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Best FD interest rates in India: Check fixed deposit returns of DCB Bank, RBL Bank, YES Bank and more

Interest rates on fixed deposits differ significantly among banks. Investors should consider factors such as bank reputation and financial goals when choosing deposit options with varying maturities.

5 Aug 2026 7:36 pm
ITR-6 Excel utility for AY 2026-27 released: Eligibility, due dates, key documents explained

The Income Tax Department has released the Excel utility for ITR-6 for AY 2026-27. The utility is now available on the e-Filing portal. The form is applicable to companies that are not claiming exemption under Section 11 of the Income Tax Act.

5 Aug 2026 6:45 pm
Boost your savings on autopilot: How cash optimisation apps put your surplus money to work

Cash optimisation apps allow you to park unused money in liquid mutual funds or fixed deposits, delivering higher yields than standard savings accounts.

5 Aug 2026 6:26 pm
EPFO may launch E-PRAAPTI by August-end: How the new portal can help you trace old or inactive PF accounts

The EPFO is expected to launch E-PRAAPTI by the end of August to help members recover money lying in old or inactive PF accounts. The Aadhaar-based portal aims to simplify account tracing, reduce paperwork, enable UAN linking, and make claims faster through a digital process.

5 Aug 2026 5:06 pm
RBI holds repo rate at 5.25%: 5 assumptions about EMIs, FD rates and inflation salaried employees shouldn't make

The RBI has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% while raising its FY27 growth forecast and trimming its inflation estimate. Here's why salaried employees shouldn't expect lower EMIs, cheaper loans or sharply lower FD rates just yet.

5 Aug 2026 4:55 pm
Does Section 54F tax exemption apply if LTCG is used to buy property from spouse? Here's what the ITAT ruling says

The Mumbai ITAT ruled that a genuine property purchase from a spouse cannot be denied Section 54F tax exemption merely because it results in tax savings. The tribunal found no evidence of tax avoidance and allowed a taxpayer's 6.92 crore exemption claim after the tax department challenged it.

5 Aug 2026 4:04 pm
RBI policy remains unchanged but is this the right time to revisit and strengthen your emergency fund strategy?

The RBI held the policy repo rate at 5.25%, maintaining a cautious stance amid uncertainties. Governor Malhotra noted the uncertain growth outlook due to various factors. Here's what retail investors should do in such times.

5 Aug 2026 3:58 pm
Beyond 31 July: Taxpayer's guide to every ITR deadline

While business and professional filers of ITR-3 and ITR-4 get more time, even those who missed the 31 July deadline get a chance to file a belated ITR, though with a penalty.

5 Aug 2026 3:21 pm
Does paying off a loan early improve your credit score? Here's what experts say

Early loan repayment reduces interest costs but may not immediately improve credit scores. Experts explain how timely payments, credit utilisation, debt management and responsible borrowing habits play a bigger role in building a strong credit profile.

5 Aug 2026 3:04 pm
What India's investors can learn from South Korea's market meltdown

South Korea's AI-driven stock market boom turned into a sharp rout within weeks. Here's what Indian investors can learn about leverage, passive investing, diversification and FOMO.

5 Aug 2026 2:59 pm
The great Indian savings paradox: more money saved, less wealth built

Indian households are among the world's most disciplined savers. But an increasing share of those savings is flowing into unproductive assets, limiting both long-term wealth creation and capital formation.

5 Aug 2026 2:02 pm
Mutual fund returns 2026: Pharma, small-cap funds outperform as last year's winners stumble

A sharp reversal has reshaped the mutual fund leaderboard in 2026, with many of last year's best-performing categories slipping. Here's what the latest data shows and why experts say investors should avoid chasing past returns.

5 Aug 2026 1:57 pm
ITR filing for F&O traders: Turnover isn't trade value. Experts explain how to calculate it

F&O traders need to understand turnover calculation before filing ITR. Check how futures and options turnover is computed, why it affects tax audit rules, ITR-3 filing, books of accounts, and compliance requirements before the August 31 deadline.

5 Aug 2026 1:48 pm
NPS returns 2026: Tata tops 1-year equity performance, ICICI leads over 5 years; check full rankings

NPS returns can vary significantly depending on the pension fund manager and the asset class you choose. Here's how Tata, ICICI Prudential, HDFC, UTI and other pension funds performed over one, three and five years.

5 Aug 2026 12:59 pm
8th Pay Commission Jaipur meetings on 31 August1 September: Who can apply, what to know

8th Pay Commission: Stakeholder consultations will be held in Jaipur on 31 August and 1 September. Central government and UT employee associations in Rajasthan can apply by 18 August using their Memo ID to participate.

5 Aug 2026 11:53 am
ITR processed but refund not received yet? Here's the expected timeline and the most common reasons for delay

Income tax refunds occur when paid taxes exceed actual liabilities after deductions and they are processed after ITR e-verification.  Here's when to expect it and common reasons for delay.

5 Aug 2026 11:25 am
Belated income tax return AY 2026-27: How to file, late filing charges and what you may lose

Taxpayers who missed the July 31 ITR deadline can still file a belated return until December 31, 2026. Here's the filing process, applicable late fees, and the tax benefits you may lose by filing late.

