28 C 
HDFC Life aims to be top-2 player in all states, says MD & CEO Vibha Padalkar
Over 75% of policies now from tier II and III cities; August growth 70% as protection and retirement products gain traction
With no resolution to its demandfor 5-day banking, Banking unions to go ahead with 3-day strike
IBA informed that as demanded by the UFBU, the productivity linked incentive scheme for scale IV officers and above has been kept in abeyance as per Governments instructions
Irdai eases dividend repatriation rules for foreign-owned intermediaries
The insurance regulator has removed the requirement for prior approval to repatriate dividends by insurance intermediaries with majority foreign ownership
India Inc may step up corporate bond issuances before rate hike cycle kicks in
Companies may prefer mobilising funds at lower rates before borrowings costs go up
EPFO fund withdrawal rules for illness: How much EPF can you withdraw for medical treatment?
Eligible Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) members can withdraw up to 75% of their EPF balance for illness-related expenses after completing 12 months of EPF membership.
UPI vs debit vs credit cards: Will UPI payments with MDR charges still be cheapest? NPCI explains
After the MDR charge announcement on certain merchant UPI transactions, many UPI users are thinking whether they should shift from the UPI to a debit card or a credit card for daily transactions.
RBI absorbs 71,971 cr via overnight VRRR auction amid huge surplus liquidity
The central bank received bids worth 71,971 crore, which it accepted fully, for a notified amount of 75,000 crore, according to an official release.
8th Pay Commission: Pensioners seek 11-year restoration period of commuted pension, cite HC judgment
8th Pay Commission news: Bharat Pensioners' Samaj has urged the Centre and 8th Pay Commission to reduce the restoration period for commuted pension from 15 to 11 years. The demand follows the Himachal Pradesh High Courts September 16 judgment, which called for examination under changed actuarial conditions. BPS seeks a fresh actuarial review and reforms.
Five equity mutual funds delivered annualised SIP returns of over 19% over 10 years, led by Quant Small Cap at 24.2%. Nippon India Small Cap, Invesco India Mid Cap, Quant ELSS Tax Saver and Union Small Cap also posted strong returns.
Your house is worth Rs 2 crore, but are you really retirement ready?
While an expensive home is nothing less than an achievement, you must remember that the house in which you live produces no rent at all. Appreciation may increase your estate, but it does not pay this months grocery bill and the cost of that Sony PlayStation you wanted to gift to your grandchild. So, there are some questions that you need to ask for a well-planned retirement.
Want cheaper flights or easy lounge access? How Air Indias Maharaja Club points can help you
ICICI Prudential Life sees 69% growth in retail protection business in Keralam
ICICI Prudential Life has 31 branches and 20,008 advisors in Keralam
LIC said to lead bidding in NSEs $2.4 billion IPO
The state-owned insurer placed bids worth about 4,500 crore ($470 million), sources aware of the developments said
Helios Flexi Cap Fund reshuffled its portfolio in August, cutting exposure to HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries and other holdings while adding to Swiggy, Paytm and several other stocks. The fund also exited five stocks and added two new names. Its portfolio stood at 68 stocks across 26 sectors during the month.
PhonePe gets UAE nod as UPI monetisation kicks in
The approvals are for Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes and Stored Value Facilities. PhonePe must obtain final regulatory approvals to begin operations in the UAE
EPF wage ceiling at Rs 25,000: What it means for employees, employers and take-home pay
The Union Cabinet approved raising the EPF wage ceiling to Rs 25,000. This change impacts mandatory PF contributions for employers and employees. Actual PF contributions depend on an employee's defined wage structure. Employers must bear their increased PF share as a statutory cost. This enhancement aims to strengthen long-term retirement savings and social security.
The railway employees' new pension guidelines have been announced, slated for implementation in 2026. These provisions classify both death and disability incidents into four specific categories. Notably, Categories B and D are set to receive enhanced pension benefits under this framework. Additionally, the family pension rates differ considerably according to the deceased employee's category, with added protections against any delays in payments and supplementary allowances for caregivers.
Due to delay in getting delivery of the flat, homebuyer says he faced difficulties as he paid both home loan EMI and rent, TSRERA orders Rs 5.04 lakh compensation to homebuyer and also rejects debris charge imposition by builder.
Gold rate today: Lets have a look at the latest 22k gold rates at Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers and Tanishq in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Trivandrum and Bengaluru. Also see the updated indicative rates of 24k, 22k, 20k, 18k and 14k gold and 999-purity silver at the IBJA today.
