SENSEX
NIFTY
GOLD
USD/INR

Weather

image 27    C

Livemint

Business / Livemint

Your next phone is getting pricier. Here's how to buy smart

Consumers are becoming more value-conscious. Many are delaying upgrades, choosing previous-generation or refurbished phones, repairing existing devices, or using exchange offers

6 Aug 2026 5:15 pm
Can a bank be held liable if you voluntarily transfer money to a scammer? Here's what Consumer Commission says

A consumer commission held a bank liable for failing to act on suspicious transactions after a woman lost nearly 6.93 lakh in a FedEx parcel scam. Despite OTP-authorised transfers, the bank was ordered to refund the amount along with interest and compensation.

6 Aug 2026 4:58 pm
Nominee is not the owner of MF or bank accounts after the holders death: What determines who gets the money?

Choosing a nominee for accounts or policies is crucial, but they only act as custodians until legal heirs receive assets. Final ownership is governed by wills and succession laws, not solely by the nominee. Here's what matters.

6 Aug 2026 4:41 pm
PF interest is not always tax-free 2.5 lakh contribution rule explained

Salaried employees in India contribute to EPF, receiving matching employer contributions. Tax benefits apply, but a new rule restricts tax exemption on interest for total contributions over a certain threshold. Check rules here. 

6 Aug 2026 3:31 pm
Buying or selling property in India? Here's what NRIs must know before signing the deal

Buying or selling property in India involves more than finding the right deal. From FEMA and TDS to repatriation limits and POA rules, experts explain the compliance pitfalls NRIs must avoid.

6 Aug 2026 3:22 pm
AY 2026-27 deadlines: Taxpayer's guide for timely payment before last date Key dates and penalties for late filing

AY 2026-7 deadlines: To ensure timely payment before last date, here's a taxpayer's guide with key dates. Learn more about penalties associated with late filing. 

6 Aug 2026 2:57 pm
EPS pensioners can get free doorstep life certificate service through India Post; here's how

The EPFO has introduced a free doorstep life certificate service for EPS pensioners through India Post. Eligible pensioners unable to visit centres can call 033-22029000 for assistance. The facility helps ensure timely pension payments through easy digital certificate submission from home.

6 Aug 2026 2:56 pm
Looking for the best small-cap mutual funds? These 5 funds generated over 20% annualised SIP returns over 10 years

Five small-cap mutual funds delivered annualised SIP returns of more than 20% over the past decade, highlighting the category's long-term wealth-creation potential. A comparison of three-, five- and 10-year returns also shows how leadership has evolved across different market cycles.

6 Aug 2026 2:29 pm
EPFO claim delays flagged by officers' body: IT staff shortage, pending PF claims among key concerns

An EPFO officers' association has written to the Labour Minister highlighting delays in PF claim settlements, shortage of IT staff and manpower gaps. The body has also sought reforms in the pension system, CITES implementation and leadership structure within the retirement fund organisation.

6 Aug 2026 1:53 pm
Automatic TDS refunds without mandatory ITR filing? Delhi HC seeks Centre's response on PIL

The Delhi High Court asked the Centre to respond to a PIL that is seeking automatic TDS refunds for individuals with no tax liabilities, challenging the requirement to file ITR for refunds. Full details of the demand here.

6 Aug 2026 1:27 pm
Centre reaffirms HRA policy: If one spouse gets government housing, other cannot claim allowance

The Centre has clarified that central government employees cannot claim HRA if one spouse is allotted government accommodation at the same station. It also confirmed there is no proposal to review the existing House Rent Allowance policy for dualemployee couples.

6 Aug 2026 1:23 pm
How GenZs can build wealth starting from first paycheck Expert lists 5 steps on financial planning

Young people often struggle with how to allocate salary between SIPs and emergency funds. Expert advises prioritizing a strong financial foundation, making informed investment choices, and maintaining discipline for long-term wealth.

6 Aug 2026 1:14 pm
This one investment in your portfolio could be quietly hurting your wealth, here's how to find it

Many investors unknowingly hold investments that no longer create value or align with their financial goals. Experts explain how to identify these dead investments and decide whether they deserve a place in your portfolio.

6 Aug 2026 12:54 pm
8th Pay Commission: Why NC-JCM's retirement benefit demands matter as consultations enter crucial phase

The 8th Pay Commission consultations are entering a crucial phase, with NC-JCMs retirement benefit demands, including higher gratuity, pension parity and OPS restoration, expected to shape discussions on employee welfare, retirement security and future government pension reforms.

6 Aug 2026 12:00 pm
Banks dont look at salary alone: Heres why loan offers may differ for people drawing similar incomes

Loan approval may vary despite two applicants having similar salaries and living in same cities. Here's a list of factors that may determine your loan interest rates, amount or even approval.

6 Aug 2026 11:49 am
Your next movie outing could cost a lot less. All you need to know about PVR INOX's new strategy

PVR INOX launched a new format designed to deliver an affordable yet premium movie-viewing experience in Tier III cities across India. The first Smart Cinemas will be unveiled in Muzaffarpur, Bihar.

