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EPFO reforms 2026: 20-day claim settlement, real-time tracking and key changes explained

Digital-first shift transforms retirement services. EPFO reforms under the new 2026 social security schemes introduce strict 20-day claim settlement timelines, real-time tracking, and digital compliance, improving transparency, accountability, and faster processing of pension and PF benefits.

2 Jul 2026 3:18 pm
Top 5 overnight funds based on 1-year returns: Bank of India Overnight Fund leads with 5.59% return

Based on one-year CAGR performance, Bank of India Overnight Fund emerged as the best-performing scheme in the category with 1-year return of 5.59%, followed by Franklin India Overnight Fund and Bajaj Finserv Overnight Fund.

2 Jul 2026 2:33 pm
How to verify and reconcile stock market transactions in AIS before filing your ITR

Annual Information Statement (AIS) stock market transaction reconciliation helps taxpayers ensure accurate ITR filing by matching broker records with AIS data. It improves capital gains accuracy, prevents errors and supports compliant income tax reporting for investors in equity markets.

2 Jul 2026 1:30 pm
EPFO extends outage for the third time, here's when PF services will resume

EPFO has extended its ongoing system migration for the third time, delaying the restoration of online member and employer services until July 3. The prolonged outage continues to affect PF claim filing, passbook downloads, UAN login and other digital services.

2 Jul 2026 12:42 pm
Top 5 mutual funds in India by AUM: Returns comparison over 1, 3 and 5 years

The countrys biggest mutual fund scheme by assets under management (AUM), Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, manages over 1.41 lakh crore in assets. It is followed by HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund, which is the second-biggest scheme by AUM.

2 Jul 2026 12:09 pm
Sebis pump-and-dump crackdown: 5 ways to protect yourself from stock market scams

To avoid stock scams, verify information, consult certified advisors, and focus on disciplined investing. Beware of unsolicited tips, unusual price movements, and FOMO tactics. A diversified portfolio can protect against manipulation. SEBI's crackdown highlights the need for investor vigilance.

2 Jul 2026 11:55 am
New vs old tax regime: How much tax do you pay on a 25 lakh salary?

Choosing the right tax regime can significantly reduce your tax outgo. Here's a comparison of the tax liability on a 25 lakh annual salary under both the new and old tax regimes, and when each one makes sense.

2 Jul 2026 10:50 am
Gold, silver prices today, 2 July: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 2 July: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.

2 Jul 2026 9:37 am
EPF Scheme 2026: New rules on withdrawal, eligibility and limits explained

EPF Scheme 2026: Here are the new withdrawal rules, eligibility, limits and conditions to help EPF members understand partial withdrawals under the revised framework.

2 Jul 2026 8:26 am
ITR filing 2026: Do taxpayers need to file two ITRs? The tax department answers

The shift from Assessment Year to Tax Year has sparked questions about return filing obligations. A clarification from the Income Tax Department explains why taxpayers won't need to file two ITRs for the same income.

2 Jul 2026 7:51 am
8th Pay Commission: Key lessons from 7th Pay Commission that could influence salaries

The 8th Pay Commission may reshape government salaries by taking key lessons from the 7th Pay Commission.

2 Jul 2026 7:11 am
When should young investors pivot from aggressive bets to capital preservation for retirement?

During the accumulation stage, investors will have access to regular income and a long investment horizon, allowing them to take advantage of the potential for growth in assets such as equities.

2 Jul 2026 5:53 am
HDFC Bank credit card caps SmartBuy brand voucher rewards from July 1 What changes for customers?

HDFC Bank has revised its SmartBuy rewards program, introducing a cap on reward points for brand voucher purchases on major premium credit cards. Here's what changes for customers.

1 Jul 2026 10:58 pm
Buying the dip vs SIP: Which strategy delivers better returns? Here's what math says

Market swings often lead investors to seek ideal buying moments. However, historical data shows systematic investment plans outperform market timing strategies, as cash on the sidelines incurs opportunity costs. 

1 Jul 2026 10:10 pm
EPF Scheme 2026 notified under Social Security Code: New withdrawal rules and other changes you should know

The Centre has implemented the EPF Scheme, 2026, replacing the 1952 scheme. Effective June 29, 2026, it retains contribution rates while enhancing digital compliance and simplifying withdrawal processes for members. Details here.

1 Jul 2026 9:30 pm
SK Hynix heads to Nasdaq: Should Indian investors choose it over Micron? Which is the better long-term bet?

SK Hynix commands a significant share of the HBM market and its Nasdaq listing may raise billions for expansion. However, the overall demand is high, suggesting both SK Hynix and Micron can grow together despite increased competition in memory chips.

1 Jul 2026 8:43 pm
Dream Money to shut ops on July 30 within a year of launch: What happens to your mutual funds, FDs and digital gold

Dream Sports will shut down its fintech platform Dream Money on July 30. Here's what happens to your mutual funds, fixed deposits and digital gold.

