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UPI transactions hit a record 29.9 lakh crore in July, with 23.66 billion transactions. The value marked a 19% annual growth compared to last year, solidifying UPI's position in India's digital payment ecosystem.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is considering one-time regularisation of contractual employees and extending entry-pay, DA, allowances, leaves and other benefits to them. Here's all we know
ITR filing due date: More than 5.9 crore income-tax returns were filed for AY 202627 by 31 July. Taxpayers filing the ITR-3 and ITR-4 (Sugam) forms must do so by 31 August and 31 October, respectively.
Beneficiaries of the Annapurna Bhandar scheme are inquiring about the August 2026 credit date. The scheme replaces TMC's Lakshmi Bhandar, offering 3,000 monthly aid.
The Delhi Lakshmi Yojana aims to empower eligible women by providing 2,500 in monthly assistance. Women aged 21 to 60 from households with an income of under 2.5 lakh can apply, with a local MLA or MP's recommendation required for a transparent application process.
Credit card balance transfers can lower interest costs but may temporarily affect your credit score through hard inquiries and new accounts. Experts explain why repayment discipline, lower credit utilisation and avoiding repeated transfers are essential for maintaining a healthy credit profile.
The EPFO aims to settle fresh PF withdrawal claims within the same day or a maximum of two days, easing access to savings for members. Details here.
The revised EPF Scheme no longer permits employees to withdraw their entire PF balance after just two months of unemployment. Check the recent withdrawal rules here.
The July 31 deadline has passed, but belated filings are possible until December 31, 2026, with late fees and interest applicable. How to file ITR after due date, who gets more time, consequences, and other details here.
100 invested daily through a mutual fund SIP can potentially grow to over 1 crore in 25 years. Check how compounding, disciplined investing and starting early can help build long-term retirement wealth while understanding the risks of market-linked investments.
Consumer companies in India are gearing up for another round of price hikes, which could impact people's household expenses. This rise is attributed to a surge in commodity prices amid prolonged US-Iran conflict in West Asia. Details here.
The real protection for your EV lies in specific covers like EV Shield, which is offered as an add-on to cover batteries. An EV Shield is essential as it specifically covers the battery, electric panel, and charging equipment.
The REIT index fund provides access to commercial real estate at a low cost, with diversification and liquidity, and in a tax-efficient manner.
August will bring various financial updates for consumers, including changes in banking rules, credit card regulations, and the implementation of CKYC 2.0. Key deadlines include the income tax return filing due by August 31. Full list here.
The Delhi government approved the Lakshmi Yojana, allowing eligible women aged 21-60 to receive 2,500 monthly. An online application portal will launch on August 1, with the first payment expected around Raksha Bandhan.
EPFO members who find their account blocked, can't remember their UAN password, are unable to access their passbook or have KYC pending can check how to fix issues using the portal or Umang app.
The initial years of SIP investing often require considerable patience. Even with disciplined monthly contributions, many investors feel disappointed as their portfolio appears to grow slowly due to market volatility and a relatively small investment base
Many women in West Bengal applied for the Annapurna Yojana but haven't received financial aid. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari set a payment deadline for August while verification continues.
The 8th pay commission has announced its official three-day state visit to the union territory of Chandigarh in September. It will hold meetings with employee unions and stakeholders from Chandigarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
DA hike: Central government employees and retired pensioners are expecting a second increase in dearness allowance this year, sometime in the second half as a Diwali gift during the festive season.
The largest hidden cost is presenteeismwhere employees show up to work but cannot perform at their full capacity. This phenomenon accounts for 51,000 crore of the total annual cost to employers.
Having a clear understanding of co-payments and deductibles in health insurance can help policyholders estimate out-of-pocket costs, compare plans, and avoid claim surprises. This guide explains how both clauses work, their impact on premiums, and how to choose the right policy.
ESOP taxation can arise at two stageswhen shares are exercised and when they are sold. Here's how salary income, capital gains, fair market value and record-keeping affect ITR filing for AY 2026-27, and how to avoid these common tax reporting mistakes.
Taxpayers who fail to file their returns within the original due date still have two other options to complete the process. Here's how belated and updated return work and which one you should choose if you end up missing the July 31 deadline.
India's income tax system is progressive - higher incomes are taxed at higher rates. However, the final tax liability depends not just on how much a person earns, but also on how that income is earned.
Personal accident cover and standalone term insurance provide financial protection but serve different purposes. Let's deep dive into similarities and differences between the two insurance policies.
