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Income Tax return filing for AY 2026-27 begins: Check who can file ITR-1 and ITR-4
ITR filing for AY 2026-27 begins as the Income Tax Department enables Excel utilities and online filing for ITR-1 and ITR-4 on the e-Filing portal for eligible taxpayers in the country.
Gold price today: Gold rates dropped on the MCX on Friday morning amid a stronger US dollar, driven by elevated crude oil prices. International gold prices declined to an over one-week low, looking set for a weekly decline.
In May, Indian consumers experienced a significant rise in fuel prices, with petrol and diesel increasing by 3 per litre, the first hike in four years. CNG prices also rose by 2 per kg, reflecting the impact of escalating global crude prices due to the West Asia conflict.
Best aggressive hybrid mutual funds to invest in May 2026
Hybrid mutual funds, particularly aggressive hybrid schemes, are recommended for their resilience in volatile markets. These funds balance equity and debt, offering wealth creation potential with reduced risk. Experts suggest these schemes for conservative equity investors seeking long-term financial goals, highlighting their mixed portfolio and tax advantages.
Petrol, Diesel Price hike news LIVE: Petrol and diesel prices across India were raised by 3 per litre on May 15, pushing fuel costs higher in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and other cities. The hike comes amid surging global crude oil prices and rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Focus on the horizon: Bajaj Finserv's Nimesh Chandan sees Nifty at 27,000 despite volatility
As markets swing on global headlines, Bajaj Finserv AMC CIO Nimesh Chandan says investors should focus on long-term trends, not noise and sees the Nifty heading to 27,000.
Living in Mumbai on 25,000? Womans monthly budgeting formula goes viral It's hard girl, just own it
A woman claims that 25,000 is sufficient to live in Mumbai, sharing her budgeting tips in a viral video. While some praise her financial skills, others question the feasibility of her budget, noting her expenses seem to exceed her claimed limit.
Clarity Act clears key Senate hurdle: What it means for crypto users, stablecoins and exchanges
The Senate Banking Committee advanced the Clarity Act, establishing cryptocurrency regulations. With bipartisan support, the bill aims to create transparency in crypto transactions and anti-money laundering rules
How to combine investment styles through factor investing
Factor funds are aligned to indices that are variation of regular indices, but with a specific investment trait
Clarity Act: Long-stalled Crypto market bill wins key Senate committee vote
The Senate Banking Committee advanced a landmark digital asset market structure bill Thursday after months of negotiations, signaling fresh momentum for the long-stalled measure.
EPF account inoperative? Here's what EPFO members can do to access their account Stepwise guide
Worried about inoperative EPF account? Here's a breakdown of how the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation categorises such accounts, how the funds can be redeemed and what steps members can take to recover it.
Mismatch in ITR? Here's how to address and correct it online
The Income-Tax department can issue notices for discrepancies in tax returns. A notice doesn't imply trouble but may require correction. Taxpayers should verify notices online and respond promptly with necessary documents to avoid penalties.
I asked ChatGPT: How should I spend my first salary? AI gave me the most underrated advice
ChatGPT advises young professionals to avoid lifestyle inflation and focus on building financial systems. Key habits include increasing investments with salary hikes, avoiding fixed obligations, and prioritising income expansion.
Emergency Fund Rule: How much cash should you keep in reserve to protect SIP and FD investments?
Many people mistake a reserve pool for a short-term investment or misinterpret a credit card limit for a buffer.
Census 2027 introduces QR code-based ID cards for enumerators to enhance security and reduce cyberfraud risks during door-to-door data collection. Here's all you need to know.
Retail participation in F&O trading is on the rise. However, individual traders keep losing significant sums of money, whereas institutions earn through algorithmic strategies. Here's how traders can stay ahead in the game, as advised by ClearTax CEO Archit Gupta.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana returns explained: What yearly investments can grow into
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account is presently providing 8.2% earnings per period, calculated yearly
Public Provident Fund vs Fixed Deposits vs SIPs: Which one should a first-time investor start?
PPF vs FDs vs SIPs: A first-time investor's choice should depend on your particular financial situation and future goals. Take a look below to assess, which works best for your lifestyle and planned retirement targets
Turning 60? Here are the top 5 health insurance plans for senior citizens in 2026
Senior citizens' health insurance plans should offer better claim support, chronic illness coverage, restoration benefits and flexible features. These 2026 plans will help protect the elderly against rising healthcare costs.
