34 C 
Dearness Allowance: Is DA in salary subject to income tax? Is it part of CTC? Check latest FAQs here
The Finance Ministry announced a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance for central government employees and pensioners, effective January 1, 2026, raising it from 58% to 60%. Here's all you need to know about the pay component
Shubh Health Criti is a unit-linked life insurance plan offering a market-linked health fund covering 60-plus critical illnesses, enabling tax-free medical withdrawals, premium stability and proactive health planning.
Top LIC Child Plans 2026: Compare Jeevan Lakshya, New Children's Money Back and Jeevan Tarun, highlighting IRR returns, survival benefits and long-term education savings solutions. Before locking in on any plan, do consult certified investment planners.
EPF savings: Why ignoring EPS records can cost you your retirement income
EPF contributions are vital for retirement savings, with both employees and employers contributing 12% of basic salary. Employer contributions also fund the EPS, providing monthly pensions. Monitoring EPS records is crucial to avoid discrepancies that can affect retirement benefits.
When do NRIs have to pay income tax in India? Check eligibility, rules, I-T return forms & more
Not all income earned by NRIs is taxable in India, only the sources that are based in India or fall under purview of Indian tax laws, according to Clear Tax. Check for the FAQs and factors explained
SCSS vs SSY vs SBI FD vs PPF: Returns, lock-in, tax benefits, and who should invest
SCSS vs SSY vs SBI FD vs PPF comparison highlights interest rates, lock-in periods, tax benefits and suitability, helping investors in the nation choose stable, low-risk savings options in uncertain markets.
Global gold demand as ETF inflows and bar and coin buying surged, shifting consumption away from jewellery. Rising prices curbed discretionary purchases, while investment demand strengthened globally and in India amid geopolitical uncertainty, diversification needs, and sustained central bank accumulation.
EPF calculator: 5,000 monthly investment can grow to 80 lakh in 30 yearsreal value explained
EPF contributions accumulate interest annually at 8.25%, combining employee and employer inputs. A consistent monthly contribution can yield substantial returns over 30 years. Here's all you need to know.
Despite a challenging FY26, marked by volatility and weak benchmark returns, eleven mutual funds across categories consistently outperformed, delivering superior risk-adjusted returns and showcasing resilience through changing market conditions and trends.
The trilemma of insurance: Working the Impossible Trinity of Insurer, Hospital and customer
The insurer that trusts good hospitals retains them. The hospital that bills responsibly earns faster approvals. The customer who engages honestly pays lower premiums.
Check out ITR Filing 2026 deadlines for FY 202526 and AY 202627, covering key income tax return due dates, revised filing timelines, belated return provisions and essential compliance updates for all taxpayer categories in the country.
Reported wrong income in your ITR? Heres how you can avoid up to 200% penalty
Incorrect income reporting can lead to penalties under the Income Tax Act, 2025 with fines up to 200%. Taxpayers can avoid such steep penalties by voluntarily disclosing errors and paying required taxes. Details here.
NFO Alert: Tata Mutual Fund announces launch of Titanium Equity LongShort Fund
Tata Mutual Fund has launched the Titanium Equity Long-Short Fund under its Titanium SIF platform, offering a dynamic long-short equity strategy with net exposure ranging from -25% to 100%. Aimed at high-risk investors, the NFO is open until May 11.
Planning for childs overseas education with Rs 2 crore? Heres how you can secure your retirement too
Investing a Rs 2 crore corpus effectively requires prioritising goals and building a strategic, inflation-adjusted allocation across equity, debt, gold and cash to fund a childs overseas education, future marriage, retirement and emergency needs.
Parents can choose from government-backed savings options like NPS Vatsalya and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for their children. Sukanya is for girls only, offering fixed returns, while NPS Vatsalya is market-linked. Details of each scheme here.
Did Nirmala Sitharaman promote a platform promising 30 lakh monthly returns? Heres the truth
The video, identified as AI-generated, falsely asserts an initial deposit of 22,000 can yield 30 lakh per month. Citizens are advised to verify information through official sources.
FDs or debt funds: Where should you park surplus money in a high interest rate phase?
Investors are reassessing investment choices due to rising fixed deposit rates and market fluctuations. Experts advise maintaining a long-term equity strategy for aggressive investors, even with short-term volatility. The decision between FDs and debt funds depends on liquidity needs and tax brackets. Diversification within equity portfolios is also recommended for wealth creation.