1 Jul 2026 8:03 pm
Selling property or stocks? These 5 smart hacks can help you save capital gains tax

Capital gains tax can be minimized through strategic planning and compliance with the Income Tax Act. Taxpayers may claim exemptions, utilize capital losses, consider holding periods, maintain accurate records, and time sales effectively to reduce their tax liability legally.

1 Jul 2026 6:36 pm
FCNR deposits are a 'no-brainer' for NRIs, so what may be holding them back? Zerodha's Nithin Kamath explains

Zerodha's Nithin Kamath highlights long account-opening processes as a barrier for NRIs to benefit from FCNR deposits. The RBI's favorable changes make it easier, but slow onboarding could diminish interest. 

1 Jul 2026 5:56 pm
Performance-linked mutual fund fee vs TER: How SEBIs new model works and why fund houses are hesitant

SEBI has proposed a performance-based fee framework for mutual funds, linking fees to a fund's performance rather than a fixed ratio. However, industry hesitance stems from operational challenges and complexities associated with variable fee structures.

1 Jul 2026 5:34 pm
Magnificent 7 lost $2.3 trillion in June: Is it time to trim your US tech stocks?

The Magnificent Seven tech stocks lost $2.3 trillion in value in June due to uncertainty over AI investments. Major declines were noted for Microsoft and Nvidia. Investors are advised to diversify portfolios and consider market concentration to mitigate risks amidst fluctuating valuations.

1 Jul 2026 5:32 pm
ITR filing 2026: 6 costly mistakes salaried taxpayers should avoid before 31 July deadline

As the last date of filing ITR looms closer, it is important to be careful about certain key factors. These include choosing the right ITR form and regime, and cross-verifying taxable income against the disclosures made in AIS/TIS.

1 Jul 2026 5:08 pm
New vs old regime: Earning 20 LPA? Here's which regime saves you over 1 lakh

The tax regime choice becomes more nuanced at a 20 lakh annual salary, where the Section 87A rebate is no longer available. A comparison shows whether common deductions under the old regime can outweigh the new regime's lower tax rates.

1 Jul 2026 4:37 pm
NRI selling investments? Here's how you can save capital gains tax

Section 215 of the Income Tax Act, 2025 allows eligible NRIs to claim exemption from long-term capital gains tax. But the benefit is available only if strict conditions on investment source and reinvestment are met.

1 Jul 2026 4:35 pm
Low-volatility mutual funds: Should you invest? Here's what experts say

Low-volatility mutual funds seek to cushion market downturns while keeping investors invested in equities. Understand how the strategy works and who should consider it.

1 Jul 2026 4:09 pm
From ITR to Aadhaar: Key financial changes kicking in from July 1

Several financial changes come into effect from 1 July, including revised ITR filing deadlines, free Aadhaar email updates and new RBI rules against bank mis-selling. Here's how they could affect you.

1 Jul 2026 3:52 pm
Modern borrower expects instant payments, real time updates and more

The once-difficult access to information has made borrowers more aware. They compare loan products and interest rates, and regularly track their credit scores. Borrowers now understand the importance of a credit score, and are increasingly conscious of maintaining healthy credit profiles. 

1 Jul 2026 3:33 pm
Starting SIP at 25 vs 35: How a 10-year delay can shrink your retirement corpus by nearly 25 lakh

Delaying a SIP by 10 years can significantly reduce retirement corpus due to the loss of compounding. A 1,000 monthly SIP started at 25 years of age grows to an estimated 37.97 lakh by age 60, compared with 13.27 lakh if started at 35 years, assuming a 10% annual return.

1 Jul 2026 3:17 pm
First time borrowers to lead the next wave of credit growth in India

The next wave of credit growth is likely to emerge from segments that have historically been underserved, overlooked, or difficult to evaluate through conventional methods. Today, only about 17.8% of new loans are disbursed to first-time borrowers. 

1 Jul 2026 3:04 pm
10-5-3 rule of investing: Why it helps investors build realistic wealth expectations

Smart investing starts with realistic expectations. The 10-5-3 rule helps beginners understand investment returns, compare asset classes, manage risk, and build long-term wealth through disciplined financial planning instead of chasing unrealistic market gains.

1 Jul 2026 3:00 pm
Fuel inflation isn't just about petrol. It changes your entire financial plan

Fuel price shocks ripple through transport, food and household budgets. Here's what history teachesand the practical financial strategies families can adopt to stay ahead of inflation.

1 Jul 2026 2:19 pm
SWP taxation explained: Why every withdrawal from a mutual fund can have a different tax liability

For tax purposes, each SWP payout is considered a partial redemption of mutual fund units. This means every withdrawal comprises two components: the return of the original investment (principal) and capital gains. Tax is levied only on the capital gains component of each withdrawal.

1 Jul 2026 1:49 pm
mAadhaar app retires: Will your Aadhaar data be deleted? Key features of new app

The new Aadhaar app replaces mAadhaar with safer digital verification, face authentication and QR features. Existing mAadhaar data remains available during the transition, allowing users to switch smoothly without losing important Aadhaar records.

