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The Finance Ministry announced a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance for central government employees and pensioners, effective January 1, 2026, raising it from 58% to 60%. Here's all you need to know about the pay component
Shubh Health Criti is a unit-linked life insurance plan offering a market-linked health fund covering 60-plus critical illnesses, enabling tax-free medical withdrawals, premium stability and proactive health planning.
Top LIC Child Plans 2026: Compare Jeevan Lakshya, New Children's Money Back and Jeevan Tarun, highlighting IRR returns, survival benefits and long-term education savings solutions. Before locking in on any plan, do consult certified investment planners.
EPF contributions are vital for retirement savings, with both employees and employers contributing 12% of basic salary. Employer contributions also fund the EPS, providing monthly pensions. Monitoring EPS records is crucial to avoid discrepancies that can affect retirement benefits.
Not all income earned by NRIs is taxable in India, only the sources that are based in India or fall under purview of Indian tax laws, according to Clear Tax. Check for the FAQs and factors explained
SCSS vs SSY vs SBI FD vs PPF comparison highlights interest rates, lock-in periods, tax benefits and suitability, helping investors in the nation choose stable, low-risk savings options in uncertain markets.
Experts explain the tax impact of selling a reinvested house within three years and whether NRIs can claim India-UAE DTAA relief without a current-year TRC.
EPF contributions accumulate interest annually at 8.25%, combining employee and employer inputs. A consistent monthly contribution can yield substantial returns over 30 years. Here's all you need to know.
The insurer that trusts good hospitals retains them. The hospital that bills responsibly earns faster approvals. The customer who engages honestly pays lower premiums.
Check out ITR Filing 2026 deadlines for FY 202526 and AY 202627, covering key income tax return due dates, revised filing timelines, belated return provisions and essential compliance updates for all taxpayer categories in the country.
Incorrect income reporting can lead to penalties under the Income Tax Act, 2025 with fines up to 200%. Taxpayers can avoid such steep penalties by voluntarily disclosing errors and paying required taxes. Details here.
It is up to the Aadhaar user to determine their own view on the use of Aadhaar for purposes relating to establishing the date of birth.
Parents can choose from government-backed savings options like NPS Vatsalya and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for their children. Sukanya is for girls only, offering fixed returns, while NPS Vatsalya is market-linked. Details of each scheme here.
The video, identified as AI-generated, falsely asserts an initial deposit of 22,000 can yield 30 lakh per month. Citizens are advised to verify information through official sources.
8th Pay Commission (8th CPC) is in an active consultation phase as of April 2026, reviewing demands from BPMS, PSNM & NC-JCM and other stakeholders. With the final decision on salary & pension awaited. Stakeholder meetings are ongoing across India before the Commission submits its final report.
ChatGPT advises a Bengaluru couple to increase their home loan EMI and make annual prepayments to close their loan early. Check the complete set of suggestions.
By timing autumn foliage, choosing public transport over taxis and balancing splurges with savings, this Bengaluru couple explored Seoul, Busan and Gyeongju in 12 days for 2.75 lakh.
While only Congress can formally dismantle the department, the administration is pursuing incremental changes through inter-agency agreements.
NRIs reportedly face higher tax implications when selling property in India due to revised capital gains tax rules and increased TDS rates. Proper planning, understanding exemptions, and compliance with regulations are essential to minimise tax liabilities and ensure smooth transactions.
The minimum payment is usually about 5% of your total outstanding bill. This is the minimum amount you must pay each month on a credit card.
Investing in equity mutual funds is popular for long-term wealth. When redeeming, capital gains tax may apply based on profits and holding periods. The FIFO method determines which units are sold first, impacting tax calculations for short-term and long-term capital gains.
8th Pay Commission says it is scheduling maximum meetings with Unions and Associations between 28 to 30 April in Delhi and will hold more meetings in the national capital and in other states in due course.
The score, which usually ranges from 300 to 900 points, tests ones capability to pay debts. The significance of a credit score is that it indicates just how creditworthy an individual is.
To file ITR-4 for AY 2026-27, visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal, verify details, enter income and deductions, validate the form, and submit using Aadhaar OTP or EVC. Eligibility includes earning under 50 lakh from business, with specific conditions for freelancers and property owners.
