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A recent Kerala High Court ruling highlights a crucial distinction: a joint Will allows the surviving spouse to alter beneficiaries, unlike a joint mutual Will. This case underscores the need for explicit clarity in estate planning documents to prevent future disputes and ensure intentions are legally binding after the first spouse's death.
Post-discharge bills: What insurance wont cover
Home nursing, physiotherapy, oxygen supporthealth insurance can cover these for 60-180 days after discharge, with conditions. The rest of the bill youll need to clear yourself. Heres how to plan for it.
Gold ETFs changing: 5 key shifts investors must know
As HDFC Gold ETF makes provision for taking exposure via gold futures, concerns emerge about precious metal funds stepping away from holding physical gold. As per rules, every gold ETF must maintain 95% allocation to gold and related instruments. In June 2024, Sebi allowed gold-backed exchange-traded commodity derivatives (ETCDs), or gold futures contracts, to be counted towards this mandatory allocation.
HNIs shift to bonds for stability as yields rise
Even as this volatility spills over into equity markets, high net worth individuals (HNIs) and ultra HNIs (UHNIs) are not pulling back sharply. Instead, they are holding on to existing equity positions while steadily channelling fresh allocations into fixed income to bring stability to their portfolios.
Gold price mystery: Who really calls the shots?
Treat gold strictly as insurance, not as a trade on geopolitical drama. The price of your insurance is set by central banks and finance ministries whose decisions you will never see coming. You are a passenger. Act like one. Keep the allocation small and build your wealth in assets that work for you without requiring you to guess foreign governments intentions.
USD Vs INR: 5 tools at RBIs uses to check rupee slide
The RBI can also ramp up direct market intervention. With forex reserves of about $700 billion, it has room to sell dollars and buy rupees to curb volatility. To avoid tightening liquidity too much, the central bank can offset the impact through bond purchases.
Insurance misselling: Bandhan Life CEO busts myth
Satishwar B., MD and CEO, Bandhan Life Insurance, discusses the Public Insurance Registry, Bima Sugam, misselling and commissions, in a conversation with Riju Mehta. He says if a customer has multiple insurance policies, the PIR will show all the policies he holds and the total cover he has. This enables us to understand, especially at the onboarding stage, the type of insurance he has and what he needs.
Insurance Ombudsman backlog jumps 58%
The Insurance Ombudsman serves as a guardian of trust for the industry and has resolved thousands of disputes for policyholders. But a growing backlog, inaccessible precedents, and inconsistent reporting are structural gaps that reforms can address.
Add-on credit cards: Family hack or risk?
An add-on credit card is issued against an existing primary credit card account. The primary cardholder remains the account owner and the sanctioned credit limit holder. The secondary user receives a separate physical card, usually with a different card number and PIN, but all transactions are billed to the same account.
6 things the elderly can do to overcome frugality
The young spend because they are optimistic and fearless about the future. We freeze at the idea of letting go because we worry about the rainy day. We know that we are so much better off and dont have to worry about the future. Yet, we dont know how to spend and indulge with a carefree heart that is not anxious.
Dark patterns hit over 80% users on insurance sites
From 1 July, stricter norms issued by the Reserve Bank of India will come into force against banks mis-selling of financial products, including insurance. As per a study by LocalCircles, people buying insurance policies via online platforms are increasingly experiencing dark patterns.
Large vs mid vs small vs micro cap: 10-year history
Welcome to TrendMap, your guide to the performance of different investment segments. No single segment always leads. In this edition, we present a 10-year equity performance tracker, ranking annual returns across market-cap segments. Early 2026 is marked by weak momentum and broad consolidation due to geopolitical instability. By Sameer Bhardwaj.
4 new ITR disclosures for taxpayers in FY 25-26
Indias tax department has rolled out updated ITR forms for FY 202526, introducing tighter disclosure norms while keeping the overall structure unchanged. The changes focus on greater transparencyespecially around political donations, F&O trading, and digital paymentswhile adding minor conveniences like a secondary address field.
7 things you should know about reverse mortgage
If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 97th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains what this loan product means.
