35 C 
You can now add, update email to Aadhaar for free: Check how, last date and other details
UIDAI is now allowing people to add or update email IDs to their Aadhaar card directly through the mobile application. The service was enabled on 1 July 2026 and will be free to use for six months.
The new income tax form initially lacked a section for certain tax exempt receipts. Now, it includes an additional dropdown for Receipts not in the nature of income. Experts decode what this news head means for taxpayers.
Dearness Allowance: DA is revised twice a year by the All-India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) to match cost-of-living. Here's a look at the numbers and whether employees could get 3-4% DA hike this month
The central government has introduced the EPF Scheme, 2026, mandating a fixed monthly contribution of 1,800 each from employees and employers. Here's how the new rules may shrink your final provident fund corpus.
I-T dept allows charitable trusts to seek fresh approval post deadline, taxpayers to get 80G relief
The deadline to apply for fresh approval expired on 30 September 2025. Following this, all the applications made by charitable trusts were rejected purely on the grounds of delay in seeking approval. With the latest circular, the I-T department has provided relief to these charities.
Retirement planning involves personalized strategies for investing according to risk appetite and anticipated lifestyle changes. Factors like inflation and healthcare costs must be incorporated into calculating the necessary retirement corpus.
4 small-cap schemes delivered over 30% in 3 months. Do you own any?
The small-cap mutual fund category returned an average 22.41% in the past three months, outperforming the Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI. Four schemes delivered over 30%, but only one has a track record that extends beyond five years.
The Wealth Company Asset Management announces appointment of Unmesh Kulkarni as managing director
The Wealth Company Asset Management, part of Pantomath Group, has appointed Unmesh Kulkarni as its Managing Director. With 29 years of experience in wealth management and capital markets, Kulkarni previously co-founded Merrill Lynch and Julius Baer's wealth management arms in India.
Paytm Europe has been granted a payment institution licence by the Luxembourg financial supervisory authority CSSF to conduct credit and funds transfers, and payment transactions. Here's all you need to know
Bank of India Small Cap among 6 equity funds to deliver over 15% return in 6 months. Check details
Six small cap mutual funds delivered over 15% returns in the past six months, led by Bank of India Small Cap Fund with a 21.04% gain. Other performers include TRUSTMF, JM, Motilal Oswal, Union, and ITI funds, reflecting strong momentum in the small cap segment.
ITR 2026: Who must file tax return even if their income is below 4 lakh?
Many taxpayers mistakenly believe they only need to file an income tax return (ITR) if their income exceeds 4 lakh. However, various situations, such as high-value transactions and foreign assets, require mandatory ITR filing regardless of income level.
IRDAI plans to implement staggered commissions, spreading payouts over the policy term to improve transparency, reduce churn and align distributor incentives with customer needs across Indias insurance market.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the most profitable tournament ever, with a prize pool of $871 million and the winning nation receiving $50 million. Ticket prices and broadcasting rights are significantly higher than in previous tournaments.
EPF Scheme 2026: PF above 1,800 now voluntary; what changes for you?
PF contributions above 1,800 a month are no longer mandatory under the new EPF Scheme. The contribution rate, wage ceiling and EPF interest rate remain unchanged.
EPS-2026 replaces EPS-95: Eligibility, membership rules, and withdrawal conditions explained
The central government has notified EPS-2026, replacing previous versions. Effective from June 29, 2026, it clarifies eligibility, membership conditions, and pension benefits, while keeping the minimum monthly pension at 1,000 unchanged.
5 hidden credit card fees that can quietly increase your borrowing costs
Hidden credit card charges can quietly increase your borrowing costs and reduce your savings. Understanding key fees, payment terms and reward costs helps you manage your credit card wisely and avoid unnecessary expenses while making smarter financial decisions.
LTCG below 1.25 lakh? Why you may still need to file your income tax return
Many investors believe that tax-free long-term capital gains also mean they can skip filing an income tax return. Experts say the 1.25 lakh exemption under Section 112A only determines tax liability, not whether ITR filing is mandatory.
Smart tax planning for retirees: Pensioner ITR 2026 guide to deductions, benefits, and tax regimes
Smart tax planning for retirees can unlock valuable savings in ITR 2026. This guide explains pensioner tax deductions, old vs new tax regime benefits, key exemptions, and essential filing tips to help reduce taxable income and improve retirement finances.
SGB redemption July 2026: 8 Sovereign Gold Bond series eligible for early exit
Investors holding eligible Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) tranches can opt for premature redemption after completing the mandatory five-year holding period.
