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PPF: Can a Public Provident Fund account be closed prematurely?
While the PPF carries a mandatory 15-year lock-in, accounts can be closed after five full financial years, but only under specific circumstances
From pension disbursal system to auto settlement, how EPFO 3.0 reforms have improved user experience
EPFO 3.0 represents a comprehensive digital overhaul of the retirement fund's IT infrastructure, with full implementation expected by mid-2026
Govt to raise gas supply to fertiliser units, industries to 90% from April
The move aims to stabilise production amid global supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions
Govt to release remaining 17,500 crore LPG compensation to OMCs in FY27
The sector has been under pressure due to rising global LPG prices, with under-recoveries crossing 41,000 crore in FY25.
India resumes energy trade with Iran after seven years
Development comes after US un-sanctioned Iranian crude oil amid intensifying West Asia war
Indias pharma exports grow 5.6% to $28 billion in AprilFebruary FY26
However, the final FY26 numbers hinge on March shipments, which have been affected by disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict
LPG tankers from Iran, Saudi Arabia unload cargo at New Mangalore Port
Tanker Aurora is discharging over 43,000 tonnes of Iranian LPG, while other vessels from Saudi Arabia and additional shipments are scheduled in t
Govt says fuel supplies sufficient despite war disruption, avoid panic buying
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas says government taking proactive steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products, cooking
India buys oil from Iran for first time in 7 years with no payment issues
India had stopped oil buys from Tehran since May 2019 following US pressure
The Staff Side of the NC JCM has urged the 8th Pay Commission to improve the memorandum submission process, among other demands. List of all nine
Indias pharma exports cross $28 bn till Feb, grow over 5%
Exports from April to February FY26 reached $28.29 billion, marking a 5.6% increase from FY25, driven by formulations, biologicals, vaccines, and
He emphasised building national capabilities to realise the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, while lauding inclusive growth, representative politics,
EU-India FTA may boost India's competitiveness in some sectors: EY report
The report highlights that the recently announced EU-India FTA could have mixed sectoral implications for European industries while creating comp
The rise of natural honey in India: A shift from mass production to purity
Choosing natural honey, especially varieties from traditional Indian farming, supports a more authentic and scientifically sound approach to heal
Adani Ports to handle 1 billion tonne of cargo by 2030: Gautam Adani
The group is moving towards a three-layer structure aimed at flattening hierarchies and pushing decision-making closer to operations
Basmati exporters seek relief as shipping lines levy charges amid disruption due to war
The industry body contends that shipping lines cannot legally impose charges for delays resulting from their own operational decisions or externa
Indias 2026-27 peanut output may rise 3% on higher area
USDA New Delhis Post says farmers may prefer to plant the oilseed on better realisation, stable demand
West Asia conflict hits Surat textile hub hard as input costs rise; operational days cut down
The South Gujarat Textile Processors Association has decided to limit the operational days of units to five days a week instead of seven in a bid
Srinagar Airport curbs hours amid upgrade, tourism stakeholders flag concerns
At present, around 60 flight movements operate daily between 8 am and 10 pm, and the revised schedule will compress operations into a shorter win
Domestic airfares jump 44% despite govt relief measures
Cleartrip, Wego data show sustained rise; capacity constraints and costs keep fares elevated
Average time for issuing IT refunds hits three-year high in FY26
A Parliamentary panel has now recommended deploying AI-driven risk-scoring systems to streamline processing and ensure faster refunds for genuine
ITR filing for AY 2026-27: Don't miss these crucial changes in Form 1
The government has updated Income Tax Return forms for Financial Year 2025-26, effective 1 April 2026. Here are the key changes and how to avoid
Zuaris SPE division achieves highest-ever sugarcane crushing in FY26
The growth was driven by higher cane availability, improved operational efficiency, and stronger farmer engagement
Form 121 replaces Form 15H, which is filed by senior citizens, as well as Form 15G, which is filed by individuals below the age of 60. Here's a d
RoSCTL, RoDTEP extension will boost export competitiveness: Ranjeet Mehta
RoSCTL and RoDTEP reduce embedded taxes, enabling exporters to offer more competitive prices globally, adding that the schemes are critical in a
Storage in Indias key reservoirs drops to 47%
Water level in three regions drops below 50% of capacity, with southern regions lower than a year ago
Can your Swiggy food delivery and Instamart orders sponsor your next stay at a Marriott hotel?
Marriott Bonvoy has partnered with Swiggy, enabling members to earn MB points on Swiggy transactions like ordering food delivery, groceries, and
India, South Korea sign pact to boost skill development in shipbuilding
The collaboration aims to create a globally competitive shipbuilding ecosystem and strengthen Indias position in the maritime sector.
Sagarmala boost: Govt clears key connectivity project at Deendayal Port
The project, aligned with the Sagarmala Programme and PM Gati Shakti plan, aims to enhance multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency.
TDS, TCS new rules: Forms 138 and 140 replace old Forms 24Q and 26Q here's all you need to know
The government has introduced new Forms 138 and 140 for TDS reporting, replacing the old Forms 24Q and 26Q. Here's all you need to know.
