump-sum prepayments can save significant interest and reduce tenure. Early repayments enhance financial flexibility, while higher EMIs offer a structured but less flexible approach.
Credit utilisation ratio: How CUR impacts your credit score and what you can do to improve it
Unlock financial control with a clear understanding of the credit utilisation ratio, a key factor that shapes your credit score, influences lending decisions, and supports strong financial health through disciplined credit use and timely repayments.
8th pay commission: The panel is set to meet stakeholders, unions, and employee representatives across states in June and July 2026. Check here for the full list of cities with planned visits in the coming months
REITs and InvITs allow you to invest in real estate and infrastructure properties like a stock. By purchasing the units of these instruments, you can directly own a piece of land without spending lakhs and crores of money.
DA: Why is Dearness allowance important? Why does Centre form a pay commission every 10 years?
The 8th pay commission has called meetings with various employee groups to gather information before it makes recommendations. We explore why Dearness allowance (DA) important and why the Centre forms a pay commission every 10 years
Looking where to invest lumpsum for 3 years? These 5 mutual funds lead with 30% gains
Gold-based mutual funds and value index schemes emerged among the best-performing lumpsum investments over three years, delivering up to 36% CAGR and significantly outperforming many equity, debt, and passive funds.
I asked ChatGPT how to survive a sudden layoff on a 14 LPA salary. The AI gave me a 'stop-loss' rule
I asked ChatGPT how to survive an unexpected layoff on a 14 LPA salary. The AIs answer revealed how quickly savings, EMIs and lifestyle costs can spiral out of control.
Personal loan on your mind? Smart planning before taking one can save your wallet
Smart borrowing starts with careful planning before taking a personal loan. It will help manage EMIs, interest rates, credit score and repayment capacity for stronger financial stability and disciplined debt control.
A Bengaluru couple recently hosted a destination wedding at Jim Corbett National Park and shred the costs associated with it. Advocating for financial prudence, they detailed their expenses in an Instagram video.
The 8th Pay Commission has confirmed meetings in Bhubaneswar on 67 July. Stakeholders are required to submit the prescribed request forms and memoranda before key consultation deadlines. Check the details carefully before submitting the forms.
Could 2 lakh really buy a comfortable, and stress-free international holiday for a vegetarian Indian couple in 2026? ChatGPT compared Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, Malaysia and Sri Lanka factoring in flights, Airbnbs, caf culture, shopping, vegetarian food and hidden costs.
MCX gold June futures were 0.10% up at 1,58,220 per 10 grams. Gold prices have been under pressure since the US-Iran war started on 28 February. International gold prices have fallen by up to 15% since the start of the Middle East conflict.
Sebis salary-to-mutual fund proposal could change how Indians invest
Sebis proposal allowing salary deductions for mutual fund investments could boost saving discipline, reduce behavioural spending leakage and accelerate MF adoption.
What should you check while investing in sectoral and thematic funds? Key risks to look out for
Unlike diversified equity funds, these schemes have a concentrated portfolio, making it important for investors to thoroughly analyze risk factors before investing.
Six equity mutual funds have achieved over 20% CAGR across three, five, and seven-year periods, with all originating from midcap and smallcap categories. Nippon India Mutual Fund led with two funds, while Edelweiss, HDFC, Invesco, and Quant each had one fund on this exclusive list.
Why retail investors chasing higher returns in bonds are running into hidden risks
As falling fixed deposit rates push Indian savers toward corporate bonds and online debt platforms, many retail investors are underestimating the credit, liquidity and product risks behind high yields.
Eight midcap stocks, including Indian Overseas Bank, RVNL, and Adani Total Gas, were avoided by mutual funds in March 2026, with Ventura largely calling decisions prudent except for MCX.
Why insurance industry needs a distribution revolution, not just a digital one
Indias insurance industry has become faster and more digital, but low penetration shows trustnot accessremains the biggest challenge for meaningful financial protection.
EPFO subscribers may soon withdraw funds directly to their bank accounts via UPI, eliminating employer sign-off and processing delays. Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the initiative, which allows instant QR code transactions at ATMs, benefiting over seven crore members.
The IRTSA has proposed distinct fitment factors for various employee levels under the 8th Pay Commission, suggesting a range from 2.92 to 4.38. This could lead to significant salary increases, with some employees seeing hikes exceeding 400%.
