43 C 
Dearness Allowance: The Maharashtra state government has approved payment of DA arrears for state employees under the 5th, 6th and 7th central pay commission. The total payout is 800 crore.
EPFO subscribers will soon withdraw provident funds via UPI, with direct transfers to bank accounts. The initiative aims to streamline service delivery and enhance member access to funds, facilitating quicker transactions for various needs.
Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund removes subscription limit and resumes fresh SIP/STP in its Aqua FoF
Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund has removed the Rs 5 lakh daily cap on lump sum investments and resumed fresh SIP/STP registrations in its Baroda BNP Paribas Aqua Fund of Fund from May 20. The move comes as overseas investment headroom improves, though subscriptions will remain subject to regulatory overseas investment limits.
NFO Update: Tata AIA Life Insurance launches dividend leaders index pension fund
Tata AIA Life Insurance has launched the Tata AIA Dividend Leaders Index Pension Fund to help investors build long-term retirement wealth through Indias leading dividend-paying companies. The NFO is open until May 27, with units priced at Rs 10. The passively managed fund tracks the BSE 500 Dividend Leaders 50 Index and invests in 50 consistent dividend-paying firms, combining market-linked growth with life insurance protection for disciplined retirement planning.
SIFs at seven months: baby steps now, broader risk canvas ahead
Launched as a bridge between mutual funds and PMS, specialized investment funds have seen rapid AUM growth in seven months. The next phase may demand broader risk-taking and new categories.
Twelve equity mutual funds delivered over 10% returns in the past year, led by TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund with 19.24%. Midcap schemes from ICICI Prudential, HSBC and Mirae Asset also featured among the top performers. Overall, 284 schemes were analysed, with returns ranging from 11.51% to 9.86%.
Looking to invest via SIP for 5 years? Here are the top 10 mutual funds to consider
Top-performing mutual funds delivered strong five-year SIP returns, led by gold, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, and smallcap categories, though investors should prioritize risk appetite, goals, and investment horizon over past performance alone.
Gold and silver import duty hike: here is what it means for prices and ETF premiums
A 9% import duty hike and tighter silver import rules may disrupt local supply and ETF premiums, even as experts remain structurally bullish on gold and silver.
A 53-year-old investor aims for a Rs 5 crore retirement corpus in seven years without a pension. Experts suggest increasing monthly SIPs to Rs 1.2 lakh with annual 24% step-ups and shifting to an 80:20 equity-debt allocation. A bucket-based SWP strategy is recommended for post-retirement income, potentially generating Rs 1.67-2.5 lakh monthly.
A weaker rupee and tougher job markets are reshaping the economics of foreign education
With the rupee at 96/$ and education loans at 12%, the cost-to-salary math of studying abroad is under stress. Rising fees, tight visas and weak job markets are stretching repayment timelines.
Inside Mutual Fund Portfolios: The role of cash holdings
Fund managers hold cash in equity schemes for various reasons, including market overvaluation, difficulty finding quality stocks, and to meet daily redemption requests. While cash offers a downside buffer, high levels can lead to underperformance if markets rally, potentially causing investor outflows.
Have multiple EPF accounts? Here's how you can merge them Stepwise guide
Employee Provident Fund account: You may have multiple EPF accounts with the retirement body but can request online transfers through the official EPFO portal. Here's a stepwise guide how
Switched to new tax regime? Deductions and exemptions you can no longer claim
The new income tax regime offers lower rates but eliminates many deductions. Taxpayers can choose between old and new regimes, with the old providing more tax benefits. Details here.
The Income-Tax Department has released ITR 1-7 forms for FY26/AY27, including Excel utilities for forms 1 and 4 for offline preparation. Here's why experts advise salaried taxpayers to wait till June 15 to file their income tax returns
What is the new West Bengal government's Annapurna scheme? We explain who the beneficiaries are, how much monthly financial support they can expect, how to apply, check eligibility and all you need to know.
Karnataka bus workers' strike: What are their demands? Salary hike, arrears, DA increase, explained
Karnataka bus workers' unions have called for a strike tomorrow, on 20 May. Here's a look at what their demands are From salary hike, arrears, and dearness allowance (DA) increase.
