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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.
8th Pay Commission consultations are gaining pace, with stakeholder meetings, regional visits, and an extension of the memorandum deadline, as central government employees and pensioners await updates on salary and pension revisions.
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.
A study by WhiteOak Capital Mutual Fund suggests gold can do more than just act as a safe-haven asset, helping improve portfolio returns when combined with equity and debt investments. Analysing data from September 2001 to April 2026, the study found that adding equities to debt portfolios boosted returns without a proportional rise in risk.
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.
Aditya Birla Health Insurance launches Activ Yuva, a wellness-first plan offering unlimited hospitalisation cover, OPD benefits, income protection, and rewards for healthy lifestyle habits through its HealthReturns model for young consumers.
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.
Clarity act up for vote tomorrow: Will it change how you use crypto? 5 Key provisions to watch
The US Senate Banking Committee released the Clarity Act text, defining financial regulators' jurisdiction over cryptocurrencies. Key provisions address stablecoin rewards, anti-money laundering compliance for crypto firms, easing SEC fundraising rules, and others
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.
Are you investing in gold alternatives digital gold, gold ETFs, gold mutual funds or sovereign gold bonds (SGBs)? Check here to see if these options can all be converted to physical gold and how they are taxed in India.
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.
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.
Missed an EMI payment? Here are 5 ways default can impact your credit score
EMI bounce on any form of debt can quickly damage your credit score. A single missed payment may significantly reduce scores, affect loans, and increase interest rates for borrowers over time.
Can low-volatility funds work amid market volatility?
These passive funds are falling less than the broader market during sharp corrections, but advisers say the trade-off is slower gains in strong rallies.
The employee filed a consumer complaint against EPFO in the Chandigarh district commission and sought transfer of the balance amount along with interest, compensation, as well as litigation costs.
Why sideways markets make even smart investors look confused
After the 202024 bull run, markets have turned sideways and volatile. In this phase, discipline, risk control and defensive positioning matter more than aggressive stock picking.
NRI members can receive tax-exempt sums from HUF income
Since the money comes from tax-paid rental income of the HUF, it should NOT be taxable in your hands in India.
Married couple from Bengaluru, shared why someone can be earning well and still feel poor in the city. Both product managers, shared their over 1 lakh monthly budget without including vacations, investments or any luxury purchase.
Gold ETF inflows jump 34% to Rs 3,040 crore in April; silver ETFs log third straight outflow
Gold Exchange Traded Funds attracted substantial investment in April, with inflows surging by 34 percent. This marks a positive trend for gold ETFs. Conversely, silver ETFs faced continued investor withdrawal for the third consecutive month. Despite these movements, gold prices remained relatively stable. Assets under management for gold ETFs also saw an increase.
How authors can protect and pass on copyrights through estate planning
For authors, estate planning isn't limited to houses, investments or even manuscripts. Their most valuable assets may be copyrights for published or unpublished writings. Similarly, for music and art works. While a copyright doesn't last forever, here's how to ensure heirs get what's allowed by law.
The mutual fund SIP stoppage ratio stayed above 100% in April for the second straight month, even as investors contributed Rs 31,115 crore. SIP inflows dipped 3% month-on-month, but industry leaders say steady participation, rising folios and robust SIP assets highlight investors growing confidence in long-term, goal-based investing.
Sectoral and thematic mutual fund inflows dropped 28% in April, raising investor caution. Experts suggest this trend reflects investors chasing hot themes and then moving on. While some sectors like defence and manufacturing show continued interest, diversified funds are recommended for long-term stability. SIPs in these funds can be continued with controlled exposure.
Gold and silver prices stayed largely steady on 12 May, with minor changes across major Indian cities. MCX futures edged higher amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and safe-haven demand, while precious metals continued their strong yearly rally.
Best flexi cap mutual funds to invest in May 2026
Flexi cap mutual funds offer fund managers the flexibility to invest across market capitalizations and sectors, making them suitable for moderate investors seeking long-term wealth creation. With an ideal investment horizon of five to seven years, these schemes allow managers to adapt to market conditions. Investors should carefully select a scheme aligning with their risk appetite.
War & Caution: Retail investors temper equity MF buys in April
Retail investors channeled 38,440 crore into equity mutual funds in April, a slight dip from March, amid oil price uncertainty. SIP collections also saw a decrease. Despite this, overall assets under management rose significantly due to debt fund inflows and equity market gains.
Children Educational Allowance helps employees cover educational expenses for their children under the old tax regime. Here's a look at the eligibility and non-eligibility of tuition fees deduction under Section 80C.
Do NRIs require tax clearance certificate before leaving India?
The ITA provision on tax clearance certificate specifically excludes persons who are not domiciled in India and visit India for purposes not connected with business, profession, or employment.
State-run oil companies are verifying LPG consumers' income to cut subsidy burden. Those with incomes over 10 lakh may lose benefits. Consumers must respond within seven days to avoid cancellation. The move follows stricter checks with the Income Tax Department to identify ineligible recipients.
Health fund and health insurance: What's the difference, why you may need both and how to save
Every individual has to budget and save for possible medical and health related expenses. Here is the difference between a health fund and health insurance, why you may need both and how much to save
I asked ChatGPT: How can I make my kids more financially aware? AI gives me 10 money hacks
Teaching children about money is best done through intentional behaviour and practical systems. ChatGPT recommends clear allocation methods, experiences financial consequences, and encourages emotional connections to saving.