The 8th central pay commission is consulting with stakeholders to gather input for its recommendations. Meetings are scheduled across various states and territories to collect feedback. Here's what some of the biggest employee groups are demanding
AlphaGrep Mutual Fund files draft papers with Sebi for its first multi-asset allocation fund
AlphaGrep Mutual Fund has filed draft documents with SEBI for its first scheme, the Multi Asset Allocation Fund. The open-ended fund will invest across equity, debt, commodities and derivatives, aiming to generate long-term capital appreciation through a diversified, rules-based portfolio.
How the deemed residency rule can hurt NRIs in some West Asian countries
If Indian-source taxable income from property sales, equity gains, dividend or interest crosses 15 lakh in any financial year, deemed residency kicks in and every treaty benefit disappears.
50-30-20 vs envelope vs zero-based budgeting: Which method suits you best?
50-30-20, envelope, and zero-based budgeting: three personal finance systems that help manage income, control spending, and improve savings discipline through structured planning, flexible methods, and financial clarity.
Six equity mutual funds received inflows of over Rs 7,000 crore each in April, led by Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund and Nippon India Small Cap Fund. Strong investor participation boosted assets under management across flexi-cap, mid-cap, hybrid and small-cap categories during the month.
Nikhil Kamath proposed a gold-backed stablecoin to monetize idle gold in Indian households. CoinSwitch's Ashish Singhal noted existing global products but highlighted challenges with India's gold, including regulation, trust, and storage of non-standardized gold assets.
Where are mutual funds placing their bets? A look at Aprils sectoral trends
Mutual funds increased exposure to capital goods, NBFCs, utilities and logistics in April, while trimming weights in technology, banks and healthcare. Private banks remained top holdings despite marginal moderation in allocations.
7 mutual funds make complete exit from 18 smallcap stocks in April. Check details
EPFO deadline alert: File April 2026 ECR, deposit PF dues by 15 May to avoid penalties
The EPFO ECR filing deadline reminder urges employers to submit the April 2026 returns and deposit provident fund contributions by 15 May to avoid penalties, interest charges and compliance issues.
Mutual funds raise cash holdings by Rs 12,700 crore despite market rebound in April
Mutual funds boosted cash holdings by over Rs 12,000 crore in April, reaching Rs 1.98 lakh crore. This occurred even as Indian stock markets like Nifty 50 and Sensex saw significant gains. Several fund houses increased their cash positions, while others reduced them. SBI Mutual Fund held the largest cash reserves.
India has increased import tariffs on gold and silver to 15%, up from 6%, to reduce imports and protect foreign exchange reserves. This tariff increase led to a nearly 6% price surge in both metals, impacting demand for gold jewellery and prompting investors to consider silver as an alternative.
Helios Flexi Cap Fund, backed by Samir Arora, boosted its holdings in Tata Motors, Eternal, and Paytm during April. The fund also increased its stake in eight other companies, including Hero MotoCorp and Bharat Electronics. Conversely, exposure was reduced in HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries, and Ather Energy. Titan Company and Axis Bank were added as new investments.
Mirae Asset launches SIF-based Platinum Hybrid Long-Short Fund key details explained
Mirae Asset Mutual Fund has launched the Platinum Hybrid Long-Short Fund under the SIF category, offering conservative investors risk-adjusted returns through hedged equity, arbitrage and debt exposure in the country.
Gold and silver prices fell in India on 14 May amid key global developments. MCX gold futures slipped 0.37% to 1,62,270 per 10 gm, while silver futures dropped 1.61% to 2,96,160 per kg. Markets remained focused on the Trump-Xi summit, the new US Fed chair, and oil market volatility.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the cabinet will discuss Dearness Allowance and the Seventh Pay Commission on May 18. A recent 4% DA increase brings it to 22%, but state employees still lag behind central staff due to differing pay commissions.
Warren Buffett flags three dangerous trends for investors in 2026: Thats not investing
Warren Buffett cautioned against the growing trend of gambling in investing as markets reach record highs, citing excessive greed driving asset prices. He pointed to the rise of one-day options trading and prediction markets as alarming developments that misprice securities.
The Bihar government has approved a Dearness Allowance increase for state employees and pensioners, raising it by 5 percentage points for the 6th Central Pay Commission and by 9 points for the 5th, effective January 1, 2026. This is a key financial decision by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
Pharma, NBFCs see fresh mutual fund buying in April
Indian fund managers focused on defensive stocks in April. Pharmaceuticals saw increased investment due to opportunities like the semaglutide patent expiry. NBFCs and asset management companies also received attention. PNB Housing Finance was added as funds shifted towards retail lending. This strategy reflects concerns over oil prices and West Asian geopolitical tensions.