The government has extended the free online Aadhaar document update service until June 14, 2027, allowing users to upload and verify identity documents without fees. Details here.
What is a will in India? Legal definition, importance and eligibility under Succession Act 1925
A guide to what a will is in India, explaining the legal meaning under the Indian Succession Act 1925, eligibility, key rules, and the importance of writing a valid will.
Women investors drive 35% of mutual fund inflows in FY26 with 11 trillion AUM, says CAMS report
Women investors manage 11.3 trillion in AUM across mutual funds. This accounts for 35% of total inflows, indicating a shift towards long-term investing and diversified strategies in India's mutual fund industry. Details are here.
8th central pay commission: What are the pension reform demands by the three big employee groups?
8th Central Pay Commission: Here are the pension reform-related demands made by big employee groups the NC-JCM, the AIDEF and the Maharashtra Old Pension Organisation to the 8th CPC in their memorandums.
Karnataka man loses 75.4 lakh in WhatsApp investment scam: 5 ways to avoid fake advisors
An elderly man in Karnataka has lost 75.4 lakh in a WhatsApp investment scam. Fraudsters posing as advisors tricked him into investing in the fraudulent scheme. The rising number of such incidents highlights the need for vigilance.
The West Bengal government has approved the formation of its 7th pay commission to address compensation for state employees. The decision was made on 18 May. There was, however, no word on the DA hike. Here's all we know.
Raymond Realty among top 7 unique stocks with over Rs 1 crore market value. Check details
Do mutual fund and fixed deposit investors need to file ITR if interest income is below Rs 2 lakh?
Homemakers earning under Rs 2 lakh from fixed deposits and mutual funds may not need to file ITR legally, but voluntary nil return filing helps maintain records and claim TDS refunds.
Looking for best flexi cap mutual funds to invest in May? Here are top 7 to consider
From green dream to cost shield: How to make your EV truly value for money
With fuel prices up and fiscal pressures rising, EVs are shifting from eco-choice to economic hedge. But extracting full value depends on battery size, charging strategy and resale discipline.
Smart emergency fund planning strengthens financial stability as experts explain emergency fund in FD or savings account strategy balancing liquidity, returns, tax efficiency, FDs, savings accounts and arbitrage options.
Women are significantly boosting India's mutual fund landscape, managing Rs 11.3 lakh crore in assets and contributing Rs 3 lakh crore in new investments during FY26. Their participation grew 13%, outpacing men's 11% growth. This surge highlights a shift towards disciplined, goal-oriented investing, with a rising number of women embracing diversified and long-term wealth creation strategies.
Building a mutual fund portfolio needs careful planning. Experts highlight that too many funds lead to overlap and high risk, especially in smallcap and midcap categories. Investors are advised to consolidate holdings, increase largecap exposure, and reduce thematic investments. A balanced approach with fewer, well-chosen funds ensures better management and stability.
Govt debunks rumours on temple gold monetisation, rejects gold bond claims
The Government of India has dismissed rumours about monetising temple gold, stating that no such proposals exist. A press release highlighted the importance of relying on verified information to prevent confusion and misinformation in the public sphere.
AI-powered early warning systems are changing credit risk management
AI-powered early warning systems are transforming credit risk management by analyzing real-time data to identify financial stress. These systems enable lenders to act proactively, offering tailored interventions to borrowers and improving portfolio monitoring amidst global uncertainties.
Gold prices today moved higher as softer crude oil prices and a weaker dollar lifted bullion demand, while investors tracked MCX gold futures and rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Investors are closely watching developments around the Iran conflict and global market trends.
NFO Alert: ICICI Prudential MFs iSIF launches active asset allocator and long-short funds
ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company has launched two new strategies under its Specialised Investment Funds (SIF) segment: iSIF Active Asset Allocator Long-Short Fund and iSIF Equity Long-Short Fund. The NFOs are open for subscription till June 2. The strategies aim to offer adaptive portfolio construction through long-short positioning, dynamic asset allocation and derivatives-based risk management.
How alumni health plans differ from individual insurance policies
Alumni or affinity health plans are a supplement, not a substitute, for your primary cover.
