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Need urgent cash? Check whether breaking a fixed deposit or taking a loan against an FD is the better option. Compare costs, penalties, interest rates and repayment factors to make a smarter financial decision while protecting your long-term savings.

Social security: Over 31.78 crore unorganised workers are registered on e-Shram porta till July 2026. Today, we take a look at how you can apply, the eligibility criteria and most frequently asked questions

Wider acceptance of UPI abroad benefits Indian tourists, students and business travelers by allowing use familiar mobile apps for payments instead of reliance on international debit or credit cards.

Asset allocation across equities, debt and gold helps investors balance growth, stability and risk. Learn how diversification, age-based investing and regular portfolio rebalancing can improve long-term returns and protect wealth during market volatility.

Most domestic ETFs are trading close to their NAV, while some international ETFs trade at steep premiums due to supply constraints. Experts advise investors to compare an ETF's market price with its NAV or iNAV to avoid overpaying and make better investment decisions.

Credit cards offer convenience, rewards and credit-building opportunities, but only when used responsibly. Experts explain how timely repayments and disciplined spending can help individuals avoid debt, improve credit scores and maximise financial benefits while reducing borrowing risks.

Indian investors are reevaluating portfolio strategies amid market volatility. The US offers growth but is expensive, whereas China is cheaper yet carries risks. Experts suggest global diversification, with a recommended allocation of 15-25% for beginners and up to 50% for aggressive profiles.

Bank holidays this week: Banks in India will be closed for upto eleven days in the next month, but digital platforms like UPI and banking apps will remain operational. Customers should note that in-branch services are suspended on Sundays and specific regional holidays.

A new crop of funds claims to fix momentum investing's biggest flaw, but investors should wait for the funds to build a longer track-record.

The pouch system that economists call primitive is the discipline that stops you from robbing yourself.

Investors should update their nominee details after the nominee's death. The assets remain valid, but failing to appoint a new nominee can lead to delays and additional paperwork for beneficiaries in claiming investments later. Details here.

When making your financial plan, you can use systematic investment plan to build an emergency fund. Here's how to calculate how much to invest monthly using the 3-6-9 rule. We explain

A slowdown in demat account openings indicates a shift from speculative trading to long-term investing, says ClearTax CEO Archit Gupta. Here's why.

Warren Buffett plans to give away his $140 billion stake in Berkshire Hathaway by 2034, donating 12 million shares to four foundations. He emphasises his children's responsibility in managing the wealth while facing criticism over the effectiveness of foundations for aiding vulnerable Americans.

ITR deadline: While the overall e-filing process has become quicker, the process can be daunting for first-time filers. Here are five key things taxpayers should know to prepare before filing ITR.

A consumer commission ordered EPFO to refund 1,350 plus interest after miscalculating an employee's EPS withdrawal benefit. The commission ruled that EPFO used the wrong factor for calculations, leading to a shortfall in the payout. Details here.

A 32-year-old struggled with health due to long work hours and poor self-care, leading to a diabetes and hypertension diagnosis. His story highlights the relationship between health and financial risk, emphasizing the need for professionals to prioritize well-being alongside career goals.

Women awaiting payments from the Annapurna Bhandar scheme are checking the status of their funds. The scheme replaces the Lakshmi Bhandar and offers helpline numbers for assistance. Possible reasons for delayed payments include banking issues and incorrect application information.

Missing the ITR deadline leads to penalties and interest on the unpaid taxes where applicable. Here's why a due date extension is unlikely this year and hence taxpayers should consider filing their tax returns on time. 

EPFO: Today, look at how EPF subscribers can check their claim status for provident fund withdrawal, transfer, or pension fund in real-time using the official portal, Umang mobile app, SMS and missed call options.

The new tax regime is the default for taxpayers, with salaried individuals able to choose annually. Business income taxpayers face restrictive rules, allowing a one-time switch between regimes. 

Fixed deposits offer senior citizens stable returns, protecting their savings from market volatility. Leading small finance banks provide competitive rates for different tenures. 

The e-pay tax facility is a convenient option to pay taxes online as it allows payments via both pre-login and post-login options, and supports multiple payment methods. Details here. 

