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US President Donald Trump's policies have pushed up inflation, which has increased the potential social security payouts for Americans in 2027, and threatened to put the US' retirement programme at risk.
UPI transactions hit record 29.9 lakh crore in July; volume rises to 23.66 billion
UPI transactions hit a record 29.9 lakh crore in July, with 23.66 billion transactions. The value marked a 19% annual growth compared to last year, solidifying UPI's position in India's digital payment ecosystem.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is considering one-time regularisation of contractual employees and extending entry-pay, DA, allowances, leaves and other benefits to them. Here's all we know
ITR filing due date: More than 5.9 crore income-tax returns were filed for AY 202627 by 31 July. Taxpayers filing the ITR-3 and ITR-4 (Sugam) forms must do so by 31 August and 31 October, respectively.
Annapurna Bhandar Yojana: When is the August 3,000 payment likely to arrive?
Beneficiaries of the Annapurna Bhandar scheme are inquiring about the August 2026 credit date. The scheme replaces TMC's Lakshmi Bhandar, offering 3,000 monthly aid.
The Delhi Lakshmi Yojana aims to empower eligible women by providing 2,500 in monthly assistance. Women aged 21 to 60 from households with an income of under 2.5 lakh can apply, with a local MLA or MP's recommendation required for a transparent application process.
EPFO fast-tracks PF withdrawals, aims to settle claims within 2448 hours check details here
The EPFO aims to settle fresh PF withdrawal claims within the same day or a maximum of two days, easing access to savings for members. Details here.
The revised EPF Scheme no longer permits employees to withdraw their entire PF balance after just two months of unemployment. Check the recent withdrawal rules here.
Bandhan Small Cap among 4 small caps that delivered over 20% CAGR since their respective inception
The top four small-cap mutual funds have delivered over 20% CAGR since their inception. Here's a detailed look at their AUM, inception dates, and performance. (Source: MF Screener)
The July 31 deadline has passed, but belated filings are possible until December 31, 2026, with late fees and interest applicable. How to file ITR after due date, who gets more time, consequences, and other details here.
100 invested daily through a mutual fund SIP can potentially grow to over 1 crore in 25 years. Check how compounding, disciplined investing and starting early can help build long-term retirement wealth while understanding the risks of market-linked investments.
Planning investments in midcap mutual funds? Check these 5 funds with upto 25% gain in 3 years
Indias consumer giants plan fresh price hikes; heres when the higher rates could reach store shelves
Consumer companies in India are gearing up for another round of price hikes, which could impact people's household expenses. This rise is attributed to a surge in commodity prices amid prolonged US-Iran conflict in West Asia. Details here.
Explained: How the 8-4-3 rule of compounding can help you reach Rs 1 crore sooner
Disciplined investing and compounding accelerate wealth growth towards a Rs 1 crore corpus. The 8-4-3 rule demonstrates how initial investments grow significantly over time. Higher investment returns and frequent compounding periods reduce the time needed to reach financial goals. Starting early and investing consistently maximizes the benefits of compounding for wealth accumulation. Time is a crucial advantage, allowing investments to multiply substantially with regular contributions.
When investors think about financial mistakes, they often measure them in rupee terms. One common misstep is temporarily pausing SIP investments and restarting them later. Here's how interrupting your SIP contributions can derail your long-term financial goals, according to ET Wealth.
Own an EV? Heres why a regular ICE vehicle insurance policy won't cut it
The real protection for your EV lies in specific covers like EV Shield, which is offered as an add-on to cover batteries. An EV Shield is essential as it specifically covers the battery, electric panel, and charging equipment.
Indias first REIT index fund to launch in August: Should you invest in it?
The REIT index fund provides access to commercial real estate at a low cost, with diversification and liquidity, and in a tax-efficient manner.
August will bring various financial updates for consumers, including changes in banking rules, credit card regulations, and the implementation of CKYC 2.0. Key deadlines include the income tax return filing due by August 31. Full list here.
The Delhi government approved the Lakshmi Yojana, allowing eligible women aged 21-60 to receive 2,500 monthly. An online application portal will launch on August 1, with the first payment expected around Raksha Bandhan.
EPFO members who find their account blocked, can't remember their UAN password, are unable to access their passbook or have KYC pending can check how to fix issues using the portal or Umang app.