A 10 lakh post office FD earning 7.5% and a 10,000 monthly recurring deposit earning 6.7% can grow into a corpus close to 1 crore over 20 years through compounding. However, inflation may significantly reduce the real value of these returns, making long-term planning and diversification crucial.
Avoid sharing credit card with friends, family. If your reported income is not sufficient to pay back your credit card debt, or your expenditures far exceed your income capacity, it may trigger a notice from the authorities.
Senior citizens' FD rates in small finance banks reach up to 8.30% in May 2026, offering secure, high-yield investment options with stable returns. These investment options become even more lucrative in the current geopolitical environment. Check details.
MBA returns vary regionally, with the Middle East offering the fastest payback, according to ChatGPT. Check the AI tool's detailed response.
According to the couple, rent takes up the largest share of their monthly budget. They said they pay 56,000 every month for their apartment.
Investor appetite shifted towards riskier mutual fund categories in April, with mid- and small-cap funds attracting record inflows and delivering stronger returns, while large-cap funds saw declining inflows amid changing retail investment preferences despite ongoing market volatility and valuation concerns.
As part of its consultation process, the 8th CPC opened submissions and held meetings in Delhi in March and in April. Now, visits are scheduled in Telangana, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir and Delhi in May and June.
Corporate FD rates in May 2026 are attracting investors, as Shriram Finance, Mahindra Finance, and other top NBFCs offer stable FD returns of up to 8.95% amid market volatility. Check the comprehensive comparison, and discuss with certified financial advisors before locking in on any investments.
Mutual fund SIP inflows decline 3% month-on-month to Rs 31,115 crore in April: AMFI data
Monthly mutual fund SIP inflows declined to Rs 31,115 crore in April compared to a fresh record high of Rs 32,087 crore in March. On a yearly basis, the monthly SIP inflow went up by 18% from Rs 26,400 crore in April 2025.
AMFI Data: Equity mutual fund inflows decline 5% MoM to Rs 38,440 crore in April
The total inflows in equity mutual funds declined 5% to Rs 38,440 crore in April.
From uncertainty to opportunity: why staying invested matters in volatile markets
As markets correct amid oil spikes and global uncertainty, history suggests volatility may offer long-term opportunity. Heres why Indias structural story remains compelling.
Quant Small Cap Fund: RIL and HDFC Bank among stocks bought and sold in April
Quant Small Cap Fund adjusted its holdings in April 2026. The fund exited HDFC Bank, Jio Financial Services, and Aarti Industries among others. New additions included Triveni Tribune, Sai Parenterals, and PTC India. Exposure was trimmed in Adani Power and Aegis Logistics. The fund increased its stake in Black Box, Capacite Infraprojects, and RBL Bank.
Digital FDs: high on convenience but mind the risk
Many online platforms now allow you to invest in fixed deposits from multiple banks. Understand the allure and the often-overlooked downsides before you commit your savings.
Personal loan rates in May 2026: Compare SBI, HDFC, ICICI and other lenders with fees and EMIs
Comprehensive comparison of personal loan rates in May 2026 across SBI, HDFC, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and other lenders in India, including EMIs, interest rates, and processing fees, to help borrowers make informed decisions. Before finalising any loan offer, consult a certified financial advisor.
HDFC Mid Cap among 5 midcap funds with highest cash holding. Check details
Several midcap funds maintained significant cash reserves in March, with Axis Midcap Fund leading at approximately 9.3%. Other funds like the Taurus Mid Cap Fund and the HDFC Mid Cap Fund also held substantial cash, reporting 8.8% and 7.7% respectively. Baroda BNP Paribas and Bank of India Mid Cap Funds rounded out the list with allocations of 7.5% and 6.5%.
A portfolio is like an Indian thali: Radhika Gupta explains why global diversification matters
At a time when Indian investors are increasingly exploring overseas markets amid strong performance in global equities, fund managers at the Groww India Investor Festival 2026 cautioned against treating international investing as a short-term return-chasing strategy.
Planning to rebalance your mutual fund portfolio amid market volatility? Heres what experts suggest
8th Pay Commission explained: 25 most important FAQs, official dates, latest notices & key facts
Big changes ahead as the 8th Pay Commission enters consultations, with key dates, salary revision updates, pension changes and fitment factor discussions affecting over 1.1 crore beneficiaries.
JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund exits 3 AMC stocks, HAL, and 13 others in April
JioBlackRock Mutual Funds Flexi Cap Fund completely exited 17 stocks in April, including AMC companies and Hindustan Aeronautics, while adding 27 new stocks to its portfolio. The fund also increased exposure to several large-cap names and expanded its portfolio size from 107 to 117 stocks.
Tata Large Cap Fund has turned a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP into over Rs 5 crore in 28 years. The fund also delivered substantial returns on lump sum investments. Experts highlight its disciplined approach and focus on quality companies.
More than 600 OpenAI employees sold a combined 6.6 billion dollars worth of stock in a single day in October 2025, averaging 11 million dollars each. Here is how artificial intelligence is creating unprecedented wealth for technology workers before a single IPO has taken place.
Establishing an emergency fund is crucial for financial stability, covering unforeseen expenses without affecting daily finances. Regular monitoring and automation of savings can help build this financial cushion effectively.