8th Pay Commission latest: Minimum pay demands, fitment factor and complete FAQs guide
8th Pay Commission (8th CPC) is in an active consultation phase as of April 2026, reviewing demands from BPMS, PSNM & NC-JCM and other stakeholders. With the final decision on salary & pension awaited. Stakeholder meetings are ongoing across India before the Commission submits its final report.
I asked ChatGPT how to pay off 25-Year home loan in 15 years: Check personal finance advice from AI
ChatGPT advises a Bengaluru couple to increase their home loan EMI and make annual prepayments to close their loan early. Check the complete set of suggestions.
MF Tracker: Bank of India Small Cap Fund tops 5-year returns. Should you chase the winner?
Bank of India Small Cap Fund leads five-year returns with a 30.83% CAGR. The fund shows strong performance across various periods, driven by disciplined stock selection and focus on business fundamentals. Experts highlight sector exposure and India's growth themes. However, concerns about current valuations and sustainability of high returns exist. Investors should consider risk tolerance and long-term goals before investing.
Autumn in Korea on 2.75 lakh: How this Bengaluru couple planned a 12-day K-drama getaway
By timing autumn foliage, choosing public transport over taxis and balancing splurges with savings, this Bengaluru couple explored Seoul, Busan and Gyeongju in 12 days for 2.75 lakh.
Silver and gold commodity based ETFs rally up to 3%. What should investors do?
Silver and gold ETFs saw gains of up to 3% on Monday, despite a lower opening for bullion prices on MCX. Rising crude oil prices fueled inflation concerns, reinforcing expectations of prolonged high interest rates. Experts suggest this consolidation phase offers an attractive window for long-term investors to accumulate precious metals.
US shifts $1.7T student loan system to Treasury what it means for borrowers in default
While only Congress can formally dismantle the department, the administration is pursuing incremental changes through inter-agency agreements.
NRIs selling property in India may have to pay higher taxes: All you need to know
NRIs reportedly face higher tax implications when selling property in India due to revised capital gains tax rules and increased TDS rates. Proper planning, understanding exemptions, and compliance with regulations are essential to minimise tax liabilities and ensure smooth transactions.
What is minimum due on credit card and can not paying full amount affect your credit score?
The minimum payment is usually about 5% of your total outstanding bill. This is the minimum amount you must pay each month on a credit card.
Investing in equity mutual funds is popular for long-term wealth. When redeeming, capital gains tax may apply based on profits and holding periods. The FIFO method determines which units are sold first, impacting tax calculations for short-term and long-term capital gains.
8th Pay Commission says it is scheduling maximum meetings with Unions and Associations between 28 to 30 April in Delhi and will hold more meetings in the national capital and in other states in due course.
How high should your credit score be to secure the best home loan deal?
The score, which usually ranges from 300 to 900 points, tests ones capability to pay debts. The significance of a credit score is that it indicates just how creditworthy an individual is.
To file ITR-4 for AY 2026-27, visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal, verify details, enter income and deductions, validate the form, and submit using Aadhaar OTP or EVC. Eligibility includes earning under 50 lakh from business, with specific conditions for freelancers and property owners.
PSNM demands a minimum basic pay of 50,000 for Level 1 employees and 1,34,500 for Level 6 teachers in the 8th Pay Commission. Key demands include higher HRA, annual increments, merging basic pay with DA, and restoring the Old Pension Scheme.
The Ministry of Finance said Dearness Allowance (DA) payable to central government employees shall be increased from 58% to 60% of Basic Pay, with effect from 1 January 2026. Here's how much that impacts the monthly income
Rebate under Section 87A reduces tax for low to middle-income earners, with different income limits applicable under the old tax regime and the new regime. Check details for eligibility, limits and rules here
Switching health insurers? Heres how to keep your waiting period benefits
From porting health insurance without losing waiting period credits to increasing term cover as income rises, heres what policyholders need to know before making a move.
WFH employee moves to Manali, reveals monthly expenses to enjoy snow, free WiFi, homecooked food
A 23-year-old marketing strategist shared her monthly expenditure in Old Manali. She divided it into non-negotiable and discretionary expenses, giving a reality check of life in the mountains.
