SENSEX
NIFTY
GOLD
USD/INR

Weather

image 39    C

Livemint

Business / Livemint

8th Pay Commission ToR outlines salary, DA, pension and allowance changes: Check full list

8th Pay Commission: The official terms of reference (ToR) outline what central government employees and pensioners can expect from the 8th CPC's recommendations. From DA hike to revised salary structure, pension, allowances and other benefits Check full list of likely announcements here.

17 Jul 2026 6:09 pm
Facing NPS remittance delays? Finance Ministry steps in with stern warning, errant officials risk penalties

The DoE reiterated that if an employee's monthly NPS contribution is credited past the established deadline, interest must be paid to the subscriber for the duration of the delay. This compensatory interest will match the prevailing PPF interest rate, which currently stands at 7.1%

17 Jul 2026 5:52 pm
Probate of Will in India explained: Rules, court procedure and how it helps avoid inheritance disputes

Probate of a Will in India confirms its validity and gives legal authority to the executor. Check and understand the process, documents required, court procedure, recent changes, and when probate can help prevent inheritance disputes.

17 Jul 2026 5:35 pm
DA hike: If not July, when could the next Dearness Allowance increase come this year?

Dearness Allowance: Even if no DA hike is announced this month in July 2026, central government employees and pensioners could still see a second increase sometime in the second half of the year during the festive season.

17 Jul 2026 5:11 pm
Can a 2,000 monthly SIP really make you a crorepati? Lets do the maths

Investing just 2,000 every monthan amount many people spend on leisure activities or eating outcan potentially grow into a corpus of more than 1 crore.

17 Jul 2026 4:08 pm
No Flexi Cap Fund gave 10% returns over the last 1 year: Should investors worry? Here's what experts say

The best-performing flexi cap fund returned 9.91% over the past year, while only five schemes crossed the 8% mark. Experts say the muted performance reflects market conditions, not poor fund management.

17 Jul 2026 3:42 pm
EPF Scheme 2026: New rules for exempted PF trusts, what employees must know

The Employees' Provident Funds Scheme, 2026 introduces an interest rate ceiling, mandatory digital compliance and stricter governance norms for exempted PF trusts run by eligible employers. Here's what the new rules mean for employees.

17 Jul 2026 3:19 pm
Hospitalized? 10 essential steps for hassle-free health insurance claim settlement

Health insurance claims can become stressful during emergencies. These 10 practical steps, from hospital admission to discharge, ensure faster cashless claim settlement, avoid delays, manage documents properly and reduce financial pressure, especially during emergencies.

17 Jul 2026 2:46 pm
PF after retirement: When does your EPF balance stop earning interest? EPFO rules explained

Retirement does not automatically stop interest on your EPF balance. Here's how long your provident fund continues to earn interest under the EPF Scheme, 2026, based on your retirement age.

17 Jul 2026 10:51 am
Gold, silver prices today, 17 July: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 17 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.

17 Jul 2026 9:35 am
8th Pay Commission: Estimated HRA for Level 14-16 employees under 2.0 to 2.57 fitment factors explained

The 8th Pay Commission is likely to revise salaries and allowances for nearly 1.1 crore central government employees and pensioners. While the fitment factor is yet to be finalised, estimates indicate how HRA for Level 14-16 employees could increase under different fitment scenarios.

17 Jul 2026 9:29 am
Government may bring back UPI MDR for large merchants: Who could be affected?

The Centre is considering reintroducing a merchant discount rate (MDR) on select UPI transactions. If approved, the levy is expected to apply only to large merchants and higher-value payments, while small businesses and consumers are likely to remain unaffected.

17 Jul 2026 9:14 am
Don't overpay for growth: Nippon Life AMC's Sailesh Raj Bhan on navigating India's next market cycle

After two years of valuation-led consolidation, Nippon Life AMC's equity CIO Sailesh Raj Bhan says improving earnings, reasonable valuations and a strong macro backdrop are creating fresh opportunities for long-term investors.

17 Jul 2026 9:00 am
Senior citizen FD rates: These banks offer up to 8.5% interest despite recent rate cuts

For senior citizens, even a marginal difference in interest rates can translate into substantially higher earnings over time, particularly on large deposits. Comparing FD rates across banks before investing can help maximise interest income without increasing investment risk.

16 Jul 2026 11:10 pm
Power of compounding: Here's how much minimum you need to invest monthly in PPF to make your child a crorepati

Attention parents! Want to start a public provident fund account for your child? We calculate the minimum amount you would need to invest in their PPF per month in order to successfully set them up for crorepati status in the long run.

16 Jul 2026 10:56 pm
Filed your income-tax returns? Here's why you should complete e-Verification within 30 days Stepwise guide

Filing ITR alone is not enough, you have to e-verify your return within 30 days so that it does not become invalid and to ensure a smooth refund process from the tax department. Check here for the step-by-step taxpayers' guide

16 Jul 2026 9:58 pm
8th pay commission: Here's how much HRA could change for employee levels 6-10 based on fitment factor suggestions

8th pay commission: We take a look at the likely revision in house rent allowance (HRA) for central government employees across levels 6 to 10 in X, Y and Z category cities based on various fitment factor suggestions.

