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DA hike pushed to April: Here's how it could affect central govt salaries and pensions

Once the dearness allowance (DA) is announced, the increased salary would be transferred to the accounts of central government employees with effect from 1 January 2026. 

1 Apr 2026 9:02 pm
Want to maximise your PPF returns? Here's a simple tip to gain full benefits

The financial year 2026-27 begins today, and the Public Provident Fund (PPF) offers tax benefits and a 7.1% interest rate, making it a safe long-term investment. Here's how you can maximise returns

1 Apr 2026 8:25 pm
New gratuity rules from 1 April: Impact on take-home pay, eligibility and calculations explained

Indian employees may receive higher gratuity payouts under the new Labour Codes, which redefine wage calculations. Here's a look at when a higher gratuity is applicable, who is eligible, the changes to the calculation and the impact on in-hand salary.

1 Apr 2026 7:47 pm
DA hike delayed, arrears expected in April: 5 reasons behind the unusual delay this year

The central government is expected to announce a DA hike in April 2026, benefitting over 1 crore employees and pensioners.  The unusual delay is likely due to administrative checks, the 8th Pay Commission transition and the approval process, with arrears assured, say experts.

1 Apr 2026 6:36 pm
Understanding jewellery insurance: Here's all you need to know about securing your gold against risks

Indian households hold 25,000-30,000 tonnes of gold, valued at nearly $5 trillion. With limited bank locker availability, experts recommend jewellery insurance to cover risks like theft and natural disasters, especially as gold prices rise.

1 Apr 2026 6:05 pm
Have you only invested in the provident fund so far? Here's how to diversify

Despite the discipline, your portfolio lacks the diversification and high-growth potential that other asset classes can provide.

1 Apr 2026 5:22 pm
Centre grants one-year duty relief to SEZ units for domestic sales

The concessional duty structure covers a wide range of products across sectors, including chemicals, plastics, textiles, metals and other manufactured goods, reflecting a broad-based relief measure for SEZ units.

1 Apr 2026 2:56 pm
Your vehicle gets new petrol today as India implements E20 fuel mandate - What's the difference

The Centre has implemented a new fuel mandate for petrol pumps to supply E20 fuel with a minimum octane rating of 95 RON, enhancing Indias ethanol blending programme to promote cleaner transportation and energy security.

1 Apr 2026 1:51 pm
The volatility trap: Why straddles and strangles fail when you need them most

Options sold as volatility plays hide a structural flawone retail traders often discover too late, after the market moves, premiums collapse, and the trade that seemed safe quietly turns costly.

1 Apr 2026 1:44 pm
Rupee hits 95: 6 ways the fall affects your personal finances, experts weigh in

Rupee hits an all-time low against the dollar, impacting personal finances with rising costs on products and services, costlier imports, and higher EMIs. Such a situation requires proper decision-making and long-term investment strategies, highlighting the importance of smart financial planning.

1 Apr 2026 1:40 pm
Diversification feels boringuntil markets fall: What investors are missing

Equity SIPs are delivering negative returns despite disciplined investing, data shared by Zerodhas Nithin Kamath shows. Investors often overlook diversification in bull markets. Heres why balancing equity with debt and gold helps manage risk and stay invested through volatility.

1 Apr 2026 12:52 pm
Mint Explainer | Inside Indias tougher waste management regime

From mandatory four-way segregation to landfill disincentives and industry fuel mandates, the new solid waste management rules tighten accountability across households, municipalities and businesses.

1 Apr 2026 12:35 pm
Beyond films, actors diversify into theatre, documentaries to stay relevant

Film actors are branching into theatre and documentaries to stay creatively active between releases, building credibility and long-term brand equitywhile carefully balancing the risks of overexposure and diluted focus.

1 Apr 2026 12:14 pm
Expenses rise with summer heat: Weather-proof your budget

From soaring electricity bills and AC cab rides to vacations, summer camps and medical buffers, Indias summer can raise household expenses by 1012%. Heres how to plan ahead.

