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8th pay commission: Window for submission of data online for the 8th CPC's consideration has been extended to 31 July this year. Here's how to complete the process and some of the frequently asked questions answered
EPF interest being credited this month: Here's how to calculate your monthly earnings at 8.25% p.a.
EPF interest for FY26 is being credited this month. Here's how to calculate your monthly earnings at 8.25% p.a. and stepwise guide to check your closing balance via passbook online on the EPFO website.
Heavy rains damaged your car? Here's what motor insurance covers and what it doesn't
Heavy rains can damage your car, but not every repair is covered by insurance. Here's what comprehensive policies pay for, common claim exclusions, and mistakes that could lead to claim rejection.
A comprehensive car insurance policy may not cover every monsoon-related expense. Experts explain which add-ons are worth buying to reduce repair costs and improve financial protection.
The West Bengal government will release 50% of estimated Dearness Relief (DR) arrears to pensioners in the Kolkata municipal area in an interim measure that aims to provide immediate relief for state govt retirees.
Is 80 lakh enough to retire? 31-year-old woman wants to quit govt job for 'peace'
The woman said she has been employed at a PSU for the past seven years and is in a comfortable financial position. According to her post, she has no outstanding debt, follows a modest lifestyle and has accumulated significant savings over time.
Already have 3-5 SIPs running? Expert shares a checklist before you add another fund
Investors who already have 3 to 5 SIPs running should review their existing portfolio before adding another fund. The expert recommends focusing on 5 key areas: goal alignment, portfolio overlap, risk balance, contribution sizing, and regular portfolio reviews.
NFOs: 13 mutual funds and 2 SIFs are open for subscription. Check dates and key details
Around 13 mutual funds and two Specialized Investment Funds are currently open for subscription across categories including hybrid, index, ETF, multi-asset and large & midcap funds. Investors can choose from offerings by ICICI Prudential, SBI, Mirae Asset, UTI and others.
ITR-2 filing for AY 2026-27 requires careful reporting of capital gains, multiple properties, foreign assets and other income. Learn who must file ITR-2, key online filing steps, deadline and practical tips to submit accurate tax returns before 31 July 2026.
JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund exits Vedanta group companies after demerger, sells 8 more stocks
JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund exited Vedanta group companies following the demerger of the entities in June, according to monthly portfolio data from ACE MF. The fund sold 8.16 lakh shares each of Vedanta Aluminium Metal, Vedanta Iron and Steel, Vedanta Power, and Vedanta Oil and Gas after the demerged entities were listed on June 15, 2026.
Around 59% of large and midcap stocks are trading at least 20% below their all-time highs after the recent market correction, creating attractive long-term investment opportunities, according to Abakkus Mutual Fund. The fund house believes improving earnings, reasonable valuations and active stock selection could drive the next phase of returns.
Explained: What are income plus arbitrage FoFs and why are wealthy investors buying them?
Based on 5-year CAGR performance, ICICI Prudential Dividend Yield Equity Fund has emerged as the top-performing scheme in the category, delivering 19.95% returns. LIC MF Dividend Yield Fund and HDFC Dividend Yield Fund follow.
EPFO's 2026 overhaul: key takeaways from the latest EPF, EPS, EDLI schemes
The new EPF Scheme, 2026 does not make higher PF contributions optional. Here's what remains unchanged, what has changed, and what it means for employees and employers.
Selling gold in 2026? Your holding period could decide how much tax you pay
Gold ETFs, gold mutual funds and physical gold are taxed differently, with holding periods ranging from 12 to 24 months to qualify for lower long-term capital gains tax. Selling too soon could result in gains being taxed at your income-tax slab rate instead.
ITR filing 2026: Claiming a Section 80G deduction? Don't miss this new requirement
Taxpayers claiming deductions under Section 80G will now have to disclose payment reference details while filing their income tax return. The new disclosure is part of the Income Tax Department's push to digitally verify deduction claims.
EPFO's new PF transfer system: How to move your EPF balance without paperwork
EPFO has introduced 2 online EPF transfer options under the new scheme, enabling employees to consolidate PF accounts, preserve service history, improve pension eligibility, avoid tax issues on eligible withdrawals and also secure EDLI insurance benefits of up to 7 lakh.
A Section 245 intimation is issued when the Income Tax Department proposes to adjust your refund against an outstanding tax demand from the previous year. Taxpayers can check the demand details on the e-filing portal and respond by accepting the demand or disputing it within the given timeline.
