27 C 
8th Pay Commission 6-month review: Key updates, consultation status and outlook
The 8th Pay Commission review highlights progress in consultations, stakeholder engagement, and the policy focus on salaries, pensions, and reforms shaping the future of government employees across the country.
How the falling rupee still affects households with no direct dollar expenses
Economists and financial planners urge the public to rebudget for essentials, build larger emergency funds, and consider global investment diversification as a hedge against accelerating imported inflation.
Record UPI transactions in FY26 highlight rapid digital growth nationwide. UPI payments are best made through secure apps, with vigilant verification and protection of sensitive financial details.
Section 80C income-tax relief: Here's how to maximise your 1.5 lakh deduction
Taxpayers can rely on Section 80C of the Income-Tax Act to reduce their tax liability through deductions of up to 1.5 lakh in a financial year. Here's what steps you can take to maximise your investment options
The online income-tax return process has simplified tax filing, yet first-time taxpayers face challenges. Here's a look at what income-tax notices mean and why you may get one from the tax department
Considering credit card? Here are some key things to keep in mind before you apply
Applying for a credit card involves careful consideration of your needs, spending habits, and comparing various options. Choose a card that aligns with your lifestyle to avoid future financial issues.
The Finance Ministry raised the Dearness Allowance by 2% for central government employees and pensioners, increasing it from 58% to 60% of basic pay. Here's why some expect the next hike in July under 8th CPC to be 3%
The 8th Central Pay Commission held its first meetings discussing demands for annual increments and pension scheme withdrawal. It is set to decide salary hikes for 50 lakh central employees and 65 lakh retirees, potentially raising pay significantly.
Withdrawing PF money? Fill these details correctly to avoid TDS deductions
The declarant, who is a resident, must ensure that their expected final tax liability for the year is NIL and duly fill all the rows in Part A of the Form No.121 and sign it.
Five smart investing rules for navigating Indias volatile equity markets in 2026
To turn market volatility into an instrument for wealth creation, retail investors should consider adopting a structured approach. Here are five fundamental rules that can help navigate the complexities of todays financial environment.
How mutual fund-based portfolio management services work
Mutual fund-based portfolio management services are becoming popular among high-net-worth individuals. Here is how these services work
Consistent performers: 13 equity funds deliver over 20% in 3 and 5 years. Do you own any?
Tax deadlines in May 2026: Key dates every taxpayer should know
May 2026 has crucial tax deadlines, including TDS payments and quarterly filings. Taxpayers must comply to avoid penalties. Full list of the deadlines here.
The hardest part of investing isnt picking, its holding
Legitimate capital, patiently held, is the only edge in this business that has worked reliably for a hundred years. It is not glamorous enough to go viral. But it is the only version of the story that ends with you still holding the asset.
Chasing midcap mutual funds? Invesco India Mid Cap and 4 others deliver over 25% CAGR in 3 years
Invesco India Mid Cap Fund gave the highest return of 27.2% in the last three years. The fund is assigned a four-star rating and had an AUM of Rs 9.895 crore.
Missed Subhadra Yojana? Here are alternative welfare schemes available in Odisha
Odisha has several welfare schemes aimed at empowering women through financial assistance and social support, including Lakhpati Didi Yojana and MAMATA. Details here.
Know Your Fund Manager | Sameer Narayan, Head Alternate Investment Equity, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC
Growing up in a middle-class family that valued discipline and long-term thinking, I developed an early interest in understanding how businesses grow and create value. That curiosity gradually evolved into a passion for equity markets and investing.
On May 3, gold prices in India remained stable, silver prices also showed limited movement. Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in your city.
As a 22-year-old salaried person with a student, here's how you can build wealth by investing smartly. AI recommends this when asked about investing in SIPs, stocks, or fixed deposits for the best returns with minimum risk.
Smart spending: Here's how you can save money without sacrificing fun
Effective money management involves budgeting, debt management, tracking expenses, and distinguishing needs from wants. Here's a few steps you can adopt to ensure financial security and future savings.