Sunil Singhania-led Abakkus Mutual Fund announces launch of its SIF platform Fokkus
Abakkus Mutual Fund, led by Sunil Singhania, has received SEBI approval to launch its Specialised Investment Fund (SIF) platform under the brand name Fokkus. Approved on 28 August 2026, the platform will offer differentiated equity, debt, and hybrid investment strategies.
Employee with Rs 14.42 lakh salary pays Rs 4.53 lakh income tax in Belgium and asks for credit under the India-Belgium DTAA; Income Tax Dept denied it as no Form 67 was filed; ITAT Bangalore orders relief for him.
The Finance Ministry is advising bank employees to refrain from a planned three-day strike initiated by the United Forum of Bank Unions. In response, the Department of Financial Services has sought additional security from the Home Ministry.
PhonePe gets initial UAE central bank nod for payment licenses
UPI transaction charges: Check which payments can now attract a fee from October 2026
Tenant receives Rs 1.38 crore permanent alternate accommodation, gets Section 56(2)(x) tax notice; ITAT Mumbai gives relief; know why. This judgement was given by Vikram Singh Yadav, the Accountant Member along with Siddhartha Nautiyal, the Judicial Member of ITAT Mumbai.
Top 5 SIFs deliver over 15% return in 3 months, QSIF Equity Ex-Top 100 SIF leads
Top five Specialised Investment Funds delivered up to 15.21% returns over the three-month period from 1 June 2026 to 31 August 2026. According to data from SIF360, QSIF Equity Ex-Top 100 Long-Short Fund led performance across all SIF strategies, followed by QSIF Active Asset Allocator Long-Short Fund.
An insurer's attempt to deny a Rs 1 crore accidental death claim based on alleged income inflation backfired. The consumer commission ruled that insurers must prove deliberate misrepresentation, not just suspicion, influenced policy issuance. This landmark decision emphasizes the need for concrete evidence over mere allegations when repudiating claims.
HDFC Pharma and Healthcare Fund recorded an impressive 25% return in the last year, surpassing its category average across various time frames. The robust performance is primarily due to heightened demand for generic drugs and recent FDA approvals. Investors are advised to steer clear of merely chasing past successes and instead focus on a sustainable long-term strategy.
Motilal Oswal 5 buy picks: Initiates coverage on Pine Labs, upgrades one & names 3 more to buy now
Bitcoin retreats from eight-month high after dizzying 13% rally
Bitcoin pulled back to about $85,500 after a surge of 13% in four days, supported by broader risk-asset gains, ETF inflows, bullish options positioning, and corporate buying. Analysts debate whether momentum reflects renewed conviction or short covering. Despite improved sentiment, elevated oil prices, Treasury yields, and competition from AI investments remain significant headwinds.
8th Pay Commission news: The 8th Pay Commissions report submission and implementation timeline will determine employees arrears. For Level 68 employees, potential arrears depend on the fitment factor and implementation delay. A Level 8 employee may receive nearly Rs 18 lakh for a 24-month delay under a 2.57 fitment factor. However, these are estimates based on basic-pay increases, and actual arrears will depend on the notified recommendations.
RBI issuesDirections on minimum capital requirements for market risk under Basel III for banks
As per the Directions, abank hasthe option to exclude certain structural foreign currency investments from the calculation of Net Open Position(NOP), on both standalone and consolidated basis
Demand for five-day week for banks 'continues to be examined, says FinMin
Bank unions have given call for 3-day strike between September 28 and 30
Special FCNR (B) deposits final tally at $133 billion: RBI
With the special 85-day FCNR (B) deposit scheme ending on August 31, mobilisation by banks under OFCB route too has slowed
Retiring at 50, 58 or 60: How much EPS pension do you lose by retiring early?
EPS pension calculator: Employees Pension Scheme members can retire early from age fifty. Deferred retirement allows for increased pension amounts after age fifty-eight. An employee with twenty-five years of service and a pensionable salary of twenty-five thousand rupees receives a pension. Early retirement at age fifty reduces the monthly pension significantly. Deferring retirement by two years increases the monthly pension amount.
Earlier in October 2025, 13 types of partial withdrawal provisions were merged into one unified and simplified framework. Prior to the simplification of norms, an EPF member was allowed to withdraw only the employee contribution and interest ranging from 50-100%.