PSNM demands a minimum basic pay of 50,000 for Level 1 employees and 1,34,500 for Level 6 teachers in the 8th Pay Commission. Key demands include higher HRA, annual increments, merging basic pay with DA, and restoring the Old Pension Scheme.
Central government employees and pensioners await DA and DR arrears from the COVID-19 period. The Finance Ministry confirmed in 2020 that these payments cannot be released, despite ongoing demands. A recent increase of 2% in DA and DR has been approved, effective January 1, 2026.
The Ministry of Finance said Dearness Allowance (DA) payable to central government employees shall be increased from 58% to 60% of Basic Pay, with effect from 1 January 2026. Here's how much that impacts the monthly income
Rebate under Section 87A reduces tax for low to middle-income earners, with different income limits applicable under the old tax regime and the new regime. Check details for eligibility, limits and rules here
From porting health insurance without losing waiting period credits to increasing term cover as income rises, heres what policyholders need to know before making a move.
A 23-year-old marketing strategist shared her monthly expenditure in Old Manali. She divided it into non-negotiable and discretionary expenses, giving a reality check of life in the mountains.
Credit cards are essential for daily expenses, aiding travel with convenience and rewards. However, misuse can lead to debt and low credit score. Here are 5 common credit card mistakes one should avoid at any cost.
I told ChatGPT: Im Gen Z, fresh into my first job in Bengaluru after moving away from home. My first salary is 50,000. So, how to spend it? Here's the AI response.
Indian I-T rules allow senior citizens some relief in taxes through deductions, exemptions and compliance activities, that they can use to reduce liability. Here's a look at what's available, which tax regime to choose and how investment planning can help finances and taxes.
Equities fall 10 to 20% in almost every calendar year. And yet, over the last 46 years, 37 of those years have still closed positive. Over any rolling 7-year period in Indian equity markets, there have been zero instances of negative returns.
The investor who started a SIP into a multi-asset fund two years ago didn't need to predict interest rates or time gold's rally or call the bottom on small-caps. The fund did the navigating.
While growth allows you to reap the benefits of compounding, the dividend option, which is now called IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal) provides you with regular income.
An open-source bot that blindly bets No on every prediction is quietly outperforming most traders. The lesson for F&O punters and active investors is deeply uncomfortable.
As markets slide and short-term SIP returns turn negative, should investors hit pause or let rupee cost averaging do its job?
The Income Tax Department has notified ITR forms for AY 2026-27. Taxpayers can file belated, revised, or updated returns. Key deadlines for advance tax and TDS payments are crucial for compliance to avoid penalties and interest.
Car leases and driver salaries can provide tax-efficient salary structures for employees. Tax regulations allow these perks to be taxed at lower values, according to experts.
The RBI is revising the framework for Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) to enhance security, improve customer protection, and support long-term growth. All proposed measures explained here.
Europe offers diverse travel experiences, but budget-friendly destinations like Romania, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Greece allow for affordable trips
Loans can lead to debt, but Indian law protects certain savings like EPF, PPF, and NPS from creditors. These funds ensure long-term financial security during financial distress, safeguarding families from losing their assets.
The Income Tax Department clarified that claiming HRA exemption does not guarantee significant tax savings. Benefits depend on rent paid, salary structure, and city type, with specific conditions for claiming exemptions. Details here.
A minor room upgrade during hospitalisation can result in thousands in deductions for related, non-room expenses
Countries like Dubai and Qatar do not impose personal income taxes, instead generating revenue through VAT and other fees. This model allows them to maintain tax-friendly environments while still funding government services.
With a step-up SIP, an investor can increase their SIP amount annually as their annual income grows and accumulate a higher retirement corpus compared to a regular SIP.
The RBI cancelled Paytm Payments Bank's license for non-compliance, stating it harmed depositors' interests. The central bank assured users their funds are safe and the Paytm app will continue normal operations.
Investing at 45 demands a smart balance between safety and growth, combining equities, insurance, and disciplined asset allocation to beat inflation and secure a stable, comfortable retirement future.
Gold investments in India include physical gold, ETFs, SGBs, and digital gold, each differing in taxation and structure. Here's how each asset is taxed in India.

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