Transactions where PAN is mandatory in India: Full list after form 97 replaces form 60
Starting April 1, 2026, the Income Tax Act mandates quoting a PAN for numerous financial transactions, replacing Form 60 with Form 97. Here's a list of transactions where PAN is mandatory.
How your credit score impacts home loan approval and what score you need for the best deal Explained
Home loans require lenders to assess creditworthiness, with credit scores significantly influencing approval and interest rates. A score above 750 is ideal, while scores below 700 may lead to higher rates or even rejection. Details here.
Taxpayers can rely on Section 80C of the Income-Tax Act to reduce their tax liability through deductions of up to 1.5 lakh in a financial year. Here are the investment options you can choose from:
Concerns about a housing market crash are growing among Americans as mortgage rates rise and inflation increases. Financial experts recommend keeping housing costs below 25% of income, though this is becoming difficult with rising home prices. However, a major crash like in 2008 seems unlikely.
DA hike: The highest hike for Dearness Allowance of central government employees came in 2021 with an 11% increase from the central pay commission. Here's a look at what increments have been announced over the past few years
8th CPC: What is the role of pay commissions in calculation of Dearness Allowance?
8th central pay commission: The government appointed panel determines Dearness Allowance hike, fitment factor and other allowances for central govt employees. Here's what role it plays in the decision process
Bank deposit risk explained: What happens to your money if a lender fails to return it?
Bank deposits are generally safe, but in case of bank failure, only 5 lakh per depositor is insured under the DICGC. This coverage applies to all accounts in a bank, with specific exclusions for certain deposits. Details here.
Tax-saving FDs vs regular FDs: Interest rates, lock-in and tax benefits compared
Fixed deposits (FDs) are favored for stable returns, with banks in India offering rates up to 7%. Tax-saving FDs provide deductions under Section 80C but have a 5-year lock-in. Interest rates vary, with senior citizens receiving higher rates.
The RBI has set the final redemption price for its Sovereign Gold Bond 2018-19 Series-I at 14,901 per unit, payable on 4 May 2026. Investors could see gains of nearly 386% from the issue price of 3,114 per unit.
Income tax rules discourage cash transactions, limiting annual deposits to 10 lakh. Experts recommend using savings accounts for cash deposits
5 mutual fund NFOs and 1 SIF to open for subscription this week. Check details
Five mutual fund NFOs and one SIF are set to open for subscription this week, offering investors fresh opportunities across index, ETF and thematic categories. With varying investment minimums and timelines, these launches reflect fund houses efforts to expand offerings and capture investor interest in evolving market segments.
Family floater vs separate policy: Whats best health insurance policy for your elderly parents?
Family floater health insurance premiums are primarily calculated based on the age of the eldest member covered. Other key factors are - sum insured, medical history of family members, and family size
SIFs Ex-Top 100 long-short strategy gains 12% in 1 month; two offerings available
Ex-Top 100 long-short SIF strategies have delivered strong near-term gains, with leading funds returning up to 15% in a month. The approach focuses on mid and small caps outside top 100 stocks, combining long equity exposure with selective short positions for alpha generation.
PPF maturity rules: What investors should do when their account matures?
As PPF accounts reach maturity, holders must choose to withdraw the total amount, extend for five years, or continue without extra deposits. Here's what each option offers.
These 6 equity mutual funds deliver over 20% return in April. Do you own any in your portfolio?
Six equity mutual funds delivered over 20% returns in April, led by international and sector-focused schemes. A majority of funds posted positive returns, reflecting strong market momentum. Global indices, especially Nasdaq, supported performance, while only two funds ended negative, highlighting broad-based gains across categories during the month.
A married woman's share in ancestral property is influenced by laws, family dynamics, and social norms. Key laws - the Indian Succession Act and Hindu Succession Act emphasise equal rights for daughters and sons in inheritance matters.
Quant Mutual Fund advises aggressive portfolio rebalancing amid improving market conditions, citing attractive valuations and strong liquidity. It favors large caps, selective mid and small caps, and sectors like energy, infrastructure, and financials, while remaining cautious on manufacturing uncertainties.
