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Why are Indian investors increasingly choosing index funds over their 'cheaper cousin' ETFs?

Index funds are becoming increasingly popular among retail investors in the passive investing segment. Here's why Indian investors are choosing index funds over ETFs despite the latter being a cheaper option.

27 Aug 2026 11:14 pm
1.7 crore home loan, fall in income, educated wife yet 2 lakh monthly maintenance: Gurgaon court explains why

A wife sought 4 lakh per month as maintenance for herself and the children at the Gurgaon Family Court. She also asked for 7.5 lakh as litigation expenses. The husband claimed that his annual income had fallen to 36 lakh with other liabilities.

27 Aug 2026 10:59 pm
Are Zombie investments killing your wealth? Expert explains how to spot dead-weight stocks and MFs in your portfolio

Some stocks and mutual funds may remain in your portfolio despite prolonged underperformance. These zombie investments may no longer fit your strategy or goals. Here's how investors can spot warning signs and review whether such investments still deserve a place in their portfolio.

27 Aug 2026 10:23 pm
Gifting an SIP to your sister this Raksha Bandhan? Rules, tax traps and how to do it the right way

The simpler approach is to gift the money to your sister and allow her to invest it through an SIP from her own bank account.

27 Aug 2026 9:10 pm
EPF calculator: How a 30-year-old can build a retirement corpus of 4 crore with an annual interest rate of 8.25%

We used an EPF calculator to calculate how a 30-year-old can potentially accumulate over 4 crore for retirement by contributing 12% of a monthly salary of 80,000.

27 Aug 2026 8:53 pm
Passive funds: Kotak MF suggests where to put your money across market caps, commodities and sectors

Kotak Mutual Fund has highlighted passive investment opportunities amid market correction, spanning indices, commodities, sectors and themes. Heres what the fund house has suggested and how investors should approach this. 

27 Aug 2026 8:50 pm
Sovereign Gold Bonds for NRIs: Can they invest, hold existing SGBs and buy them from secondary market?

NRIs cannot make fresh investments in Sovereign Gold Bonds but can continue holding SGBs bought while they were residents. They can invest in physical gold, gold mutual funds, e-gold and Gold ETFs, subject to applicable rules.

27 Aug 2026 8:16 pm
Attention GST-registered taxpayers: Know right ITR form, turnover reconciliation and key checks for AY 2026-27

GST-registered taxpayers filing ITRs for AY 2026-27 need to choose the right form and ensure their turnover and income figures align with GST records. Heres what you need to know about ITR-3 vs ITR-4, turnover reconciliation, GST treatment, and common filing mistakes.

27 Aug 2026 7:52 pm
Using your EPF to pay off a home loan? Eligibility, online withdrawal process and trade-offs explained

For employees with a substantial home loan, tapping into a portion of their EPF corpus may appear to be a useful option. The money can be used to reduce the outstanding loan, cut the overall interest burden and potentially ease monthly financial pressure.

27 Aug 2026 7:10 pm
India Ratings lifts bank credit growth forecast, but warns of margin pressures

India Ratings maintained a neutral outlook on the banking sector, saying the latest 19.3% credit growth is being driven largely by lower-yielding corporate and NBFC loans rather than a broad-based acceleration in lending.

27 Aug 2026 6:37 pm
NPS asset classes explained: How can you allocate your retirement savings under active and auto choice?

NPS offers four asset classes and two investment options. While Active Choice lets you decide how your money is allocated, Auto Choice adjusts the allocation based on your age. Heres what you need to know about the available asset classes and allocation limits.

27 Aug 2026 6:22 pm
Have EPF through your job? Heres why investing in NPS too could help young investors build retirement wealth

Young salaried investors with EPF may still consider NPS to add market-linked growth and diversify their retirement savings. Experts say starting early can help, but investors should build an emergency fund before significantly increasing NPS contributions.

27 Aug 2026 5:22 pm
Is MTF a good product for customers? Zerodha's Nithin Kamath says it isn't suitable for most of them: Here's why

Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath has raised concerns over the rapid growth of its MTF business, which now stands at 9,000 crore. While the facility boosts buying power, Kamath says it may not suit most investors and could pose risks if markets fall sharply.

27 Aug 2026 5:14 pm
PM Jan Dhan Yojana turns 12 with 59 crore accounts, 3.17 trillion in deposits

PMJDY accounts come with no minimum balance requirement or maintenance charges. Account holders are provided a RuPay debit card carrying an accident insurance cover of 2 lakh and are eligible for an overdraft facility of up to 10,000.

27 Aug 2026 4:54 pm
Indias media and entertainment industry set to grow to $36.7 billion by 2030

India's entertainment and media market is projected to grow from $25.7 billion in 2025 to $36.7 billion by 2030, driven by digital ecosystems and technology. Key areas include internet advertising and OTT, with new monetization models enhancing revenue potential across traditional and digital media.

27 Aug 2026 4:37 pm
When borders blur: Inheritance challenges in NRI marriages

A single estate may be subject to different legal regimes, resulting in succession complexities.