Family feud over inheritance? Heres how to avoid years of litigation
When a business patriarch dies without a Will or succession plan, disputes can quickly spiral. Experts explain how families can avoid years of costly litigation.
Rising yields put pressure on gilt funds, experts recommend tactical approach
Gilt funds invest in government securities. These funds are sensitive to interest rate changes. Rising yields have recently led to weak returns for gilt funds. Investors should consider gilt funds when bond yields are high. These funds are not ideal for those seeking stable returns or high liquidity. Understanding interest rate cycles is key for gilt fund investors.
Banks may be closed on May 27 or 28 for Bakrid/Eid al-Adha, depending on the state. Public holidays apply to central and most state government offices. Online banking and ATMs remain operational, allowing customers to perform transactions despite bank closures.
Atal Pension Yojana: Scheme, eligibility, pension payout, tax benefits of APY, explained
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority's Atal Pension Yojana is a government initiative that seeks to create a universal social security system providing pension cover for the poor, underprivileged, and unorganised sector workers.
The truth about NRI deposits: India is not losing them, says ClearTax's Archit Gupta
As concerns about NRIs withdrawing money from Indian bank accounts have been gaining traction recently, here's a closer look at the numbers and what they mean.
Equity vs debt mutual fund taxation: How your MF gains are taxed in India
Mutual fund taxation in India varies by fund type and holding period. Equity funds face different tax rates for short-term and long-term gains, while debt funds purchased after April 1, 2023, are taxed at income tax slab rates. Details here.
Sweep-in fixed deposit facility: A smart way to partially withdraw from FD and earn higher returns
A sweep-in facility is a feature that helps you earn better returns on excess funds lying idle in your savings or current account. Under this facility, any sum in your savings account above a pre-set limit is automatically transferred into an FD.
The 8th Pay Commission will visit Lucknow on June 22-23 to gather input on salary structures from stakeholders. Chaired by former SC Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, the commission will hold consultations across India.
How are profits from intraday and Futures & Options trading taxed in India? Explained
In India, intraday trading profits are taxed as speculative business income, while Futures & Options trading profits are non-speculative. Here are the income tax rules.
Can you still claim money from a dormant bank account? RBI says yes here's how
Forgotten savings still belong to you. Dormant bank account rules in India explain how to recover unclaimed deposits from the RBIs DEAF fund with simple verification and KYC steps. Understand the rules, build knowledge and take steps to reclaim your funds.
DA hike: States hike dearness allowance for employees, pensioners Check full list here
The Centre increased the Dearness Allowance to 60% effective January 1, impacting millions of central government employees and pensioners. Following this, various states and organizations, including Indian Railways and the IBA, announced hikes. Here's a look:
NRI sending money to parents in India: Are overseas transfers taxable?
Indians working abroad can send money home tax-free to parents, as long as they are classified as specified relatives. While remittances are not taxed, income from investments made with that money may be taxable. Details here.
These 5 small cap mutual funds deliver over 20% annualised returns in 3 years. Do you own any?
Five small cap mutual funds delivered over 20% annualised returns in the last three years, led by Bandhan Small Cap at 29.1%. Passive small cap index funds also posted strong gains, while several popular active small cap schemes remained laggards with single-digit returns.
Skip the paperwork with these must-have government apps in India that simplify digital payments, travel, transport services, and secure document storage for a faster and smarter digital lifestyle.
MSMEs need more than loans; they need data-driven credit pathways
MSMEs face challenges in obtaining loans due to informal income records. Data-driven lending utilizes bank statements and AI to assess creditworthiness, enabling personalized loan products. This approach supports financial inclusion, ensuring that lenders understand repayment capabilities.
Can you afford a Japan trip on a 10 lakh salary? I asked ChatGPT and Gemini
I asked ChatGPT and Gemini if I can afford to travel to Japan on a yearly salary of 10 lakh. The chatbots outlined a blueprint for me to follow.
ITR filing 2026: 5 key points that first-time taxpayers should know
Filing an income tax return for the first time can be confusing due to various forms and compliance rules. It's vital to report all details correctly to avoid delays and penalties. Here are some points that one should keep in mind while filing return.