The patience payoff: How a 30,000 monthly SIP swells into 50 lakh by 2034
The initial years of SIP investing often require considerable patience. Even with disciplined monthly contributions, many investors feel disappointed as their portfolio appears to grow slowly due to market volatility and a relatively small investment base
Annapurna Yojana: No money in bank account yet? Check what to do if your application gets rejected
Many women in West Bengal applied for the Annapurna Yojana but haven't received financial aid. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari set a payment deadline for August while verification continues.
8th pay commission announces state visit to Chandigarh in September 2026 Check dates, other details
The 8th pay commission has announced its official three-day state visit to the union territory of Chandigarh in September. It will hold meetings with employee unions and stakeholders from Chandigarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
Moody upgrades JSW Steel to global investment grade Baa3
This rating is a recognition of the strength and resilience of JSW Steels business - our scale as Indias largest steel producer, our cost-competitive operations across multiple locations, and the quality of assets we have built over the years, said Jayant Acharya, joint managing director and chief executive at JSW Steel.
Mumbai records best-ever July property registrations, stamp duty collections
Mumbai's property market achieved its best-ever July performance with strong housing demand. The city recorded its highest-ever property registrations and stamp duty collections for July. This sustained buyer confidence reflects resilient end-user demand and enduring confidence in homeownership. Infrastructure upgrades and improved connectivity continue to support residential demand across micro-markets. Industry experts anticipate healthy transaction activity supported by new housing supply and redevelopment.
Maruti Suzuki is investing Rs 561 crore in four compressed biogas manufacturing projects. This move supports India's transition to cleaner mobility and reduces fuel imports. The company's first-quarter profitability declined due to higher raw material costs. Despite this, vehicle sales increased significantly, aided by a new manufacturing plant. Maruti Suzuki's net sales rose, but net profit saw a decline.
Pensionbazaar strengthens its corporate NPS platform to simplify retirement planning
Pensionbazaar has improved its Corporate National Pension System offering. This aims to make retirement planning more accessible and seamless for employees. The platform simplifies onboarding, contribution management, and account servicing for employers. Employees can now digitally manage their retirement corpus and track progress easily. This initiative seeks to make retirement planning a workplace priority and a natural financial journey.
Baba Ramdevs next stretch: Patanjali takes the insurance route
Loan growth remains strong, shows latest RBI sectoral data
Banking credit to industries showed robust growth, increasing 19.2 percent year on year. Personal loan growth also remained strong, rising 16 percent compared to last year. Medium enterprises experienced the fastest credit growth, surging 30 percent year on year. Petroleum, coal products, and gems and jewellery sectors saw significant expansion. Loan against gold jewellery emerged as the fastest growing personal loan segment.
DA hike: Central government employees and retired pensioners are expecting a second increase in dearness allowance this year, sometime in the second half as a Diwali gift during the festive season.
Health insurance: Co-payment vs deductible explained. Which one should you choose?
Having a clear understanding of co-payments and deductibles in health insurance can help policyholders estimate out-of-pocket costs, compare plans, and avoid claim surprises. This guide explains how both clauses work, their impact on premiums, and how to choose the right policy.
Mutual fund NFOs: 5 new funds are open for subscription now. Check dates and key details
Five new mutual fund offers are currently open for subscription, including two ETFs, two domestic FoFs and one flexi-cap fund, giving investors fresh options across diverse investment categories.
6 smallcap mutual funds deliver over 20% return in 6 months. Do you own any?
Six smallcap mutual funds delivered over 20% returns in the past six months, led by Bank of India Small Cap Fund, reflecting strong performance in the segment, according to ACE MF data.
ESOP taxation can arise at two stageswhen shares are exercised and when they are sold. Here's how salary income, capital gains, fair market value and record-keeping affect ITR filing for AY 2026-27, and how to avoid these common tax reporting mistakes.
Belated vs updated return: Which should you file if you miss the 31 July income tax return deadline?
Taxpayers who fail to file their returns within the original due date still have two other options to complete the process. Here's how belated and updated return work and which one you should choose if you end up missing the July 31 deadline.
Wealth creators: 12 equity mutual funds turn Rs 1,000 SIP to nearly Rs 3 crore since their inception
Twelve equity mutual funds have turned a Rs 1,000 monthly SIP into more than Rs 1 crore since their inception, with the top performer generating a corpus of up to Rs 2.86 crore. The list spans seven fund categories, led by midcap and flexicap schemes.