Outstanding bank loans against shares hit 9-month high
Analysts and industry players underscore varied borrowing attitudes, structural factors and policy tailwinds as factors contributing to increased lending
Economists see RBI holding rates in April policy review on inflation fears amid West Asia crisis
MUMBAI, Apr 5: The Reserve Bank is likely to keep the benchmark policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent in the April monetary policy review meeting, as the West Asia crisis is likely to push up inflation, according to economists. The continuing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, volatility in commodity prices and sharp currency movement that have seen the rupee hit record lows have complicated the policy outlook, and its projections on growth, inflation and also the stance of [] The post Economists see RBI holding rates in April policy review on inflation fears amid West Asia crisis appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
IndusInd Bank deposits and advances contract in Q4FY26
Total deposits stood at 4,00,178 crore as of March 31, 2026, down 2.6 per cent year-on-year from 4,10,862 crore, reflecting moderation in liability growth amid a competitive environment.
ESAF SFB Q4 deposits rise 11% y-o-y
Total deposits increased 11.05% year-on-year to 25,850 crore as of March 31, 2026, indicating continued customer accretion and improved deposit mobilisation across segments
Utkarsh SFB sees marginal deposit growth, strong disbursement shift in Q4FY26
The CASA ratio stood at 24% during the quarter under review compared to 21.8% in the year-ago period
IIFCL to double InvITs exposure to 6,000 cr this fiscal
IIFCL has an exposure of 3,000 crore across nine InvITs as of March 31, 2026
HDFC Defence Fund among 13 equity MFs that delivered over 4% returns last week. Check top 5
Of the 614 funds analysed, 576 posted positive returns, one remained flat, and 37 delivered negative returns.
RBI expected to hold rates steady in first policy since West Asia conflict: SBI Report
The report noted that the war has plunged the entire world into chaos, with disruptions in global energy markets emerging as a key concern
Employees can now claim earned leave after just 180 days of work, a significant reduction from previous norms. The new labour code also introduces annual encashment of unused leaves, providing a monetary benefit for those in roles where taking time off is challenging. These enhanced benefits, however, do not apply to managerial or supervisory staff earning over Rs 18,000 monthly.
Bank credit, deposits grow across lenders; BoB crosses 30 lakh crore milestone
Public sector banks also showed steady momentum, with Bank of Baroda crossing the 30 lakh crore global business milestone, while Punjab National Bank and Union Bank of India recorded moderate growth in deposits and advances
Loan growth outpaces deposit for IDBI Bank, Kotak, AU SFB in Q4
Loan growth for IDBI Bank stands at 16%, Kotak Mahindra Bank at 16.2% and AU Small Finance Bank at 25.1%
Bandhan Bank's loans, advances rise 12.6% in Q4 FY26
Total deposits rise 10% on-year to 1,66,344 crore in Q4 FY26
HDFC Bank reports 12% credit growth, deposits rise 14.4% in March quarter
However, the quarter was overshadowed by governance concerns after the abrupt resignation of part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty, who stepped down mid-term citing ethical issues.
Gold prices are under scrutiny as major jewellers like Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas show minor variations in 22K and 24K rates for April 4, 2026. Experts suggest the current decline is a tactical correction within a broader uptrend, influenced by profit-booking and a strengthening US dollar.
RBI revises rules for Floating Rate Savings Bonds 2020: Key changes investors should know
The Reserve Bank of India has released updated operational guidelines for its Floating Rate Savings Bonds, 2020 (Taxable), effective immediately. These revised rules, issued on April 2, 2026, aim to enhance investor services and streamline processes, including digital facilities for applications and account management.
Bank of Barodas global biz crosses 30 lakh crore milestone
The public sector bank clocked a 12% yoy growth in global deposits and a 16.23% yoy growth in global advances in the fourth quarter (Q4FY26) ended March 31, 2026
Form 121: A new combined form, now replaces Forms 15G and 15H. This simplifies the process for individuals and senior citizens to declare income below taxable limits. Eligible taxpayers can now use this single form to avoid tax deduction at source on interest income. The revised form offers enhanced user experience with features like auto-population and real-time validations.
Midcap mutual funds have delivered strong returns over the past three years, with the top five schemes offering up to 25% annualised gains. Invesco India Mid Cap Fund leads the pack, followed closely by Nippon India and WhiteOak funds, while some laggards delivered significantly lower returns in the same period.