1 Jul 2026 1:41 pm
AI upskilling: Is an expensive certification a smart capital investment or an expensive reaction to career anxiety?

Experts point out that course certificates alone don't count for much. Market premiums and career advancement go to those who can translate coursework into functional workplace optimization.

1 Jul 2026 1:24 pm
Why your financial goals must change when your net worth does

As wealth grows, financial planning shifts from chasing returns to matching capital with purpose. A three-bucket framework can help families protect lifestyle, preserve flexibility and build a lasting legacy.

1 Jul 2026 12:50 pm
Trader gets 21 lakh tax demand over demonetisation cash, wins at ITAT

A Karnataka trader won relief after the ITAT held that old currency deposits backed by business records and affidavits cannot be treated as unexplained income merely because they were made during demonetisation.

1 Jul 2026 11:26 am
Listed shares, intraday trading, unlisted shares, equity mutual funds and F&O: Tax rules explained

The tax on equity investments in India depends on the type of investment, the holding period and type of gains. While listed shares and equity mutual funds are subject to capital gains tax, income from intraday trading and F&O is taxed at the applicable income tax slab rate.

1 Jul 2026 10:45 am
Gold, silver prices today, 1 July: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 1 July: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.

1 Jul 2026 9:45 am
EPFO extends online service outage till July 1; services to resume from July 2

EPFO has extended its planned system migration, delaying the restoration of online member and employer services by another day. Subscribers will now be able to access claims, passbooks and other digital services from July 2, subject to completion of the upgrade.

1 Jul 2026 9:14 am
DA hike July 2026: AICPI-IW rises to 150.8, Dearness Allowance revision awaited

DA hike July 2026 estimates rise after AICPI-IW reaches 150.8. Here's the latest inflation data, the expected Dearness Allowance revision, the calculation method and the final approval process.

1 Jul 2026 8:05 am
8th Pay Commission FAQs: 10 key facts for central government employees in July 2026

Big changes are ahead as the 8th Pay Commission enters key discussions in July 2026, covering salary revision, fitment factor and pension updates for central government employees and pensioners. Here are some FAQs and the latest developments.

1 Jul 2026 6:57 am
Not all agricultural land sales are tax-free: Check what is taxable and how to report it

Taxpayers may believe that income tax doesn't apply to agricultural land sales, but this isn't always true. Tax liability depends on location and capital asset classification. Here's what is taxable and how to save taxes. 

30 Jun 2026 11:03 pm
Gold loans are becoming the biggest driver of consumer borrowing? Here's what RBI FSR report says

Gold loans have become India's fastest-growing retail credit, recording a CAGR of 42.4% since March 2024, nearly double the 23% growth in non-housing retail loans. 

30 Jun 2026 9:25 pm
Can your debt mutual fund withstand liquidity pressure? Here's what the RBI financial stability report reveals

The RBI's stress tests revealed 44 open-ended debt mutual funds breached liquidity thresholds in March 2026. Despite this, the central bank reports no immediate concerns, as affected funds have either rectified the issue or initiated corrective actions.

30 Jun 2026 9:21 pm
SIP inflows hits record high of 32,086 crore in FY26 despite market volatility: RBI FSR | Key takeaways

Despite market volatility, SIP inflows reached a record 32,086 crore in March 2026, according to the RBI's Financial Stability Report. 

30 Jun 2026 8:39 pm
How much does it cost to relocate to Hyderabad? Microsoft techie says 3.6 lakh

Krish, shared a detailed breakdown of the expenses involved in the move, including rent, security deposit, furniture, appliances and other household essentials.

30 Jun 2026 8:31 pm
From 90,000 salary to 15 lakh debt: Viral LinkedIn post explains a financial spiral

A LinkedIn post by SEBI-registered investment advisor Vivek S G (Sulegai), founder of Wealth Crafts, is resonating with users after he shared the story of a Pune professional whose finances unravelled following a family medical emergency, eventually leaving him with a 15 lakh debt burden.

30 Jun 2026 6:58 pm
Interest rate of small savings schemes remains unchanged for July-September quarter Check latest PPF, SCSS, SSY rates

The government has maintained interest rates on small savings schemes for the July-September 2026 quarter, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of unchanged rates. 

30 Jun 2026 6:00 pm
PFRDA to launch NPS Swasthya with top-up health insurance through insurer tie-ups here's when it will be live

Health insurance companies will soon offer top-up health cover to National Pension System subscribers via PFRDA's NPS Swasthya product, set to launch in 60-70 days.

30 Jun 2026 5:51 pm
Alphabet joins Dow Jones, SpaceX enters Nasdaq 100: Which stock should Indian investors choose?

Experts suggest Indian investors can get exposure through international mutual funds, US-focused ETFs, or direct overseas investing under the LRS. While SpaceX's Nasdaq 100 inclusion is expected to attract passive investment flows, experts believe its entry into the Dow remains years away. 

30 Jun 2026 5:18 pm