27 Aug 2026 4:09 pm
Mint Explainer | Crop loss or diversion for ethanol: what's driving sugar prices?

The sugar price spike comes just ahead of the festive season, when consumption typically rises. Is it a result of lower production or diversion of sugar to ethanol?

27 Aug 2026 3:27 pm
Mint Explainer: Why India wants to indigenize SCADA systems

Mint explains the move and the challenges amid concerns over imported systems used in electricity distribution and transmission.

27 Aug 2026 3:11 pm
Can a father's child maintenance liability be reduced if the mother is earning? SC clarifies

The Supreme Court ruled last week that a mother's income cannot solely justify reducing a father's financial obligation for child maintenance. Here's all you need to know about the case.

27 Aug 2026 2:32 pm
RBI's new framework to ease loan comparisons: How will transparency benefit borrowers?

The RBI proposed clearer rules for banks and NBFCs on loan spreads and APRs to enhance transparency in borrowing. The draft intends to establish a unified framework by 2027, allowing better comparison of loan costs, including a ceiling on APR for small loans. 

27 Aug 2026 2:31 pm
Private credit is growing. But is the return worth the risk?

Private credit is attracting investors with returns of up to 22%, but higher yields come with higher credit, liquidity, manager and valuation risks that investors must understand before committing.

27 Aug 2026 1:58 pm
Used LIC policy as collateral for a loan? Know what the lender can do if you fail to repay the outstanding dues

A recent NCDRC ruling explains what happens when an LIC policy is assigned to a bank as security for a loan. The commission held that LIC was not at fault for surrendering the policy on the banks instructions after the loan remained unpaid.

27 Aug 2026 1:39 pm
Death does not end income tax duties: What legal heirs must do about pending returns, notices and unpaid dues

A deceased person's income tax issues persist, requiring the filing of returns and the payment of taxes from their assets. Legal representatives must file returns until all taxes are settled, navigating disputes and uncertain heirship. 

27 Aug 2026 1:08 pm
Inherited property sale in India: Who pays tax on capital gains and how is it calculated? Details here

Inheritance of assets does not incur immediate tax but it changes when you sell it later. Here's all you need to know about capital gains tax rules, available tax relief options and other details.

27 Aug 2026 11:48 am
Buying property from an NRI? TAN is mandatory until September 30, 2026; Know TDS rules and what changes from October 1

From October 1, 2026, resident individuals and HUFs buying property from NRIs can use their PAN to deposit TDS instead of obtaining a TAN. Until September 30, buyers must follow the existing TAN-based process, while TDS remains applicable from the first rupee.

27 Aug 2026 11:42 am
VRS payout tax: Is severance pay taxable? Pune ITAT rules 65.21 lakh Pfizer retirement payout was not taxable

Pune ITAT has ruled that a 65.21 lakh payout received by a Pfizer employee under a voluntary retirement scheme was a capital receipt and not taxable. The tribunal said Section 56(2)(xi) did not apply because the employee had voluntarily resigned under the scheme, rather than being terminated.

27 Aug 2026 11:17 am
90s stars are making a comeback, but is nostalgia really doing the heavy lifting?

After a long lull, stars like Emraan Hashmi and Sunny Deol are back at the box office. Experts say nostalgia and familiar franchises help, but the right story, character and genre ultimately make a comeback click.

27 Aug 2026 11:10 am
Can housing societies charge higher maintenance fee for bigger flats? Here's what recent court ruling said

The Maharashtra cooperative court ruled that housing societies cannot impose higher maintenance fees based solely on property size or type, siding with residents who argued for equal charges. Full details of the case here. 

27 Aug 2026 9:49 am
RBI wants lenders to show their cards. What will change for borrowers?

The RBI wants banks and NBFCs to follow clearer rules on loan spreads, rate revisions and APRs. The changes could make borrowing easier to compare, but may also push lenders to price risk upfront.

27 Aug 2026 9:35 am
Gold and silver price today, 27 Aug: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai, other cities

On August 27, MCX gold prices rose in India as uncertainty in Middle East continued to support safe-haven demand. Check retail rates of both gold and silver in your city here.

27 Aug 2026 9:12 am
EPF Coverage Missed For Eligible Workers? EPFO Opens Special Enrolment Window Till October 31, 2026

EPFOs Employees Enrolment Campaign (EEC) 2026 gives employers a one-time opportunity to enrol eligible workers who were missed from EPF coverage between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2026. Employers can use the special window to regularise eligible employees until October 31, 2026.

27 Aug 2026 8:28 am
8th Pay Commission pension rules: Why employee and pensioner bodies want faster restoration of commuted pension

Central government pensioners and employee associations want the 8th Pay Commission to reduce the 15-year commuted pension restoration period to 1012 years. They argue that changing interest rates, longer life expectancy and lower mortality have made the existing 15-year rule outdated.

27 Aug 2026 8:20 am
Can retirees claim enhanced 25L leave encashment exemption for pre-2023 years? ITAT ruling explained

Retirees can now benefit from a retroactive increase in leave encashment tax exemption from 3 lakh to 25 lakh, as ruled by the ITAT Chennai. Details here.