French-owned container ship exits Hormuz in first since war
European states, including France, are making initial diplomatic efforts to ease the crisis, but so far no progress has been reported
West Asia conflict: Govt commends Maharashtra, AP, UP for swift action on LPG black marketing
States were also advised to maintain strict vigilance against hoarding, diversion, and the spread of misinformation that could trigger unnecessar
Iranian crude oil taker shifts course from India to China
Issues with payments, shipping and insurance push the first Iranian oil delivery to India since 2019 to skip Vadinar, Gujarat
Charter companies call aviation turbine fuel price hike discriminatory, ask govt for a review
Association urges civil aviation minister to ensure that any pricing dispensation is applied in a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory manne
Indian export rates steady amid muted demand, Vietnamese and Thai rates edge up
Indias 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted this week at $341 to $348 per metric ton, unchanged from last week
Bank of Baroda chief economist Madan Sabnavis states a recession (negative GDP growth for two quarters) is unlikely. Even in a worst-case scenari
Civil aviation ministry puts on hold free 60% seat rule for airlines
The decision comes after airlines raised concerns over operational challenges and potential impact on fare structures
Amid summer rush, Lufthansa adds flights to India
The airlines will operate fiveextra flights per week from Frankfurt to Chennai, Delhi and Hyderabad
Air Indias Amravati flying school set to train 180 commercial pilots
The airlines also plans to train over 5,000 pilots over the next decade
USDAs Foreign Agriculture Service New Delhi Post projects soyameal exports to rise 13% on strong European demand
Growing digital arrest scams use fake police and court threats to coerce citizens into transferring large sums, highlighting the urgent need for
Govt considers more support for exporters as West Asia tensions drive up freight costs
The government has already announced measures to help exporters tackle the impact of the West Asia crisis, and some more decisions are on the anv
West Asia conflict erodes Qatars share in Indias LNG imports to record low in March
In January 2026, Qatar supplied around 1 mt of LNG, accounting for roughly 41 % of total imports; this fell sharply to just 0.06 mt (about 3% sha
Mappls app to show authorised Aadhaar centres across India
The initiative will allow users to locate service centres based on specific needs, ensuring easier access to enrolment and update services across
South-East Asias agri-tech sector holds $90 billion opportunity, says report
India shows the way to help unlock the opportunity, says the study by Omnivore, Beanstalk AgTech and Briter
FinMin says indirect tax collection exceeds FY26 RE, cautious about FY27
Given the various economic scenarios and the series of tax concessions recently announced, the ministry plans to conduct a fresh assessment to ca
India seeks preferential market access over competitors as part of US trade deal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal asserts India remains in a sweet spot for trade with US; bilateral pacts with the UK, Oman and New Zealand on trac
ICF sets new production record, rolls out 3,405 coaches in FY26
The milestone includes the rollout of the 80,000th coach since inception, marking a global record
Sree Sai Roller Flour Mills enters health foods segment with protein-rich multigrain atta
It is engineered to bridge the gap between traditional diets and functional wellness
India procures 6% more rice from farmers in 2025-26 kharif marketing season
Purchases rebounded in March by 10X, after declining by 17 per cent in February
West Asia crisis: Govt exempts import duty on key petrochemical products till June
The emporary and targeted relief will cost the exchequer about 1,800 crore, but help ensure price stability, continuity in production and supply
India agrees to longer WTO e-commerce moratorium, opposes plurilateral push without safeguards
New Delhi wants e-commerce duty moratorium to be co-terminus and align with the TRIPS non-violations complaint, says Commerce Minister
Income tax portal revamp: 7 key links every taxpayer must check now
Income tax portal revamp introduces new forms, integrated payment module and essential quick links, helping taxpayers in the nation navigate tax
PAN card application rules changed from 1 April: List of documents you must submit now
The government introduced new PAN application rules from 1 April, mandating additional documentation and updated forms. Here's everything you nee
Govt to forego 1,800 cr in revenue after ending petchem import tax, source says
The import tax exemption on 40 products is valid until June 30
Hormuz crisis chokes shipping, sends freight rates soaring fivefold
Prior to the crisis, around 150 vessels transited the strait daily; that number has now dropped to just four or five
Historical EPF interest rates in India highlight periods of high 12% returns and current 8-8.5% levels, helping subscribers evaluate fund perform
Govt employees must complete iGOT training annually for performance review
The move is part of a broader push towards competency-based capacity building, aligning roles, skills, and continuous learning across government
IARI director bags Swaminathan award
The award, which includes a gold medal, a citation and 2 lakh in cash, will be conferred on Rao on April 18 in Hyderabad
India may cut import duties, regulate exports to ensure domestic supply
Big change in gratuity rules: Eligibility cut to 1 year of service from 5 years but theres a catch
The new labour codes allow gratuity eligibility after one year of service, down from five. Effective from 21 November 2025, this applies only to
India to replace 10% conventional fertilisers with Nano products in 3-4 yrs, says IFFCO MD Patel
Patel also said that IFFCO continues to lead the transformation of Indian agriculture through cutting-edge solutions such as nano fertilisers, bi
Tea Board plans shifting auctions to cloud-based platform, industry voices concern
The Board has engaged Kolkata-based Tradeforge Technologies Pvt Ltd to develop and operate a web-based tea auction platform under a Build, Own &
Market shifts: Where smart money is flowing in volatile markets now.