Which is the best Nifty-based index fund to buy basis expense ratio and tracking error?
Choosing the best Nifty-based index fund involves more than just a low expense ratio. Experts emphasize that tracking error, which measures how closely a fund mirrors its benchmark, is crucial for long-term returns. While low costs are attractive, consistent replication accuracy, indicated by low tracking error, often proves more vital for passive investors aiming to capture market performance effectively.
Gold and silver prices today, 3 July: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
EPFO introduces 3-day PF claim settlement: What it means for subscribers
EPFO has introduced a three-day timeline for settling eligible PF claims as part of a broader overhaul of its services. The reforms also simplify withdrawals, expand auto-settlement and pave the way for more digital member services.
Pay only for the kilometres you drive: How PAYD insurance works
If you drive infrequently, a pay-as-you-drive (PAYD) policy could significantly lower your car insurance premium. Here's how it works, who should opt for it, and the risks to watch for.
8th Pay Commission: Odisha and West Bengal meetings take centre stagetop 5 updates you must know
The 8th Pay Commission is entering a crucial stage, with stakeholder meetings being held in Odisha and West Bengal to discuss salaries, pensions, allowances, and the fitment factor.
Rethinking wealth creation: Why a 70:30 portfolio is gaining traction
Investors seeking a balanced approach to wealth creation are increasingly favoring portfolios that blend equities with debt. A recent study highlights that a 70% equity, 30% debt mix, with strategic rebalancing, yielded impressive returns with significantly lower volatility compared to an all-equity index. This strategy helps investors remain invested through market ups and downs, offering a more stable investment journey.
I asked ChatGPT how many credit cards are too many; Experts filled in the gaps with what AI missed
Several banks have altered credit card rewards, which may make cardholders reassess how many cards they need. I asked ChatGPT how many credit cards are too many and experts filled in the gaps with what AI missed.
I asked ChatGPT how rich Indians must become for the country to be considered developed. We then compared the responses to what Axis Bank's chief economist Neelkanth Mishra said on the matter. Here's a look...
Working for a foreign client means income may be taxed in both the foreign country and India. However, Indian residents can claim foreign tax credit by filing Form 67. Details here.
The government's new EPF Scheme 2026 has come into effect as part of the Social Security Code 2020. Today, we explore and explain how and what has changed for EPFO subscribers and what remains the same.
EPS-2026 rules: Will you get pension if you leave your job before completing 10 years of service?
The central government has implemented EPS, 2026, replacing older pension schemes. Key provisions remain intact, but questions about eligibility for employees leaving before 10 years persist. Here's what the new rules say.
Yen at record low: Should Indian investors be worried? Experts weigh in
The yens weakness is not just a Japan story. For Indian investors, the impact is mostly indirect. While short-term volatility may rise if global carry trades unwind, experts agree that disciplined long-term investing remains the most effective way to navigate these macro cycles.
EPS-2026 replaces EPS-95: Does the 1,000 minimum pension continue? Here's what has changed
The Centre has introduced the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), 2026, replacing older versions. While procedural changes have been made, the minimum monthly pension remains fixed at 1,000, unchanged since 2014.
Bajaj Auto's 5,632 crore buyback: How will your buyback proceeds be taxed?
Bajaj Auto's 5,632.8-crore share buyback will be taxed under the new capital gains framework that came into effect on April 1, 2026, changing how shareholders report and pay tax on shares accepted in the buyback.
Mis-sold insurance? How to challenge a forced insurance policy sold as an FD
If an insurance policy has been issued without informed consent or through misrepresentation, the policyholder has the right to challenge the transaction.
8th pay commission: With discussions underway, we calculate how much of a salary hike the minimum estimate of 1.83 fitment factor could provide for central government employees and pensioners. Here's a look
Why Schedule FA is about complete disclosures, not precise valuations
Indian residents with foreign stocks, employee stock ownership plan or bank accounts must disclose them in Schedule FA regardless of whether they were sold.
Why every loan default deserves a different recovery strategy
AI and behavioural data can help lenders tailor debt recovery to each borrower's circumstancesimproving repayments while replacing aggressive collections with more empathetic engagement.
The Supreme Court clarified income assessment for motor accident compensation, addressing salaried and self-employed individuals, and non-filers. Details here.
EPFO reforms 2026: 20-day claim settlement, real-time tracking and key changes explained
Digital-first shift transforms retirement services. EPFO reforms under the new 2026 social security schemes introduce strict 20-day claim settlement timelines, real-time tracking, and digital compliance, improving transparency, accountability, and faster processing of pension and PF benefits.