6 Aug 2026 10:57 am
Do you need probate to inherit property in India? Here's how probate works, who needs it, and what legal heirs should do

Probate is no longer mandatory in India after the 2025 legal amendment, but it can still help validate a will and reduce inheritance disputes. Here's what probate means, how it differs from a succession certificate, and what happens if a person dies without a will.

6 Aug 2026 10:05 am
ITR filing 2026: Can you claim a tax refund if you missed the 31 July deadline?

Even after missing the July 31 ITR deadline, taxpayers can file a belated return to seek refunds. However, it comes with additional costs and consequences. Check here.

6 Aug 2026 9:51 am
Gold, silver prices today, 6 August: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 6 August: 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.

6 Aug 2026 9:44 am
Will UPI payments remain free? RBI Governor clarifies there is no decision yet on Merchant Discount Rate

The RBI Governor said it is too early to decide whether UPI transactions will attract Merchant Discount Rate (MDR), even as the proposed Payment and Settlement Systems (Amendment) Bill has revived the debate. 

6 Aug 2026 9:18 am
Income Tax Department flags bogus deduction claims using data analytics; know how technology tracks tax fraud

The Income Tax Department is using data analytics, verification checks and SAKSHAM NUDGE campaigns to identify fake deduction claims. Over 1.25 crore updated ITRs have been filed, generating 9,493 crore additional tax payments during FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26.

6 Aug 2026 8:41 am
Central govt employees' DA hike: July 2026 calculation complete after CPI-IW data, 3% rise likely

The June CPI-IW data has completed the calculation for the July 2026 Dearness Allowance revision under the 7th Pay Commission. Here's why the official inflation numbers point to a likely 3% hike and what it could mean for employees and pensioners.

6 Aug 2026 8:16 am
PFRDA extends NPS same-day investment deadline to improve subscriber experience, enhance operational efficiency

PFRDA has extended the NPS same-day investment cut-off from 11 am to 1:30 pm, allowing more contributions to qualify for same-day investment. The revised deadline applies across all major NPS payment channels, improving flexibility, operational efficiency and the subscriber experience.

6 Aug 2026 7:06 am
When porting a health policy puts your claim at risk

Health insurance portability was designed to empower India's policyholders through choice and competition, but its real-world impact remains limited.

6 Aug 2026 6:25 am
Radhika Gupta says REITs are not fixed-income investments, but differ from equities: Heres what another expert thinks

REITs are often mistaken for fixed-income products due to their regular payouts, but they carry equity-like risks. Their returns depend on rental income, occupancy and property cycles, making them a diversification tool rather than a substitute for debt investments.

5 Aug 2026 11:08 pm
Selling US-listed shares after returning to India? Here's how they are taxed

The Indian tax law does not provide any special exemption or relief for losses or gains arising solely due to depreciation of the Indian rupee against the foreign currency during the investment period.

5 Aug 2026 10:56 pm
Will UPI payments remain free forever? Bernstein says consumers likely to stay unaffected; 30-40 bps MDR possible

UPI users may remain unaffected even if Merchant Discount Rate is introduced, according to Bernstein. The brokerage expects large merchants to bear a 30-40 bps fee, while small merchants and low-value transactions may remain exempt. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra says it is too early to comment.

5 Aug 2026 9:49 pm
Best FD interest rates in India: Check fixed deposit returns of DCB Bank, RBL Bank, YES Bank and more

Interest rates on fixed deposits differ significantly among banks. Investors should consider factors such as bank reputation and financial goals when choosing deposit options with varying maturities.

5 Aug 2026 7:36 pm
ITR-6 Excel utility for AY 2026-27 released: Eligibility, due dates, key documents explained

The Income Tax Department has released the Excel utility for ITR-6 for AY 2026-27. The utility is now available on the e-Filing portal. The form is applicable to companies that are not claiming exemption under Section 11 of the Income Tax Act.

5 Aug 2026 6:45 pm
Boost your savings on autopilot: How cash optimisation apps put your surplus money to work

Cash optimisation apps allow you to park unused money in liquid mutual funds or fixed deposits, delivering higher yields than standard savings accounts.

5 Aug 2026 6:26 pm
EPFO may launch E-PRAAPTI by August-end: How the new portal can help you trace old or inactive PF accounts

The EPFO is expected to launch E-PRAAPTI by the end of August to help members recover money lying in old or inactive PF accounts. The Aadhaar-based portal aims to simplify account tracing, reduce paperwork, enable UAN linking, and make claims faster through a digital process.

5 Aug 2026 5:06 pm
RBI holds repo rate at 5.25%: 5 assumptions about EMIs, FD rates and inflation salaried employees shouldn't make

The RBI has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% while raising its FY27 growth forecast and trimming its inflation estimate. Here's why salaried employees shouldn't expect lower EMIs, cheaper loans or sharply lower FD rates just yet.

5 Aug 2026 4:55 pm
Does Section 54F tax exemption apply if LTCG is used to buy property from spouse? Here's what the ITAT ruling says

The Mumbai ITAT ruled that a genuine property purchase from a spouse cannot be denied Section 54F tax exemption merely because it results in tax savings. The tribunal found no evidence of tax avoidance and allowed a taxpayer's 6.92 crore exemption claim after the tax department challenged it.

