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Cable and DTH charges to rise 4-6 times? PIB Fact Check reveals the truth

PIB Fact Check has dismissed viral claims that the Centre's draft Telecom Rules, 2026 will shut down TVs or raise cable and DTH charges by four to six times. It clarified that the draft rules contain no fee hike provision and are currently open for public consultation.

21 Jul 2026 1:27 pm
SGB 2019-20 Series VIII redemption opens today: Check payout, eligibility and tax rules

RBI has opened premature redemption for SGB 2019-20 Series VIII at 14,170 per unit from July 21. Before opting for an early exit, investors should understand the eligibility conditions, redemption process and the capital gains tax rules under the Income-tax Act, 2025.

21 Jul 2026 1:18 pm
GIFT City investments and Schedule FA reporting: why taxpayers are seeking greater clarity

As GIFT City opens global investment opportunities for Indian residents, a key tax question remains unresolved: Do investments in IFSC funds qualify as foreign assets for Schedule FA reporting?

21 Jul 2026 1:15 pm
EPS-95 pension hike: Will Centre raise minimum pension from 1,000 to 7,500?

EPS-95 pensioners demand for a hike in the minimum pension from 1,000 to 7,500 per month remains unresolved. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment acknowledged that, though several stakeholders have sought a pension hike, no decision has been made on the matter yet. 

21 Jul 2026 12:22 pm
New labour code: Salary must be paid by 7th of next month. What employees should know

The Code on Wages, 2019 prescribes when employers must pay salaries and settle final dues after an employee leaves a job. Here's what the law says about salary payment timelines, delayed wages and employee rights.

21 Jul 2026 12:10 pm
LTCG and STCG: Key tax rules for equity shares and mutual fund investors in FY 2025-26

The government has ruled out changes to equity LTCG tax for now. Investors should understand STCG and LTCG rules, holding periods, tax rates, SIP taxation and redemption strategies to manage equity investments better.

21 Jul 2026 11:51 am
Old Pension Scheme: Centre allows select government employees to opt for OPS. Who is eligible?

The Centre has clarified that eligible compassionate ground appointees who applied before January 1, 2004, but joined service later, can opt for the Old Pension Scheme. The benefit is limited to a specific category of employees and does not extend to all NPS subscribers.

21 Jul 2026 10:46 am
Fast approval, less paperwork: How AI is changing the loan game

Account Aggregators are giving lenders a richer picture of borrowersand potentially faster, cheaper loans. But the data trail can become harder to see once it reaches the lender.

21 Jul 2026 10:44 am
FPIs not exempt: Centre clarifies 12.5% LTCG tax on equity is same as for domestic investors

Both FPIs and domestic investors continue to pay 12.5% LTCG tax on Indian equities. The exemption announced through the Income-tax Ordinance, 2026, applies only to FPIs investing in Government Securities (G-Secs).

21 Jul 2026 10:35 am
Live near a toll plaza? NHAI RajmargYatra app now offers Digital Local Pass and MargMitra Help Centre

NHAI has introduced Digital Local Pass and the MargMitra Help Centre on the RajmargYatra app. Commuters can now buy Local Passes online without visiting toll plazas, while MargMitra offers FASTag support, complaint tracking and other highway services in 22 Indian languages.

21 Jul 2026 9:47 am
Gold, silver prices today, 21 July: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 21 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.

21 Jul 2026 9:33 am
Reported VRS payment as salary in ITR? Pune ITAT grants tax relief in 65.21 lakh case

Pune ITAT has ruled that a 65.21 lakh payment received under a voluntary retirement scheme was a non-taxable capital receipt and not taxable salary or income from other sources. The tribunal also held that an incorrect claim in the ITR cannot override the true legal nature of the receipt.

21 Jul 2026 9:22 am
Received an income tax notice? Verify authenticity before responding to protect against scams

Taxpayers should always verify an Income Tax notice before responding. Using the PAN or Document Identification Number (DIN) on the official e-filing portal helps identify genuine notices, avoid scams, protect personal information and ensure timely compliance.

21 Jul 2026 9:21 am
16,649 crore unclaimed in LIC and inactive EPF accounts: What Centre's latest update means for you

Over 16,649 crore lying in old LIC policies or inactive EPF accounts, says the Centre. Recovering dues requires checking past insurance, provident fund records, updating KYC and contact details, and responding to official reminders.

21 Jul 2026 7:49 am
8th Pay Commission: Gazette mandate on NPS and UPS differs sharply from employees' demand for OPS restoration

The 8th Pay Commission is reviewing NPS and UPS benefits under its mandate, while employee unions continue to demand the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme. Here is how the Gazette notification differs from employees' key pension demands.

21 Jul 2026 7:34 am
Did F&O or intraday trading last year? Your ITR filing due date isn't July 31

In India, intraday and F&O trading profits are taxed differently. Intraday trading is speculative business income, while F&O is non-speculative. Taxpayers must file ITR-3 or ITR-4 depending on specific conditions. Here are the deadlines.