Social Security raise in 2027? New forecasts signal a higher COLA than earlier expected
New inflation data suggests a possible 4.2% increase in Social Security COLA for 2027, up from 3.2%. Rising costs of essentials have led to revised projections by analysts and advocacy groups, highlighting a significant loss in purchasing power for beneficiaries since 2016.
HDFC Mutual Fund withdraws NFO of Gold-Silver FoF
HDFC Mutual Fund has withdrawn its proposed Gold-Silver Passive Fund of Fund NFO, citing concerns over rising precious metal imports and their impact on India's trade balance. This decision follows Prime Minister Modi's appeal to curb gold and silver purchases and a significant increase in import duties, aiming to conserve foreign exchange reserves amidst global economic uncertainty.
Locked EPFO account? Here's why it happened and how you can recover it
See an EPF account locked message when you try to log into your employee provident fund. This can happen due to multiple reasons. Here's what steps EPFO members can take to resolve the issue and access their account
Why is the EPFO launching a new website? Here's all you need to know about E-PRAAPTI portal
The EPFO is all set to launch a new web portal soon, known as the E-PRAAPTI, to help members recover their old and inoperative employee provident fund accounts. Here's all you need to know
I asked ChatGPT how to build fintech startup in 5 years on 10 LPA job: AI didn't sugarcoat anything
A Bengaluru tech professional sought a realistic startup plan from ChatGPT. The advice emphasised using a stable job as financial capital, maintaining low fixed expenses and focusing on genuine problems over trendy ideas.
Income-tax rules: Here's how capital gains generated from digital, paper (which includes gold ETFs, gold mutual funds and sovereign gold bonds) physical and inherited gold are taxed for residents and NRIs.
ITR filing 2026: Sold property at a loss? Heres how you can claim income tax relief this year
Property sales can sometimes result in capital losses due to various reasons. Taxpayers are allowed to set off such losses against capital gains. Both short-term and long-term losses can be carried forward for up to eight years. Full details here.
Public sector lender Canara Bank on Tuesday (12 May) hiked its MCLR rates by 5 bps. We explore how this increase will likely impact borrowers' repayments for car loans, home loans and personal loans.
PPF extension vs phased withdrawals: What should investors choose after account maturity?
After a PPF account matures, investors can withdraw the corpus, extend it for five years, or make phased withdrawals. Choices depend on financial goals and liquidity needs. Details here.
To file an FIR for a cybercrime involving elderly parents or family members, swift evidence collection, online fraud reporting and bank notification are crucial. Quick action will help minimise financial losses and protect the victim's rights.
The NC-JCM, led by Shiv Gopal Mishra, submitted a 51-page memorandum to the 8th CPC, proposing salary hike, increased minimum pay and expansion of family units for salary calculations from 3 to 5 to reflect current realities.
Sebi proposes to ease borrowing norms for mutual funds
The regulator is now considering allowing intraday borrowing for a wider set of uses, including meeting trade settlement obligations, forex transactions, derivative margin requirements, and other liquidity needs
Pension amount for elderly, widows under NSAP unchanged since 2012; inflation makes it worse
When adjusted to the current Consumer Price Index (CPI), a pension of 200 should cost 353 to retain its original purchasing power.
Axis Mutual Fund has temporarily suspended subscriptions to three overseas fund-of-fund schemes, including Global Equity Alpha, Global Innovation and Greater China Equity schemes, effective May 13, 2026. All new lump sum, SIP and switch transactions after 3:00 PM will be rejected, while existing SIPs will be paused and refunded promptly.
NFO Update: DSP Mutual Fund announces launch of DSP Nifty FMCG ETF
DSP Mutual Fund has launched a new exchange-traded fund, the DSP Nifty FMCG ETF. This fund will track the Nifty FMCG Index, offering investors exposure to leading consumer goods companies. The new fund offer is currently open for subscription until May 14. Investors can gain diversified access to the resilient FMCG sector through this passive investment option.
Bank FD vs SCSS: Which investment gives better returns over 5 years?
SCSS vs FD comparison highlights higher assured returns from government-backed schemes than bank fixed deposits over five years, with SCSS offering superior maturity value alongside FD flexibility for investors.
What happens if you dont extend SCSS tenure? Rules, interest and withdrawal explained
The Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme (SCSS) offers investment options for individuals aged 60 and above, with quarterly interest payments. It has a five-year maturity period and allows extensions. Here's what happens if you extend the tenure.
Dearness Allowance: After the Finance Ministry and IBA, the Indian Railways has also hiked DA component of employees' salaries by 2%, from 58% to 60%, with effect from 1 January 2026. Here's all you need to know
How can NRIs simplify investing between India and their country of residence?
