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SIDBI must evolve from lender to 'market maker' and 'risk-sharing' partner: FM Sitharaman
Sitharaman said the Centre reduced central excise duty on petrol and diesel, resulting in a revenue impact of over 1 lakh crore, to reduce logistics costs and shield businesses from rising global crude prices
Foreign hackers attempted a novel AI-powered cyberattack targeting two-factor authentication using a zero-day exploit. Google's Threat Intelligence Group detected and thwarted this sophisticated plot, which aimed for mass exploitation. The AI-generated exploit exploited a logic flaw in a server administration tool, highlighting a new frontier in cyber threats. Consumers are urged to update software and use stronger authentication methods.
HDFC Flexi Cap among 7 mutual funds that multiplied investors money up to 17x in 20 years
The Karnataka High Court has ruled in favour of exempt trust employees. Those who retired after September 1, 2014, and contributed Provident Fund on actual wages can now claim a higher EPS 95 pension. The court quashed the EPFO's rejection orders. This decision allows eligible employees to exercise joint options for enhanced pension calculations.
Can Rs 2 crore retirement corpus generate Rs 2 lakh monthly income for 20 years after retirement?
Planning your retirement corpus is crucial. A Rs 2 crore fund may not last 20 years with high withdrawals. Experts suggest a bucket strategy for sustainable income. This involves allocating funds for immediate needs, stable income, and growth. Careful planning and realistic withdrawals are key to ensuring your retirement fund lasts.
Pvt banks likely to outperform govt banks in earnings growth over next 2 years: Report
PSU banks could face additional pressure from wage revision provisions in FY28 along with front-loaded Expected Credit Loss (ECL) provisioning in FY27
8th Pay Commission implementation date: When can you get salary hike with arrears?
The 8th Pay Commission is still consulting stake holders on salary, pension and allowance revisions before finalising its report. Once approved, it may be implemented by late 2027, with arrears likely from January 1, 2026. Employee bodies have proposed varying fitment factors. Once the report is submitted, approved and implemented, central government employees will get arrears and increased pay outs.
LIC introduces New Jeevan Sathi joint life plans: Check features, guaranteed additions and benefits
LIC new plans 2026: Life Insurance Corporation of India has launched two new joint life insurance savings plans, LICs New Jeevan Sathi Single Premium and LICs New Jeevan Sathi Limited Premium. These non-par, non-market linked plans offer couples financial protection and long-term savings with guaranteed additions and fixed benefits, ensuring certainty on returns and payouts.
Direct stocks or mutual funds? Expert shares strategy to achieve Rs 7 crore goal in 12 years
An investor's mutual fund portfolio was reviewed, revealing a need for better alignment with long-term goals. Experts advised shifting focus from direct equities to mutual funds, increasing SIPs annually, and diversifying beyond momentum-based index funds to achieve a Rs 7 crore target.
Choosing a crypto exchange in India? Read this first
With fees, security and ease of use all up for scrutiny, WazirX makes a strong case for being the everyday traders go-to platform in Indias crowded crypto market.
235% return on SGB premature redemption date: Gold bond turns Rs 1 lakh investment into Rs 3.35 lakh
The Reserve Bank of India has announced the premature redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bond SGB 2021-22 Series-I, fixed at Rs 15,840 per unit. Investors can redeem these bonds from May 25, 2026, after five years from the issue date. This premature redemption offers an impressive 235% simple return on the initial investment.
Top NPS equity funds offer up to 15% returns in 3 years. Heres the list
Can salary-linked SIPs transform mutual fund investing for salaried Indians? Experts weigh in
Sebi has proposed a framework allowing salaried employees to invest in mutual funds through salary deductions, similar to EPF and NPS. This initiative aims to simplify investing for first-time users, potentially reducing SIP stoppages and boosting monthly inflows by offering a disciplined, automated savings channel.
Best gilt mutual funds to invest in May 2026
Gilt funds are gaining traction among aggressive debt investors. Advisors suggest these funds could deliver strong returns if the RBI cuts interest rates. Gilt funds invest in government securities, carrying no credit risk but high sensitivity to interest rate changes. Investors should be aware of the risks and have a long-term view.
US rental vs Indian commercial: Where should NRIs actually put their money in 2026?