5 Aug 2026 4:04 pm
RBI policy remains unchanged but is this the right time to revisit and strengthen your emergency fund strategy?

The RBI held the policy repo rate at 5.25%, maintaining a cautious stance amid uncertainties. Governor Malhotra noted the uncertain growth outlook due to various factors. Here's what retail investors should do in such times.

5 Aug 2026 3:58 pm
Beyond 31 July: Taxpayer's guide to every ITR deadline

While business and professional filers of ITR-3 and ITR-4 get more time, even those who missed the 31 July deadline get a chance to file a belated ITR, though with a penalty.

5 Aug 2026 3:21 pm
Does paying off a loan early improve your credit score? Here's what experts say

Early loan repayment reduces interest costs but may not immediately improve credit scores. Experts explain how timely payments, credit utilisation, debt management and responsible borrowing habits play a bigger role in building a strong credit profile.

5 Aug 2026 3:04 pm
What India's investors can learn from South Korea's market meltdown

South Korea's AI-driven stock market boom turned into a sharp rout within weeks. Here's what Indian investors can learn about leverage, passive investing, diversification and FOMO.

5 Aug 2026 2:59 pm
The great Indian savings paradox: more money saved, less wealth built

Indian households are among the world's most disciplined savers. But an increasing share of those savings is flowing into unproductive assets, limiting both long-term wealth creation and capital formation.

5 Aug 2026 2:02 pm
Mutual fund returns 2026: Pharma, small-cap funds outperform as last year's winners stumble

A sharp reversal has reshaped the mutual fund leaderboard in 2026, with many of last year's best-performing categories slipping. Here's what the latest data shows and why experts say investors should avoid chasing past returns.

5 Aug 2026 1:57 pm
ITR filing for F&O traders: Turnover isn't trade value. Experts explain how to calculate it

F&O traders need to understand turnover calculation before filing ITR. Check how futures and options turnover is computed, why it affects tax audit rules, ITR-3 filing, books of accounts, and compliance requirements before the August 31 deadline.

5 Aug 2026 1:48 pm
NPS returns 2026: Tata tops 1-year equity performance, ICICI leads over 5 years; check full rankings

NPS returns can vary significantly depending on the pension fund manager and the asset class you choose. Here's how Tata, ICICI Prudential, HDFC, UTI and other pension funds performed over one, three and five years.

5 Aug 2026 12:59 pm
8th Pay Commission Jaipur meetings on 31 August1 September: Who can apply, what to know

8th Pay Commission: Stakeholder consultations will be held in Jaipur on 31 August and 1 September. Central government and UT employee associations in Rajasthan can apply by 18 August using their Memo ID to participate.

5 Aug 2026 11:53 am
ITR processed but refund not received yet? Here's the expected timeline and the most common reasons for delay

Income tax refunds occur when paid taxes exceed actual liabilities after deductions and they are processed after ITR e-verification.  Here's when to expect it and common reasons for delay.

5 Aug 2026 11:25 am
Belated income tax return AY 2026-27: How to file, late filing charges and what you may lose

Taxpayers who missed the July 31 ITR deadline can still file a belated return until December 31, 2026. Here's the filing process, applicable late fees, and the tax benefits you may lose by filing late.

5 Aug 2026 10:38 am
No recruitment, minimal resources: EPFO officers body urges govt to hire experts to improve service delivery

The EPF officers body has asked the Labour Ministry to hire more experts for better service delivery, citing delays in claim settlements. With inadequate technical support and staffing, they stress the need for timely intervention. 

5 Aug 2026 10:10 am
Gold, silver prices today, 5 August: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 5 August: 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.

5 Aug 2026 9:40 am
EPF wage ceiling may rise to 25,000, here's how it could boost your EPS pension and affect PF contributions

The Centre is considering raising the EPF wage ceiling from 15,000 to 25,000, subject to Cabinet approval. If notified, the move could bring more employees under EPF and increase future EPS pension payouts.

5 Aug 2026 9:13 am
Where does LIC invest your premium? Minister tells Lok Sabha how it picks stocks, why it won't name companies

LICs equity investment strategy explained as the Finance Ministry reveals how the insurer managed policyholders funds in listed companies over five years, including risk checks, regulatory oversight, portfolio review and investment decisions based on business performance and future prospects.

5 Aug 2026 8:32 am
Found errors in your filed ITR? Check due date and whether revising attracts penalty

Taxpayers can file a revised return if they have made mistakes in their initial submission before the 31 July deadline. Know the due date and whether revising errors can lead to a penalty. 

5 Aug 2026 8:03 am
Income Tax Department's NUDGE drive leads to 1.25 crore updated ITRs, 9,494 crore extra tax

The CBDT's technology-driven NUDGE campaign prompted 1.25 crore taxpayers to revise or update their ITRs over FY25 and FY26. The voluntary compliance drive also helped the Income Tax Department collect 9,494 crore in additional taxes.

5 Aug 2026 7:59 am