HDFC Securities says 98% of digital transactions insulated from UPI MDR
The brokers UPI transaction share is below 2%, much lower than wider broking industrys reliance on UPI
Large $127 billion foreign currency deposit mobilisation a 'shot in the arm' for Indian banks: S&P
S&P said the amount is equivalent to about 4.5% of the banking system's deposit base as of March 31, 2026
The PFRDA has unveiled comprehensive operational guidelines for the NPS Swasthya health cover. These guidelines specify minimum contributions, premium costs, and rules for partial withdrawals. NPS Swasthya supports family floater policies for subscribers, their spouses, and children.
ICICI Bank and Eternal among top 5 largecap stocks sold by mutual funds in August. Check details
Largecap stocks saw heavy mutual fund selling in August, with ICICI Bank, Infosys, Eternal, Tech Mahindra and PFC among the top five stocks by net outflows, according to Dolat Capital.
Edelweiss Financial Services to raise up to 300 cr via NCDs
The issue has 10 series of NCDs carrying fixed coupons and having a tenure of 24 months, 36 months, 60 months, and 120 months with annual, monthly and cumulative interest options
8th Pay Commission HRA calculation: Can Level 10 employees get Rs 57,000 monthly?
Missed ITR deadline and TDS refund is due? Know how to claim your refund before its too late
Missed the ITR filing deadline? Don't panic! You might still claim your TDS refund. Learn about filing belated returns, potential fees, interest, and the crucial condonation process if even that window has passed. Understand the implications for carry-forward losses and deductions. Avoid common mistakes to ensure your refund is processed smoothly.
Today, gold prices saw a minor drop among leading Indian jewellery retailers. Lets have a look at the latest 22k gold rates at Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers and Tanishq in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Trivandrum and Bengaluru. Also see the updated indicative rates of 24k, 22k, 20k, 18k and 14k gold and 999-purity silver at the IBJA today.
EPS pension calculator: Can your monthly pension reach 12,500 after the 25,000 wage ceiling hike?
Bitcoin ETFs swing positive as token holds jump above $81,000
The change in sentiment came at the end of a bruising week for digital assets that saw the failure of a landmark US crypto bill and the US Federal Reserves first interest-rate increase in more than three years.
A major disruption in banking services is anticipated as the United Forum of Bank Unions has announced a three-day strike at the end of September 2026. This action will halt operations in bank branches, resulting in an extended closure from September 26 to 30.
The BSE Sensex has experienced a notable drop, raising concerns among investors. Financial analysts recommend avoiding attempts to time the market and encourage maintaining systematic investment plans (SIPs). For those with a long-term outlook, gradually increasing equity allocations is advisable. Additionally, rebalancing portfolios during market corrections is an effective strategy for achieving target asset allocations. Flexi-cap and multi-cap funds may provide a level of stability for fresh investments.
SME IPOs returns in 2026: 21 became multibaggers, but investors also faced 50% losses: What to know
10 lakh investment in gold: Know how physical gold, ETFs & SGBs differ on returns, risk and tax
Bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed in your state today on September 21, 2026?
On September 21, 2026, banks in few states will be closed today in observance of the Janmotsav of Srimanta Sankardeva and the Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru. Meanwhile, banking operations will continue as normal in other parts of India.
Got rich going all-in? Wealth needs a new plan
People generally get rich because of concentration, relentless pursuit of one thing, and the confidence to go all-in when most others would hesitate. On the other hand, managing a large pool of existing wealth requires something diametrically opposite diversification, instead of concentration.
2 yrs, no new high: What should equity investors do?
Indian stock markets have languished with nearly two years of stagnant returns since late 2024. This lengthy phase of sideways trading serves as a necessary time correction rather than merely a decline in prices. Historical trends indicate that similar corrections have often extended much longer and deeper. Investors should exercise patience, persist with their SIP strategies, and recognize that moderating valuations and recovering earnings may herald promising future opportunities.
Gold loans are no longer just for emergencies
Manish Jain, Country Managing Director, Experian India, discusses the growing demand for gold loans, the lower risk of over-leveraging with enhanced regulation, and the future relevance of credit scores, in a conversation with Riju Mehta.
Ultravolt enters: Will cable margins take a hit?
UltraTech Cement's breakthrough venture, Ultravolt, is set to disrupt India's wires and cables sector, heightening concerns for existing giants like Polycab India and KEI Industries, who are already seeing their stock values dip. With ambitions to secure a top-two market position within five years through bold tactics, Ultravolt's entry will primarily affect the residential market. Yet, the long-term outlook for the industry remains positive due to ongoing structural demand.