5 common credit card mistakes you should avoid
Credit cards are essential for daily expenses, aiding travel with convenience and rewards. However, misuse can lead to debt and low credit score. Here are 5 common credit card mistakes one should avoid at any cost.
I told ChatGPT: Im Gen Z, fresh into my first job in Bengaluru after moving away from home. My first salary is 50,000. So, how to spend it? Here's the AI response.
Indian I-T rules allow senior citizens some relief in taxes through deductions, exemptions and compliance activities, that they can use to reduce liability. Here's a look at what's available, which tax regime to choose and how investment planning can help finances and taxes.
Planning a 10-year SIP? These 5 funds offer up to 23% returns
Investors seeking robust SIP returns have found success in five equity mutual funds, delivering over 123% annualized gains over a decade. Quant Small Cap Fund led the pack with an impressive 22.5% return. Nippon India Small Cap and Growth Mid Cap funds also showcased strong performance, alongside Quant ELSS Tax Saver and Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund.
Market volatility: Why instinct alone is not enough in market decision-making
Equities fall 10 to 20% in almost every calendar year. And yet, over the last 46 years, 37 of those years have still closed positive. Over any rolling 7-year period in Indian equity markets, there have been zero instances of negative returns.
Equity mutual funds slide up to 7% in a week; tech funds lead losses
Around 11 technology-focused funds, including HDFC Technology Fund, Tata Digital India Fund, and ICICI Prudential Technology Fund, fell 3.14% to 7.17% last week.
Infosys among top 5 stocks held by most mutual funds. Check details
Here are the top five stocks held by the highest number of mutual fund schemes as of April 17, 2026
8,500 crore inflows in a month: Why multi-asset allocation is winning big in FY26
The investor who started a SIP into a multi-asset fund two years ago didn't need to predict interest rates or time gold's rally or call the bottom on small-caps. The fund did the navigating.
Growth vs dividend option in equity mutual funds explained: Which one should you choose?
While growth allows you to reap the benefits of compounding, the dividend option, which is now called IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal) provides you with regular income.
Nothing ever happens. Thats why most traders lose
An open-source bot that blindly bets No on every prediction is quietly outperforming most traders. The lesson for F&O punters and active investors is deeply uncomfortable.
Market slump hits SIP returns. Time to worry or stay put?
As markets slide and short-term SIP returns turn negative, should investors hit pause or let rupee cost averaging do its job?
ITR Deadlines: A complete guide to filing, penalties, and correction windows
The Income Tax Department has notified ITR forms for AY 2026-27. Taxpayers can file belated, revised, or updated returns. Key deadlines for advance tax and TDS payments are crucial for compliance to avoid penalties and interest.
The RBI is revising the framework for Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) to enhance security, improve customer protection, and support long-term growth. All proposed measures explained here.
Europe offers diverse travel experiences, but budget-friendly destinations like Romania, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Greece allow for affordable trips
Even in heavy debt, these savings remain protected from creditors | What the law says
Loans can lead to debt, but Indian law protects certain savings like EPF, PPF, and NPS from creditors. These funds ensure long-term financial security during financial distress, safeguarding families from losing their assets.
Top flexi cap funds delivered over 17% CAGR since inception, led by Bank of India Flexi Cap Fund, highlighting strong long-term performance across varying AUM sizes and relatively recent launch periods.
HRA exemption rules: Income Tax Department explains how rent, salary, and city determine tax savings
The Income Tax Department clarified that claiming HRA exemption does not guarantee significant tax savings. Benefits depend on rent paid, salary structure, and city type, with specific conditions for claiming exemptions. Details here.
Nippon India Taiwan Equity among top 5 low cost and high return funds in 3 year
Five low-cost mutual funds delivered strong three-year returns, led by Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund and global or silver ETFs, combining high performance with relatively low expense ratios for investors.
Hidden room rent clause in health insurance can cost you thousands | Expert explains
A minor room upgrade during hospitalisation can result in thousands in deductions for related, non-room expenses
13 equity mutual funds deliver over 22% CAGR on lumpsum investments in 5 years. Do you own any?
Thirteen equity mutual funds delivered over 22% CAGR on lumpsum investments in five years, turning Rs 1 lakh into nearly Rs 2.72.9 lakh, led by midcap and smallcap funds.