1 Apr 2026 11:30 am
April 1 checklist: 10 money moves you must make today to start FY27 right

Start FY27 strong with a smart financial planning checklist covering budgeting, tax-saving investments, insurance review, emergency funds, SIP growth and portfolio rebalancing to secure long-term financial stability. 

1 Apr 2026 9:47 am
Bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed on 1 April? All you need to know

On April 1, banks in several Indian cities will be shut for closing their yearly accounts. While most branches suspend operations, essential services like ATMs and online banking remain accessible. Details here. 

1 Apr 2026 7:52 am
Income Tax, Finance Changes, April 1 LIVE Updates: Check how new I-T Act impacts your in-hand salary from today

Income Tax, Finance Changes, April 1 LIVE Updates: The New Income Tax Act comes into effect today, April 1, 2026. Get real-time updates on tax slabs, increased standard deductions, and the simplified capital gains regime. See how your take-home salary changes today.

1 Apr 2026 6:31 am
Are Indias vehicles ready for E20 fuel?

As petrol pumps switch to 20% ethanol blended petrol nationwide, most vehicles on the road remain unprepared, raising concerns over fuel efficiency and engine wear.

1 Apr 2026 6:01 am
Faster credit reporting may reshape small-ticket fintech lending

Weekly credit updates will reduce the 40-45-day blackout window to about 6-7 days, curbing loan stacking and lowering the risk of consumer disputes. 

1 Apr 2026 6:00 am
Fresh capital in hand, Sammaan Capital to diversify loan book beyond mortgage

Over the next three years, the first phase of the growth plan, the NBFC plans to venture into new product segments such as personal loans, gold loans and MSME loans.

1 Apr 2026 5:50 am
To defend rupee, RBI widens forex lens beyond banks to corporate treasuries

India's central bank is scrutinizing corporate treasury positions amid rupee pressure from capital outflows and rising crude prices. The Reserve Bank of India aims to assess arbitrage exposure rather than immediate regulation, following new rules on banks' open positions in the forex market.

1 Apr 2026 5:30 am
Here's how your in-hand salary changes after 1 April as new Income-Tax Act comes into effect Check details

The new Income-Tax Act effective from 1 April may impact your take-home salary as companies adjust components and exemptions and taxes come into play. Here's what could change

31 Mar 2026 11:17 pm
Centre notifies income tax return forms for AY27: Here's all you need to know

The income-tax department has notified all seven ITR forms for AY2026-27. Taxpayers must choose the correct ITR form based on their past tax filing history and current income profile. 

31 Mar 2026 9:15 pm
How do I secure my business recipe and brand for the next generation?

A 70-year-old soft drink entrepreneur seeks advice on passing on his recipe, brand name, logo and other intellectual property to his children through structured estate planning.

31 Mar 2026 8:31 pm
Old tax regime vs new tax regime: Do I-T Act changes in April have an impact? Check which is better for you

In Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced no income tax for salaries up to 12 lakh under the new tax regime. Taxpayers must choose between new and old regimes based on their financial situation.

31 Mar 2026 7:54 pm
Your gold jewellery in bank lockers may not be fully insured. Here's how you can truly secure it

Indian households hold 25,000 to 30,000 tonnes of gold, mostly in jewellery and coins, with significant wealth gains from rising gold prices. Here's how to navigate the questions over storage, safety, insurance, investment and risk-returns.

31 Mar 2026 7:24 pm
Indian real estate needs capital to scale and grow

As demand consolidates and developers expand, investors say rising reliance on formal funding will shape housing, office and new asset classes

31 Mar 2026 6:12 pm
Nokia flags rising telecom gear costs in India amid supply chain pressures

Nokia is flagging increased costs for Indian telecom equipment due to the West Asia war-related supply chain disruptions and AI-driven memory chip shortages.

31 Mar 2026 5:56 pm
US Social Security Payments April 2026 schedule: Key dates for beneficiaries, eligibility criteria

Social Security payments in the United States for April 2026 will be distributed based on beneficiaries birth dates. Those born between the 1st and 10th will receive payments on 8 April, while others will be paid later in the month.