While experts give guidance on investments, we look at investment instruments attracting inflows.
Scindia sets one-week deadline for postal pension integration with SAMPANN
The government is also expanding the digital pension platform to states and PSUs, aiming to streamline pension disbursement and improve efficienc
Bihar targets 20,000 aquaculture units under BAIP
They will come up over a period of 45 months and will challenge problems of low productivity, fragmented production
India's sugar production rises 9% to 272.31 lakh tons, as on March 31, 2026: ISMA
The data by ISMA shows that while production has increased, the number of operational mills has declined, with 56 factories currently operational
India's GDP may come down to 6.5% in FY27, if crude remains at $100: CareEdge
As crude prices increase further, growth is projected to slow progressively. At $110 per barrel, growth could decline to 6.1 per cent, while at $
Govt exceeds FY26 indirect tax collection estimates of 15.52 lakh cr
Without giving actual figures, the official said that revenues from customs duty came in at 102 per cent of RE, while in case of excise duty it w
FMCG firms eye 3-4% price hikes in Q1 FY27 amid rising input costs: Nuvama
The report forecasts price hikes of at least 3 to 4% in Q1FY27 if the current inflation in raw materials persists
UPI hits record high in March 2026: 5 tips to stay protected during digital transactions
UPI transactions hit a record high in March 2026, underscoring the rapid growth of digital payments. This reinforces the importance of following
PMI manufacturing dipped to 45 months low of 53.9 in March
Two largest sub-components of the PMI, new orders and output, rose at the slowest rates since mid-2022
Stock market turbulence: Why US-Iran war is a wake-up call for diversification, asset allocation
Market turbulence of this nature is not just about losses; its a wake-up call. Investors who once ignored diversification are now actively search
Why your credit card is not a tool for investing or debt repayment
Credit cards promise ease and rewards, but RBI rules draw sharp lines on their use. From travel and gadgets to rent, insurance and investing, her
Rising inflation, rising credit demand: Can AI manage the risk?
Rising inflation is increasing reliance on credit. AI is helping lenders spot risk early and manage it better.
India, Russia step up high-level engagement as Deputy PM Manturov visits amid West Asia tensions
Focus on trade, improving market access, mutual settlement of payments, logistics resilience and new investment projects
CBIC waives full customs duty on critical petrochemical products
Exemption to benefit sectors dependent on petrochemical feedstock and intermediates, including plastics, packaging, textiles, pharmaceuticals, ch
Own a home with the right payment plan
Before you fall for the affordable home pitch, understand how the 20:80 subvention scheme for under-construction projects works.
Indian Railways sees rise in revenue, freight, and passenger numbers in FY26
Freight operations also reached a record 1670 million tonnes, supported by higher demand and improved efficiency.
Strait of Hormuz crisis: 23 ships attacked, 1,900 stranded, traffic falls from 130 to 6: Navy Chief
Addressing the Naval Investiture Ceremony 2026, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi stated that the seas are no longer secondary theatres where continental
RBI may keep repo rate unchanged as inflation risks persist
Economists expect the central bank to maintain a neutral stance, with limited pass-through of fuel costs to inflation for now, while closely moni
NHAI exceeds FY26 highway construction target by 15%
Capital expenditure surpasses budgetary support with additional funding from internal resources
`This may have a direct bearing on production costs, supply chains, and export competitiveness of the pharmaceutical sector
Law stalls shift to high-density walnut farming in Jammu & Kashmir
Traditional walnut trees take 10 to 13 years to begin fruiting and require large tracts of land, limiting returns for small growers
SEZ domestic sale concession draws mixed response with concerns over inadequate relief
Time-bound concessional DTA sales seen as positive step, but low duty cuts and conditions may limit gains
MoD fully utilises capital outlay of 1.86 lakh cr for FY 2025-26
The overall utilisation of defence budget, including MoD(civil), and pension, during the FY 2025-26 stands at 99.62 per cent against final alloca
Indian govt to ensure no shortage of agriculture inputs during kharif season
Priority allocation of LPG/PNG has been ensured for maize seed drying through uninterrupted fuel supply; availability of hybrid maize seeds will
DA hike pushed to April: Here's how it could affect central govt salaries and pensions
Once the dearness allowance (DA) is announced, the increased salary would be transferred to the accounts of central government employees with eff
USTR flags barriers as US trade deficit with India widens 27% in 2025
NTE report cites high tariffs, NTBs, data rules and regulatory unpredictability
Uttar Pradesh sugar output down 13% in March but Indias output up 9% for the season
According to NFCSF data, there was 3 per cent drop, each during January and February, but the fall has widened to 13 per cent in March in Uttar P