Zero income tax nations: Dubai, Monaco, Bahamas and more on the list
Countries like Dubai and Qatar do not impose personal income taxes, instead generating revenue through VAT and other fees. This model allows them to maintain tax-friendly environments while still funding government services.
5% annual increase in SIP can boost your retirement corpus by more than 83 lakh. Here's how
With a step-up SIP, an investor can increase their SIP amount annually as their annual income grows and accumulate a higher retirement corpus compared to a regular SIP.
The RBI cancelled Paytm Payments Bank's license for non-compliance, stating it harmed depositors' interests. The central bank assured users their funds are safe and the Paytm app will continue normal operations.
Investing after 45: 5 smart ways to balance safety, growth and retirement planning
Investing at 45 demands a smart balance between safety and growth, combining equities, insurance, and disciplined asset allocation to beat inflation and secure a stable, comfortable retirement future.
Gold investments in India include physical gold, ETFs, SGBs, and digital gold, each differing in taxation and structure. Here's how each asset is taxed in India.
Health insurance in India plays a crucial role in financial protection, as rising health care costs and the risk of claim rejections make clarity on coverage, exclusions, and the claim settlement ratio essential for better decision-making.
Five small cap mutual funds have delivered over 23% annualised returns in the last three years, led by Bandhan Small Cap. The list includes both active and index funds, highlighting strong performance in the segment, while some other small cap schemes lagged with comparatively moderate returns.
The Bombay High Court on 18 April addressed petitions against pension rejection under the Employees Pension Scheme, ruling that employees should not be penalised for employers' lapses. Full details here.
This Akshaya Tritiya, gold purchases in India reached 20,000 crore, but physical sales weakened, according to ClearTax's chief executive. Many transactions were made through old gold exchanges, and digital and ETF investments increased.
How long will it take to reach Rs 2 crore with Rs 20,000 SIP & Rs 50,000 lumpsum?
It will take about 20 years and 6 months to reach a corpus of Rs 2 crore with a Rs 20,000 monthly SIP and a Rs 50,000 lumpsum investment, assuming a 12% annual return.
NPS withdrawal options explained: Lump sum, annuity and phased withdrawal choices
The National Pension System (NPS) enables individuals to save for retirement with flexible withdrawal options. Recent rules enhance flexibility for both government and corporate employees, allowing different withdrawal percentages.
Top 5 large cap mutual funds to invest in April 2026
ETMutualFunds shortlisted largecap funds using returns, consistency, downside risk and size criteria, highlighting Axis, Canara Robeco, Mirae Asset, Baroda BNP Paribas and Edelweiss funds with varied performance rankings.
New investors facing market dips are advised to remain invested. Experts suggest avoiding duplicate funds and focusing on quality investments for long-term goals. Consistency in SIPs is crucial, as short-term volatility is a normal market phase. Staying invested ensures participation in market recoveries and prevents significant loss of potential returns.
How to report cybercrime in India: Step-by-step guide to filing and tracking complaints
A cybercrime or a financial fraud can strike instantly, but fast action matters. This guide explains how to report a cybercrime in India through the cybercrime portal and track your complaint for quicker resolution and safety.
Energy sector mutual funds have surged, delivering nearly 12% returns in three months. This performance has captured investor attention amid rising global energy prices. Experts suggest this is a cyclical trend, advising existing investors to book partial profits and new investors to opt for SIP or STP.
Your credit score may not matter soon. Heres what AI looks at instead
AI is transforming credit underwriting by shifting from fixed rules to behavior-based predictions, allowing lenders to assess real financial behavior through cash flow and alternative data, thereby including unserved borrowers while emphasizing the need for ethical monitoring to prevent bias.
Market correction made mid- and small-caps attractive, says Edelweiss MF's Bhattacharya
A staggered investment approach and long-term investment horizon can help to navigate volatility in this segment
India's online gaming rules, effective 1 May establish a framework to differentiate between money games and permissible e-sports. Here's what changes for you with new user safety features, regulatory authority, and mandatory registration for certain games.
Indian residents must file income-tax returns and report earnings from various sources. We breakdown of some of the important terms you need: difference between deductions, exemptions and rebate.
While the new labour law has altered salary structures, affecting in-hand pay and tax implications, choosing between the new and old tax regimes depends on applicable tax slabs and deductions.