I asked ChatGPT why the principal of my 90 lakh home loan hasn't decreased much despite paying off 45 lakh via 60 EMIs. Here is what AI said.
I asked ChatGPT: How to build 10 crore retirement corpus? The answer was a wake up call
Investing in mutual funds varies by age to build a 10 crore corpus. Younger investors benefit from compounding over decades, while older investors face increased monthly requirements.
Planning a 15-year mutual fund investment? Heres a simple 4-scheme portfolio approach
A long-term investor with Rs 10 lakh and a 15-year horizon can build a simple four-fund mutual fund portfolio combining a Nifty index fund and flexi-cap funds. The strategy focuses on disciplined investing, diversification, and staying invested through volatility to generate sustainable wealth over time despite market fluctuations.
Gold monetisation scheme: Govt plans e-gold units to unlock idle gold, boost liquidity
Proposal to offer dematerialise units of idle physical gold for future fast-track sales, loans and jewellery conversion. Move to unlock idle gold in India to reduce import and foreign exchange drain
Gold and silver prices remained stable in India's retail market on Saturday, May 2. Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver today in major cities of the country.
If you have children especially a young family a popular rule of thumb is to choose a term long enough to see them out of the house and through college.
6 personal finance mistakes to avoid in May 2026 for a stronger financial future
Avoid costly personal finance mistakes in May 2026 for stronger financial growth as poor planning, emotional investing and debt misuse can erode long term wealth stability and returns.
Fresh developments around the 8th Pay Commission updates include regional visits, extended deadlines, and key meetings shaping pay, pension, and allowance reforms for central government employees, pensioners, and associated stakeholders across India.
New income tax rules for doctors: Who needs to maintain Form 25 and why
It is a prescribed daily case register required to be maintained by practitioners of any system of medicine under Rule 46(6) of the Income Tax Rules, 2026.
I asked ChatGPT: SIP or home loan prepayment what's better? The answer was surprisingly logical
As a 40-year-old married person with one kid, here's how you can repay your home and car loans while investing in SIPs. Follow this balanced approach to secure financial stability in the long run, as AI said.
P2P portfolio: Should you invest in peer-to-peer lending to earn high returns? Experts weigh in
P2P: In peer-to-peer lending, individual lenders offer unsecured loans directly to borrowers via RBI-regulated online platforms.
Are you paying active fees for a passive fund?
Active share helps you spot whether your active fund is actually just tracking the index at a higher cost.
Should you replace 5 credit card EMIs with 1 personal loan? ChatGPT explains
I asked ChatGPT if I should consolidate 5 credit card EMIs into a single EMI by taking a personal loan. Check what the AI chatbot said:
ITR filing 2026: Who can claim meal card benefit before 31 July deadline? Rules explained
The revised tax treatment for employer-provided meal benefits raises the tax-exempt value to 200 per meal from 50, effective 1 April 2026. Here's who can claim it.
Transform your mindset with powerful personal finance books that build wealth habits, sharpen money decisions, and guide you towards long-term financial freedom through simple, practical and timeless investing principles.
For a Bengaluru-based Software Development Engineer who is starting out in her/his career, aims to accumulate a corpus of 1 crore in 15 years. Here's how to do it with SIP plans, as suggested by ChatGPT.
Dividends, bonus shares and buybacks taxation in India: Rules, rates and reporting process explained
Income from the stock market is taxed based on its type: dividends are taxed as income, and bonus shares are taxed differently upon sale. Here are the tax rules for dividends, bonus shares, and buybacks.
Can you go to jail for cheque bounce? Section 138 explained
Can a cheque bounce land you in jail? Check what Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act covers: the legal process, penalties, and how to protect yourself.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap among top 5 flexicap funds with highest risk-adjusted returns. Check details
Sharpe ratio measures risk-adjusted returns, showing excess return per unit of risk. Top flexi-cap funds deliver strong three-year performance with relatively high Sharpe ratios, indicating efficient balance between risk and returns.
