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The Reserve Banks framework on turnaround time and customer compensation for failed transactions sets clear deadlines. Here is all you need to know.

VISHWAS 2026 is a one-time settlement scheme that lets employers resolve disputes over damages levied for delayed Provident Fund contributions. Several High Courts have directed or encouraged employers to use the scheme to close pending litigation.

Form 141 is intended to streamline TDS reporting and payment for transactions involving immovable property, rent, payments to contractors or professionals, and transfers of virtual digital assets (VDAs).

A division bench of Justices Rana Vikram Singh and Bibek Chaudhuri passed the order on October 9. Along with upholding the divorce, the court directed the husband to pay his estranged wife 36.25 lakh as permanent alimony.

Focused mutual funds hold up to 30 stocks but typically benchmark against the Nifty 500 TRI or BSE 500 TRI. Experts explain why this comparison can mislead investors, whether style-based benchmarks are needed, and how to assess returns, downside risk and stock selection.

A BIS hallmark provides information about the purity of the gold in a jewellery article. It does not, by itself, certify the quality, authenticity or origin of every diamond or gemstone set in the piece.

The Income-tax Act, 2025, effective April 1, 2026, introduces Form 141 to consolidate four TDS forms. Applicable from Tax Year 202627, it covers specified property purchases, rent, contractor and professional payments, and virtual digital asset transfers. Here are the thresholds and filing rules.

Senior citizens can earn up to 8.5% interest on fixed deposits in October 2026. Small finance banks offer the highest rates, followed by private and public sector banks. Here is a comparison of top FD rates across banks for 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year tenures.

Proposed changes to insurance commissions could reshape distribution, jobs and access to protection. Reform must be backed by evidence of lower costs and better consumer outcomes.

After her belongings were delayed, damaged and partly lost during a Delhi-to-Nagaland move, Longchar sought compensation. The consumer commission held the movers deficient in service and rejected Urban Companys claim that it was merely an intermediary.

This state government has raised the Dearness Allowance (DA) from 45% to 50% for eligible employees. The additional DA will be paid with the October 2026 salary in November, while arrears from July 2023 and January 2024 to September 2026 will be paid separately as prescribed.

Investing 10,000 monthly in Post Office RD or PPF can help build long-term savings. Compare October-December 2026 interest rates, investment tenure, maturity, tax benefits and reinvestment requirements before choosing a scheme.

Central government employees await the July 2026 DA hike announcement. If DA rises from 60% to 61%, 62% or 63%, employees with a basic pay of 18,000 could receive 180, 360 or 540 more per month, respectively. Here is how the increase could affect different salary levels.

PhonePe is offering 25,000 insurance cover against firecracker mishap amid the festive season. Here's how to avail the products; check details of premium payment for 30-day financial protection, and 11-day plan.

Legal experts confirm that income-tax laws set no numerical limit on properties a person can own under one PAN. However, buyers should retain proof of funds, sale deed, payment evidence and transaction records. 

A 20 lakh home loan at 8.5% interest could cost significantly less if you increase your monthly EMI by 5,000. Compare regular and higher EMI calculations to understand potential interest savings, repayment tenure and key factors to consider before increasing your home loan EMI.

Do debt mutual funds eliminate portfolio risk? A 25-year study shows how adding equity to a debt portfolio may reduce volatility while improving average returns. Heres how different debt-equity combinations have historically performed and what mutual fund investors should know.

DICA consumers are digitally native, doing their research and prioritisation online and then deliberately seeking out advisors to validate their choices.

Multi-cap funds must keep at least 25% of their portfolio in each of large-, mid- and small-cap stocks at all times, with the remaining 25% left to the fund managers discretion. Flexi-cap funds also invest across market caps, but they have no such minimums, setting the two categories apart.

With salaried employees set to receive Diwali bonus, we illustrate how investment of lumpsum amounts of 20,000, 50,000, 80,000 and 1 lakh could grow through SIP, fixed deposits, or PPF at specified rates and time periods. 

Double Contributions Convention extends the social security contribution exemption for eligible Indian and UK employees on temporary overseas assignments to up to 5 years (60 months). Heres how the new rules benefit employees.

When it comes to the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)the cost merchants pay banks to process card transactionsthe regulatory lines blur between debit and credit cards, legal experts told LiveMint.

The EPFO board may discuss raising the Employees Pension Scheme minimum monthly pension at its meeting in Gujarat on 19 November. This comes amid demand from unions and pensioners, who have sought increase from 1,000/month to 7,500 month.

EPFO has explained how long an EPF account continues to earn interest after an employee retires at 58. Interest continues to be credited for 3 years, up to age 61, after which the account becomes inoperative. Heres how the rule works and what retirees should consider before withdrawing savings.

Sovereign Gold Bonds: RBI has set the final redemption price of SGB 2018-19 Series II at 14,425 per gram today, October 23, 2026. Investors who purchased the bonds at the original issue price can earn capital gains of up to 366%, excluding interest and taxes.

