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Sector cycles: Experts decode past trends and share key lessons for investors to make smarter moves in 2026

Sector leadership keeps changing, but the next opportunity may not be where investors expect. A decade of market cycles offers clues on how sectors fall out of favour, recover and eventually regain investor attention, with valuation and fundamentals holding the key.

14 Aug 2026 12:51 am
Independence Day 2026: How debt, dependents, healthcare and inflation can change your 'freedom number'

Financial freedom isnt defined by a fixed 5 crore or 10 crore corpus. Inflation, debt, dependents, healthcare costs and retirement goals can significantly change the amount you need. Heres why your personal freedom number may be very different from what you expect.

13 Aug 2026 11:08 pm
Higher PF claims under EPS: Govt outlines 4 key measures to clear pending applications

The higher-pension process stems from the Supreme Court's November 2022 judgment, which upheld the right of eligible employees to opt for pension contributions based on higher wages, subject to the applicable conditions.

13 Aug 2026 10:58 pm
Earning income from YouTube: Here's how Indian creators should calculate tax and file ITR

If you are an Indian content creator earning income from YouTube, it is important to understand how your dollar earnings should be converted, taxed and reported in your ITR. Knowing the correct rules can help you avoid errors and ensure proper tax compliance.

13 Aug 2026 10:36 pm
From pregnancy breaks to 15% premium discount: Inside ICICI Prudential's new women-first insurance plan

The plan is designed to address changing financial and healthcare needs across different stages of a woman's life, while offering additional flexibility in premium payments.

13 Aug 2026 10:10 pm
West Bengal 7th Pay Commission launches website: Has panel made any recommendations on pay, allowances, pension so far?

West Bengal 7th Pay Commission has decided to set-up the website. It will provide details of the Commissions activities, official notifications and opportunities for stakeholders to submit their views and relevant data. It will also allow employees & other stakeholders to submit memoranda to panel.

13 Aug 2026 9:17 pm
The NAV lag: Why your mutual fund platform and CAS values don't match

Your mutual fund value on a broker or wealth-management report may differ from the value shown in your CAS even when the number of units is the same. One possible reason is that the platforms may use NAV data from different dates to calculate the investment value.

13 Aug 2026 9:13 pm
UPI MDR charges explained: What high-value transaction limit is govt considering?

The government is considering MDR on select high-value UPI merchant transactions to make the digital payments ecosystem financially sustainable. The exact transaction threshold and MDR rate are yet to be finalised, while P2P payments may remain free.

13 Aug 2026 7:43 pm
Deposited over 50 lakh cash in bank account, no ITR filed: Here's why ITAT ruled in taxpayer's favour

A 54 lakh cash deposit landed a Rohtak property dealer in a tax dispute after he failed to file an ITR and respond to notices. But documents showing the money belonged to property buyers, not him, changed the case and led the Delhi ITAT to delete the tax addition.

13 Aug 2026 7:35 pm
10,000 monthly SIP vs 10 lakh FD: Which investment could create more wealth in 15 years?

The choice largely depends on an investor's financial goals, risk tolerance and investment horizon.

13 Aug 2026 7:26 pm
Annapurna scheme in West Bengal: Who are eligible for 3000 monthly assistance? Check new criteria announced by CM

Annapurna scheme: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari said women earning more than 10,000 a month or belonging to families with an annual income of above 12 lakh would not be eligible for the scheme.

13 Aug 2026 6:53 pm
Freelancers, gig workers: How to build financial stability amid irregular income and AI risks

Freelancers and gig workers need to diversify their services, create multiple sources of income and manage their finances carefully if they want to build a sustainable career

13 Aug 2026 5:44 pm
Do active funds really outperform passive ones? The answer depends on category and costs

A data-driven analysis of active and passive equity funds shows that the outcome varies by market segment. While passive strategies have an edge in some categories, active management can add value in others. Costs and fund selection also play a crucial role.

13 Aug 2026 4:27 pm
As India grows, so does its appetite for credit. But who is being left out?

Borrowing has evolved into a strategic financial decision in India, driven by strong credit growth and the rise of digital lending. This shift is transforming lending practices, making credit more accessible across demographics and regions, though significant untapped potential remains.

13 Aug 2026 3:28 pm
EPS-95 pension hike: Will 1,000 minimum pension increase to 7,500? Heres what the government said in Lok Sabha

The minimum EPS-95 pension remains 1,000 per month, with pensioners demanding an increase to 7,500. The governments latest Lok Sabha response on 10 August did not announce a hike and cited pension fund sustainability and future liabilities.

13 Aug 2026 3:06 pm
Do NRIs have to pay tax on interest earned in NRE, FCNR and NRO accounts? Know the rules

An NRI having NRE, NRO and FCNR accounts may have to pay tax on interest income. Here's when it applies and when it is exempt from tax as per income tax rules. 

13 Aug 2026 2:14 pm
Filed your ITR before July 31? Here are 3 reasons the Income Tax Department may still send a notice

Filing your ITR before the 31 July deadline does not guarantee that you will not receive an income tax notice later. Mismatch in AIS/Form 26AS, incorrect tax claims and errors in the return can still trigger a communication from the Income Tax Department.