The 4% retirement withdrawal rules are being rewritten; 7 things you need to know
Bombay High Court dismissed a tenant's plea to recognize a new builder in a redevelopment case. The court found no contract between the new builder and the landlord. It deemed the tenants' action an 'elite form of coercion and extortion'. The court imposed Rs 5 lakh costs on the tenants for abusing the legal process.
The Karnataka High Court restored ancestral land to three brothers after an outsider, Basappa, falsely mutated his name using a common surname. Basappa claimed ownership based on a supposed 1946 sale deed but failed to produce any proof. The court ruled in favor of the brothers, declaring them joint owners and restraining Basappa from interfering with their possession.
SBI strike on May 25 and 26? Will State Bank of India branches be open or closed for two days?
State Bank of India branches will operate as usual on May 25 and 26, 2026. The planned two-day strike by the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation has been postponed. Customers can access all regular banking services without disruption. This decision ensures continuity for banking operations across the nation. The deferral addresses concerns about employee-related issues.
Delinquency vs default: Know the difference
If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 104th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains the difference between the terms used for unpaid loans.
RBI weighs measures to stabilise rupee
The Reserve Bank of India is exploring multiple options to stabilize the rupee, which recently hit a fresh low. These include a potential interest rate hike, increased currency swaps, and raising dollars from overseas investors through deposit schemes and sovereign bonds. Policymakers recognize the rupee's rapid depreciation and are prioritizing its stabilization.
Metals dominate sector indices in volatile 2026
Welcome to TrendMap, your guide to the performance of different investment segments. In this edition, we present a 10-year performance tracker of various domestic market sectors. By Sameer Bhardwaj.
Why financial transparency matters in relationships
Without a definition of priority and discretion, many households suffer from ad hocism. How should they spend for the common good without sustained disagreement? How much is available to spend discreetly without being questioned? The definition and space are critical.
Crude awakening: Chemical firms face margin pressure
Rising crude oil prices are pressuring chemical sector margins due to increased feedstock and energy costs. Despite this, the Nifty Chemicals index shows resilience, outperforming the broader market. Analysts remain constructive on the long-term outlook, favoring specialty chemicals and companies with strong fundamentals and clear revenue visibility.
How can India reduce gold imports?
One of the objectives of the gold ETF was not merely financial innovation but to reduce, or at least postpone, the import of physical gold. The idea was elegant: channel Indias deep and lasting appetite for gold into financial products rather than repeated shipments of imported bullion. That promise, however, has never been fully realised.
2-hour hospitalisation: What health insurance covers
New health plans cover treatments requiring two hours of hospitalisation, but exclusions remain critical.
Free airport lounge access now comes at a cost
The logic is simple: lounge access has become a heavily used perk. Banks earlier assumed that only premium customers or frequent flyers would visit lounges regularly. Instead, many customers signed up purely for lounge access, often with a fee waiver and otherwise using the cards sparingly otherwise
International funds soar, but access stays limited
Yet, investment restrictions imposed on overseas exposure limits continue to constrain fresh inflows. While SIPs remain largely open, lump-sum investments are still restricted in many schemes.
What happens when investors stop SIPs during crises
From a cancer diagnosis in Kolkata to a layoff in Bengaluru to Covid panic in Agrareal investors, real crises, and the real cost of walking away.
Why long-term SIP investors rarely lose money
A 10-year SIP investor has zero chance of losing money, while a 4-year investor has an 80% probability of earning over 10%. The ET WealthCrisil SIP Study 2026 crunches the numbersand this year, puts them through a market crash.
Insist on Tata Sons time-bound listing: InGovern tells RBI
Says it remains the only CIC that has been non-compliant with the RBI regulations
LIC emerges as highest profit-making financial company in Jan-Mar quarter
NEW DELHI, May 24: State-owned Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has emerged as the highest profit-making firm in the Indian financial sector in the March quarter, netting a little over Rs 23,400 crore. Even among Central Public Sector Enterprises, the Corporation maintained the number one position for fourth-quarter profit for FY26. Last week, LIC reported a 23 per cent jump in net profit to record Rs 23,420 crore in the just concluded March quarter as compared to Rs 19,013 [] The post LIC emerges as highest profit-making financial company in Jan-Mar quarter appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
IRFC to raise ECB loan worth $2 billion to finance large infra projects
Indian Railway Finance Corporation is set to raise USD 2 billion through external commercial borrowing. This funding will primarily be in Japanese yen to support business growth in the current financial year. The company has already secured a loan agreement for USD 1.1 billion.
