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Cable and DTH charges to rise 4-6 times? PIB Fact Check reveals the truth
PIB Fact Check has dismissed viral claims that the Centre's draft Telecom Rules, 2026 will shut down TVs or raise cable and DTH charges by four to six times. It clarified that the draft rules contain no fee hike provision and are currently open for public consultation.
SGB 2019-20 Series VIII redemption opens today: Check payout, eligibility and tax rules
RBI has opened premature redemption for SGB 2019-20 Series VIII at 14,170 per unit from July 21. Before opting for an early exit, investors should understand the eligibility conditions, redemption process and the capital gains tax rules under the Income-tax Act, 2025.
GIFT City investments and Schedule FA reporting: why taxpayers are seeking greater clarity
As GIFT City opens global investment opportunities for Indian residents, a key tax question remains unresolved: Do investments in IFSC funds qualify as foreign assets for Schedule FA reporting?
EPS-95 pension hike: Will Centre raise minimum pension from 1,000 to 7,500?
EPS-95 pensioners demand for a hike in the minimum pension from 1,000 to 7,500 per month remains unresolved. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment acknowledged that, though several stakeholders have sought a pension hike, no decision has been made on the matter yet.
New labour code: Salary must be paid by 7th of next month. What employees should know
The Code on Wages, 2019 prescribes when employers must pay salaries and settle final dues after an employee leaves a job. Here's what the law says about salary payment timelines, delayed wages and employee rights.
LTCG and STCG: Key tax rules for equity shares and mutual fund investors in FY 2025-26
The government has ruled out changes to equity LTCG tax for now. Investors should understand STCG and LTCG rules, holding periods, tax rates, SIP taxation and redemption strategies to manage equity investments better.
Fast approval, less paperwork: How AI is changing the loan game
Account Aggregators are giving lenders a richer picture of borrowersand potentially faster, cheaper loans. But the data trail can become harder to see once it reaches the lender.
FPIs not exempt: Centre clarifies 12.5% LTCG tax on equity is same as for domestic investors
Both FPIs and domestic investors continue to pay 12.5% LTCG tax on Indian equities. The exemption announced through the Income-tax Ordinance, 2026, applies only to FPIs investing in Government Securities (G-Secs).
NHAI has introduced Digital Local Pass and the MargMitra Help Centre on the RajmargYatra app. Commuters can now buy Local Passes online without visiting toll plazas, while MargMitra offers FASTag support, complaint tracking and other highway services in 22 Indian languages.
Gold and silver prices today, 21 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.
Reported VRS payment as salary in ITR? Pune ITAT grants tax relief in 65.21 lakh case
Pune ITAT has ruled that a 65.21 lakh payment received under a voluntary retirement scheme was a non-taxable capital receipt and not taxable salary or income from other sources. The tribunal also held that an incorrect claim in the ITR cannot override the true legal nature of the receipt.
Received an income tax notice? Verify authenticity before responding to protect against scams
Taxpayers should always verify an Income Tax notice before responding. Using the PAN or Document Identification Number (DIN) on the official e-filing portal helps identify genuine notices, avoid scams, protect personal information and ensure timely compliance.
16,649 crore unclaimed in LIC and inactive EPF accounts: What Centre's latest update means for you
Over 16,649 crore lying in old LIC policies or inactive EPF accounts, says the Centre. Recovering dues requires checking past insurance, provident fund records, updating KYC and contact details, and responding to official reminders.
The 8th Pay Commission is reviewing NPS and UPS benefits under its mandate, while employee unions continue to demand the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme. Here is how the Gazette notification differs from employees' key pension demands.
Did F&O or intraday trading last year? Your ITR filing due date isn't July 31
In India, intraday and F&O trading profits are taxed differently. Intraday trading is speculative business income, while F&O is non-speculative. Taxpayers must file ITR-3 or ITR-4 depending on specific conditions. Here are the deadlines.
Claiming a deceased family member's mutual funds made less cumbersome: What SEBI has changed
SEBI has asked AMFI to simplify the industry's transmission norms, making it less cumbersome for nominees and legal heirs to claim rights on mutual funds after the investor's death. Here's what changed under the revised framework.
Aadhaar app crosses 4 crore downloads: Full list of services available on the new app
The new Aadhaar app achieved 40 million downloads so far. The redesigned app replaces mAadhaar aap and offers a wide range of Aadhaar-related services. Full list here.