EPFO updates: Key changes and new rules for employees' provident fund subscribers in 2026
EPFO has recently made changes to streamline compliance and improve access for provident fund subscribers, including a new unified Form 121 effective from 1 April, and plans for a portal to link old PF accounts. Details here.
PPFAS Mutual Fund among 15 AMCs to offer voluntary lock-in for folios. Here is how Sebis rule works
Mutual fund investors can now temporarily block withdrawals and debits from their folios, with 15 AMCs, including PPFAS Mutual Fund, rolling out a voluntary lock-in facility. This Sebi-introduced framework offers enhanced safety and control, applicable to both demat and non-demat holdings, and is accessible via MF Central.
Looking for best equity MFs to invest for 3 years? Check these 6 funds with over 27% returns
Bajaj Finance FD rates have jumped to 7.40%, offering higher returns for long-term investors, while senior citizens can now earn up to 7.75% with improved tenure flexibility. Check out the complete details and consult certified financial advisors before investing.
Equity mutual funds saw strong performance in April 2026. Nearly 25 funds delivered over 25% returns, led by sectoral and thematic options. Many funds offered double-digit gains, while a few experienced minor losses. Investors are advised to consider SIPs for flexi-cap funds and include mid-cap options for consistent performance amid expected market fluctuations.
Kotak Mutual Fund temporarily suspends subscriptions in its 4 international funds
Kotak Mutual Fund has temporarily restricted subscriptions in four international funds, allowing investments up to Rs 1 lakh per PAN per month. The move reflects ongoing limits on overseas investments. Existing SIPs will continue, while fresh inflows are capped. The funds have delivered strong returns over the past year.
Applying for a loan, requesting a credit report? Here's how your credit score is calculated in India
Credit scores, ranging from 300-900, indicate credit risk to lenders based on past behavior. Scores can be improved through timely repayments and responsible financial habits. Here's what factors determine your score
The central bank has updated its rules for auto-debit transactions by customers this month. Here's a look at what changes the RBI has mandated for digital payments using credit and debit cards and UPI.
A clean credit profile is important when you apply for a credit card, home loan, mortgage or personal loan in the future. Here's whether your spouse's credit history and score can impact your own, and what factors you must consider
DA: Differences between Dearness Allowance and House Rent Allowance, explained
Dearness Allowance for central government employees is adjusted twice a year to offset inflation, with the recent revision increasing it from 58% to 60% of Basic Pay effective January 2026. Here's a look at how it differs from HRA component
NPS unclaimed money: How to recover your funds with interest and secure your pension
Hidden savings could still be yours, NPS unclaimed money can be recovered with interest through a clear process, helping subscribers secure missed pension contributions and strengthen long term financial planning.
No more OTP hassle: how RBIs new e-mandate rules smooth out high-value payments
The standard threshold remains at 15,000 for everyday subscriptions such as streaming services, utility bills and gym memberships, which will continue to be processed without an OTP.
8th Pay Commission: Is the 8th CPC also applicable for state government employees? Top FAQs answered
Established by the government every 10 years to revise pay for its employees, the Central Pay Commission is responsible for decisions on allowances, contributions, retirement and pension benefits and government spending.
EPFO campaign deadline tonight: Last chance for employers to enrol left-out employees
The EPFO's 'Employees Enrolment Campaign 2025' allows employers until 30 April 2026 to declare previously unregistered staff without penalties, promoting transparency and compliance while expanding social security benefits for workers.
ITR filing: Key strategies to maximise savings and reduce tax liability
Taxpayers must plan their finances for the 2026-27 financial year, taking into consideration income tax rules, exemptions and deductions to assess their tax liability. Here's how you can maximise your savings.
Major push for pay and pension reform under the 8th Pay Commission as the Staff Side submits key demands on salary, NPS, leave, and promotions. Check details here.
A Bengaluru IT consultant aims to upgrade from 10 LPA to 30 LPA in 1-2 years. ChatGPT suggests four paths. Check out.