16 Jul 2026 8:57 pm
The debt-free trap: Why shunning all forms of credit can actually stunt your financial growth

Before you vow to never borrow another rupee, here is a realistic look at how to make debt work for younot against you.

16 Jul 2026 8:26 pm
Ex-Microsoft employee walked away from 1.9 crore salary, shares challenges of starting over

Christian Harms, a former Microsoft employee, has opened up about leaving a corporate job that paid $200,000 (approximately 1.9 crore) a year in Switzerland to start over in Australia.

16 Jul 2026 7:23 pm
Dearness Allowance: Increase in basic salary component, 3-4% hike expected Why is DA important?

Dearness Allowance (DA) is a percentage of salary for central government employees and pensioners to offset inflation. Updated bi-annually, it rose from 58% to 60% in January 2026, benefiting 50 lakh employees and 65 lakh pensioners. Future hikes depend on AICPI data and government approval.

16 Jul 2026 6:11 pm
Can 50 lakh grow into 5 crore through mutual funds? Here's what a 15-year investment could deliver

Meeting such a high-value financial goal requires careful planning, patience and the right investment strategy.

16 Jul 2026 6:02 pm
ITR filing 2026: Beyond Form 16 avoid these costly income tax compliance mistakes

Salaried workers who have switched employers, selected a suboptimal tax regime, claimed unsupported deductions, or omitted capital gains face heightened financial risks.

16 Jul 2026 4:55 pm
10,000 SIP to 30 lakh: These large & midcap mutual funds led 10-year returns

A 10,000 monthly SIP would have grown to over 30 lakh in these four large & midcap funds. Check the top-performing schemes and how they stack up over shorter investment horizons.

16 Jul 2026 4:54 pm
Foreign assets are coming soon in AIS: Compliance is about to become harder to ignore

Information on foreign assets will increasingly show up in taxpayers' AIS, but the absence of an asset from the statement does not erase the legal obligation to disclose it.

16 Jul 2026 4:36 pm
EPFO interest credit: Here's how to check your EPF balance, e-passbook using portal, Umang app, SMS Stepwise guide

Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the EPFO has processed interest on provident funds of 34 crore members for FY26. Interest earned on EPF contributions is tax-exempt up to 1.5 lakh under Section 80C under the old tax regime.

16 Jul 2026 4:34 pm
RBI fixes SGB 2019-20 Series II redemption price at 14,199. Should investors redeem now?

The Reserve Bank of India has fixed the premature redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bond 2019-20 Series II at 14,199 per gram. Investors who bought the bonds in 2019 have earned more than 300% in capital appreciation, but tax implications should also be factored into the decision.

16 Jul 2026 2:36 pm
What is a home loan top-up and when should you consider it?

A home loan top-up can offer cheaper credit than a personal loanbut only if you understand the costs, eligibility rules and hidden pitfalls.

16 Jul 2026 1:28 pm
EPS 2026: Left your job before completing 10 years? Here's how your withdrawal benefit will be calculated

The new Employees' Pension Scheme, 2026, retains the withdrawal benefit for members who leave service before completing 10 years. However, it introduces a new waiting period before the benefit can be claimed.

16 Jul 2026 1:25 pm
Early exit: why Indians are surrendering life insurance policies before maturity

Why do millions of policyholders who signed up for a long-term contract exit before maturity?

16 Jul 2026 12:15 pm
ITR Filing 2026: Income Tax Department Introduces New Secondary Address Field

Taxpayers filing returns for AY 2026-27 will now have to provide both a primary and a secondary address. The new disclosure has been introduced in all notified ITR forms.

16 Jul 2026 11:41 am
Mutual fund not performing? Here's how experts say you should review it

A fund that tops return charts today may not necessarily be the best fit for your portfolio. Experts say investors should look beyond recent performance and evaluate consistency, risk and investment strategy before making decisions.

16 Jul 2026 11:01 am
ITR filing: ITAT deletes 10 lakh Black Money Act penalty over foreign ESOP disclosure

Chennai ITAT held that a genuine failure to disclose foreign ESOPs in Schedule FA of the income tax return does not automatically warrant a penalty under the Black Money Act. 

16 Jul 2026 9:10 am
EPFO interest credit begins: How members can check if the amount is credited to their accounts

EPFO members can see their annual interest of 8.25% for FY2025-26 in their accounts starting July 15. Here's how you can check your PF balance online.

15 Jul 2026 11:00 pm
Property registry alone doesn't prove ownership: Here's what else homebuyers need to do

Purchasing and registering a property does not guarantee legal ownership. Validity relies on the entire title chain and documentation. Mutation, while important for records, does not affect ownership rights, experts said. 