Equity MFs gain over 5% last week with international funds leading. Check top 7 with over 3% return
These 5 largecap mutual funds delivered over 20% annualised returns in 3 years
Wifes MBA degree or past employment with MNCs cant stop her from demanding maintenance, rules HC
An Allahabad High Court ruling states a wife's education or earning potential does not disqualify her from maintenance. The court considered a case where a husband argued his wife's MBA and past jobs meant she could earn. The court emphasized her current inability to maintain herself and the husband's financial status.
Two friends were left stranded in Indonesia after an airline preponed their flight without prior notification. The Chandigarh State Consumer Commission ordered the airline to pay Rs 50,000 in compensation and refund the full ticket cost with interest, acknowledging the deficiency in service and the passengers' distress.
RBI's record dividend may help govt manage rising subsidy burden amid West Asia crisis: Experts
DK Srivastava, Chief Policy Advisor at EY India, said the higher surplus transfer could help the government partly manage rising subsidy expenses
Bandhan Small Cap among top 5 smallcap funds with highest risk-adjusted returns. Check details
Bandhan Small Cap Fund topped the list of small cap schemes with the highest Sharpe ratio, indicating superior risk-adjusted returns over three years. ITI Small Cap Fund, Invesco India Smallcap Fund and two smallcap index funds also delivered strong performance with balanced risk metrics.
Intermediary commissions take toll on insurance cos profit: Praxis study
Indias top insurers run combined ratios of 110113%, spending more than they earn on every policy while their global D2C counterparts operate profitably at 8489%
PPFAS Mutual Fund introduces choti SIP in Parag Parikh Flexi Cap, Large Cap and 3 other schemes
PPFAS Mutual Fund introduced the Rs 250 choti SIP facility across five schemes to encourage first-time investors and improve financial inclusion. The initiative allows eligible investors to start monthly SIPs with low-ticket investments under specific conditions prescribed by SEBI and AMFI.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has permitted Smt Nagamma to operate her husband's bank account. Her husband is in a persistent vegetative state and requires ongoing medical care. The court recognized the wife as the natural guardian, citing the ancient Indian concept of 'Ardhangini'. This decision will help fund his treatment and household expenses. The court mandated regular account updates.
A bus employee died after falling from the bus roof where he slept due to a lack of rest room facilities at Ghodasar bus station. The Gujarat High Court upheld a compensation award of Rs 6.52 lakh with interest and penalty, applying the principle of notional extension of employment.
FD rate up to 8% for senior citizens investing for three years; Know list of banks
Senior citizens can secure fixed deposit interest rates up to 8 percent for a three-year investment. Several small finance banks are offering this attractive rate for deposits up to Rs 3 crore. Investors should be aware of TDS rules and the option to submit Form 15H to avoid deductions if their total income is below taxable limits.
Executing a Will in India is often more complex than believed, involving numerous institutions and documentation hurdles. Nominees do not automatically become owners, and digital assets present new challenges. While probate is now voluntary, it remains advisable for dispute prevention, and meticulous documentation is crucial to avoid lengthy delays in asset transfer.
Gold prices saw a slight fluctuation this week. 22k gold rates at Tanishq, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds are provided for May 22, 2026. IBJA data shows a marginal increase in gold prices from May 18 to May 22, 2026. Silver prices, however, declined significantly during the same period.
New PAN norms 2026: Where quoting is relaxed and where its now mandatory
New Income Tax Rules, 2026 have relaxed PAN quoting for several transactions, including cash deposits and debit card applications. However, PAN is now mandatory for certain property transactions and annual cash withdrawals exceeding Rs 10 lakh. Form 97 replaces Form 60 for declarations without PAN.
Wars, Oil and Wealth: The world adapts faster than we think, lessons for equity investors
India today is a more than four-trillion-dollar economy with stronger external reserves, wider energy relationships, greater diplomatic reach and a far more diversified economic structure than in earlier decades. Higher oil prices may affect inflation, current account balances and near-term sentiment, but they are unlikely to derail the broader growth trajectory of the country.