New Income Tax Act: CBDT issues FAQs on pending tax cases, TDS and transition rules
CBDT has clarified how pending tax cases, assessments, and TDS certificate applications will move after the Income-tax Act 2025 takes effect from April 2026. The FAQs explain which matters stay under the old law and which follow new provisions.
FCNR deposits: a compelling opportunity for NRIs
That combination of high foreign-exchange returns, no exchange-rate risk, and tax-free interest in India makes FCNR compelling.
EPS Scheme 2026 vs EPS 1995: What changes for employees under new pension framework?
The EPS 2026 has replaced EPS 1995, introducing a new pension framework under the Code on Social Security, 2020. The new scheme retains key pension benefits and contribution rates while adding digital compliance, a 20-day claim settlement timeline and interest on delayed claims.
Can a Rs 58,000 monthly SIP build a Rs 10 crore corpus in 16 years? Expert reviews portfolio
A Rs 58,000 monthly SIP with a 10% annual step-up may not reach the Rs 10 crore goal. Increasing the annual SIP step-up to 20% could exceed the target corpus. The expert suggests rebalancing market-cap allocation for better diversification. Shifting investments from gold and silver ETFs towards equity funds is advised. The portfolio requires adjustments to achieve long-term financial objectives.
Best tax saving mutual funds or ELSS to invest in July 2026
Taxpayers often invest in ELSS funds for Section 80C deductions. These funds offer potential for higher returns over the long term. ELSS schemes have a three-year lock-in period, shorter than other options. Investors should consider ELSS for long-term equity exposure and potential growth. Several ELSS funds are recommended for investment consideration.
Gold and silver prices today, 9 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.
What Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund bought and sold in June 2026: Top 10 holdings revealed
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund is India's largest open-ended equity scheme with an AUM of 1.43 lakh crore. The fund increased its exposure to HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and ITC in June, while trimming its holdings in Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon and Meta Platforms.
The 8th Pay Commission begins stakeholder consultations in Kolkata today, with discussions likely to focus on fitment factor, minimum pay, pension reforms and HRA revisions. The feedback will shape final recommendations for central government staff and pensioners.
July 2026 DA hike: 3% increase most likely as June inflation data guides decision, says expert
3% Dearness Allowance hike for Central government staff and pensioners is a possibility in July 2026. The final DA revision hinges on June AICPI-IW inflation data, with the government's announcement expected after Cabinet approval and inflation review.
UPI and personal loans are replacing credit cards in Indians' wallets: CIBIL
Credit card penetration in India remains low, with only 5.2 crore holders, representing 25% of the credit-active population. While usage is rising, first-time borrowers account for just 8% of new credit card issuances
PPF account turns dormant if you invest less than 500 a year: What you lose and how to revive it
PPF accounts become inactive if the annual 500 minimum deposit is missed, restricting benefits. Activation requires a request and payment of a penalty. Full details here.
Sebi has notified rules for open-market share buybacks effective August 1, 2026, allowing companies to repurchase shares through stock exchanges. Here's how your capital gains will be taxed and what to consider before selling your shares via the open market.
As the Magnificent 7 lose swagger, which stock should you buy now? Experts reveal the right strategy
The Magnificent Seven tech giants are losing investor interest as their performance lags behind the Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500. Emerging chipmakers like Micron Technology are gaining traction, while stocks like Alphabet show potential amidst differing fortunes among the group.
Quant Mid Cap Fund has outperformed its benchmark index over the last 3 and 6 months, but continues to lag over the 1-, 3-, and 5-year periods. The expert attributed the rebound to portfolio repositioning and advised investors to focus on long-term consistency.
ITR filing 2026: Preventive health checkups can help you save tax here's how
The ITR filing deadline is approaching, prompting taxpayers to prepare documents and explore deductions. Section 80D allows deductions for preventive health checkups, capped at 5,000, applicable only in the old tax regime.
EPFO portal revamp: 10 changes in PF claims, withdrawals and transfers every member should know
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has centralised its member database through the CITES project to enhance service speed, transparency, and accessibility.
Can tenants continue paying old rent if they overstay after lease expires? Delhi HC answers
The Delhi HC ruled that tenants staying in a property after lease expiration may face higher rent due to automatic escalation clauses. Here's all you need to know.
How much should you invest in mutual funds? Experts say theres no magic number
A 20-30% investment target can be a useful starting point, but the right SIP depends on your goals, emergency savings and ability to increase investments as income grows.