ITR filing 2026: What salaried employees should check in AIS and Form 26AS before submitting returns
As the ITR filing season for 2026-27 begins, salaried employees must review their AIS and Form 26AS for accurate income reporting. The ITR deadline is 31 July 2026, with a belated return option until 31 December 2026.
UPI ID blocked due to cybercrime complaint? Heres how to recover your account and restore access
UPI remains the top payment method, but rising cybercrime cases may lead to account suspensions, despite the user being innocent. Here are the steps users can take to protect themselves or recover their UPI account in case it gets blocked due to fraudulent transactions.
High equity taxes, alongside foreign institutional investor outflows, geopolitical tensions, and elevated oil prices, weigh on market sentiment and returns, prompting debate over investment flows and policy tweaks.
I asked ChatGPT how to spend money guilt-free? AI suggests me the concept of Anti-Budget. Check the comprehensive plan as suggested by artificial intelligence.
How credit card interest works: Even a 100 unpaid bill can hurt your pocket
Credit cards allow users to borrow money up to a limit, offering convenience and rewards. They provide an interest-free period if the full balance is paid by the due date, but unpaid amounts can incur interest on both the existing balance and new transactions.
Zero balance savings accounts for kids: Top five banks where you can save your childs pocket money
Parents can teach children the value of saving with zero balance savings accounts from various banks in India. These accounts offer features like parental controls, debit cards, and mobile banking, helping children manage their finances and develop saving habits early on. Details here.
Mutual fund returns explained: CAGR vs XIRR vs rolling returns highlights key differences in measuring growth, SIP performance and consistency. The final investment decision should be made after proper due diligence and consultation with a certified financial advisor.
Edelweiss Mutual Fund: BSE, ICICI Bank and MCX among top 10 stock holdings in April
Edelweiss Mutual Fund held major allocations in banking, telecom and financial stocks during April 2026, with portfolio adjustments in MCX, L&T and BSE reflecting active investment and rebalancing strategies.
7 mutual funds trim exposure in 19 smallcap stocks in April. Check key details
Seven mutual funds reduced stakes in 19 smallcap stocks during April, trimming exposure across sectors to actively manage portfolios, rebalance holdings, and improve returns amid changing market conditions and valuations.
Why finding the right insurance agent matters as much as choosing the best policy
While aggregators may be cheaper, a dedicated agent provides vital advocacy during claim disputes and disclosures. But since commission structures make it nearly impossible to switch agents later, here's how to make the right choice.
Rising milk, petrol and vegetable prices: Does this justify a higher DA hike in July 2026?
Rising milk, vegetable, petrol and CNG prices have intensified inflation concerns across the country, increasing expectations of a reasonable July 2026 DA hike for central government employees and pensioners.
Want better returns than FDs? Here are top five government-backed schemes you can consider
Bank fixed deposits are favored by risk-averse investors for stable returns. However, if you are seeking alternative schemes that are backed by the government and offer higher interest rates than most FDs, here's a list of options.
Facing layoff anxiety? Discover exactly how much emergency fund you need to survive job loss on a 10 LPA salary. A practical 3-to-6 month financial survival guide.
Top 10 largest offshore India-focused equity funds and ETFs. Check details
India-focused offshore funds saw mixed trends as Franklin FTSE India ETFs attracted strong inflows, while the top 10 funds combined assets declined 22% in March 2026 amid broader market weakness.
Teenagers gain independence and now no longer need to borrow their parents phone, ask for OTPs, or send QR, Paytm said. Here is step-by-step guide to activate Paytm Pocket Money on your Android or iOS device:
Best term insurance plan 2026 guide: 5 key factors to check before you buy
Best term insurance plan selection guide covering key factors like adequate coverage, claim settlement ratio, riders and insurer reliability for strong financial protection across any country.
Want to invest Rs 6 lakh? Expert suggests mix of mutual funds, gold and silver for balanced returns
Market expert Nisreen Mamaji advised a balanced, structured approach to a Rs 6 lakh mutual fund investment, suggesting 80% allocation to equities and 20% to gold and silver, deployed via staggered investing. She projected potential long-term returns of 1214% for equity, 78% for gold and 911% for silver, highlighting disciplined investing, diversification and avoiding overcomplex portfolios for wealth creation.