Top 10 equity mutual funds deliver over 25% returns in 2026. Do you own any in your portfolio?
Ten equity mutual funds delivered over 25% returns in 2026 so far, led by Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund with 102%, driven by international, emerging markets and technology themes.
Top 5 overnight funds based on 1-year returns: Bank of India Overnight Fund leads with 5.59% return
Based on one-year CAGR performance, Bank of India Overnight Fund emerged as the best-performing scheme in the category with 1-year return of 5.59%, followed by Franklin India Overnight Fund and Bajaj Finserv Overnight Fund.
New fund offer: 8 mutual funds and 2 SIFs are now open for subscription. Check details
Around eight mutual funds and two specialised investment funds (SIFs) are currently open for subscription across categories including hybrid, index, multi-asset, overnight and life cycle funds. Offerings from Zerodha, ICICI Prudential, Invesco, JioBlackRock, JM, Tata, HDFC and Choice are accepting investments before their respective closing dates.
How to verify and reconcile stock market transactions in AIS before filing your ITR
Annual Information Statement (AIS) stock market transaction reconciliation helps taxpayers ensure accurate ITR filing by matching broker records with AIS data. It improves capital gains accuracy, prevents errors and supports compliant income tax reporting for investors in equity markets.
NFO Alert: Invesco Mutual Fund launches equity long-short fund under its SIF platform Summit
Invesco Mutual Fund has launched Summit SIF, an equity long-short fund offering both long and limited short exposure via derivatives. The NFO closes on July 16 and targets alpha generation through dynamic strategies combining stock selection and tactical shorts, managed by Hiten Jain and benchmarked to the BSE 500 TRI.
SIP in stocks or mutual funds: Which strategy offers better returns?
Should investors choose SIPs in stocks or mutual funds? According to Hercules Advisors founder Aditya Shah, while direct equities may offer higher returns, they demand constant monitoring and carry greater risks. For senior citizens and passive investors, diversified mutual funds with professional management and appropriate asset allocation can be a safer and more practical route to long-term wealth creation.
Planning SIP this July? Here are mutual fund options that could suit aggressive investors
ETMutualFunds presents SIP portfolio ideas tailored for conservative, moderate and aggressive investors. The allocations span three investment brackets, starting from Rs 2,000 to above Rs 10,000, combining flexi cap, large cap, hybrid, mid cap and small cap funds. Selection is based on rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance and fund size.
Top 5 mutual funds in India by AUM: Returns comparison over 1, 3 and 5 years
The countrys biggest mutual fund scheme by assets under management (AUM), Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, manages over 1.41 lakh crore in assets. It is followed by HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund, which is the second-biggest scheme by AUM.
Does a higher active share make a mutual fund better managed? Experts explain
Active share measures how much a mutual fund's portfolio differs from its benchmark, helping investors assess whether they are paying for genuine active management or closet index investing.
Sebis pump-and-dump crackdown: 5 ways to protect yourself from stock market scams
To avoid stock scams, verify information, consult certified advisors, and focus on disciplined investing. Beware of unsolicited tips, unusual price movements, and FOMO tactics. A diversified portfolio can protect against manipulation. SEBI's crackdown highlights the need for investor vigilance.
New vs old tax regime: How much tax do you pay on a 25 lakh salary?
Choosing the right tax regime can significantly reduce your tax outgo. Here's a comparison of the tax liability on a 25 lakh annual salary under both the new and old tax regimes, and when each one makes sense.
TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund emerged as the best-performing equity mutual fund over the past year, delivering a 22.78% return and outperforming both its benchmark and category average. Experts attribute the performance to strong stock selection but advise investors to focus on long-term asset allocation, disciplined SIPs, and realistic return expectations.
Gold and silver prices today, 2 July: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
Top 10 mutual funds to invest in July 2026
ETMutualFunds decided to put out a list of top 10 mutual fund schemes. We have chosen two schemes from five different equity mutual fund categories - aggressive hybrid, large cap, mid cap, small cap and flexi cap schemes which we believe should be enough for regular mutual fund investors.
EPF Scheme 2026: New rules on withdrawal, eligibility and limits explained
EPF Scheme 2026: Here are the new withdrawal rules, eligibility, limits and conditions to help EPF members understand partial withdrawals under the revised framework.
8th Pay Commission: Key lessons from 7th Pay Commission that could influence salaries
The 8th Pay Commission may reshape government salaries by taking key lessons from the 7th Pay Commission.
When should young investors pivot from aggressive bets to capital preservation for retirement?