15 lakh income, different tax liabilities: Why salaried middle class ends up paying highest tax
India's income tax system is progressive - higher incomes are taxed at higher rates. However, the final tax liability depends not just on how much a person earns, but also on how that income is earned.
Personal accident cover and standalone term insurance provide financial protection but serve different purposes. Let's deep dive into similarities and differences between the two insurance policies.
8th Pay Commission: 5 latest updates boost hopes for 1.1 crore employees and pensioners
The 8th Pay Commission has stepped up stakeholder consultations with meetings across India. Here are the five latest official updates, and what they mean for over 1.1 crore central government employees and pensioners.
ITR filing deadline today: Here's how much a one-day delay could cost you in interest and late fee
The deadline for income tax return filing is 31 July 2026, with over 5.4 million returns already filed. Taxpayers missing this date face late fees and interest under Sections 234A and 234F. Here's how much you may have to pay if you miss the deadline by just a day.
Gold and silver prices today, 31 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.
Technology sector mutual funds achieved substantial gains during July. HDFC Technology Fund led with a remarkable 16.91% return for investors. Other tech funds also delivered double-digit returns, outperforming many others. International funds experienced significant declines, primarily due to market corrections. Experts advise diversified equity funds for balanced long-term investment strategies.
Why Old Bridge's Kenneth Andrade is avoiding IT despite attractive valuations
Old Bridge MF founder Kenneth Andrade expects earnings growth to revive this year, remains bullish on pharma and autos, underweight on financials and IT, and sees crude as the biggest market risk.
ITR filing deadline extension LIVE: The ITR filing due date is today for eligible taxpayers. Some are also hoping for an extension like last year, but experts caution that a similar relief is unlikely.
Taxpayers who file their ITR on 31 July can complete e-verification within 30 days. Here's how the verification timeline affects the filing date, the belated return status and compliance with income tax rules.
As the July 31 income tax return deadline approaches, over 5 crore ITRs have been filed till Thursday. Late filers may face penalties and miss out on benefits like carrying forward losses. Check all consequences here.
Scheme selection key as mutual fund returns vary widely across categories
Mutual fund returns show significant differences between top and bottom performers. The flexi-cap category saw a wide gap between gains and losses. Small-cap funds also displayed considerable divergence in their yearly performance. Market trends favored stock-specific bets and certain sectors over traditional ones. Investors must understand fund styles and team track records for better selection.
ITR filing 2026: How to report capital gains from shares, mutual funds and ETFs to avoid tax notices
Taxpayers must accurately report capital gains from shares, mutual funds, and ETFs while filing the ITR for AY 2026-27. It is important to choose the correct ITR form, classify gains, reconcile investment records, and report only realised gains to avoid discrepancies and scrutiny.
Does Indias DIY mutual fund boom needs structured assistance?
Over 5-6 crore Indians now invest in mutual funds, thanks to digital platforms. While ease of access has increased, first-time investors face complexities in asset allocation. Future investing will require curated advice and structured assistance to ensure successful long-term portfolios.
Mid-cap funds aim to outperform their benchmark through active management, but not all succeed. There are currently eight mid-cap funds with a negative alpha, with Taurus Mid Cap Fund having the lowest alpha of -7.20.
EPFO: Submitted a claim? Here's what the status message means and timeline for settlement process
Employees' Provident Fund Organisation: Today we look at how much time EPF claims take to be settled, what the status message means, and what subscribers can do to rectify any delays and complete the process.
A financial master sheet won't make you richerbut it could save your family from economic chaos
A financial master sheet is a single document that records the family's financial and administrative details, showing what assets exist, where they are held, and where supporting documents are stored.
Large-cap funds have seen their alpha generation decline over the years compared with the Nifty 50 TRI. While funds outperformed strongly during 2000-2009, the advantage narrowed in the following decade and turned negative after 2020.
Not reporting bank interest or LTCG in your ITR? Avoid these 2 common tax filing mistakes
Many taxpayers mistakenly assume that TDS-deducted income or tax-exempt LTCG need not be disclosed in their ITR. Such omissions can create mismatches with AIS and Form 26AS, leading to tax notices or adjustments even when no additional tax is payable.