27 Aug 2026 8:04 am
India's semiconductor investment push gains pace as Tata, L&T chip in

Starting January 2025, Tata Electronics, Murugappa Group's CG Power, and HCL Group have announced semiconductor projects worth 1.29 trillion under the India Semiconductor Mission. Since then, these firms have invested 3,345 crore in semiconductor manufacturing and assembly plants.

27 Aug 2026 6:20 am
Mid-cap vs small-cap funds: What alpha reveals about their performance Taurus Mid Cap Fund among top laggards

Mid-cap and small-cap funds offer different risk-return profiles, but how do they compare on alpha? Heres a look at benchmark-adjusted performance, negative alpha across schemes, and broader category trends.

26 Aug 2026 11:39 pm
Hybrid fund performance: Multi-asset allocation schemes lead 3-year SIP returns, balanced advantage lags

Hybrid funds offer exposure to multiple asset classes through a single scheme. But how have different hybrid fund categories performed? Heres a look at the top and bottom performers based on 3-year SIP returns. 

26 Aug 2026 11:09 pm
Unexplained income: What it means, how it is taxed and what changed under Income Tax Act, 2025

Unexplained income can attract a steep tax burden. But the new Income Tax Act, 2025 changes the rules for voluntary disclosure and tax department detection. Heres what unexplained income means, how it is taxed, and what taxpayers need to know.

26 Aug 2026 10:49 pm
EAC-PM calls for fewer, equal-sized banks

An EAC-PM paper finds that banking efficiency has improved sharply since FY20.

26 Aug 2026 10:09 pm
Gold vs silver: Which precious metal offers better shield during market volatility? What 26 years of data reveals

Gold, silver and equities have behaved differently across market cycles. A look at 26 years of data reveals how precious metals performed during equity downturns, their return patterns, and what their low correlation with the Nifty 50 TRI means for investors.

26 Aug 2026 10:09 pm
Wrong ITR form filed by 31 July: Should you submit a fresh ITR-3 by August-end or revise it later?

ITR-3 and ITR-4 filing deadline is 31 August for AY 2026-27. Salaried individuals may need these forms due to certain types of income. But if you filed ITR-1 or ITR-2 by mistake, should you file a fresh return now? Find out here.

26 Aug 2026 8:54 pm
US, UAE, Singapore tourists can now pay Indian shops using their home payment apps: How it works

Foreign tourists in India can now use their home country payment apps at local shops without needing a bank account. 

26 Aug 2026 8:36 pm
What is a fun fund? Inside Gen-Z's new experience-first economy and budget playbook

Gen Z has coined a new category in discretionary spending with 'fun funds'. Opting for experiences over planned purchases, the younger generation is inclined to splurge on art exhibitions,  travel, workshops, concerts, and more.

26 Aug 2026 8:24 pm
Be the tax hero who files on time: I-T department reminds taxpayers of August 31 ITR deadline

Taxpayers with business income face an August 31 deadline to file income tax returns for AY 2026-27. Over 6.5 crore returns, including 5.9 crore filed by July 31, have been recorded. Non-audit taxpayers can use ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5, ITR-6, or ITR-7 forms.

26 Aug 2026 7:34 pm
Selling property in India as an NRI? Know these special tax rules, TAN requirements

NRIs face special tax rules when selling property in India that differ from those for residents. TDS rates vary by capital gains type. Buyers must ensure proof of TAN acquisition and TDS payment for registration.

26 Aug 2026 7:32 pm
e-Shram portal turns 5; 31.89 crore workers join platform: Check eligibility, benefits and how to register for free

The e-Shram portal completes five years today, with over 31.89 crore registrations. Heres what workers should know about e-Shram eligibility, benefits, registration process and fees, and whether the card offers any direct financial assistance.

26 Aug 2026 7:11 pm
100 now costs 2.1 million Iranian rials: Heres what it can buy in Tehran

The Iranian rial has plummeted to over 2 million rials per dollar amid harsh US sanctions and the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. 

26 Aug 2026 7:04 pm
How podcaster Raj Shamani helped JEE aspirant earn 1 crore by 22: 'Had no degree...he still bet on me'

At just 17, Aditya Bansal had no degree or professional portfolio, but Raj Shamani decided to give him an opportunity.

26 Aug 2026 6:59 pm
Can I add all my children as nominees for my bank accounts and locker, and do I still need a will?

Until recently, families faced a frustrating, decades-old hurdle: the single-nominee limit. The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, which came into force on 1 November 2025, changed that.

26 Aug 2026 6:52 pm
Flipkart Minutes pulls ahead of Instamart in quick-commerce race: report

Blinkit remains a clear leader with 969 stores, accounting for about 27% of the 3,536 dark stores CLSA mapped across the 10 cities.

26 Aug 2026 6:27 pm
Radhika Gupta pins down the joker in investment portfolio: Does well when no one does, says Edelweiss Mutual Fund MD

Radhika Gupta spoke about the importance of distinguishing between valuable possessions and sound financial investments. She identified the joker in an investment portfolio.

26 Aug 2026 6:25 pm