Buying gold? This simple COMEX calculation can tell if you are being overcharged
By converting international gold prices into Indian rates, you can find the actual gold cost in India and better understand whether your jewellery bill reflects a reasonable price.
Balanced advantage funds can have vastly different portfolio structures despite belonging to the same SEBI category. Variations in equity, debt and cash can lead to distinct risk profiles and return outcomes, making portfolio composition an important factor to evaluate.
EPS rules explained: Eligibility, withdrawal and pension
Confused about the Employees' Pension Scheme and its rules? This guide breaks down complex aspects, including contribution methods, eligibility, and pension calculations. With increasing cases of claim rejections, being informed is key.
Switching jobs during a financial year can leave salaried employees with an unexpected tax liability even if both employers deducted TDS correctly. The gap arises because TDS is calculated employer-wise, while final tax is based on total annual income. Form 12B can help avoid this mismatch.
How to lock and unlock your fingerprints and iris using new Aadhaar App
The Aadhaar biometric lock/unlock feature has gained significant adoption, with residents using it more than 1.91 crore times, according to MeitY. This security feature allows Aadhaar holders to prevent unauthorized biometric authentication using their fingerprints, iris and face data.
The coaching race is costing parents lakhs. Here's how to plan
Parents are spending 2-4 lakh on coaching before college admissions. With education inflation at 10-12%, experts warn against dipping into retirement savings or taking on debt.
Largecap mutual funds' cash holdings fell to a one-year low of 2.2% in June, reflecting higher equity deployment and fund managers' confidence in select opportunities. Experts caution this is not a buy signal, advising investors to continue SIPs and focus on long-term goals, as lower cash may increase volatility during market corrections.
PIB Fact Check has again debunked a viral WhatsApp message, first flagged in January, claiming the Government is accepting applications for free laptops under the National Student Laptop Scheme 2026. It reiterated that no such scheme exists.
EPFO has introduced automatic PF transfers for eligible members, simplifying the job-switch process. Here are the key things to check before your balance is moved to the new account.
Income-tax returns: Today, we take a look at what taxpayers should do if they receive a notice from the I-T department. Individuals can use this stepwise guide to ensure they are following the proper process.
Forming a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) can help taxpayers manage taxes efficiently as it is a separate taxable entity under income tax law, however a family must understand how it works first. Here's what experts say.
Gifting to your NRI child? Know the tax treatment of NRE deposits
Gifts from parents to NRI children are tax-free, while interest earned on NRE accounts and deposits is fully exempt from income tax for FEMA non-residents, unlike taxable NRO interest.
EPFO: Here's how to update your KYC information online using the official portal Stepwise guide
EPFO: Aadhaar linking and KYC updating is mandatory to avail several EPF services. Today, we check how EPF subscribers can update their KYC information online for their account using the retirement body's official portal.
ITR filing 2026: Secondary address field is now mandatory here's how it can help taxpayers
The income tax department has mandated a secondary address field in all ITR forms for AY 2026-27, requiring additional communication details from taxpayers. Here's how it can help taxpayers.
The 8th pay commission: Meetings with employee groups is significant as their suggestions are expected to shape the panel's deliberations on remuneration, allowances, pay and pension structures for the central government workforce.
Dearness Allowance is the component of the basic salary periodically adjusted to counter increased cost-of-living due to inflation. Here's what we know about state governments' discussions on DA hikes. a
Don't miss this tax benefit: How car buyers can claim a minimum 10,000 refund
Car buyers may be eligible for an income tax refund due to 1% TCS collected on vehicle purchases exceeding 10 lakh. This amount can be lower you tax liability or get you a refund if their tax payable is less than the TCS paid. Details here.
TDS Return Filing 2026: Q1 Due on July 31, Check New Forms and Section Codes
Businesses and tax deductors must file Q1 TDS and TCS returns by July 31, 2026 using the new return forms and revised section codes under the Income-tax Act, 2025. Here's what has changed, the new forms to use, and the compliance steps to avoid filing errors.
The F&O trap inside the barracks: How army officers are losing crores chasing the next trade
Stable salaries, easy access to credit and early trading wins are drawing serving and retired defence personnel into a cycle of leveraged betsand mounting losses
Can builder's loose papers lead to an income tax notice? ITAT explains the law
A Mumbai ITAT ruling has held that the Income Tax Department cannot tax a property buyer merely because their name appears in a builder's seized cash records. The Revenue must prove an undisclosed cash payment with independent corroborative evidence before invoking Section 69A.