From NRE vs NRO confusion to tax treaties and GIFT City access, heres a practical roadmap for NRIs to simplify cross-border investing and build one coherent global financial strategy.
NFO Alert: SBI Mutual Fund launches two target maturity debt index funds
SBI Mutual Fund has launched two target-maturity debt index funds focused on government securities and SDLs, with the NFO open between May 14 and May 19. The schemes aim to provide predictable fixed-income exposure through low-cost, rule-based investment strategies linked to sovereign and quasi-sovereign instruments across defined maturities.
HDFC Mutual Fund: Eternal, RIL and HDFC Bank among top 10 stock holdings in April
HDFC Mutual Funds April 2026 portfolio remained banking-heavy, led by ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank, while increasing exposure to Reliance Industries, Bharti Airtel, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Eternal.
Canara Bank hikes MCLR lending rates; Bank of Baroda keeps rates unchanged check details
Canara Bank MCLR hike by 5 bps may raise EMIs on floating-rate loans like home, auto and personal loans, while Bank of Baroda keeps rates unchanged, impacting borrowers linked to MCLR resets from 12 May 2026.
Mutual funds injected Rs 30,600 crore into Indian equities in April, with significant buying in ICICI Bank, SBI, and Sun Pharma. Key reductions were observed in Wipro, HDFC Bank, and Hindalco Industries across large, mid, and smallcap segments. This active portfolio management reflects ongoing strategic shifts by fund managers.
He owned Bitcoin and Ethereum, but this coin made him rich: Ripple ex-CTOs crypto strategy decoded
Ripple's former CTO, David Schwartz, has revealed that XRP significantly increased his wealth compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum. He once held 26 million XRP, which peaked at $3.65, while he regrets selling Ethereum too early.
Banks vs HFCs: What home loan borrowers must know
Homebuyers must choose between banks and housing finance companies (HFCs) for loans. Banks offer lower interest rates with strict documentation, while HFCs provide flexibility and quicker processing, making them suitable for self-employed borrowers.
Outsourcing house chores is the new and easy norm, but is it burning a hole in your pocket?
App-based domestic help platforms promise reliability and ease. But as promo prices fade and surge fees kick in, urban users are rethinking whether the convenience justifies the rising monthly bill.
Gold prices soar after duty hike should you buy, hold or rebalance? Expert says, good time to
The Indian government raised import duties on gold and silver to 15% to curb rising import costs due to the West Asia crisis. This hike may lead to higher domestic gold prices and reduced jewellery demand, with investors advised to rebalance their portfolios accordingly.
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme 2026: 9 lakh investment earns 66,600 yearly, full maturity details
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme 2026 offers guaranteed monthly income, capital safety and stable returns at 7.4% interest, making it suitable for conservative investors seeking low-risk savings options in the country.
HDFC Defence Fund increase stake in HAL, Bharat Electronics & 6 other stocks in April
HDFC Defence Fund, the sector's sole actively managed offering, significantly boosted its holdings in Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) and Bharat Electronics during April. The fund also increased its stake in six other companies, including Aequs, while reducing its exposure to Rishabh Instruments. Its portfolio remained stable with 22 stocks across various sectors.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: ITC and Coal India among stocks bought and sold in April
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Funds assets under management rose to Rs 1.40 lakh crore in April as the fund increased exposure to several large-cap stocks, reduced holdings in Coal India and Power Grid, and exited Balkrishna Industries completely. The fund maintained a sizeable cash allocation amid its long-term investment-focused strategy.
Retiring with a large EPF corpus? Heres how to allocate money across fixed income and mutual funds
Retirees with large EPF corpus need to balance safety with growth. Financial planners advise focusing on stable, tax-efficient income generation and long-term growth for surplus funds. Expert Shivam Pathak suggests a mix of government-backed schemes, G-Secs, and diversified mutual funds to meet these objectives.
Gold and silver ETFs rally up to 15% after government raises import duty. What should investors do?
Gold and silver ETFs rallied on Wednesday after prices of the precious metals surged on the Multi Commodity Exchange of India, following goivernemt announced higher import duties. Most gold and silver ETFs logged broad gains, while experts urged investors to avoid timing the spike and instead use SIPs to navigate the volatility.
Best focused mutual funds to invest in May 2026
Focused equity mutual funds invest in a maximum of 30 stocks. These schemes offer concentrated portfolios where fund managers make high-conviction bets. While successful stock picks can lead to significant gains, wrong calls can result in substantial losses. Investors with a higher risk appetite and a seven-year investment horizon may consider these funds.