The government says the income tax e-filing portal can process up to 1 crore ITRs a day, but experts say taxpayers should not mistake higher capacity for a risk-free last-day filing experience. Here's why they don't expect an extension yet, and why waiting until July 31 could still be costly.
Active large-cap funds may not provide as much diversification as many investors expect. A study shows their sector allocations and stock portfolios closely mirror the Nifty 50, with the overlap becoming even higher among the largest funds.
Kotak Investment Banking appoints Jayasankar, Sourav Mallik as Co-CEOs
Kotak Investment Banking is undergoing a noteworthy leadership transition. V. Jayasankar and Sourav Mallik will take the reins of the investment banking sector together, while Ramesh Srinivasan will become Non-Executive Vice Chairman. His years of experience will inform strategic advice and client engagement efforts, signaling a strong foundation for future growth in the organization.
The income tax return filing season is nearing its end, with over 5 crore returns submitted. A significant question on the ITR form is causing confusion. Here's how to respond to it.
Investec Selects Infosys Finacle SaaS Platform on Microsoft Azure for Digital Banking Transformation
Investec Selects Infosys Finacle SaaS Platform on Microsoft Azure for Digital Banking Transformation
DA hike: West Bengal state government employees will receive their 20% dearness allowance increase and salaries for October before Durga Puja festivities, according to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
EPF subscribers are facing issues with overlapping employment records and missing data on the EPFO portal after its recent system migration. Lawyers explain whether employers can reject your job application solely due to EPFO portal error.
After filing ITR, taxpayers may receive notices due to mismatches in income, incorrect ITR forms, pending tax demands or any scrutiny by the Income Tax Department. Understanding why these notices are issued and how to avoid them can help ensure timely compliance and prevent penalties.
9 equity mutual funds multiply investors SIP investments by over 1.6x in 5 years. Do you own any?
Nine equity mutual funds multiplied investors SIP investments by more than 1.6 times over the last five years, led by small-cap and mid-cap schemes. Invesco India Midcap Fund topped the list with a 1.71x wealth multiplier and an XIRR of 21.66%.
Section 10(14)(i) of the Income Tax Act offers exemptions on specific salary allowances, but only for genuine official expenses. Understand eligibility rules, documentation requirements, common mistakes and practical tips to claim tax benefits correctly while avoiding interest and penalties.
Many salaried taxpayers assume ITR-1 is the correct form, but additional income or a job change could require a different return. Experts explain the key checks to complete before filing your income tax return.
Received an income tax notice under Section 139(9)? Here's what it means and what to do
A Section 139(9) defective return notice and other income tax notices require timely action to avoid compliance issues. Experts explain how taxpayers should respond to Sections 139(9), 143(1), 142(1) and 148 notices, helping protect tax benefits and prevent unnecessary complications.
Section 10 of the Income-tax Act: Misusing these provisions to save tax may result in a 200% penalty
With the ITR deadline approaching, Section 10(14)(i) offers tax-saving potential for salaried employees. However, misuse can lead to scrutiny and hefty penalties. Experts explain eligibility, rules and consequences of false claims.
Planning to withdraw from your mutual fund SIP? Here's the impact on your financial goals
Withdrawing money from your mutual fund SIP can significantly delay your financial goals by hampering the power of compounding. Early withdrawals cause maximum damage to your long-term wealth creation. Here is how pulling out funds at different stages impacts your timeline to build a target corpus of Rs 1 crore.
Tracking error explained: What every passive investor should know
Passive funds aim to mirror benchmark returns, but market frictions create gaps. Here's how tracking error differs from tracking difference, why it occurs, and what investors should watch.
Non-Resident External (NRE) fixed deposit rates from DCB Bank, YES Bank, RBL and other banks offer NRIs returns of up to 7.50%. Compare interest rates, tax benefits, repatriation rules and key factors before investing in Indian NRE term deposits.
Why personal accident insurance can't replace term insurance
A cheap personal accident policy may seem like a smarter buy than term insurance in your 20s. But the two protect against different risksand one cannot replace the other.
Bond SIPs: convenience, higher yields, and hidden risks
Bond SIPs make investing in direct bonds easier through automated monthly purchases. But they don't eliminate credit risk. Here's what investors should know.