Saturday bank holiday: Are banks open or closed today on May 23, 2026?
Bank holiday today: Planning a bank visit today, May 23, 2026? First check whether banks are open in their city, as closures may vary depending on the weekly holiday schedule and state-specific holidays.
Emirates NBD to launch open offer for 26% stake in RBL Bank from June 1
The offer will open on June 1 and close on June 12.
SBI union defers nationwide strike planned for May 25 and 26
SBI assured its customers that all regular banking services would function without disruption.
Net FDI rises in FY26 on higher gross inflows; portfolio investment flows weaken
Outward direct investments by Indian companies rose to $33.3 billion from $28.2 billion in FY25.
Global uncertainty slows overseas remittances under LRS in FY26: RBI bulletin
According to RBI data, total outward remittances under LRS fell by 2% year-on-year to $28.9 billion in FY26, down from $29.6 billion in FY25
RBI slaps 10.10 lakh penalty on City Union Bank, 2 more entities
City Union Bank was fined as it levied loan-related charges on certain agriculture advances qualifying as priority sector loans and for withholding data from credit information companies
The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: May 22, 2026
The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: May 22, 2026
The Latest Fixed Deposit Interest Rates: May 22, 2026
The Latest Fixed Deposit Interest Rates: May 22, 2026
Repco Home Finance Q4 net profit rises to 129 crore driven by disbursements
Net interest income grew 16 per cent y-o-y to 207 crore
SBI customers are advised to utilize digital services like ATMs, CSPs, and the Yono app as the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation plans a two-day strike on May 25-26, 2026. The strike stems from concerns over outsourcing policies, armed guard shortages, and issues with the National Pension System.
SBI advises customers to use alternative mediums to transact after staff's strike call
SBI has requested its over 52 crore customers to use automated teller machines, customer service points, and prefer online banking services like YONO and UPI by the lender
Institutional buyers over-subscribe Central Bank of India OFS by 2 times; put in 2,380 cr bids
Till the close of trading hours on Friday, institutional investors put in bids for over 76.86 crore shares, which is about 2.36 times of the 32.58 crore shares on offer.
RBI approves record 2.87 lakh crore surplus transfer to government
The RBIs Central Board, chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, made the decision during its 623rd meeting in Mumbai
Filing your ITR early for AY 202627? Why you should wait till June 15
With the utilities for ITR filing for AY 202627 being available now, many taxpayers are planning to file their returns early. However, incomplete AIS data, pending TDS filings, and delayed financial reporting may lead to mismatches, notices, and revised returns. Taxpayers should prioritise accurate reconciliation and complete reporting over speed in tax compliance.
Gurugram Deputy Commissioner has issued a stern warning to government employees. Attempts to influence transfers and postings through public representatives or senior officers are prohibited. Such actions violate conduct rules and will lead to disciplinary action. Employees must use official channels for all service-related matters. This directive aims to uphold administrative discipline and fairness.
Most people do not underinvest because they are unaware of the reality or are careless. They underinvest because nobody showed them the future cost of their own goals & without these answers, an SIP remains a habit with hope attached to it.
Muthoot Mcred posts 88% rise in PAT in FY26
Net profit for the quarter stood at 62.97 crore as against 19.52 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year
How long will it take to build Rs 2 crore with a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP?
RBI announces underwriting auction results for three government securities
Primary dealers underwrite 21,000 crore through additional competitive underwriting on May 22, 2026
Struggling with retirement calculations? These 4 rules can help you estimate the future corpus
Compounding and discounting are key personal finance concepts that help investors understand wealth creation and the present value of future money. The article explains the Rules of 72, 114, 144 and 70, highlighting how investments grow over time, how inflation erodes purchasing power, and why time value plays a critical role in financial planning.
Gold prices experienced a slight dip across major jewellery brands on Friday, May 22, 2026. The IBJA also reported a marginal fall in gold prices for various purities. However, the IBJA noted an increase in the price of 999 purity silver.
Over 62,000 defence civilian employees are hopeful of retaining their central government employee status following a cabinet secretary's assurance. This status offers job protection, better benefits, and pay revisions, including those from the 8th Pay Commission, compared to PSU employment. The government had previously assured this in court but a formal notification is awaited.