13 Aug 2026 1:17 pm
Property bought for 6.5 crore but valued at 8.85 crore: How buyer won relief from 2.35 crore tax addition

A property buyer who paid 6.5 crore for a property valued at 8.85 crore for stamp duty purposes won relief from a 2.35 crore tax addition. ITAT Mumbai ruled that a higher stamp-duty value alone cannot prove undisclosed investment under Section 69B without evidence of extra payment.

13 Aug 2026 12:05 pm
Loan recovery gets a rulebook: What RBI now bars lenders from doing

RBIs new recovery framework bars lenders and agents from harassment, threats and surprise visits, while setting rules for call timings, field visits, agent conduct and borrower grievances.

13 Aug 2026 11:46 am
Delhi High Court halts processing of ITRs filed by SC and HC judges under new tax regime here's why

The Delhi High Court has instructed the income tax department not to process tax returns of high court and Supreme Court judges due to a dispute over allowances. Here's what happened.

13 Aug 2026 10:53 am
Taxpayer failed to disclose UAE bank account and foreign shares in ITR: ITAT Delhi upholds 1.86 lakh penalty

An ITAT Delhi ruling has upheld a 1.86 lakh penalty against a taxpayer for failing to disclose his UAE bank account and foreign shareholding in his ITR. The tribunal rejected his explanations and held that the undisclosed foreign assets could be assessed under the Black Money Act for AY 2020-21.

13 Aug 2026 10:23 am
8th Pay Commission salary hike: Will the report be submitted before May 2027? Government clarifies 18-month deadline

The 8th Pay Commission has 18 months from its constitution on 3 November 2025 to submit its recommendations, putting the deadline in May 2027. The government has clarified that it has not confirmed an early submission.

13 Aug 2026 8:23 am
When will govt issue plastic 10 and 20 banknotes? FM Nirmala Sitharaman responds to query in Rajya Sabha

Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed that the RBI's proposal to introduce 10 and 20 plastic banknotes has been approved by the government. Here's what she said about the launch timeline. 

13 Aug 2026 8:03 am
RBI proposes tighter loan pricing rules: External benchmark norms, APR caps and key changes explained for borrowers

The RBI has proposed a common framework for loan pricing, including benchmark-linked rates, board-approved pricing policies and tighter rules on loan spreads. The draft also proposes APR caps for small-value and microfinance loans.

13 Aug 2026 8:01 am
Karnataka bandh today: Are banks open or closed in Bengaluru on Thursday, August 13?

Essential services are expected to remain operational during the statewide bandh in Karnataka on Thursday.

13 Aug 2026 5:07 am
Four equity fund categories saw outflows in July despite gains: Should investors be concerned?

Four equity fund categories large-cap, dividend-yield, value, and ELSS saw net outflows in July despite mostly positive returns. Experts explain the key reasons behind the trend and what investors should consider before making changes to their portfolios.

12 Aug 2026 11:06 pm
Zerodha Fund House unveils arbitrage fund for short-term cash management, investment starts at 5,000

The new fund offer is aimed at investors looking to park surplus money for relatively short periods while keeping volatility lower than that typically associated with pure equity funds.

12 Aug 2026 10:37 pm
Child certificate under Income Tax Act 2025: What is it, who needs it and how to generate one?

Form 128 allows taxpayers to obtain lower or nil TDS/TCS certificates. Under the Income Tax 2025, child certificates can be generated for individual payers. Here's what they mean, who needs them, and how to get them.

12 Aug 2026 10:14 pm
Bought co-owner's 50% share in a property? How capital gains tax applies when selling whole asset

Buying a co-owners share in a jointly owned property can make capital gains tax calculations more complex when you sell the whole asset. The two shares may have different acquisition dates and costs, affecting how the gains are taxed.

12 Aug 2026 9:15 pm
Small-cap funds attract highest ever monthly inflow in July: Is your equity portfolio taking the right risk?

Small-cap mutual funds attracted a record 7,768 crore in July, while large-cap funds saw their first outflow in 30 months. The sharp shift in equity fund flows raises questions about small-cap exposure, portfolio diversification and the right level of equity risk for investors.

12 Aug 2026 8:29 pm
Nifty 50 needs 8% returns to reclaim peak; mid-caps narrow gap: What it means for investors

Large-, mid- and small-cap indices are at different stages of recovery from their previous peaks. While Nifty Midcap 150 is almost back to its record high, Nifty 50 has a wider gap to close. A study highlights how past corrections have shaped recovery timelines.

12 Aug 2026 8:11 pm
FD rates: Which banks are offering the best returns on fixed deposits right now?

DCB Bank, RBL Bank, YES Bank, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank and Jammu & Kashmir Bank are among the banks offering some of the highest FD interest rates across various tenures for deposits of up to 1 crore.