Dubai gold rates: Gold prices in Dubai are stable across major retailers today, April 4, 2026. Rates for 24K, 22K, and 18K gold are available from Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, and iGold. Malabar Gold's last update was April 3. The UAE dirham exchange rate to the Indian Rupee is provided. Information on duty-free gold allowances for travellers to India is also included.
Silver drags commodity ETFs down up to 15% in March. What next for investors?
Commodity ETFs declined up to 15% in March, led by sharp losses in silver ETFs amid rising oil prices, geopolitical tensions and tightening liquidity. Gold ETFs also fell as stronger dollar dynamics weighed on prices. The outlook now hinges on inflation trends, liquidity conditions and central bank actions globally.
Senior citizens can secure attractive fixed deposit rates for a three-year tenure, with small finance banks leading the pack by offering up to 8%. Public sector banks provide rates up to 6.8%, while private sector banks offer competitive options reaching 7.75%. These rates present a valuable opportunity for elderly investors seeking steady returns.
Meal card tax benefit: Do you get it under the new tax regime?
New Income-Tax Rules have clarified meal voucher benefits. The tax-free limit for employer-provided meal vouchers has increased to Rs 200 per meal. This benefit is now available under the new tax regime. The earlier restriction denying this benefit under the new regime has been removed. This change is effective from April 1, 2026.
Are you looking for the best mutual funds for SIPs in April? Here is help for conservative investors
ETMutualFunds outlines ready-made SIP portfolios for conservative investors across three investment brackets. The allocation blends large-cap and hybrid funds to balance risk and returns. Selected using in-house criteria like rolling returns and downside risk, these portfolios aim to simplify fund selection for investors seeking stable, long-term wealth creation.
PPF, SSY deposit: How much extra tax-free interest can you earn by depositing in PPF before April 5?
Even under the new tax regime, investing the maximum in PPF and SSY remains beneficial as both maturity and interest are tax-exempt. Depositing by April 5 annually maximizes interest earnings, as contributions made by this date earn interest for the entire financial year, significantly boosting maturity amounts.
Saturday bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed today on April 4, 2026?
Banks will be open on Saturday, April 4, 2026. This is the first Saturday of the month. Customers can visit branches today. Banks were closed earlier this week for Mahavir Jayanti, yearly account closings, and Good Friday. Further closures are scheduled for various festivals and holidays across different states in April 2026.
RBI introduces Benchmark Issuance Strategy for market borrowings for 9 States on pilot basis
The BIS strategy will involve issuing securities in specific benchmark tenor buckets as per the pre-announced calendar
IHCs 8,850 cr capital infusion in Sammaan Capital will power its growth for the next 5 years
We aspire to be amongst the top three (UL-NBFCs), which we used to be. So, we intend to go back there, says Chief Banga
US-based Lockton to make formal market entry in Indias reinsurance space this fiscal
From a scale perspective, the insurance broker serves over 1000 clients across sectors in the country, supported by a team of 241 associates, with plans to scale this to around 380 as it continues to grow
The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: Apr 03, 2026
The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: Apr 03, 2026
The Latest Fixed Deposit Interest Rates: Apr 03, 2026
The Latest Fixed Deposit Interest Rates: Apr 03, 2026
Punjab National Bank officers union flags mass transfers, seeks review
The union alleged the move was arbitrary, ignored existing policies, and impacted employee morale, including concerns over transfers close to retirement and lack of consideration for personal circumstances
Which mutual fund should you add for 15-year SIPs? Expert breaks down multicap vs factor funds
Investors planning 15-year SIPs often face a choice between actively managed multicap funds and factor-based index funds. While multicap funds like Nippon India offer research-driven flexibility, factor-based options such as Edelweiss Nifty 500 Momentum Quality 50 rely on systematic rules. Choosing depends on risk appetite, market understanding, and long-term goals.
Investing in debt mutual funds now? How rising yields may impact returns
One rule. No app. No spreadsheet. Follow this and save lakhs over time
RBI unveils 2.54 lakh crore state borrowing plan for April-June quarter
The central bank explains that the move toward a more structured strategy is part of a long-term effort to stabilise the market for state-level securities
NFO Alert: Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund launches Sapphire Equity Long-Short SIF
Franklin Templeton has launched Sapphire Equity Long-Short SIF, its first offering under the SIF framework. The fund uses a quantitative strategy with long and short positions across Nifty 500 stocks. Designed for high-risk investors, it aims to generate alpha through dynamic allocation and disciplined risk management across market cycles.