EPFO will credit FY26 interest at 8.25% to 34 crore member accounts by July 15. Members can check the updated amounts online through various methods, including the EPFO Portal, UMANG app, missed calls, SMS, and DigiLocker after activating their UAN.
Earning 30 lakh? The wrong tax regime could cost you over 1 lakh
A 30 lakh salary puts taxpayers in a bracket where tax planning matters more than ever. Here's how much tax you pay under the old and new regimes and which one works better.
Starting a SIP? Here is why building the right portfolio matters more
SIPs are effective for discipline, but they don't ensure a balanced portfolio. Proper portfolio construction requires mapping goals, managing asset allocation and avoiding excessive risk. Critical review and diversification are essential to protect against poor outcomes and market volatility.
HDFC Flexi and Parag Parikh Flexi Cap among top 5 flexicap funds with highest risk-adjusted returns
Sharpe ratio measures risk-adjusted returns by comparing excess returns to risk. Here are the five flexicap mutual funds with the highest Sharpe ratios and their three-year performance.
Investing through SIP? These 5 equity mutual funds deliver over 20% return in 10 years
Five equity mutual funds delivered over 20% annualised SIP returns in 10 years, led by Quant Small Cap. Investors should prioritise risk profile, goals, and investment horizon over past performance.
EPFO system upgrade: Your PF claim may be delayed after latest update Here's how long it will take
The EPFO informs users that claim processing may be delayed due to a recent database consolidation and software upgrade. Services are restored but will be handled in phases. Details here.
PGIM India Mutual Fund has temporarily suspended subscriptions in three international fund of funds from July 9, citing overseas investment limits. Fresh SIP registrations will not be accepted after the cut-off time on July 8, while existing SIP and STP instalments will continue without interruption.
KFintechs Finex accelerates same-day physical SIPs to redefine wealth creation
KFintech's Finex program significantly reduces mutual fund SIP processing times. Physical SIP registrations now achieve same-day activation, a major improvement. This transformation leverages AI and automation for efficient data handling.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap increased stake in ITC, TCS, HCL Technologies, and 14 other stocks in June
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund increased its holdings in ITC, TCS, HCL Technologies and 14 other stocks in June, while trimming exposure to Dr Reddys Laboratories and Maruti Suzuki India. The fund also added Petronet LNG as a new portfolio entrant and made no complete exits during the month.
EPF Scheme 2026: Who can withdraw their entire EPF corpus? Check all 7 cases
The EPF Scheme, 2026 allows members to withdraw their entire provident fund balance only under specified circumstances. Here's a detailed guide to the seven eligible situations and the key changes from the earlier rules.
A soft credit inquiry allows individuals and financial institutions to review credit information without affecting credit scores. Here's how soft checks work, their impact, and how they differ from hard inquiries.
The Income Tax (I-T) department has released an Excel utility for ITR-5, enabling taxpayers to file their return for the assessment year 2026-27.
Residents with foreign assets or overseas income must file ITR-2 instead of ITR-1 before 31 July. Check who needs to file, mandatory disclosure schedules, penalties for non-compliance and steps to ensure accurate tax filing and avoid legal issues.
Quant Small Cap Fund exits RIL, 8 others; raises exposure to two Adani stocks. Check full list
Quant Small Cap Fund made a major portfolio reshuffle in June, exiting Reliance Industries and eight other stocks while increasing exposure to Adani Enterprises, Adani Green Energy and 13 more companies. The fund also added Bharti Airtel, IDFC First Bank and LIC Housing Finance as new portfolio entrants.
Experts say there are no pure-play ethanol mutual funds, but investors can gain exposure through select index, thematic and sectoral funds. Given the cyclical, regulatory and adoption risks, they suggest diversified funds rather than concentrated stock bets.
60 lakh salary: Here is how to calculate final tax liability after surcharge under new tax regime
A 60 lakh salary attracts a surcharge of 10% under the new tax regime in addition to slab-wise income tax and 4% health and education cess. In this case, the final tax liability comes to 15.53 lakh, resulting in an effective tax rate of 25.88%.
Moved back to India? This buffer can help you with tax planning
During the RNOR window, your Indian income is taxed exactly as it would be for any resident. Any income earned in India is taxable and must be declared in the ITR
EPS pension 2026: How much monthly pension can you get after 10 years of service?