20 Jul 2026 11:05 pm
Claiming a deceased family member's mutual funds made less cumbersome: What SEBI has changed

SEBI has asked AMFI to simplify the industry's transmission norms, making it less cumbersome for nominees and legal heirs to claim rights on mutual funds after the investor's death. Here's what changed under the revised framework.

20 Jul 2026 7:11 pm
Aadhaar app crosses 4 crore downloads: Full list of services available on the new app

The new Aadhaar app achieved 40 million downloads so far. The redesigned app replaces mAadhaar aap and offers a wide range of Aadhaar-related services. Full list here.

20 Jul 2026 5:16 pm
Buying gold? This simple COMEX calculation can tell if you are being overcharged

By converting international gold prices into Indian rates, you can find the actual gold cost in India and better understand whether your jewellery bill reflects a reasonable price.

20 Jul 2026 3:41 pm
HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund vs Parag Parikh Dynamic Asset Allocation: Same category, but equity exposure 71% vs 15%

Balanced advantage funds can have vastly different portfolio structures despite belonging to the same SEBI category. Variations in equity, debt and cash can lead to distinct risk profiles and return outcomes, making portfolio composition an important factor to evaluate.

20 Jul 2026 2:18 pm
EPS rules explained: Eligibility, withdrawal and pension

Confused about the Employees' Pension Scheme and its rules? This guide breaks down complex aspects, including contribution methods, eligibility, and pension calculations. With increasing cases of claim rejections, being informed is key. 

20 Jul 2026 1:57 pm
Job switch leads to 1.69 lakh tax liability despite both employers deducting TDS correctly: Here's why Form 12B matters

Switching jobs during a financial year can leave salaried employees with an unexpected tax liability even if both employers deducted TDS correctly. The gap arises because TDS is calculated employer-wise, while final tax is based on total annual income. Form 12B can help avoid this mismatch.

20 Jul 2026 12:38 pm
How to lock and unlock your fingerprints and iris using new Aadhaar App

The Aadhaar biometric lock/unlock feature has gained significant adoption, with residents using it more than 1.91 crore times, according to MeitY. This security feature allows Aadhaar holders to prevent unauthorized biometric authentication using their fingerprints, iris and face data.

20 Jul 2026 11:18 am
The NRI guilt trap: why high salaries abroad don't always create wealth

Many NRIs earn in dollars but struggle to build wealth as family obligations, emotional guilt and social expectations drain savings and delay financial independence.

20 Jul 2026 11:02 am
The coaching race is costing parents lakhs. Here's how to plan

Parents are spending 2-4 lakh on coaching before college admissions. With education inflation at 10-12%, experts warn against dipping into retirement savings or taking on debt.

20 Jul 2026 10:22 am
National Student Laptop Scheme 2026 is fake: PIB Fact Check reiterates warning against viral WhatsApp message

PIB Fact Check has again debunked a viral WhatsApp message, first flagged in January, claiming the Government is accepting applications for free laptops under the National Student Laptop Scheme 2026. It reiterated that no such scheme exists.

20 Jul 2026 9:27 am
Automatic EPF transfer after changing jobs: Things to check before your balance is moved to the new account

EPFO has introduced automatic PF transfers for eligible members, simplifying the job-switch process. Here are the key things to check before your balance is moved to the new account.

19 Jul 2026 11:32 pm
Attention taxpayers! Here's what you should do after receiving a notice from the I-T department Stepwise guide

Income-tax returns: Today, we take a look at what taxpayers should do if they receive a notice from the I-T department. Individuals can use this stepwise guide to ensure they are following the proper process.

19 Jul 2026 11:01 pm
Can forming a HUF help you save tax? Experts explain who can create one, key benefits and what to consider

Forming a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) can help taxpayers manage taxes efficiently as it is a separate taxable entity under income tax law, however a family must understand how it works first. Here's what experts say.

19 Jul 2026 10:13 pm
Gifting to your NRI child? Know the tax treatment of NRE deposits

Gifts from parents to NRI children are tax-free, while interest earned on NRE accounts and deposits is fully exempt from income tax for FEMA non-residents, unlike taxable NRO interest.

19 Jul 2026 8:55 pm
EPFO: Here's how to update your KYC information online using the official portal Stepwise guide

EPFO: Aadhaar linking and KYC updating is mandatory to avail several EPF services. Today, we check how EPF subscribers can update their KYC information online for their account using the retirement body's official portal.

19 Jul 2026 8:50 pm
Want to build wealth through property? First read these 2 golden rules from a financially independent millennial

Cody Berman, author of 'Retire by 30', used house hacking to achieve financial independence by investing in real estate. By renting part of his home, he reduced his housing costs and generated passive income.

19 Jul 2026 8:09 pm
ITR filing 2026: Secondary address field is now mandatory here's how it can help taxpayers

The income tax department has mandated a secondary address field in all ITR forms for AY 2026-27, requiring additional communication details from taxpayers. Here's how it can help taxpayers. 

19 Jul 2026 6:31 pm
8th pay commission: Here's why NC-JCM wants employee levels combined Pay scale merger proposal explained

The 8th pay commission: Meetings with employee groups is significant as their suggestions are expected to shape the panel's deliberations on remuneration, allowances, pay and pension structures for the central government workforce.