As of May 13, gold is priced around 161,410 per 10 gm, while silver reached 296,570 per kg, driven by demand and currency fluctuations.
Social Security May 2026 payments start this week: Who gets paid today, May 13?
The first wave of May Social Security payments is scheduled for distribution this week. Payments are based on birthdates, with recipients born between the 1st and 10th receiving payments on May 13, followed by others on May 20 and May 27.
Fund houses face fresh compliance push on portfolio overlap
SEBI now requires fund houses to cap portfolio overlap between sectoral/thematic funds and other equity schemes at 50%, giving them three years to comply. This move aims to enhance diversification and prevent investors from unknowingly holding duplicate stocks across multiple funds. Wealth managers urge investors to also scrutinize their personal portfolios for such overlaps.
Income-tax returns: Form 26AS displays taxpayers' financial statements and can be accessed via the Income Tax portal or your banks' website. Taxpayers can view, download, and provide feedback on the document.
Is foreign-earned salary in NRE account taxable in India? Here's what rules say
Non-resident Indians can transfer overseas earnings to India via NRE accounts, which are not taxable if income is foreign. NRO accounts manage Indian income but incur taxes. Details here.
Investment planning is crucial for financial stability, involving assessment of current finances, risk tolerance, and future goals. Here are key factors investors need to keep in mind while forming strategy.
Prime Minister Modi calls for a one-year boycott of gold purchases to reduce imports and strengthen the economy. Experts suggest alternatives that may act like a hedge. Full list and other details here.
A young Bengaluru professional earning 30 lakh annually wants to buy a Mercedes A-Class Limousine. ChatGPT replies.
What is digital gold? How can you buy it, and can it be converted to physical gold?
Digital gold allows online investment in physical gold without immediate possession. It is also backed by real gold stored in secure vaults but not regulated by Sebi or RBI. Details here.
Maharashtra government has made its revised National Pension Scheme optional for current employees and given till 31 December to opt-in. Here's a look at how pension will be calculated, the minimum monthly payout and years of service required to claim.
Small savings scheme interest rates in May 2026: Returns on PPF, SSY, SCSS, NSC and others compared
Small savings scheme interest rates in May 2026 highlight stable government-backed returns across PPF, SSY, SCSS and NSC. These are ideal for conservative investors who seek to balance volatility and tax efficiency.
Prime Minister Modi urged citizens to avoid gold purchases for a year to reduce non-essential imports. India's gold ownership rules allow certain limits on gold jewellery during tax raids. Here's all you need to know.
A representative body for central government employees has requested the 8th CPC to ensure a minimum payout under NPS to counter market volatility. A memorandum detailing the demands has been submitted to the panel.
If a tenant refuses to vacate a house in Delhi, there are key provisions under the Delhi Rent Control Act that can protect the landlord's rights. They include eviction, legal remedies, and Supreme Court rulings for landlords and tenants.
Bharti Airtel, RIL and Infosys among 9 stocks owned by 600 mutual funds in April
Mutual funds showed strong preference for banking and largecap stocks in April, with HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and State Bank of India topping holdings across more than 700 schemes.
SCSS maturity rules explained: Can senior citizens extend their account's tenure?
The Senior Citizens Savings Scheme offers retirees a popular fixed-income investment with government backing and quarterly payouts. Eligible individuals can invest, extend their accounts multiple times, and earn an 8.2% annual interest rate.
Eleven new mutual funds launched in April collectively raised 828 crore, led by index funds, while the SBI CRISIL-IBX Financial Services 3-6 Months Debt Index Fund attracted the highest investor inflows.
Gen Z investors are rewriting the rules of investing
Gen Z has become the country's fastest-growing investor cohort, with under-30s now comprising 38% of the National Stock Exchange's base, but experts warn their decisions are driven more by social media, peer pressure and post-covid return euphoria than by sound financial strategy.
I asked ChatGPT: Can I do a solo Bali trip from Delhi in 1 lakh? AI reveals the real 2026 cost
ChatGPT explains whether a 10-day solo Bali trip from Delhi can realistically be done within 1 lakh. Check the detailed AI breakdown on flights, cafs, beaches, hotels, hidden costs and the smartest Bali itinerary.
These 9 equity mutual fund categories see inflows in April. Flexi cap hits record Rs 10,147 crore
Equity mutual fund inflows declined 5% to Rs 38,440 crore in April, though most equity categories continued to attract investments. Flexicap funds recorded their highest-ever monthly inflow, while smallcap and midcap funds also saw strong traction. Meanwhile, sectoral and thematic fund inflows moderated, reflecting increasing investor selectivity amid volatile market conditions.