The EPS Pension 2026 replaces previous schemes and retains the core pension formula. Employees who need a monthly pension must have 10 years of service and retire at 58. The estimated monthly pension after 10 years is 2,143, with a minimum pension floor of 1,000.
Who should consider investing in income plus arbitrage FoFs?
Investors with a 24-30 month horizon are choosing income plus arbitrage funds. These funds combine debt and arbitrage schemes for stability and tax efficiency. The category manages over twenty-three thousand crore rupees across twenty-two schemes. This investment strategy offers tax benefits compared to fixed deposits and debt funds. Wealthy investors are increasingly allocating capital to these tax-efficient mutual fund options.
With the July 31 deadline approaching, only a small percentage of taxpayers have filed their returns. Cleartax CEO Archit Gupta warns against assuming an extension this year, as slower filing rates could lead to increased pressure before the due date.
Income-tax returns: Today we explain the circumstances under which taxpayers can appoint authorised representative, the requirements, eligibility criteria and other important factors.
ITR 2026: Senior citizens can claim 50,000 deduction even without health insurance Here's how
The income tax return filing deadline is approaching, prompting taxpayers to gather documents. Section 80D allows senior citizens without health insurance to claim up to 50,000 for medical expenses, available only under the old tax regime.
Bought US startup shares using overseas savings? Here's how India will tax it
A returning NRI who invested overseas savings in a US startup may not face tax on the purchase itself, but discounted acquisitions and annual foreign asset disclosures can trigger tax and compliance obligations.
EPFO: Taxation rule on Voluntary Provident Fund the 2.5 lakh VPF threshold, explained
VPF allows employees to contribute more than the mandatory EPF rate for a larger retirement corpus. Contributions over 2.5 lakh face taxation on excess interest. VPF matches EPF's interest rate and qualifies for tax deductions under Section 80C, with specific withdrawal conditions.
A Delhi taxpayer was denied a 17 lakh tax refund due to late e-verification of his ITR while caring for his ill father. ITAT ruled that denying the refund on technical grounds violates Article 265 of the Constitution, leading to a ruling in his favor.
The Tamil Nadu state government has today hiked the salaries of employees working at its TASMAC liquor outlet by 25% with aim to bring in reforms curb corruption and overcharging at these stores. Here's all we know
8th pay commission: The All India NPS Employees Federation (AINPSEF) has demanded HRA revision, minimum monthly transport allowance, DA hike, and salary increase for central government employees and pensioners.
Top 5 business cycle mutual funds compared: AUM, returns and portfolio strategy
Business cycle funds aim to capture opportunities across different phases of the business cycle: growth, recession, slump, and recovery. ICICI Prudential Business Cycle Fund is the biggest fund with an AUM of 15,798 crore and has delivered an 18.77% return over the last three years.
DA hike: Kerala is considering a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance for state government employees to be disbursed in their August salaries, ahead of Onam festivities. An official order is awaited.
The income tax department has launched Form 68 under the Income-tax Act, 2025, for specified investment funds to file exempt income statements and claim tax benefits for eligible non-resident investors. Details here.
What is the active share of a mutual fund
Active share measures how different a fund's portfolio is from its benchmark index, expressed as a percentage between 0% and 100%.
Stretching a 35,000 monthly pension requires careful planning, especially in smaller cities like Lucknow and other similar urban areas. A structured budget, pre-built emergency savings, healthcare planning, and low-risk investments can help retirees manage expenses.
Top 5 largecap mutual funds to invest in July 2026
ETMutualFunds has shortlisted the top largecap mutual funds based on mean rolling returns, consistency over the last five years, downside risk, outperformance and asset size. The list includes Axis Large Cap Fund, Canara Robeco Large Cap Fund, Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund, Baroda BNP Paribas Large Cap Fund and Edelweiss Large Cap Fund.
Planning investments in midcap mutual funds? Check these 5 funds with over 20% gain in 3 years
Five midcap mutual funds delivered over 20% annualised returns in the past three years, led by HSBC Midcap Fund at 26.3%, highlighting strong wealth creation despite market volatility.
Gold fever breaks, leaving silver linings for singed investors
As speculative hype fizzles out and global central banks slow their purchases, the sharp drop in gold and silver highlights the danger of trading commodities for short-term gains.
Top 5 money market funds based on 1-year returns: Union Money Market Fund leads with over 6% return
Money market funds invest in money market instruments with a maturity of up to 1 year. Based on one-year performance, Union Money Market Fund has emerged as the best-performing scheme in the category with a 6.63% return, followed by LIC MF Money Market Fund and Bank of India Money Market Fund.