Arbitrage funds have emerged as the best-performing hybrid mutual fund category in 2026 so far, outperforming their peers amid volatile equity markets. Here's why the category is leading and the schemes that have delivered the highest returns over one and three years.
Looking for midcap mutual funds in July 2026? Here are 5 funds to consider
ETMutualFunds shortlisted five top midcap mutual funds based on rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance and asset size, highlighting options suitable for investors with high risk tolerance and long-term horizons.
International funds offered excellent returns over the past year, outperforming domestic options. However, fresh investments are currently restricted due to regulatory limits. Experts suggest alternatives like LRS platforms and GIFT City funds for global exposure. Diversified global ETFs tracking broad indices are recommended for new investors. Investors should maintain international allocation for diversification and risk-adjusted returns.
ITR due date extension 2026 LIVE: Who must file tax return even if their income is not taxable?
ITR Due Date Extension 2026 LIVE: The due date to file ITR is tomorrow. The government extended the deadline last year due to technical glitches, but a similar relief is unlikely this time, experts have repeatedly warned.
A Reddit user shared that their mother sold inherited property for 50 lakh in cash to a builder, lacking a banking trail. Experts warn of possible penalties and explain ITR filing rules.
Best medium to long duration funds to invest in July 2026
Conservative investors often avoid medium to long duration debt funds due to their inherent risks. These funds invest in longer-term instruments, making them sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. Even small rate increases can cause significant volatility and potential investor losses. Investors with a higher risk tolerance and long horizon can consider these schemes. Competent advisors can guide investors aware of the associated extra risks.
Over 5 crore ITRs have been filed for AY 2026-27. Filing your return by 31 July can help build a consistent tax compliance record, which may support future home loan applications and help lenders assess income stability and repayment capacity.
The Centre has clarified that the 8th Pay Commission is not required to keep the government informed about its deliberations, including proposals on the fitment factor. It also declined to comment on employee demands, saying the Commission will determine its own procedure.
With the July 31 ITR filing deadline approaching, the Income Tax Department says over 5 crore returns have already been filed for AY 2026-27. Here's who should file ITR-1, who needs ITR-2, and why you shouldn't wait until the last minute.
The 8th Pay Commission may consider higher annual increments for central government employees as proposed by several prominent unions. A 5% increment scenario shows Level 1 basic pay rising from 18,000 per month to around 24,200 per month in five years.
ITR filing deadline: Can freelancers declare earnings as business income? Tax experts explain
Freelance income cannot always be reported as business income in ITR filings. Here is when earnings qualify as business income, salary, or other sources; common filing mistakes; presumptive taxation rules; and expert tips to avoid tax notices and ensure compliance before the 31 July deadline.
ITR filing 2026: Why 31 July is not the deadline for all salaried taxpayers and who gets more time
The 31 July ITR filing deadline may not apply to all salaried taxpayers. The applicable due date depends on the taxpayers overall income profile, ITR form, and audit requirements. Those with business or professional income may get additional time.
Large & mid-cap funds have historically delivered a balance between returns and volatility. Over the past 5 years, the benchmark index gave 14% returns, compared with 10% for large-caps and 18% for mid-caps.
Despite varying investment strategies, some small-cap stocks are common across mutual fund portfolios. The latest analysis reveals the 10 most widely held small-cap stocks, with PNB Housing Finance featuring in 146 schemes, followed by Crompton Greaves and RBL Bank.
Taxpayers who filed their ITR in May or June should revisit their return before the 31 July deadline. Checking e-verification status, AIS, TIS, Form 26AS, TDS credits, bank details and reported income can help avoid errors and refund delays.
The CPC first verifies that you've used the correct ITR form, filled in all mandatory schedules, and that there are no calculation errors. If it finds major issues, you may receive a defective return notice.
Hidden risks of UPI Autopay: Nykaa AVPs LinkedIn post sparks debate about free trials
Lokesh Ahuja from Nykaa shared a cautionary tale about hidden AutoPay mandates after teaching his mother how to make UPI payments. He emphasises the importance of digital literacy.
A Chennai taxpayer faced a 1.92 lakh penalty after her tax consultant made errors in the ITR filing. ITAT Chennai waived the penalty, ruling that a genuine mistake by a tax professional cannot be treated as misreporting of income under Section 270A.