During the accumulation stage, investors will have access to regular income and a long investment horizon, allowing them to take advantage of the potential for growth in assets such as equities.
HDFC Bank credit card caps SmartBuy brand voucher rewards from July 1 What changes for customers?
HDFC Bank has revised its SmartBuy rewards program, introducing a cap on reward points for brand voucher purchases on major premium credit cards. Here's what changes for customers.
Buying the dip vs SIP: Which strategy delivers better returns? Here's what math says
Market swings often lead investors to seek ideal buying moments. However, historical data shows systematic investment plans outperform market timing strategies, as cash on the sidelines incurs opportunity costs.
The Centre has implemented the EPF Scheme, 2026, replacing the 1952 scheme. Effective June 29, 2026, it retains contribution rates while enhancing digital compliance and simplifying withdrawal processes for members. Details here.
SK Hynix commands a significant share of the HBM market and its Nasdaq listing may raise billions for expansion. However, the overall demand is high, suggesting both SK Hynix and Micron can grow together despite increased competition in memory chips.
Dream Sports will shut down its fintech platform Dream Money on July 30. Here's what happens to your mutual funds, fixed deposits and digital gold.
Selling property or stocks? These 5 smart hacks can help you save capital gains tax
Capital gains tax can be minimized through strategic planning and compliance with the Income Tax Act. Taxpayers may claim exemptions, utilize capital losses, consider holding periods, maintain accurate records, and time sales effectively to reduce their tax liability legally.
Zerodha's Nithin Kamath highlights long account-opening processes as a barrier for NRIs to benefit from FCNR deposits. The RBI's favorable changes make it easier, but slow onboarding could diminish interest.
SEBI has proposed a performance-based fee framework for mutual funds, linking fees to a fund's performance rather than a fixed ratio. However, industry hesitance stems from operational challenges and complexities associated with variable fee structures.
Magnificent 7 lost $2.3 trillion in June: Is it time to trim your US tech stocks?
The Magnificent Seven tech stocks lost $2.3 trillion in value in June due to uncertainty over AI investments. Major declines were noted for Microsoft and Nvidia. Investors are advised to diversify portfolios and consider market concentration to mitigate risks amidst fluctuating valuations.
ITR filing 2026: 6 costly mistakes salaried taxpayers should avoid before 31 July deadline
As the last date of filing ITR looms closer, it is important to be careful about certain key factors. These include choosing the right ITR form and regime, and cross-verifying taxable income against the disclosures made in AIS/TIS.
New vs old regime: Earning 20 LPA? Here's which regime saves you over 1 lakh
The tax regime choice becomes more nuanced at a 20 lakh annual salary, where the Section 87A rebate is no longer available. A comparison shows whether common deductions under the old regime can outweigh the new regime's lower tax rates.
NRI selling investments? Here's how you can save capital gains tax
Section 215 of the Income Tax Act, 2025 allows eligible NRIs to claim exemption from long-term capital gains tax. But the benefit is available only if strict conditions on investment source and reinvestment are met.
Low-volatility mutual funds: Should you invest? Here's what experts say
Low-volatility mutual funds seek to cushion market downturns while keeping investors invested in equities. Understand how the strategy works and who should consider it.
From ITR to Aadhaar: Key financial changes kicking in from July 1
Several financial changes come into effect from 1 July, including revised ITR filing deadlines, free Aadhaar email updates and new RBI rules against bank mis-selling. Here's how they could affect you.
Starting SIP at 25 vs 35: How a 10-year delay can shrink your retirement corpus by nearly 25 lakh
Delaying a SIP by 10 years can significantly reduce retirement corpus due to the loss of compounding. A 1,000 monthly SIP started at 25 years of age grows to an estimated 37.97 lakh by age 60, compared with 13.27 lakh if started at 35 years, assuming a 10% annual return.
First time borrowers to lead the next wave of credit growth in India
The next wave of credit growth is likely to emerge from segments that have historically been underserved, overlooked, or difficult to evaluate through conventional methods. Today, only about 17.8% of new loans are disbursed to first-time borrowers.
10-5-3 rule of investing: Why it helps investors build realistic wealth expectations
Smart investing starts with realistic expectations. The 10-5-3 rule helps beginners understand investment returns, compare asset classes, manage risk, and build long-term wealth through disciplined financial planning instead of chasing unrealistic market gains.
Fuel inflation isn't just about petrol. It changes your entire financial plan
Fuel price shocks ripple through transport, food and household budgets. Here's what history teachesand the practical financial strategies families can adopt to stay ahead of inflation.
