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Mint Primer | Will Indians continue to invest in Dubai realty?

Indian investors dominate Dubais property market, accounting for over 20% of foreign purchases. But rising geopolitical tensions may slow investments as buyers adopt a wait-and-watch approach, even as global property destinations like the UK and Canada continue to attract wealthy Indians.

15 Mar 2026 6:26 pm
Mint Explainer | Why India plans to end double testing for plasma-derived medicines

Draft amendments to the Drugs Rules would remove duplicate viral tests on finished plasma-derived medicines once source plasma is verified as safe, aimed at accelerating production of critical therapies and aligning Indias standards with global pharmacopoeias.

15 Mar 2026 6:26 pm
India relaxes sourcing rules to speed up electric bus, truck production

This comes at a time when demand for electric trucks and buses has risen in 2025. In 2025, sales of electric buses rose 22% from a year earlier to 4,408 units. So far this year, more than 1,100 units have been sold. Sales of electric trucks grew 152% to 566 units in 2025.

15 Mar 2026 6:05 pm
Can I use MF sales proceeds to pay home loan and get Section 54F benefit?

Section 54F exemption is unavailable because the residential property was acquired more than one year before the sale of the MF units. While the exemption fails the timing criteria, taxpayers can still use Section 80C and Section 24 deductions for principal, interest repayments under old tax regime.

15 Mar 2026 5:23 pm
West Asia war may claim an unlikely casualty Indian films' run overseas

Rising US-Israel-Iran tensions could disrupt Indian films box-office in West Asia, a region that makes for about 25% of overseas earnings. Producers are in a wait-and-watch mode, as uncertainty threatens releases of upcoming Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam titles.

15 Mar 2026 4:19 pm
Mint Explainer | What Trais new spam regulations mean for telecos, apps and businesses

India's telecom regulator proposes changes to strengthen anti-spam measures, requiring telecom operators, apps like Truecaller, and phone manufacturers to share spam reports. What does it mean for companies and consumers

15 Mar 2026 3:01 pm
Advance tax deadline today: Can you pay the final instalment on 15 March via credit card?

The final advance tax payment deadline for FY 2025-26 is 15 March 2026. Payments can be made via the e-filing portal, including credit cards, which may incur fees. Details here. 

15 Mar 2026 11:31 am
Indias art market deepens as wealthy collectors look beyond modernist masters

Sothebys sales of South Asian art have topped $135 million in five years as rising wealth, diaspora buyers and younger collectors broaden demand beyond traditional modernist names.

15 Mar 2026 11:25 am
Export shipment delays cloud payment flows for Indias cross-border fintechs

While the immediate impact of the West Asia conflict is being felt largely by goods exporters, with shipments of electronics, food products and other items getting delayed, the disruption is also creating a backlog of payments that is likely to clear only after consignments reach buyers in the GCC.

15 Mar 2026 10:46 am
How global reporting may pull crypto bets out of the grey zone

Through a series of legislative changes in 2025 and 2026, India has operationalized a reporting framework aligned with the OECDs Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework, aiming to move crypto from an opaque asset class into a transparent financial instrument.

15 Mar 2026 10:19 am
Gold investment taxation explained: Jewellery, gold ETF vs sovereign gold bonds

The investments in gold products of this category are treated as capital asset under the income tax laws so any gains realised over its acquisition cost is taxed under the head capital gains.

15 Mar 2026 9:05 am
Bank holidays next week: Gudhi Padwa, Eid-Ul-Fitr and weekend offs from March 16-22 Check full RBI calendar here

Bank holidays next week, March 16-22:  Banks across India will be closed for five days in the upcoming week, as per RBI's holiday list. Full list here. 

15 Mar 2026 7:52 am
The Netherlands new tax experimentand why investors should worry

The Netherlands plans to tax unrealized investment gains from 2028. Indias experience with punitive wealth and income taxes in the 1970s shows why taxing paper wealth can distort markets and behaviour.

15 Mar 2026 7:00 am
Indias gas crisis: How Iran war poses an outsized threatexplained in charts

India is highly dependent on gas imports, particularly from Qatar. The country is already facing a crisis from supply disruptions, and a prolonged war could make matters worse.

15 Mar 2026 7:00 am
Advance tax deadline today news LIVE: Final instalment to be paid on 15 March check details

Advance Tax Deadline News Today LIVE: The due date for paying the fourth and final instalment for the financial year 202526 is on Sunday, 15 March 2026. Check who needs to pay, how to pay online, among other details.

15 Mar 2026 6:54 am
Fake it till you make it? This CA disagrees, warns obsession with looking rich, fastest way to stay broke Here's why

CA Nithin Kaushik warns that the obsession with looking rich and faking wealth is the fastest way to stay broke. Feels real financial independence and power allows you freedom to say no. He explains

14 Mar 2026 8:00 pm
PSU mutual funds defy market slump in 2026 with strong three- and five-year returns

Mutual Funds, which deploy money exclusively in shares of PSUs, are among the only three equity fund categories that have given positive returns so far in 2026.