Why stock-picking isnt for every retail investor
The internet and AI have made financial information more accessible than ever. However, access to information is not the same as acting upon it to your benefit. Professional fund management, meanwhile, puts a process between emotions and decisions.
Investing overseas? Watch your tech exposure
Many Indian investors mistakenly believe they diversify their portfolios by adding foreign countries. However, numerous global indices often revolve around similar technology narratives, particularly in semiconductors. To achieve real diversification, investors must grasp the fundamental earnings drivers. Exploring Europe and Japan can unveil distinct economic pathways, offering a refreshing contrast. A thorough assessment of concentration risks and market dynamics is vital when engaging in international investments.
Health insurance: Checking claim ratio isnt enough
The insurance advisory platform, Ditto Insurance, compares insurers on two key metrics: three-year average claim settlement ratio (by policy count) and number of complaints per 10,000 claims. Prospective buyers also need to take into account an insurers scale, track record, product portfolio and hospital network, among other factors.
UPI payments and benefits to household finances
The Anglo-Saxon economies of the US, United Kingdom and Australia show a reduction in household savings rates along with a growth in credit card usage, while European nations such as Germany, France and the Netherlands that encourage the use of debit cards over credit cardsreport a higher household savings rate.
Going global? Check markets with the highest returns
Welcome to TrendMap, your quick guide to investment performance. This edition tracks 10 years of global equity returns. Currency fluctuations impact the returns on foreign investments. To capture the real value from an Indian investors standpoint, these returns are adjusted to reflect their equivalent in Indian rupees. The key takeaway: no market dominatesdiversification matters. By Sameer Bhardwaj.
MDR on UPI: Impact on mutual fund investors decoded
The introduction of a 0.02% merchant discount rate will impact specific mutual fund and broking transaction payments. One-time investments in mutual funds and broker wallet replenishments will be subject to this fee, while recurring mutual fund SIPs via UPI AutoPay will remain exempt. Discount brokers engaging in high-value trades will experience the greatest repercussions from these modifications, and their clients could ultimately face increased costs.
Traders forum in Keralam to boycott UPI transactions on Oct 15
With profit margins remaining limited amid intense competition, the additional fee on every transaction would increase operating costs and worsen the crisis faced by the sector
Property insurance rates up as insurers cut discounts after Gujarat floods
Premium rates are hardening by nearly 25-30 per cent, mainly through a reduction in discounts, according to Bajaj General Insurance
Mutual fund NFOs: 2 new funds will open for subscription this week. Check dates and key details
Two new passive funds will open for subscription this week, including Zerodha Nifty Next 100 ETF and Motilal Oswal Nifty REITs & Realty Index Fund. The funds will have minimum investment amounts of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500, respectively.
International funds lead weekly returns; frontrunner delivers over 30%. Check top 5 performers
Equity mutual funds delivered mixed returns last week, with international funds dominating the top performers. Mirae Asset S&P 500 Top 50 ETF FoF led with a 32.47% return, while DSP World Mining Overseas Equity Omni FoF was among the biggest decliners.
Lupin and Radico among 5 midcap stocks sold by mutual funds in August
Mutual funds sold several midcap stocks in August, with Paytm recording the highest net selling at Rs 3,074 crore. Aster DM Healthcare, Meesho, Lenskart and Piramal Finance also featured among the top five stocks sold, according to Dolat Capital.
More than 150 companies have fixed record dates for dividends and stock splits between September 21 and September 25. IRCTC, BEML, Hindustan Copper, Cochin Shipyard and others feature among the stocks with corporate actions scheduled this week.
Seven equity mutual funds multiplied investors money by more than 12 times over 20 years, led by Nippon India Growth Mid Cap Fund at 21.2 times, according to a Wealth Conversations Report by FundsIndia
10 midcap stocks post highest quarterly profit in 10 quarters
Ten NSE midcap stocks recorded their highest quarterly net profits in the June 2026 quarter, with each surpassing its previous peak over the past 10 quarters, according to StockEdges profitability scan.
Income Tax Rules 2026 amended: CBDT revises Form 169, Form 171; extends these deadlines
The Central Board of Direct Taxes has rolled out significant amendments to income tax regulations for 2026, particularly affecting electronic communication and tax recovery processes. The deadlines for registering valuers and income tax professionals have been pushed back, allowing applicants until March 31, 2027, to finalize their registrations.
In a game-changing move for FASTag users, the newly launched 'OneTag' portability feature enables individuals to transition their issuer bank without losing their current physical tag. This innovative service mandates a fresh Know Your Customer verification to initiate the portability. Subsequent to the successful switch, the initial bank will deactivate the old wallet and refund any remaining balance.