AIBEA seeks govt inquiry into issues raised in the resignation letter of HDFC Banks former Chairman
The Association has sought the governments intervention for assessing the governance, compliance, and risk management practices at Indias second-largest private sector bank
Equity mutual funds lose up to 14% in March. Check top 10 laggards
ICICI Pru Balanced Fund raises equity allocation to 5-year high
ICICI Prudential's Balanced Advantage Fund has increased its equity allocation to 61.9%, the highest in nearly five years, signaling increased comfort with market valuations after a recent sell-off. This dynamic strategy allows managers to adjust between equity and debt based on market conditions, aiming to benefit investors who prefer automated asset allocation.
Building a Rs 2-crore retirement corpus requires a strategic approach to combat inflation and market volatility. Experts recommend a systematic investment plan with annual increases, a gradual shift from equity to debt as retirement nears, and a bucket strategy for managing withdrawals. Avoiding premature exits during market downturns is crucial for long-term wealth preservation and growth.
Bank holiday today : Good Friday, April 3, 2026, sees many banks closed across India. However, banking operations continue as usual in states like Tripura, Rajasthan, and Assam. Customers needing branch services should verify local holiday schedules to avoid disruption.
Homebuyers need to know that tax benefits on home loans are linked to property ownership. Even if a wife is a co-borrower and pays EMIs, she cannot claim tax deductions without ownership rights. To avail these benefits, an individual must be both a co-owner and a co-borrower. Proof of ownership and loan repayment is crucial for tax authorities.
Fixed deposits are popular in India. However, Tax Deducted at Source on interest income reduces compounding growth. Forms 15G and 15H allow eligible individuals to declare no tax liability. This prevents TDS deductions, keeping interest invested. Over time, this can significantly boost maturity amounts. Submitting these forms annually is crucial for maximizing savings.
Emirates NBD Bank gets RBI nod to acquire up to 74% stake in RBL Bank
The provisions applicable to foreign banks operating in wholly owned subsidiary mode shall be applicable to the bank, except the requirement to have at least half of the directors attending board meetings to be independent directors shall not apply
TVS Venu Group acquires PGIM India Asset Management
In 2019, Prudential Global Investment Managers completed purchase of 50% stake held by its joint venture partner DHFL
The study indicates responsible borrowing behaviour, with an overall Fixed Obligation to Income Ratio (FOIR) of 18.7 per cent %, which is well within the 50 per cent % limit prescribed by the RBI.
IRDAI designates LIC, GIC Re, New India Assurance as D-SIIs for FY26
The regulator also directed insurers to assess compliance with dark pattern guidelines and strengthen governance and risk management, as part of broader efforts to improve transparency and oversight in the sector
Dubai remains a top destination for gold purchases, attracting global buyers with competitive rates and diverse designs. Today's gold prices in Dubai are under scrutiny due to ongoing global conflicts and market volatility. Indian travellers can bring duty-free gold jewellery, with specific limits for males and females. Beyond these allowances, customs duties apply to additional gold.
India trading ban rocks $149 billion-a-day offshore rupee market
The Reserve Bank of Indias restrictions on non-deliverable derivatives will impact major currency hubs like Singapore and London, where trading has grown to about twice the onshore market size
UPI records 22.64 billion transactions in March 2026, says Department of Financial Services
Transaction value rises to 29.53 lakh crore with 24 per cent year-on-year growth in volume
22k gold rate today: Gold prices saw a slight dip on April 2, 2026, bringing welcome news for shoppers. Leading brands like Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, and Joyalukkas reported lower rates for 22-karat gold.
Looking for mutual funds that beat their benchmarks in 3 years? Here are top 10
Quant Mutual Fund believes the current market situation presents a major buying chance. The fund house is increasing its investments in stocks, seeing attractive valuations. They are focusing on opportunities during market panic and euphoria. India is seen as a relative outlier amid global economic slowdown concerns.