15 Jul 2026 9:45 pm
Trump's accounts sold Micron, bought Nvidia: Expert warns, Don't mistake it for a strategy

Donald Trump's investment accounts, managed by third parties, have executed over 6,100 stock trades in 2023. Notably, they sold Micron shares while acquiring Nvidia stock, highlighting a contradiction between Trump's public praise for Micron and his accounts' trading decisions.

15 Jul 2026 9:38 pm
Warren Buffett says Alphabet bet was his call, admits I made a mistake | Why Berkshire is betting billions now?

Warren Buffett confirmed his decision to build Berkshire Hathaway's substantial stake in Alphabet, stating he acted independently of CEO Greg Abel. 

15 Jul 2026 8:04 pm
EPFO alert: Why updating your profile photo is crucial for e-nominations and PF claims

EPFO members are urged to upload a recent profile photo on the Unified Member Portal to complete e-nominations and online claims. Here's why it matters and how to do it.

15 Jul 2026 7:54 pm
Gifting stocks to your spouse, child or friend? Check how the tax rules differ in three scenarios

Gifting stocks can trigger tax implications depending on the relationship between the donor and recipient. Transfers to close relatives are often tax-exempt, while gifts to others exceeding 50,000 are taxable. 

15 Jul 2026 6:44 pm
How can families preserve art, jewellery and heirlooms for future generations?

A trust can help families preserve art, jewellery and heirlooms across generations by setting clear rules on ownership, access, conservation, display, monetization and succession.

15 Jul 2026 6:11 pm
Monsoon is here: Why you're paying out of pocket for sudden illnesses despite having health insurance

Health insurance covers major hospitalisation costs, but many medical expenses, such as doctor consultations and medicines, are often paid out of pocket. Experts say financial preparedness and understanding policy coverage can help families avoid unexpected healthcare costs.

15 Jul 2026 4:21 pm
SIP returns disappointing? Here's when to stay invested and when to switch funds

Negative or muted SIP returns in the initial years are not uncommon, especially for equity mutual funds. Experts say investors should judge a fund over a full market cycle and switch only if there are signs of structural issues.

15 Jul 2026 4:17 pm
NRI tax filing: Moved abroad? Here's when you still need to file an ITR in India

Moving abroad does not end your tax obligations in India. From excess TDS and capital losses to property sales and future tax planning, here's when NRIs should file an ITR.

15 Jul 2026 4:00 pm
PFRDA launches NPS PRIDE-Disha: How the new tool helps you choose the right pension fund

NPS PRIDE-Disha lets subscribers compare pension funds using XIRR based on regular contributions instead of only point-to-point returns. The platform uses historical NAV data since 2008 to help investors make more informed fund selection and switching decisions.

15 Jul 2026 3:49 pm
ITR filing 2026: How to access interest certificate from SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, PNB and India Post

The ITR due date is near and taxpayers are urged to gather important documents, including interest certificates, to ensure accurate reporting of income. Here is a step-by-step guide to download interest certificate from SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, PNB and India Post.

15 Jul 2026 3:26 pm
Automatic EPF transfer after job change? Avoid these 6 mistakes to prevent delays

EPFO has introduced automatic PF transfers for eligible members. However, the facility works only if certain conditions are met.

15 Jul 2026 3:05 pm
Sensex down 9.37% in 2026: Should investors wait or stay invested? Here's what history shows

The Sensex has fallen 9.37% so far in 2026, reviving concerns over whether investors should wait for markets to recover. Four decades of historical data offer insight into how Indian equities have behaved during major corrections.

15 Jul 2026 2:11 pm
No large-cap fund reached Sharpe ratio of 1; several mid and small caps delivered stronger risk-adjusted returns

After analysing the list of large-cap funds, no fund was found to have touched a Sharpe ratio of 1. Among the large-cap funds, WhiteOak Capital Large Cap Fund recorded the highest Sharpe ratio at 0.64. 

15 Jul 2026 1:46 pm
Can GST officers issue a fraud notice without proof? Madras HC explains

The Madras High Court has ruled that GST officers need not conclusively establish fraud before issuing a notice under Section 74 of the CGST Act. The judgment clarifies the legal threshold for invoking fraud proceedings under the GST law.

15 Jul 2026 11:54 am
AI and robots can replace coders, but not nurses, labourers or teachers: Report finds jobs costliest to automate

A June 2026 report by Planera found that replacing workers in professions such as nursing, construction and home care with AI and robots would cost employers several times as much as paying wages to human workers.

15 Jul 2026 11:47 am
Income Tax: Can a third-party document alone lead to a tax demand? ITAT says no

A Delhi ITAT ruling has clarified that the Income Tax Department cannot make tax additions solely on the basis of a loose sheet recovered during a search on another person. The department must back such claims with independent evidence proving the alleged transaction actually took place.

15 Jul 2026 10:32 am