ITR filing 2026: When should a salaried taxpayer file ITR-2 instead of ITR-1?
Taxpayers must file accurate income tax returns using the correct ITR form to avoid being flagged for defects. The e-filing portal aids in selection. Here's when a salaried taxpayer needs to file ITR-2 instead of ITR-1.
On average, active equity mutual funds have generated higher annualised returns while limiting losses better than their benchmark indices. An average active small-cap fund posted the strongest outperformance among the funds have been live since 2013.
A Pune woman shared monthly expenses of family of 3 living in Baner with two earning members. From 31,000 rent to 16,000 for nanny, let's have a look at the full list of expenditures.
ITR Filing AY 2026-27: Don't miss any bank account while filing your tax return. Here's why
The ITR forms for AY 2026-27 require taxpayers to disclose all Indian bank accounts held during FY 2025-26, except officially dormant accounts. Accurate bank details are also essential for timely income tax refunds.
Looking to invest in debt funds for a 1-3 year horizon? Expert shares 4 categories you can consider
For a 1-3 year investment horizon, short-duration, dynamic bond, corporate bond, and banking & PSU funds are among the best debt fund categories you can consider. Unlike others, credit risk funds invest in lower-rated bonds, making them riskier.
Know Your Fund Manager | Satish Donadapati, Fund Manager, ETF, Kotak AMC
In this edition of Know Your Fund Manager, Satish Donadapati, Fund Manager ETF at Kotak AMC, shares his journey from an Army upbringing to managing passive funds. He discusses his career path, transition into portfolio management, and current responsibility of overseeing 19 ETFs and 23 Index Funds with a combined AUM of Rs 20,440 crore, while highlighting his investing philosophy.
Bank seized your property after loan default? RBI's new rules explained
The Reserve Bank of India has issued a new framework governing how banks must value, manage and sell properties acquired while recovering defaulted loans. The rules, effective October 1, 2026, also bar banks from selling such properties back to defaulting borrowers.
RBL Bank among 5 smallcap stocks bought by mutual funds in June. Check details
Mutual funds bought select small-cap stocks in June, with Acme Solar Holdings, Craftsman Automation, Pine Labs, Sterlite Technologies and RBL Bank among the top picks, according to Dolat Capital.
Government may roll out flexible pension scheme for all workers under EPFO 3.0 reforms: Report
The proposed contributory pension scheme could cover formal, unorganised, gig and higher-wage workers, with flexible withdrawals and a Target Retirement Sum approach.
Retirement planning: Why the rule of 1% upgrade works better than a 1% increase in SIP amount
The rule of 1% upgrade encourages investors to increase the share of their income invested by one percentage point every year. A small annual increase in the share of income invested can significantly boost long-term retirement savings.
Mutual Fund NFOs: 5 new funds open for subscription this week. Check dates, details
EPF Scheme 2026: Why you must keep 25% of your PF balance before retirement
The new EPF Scheme introduces a 25% minimum balance requirement for partial withdrawals. Here's what the rule means, how eligible member balance is calculated, and when you can withdraw your full PF corpus.
SBI Mutual Fund among 6 AMCs with over Rs 7,000 crore AUM jump in June. Check details
Six AMCs saw their AUM rise by over Rs 7,000 crore in June, according to ACE MF data. SBI Mutual Fund led the pack with an increase of Rs 14,192 crore, followed by Aditya Birla Sun Life, HDFC, Invesco, Nippon India and HSBC Mutual Fund.
Mutual funds made a complete exit from 25 stocks in June. Check top 5
Mutual funds completely exited nearly 25 stocks in June, according to Prime Database. Rossell Techsys saw the largest sell-off at Rs 94.34 crore, followed by Wim Plast, Paramount Communications, GOCL Corporation and Veranda Learning Solutions.
A 25,000 monthly SIP earning an assumed 12% annual return can grow to 8.74 crore in 30 years. Check how compounding, understanding of core principles, disciplined investing and staying invested help create long-term wealth for retirement, children's education and financial independence.
The Pune ITAT has ruled that capital gains computed using the higher stamp duty value under Section 50C do not automatically deny Section 54 exemption. The tax benefit, however, is available only if the taxpayer satisfies all conditions for claiming the exemption.
An analysis by CoverSure showed that besides under-penetration of health insurance, another growing problem for many policyholders is that coverage exists but as many as 63% are unable to switch plans.