14 Mar 2026 7:53 pm
PPF withdrawal: Here's how you can access your public provident fund balance before the lock-in period ends

The Public Provident Fund is a low-risk savings scheme with a fixed interest rate of 7.1%, suitable for retirement planning and tax benefits. Here's how you can withdraw your funds before the lock-in period ends

14 Mar 2026 6:33 pm
How to merge multiple PF accounts after switching jobs: Step-by-step guide

Switching jobs often results in multiple EPF accounts under the same UAN. Employees must request EPFO to merge these accounts to ensure all retirement savings are consolidated. Here's how to do it online. 

14 Mar 2026 11:48 am
SEBI introduces Life Cycle Funds: How will they help in building your retirement portfolio

An individual can choose a life cycle fund that aligns with their financial goal date. The fund has a diversified portfolio, starts with a higher equity allocation, and follows a glide path towards maturity.

14 Mar 2026 11:01 am
Centres MSME greening scheme sees just 3.7% disbursal

The scheme's target was to provide interest subvention worth 350 crore on loans worth 5,800 crore to 5,800 businesses

14 Mar 2026 7:00 am
Bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed on Saturday, March 14? Check RBI calendar here

On 14 March, banks across India will be closed for the second Saturday of the month. Customers can still access online banking services for transactions.

14 Mar 2026 6:49 am
PPF vs EPF vs VPF: Which should you choose? Here's a comparison of interest rates, tax benefits, tenure & more

Retirement planning can benefit from PPF, EPF, and VPF, which offer high interest rates and tax exemptions. PPF provides guaranteed returns at 7.1%, while EPF and VPF have 8.25%. Contributions to these schemes are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80C.

13 Mar 2026 11:22 pm
Trai plans extra fee, penalty on operators allowing robocalls, spam messages

Trais move is aimed at tightening accountability and discouraging the misuse of regular voice lines for mass spam calling

13 Mar 2026 10:52 pm
Will the new Income Tax Act be better for salaried taxpayers? Experts weigh in

The new Income Tax Act will come into force from 1 April 2026. Experts suggest that the new rules will be beneficial to salaried employees who opt for the old tax regime, as they will be able to claim higher exemptions and deductions. 

13 Mar 2026 10:13 pm
Premium personal care push begins paying off for FMCG firms

Specialized treatments, targeted skincare and haircare formulations, and natural products are emerging as key growth drivers as consumers increasingly pay for tailored solutions.

13 Mar 2026 4:16 pm
Retired and worried about volatile market? Heres how to withdraw without running out of money

With the three-bucket retirement strategy, you can meet your regular monthly expenses, keep a cushion for the medium term, and grow your wealth in the long-term. The buckets provide flexibility to adjust funds within each bucket and offer complete control.

13 Mar 2026 4:11 pm
Volatile markets: How to shield your retirement fund and ensure regular monthly withdrawals

With the three-bucket retirement strategy, you can meet your regular monthly expenses, keep a cushion for the medium term, and grow your wealth in the long-term. The buckets provide flexibility to adjust funds within each bucket and offer complete control.

13 Mar 2026 3:14 pm
Advance tax final instalment deadline: Step-by-step guide on how a taxpayer can clear their dues online

The final advance tax payment for FY 202526 is due on 15 March. Taxpayers must estimate their income and pay in four instalments to avoid interest charges. Heres your complete guide to clearing dues online.

13 Mar 2026 2:28 pm
Climate is the new challenge to demand prediction for ice cream, beverage, electronics companies. And, it's hard.

While seasonal demand remains critical, long summers and early rains push food and consumer goods makers to predict demand and schedule production better. Here's how how beverage, ice cream, and consumer goods companies in India are walking the tightrope balancing demand and costsand climate.

13 Mar 2026 1:03 pm
Gulf war shadow: India's $11 billion mobile phone export success story now faces a $3 billion challenge

India's booming mobile phone exports are vulnerable as analysts project a $2 billion-3 billion loss due to the conflict in the Gulf region. EMS companies, heavily reliant on West Asian markets, are particularly exposed to trade disruption and reduced demand.

13 Mar 2026 11:45 am
Multi-asset funds are having a moment. This fund manager explains why

Multi-asset allocation funds are rapidly gaining traction among investors. Deepak Shenoy, CEO of Capitalmind AMC, sheds light on how these funds provide a balanced portfolio and if these funds are the right choice for your investment strategy

13 Mar 2026 7:00 am
India plans to tighten security checks for telecom equipment

This means that telecom equipment makers such as Nokia, Ericsson, Cisco, and Tejas Networks can no longer rely solely on temporary approvals or self-declarations of compliance with security testing requirements, but will now have to clear some mandatory security checks.