5 Aug 2026 10:38 am
No recruitment, minimal resources: EPFO officers body urges govt to hire experts to improve service delivery

The EPF officers body has asked the Labour Ministry to hire more experts for better service delivery, citing delays in claim settlements. With inadequate technical support and staffing, they stress the need for timely intervention. 

5 Aug 2026 10:10 am
Gold, silver prices today, 5 August: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 5 August: 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.

5 Aug 2026 9:40 am
EPF wage ceiling may rise to 25,000, here's how it could boost your EPS pension and affect PF contributions

The Centre is considering raising the EPF wage ceiling from 15,000 to 25,000, subject to Cabinet approval. If notified, the move could bring more employees under EPF and increase future EPS pension payouts.

5 Aug 2026 9:13 am
Where does LIC invest your premium? Minister tells Lok Sabha how it picks stocks, why it won't name companies

LICs equity investment strategy explained as the Finance Ministry reveals how the insurer managed policyholders funds in listed companies over five years, including risk checks, regulatory oversight, portfolio review and investment decisions based on business performance and future prospects.

5 Aug 2026 8:32 am
Found errors in your filed ITR? Check due date and whether revising attracts penalty

Taxpayers can file a revised return if they have made mistakes in their initial submission before the 31 July deadline. Know the due date and whether revising errors can lead to a penalty. 

5 Aug 2026 8:03 am
Income Tax Department's NUDGE drive leads to 1.25 crore updated ITRs, 9,494 crore extra tax

The CBDT's technology-driven NUDGE campaign prompted 1.25 crore taxpayers to revise or update their ITRs over FY25 and FY26. The voluntary compliance drive also helped the Income Tax Department collect 9,494 crore in additional taxes.

5 Aug 2026 7:59 am
EPFO eOffice app unavailable today during scheduled upgrade; check details

EPFO's e-Office application will be unavailable from 6 pm to 9.30 pm today due to a scheduled system upgrade. Members may experience temporary service delays while key UMANG services remain available. Here's what EPF subscribers and employers need to know.

5 Aug 2026 7:15 am
Stock market closing timings changed: What it means for index funds, ETFs and arbitrage fund investors

The stock markets new closing auction mechanism changes how closing prices are determined for F&O stocks. The shift from VWAP-based closing prices to auction-based pricing could impact index funds, ETFs and arbitrage funds by improving transparency and reducing tracking errors.

4 Aug 2026 11:08 pm
Franklin India Short Term Fund opens NFO on 5 August: Scheme type, duration and risk Here's all investors need to know

Franklin Templeton's new open-ended short term debt scheme, the Franklin India Short Term Fund opens NFO from 5th to 11th August. Here's all investors need to know about the scheme type, duration, minimum investment amount and potential risk class.

4 Aug 2026 10:38 pm
Factor investing styles: Momentum tops with over 24% returns in 10 yearsbut does it carry the highest risk?

Factor investing has gained significant traction as investors increasingly seek rule-based strategies over traditional market-cap investing. While momentum has delivered the strongest long-term returns, the data shows that higher returns do not necessarily mean the highest risk. 

4 Aug 2026 9:53 pm
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara's Arjun Saluja taught us to chase FIRE, but how to protect it for 50 years

An early retiree must build a larger retirement corpus by targeting a lower withdrawal rate in retirement and by maintaining a margin of safety in the corpus to account for swings during multi-decadal economic cycles

4 Aug 2026 9:22 pm
EPFO: Unresolved pending claims, KYC errors, incorrect balance? Here's how to register grievance online Stepwise guide

Today, we look at how employees provident fund members can file a grievance with the retirement fund body, the step-by-step process to register a complaint, the customer care and social media alternatives.

4 Aug 2026 9:00 pm
Unified Pension Scheme explained: Objectives, eligibility, contribution structure, key benefits and latest updates

The Centre said over 1.18 lakh eligible beneficiaries have opted for the Unified Pension Scheme since its rollout in April 2025. Introduced to provide an assured post-retirement income, the UPS continues as an optional pension framework under the NPS, with no review conducted so far.

4 Aug 2026 8:38 pm
How much equity is enough? A simple asset allocation guide for conservative investors

Volatile markets have led retail investors to reconsider their investment options amid inflation. Fixed deposits and debt funds carry lower risk, but the choice depends on individual tax slabs, financial timelines, and risk tolerance. 

4 Aug 2026 8:35 pm
Over 31 crore unorganised workers registered on e-Shram portal: Check list of schemes and eligibility criteria

More than 31.82 crore unorganised workers have registered on the e-Shram portal, gaining access to social security schemes and welfare services. The government has integrated multiple schemes and platforms to help workers access benefits, job opportunities, skill development and pension services.

4 Aug 2026 7:12 pm
8th pay commission: Vacancies for consultants open Here's who is eligible and how to apply

The 8th pay commission has invited candidates to apply for various consultant roles. Here's who is eligible, how to apply, the terms of the job, due date for application, salary offered and other details.