Beyond long-only: The rise of adaptive equity investing through SIFs
As markets grow increasingly volatile, specialised investment funds (SIFs) offer a dynamic approach to equity investing by combining long and short positions.
You can secure a steady retirement income with the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) as investments of 10 to 30 lakh generate predictable monthly returns.
ETFs record highest ever net inflows of more than Rs 1.8 lakh crore in FY26: Zerodha Fund House
Indian Exchange Traded Funds experienced unprecedented net inflows of over Rs 1.8 lakh crore in FY26. Commodity ETFs, specifically Gold and Silver, drew more investor interest than equity ETFs. This marks a significant shift, with over half of all ETF inflows directed towards these precious metals. This trend indicates investors are diversifying their portfolios using the ETF structure.
The Income Tax Department has revised ITR forms for AY 2026-27, requiring separate reporting of interest income from NBFCs, HFCs and corporate instruments under Schedule OS. Details here.
Can Rs 70 lakh grow to Rs 5 crore? Expert says a 10% step-up SIP may fall short of the goal
A 55-year-old investor targeting Rs 5 crore from a Rs 70 lakh corpus may fall short with a 10% step-up SIP, experts caution. Even with 1314% returns, projections remain below target. Increasing SIP contributions and timely portfolio derisking are critical to improving outcomes and protecting gains near retirement.
Buying a term insurance plan? Here are key things to know before you decide
A term insurance plan covers life for a fixed period and pays out to nominees upon death. Key considerations include insurer credibility, sum assured and essential add-ons.
Got a salary hike? Heres how much you should step up your mutual fund SIP
During salary hikes, investors should consider increasing SIPs to beat inflation, boost wealth, and match goals. Step-up SIPs help automate growth, but regular reviews ensure affordability, flexibility, and proper portfolio balance.
Zerodha Fund House CEO Vishal Jain advocates for low-cost index funds and ETFs as the core of long-term portfolios, emphasizing asset allocation for broad exposure and simplicity. He believes passive products offer transparency and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal building blocks for investors navigating uncertain markets.
Market noise is rising. Heres how to protect your money now
From emergency funds and SIP discipline to loans and asset allocation, top advisors lay out a practical playbook for navigating volatility and job uncertainty.
InvITs: the middle path between equity risk and debt stability
Allocation to InvITs in your portfolio can be a good diversification avenue. Apart from mild price appreciation, it provides a hedge against inflation.
Best short duration mutual funds to invest in April 2026
Short duration mutual funds offer investment opportunities for one to three years. These funds invest in instruments like treasury bills and corporate bonds. They provide a moderate risk profile, less than long-term funds but more than liquid options. Investors seeking stability for short-term goals can consider these schemes.
Is pension taxable in India? Rules, exemptions and how to declare it in ITR
Pension income in India is taxable based on type. Regular pensions are taxed as salary, while commuted pensions can be partially exempt. Full details here.
SIP + lump sum: A roadmap to 10 crore in 25 years
With 25,000 monthly SIPs and 1012 lakh to deploy, heres a structured asset allocation plan to target a 1015 crore corpus over 25 years while managing volatility and risk
Brave new world: Why global investment strategy matters more than ever
Mint Horizons comes to Gurgaon in May offering insights into overseas investing. Experts will discuss the impact of geopolitics, and diversification strategies.
Social Security payment on April 29: Is there a check coming today?
Social Security payments are made on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of each month. In April 2026, payments were issued on the 8th, 15th, and 22nd, with no payments on the 29th. Next payments are on May 13, 20, and 27.
8th Pay Commission: Last date to submit stakeholders' suggestions extended; check details
The deadline for submitting the 8th CPC memorandum has been extended, as the government gives stakeholders extra time until 31 May 2026 to share suggestions on pay, pension and service conditions.
Money tips for May: 5 simple hacks to boost your credit score
You can boost your credit score with simple habits that build financial strength. Paying on time, keeping utilisation low, and regularly monitoring your credit profile can help you secure better loans, flexible repayment terms and lower interest rates.