13 Mar 2026 6:00 am
Top parliamentary panel calls for tweaks in flagship electric mobility schemes to give startups, four-wheelers a boost

The parliamentary committee sought major changes to India's EV schemes. It seeks to include startups, incentivize electric four-wheelers, and extend aid for two-wheelers to boost sales and fix current flaws.

12 Mar 2026 8:04 pm
Cooking gas shortage: Centre says 20% of average monthly commercial LPG to be allocated from today by OMCs

Amidst the reports of shortage of cooking gas supply, the central govt announced that 20% of the average monthly commercial LPG requirement will be allocated from Thursday, March 12, by OMCs in coordination with the state governments so that there is no hoarding or black marketing.

12 Mar 2026 6:03 pm
Advance tax final instalment deadline: Who must pay and what happens if you miss 15 March due date?

The final instalment of advance tax payment deadline for the financial year 2025-26 is March 15, 2026. Here's who much pay the tax and the penalty for missing the due date. 

12 Mar 2026 4:43 pm
Tencent signals renewed investment interest as India eases Press Note-3 rules

Experts say the decision allowing automatic route for sub-10% investments from border countries could revive stalled deals and reopen flows of Chinese capital.

12 Mar 2026 3:52 pm
Income Tax: 7 major tax changes taking effect from 1 April explained

Income Tax: The Union Budget 2026 introduces amendments to the Income Tax Act that simplify compliance for taxpayers. Here is a list of crucial changes for Indian taxpayers. 

12 Mar 2026 2:57 pm
Why most Indian actors struggle to crack Hollywood game

Every few years, an Indian actor lands a role in a Hollywood project, sparking excitement about global crossover success. But despite the buzz, the path from Bollywood or regional cinema to Hollywood remains  fraught with challenges

12 Mar 2026 2:43 pm
Furniture rentals are booming. Heres when renting worksand when it doesnt

Renting furniture and appliances is gaining popularity among urban professionals seeking flexibility and lower upfront costsbut hidden charges and long tenures can make buying the smarter financial choice.

12 Mar 2026 1:23 pm
SIFs explained: Where these new funds fit in an investors portfolio

SIFs sit between mutual funds and PMS, offering advanced strategies like longshort equity and derivatives exposurebut investors must understand the risks before allocating capital.

12 Mar 2026 1:09 pm
India plans sops to cut import dependence in construction equipment

The Centre plans to introduce a 12-16% incentive for investments in construction equipment manufacturing such as cranes, tunnelling machines. Will it cut dependence on China, Japan and European countries?

12 Mar 2026 1:02 pm
Iran-US conflict puts India's $7 billion ceramic hub in Gujarat at risk: 'If the war doesn't end, we'll have to shut'

Morbi, India's ceramic hub, is on the brink of closure due to disrupted gas supplies from West Asia. With 400 factories at risk and thousands of jobs hanging in the balance, the geopolitical crisis threatens to unravel a $7 billion industry, reminiscent of the COVID-19 crisis.

12 Mar 2026 10:27 am
When war creates panic, smart investors look for opportunities

When conflict rattles markets, fear dominates, but smart investors see beyond the headlines.

12 Mar 2026 10:25 am
Are Indians planning for a retirement that no longer exists? This CA explains breaks down what factors are important

Nitin Kaushik warns that outdated retirement plans fail to address rising healthcare costs and longevity. He suggests that individuals must prepare for a minimum corpus of 300 times monthly expenses by 2026 to avoid financial crises in retirement.

11 Mar 2026 5:15 pm
Have an old EPFO account? Funds from these inoperative accounts may be auto-credited check if you are eligible

EPF members may soon withdraw funds directly through UPI, with a target rollout by April 2026. Additionally, a pilot project will automatically settle claims for small inoperative accounts, simplifying the withdrawal process and helping members access long-unclaimed funds more quickly.

11 Mar 2026 3:47 pm
Can you revoke a gift? What senior citizens and heirs need to know.

While a registered gift may seem final, Indian courts are increasingly using maintenance laws to strip away property from heirs who fail to care for their elderly parents.

11 Mar 2026 3:37 pm
Oil shock, market jitters: What West Asia tensions mean for investors

Oil spikes, FII selling and geopolitical tensions have shaken markets and retail portfolios. Experts say investors should stay disciplined, deploy cash gradually and rebalance portfolios if allocations have drifted. 

11 Mar 2026 12:07 pm
Global ETF premiums soar. Should investors wait or buy?

Global equity schemes allow investors to tap opportunities across markets worldwide. Strong demand has pushed international ETFs to trade at a premium to domestic ETFs. Should Indian investors still buy in?

11 Mar 2026 11:36 am
Investing for your future? Check interest rates, tenure, tax benefits & risks of fixed deposits vs public provident fund

Should you opt for fixed deposits (FDs) vs public provident fund (PPF), when investing for your future? Check interest rates, tenure, tax benefits and risk level of these investment instruments before making a decision.

10 Mar 2026 7:05 pm