NFO Alert: Edelweiss Mutual Funds Altiva SIF to launch Equity Ex-Top 100 Long-Short Fund
Edelweiss Mutual Fund has launched its second Altiva SIF offering, the Altiva Equity Ex-Top 100 Long-Short Fund. This equity-led strategy aims for long-term capital appreciation by focusing on small and midcap companies, offering a differentiated investment opportunity beyond the top 100 by market capitalization.
Retiring soon? How to split your PF and gratuity corpus between safe investments and mutual funds
Retiring soon and aiming for a Rs 1 lakh monthly income from your PF and gratuity corpus? Experts advise against investing the entire corpus in income products due to inflation and longevity risks. A prudent bucket strategy is recommended for sustainable income and portfolio growth.
Reese Witherspoon built Hello Sunshine into a $900 million media company after discovering no major Hollywood studio was developing films with female leads. Here is how she did it.
The soldier who fought for 29 extra yearsand the investors doing the same
What the West Asia war, a fragile ceasefire and a volatile Nifty reveal about oil shocks, margins and investor psychologyand why waiting for certainty can be costly.
MCX gold prices fell on Monday morning as rising crude oil prices boosted the US dollar index. A stronger dollar made gold costlier for buyers using other currencies, putting pressure on gold rates. Focus is now on a resolution to the ongoing war between the US-Israel and Iran.
Mutual funds have significantly reduced their technology sector exposure to an eight-year low, driven by concerns over AI disruption, slowing global IT spending, and muted earnings. This strategic shift reflects investor caution amid a transition phase for the IT sector, with a preference for domestic sectors like financials and defence.
Bought your first commercial vehicle? Heres how insurance works
For small logistics businesses, even brief vehicle downtime can hit cash flow. Heres how light commercial vehicle insurance worksand which covers truly protect daily earnings.
Liquid fund inflows at a 7-year high as investors avoid risk
Liquid funds saw a record inflow of over 46,000 crore in April, the highest in seven years. This surge was driven by ample money in the banking system and attractive short-term returns. Investors also chose these low-risk options due to equity market volatility. Liquid funds offer quick access to money, making them ideal for parking surplus funds.
ITR: Income-Tax department notifies all forms for AY27 Here's how you can file your returns online
The Income-Tax department has notified all ITR forms for AY2026-27 and made excel utility for ITR-1 and ITR-4 for available to taxpayers. Here's a stepwise guide for how you can file your returns online
PPF Calculator: How 12,500 monthly investment can build tax-free corpus in 15 years
One of the biggest advantages of the PPF scheme is that it provides a combination of capital protection, guaranteed returns, and tax exemptions
SIPs: We explain how much monthly investment of 5,000, 10,000 or 15,000 can yield for you. Investors can build wealth and gather a retirement corpus of up to XX crore by investing fixed amounts regularly.
PF Balance Check: How to know whether EPF interest has been credited
EPFO members can easily download their EPF passbook online and verify all account transactions
Discrepancies in CIBIL report How to correct credit score error?
A borrower must identify and document all credit score errors. Download credit report from CIBIL or another bureau and carefully review all entries
What happens to your credit score if you miss EMI payment? Penalty and recovery strategy explained
The credit system does not differentiate between the reasons behind a default, whether it results from travel expenses, temporary cash shortages, or delayed salary credits
EPFO is looking to automate final provident fund withdrawal claims to expedite money transfer to applicants' accounts and plans to allow auto-transfer of accounts during employer shifts. Here's all you need to know
The 8th central pay commission is consulting with stakeholders ahead of its recommendations that will significantly impact salaries of central government employees and pensioners, including railways and defence staff.
The Income-Tax Department has enabled Excel Utility facility for forms ITR-1 and ITR-4 for taxpayers filing returns for AY2026-27 (i.e. FY2025-26 on its official e-filing portal. Here's all you need to know
Wondering why your bank just reduced your credit card limit? These could be the reasons behind it
Understanding the underlying triggers and practicing consistent credit management can prevent abrupt changes in credit card limit and protect your long-term financial health
Retirement planning: We asked experts how much corpus a 27-year-old newly married couple, living and working in Mumbai, will require to meet long-term financial goals and retire by 60 years of age. Here's what they said
NFOs this week: 4 SIFs and 1 passive fund to open for subscription
iSIF Equity Long-Short Fund and iSIF Active Asset Allocator Long-Short Fund will open for subscription on May 19 and close on June 2. The minimum investment amount for both funds is Rs 10 lakh.