An ITAT ruling reinforces that salaried employees cannot be asked to pay tax twice if their employer deducts TDS but fails to deposit it. The decision strengthens taxpayer protection and serves as a timely reminder to verify TDS records before filing income tax returns.
Atal Pension Yojana: Today we answer the most frequently asked questions about eligibility criteria, requirements, documents needed, payout amount and other top FAQs about the government-run pension scheme
A viral SIP myth is fooling investors. Here's why
A viral post claims SIPs delivered just 6.7% over two decades. But the calculation is flawedand the flat market it cites is precisely when SIPs quietly do their best work.
Bank holidays this week: SBI, HDFC, ICICI, PNB to remain closed for upto 3 days RBI calendar here
Bank holidays this week: Banks in India will be closed for upto three days this week, but digital platforms like UPI and banking apps will remain operational. Customers should note that in-branch services are suspended on Sundays and specific regional holidays.
PFRDA Chairman S Ramann outlined an AI roadmap to redesign the National Pension Scheme's onboarding process. He also encouraged responsible AI use for a pension advisory platform powered by the technology.
Taxpayers can now view their foreign assets and income via the AIS on the income tax e-filing portal. The AIS currently includes data for 2022-2024, with 2025 data expected by late 2026. Here's what to do if you missed disclosing them in previous ITRs.
ITR filing 2026: FD interest is taxable here's how to report it correctly
FD interest income is fully taxable but tax implications may vary based on the chosen tax regime and taxpayer age. Some deductions may also be available, based on your age and income profile. Here's all you need to know.
Income-tax returns: Check penalty for missing deadline for filing ITR Key things to know
ITR: Taxpayers must file their income-tax returns for FY26 / AY27 by 31 August this year, extended from 30 June. Here's how much penalty you can be charged and deadline for delayed ITR filing during the tax year.
EPFO: Here's how to link your Aadhaar with UAN using the Umang app Stepwise guide
EPFO: Aadhaar linking is mandatory for several EPF services. Today, we check how EPF subscribers can link Aadhaar with their Universal Account Number (UAN) using the government's Umang mobile app.
Salary arrears and lump-sum payments can increase tax liability. Taxpayers must file Form 10E before their ITR to claim relief under Section 89 of the Income-tax Act. Here's what you need to know.
8th pay commission: Basic pay, allowances components of salary structure in focus; Here's why
Around 50 lakh central government employees and about 65 lakh retired central government pensioners, including defence personnel and retirees, will benefit from the recommendations across 18 employee levels.
About 1 crore beneficiaries close to 50 lakh central government employees and nearly 65 lakh retired central government pensioners, including defence personnel and retirees will benefit from an increase in DA and DR.
Even with a zero tax liability due to the Section 87A rebate, filing an income tax return (ITR) may be necessary. Your obligation to file depends on your total income and the tax regime you choose.
Many property sellers may end up paying more tax under the 20% tax regime with indexation than under the flat 12.5% LTCG tax. The benefit of indexation depends on how much the property's value has appreciated over time, making it important to compare both tax calculations before filing.
HDFC Bank, RIL, and Eternal among top 10 stock holdings of HDFC Mutual Fund in June
HDFC Mutual Fund held top positions in ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, RIL and Eternal in June. Check the fund houses top 10 stock holdings and portfolio changes.
A portfolio invested entirely in equities typically suffers the deepest drawdowns, whereas adding debt investments can substantially reduce losses during market corrections.
Lenskart and Meesho among 5 midcap stocks bought by mutual funds in June
Mutual funds bought five midcap stocks, including Lenskart, Meesho, JSW Infrastructure, NHPC and Ajanta Pharma, in June. These stocks witnessed net purchases worth over Rs 10,000 crore during the month.
7 mutual funds reduced allocation in 21 smallcap stocks in June. Check details
Seven mutual funds, including SBI, HDFC, Kotak and Quant Mutual Fund, trimmed holdings in 21 small-cap stocks in June. Check the complete list of stocks where fund houses reduced exposure.
The move is intended to address operational challenges frequently faced by families during the transmission process while ensuring a smoother and more uniform experience across mutual fund houses.