Margins may fall 2030 bps below its current 3.1% forecast in FY27
Central government employee unions, under NC-JCM, have urged the 8th Pay Commission to expand its questionnaire. They seek to include provisions for reviewing NPS/UPS, restoring the Old Pension Scheme, addressing pensioners' and women employees' welfare, and extending submission deadlines and word limits for comprehensive feedback.
What is an OCI Card? Check benefits, eligibility, fees & step-by-step application guide
LLP or individual ownership? Tax rules for renting out commercial property explained
NFOs : 5 mutual funds and 1 SIF are open for subscription. Check dates and key details
Why RBI is clamping down on FX arbitrage
The rupee is expected to benefit from the measures as the unwinding of arbitrage positions would spark a bout of heavy dollar sales in the onshore market
REITs are for steady income. SM REITs are for higher returns. What should you go for?
Bank holiday today for Hanuman Jayanti 2026: Are banks open or closed today on April 2, 2026?
Bank customers are confused about operations on April 2, 2026. Banks are open nationwide for Hanuman Jayanti. Closures are limited to Keralam for Maundy Thursday. This information clarifies bank availability for the public. Many regional holidays affect bank schedules in April 2026.
Q4 Business Updates Live, April 02: Catch our live updates
Will EPF interest rate rise to 10%? Central government clarifies stance on rate hike and feasibility
The government has stated it has not received formal requests from labour unions to raise the Employees Provident Fund interest rate to 10%. The current EPF interest rate stands at 8.25%, last revised in FY 2022-23. The Labour and Employment Minister clarified the interest rate determination process.
Top 10 mutual funds to invest in April 2026
ETMutualFunds presents a curated list of ten top mutual fund schemes. These selections span five key equity categories, offering guidance for regular investors. The article emphasizes understanding fund categories and aligning choices with personal investment goals and risk tolerance. Investors are advised to consider their objectives and risk profile before investing.
Gold, silver ETFs slip up to 4% as Trump signals tougher action on Iran. Whats next for investors?
Silver and gold ETFs experienced significant drops of up to 4% on Thursday following U.S. President Trump's indication of continued military action in Iran. This geopolitical tension, coupled with rising crude oil prices and a stronger dollar, pressured precious metal prices on the MCX, with several ETFs seeing substantial declines.
Bought a flat but parking too small and far away? Homebuyer filed case but lost in RERA; heres why
A homeowner's plea for a better parking spot was dismissed by Punjab RERA. The complainant argued his allotted space was too small and far from his apartment. He also claimed unequal distribution of parking. RERA ruled against him, stating he accepted possession without protest and the builder followed approved plans. Certificates were issued.
Mutation and bank loan dont prove land ownership: Why HC denied ancestral land claim
The Andhra Pradesh High Court denied an ancestral land claim despite possession and mutation, emphasizing that revenue records like mutation and bank loans do not prove ownership. The court ruled that establishing lawful title through registered deeds or legally recognized documents is crucial, not just lineage or long-term possession.
Want regular and reliable income in retirement? Heres how G-Secs can help you
Government Securities (G-Secs) offer retirees a safe, predictable income, but a G-Sec-heavy strategy alone can be eroded by inflation. Experts advise a balanced approach, with allocation varying by retirement age. Bond laddering and selective diversification can enhance returns and manage risks effectively.
Axis Bank launches registered mobile number update journey via Aadhaar Face Authentication
This newly launched solution allows customers to update their registered mobile numbers digitally, anytime and anywhere, through a secure three step Aadhaar Face Authentication journey
RBI tightens rules governing FX derivatives to curb wild swings and depreciation of the Rupee
RBI tightens forex rules to stabilise plunging rupee amid volatility
India Incs credit quality in FY27 expected to be broadly stable but cautious: Rating agencies
Rating agencies flag moderation in credit ratios and rising geopolitical uncertainty overall
RBI says 98.45% of 2,000 notes returned since withdrawal
The total value in circulation has dropped sharply, though the notes continue to remain legal tender.
Karnataka Banks CASA deposits rise 10% in 2025-26, advances up 6.9%
Total deposits of the bank increased to 1,08,840.95 crore in 2025-26 from 1,04,807.49 crore in 2024-25, a growth of 3.8 per cent
The secret to true multibaggers: Somil Mehtas investing thesis for disciplined trading