India-focused offshore equity funds and ETFs struggle in 1 year. Check bottom 5 performers
India-focused offshore funds and ETFs underperformed the MSCI India USD Index over the past year, with mid and smallcap exposure dragging returns lower. Several funds posted losses exceeding 20% amid market volatility.
Aditya Birla Capital plans to use 3,500 cr to drive business growth
The company will seek shareholders' approval for the fundraise at its extraordinary general meeting scheduled on June 12, 2026
National Pension System subscribers will soon experience quicker grievance resolution. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority is proposing significant cuts to complaint handling times.
Looking for smallcap mutual funds? Here are the top 4 picks for May 2026
Top-performing smallcap funds delivering strong returns amid sustained market momentum.
Understanding digital asset savings products: How idle crypto holdings can be utilised
Investors are now looking beyond trading digital assets. New savings products allow users to earn returns on crypto holdings that would otherwise sit idle. These offerings cater to long-term holders and stablecoin users seeking better portfolio efficiency. Platforms like CoinEx provide flexible and fixed-term options.
Time to buy rupee assets? DSP Mutual Fund lists 5 reasons favouring Indian equities and bonds
DSP Mutual Fund has urged investors to allocate towards rupee-denominated assets despite concerns over crude oil prices, currency weakness and foreign outflows. The fund house cited undervalued REER levels, narrowing India-US inflation differentials, resilient external sector buffers, attractive largecap valuations and cyclical forex trends as key reasons favouring Indian equities and bonds.
New central government labour code rules offer a creche allowance of at least Rs 500 per month per child for two children. This benefit applies to employees with children under six years old if their company does not provide a creche facility. The allowance is taxable. These rules are effective from May 8, 2026, and apply to specific establishments.
Key factors for choosing orkmens compensation policy
Choosing the right workmen's compensation policy is crucial for protecting your employees and business. It involves understanding your specific risks, ensuring comprehensive coverage beyond statutory limits, and considering inclusions for contract workers. Prioritize value over the cheapest option, focusing on claim settlement efficiency and insurer reliability for long-term business resilience.
The winning asset class not only outperformed the other asset classes in the long run but also beat inflation 7-9%. Among the asset classes, Indian equities have emerged as the clear winner in the long run. According to FundsIndias Wealth Conversations Report May 2026 report, Nifty 50 TRI beat inflation by 7-9% on average.
Mufin Green Finance shares rise on strong FY26 results; AUM nearly doubles
At 11.59 AM, the stock was at 122.75, up 0.71% from its previous close of 121.89, with buy orders dominating at 70.41% of total quantity traded
The Eighth Central Pay Commission will visit Lucknow on June 22 and 23, 2026. Central government organisations, institutions, unions, and associations in Uttar Pradesh can request appointments.
Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund suspends subscription of units in its retirement fund
Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund has suspended fresh investments in Franklin India Retirement Fund from May 20, following Sebis move to discontinue solution-oriented mutual fund schemes. The temporary halt covers lump sum investments, SIPs, STPs and switches, while the industry transitions towards new life cycle fund structures with dynamic asset allocation strategies.
RBI intervened to shore up rupee, traders say
The rupee jumped following the intervention, rising to a peak of 95.99 per US dollar, up from its intra-day low of 96.30 hit in early trading
Govt to off load up to 8% in Central Bank; bid for non-retail begins today
Stock falls over 5% after OFS announcement at discount to market price; Government may raise over 2,244 crore at floor price of 31 per share
Amid global uncertainty, Sundaram Mutual Fund's Anand Radhakrishnan advises investors to stay disciplined. First-time investors should begin with balanced funds and short-duration debt. Gradually increase equity exposure and rebalance portfolios periodically. Avoid emotional decisions and maintain diversification across asset classes and geographies. Crude oil prices are a key variable to watch over the next six to twelve months.
Best corporate bond mutual funds to invest in May 2026
Investors can consider corporate bond funds for near-term and three-year goals. These funds invest in high-rated company papers, offering relative safety. Safety and interest rates are key factors. HDFC Corporate Bond Fund, Aditya Birla Sun Life Corporate Bond Fund, ICICI Prudential Corporate Bond Fund, and Sundaram Corporate Bond Fund are recommended for May 2026. Continue existing investments in these schemes.
