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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.
Delaying SIP by 10 or even five years can have significant impact on your final corpus a difference of as much as 5 crore in the final value. Here's a look at how much wealth 5,000 per month in SIPs over varying number of years, can generate for you
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.
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.
Mirae Asset Mutual Fund announces launch of hybrid long-short fund under Platinum SIF
Mirae Asset Mutual Fund has launched the Platinum Hybrid Long-Short Fund under its Platinum SIF platform. The interval investment strategy will invest across equity, debt and derivative instruments, aiming to deliver risk-adjusted returns through arbitrage, collar strategies and high-quality debt exposure across market cycles.
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.
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.
Income isnt wealth: The silent trap of high-flying executives
High income, high lifestyle, zero strategy. Why even top executives with stellar careers often fail at wealth creation and how misplaced confidence and poor execution derail financial futures.
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.
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.
Sebi plans broader use for intraday borrowing by MFs
The Securities and Exchange Board of India, Sebi, is proposing changes to how mutual funds use intraday borrowing. Currently limited to redemption payouts, Sebi wants to allow these borrowings as a cash management tool. This aims to improve fund management flexibility and returns by addressing timing mismatches in fund outflows and receivables.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Amid active consultations, the 8th Pay Commission sees strong union demands for revised pay, fitment factor hikes, pension reforms and allowance restructuring for government employees. These demands will be considered holistically before the final recommendations of the Commission.
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.