Axis Greater China Equity FoF among 8 equity mutual funds that saw over Rs 220 crore outflow in June
Eight equity mutual funds, including Axis Greater China Equity FoF, Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FOF and ICICI Pru Technology Fund, witnessed outflows exceeding Rs 220 crore in June
Are you 35 or older? Here's why life insurance deserves a place in your financial portfolio
After age 35, financial responsibilities typically increase, making a balanced portfolio more important. Experts recommend combining life insurance with equity investments, mutual funds & SIPs to build long-term wealth, protect family finances, manage liabilities & boost overall financial security.
The Income Tax Department has introduced a Foreign Assets Information (FAI) report on its Compliance Portal. Taxpayers can securely download their foreign asset information in a password-protected PDF, review the reported details, and submit feedback if they identify any discrepancies.
Samir Arora-backed Helios Mid Cap Fund adds Groww, 4 more stocks; hikes stake in Paytm and 29 others
Samir Arora-backed Helios Mid Cap Fund added Groww parent Billionbrains Garage Ventures and four other stocks to its June portfolio, while raising exposure to Paytm and 29 other companies. The fund exited five stocks, trimmed its stake in Black Box and retained holdings in 32 stocks unchanged.
Crypto in your portfolio? Experts share key disclosures and compliance tips for ITR filing
From selecting the correct ITR form to maintaining transaction records across exchanges and wallets, investors with crypto holdings need to pay close attention to disclosures to avoid notices and ensure smooth tax filing.
Sebi clears standing instructions for SWP, STP in demat-held MFs
Sebi now permits demat mutual fund investors to set up standing instructions for systematic plans. This facility, previously for statement of account holders, will be phased in. Unit-based SWPs and STPs will be covered by January 2027. Amount-based plans will follow by April 2027. Amfi also simplified mutual fund unit transmission procedures after a unit holder's death.
Bank holiday today? Check if SBI, HDFC, ICICI are open or closed on 18 July RBI calendar here
Most public and private banks across India will remain open today, on Saturday, 18 July. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s holiday calendar, bank operations will continue as normal since it is the third Saturday of the month
Income-tax returns: Top 10 things first time taxpayers must keep in mind while filing ITR
Income-tax returns: Attention first time taxpayers! From required documents, to which forms to fill, and the deadline date here are the top 10 important things to keep in mind while filing your ITR.
EPF Withdrawal Rules: Pulling out your PF money? Heres when its taxable and how to keep it tax-free
Understanding these rules is essential, particularly if you are switching jobs, dealing with a financial emergency or planning to access your retirement savings before retirement.
The EPFO has discontinued UAN activation and new generation through the portal and shifted both services to the Umang app with Aadhaar-based Face Authentication (FAT) requirement. Here's how first-time users can complete activation
Sebi introduces standing instructions for SWP, STP in mutual funds in demat holdings
Sebi has allowed SWP and STP standing instructions for mutual fund units held in demat form, simplifying investing. The rollout will occur in two phases, with unit-based transactions by January 2027 and amount-based transactions by April 2027 through depositories.
8th Pay Commission ToR outlines salary, DA, pension and allowance changes: Check full list
8th Pay Commission: The official terms of reference (ToR) outline what central government employees and pensioners can expect from the 8th CPC's recommendations. From DA hike to revised salary structure, pension, allowances and other benefits Check full list of likely announcements here.
The DoE reiterated that if an employee's monthly NPS contribution is credited past the established deadline, interest must be paid to the subscriber for the duration of the delay. This compensatory interest will match the prevailing PPF interest rate, which currently stands at 7.1%
Probate of a Will in India confirms its validity and gives legal authority to the executor. Check and understand the process, documents required, court procedure, recent changes, and when probate can help prevent inheritance disputes.
Fresh SIP options in international mutual funds have narrowed sharply, with only Baroda BNP Paribas Aqua FoF accepting new investments after multiple fund houses halted inflows due to SEBIs overseas investment limits. Investors are exploring LRS, GIFT City and global ETFs as alternatives.
DA hike: If not July, when could the next Dearness Allowance increase come this year?
Dearness Allowance: Even if no DA hike is announced this month in July 2026, central government employees and pensioners could still see a second increase sometime in the second half of the year during the festive season.
AMFI simplifies mutual fund transmission process to make claim settlement easier for nominees
AMFI has simplified mutual fund transmission procedures for deceased unit holders. New measures consider address and name mismatches for smoother claims. Asset Management Companies will now rely on updated address details supported by documentation. A harmonized framework for name and signature discrepancies is also introduced. These updated guidelines are effective immediately for all member AMCs.