Explained: How to calculate your retirement corpus while accounting for inflation
7 income tax limits every taxpayer should know to avoid notices and penalties
Tax compliance goes beyond filing your income tax return on time. Several provisions under the Income Tax Act, 1961, set limits on cash transactions and high-value financial dealings. Staying within these limits can help taxpayers avoid penalties, scrutiny and unnecessary legal complications.
Twelve equity mutual funds achieved over Rs 1,000 NAV by July 2026. These funds delivered up to 24% CAGR since their respective inception dates. Most schemes have been available for over twenty-five years in the market. Nippon India Growth Mid Cap Fund showed the highest NAV at Rs 4,499.70. These funds represent various categories including mid cap and flexi cap.
PAN-Aadhaar linking for ITR filing: Why it matters and how to complete the process online
PAN-Aadhaar linking is essential for eligible taxpayers to keep their PAN active and avoid disruptions in tax-related services. Taxpayers with unlinked PANs can complete the process by paying the applicable fee through the e-filing portal.
Our inflation and interest rates now depend more on monsoon than crude oil
With crude prices cooling after the West Asia truce, the monsoonand its impact on food inflationmay become the biggest factor shaping RBI's interest rate decisions in the months ahead.
Health insurance proposal form: Step-by-step guide to filling it correctly and avoiding claim issues
Fill a health insurance proposal form correctly with this step-by-step guide. Understand required details, medical disclosures, nominee information and important checks to avoid claim problems while ensuring smoother policy approval and better financial protection for you and your family.
For AY 2026-27, the earlier Other Exempt Income field in Schedule EI has been removed. In its place, the department has now introduced a new reporting option titled Receipts not in the nature of income.
International mutual funds have delivered strong one-year returns, significantly outperforming domestic equity categories. This outperformance is largely driven by global technology stocks and currency depreciation against the US dollar. Experts advise against chasing recent gains, emphasizing long-term asset allocation for international diversification. While international funds show strong recent performance, domestic equity funds remain well-placed for long-term wealth creation.
Gold and silver prices today, 7 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.
New EPF Scheme 2026: Know withdrawal frequency limits for essential, housing and special needs
Under the EPF Scheme, 2026, withdrawals have been simplified into three categories: essential needs, housing needs and special circumstances.
Best small cap mutual funds to invest in July 2026
Small cap funds saw significant inflows in May 2026 after a poor 2025. Despite market volatility, advisors suggest staggered investments for long-term wealth creation. These funds invest in companies ranked below 250 by market capitalization. Small cap stocks offer high return potential but also carry considerable risk. Investors should select skilled fund managers and monitor performance during downturns.
Under the EPF Scheme 2026, members must submit a fresh nomination after marriage, as earlier nominations become invalid. While nominating a spouse is optional, updating nominations ensures eligible family members receive EPF benefits without delays or legal complications.
The 8th Pay Commission is reviewing salaries, pensions and allowances for central government employees and pensioners, with the fitment factor remaining the key focus. Experts expect it to range between 1.90 and 2.86.
HNIs turn to hybrid debt funds, SIFs for higher post-tax returns
Rich investors are exploring niche mutual funds and specialized investment funds. These products offer higher returns and better tax efficiency for portfolios. Funds bundle debt, arbitrage, REITs, and InvITs to boost investor returns. This strategy provides a tax advantage over fixed deposits and debt funds. Investors must understand liquidity differences between fund types.
A management consultant has shared his investment strategy on Instagram aimed at young investors. Here's a look at how he divides his savings into long-term, medium-term, and emergency fund to achieve financial growth.
Income-tax returns: Today we explain what ITR assisted filing is, who is allowed to assist, who is considered authorised representative, the requirements and eligibility criteria and other important factors.
A 14.65 lakh CTC does not necessarily mean you have to pay income tax under the new tax regime. With the right salary structure, employer contributions to EPF and NPS, and the standard deduction, your taxable income can be brought down to 11.99 lakh, making you eligible for zero tax liability.
Mutual funds holding cash: Is high cash balance a red flag for investors? Experts explain
Experts suggest that cash holdings should be viewed as a portfolio management tool rather than a buy-or-sell signal. A fund's investment philosophy, portfolio quality, and long-term performance remain far more important than a single percentage shown in the monthly factsheet.