How multi-asset funds use smart diversification in equity, debt and gold for stable growth
Investors can consider multi-asset funds for stability as market volatility rises, using diversification across equities, debt and gold to balance risk and improve long-term wealth-creation potential.
Top 5 fixed income options for senior citizens: Check interest rates, payout, key highlights
Investment in fixed income schemes provides a good and steady pad up to your pension stream with regular payouts and is an attractive option at a time when active earnings from employment have tapered.
Indias new labour codes decoded: Early impact, key shifts and what lies ahead
Five months after implementation, Indias four new labour codes reflect evolving changes in wages, safety and social security, with outcomes depending on effective coordination, compliance and alignment across industries and states.
Should you choose lumpsum withdrawal or SWP? Heres what investors should know
Investors seeking steady income from mutual funds often weigh lump-sum withdrawals against systematic withdrawal plans. While market timing suits experienced investors, SWPs offer disciplined cash flows and continued investment. Financial planners recommend diversified funds, with moderate withdrawal rates, helping balance regular income needs and long-term capital growth potential.
Smart home buying starts with clarity on home loan interest rates and related concepts. Aspiring borrowers must carefully compare housing finance lenders, applicable costs and key factors before choosing affordable housing finance options. Check home loan interest rates in April 2026 from HFCs here.
AI layoffs are real: Is your emergency fund ready?
The traditional six-month emergency fund may no longer be enough in the age of AI-driven layoffs.
Confused between multi-asset allocation funds and gold or silver ETFs? Heres how to decide
Investors weighing commodity exposure can choose between gold and silver ETFs, commodity mutual funds, and multi-asset allocation funds. While ETFs offer direct exposure, commodity funds behave like equities and are cyclical. Experts suggest limited allocation and a preference for diversified multi-asset funds for most investors.
8th Pay Commission: BPMS seeks 72,000 minimum pay, 4x fitment factor, 6% annual hike; check details
The 8th Pay Commission continues to gain momentum as Bharatiya Pratiraksha Mazdoor Sangh (BPMS) demands a minimum salary of 72,000, a 4x fitment factor, and a 6% annual hike to align pay with rising income and living standards.
Cashless wallets? This brokerage wants most currency notes scrapped in 5 years
A global brokerage firm urges Prime Minister Narendra Modi to formalize transactions and reduce the use of high-value currency to enhance transparency. Here's what they suggested.
Your lunch could save you 1 lakh a year, but are you claiming it?
The Income-Tax Rules, 2026 raise the per-meal exemption to 200 and extend it to the new regimeturning employer-provided meals into a 1.05 lakh annual tax-free benefit.
WhiteOak Mutual Fund waives exit load on fresh investments; existing units retain old charges
WhiteOak Capital Mutual Fund has removed exit loads on new investments in its equity and hybrid schemes. This investor-friendly move enhances flexibility and improves the investment experience. The change applies to most schemes, excluding liquid and arbitrage funds. This decision aims to provide greater liquidity and agility for investors making portfolio decisions.
PNB, Kiwi partner to launch Credit-on-UPI Card for 180 million users
Credit on UPI gets a boost as Punjab National Bank partners with Kiwi to launch a feature-rich credit card with cashback and seamless digital payments.
27 equity mutual funds offer over 10% returns on SIP investments in a year. Do you own any?
Over 27 equity mutual funds have surpassed 10% returns on SIP investments in the past year, with midcap and value funds leading the pack. While many funds delivered positive single-digit returns, some experienced losses. Experts suggest this period presents a favorable risk-reward for long-term equity investments in quality businesses.
Gold and silver ETFs declined up to 3% as bullion prices fell sharply amid rising crude oil prices and uncertainty around US-Iran talks. Higher inflation concerns and interest rate expectations weighed on sentiment. Analysts advise investors to book profits and wait for dips, with volatility expected to persist in the near term.
Best banking & PSU mutual funds to invest in April 2026
Banking & PSU debt funds offer a relatively safe investment option for a few years, investing primarily in government-backed entities to minimize credit risk. While interest rate fluctuations pose a risk, these schemes are generally better positioned due to shorter-duration investments.
Redeeming airline miles may feel harder than ever here's why your points won't go far anymore
Travellers are increasingly using air miles to book multiple flights, offsetting rising ticket prices and cancellations. Flexible reward programmes were seeing a surge in demand, but miles no longer stretch as far as they once did. Here's why.