19 Jul 2026 6:30 pm
DA hike: Here's the full list of states that are considering Dearness Allowance increases for employees, pensioners

Dearness Allowance is the component of the basic salary periodically adjusted to counter increased cost-of-living due to inflation. Here's what we know about state governments' discussions on DA hikes. a

19 Jul 2026 5:15 pm
Don't miss this tax benefit: How car buyers can claim a minimum 10,000 refund

Car buyers may be eligible for an income tax refund due to 1% TCS collected on vehicle purchases exceeding 10 lakh. This amount can be lower you tax liability or get you a refund if their tax payable is less than the TCS paid. Details here.

19 Jul 2026 5:15 pm
TDS Return Filing 2026: Q1 Due on July 31, Check New Forms and Section Codes

Businesses and tax deductors must file Q1 TDS and TCS returns by July 31, 2026 using the new return forms and revised section codes under the Income-tax Act, 2025. Here's what has changed, the new forms to use, and the compliance steps to avoid filing errors.

19 Jul 2026 4:38 pm
The F&O trap inside the barracks: How army officers are losing crores chasing the next trade

Stable salaries, easy access to credit and early trading wins are drawing serving and retired defence personnel into a cycle of leveraged betsand mounting losses

19 Jul 2026 4:07 pm
Can builder's loose papers lead to an income tax notice? ITAT explains the law

A Mumbai ITAT ruling has held that the Income Tax Department cannot tax a property buyer merely because their name appears in a builder's seized cash records. The Revenue must prove an undisclosed cash payment with independent corroborative evidence before invoking Section 69A.

19 Jul 2026 3:44 pm
ITR filing 2026: When should a salaried taxpayer file ITR-2 instead of ITR-1?

Taxpayers must file accurate income tax returns using the correct ITR form to avoid being flagged for defects. The e-filing portal aids in selection. Here's when a salaried taxpayer needs to file ITR-2 instead of ITR-1. 

19 Jul 2026 3:43 pm
AMFI's Mutual Funds Sahi Hai shares a list of dos and don'ts for investors to avoid online frauds

AMFIs investor education initiative Mutual Funds Sahi Hai advised investors not to share sensitive information such as OTPs, passwords, and investment details with unauthorised distributors.

19 Jul 2026 3:41 pm
Average active small-cap fund delivered 20.1% CAGR, with 16 percentage points lower drawdown than the benchmark

On average, active equity mutual funds have generated higher annualised returns while limiting losses better than their benchmark indices. An average active small-cap fund posted the strongest outperformance among the funds have been live since 2013.

19 Jul 2026 2:39 pm
Adulting looks cheaper, but: Pune woman shares monthly expense of family of 3: From 31,000 rent to 16,000 for nanny

A Pune woman shared monthly expenses of family of 3 living in Baner with two earning members. From 31,000 rent to 16,000 for nanny, let's have a look at the full list of expenditures.

19 Jul 2026 1:45 pm
ITR Filing AY 2026-27: Don't miss any bank account while filing your tax return. Here's why

The ITR forms for AY 2026-27 require taxpayers to disclose all Indian bank accounts held during FY 2025-26, except officially dormant accounts. Accurate bank details are also essential for timely income tax refunds.

19 Jul 2026 1:39 pm
Looking to invest in debt funds for a 1-3 year horizon? Expert shares 4 categories you can consider

For a 1-3 year investment horizon, short-duration, dynamic bond, corporate bond, and banking & PSU funds are among the best debt fund categories you can consider. Unlike others, credit risk funds invest in lower-rated bonds, making them riskier.

19 Jul 2026 1:01 pm
Bank seized your property after loan default? RBI's new rules explained

The Reserve Bank of India has issued a new framework governing how banks must value, manage and sell properties acquired while recovering defaulted loans. The rules, effective October 1, 2026, also bar banks from selling such properties back to defaulting borrowers.

19 Jul 2026 12:30 pm
Government may roll out flexible pension scheme for all workers under EPFO 3.0 reforms: Report

The proposed contributory pension scheme could cover formal, unorganised, gig and higher-wage workers, with flexible withdrawals and a Target Retirement Sum approach.

19 Jul 2026 12:01 pm
Retirement planning: Why the rule of 1% upgrade works better than a 1% increase in SIP amount

The rule of 1% upgrade encourages investors to increase the share of their income invested by one percentage point every year. A small annual increase in the share of income invested can significantly boost long-term retirement savings.

19 Jul 2026 11:05 am
EPF Scheme 2026: Why you must keep 25% of your PF balance before retirement

The new EPF Scheme introduces a 25% minimum balance requirement for partial withdrawals. Here's what the rule means, how eligible member balance is calculated, and when you can withdraw your full PF corpus.

19 Jul 2026 10:49 am
25,000 monthly SIP at 12%: Check estimated corpus after 10, 20 and 30 years and see how compounding builds 8.74 crore

A 25,000 monthly SIP earning an assumed 12% annual return can grow to 8.74 crore in 30 years. Check how compounding, understanding of core principles, disciplined investing and staying invested help create long-term wealth for retirement, children's education and financial independence.

19 Jul 2026 9:48 am