Day-one newborn cover: what insurers dont tell you
Given the lack of standardization in maternity and newborn insurance products, careful comparison and close scrutiny of policy wording remain essential before purchase.
Credit card blocked? Follow these 5 simple steps to unblock it quickly
Blocked credit card problems can interrupt urgent transactions, but checking bank alerts, clearing pending dues, and contacting customer support can help restore credit card access quickly and securely.
Undisclosed cash, gold or investments? Pay up to 78% tax under income tax rules
There is no legal limit on the cash that you can keep at home. But you should explain how you got it and it should be through legal means.
Equity mutual funds rally up to 28% last week, international funds lead; check top 9 with 20%+ gain
Gold, silver rates today: Gold and silver prices declined on the MCX on Friday morning, May 15, pressured by a stronger US dollar amid rising crude oil prices.
States like Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar have raised dearness allowance for government employees and pensioners, with increases ranging from 2% to 5%. West Bengal is expected to make similar decisions soon, while the Bihar cabinet will discuss further DA revisions in an upcoming meeting.
Delhi-NCR gets its second CNG price hike in 48 hours. Here is the latest rate
CNG in Delhi will cost 80.09 per kg, while consumers in Noida and Ghaziabad will have to pay 88.70 per kg, following the latest revision.
NSE's Electronic Gold Receipts: What are EGRs and what is in them for gold buyers?
EGRs give people the option to convert their physical gold into electronic format, hold it and enjoy the upside in gold prices, and later sell it or convert back to physical gold. The golds purity is assured and can be bought in small quantities of 100 milligrams.
The market crisis where 'this too shall pass' doesn't work
For thirty years, I have told readers to ride out every crisis. The US-Iran war is the exception, and the reason matters more than the news itself.
Bank holiday next week: SBI, HDFC, others closed on these days between 18 and 24 May; check here
Private and public sector banks in India will observe two holidays next week, on May 23 and 24, as per RBI's schedule. Customers are advised to check local branches for specific holiday applicability, while online banking services remain available for transactions during these closures.
Nasdaqs round-the-clock trading dream sparks debate over when markets close: What SEC suggests
The SEC has approved Nasdaq's proposal to expand trading hours for NMS stocks and ETPs to 23 hours, starting December 6. This change aims to meet global trading demands and will introduce a Night Session, allowing trading between 9 PM ET and 4 AM ET.
Taxpayers with foreign investments must disclose them in Schedule FA when filing income tax returns. Resident and Ordinarily Resident taxpayers are required to report foreign assets, regardless of income generated, to avoid scrutiny. Details here.
Transport allowance exemption for employees: Who can claim tax relief of up to 1.80 lakh a year?
The tax exemption for transport allowance has been revised, offering higher limits for disabled employees starting FY 2026-27. This change aims to alleviate the burden of commuting costs, ensuring better support for specially abled employees.
Special vs regular FDs: Key differences and which one you should choose
Regular and special FDs offer different tenures and rates, with special FDs providing higher returns. Here's a breakdown of each FD's features and which one you may choose, based on your financial goals.
ITR filing 2026: Key documents you must keep ready before submitting your income tax return form
Filing your income tax return is easier with all documents prepared in advance. Gather income statements, tax documents, and proofs before the deadline to avoid errors and late fees. Full list here.
Credit card default: How bank settlements affect your CIBIL score and future loans
Missing credit card payments can lead to defaults, and may eventually result in a one-time settlement option from banks. However, this can negatively impact credit profiles and future borrowing. Details here.
A 22-year-old earning 1 lakh monthly may need a balanced investment strategy for studying abroad within five years, focusing on growth and stability. Here's what experts suggest.
RIL, HDFC Bank among 18 stocks from which these 7 mutual funds reduce their exposure in April
Seven top mutual funds trimmed exposure to 18 major stocks in April, signalling a strategic shift in market positioning.