12 Aug 2026 7:50 pm
Returning to India? How RNOR status can help NRIs save tax on foreign income

During the RNOR phase, local income rules mirror those applicable to ordinary residents. Any revenue sourced within Indiasuch as domestic salary, rental proceeds from local property, or fixed deposit interestremains fully taxable and must be reported in the ITR

12 Aug 2026 6:59 pm
NPS for platform workers: How Zomato and Swiggy delivery partners can build a retirement corpus with 99 contribution

PFRDA has highlighted the NPS scheme for platform workers, with contributions starting at just 99 to help build a retirement corpus. The scheme allows flexible contributions and portability, but theres more to know about how workers can enrol, contribute and withdraw.

12 Aug 2026 6:34 pm
Sold property but missed expense deductions in original ITR? Here's what Mumbai ITAT ruling says

A Mumbai ITAT ruling has offered relief to a taxpayer who claimed 37.16 lakh in property-related expenses during reassessment. The tribunal examined whether such claims could be allowed later and ultimately directed the tax department to delete the additions.

12 Aug 2026 4:54 pm
How to create an NGO in your grandfather's name

An NGO can generally be established as a public charitable trust, Section 8 company or charitable society.

12 Aug 2026 4:49 pm
Inside govts insurance reforms push: Standardised rates, nationwide claims exchange in offing

A panel comprising regulators, industry executives, hospitals and representatives of the CII is expected to submit recommendations by the end of the year.

12 Aug 2026 4:39 pm
Sensex vs KOSPI: Does Indias sector diversity offer an edge over South Koreas chip-heavy index?

South Korea's KOSPI index experienced a significant decline and subsequent recovery, highlighting its heavy reliance on semiconductor companies like Samsung and SK Hynix. Does India's Sensex have a diversification edge?

12 Aug 2026 3:40 pm
US-based founder criticises Indian bank for being overly cautious about loans, says the country is credit-starved

An entrepreneur described India as a 'credit-starved country,' contrasting it with the US banking system, which allows for easier access to loans. Here's what he said.

12 Aug 2026 3:11 pm
Your child may rewrite their future. Can your financial plan keep up?

Children may change careers, dreams and ambitions as they grow. The real purpose of long-term investing isn't to fund one future, but to give them the financial freedom to choose their own.

12 Aug 2026 2:53 pm
Freelancer freedom: Why gig workers need to diversify not just investments but also their income streams

Freelancers and gig workers must diversify their offerings, build multiple income streams and manage money mindfully to not just survive, but thrive, in this landscape.

12 Aug 2026 2:43 pm
Flipkart Esop case: Could a buyback of unexercised options mean lower tax bill?

The ruling does not automatically make every unexercised Esop buyback tax-efficient, say experts.

12 Aug 2026 2:15 pm
EPFO showing wrong service history? What employees should check immediately and do next to rectify the error

EPF members face issues like overlapping records and incorrect dates on the EPFO portal post-IT migration. Here's what to check and the steps you should take to avoid any hassle.

12 Aug 2026 1:52 pm
Unclaimed bank deposits near 1 lakh crore: How to find forgotten money and claim it through RBIs UDGAM portal

Nearly 1 lakh crore in bank deposits has been transferred to the RBIs DEA Fund as customers and legal heirs fail to claim forgotten money. Heres how to check for unclaimed bank deposits through the RBIs UDGAM portal and what families need to do to recover the funds.

12 Aug 2026 11:59 am
Cash transfers for women: Do direct benefits really improve household welfare Experts explain

More than 15 states have unconditional cash transfer schemes for women across India, costing roughly 2.68 lakh crores and reaching almost 120 million beneficiaries. These schemes provide regular unconditional monthly payments ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 to support financial independence.

12 Aug 2026 9:51 am
Indias top family businesses now worth more than Saudi Arabia's GDP; Ambanis remain richest family

Mukesh Ambani's family remains India's richest. The nation's top family businesses are valued at $1.46 trillion, surpassing several economies. Details here. 

12 Aug 2026 9:28 am
SGB 2018-19 Series VI premature redemption today: Investors to get 361% return as RBI fixes price at 15,102

SGB 2018-19 Series VI premature redemption begins today, with the RBI fixing the redemption price at 15,102 per unit. Investors who bought the bonds at the 3,276 issue price stand to gain around 361%, excluding the 2.5% annual interest.

12 Aug 2026 8:34 am
ITR-7 tax liability nearly triples to 1,043 crore in AY26 from 356 crore in five years, govt data shows

Entities filing ITR-7 saw their total income tax liability nearly triple to 1,043 crore in AY 2025-26 from 356 crore in AY 2021-22. The government data covers charitable and religious trusts, political parties, universities, colleges and research institutions filing ITR-7.

12 Aug 2026 8:23 am
From automatic PF transfer to faster settlement: 5 big EPFO changes in 2026 that salaried employees must know

EPFO has updated services for salaried employees, streamlining PF access and transfers. Here are the top five new features and updates to know.

12 Aug 2026 7:49 am
Parents throw son out of property for not taking care of them: Bombay High Court agrees

The Bombay High Court ordered a son to vacate two properties gifted by his parents due to his failure to care for them, leading to a breakdown of relations. The court upheld that the gift deed conditions were unmet, justifying the property revocation.

11 Aug 2026 11:24 pm