Homebuyer caught between builder and housing society dispute over parking space and open area; Maharashtra Court protects buyers parking rights. Read the article to know how.
Gland Pharma and CAMS among 5 smallcap stocks sold by mutual funds in August
Gland Pharma, LIC Housing Finance, Gujarat Energy, CAMS and Amber Enterprises India saw the highest mutual fund selling among smallcap stocks in August, according to Dolat Capital.
Only two of 23 mutual fund themes, IPO and defence, gained in August as domestic equities faced broad-based pressure, according to Vallum Capital. Auto, railways and technology were among the biggest laggards, while equity fund inflows fell sharply. Commodities remained the strongest performer on a year-to-date basis despite a monthly decline.
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund files draft document with Sebi for income plus arbitrage omni FoF
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund has filed draft documents with Sebi for an income plus arbitrage omni FoF, which will invest in debt-oriented and arbitrage funds. The open-ended scheme will offer regular and direct plans with growth options, a Rs 500 minimum investment and a benchmark combining debt and arbitrage indices.
Gold rate today: Here are the latest 22k gold jewellery rates from Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers and Tanishq in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Trivandrum and Bengaluru. Also see the latest 24k, 22k, 20k, 18k and 14k gold prices and the 999-purity silver rate from the Indian Bullion & Jewellers Association (IBJA) today.
IIFL Finance and GMDC among top 5 smallcap stocks that saw highest mutual fund selling in August
Five smallcap stocks, including Himadri Speciality, GMDC and IIFL Finance, saw the highest net selling by mutual funds in August, according to Motilal Oswal Financial Services.
CGHS new rule: Central government employees outside CGHS areas can now opt for CGHS
The central government has made it easier for employees to access CGHS facilities without geographical limitations. This new directive allows serving employees situated outside of CGHS coverage areas to participate in the scheme, provided they fulfill all other eligibility criteria and pay the necessary contributions.
Saturday bank holiday: Are HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI open or closed today on September 19, 2026?
Several September holidays will cause regional bank branch closures. Many essential banking tasks still require a physical visit to the branch. Banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, in addition to Sundays and designated regional or national holidays.
8 changes in income tax audit forms for AY 2026-2027; what taxpayers need to know
For the assessment year 2026-2027, the deadline for income tax audits is set for September 30, 2026. Businesses utilizing presumptive taxation schemes should be aware that they may still need to undergo income tax audits, depending on their turnover. Significant updates to Form 3CD's reporting requirements have been implemented for this assessment year, which include new clauses concerning presumptive taxation, MSME payments, settlement expenditures, and share buybacks.
Are you maximising value from your credit card? Here's when rewards justify the fee
Don't be fooled by the flashy credit card rewards that might not deliver true value. Learn how to accurately assess your card's worth beyond its enticing rates. Discover the importance of examining annual fees, optimizing the perks you genuinely utilize, and avoiding extra expenses solely for rewards.
Banks, RBI set to gain 5.5 lakh crore from FCNR(B) deposits
SBI Research report estimates that the enhanced FCNR(B) liquidity could support nearly 25 lakh crore of additional credit in the banking system
India has borne nearly $45 million in interest payments on Maldives T-bill facility: MEA
These bills were subscribed by SBI since 2019 and were extended six times, each for a year, till now.
The Latest Fixed Deposit Interest Rates: Sep 18, 2026
The Latest Fixed Deposit Interest Rates: Sep 18, 2026
The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: Sep 18, 2026
The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: Sep 18, 2026
Bank of Maharashtra raises $500 million in global debt
The debt instrument received an overwhelming response from international investors, with the order book reaching nearly three times the issue size, said BoM in a statement
8th Pay Commission latest news: 8 demands from nursing staff in Chandigarh meeting
The Nurses Welfare Association engaged with the 8th Pay Commission officials to present crucial demands. They aim for an increase in starting salaries and better compensation for night shifts. Furthermore, the association is pushing for expanded insurance benefits and additional hardship allowances. A significant ask is the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme for nurses, alongside a request for Chandigarh city's category elevation.
ICICI Bank has successfully migrated its website and net banking services to the new .bank.in domain. Customers are advised to modify their bookmarks to ensure they access the official banking site. Please note that iMobile app services will be temporarily down for several hours on September 19, 2026. Rest assured, customer IDs and passwords will remain unchanged, and a newly introduced CAPTCHA feature aims to bolster net banking security.