8th pay commission: From pension revision to various leaves and increment schedule Here's the full list of demands for allowances and benefits made by the NC-JMC for government employees and pensioners.

Edelweiss Mutual Fund has launched India's first REIT-oriented mutual fund, with the NFO opening on August 5. The passive fund will track the Nifty REITs & Realty Total Return Index, offering exposure to listed REITs and real estate companies through a single investment.

DA hike: State government employees and pensioners in West Bengal expect the new 7th pay commission to address the dearness allowance gap with central government staff and retirees. Here's why the issue matters

Mumbai ITAT ruled that a taxpayer cannot be taxed for unexplained investment merely because one remittance document is unavailable if the entire transaction is otherwise backed by credible evidence. 

The Income Tax Department has launched a new Foreign Assets Information report on the e-Filing portal, allowing taxpayers to view overseas financial data received from foreign jurisdictions. 

ITAT has ruled that administrative controls such as attendance, fixed timings and leave approval do not, by themselves, create an employer-employee relationship. The tribunal quashed a 9.48 lakh tax demand, holding that contractual teachers were independent professionals.

The 8th Central Pay Commission has fixed August 7 and 10 for the next round of stakeholder consultations in Delhi. Employee associations that have already submitted memorandums can seek appointments until July 31, while more state-wise consultations are planned.

The Centre has clarified that it is not considering a universal minimum pension scheme for all citizens. According to an ET Online report, the government instead highlighted existing social security provisions under the Code on Social Security, 2020.

The performance of metal ETFs depends on the state of the economy, as they invest in industrial metals. While they are expected to grow during economic expansion, they carry more risk than gold and silver ETFs.

Running a SIP in fixed income works on a fundamentally different principle than running one in stocks

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called for firm actions against tax evaders while prioritising convenience of honest taxpayers. Details here.

Today, we take a look at how the family (nominees or legal heirs) of an EPF subscriber can claim the provident fund savings amount after the member's death. Here's a stepwise guide

EPF members can retrieve their forgotten UAN online via the EPFO portal or through SMS and missed call services.  Details here.

The sizeable amount locked in such accounts indicates that many workers have either not withdrawn or transferred their EPF balances.

The government penalised the MSP of the income tax e-filing portal due to an extension of the ITR filing deadline caused by technical issues in FY 2025-26. Here's why an extension this year is unlikely.

The better option depends on your financial objectives, liquidity needs, investment horizon and comfort with risk.

The West Bengal government has officially constituted its 7th central pay commission. The finance department's resolution states that the panel will review allowances, salaries and service conditions for state government employees and pensioners.

Gifts received during the financial year may be taxable and need to be reported in the income tax return. Taxpayers should be aware of exemptions and the new reporting field for non-taxable gifts to maintain compliance. 

The Odisha government has approved a 5% increase in dearness allowance for state employees and pensioners, effective January 2026. Here's a look at who's eligible and how it works

Seasonal respiratory infections can lead to expenses beyond a doctor's visit. Here's what your health insurance is likely to cover, where claims may be denied, and the policy features to check before the monsoon season.

Mid-cap funds have outperformed every equity mutual fund category over the last one, three and five years. Here's how the category fared and the schemes that delivered the highest returns.

The interest earned from National Savings Certificate (NSC) and Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) is taxable, but only NSC offers a Section 80C benefit under the old tax regime. Here is how to report income correctly in your ITR before the 31 July deadline. 

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that an income tax notice issued after a taxpayer's death is legally invalid. Here's what the judgment means for legal heirs and when the Income Tax Department can still recover dues.

The Ministry of Labour has warned of rising online recruitment scams. It reminded job seekers that National Career Service (NCS) services are free. Fraud should be reported to helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Reporting Platform (NCRP).

Filing your Income Tax Return is only half the job. Taxpayers must e-verify their ITR within the prescribed deadline, or the return may be treated as invalid.

EPFO now automatically transfers EPF balances for eligible members after a job switch, removing the need to file a transfer claim in many cases. But the facility works only if specific conditions are met and missing records can still hold up the transfer.

Gold and silver prices today, 24 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 and how they are affected by ongoing geopolitical developments.