While the Centre has not confirmed an announcement date govt employees and pensioners are anticipating a dearness allowance hike during the next Union Cabinet meeting reportedly scheduled for 28 October. 

Gold and silver prices today, 23 October: 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.

ICICI Bank will revise charges on cash deposits and withdrawals beyond the free limit, demand drafts and ECS debit returns from 1 December 2026, according to an email to customers. Free monthly limits and the ECS return cap are unchanged. Heres what customers should check before transacting.

Sebi said certain unregistered persons were offering stock recommendations to investors through invitation-only WhatsApp groups in the name of free investor education.

The 8th Pay Commission is holding consultations in Mumbai on 22-23 October. Unions have sought a minimum basic pay of 69,000-72,000 and higher increments. An expert explains how a higher basic pay can raise DA, HRA, pension and gratuity over a 20-year career. These are proposals, not approved.

Punjab government employees staged a mass casual leave protest demanding pending dearness allowance payments, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, pension revisions and reinstatement of discontinued allowances. 

For older entrepreneurs who arent quite ready to retire, buying and growing a business with their children becomes part hobby and part training ground for the next generation.

Calling heavy retail flows a threat to macroeconomic stability, market veteran Shankar Sharma warns that SIPs will yield poor returns and advises investors to prioritize fixed income, gold, and real estate.

eMudhra is exiting its global website security certificate business after Google, Apple & Microsoft withdrew trust in certificates weakened by a software error. The company says it revoked 8 affected certificates, detected no breach and that its Indian digital signature services remain unaffected.

Even a 10-year SIP could deliver losses, with small-cap indices recording a worst-case return of -0.13%. Edelweiss Mutual Fund data shows mid-cap SIPs delivered the highest average returns over five and ten years, outperforming large- and small-caps.

Cash deposits of 10 lakh or more in savings accounts can be reported to the Income Tax Department, while parents can gift 50 lakh or more to children tax-free. Know the cash deposit limits, gift tax rules and documents needed to avoid scrutiny.

Sold a property at a loss? Income tax rules allow you to offset certain property losses against capital gains from shares and mutual funds. Know the rules for short-term and long-term losses, the eight-year carry-forward limit and key tax conditions.

Received gratuity after resignation or retirement? The tax-free limit for most private-sector employees is 20 lakh, but the entire payout may not be exempt. Know how gratuity tax is calculated, eligibility rules and when income tax applies.

Post office deposits, bank FDs and arbitrage funds differ in post-tax returns, liquidity and risk. A 5 lakh investment could earn more through arbitrage funds in higher tax brackets, but holding period, taxation and capital safety matter.

Have 10 lakh set aside for emergencies? Here's how to divide it between savings accounts, fixed deposits and liquid mutual funds to balance easy withdrawals, capital safety and returns, along with key differences in taxation and liquidity.

Instead of demanding a intimidating 30-year commitment, the First Seven Framework encourages Gen Z to aggressively build their retirement foundation during the first seven years of their career when life responsibilities are minimal.

Delhis State Consumer Commission dismissed HDFC ERGOs appeal over policyholders denied dengue treatment claim. It ruled that 24-month waiting period for specified illnesses could not apply because dengue was not on list, & upheld an order directing insurer to pay compensation & litigation costs.

Only four of 37 flexi-cap funds delivered over 8% annualised returns on three-year SIPs, while three posted losses. ITI Flexi Cap topped the list at 10.16%, while large schemes such as Parag Parikh, HDFC and SBI delivered lower returns.

Large-cap mutual funds look relatively attractive on valuations, while small-cap funds lead in returns and inflows. With Diwali approaching, experts explain how investors should weigh valuations, risk appetite, investment horizon, and portfolio allocation before deploying fresh money.

Bollywood sequels can substantially grow a franchises worldwide collections: Dhurandhar 2, Gadar 2, Stree 2 and later Drishyam films all out-earned their predecessors. 

Lost money to online fraud despite not sharing an OTP? RBI rules specify when banks must refund customers and how banks' liability is determined. New directions from January 2027 will widen customer protection, shift the burden of proof to banks, and tighten resolution timelines.

In the 1-year period, Titan Company and Kalyan Jewellers India have delivered returns of 17% and 13%, respectively. However, their mutual fund ownership reflects contrasting investment strategies. Here are the top 5 schemes with the highest exposure to each jewellery stock. 

The Income Tax Act, 2025, replaced the 1961 law on April 1, 2026, but outstanding tax dues, pending refunds, and earlier assessments do not automatically disappear. Here's how both laws will operate during the transition and what taxpayers need to know.

Morgan Housels The Art of Spending Money argues that good spending supports personal happiness rather than status or approval. 

Estimates show small-cap funds have shortened their portfolio liquidation time this year due to higher stock trading volumes, despite managing 30% more assets.