Homegrown AlphaGrep takes on Jio BlackRock with India Algo Funds
Over the next 18 months, AlphaGrep Investment Management Pvt plans to unveil about half a dozen mutual funds, Chief Executive Officer Bhautik Ambani told a press conference Tuesday. On July 6, it will launch the first fund, a dynamically managed multi-asset fund investing across equities, fixed income and commodities.
SWP taxation explained: Why every withdrawal from a mutual fund can have a different tax liability
For tax purposes, each SWP payout is considered a partial redemption of mutual fund units. This means every withdrawal comprises two components: the return of the original investment (principal) and capital gains. Tax is levied only on the capital gains component of each withdrawal.
mAadhaar app retires: Will your Aadhaar data be deleted? Key features of new app
The new Aadhaar app replaces mAadhaar with safer digital verification, face authentication and QR features. Existing mAadhaar data remains available during the transition, allowing users to switch smoothly without losing important Aadhaar records.
Experts point out that course certificates alone don't count for much. Market premiums and career advancement go to those who can translate coursework into functional workplace optimization.
Trader gets 21 lakh tax demand over demonetisation cash, wins at ITAT
A Karnataka trader won relief after the ITAT held that old currency deposits backed by business records and affidavits cannot be treated as unexplained income merely because they were made during demonetisation.
A 45-year-old salaried investor with a Rs 3 lakh monthly income sought expert advice on whether his mutual fund portfolio can support retirement at 60. The expert recommended continuing disciplined SIPs, consolidating 17 mutual fund schemes into seven, maintaining liquidity, and avoiding premature allocation for discretionary goals like buying a luxury car.
NFO Alert: AlphaGrep Mutual Fund launches multi asset allocation fund, its first fund
AlphaGrep Mutual Fund has launched its inaugural fund, the AlphaGrep Multi Asset Allocation Fund, marking its entry into the Indian retail market. This open-ended fund employs a systematic, quantitative approach to dynamically allocate capital across equities, fixed income, and commodities, aiming for long-term growth with minimal human bias. The NFO opens July 6 and closes July 20, offering institutional-grade strategies to everyday investors.
Listed shares, intraday trading, unlisted shares, equity mutual funds and F&O: Tax rules explained
The tax on equity investments in India depends on the type of investment, the holding period and type of gains. While listed shares and equity mutual funds are subject to capital gains tax, income from intraday trading and F&O is taxed at the applicable income tax slab rate.
Gold and silver prices today, 1 July: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
Best mutual fund SIP portfolios to invest in July 2026
ETMutualFunds has unveiled recommended mutual fund portfolios for July 2026, catering to conservative, moderate, and aggressive investors. These curated SIP baskets, designed for long-term goals like retirement, are based on a robust methodology evaluating returns, consistency, risk, and outperformance. The selection process for equity, debt, and hybrid funds ensures a data-driven approach to investment choices for a broad audience.
EPFO extends online service outage till July 1; services to resume from July 2
EPFO has extended its planned system migration, delaying the restoration of online member and employer services by another day. Subscribers will now be able to access claims, passbooks and other digital services from July 2, subject to completion of the upgrade.
DA hike July 2026: AICPI-IW rises to 150.8, Dearness Allowance revision awaited
DA hike July 2026 estimates rise after AICPI-IW reaches 150.8. Here's the latest inflation data, the expected Dearness Allowance revision, the calculation method and the final approval process.
8th Pay Commission FAQs: 10 key facts for central government employees in July 2026
Big changes are ahead as the 8th Pay Commission enters key discussions in July 2026, covering salary revision, fitment factor and pension updates for central government employees and pensioners. Here are some FAQs and the latest developments.
Active share decoded: The metric that reveals a fund's true strategy
Unsure if your fund manager is truly active? Active share reveals how much a mutual fund's portfolio deviates from its benchmark index. A low active share might mean paying active fees for index-like performance. Understanding this metric helps investors identify genuine active management and avoid 'closet index funds,' potentially leading to better investment decisions.
Not all agricultural land sales are tax-free: Check what is taxable and how to report it
Taxpayers may believe that income tax doesn't apply to agricultural land sales, but this isn't always true. Tax liability depends on location and capital asset classification. Here's what is taxable and how to save taxes.
Gold loans are becoming the biggest driver of consumer borrowing? Here's what RBI FSR report says
Gold loans have become India's fastest-growing retail credit, recording a CAGR of 42.4% since March 2024, nearly double the 23% growth in non-housing retail loans.