As the 31 July ITR filing deadline approaches, taxpayers should review their returns to avoid errors that may lead to a defective return notice from the income tax department. Here are 5 mistakes can trigger a defective return notice.
The 8th Pay Commission has stepped up stakeholder consultations with meetings across India. Here are the five latest official updates, and what they mean for over 1.1 crore central government employees and pensioners.
The deadline for income tax return filing is 31 July 2026, with over 5.4 million returns already filed. Taxpayers missing this date face late fees and interest under Sections 234A and 234F. Here's how much you may have to pay if you miss the deadline by just a day.
Gold and silver prices today, 31 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.
Old Bridge MF founder Kenneth Andrade expects earnings growth to revive this year, remains bullish on pharma and autos, underweight on financials and IT, and sees crude as the biggest market risk.
ITR filing deadline extension LIVE: The ITR filing due date is today for eligible taxpayers. Some are also hoping for an extension like last year, but experts caution that a similar relief is unlikely.
Taxpayers who file their ITR on 31 July can complete e-verification within 30 days. Here's how the verification timeline affects the filing date, the belated return status and compliance with income tax rules.
As the July 31 income tax return deadline approaches, over 5 crore ITRs have been filed till Thursday. Late filers may face penalties and miss out on benefits like carrying forward losses. Check all consequences here.
The Income Tax Department, in a recent X post, reminded taxpayers that 31 July is the last date to file ITR-1 and ITR-2 for AY 2026-27. Complete filing and e-verification today to avoid late fees, interest and compliance issues.
Taxpayers must accurately report capital gains from shares, mutual funds, and ETFs while filing the ITR for AY 2026-27. It is important to choose the correct ITR form, classify gains, reconcile investment records, and report only realised gains to avoid discrepancies and scrutiny.
Over 5-6 crore Indians now invest in mutual funds, thanks to digital platforms. While ease of access has increased, first-time investors face complexities in asset allocation. Future investing will require curated advice and structured assistance to ensure successful long-term portfolios.
Mid-cap funds aim to outperform their benchmark through active management, but not all succeed. There are currently eight mid-cap funds with a negative alpha, with Taurus Mid Cap Fund having the lowest alpha of -7.20.
Employees' Provident Fund Organisation: Today we look at how much time EPF claims take to be settled, what the status message means, and what subscribers can do to rectify any delays and complete the process.
A financial master sheet is a single document that records the family's financial and administrative details, showing what assets exist, where they are held, and where supporting documents are stored.
Large-cap funds have seen their alpha generation decline over the years compared with the Nifty 50 TRI. While funds outperformed strongly during 2000-2009, the advantage narrowed in the following decade and turned negative after 2020.
Many taxpayers mistakenly assume that TDS-deducted income or tax-exempt LTCG need not be disclosed in their ITR. Such omissions can create mismatches with AIS and Form 26AS, leading to tax notices or adjustments even when no additional tax is payable.
The Maharashtra government has approved incentive allowance equivalent to 30% of basic pay for police officers and personnel in the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) under the 7th central pay commission.
The government says the income tax e-filing portal can process up to 1 crore ITRs a day, but experts say taxpayers should not mistake higher capacity for a risk-free last-day filing experience. Here's why they don't expect an extension yet, and why waiting until July 31 could still be costly.
Active large-cap funds may not provide as much diversification as many investors expect. A study shows their sector allocations and stock portfolios closely mirror the Nifty 50, with the overlap becoming even higher among the largest funds.
The income tax return filing season is nearing its end, with over 5 crore returns submitted. A significant question on the ITR form is causing confusion. Here's how to respond to it.
DA hike: West Bengal state government employees will receive their 20% dearness allowance increase and salaries for October before Durga Puja festivities, according to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
EPF subscribers are facing issues with overlapping employment records and missing data on the EPFO portal after its recent system migration. Lawyers explain whether employers can reject your job application solely due to EPFO portal error.
After filing ITR, taxpayers may receive notices due to mismatches in income, incorrect ITR forms, pending tax demands or any scrutiny by the Income Tax Department. Understanding why these notices are issued and how to avoid them can help ensure timely compliance and prevent penalties.
Section 10(14)(i) of the Income Tax Act offers exemptions on specific salary allowances, but only for genuine official expenses. Understand eligibility rules, documentation requirements, common mistakes and practical tips to claim tax benefits correctly while avoiding interest and penalties.

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