4 Aug 2026 6:30 pm
Marriage, money and modern expectations: Is India ready for the prenup talk?

Though prenuptial agreements face legal hurdles in Indian courts, an evolving marriage landscape demands a legal framework that balances pre-marital financial transparency with essential statutory protections.

4 Aug 2026 6:06 pm
Can you get a death claim on a lapsed life insurance policy? Here's what Consumer Commission says

The Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission rules that while a lapsed life insurance policy does not entitle nominees to a death benefit, fairness may still require insurers to refund premiums in exceptional circumstances. 

4 Aug 2026 5:43 pm
Probate no longer mandatory: what it means for estate planning

The omission of Section 213 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925 has changed the legal position on probate in India. While probate remains available, it is no longer a statutory precondition in cases that were earlier covered by Section 213.

4 Aug 2026 5:26 pm
Punjab High Court orders state govt to clear pending DA within 15 days Here's all we know

The Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the Punjab government to clear pending dearness allowance arrears for employees and pensioners within two weeks. Dues are estimated at 15,000 crore, with penalties for late payment set at 6% interest. 

4 Aug 2026 5:26 pm
Sectoral and thematic index funds return up to 22% in 6 months: What retail investors must know before taking the plunge

Sectoral indices, including the Nifty India Defence, are often market-cap weighted with high stock concentration. Investors should understand index construction and risks, limiting sector funds to 15-20% of their portfolio, while considering diversified equity funds for overall better returns.

4 Aug 2026 5:18 pm
Assess beneficiaries' jurisdictions before planning cross-border succession

The choice between a trust and a will should be informed not only by control and asset protection considerations, but also by taxation, treaty relief and repatriation rules in those jurisdictions.

4 Aug 2026 4:49 pm
How do cash optimization apps work, and are they right for you?

These platforms move idle cash into liquid funds to beat traditional savings account rates and offer brand perks, but come with hidden costs, taxes, and exit loads.

4 Aug 2026 4:37 pm
Who needs to file ITR by 31 August? Check list of eligible taxpayers, applicable forms and audit requirements

The 31 August ITR deadline is meant for specific taxpayers, including freelancers, professionals, traders and small business owners filing ITR-3 or ITR-4 without a tax audit. Eligibility depends on the applicable return form and whether audit provisions apply.

4 Aug 2026 4:32 pm
Taxation and Other Laws Amendment Bill tabled in Lok Sabha: UPI charges, tax measures What it intends to change

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in Lok Sabha today. It amends laws regarding payment systems and income tax, including the reinstatement of merchant discount rates on UPI transactions and other tax provisions for various sectors.

4 Aug 2026 4:26 pm
53% may stop using UPI for payments above 3,000 if MDR returns, survey claims. What are Merchant Discount Rates?

The survey found that 53% of respondents would move away from UPI for transactions above 3,000 if an MDR is imposed on large merchants.

4 Aug 2026 3:29 pm
SEBI warns investors against unauthorised unlisted share platforms. Check these 5 tips

SEBI has repeatedly cautioned investors against using unauthorised platforms for buying or selling unlisted shares. Here are 5 checks to verify platforms, safeguard personal information, understand regulatory risks and make informed investment decisions before investing in unlisted company shares.

4 Aug 2026 3:21 pm
SEBI's GARUDA framework cuts AIF launch time. Here's what it means for Alternative Investment Fund investors

SEBI's new GARUDA framework cuts the launch time for eligible AIF schemes to 10 working days. Experts explain how the reform could benefit investors while keeping regulatory safeguards intact.

4 Aug 2026 3:02 pm
Home prices and rental yields rise together in India's top cities, Noida and Gurugram top the list

ANAROCK study shows home prices and rental yields have risen together across India's top housing markets since 2019. Noida, Gurugram, Bengaluru and Hyderabad emerge as the biggest winners for residential property investors.

4 Aug 2026 1:53 pm
EPFO warns members to verify Date of Joining, Exit details or risk PF, pension benefits

EPFO has urged members to verify and correct their Date of Joining and Date of Exit details to avoid delays in PF withdrawals and pension claims. The advisory explains online correction rules, Aadhaar-linked UAN updates and employer approval requirements for eligible subscribers.

4 Aug 2026 1:33 pm
SGB redemption August 2026: RBI lists 6 Sovereign Gold Bond series eligible for early exit; check dates and eligibility

RBI's August 2026 redemption calendar lists six Sovereign Gold Bond tranches eligible for premature exit after the mandatory five-year holding period. Investors must apply within the prescribed window, as missing the deadline means waiting for the next eligible redemption date.

4 Aug 2026 12:56 pm
RBIs new FD rules from October: 5 changes small finance bank depositors must know

RBIs new fixed deposit rules for small finance banks will apply from October. The guidelines introduce advance-rate disclosures, uniform pricing, bulk-deposit rules and greater transparency.

4 Aug 2026 11:26 am
Worked before UAN? Here's how EPFO's new portal helps you find and link old PF accounts

The upgraded EPFO portal lets members view their complete service history and identify older PF accounts that may not be linked to their UAN. Here's how employees who started working before UAN or Aadhaar can trace and consolidate their old EPF accounts.

4 Aug 2026 10:47 am