31 Mar 2026 4:30 pm
Confused about EPF? 5 common myths on interest, pension and retirement age decoded

EPF rules explained with clarity on interest, pension eligibility, withdrawals, and retirement timelines, helping salaried individuals optimise EPF benefits and avoid costly misconceptions in long-term financial planning.

31 Mar 2026 4:30 pm
Money rule changes from 1 April: From 2FA for digital payments to revised ATM charges, top 5 updates you should know

Starting 1 April 2026, significant financial rule changes will affect taxpayers, bank customers, and digital payment users in India, including the new Income Tax Act and the two-factor authentication for digital transactions. Details here. 

31 Mar 2026 3:19 pm
Mint Explainer | Will RBIs two-factor authentication rule curb digital fraud?

Mandatory dual authentication from 1 April aims to plug gaps in PIN- and OTP-based systems as digital frauds surge.

31 Mar 2026 3:10 pm
No more full strips: India plans rule for sale of loose tablets; pharmacies raise concerns

The Drugs Controller General of India proposes a new norm, driven by public demand, to allow pharmacies to dispense exact medicine quantities, aiming to cut patient costs and reduce wastage.

31 Mar 2026 2:47 pm
CBDT clarifies TDS on bank interest under Income Tax Act 2025: Key updates, thresholds and smart money moves | Explained

CBDT clarifies TDS on bank interest under the Income Tax Act 2025, ensuring clear thresholds, senior citizen benefits and smooth compliance, helping depositors manage fixed deposits and recurring interest efficiently.

31 Mar 2026 2:21 pm
Your new AC, fridge may cost more this season due to the US-Iran war

Appliance makers are preparing to raise prices by up to 10% to offset a surge in input costs triggered by the USIran war.

31 Mar 2026 1:54 pm
NBFCs to see steady credit demand despite US-Iran war

Industry executives say geopolitical tensions have not dented lending momentum, and margin pressures and gold price volatility remain manageable

31 Mar 2026 1:47 pm
How the West Asia war is impacting airfares and what should you do

Fuel spikes, airspace closures and lifted fare caps are pushing ticket prices sharply higherreshaping business and leisure travel plans across domestic and global routes.

31 Mar 2026 1:33 pm
Wellness, risks and returns: Inside Rakulpreet Singhs investment strategy

The actor-entrepreneur invests in fitness, food, and lifestyle brands, betting on passionate founders while managing losses strategically.

31 Mar 2026 1:10 pm
How RBIs Sachet Portal can help you stay safe from financial fraud in FY27; 5-step guide to file complaint

RBI Sachet Portal helps users verify financial institutions, report fraud, and track complaints.

31 Mar 2026 12:14 pm
Duration or accrual: Where should debt investors park money now?

Debt mutual funds follow different strategiessome bet on falling rates, others earn steady income. With yield spreads wide, heres how duration and accrual strategies stack up now.

31 Mar 2026 11:48 am
India Incs R&D push faces a demand problem

Indian companies are stepping up innovation spending, but lack of validation, policy support and assured demand slow commercial adoption.

31 Mar 2026 11:28 am
Indian filmmakers double down on mega-budget spectacles despite box office volatility

Filmmakers are investing in large-scale projects like Ramayana and Varanasi, aiming for global audiences despite box office uncertainties. Successful storytelling, visual spectacle, and multiple revenue streams are critical, though recent failures highlight the risks involved.

31 Mar 2026 11:24 am
Market crashes teach what no book or course ever can

The only way to truly learn investing is to live through the fear and the panicbecause markets dont test your knowledge, they test your nerve. Real conviction is forged not in bull runs, but in moments when staying invested feels hardest.

31 Mar 2026 11:09 am
8th Pay Commission to visit Dehradun on 24 April; stakeholders can apply by 10 April

8th Central Pay Commission Dehradun Visit 2026 invites stakeholders for consultations on pay, allowances, and pensions. The deadline to submit participation requests for the 24 April meeting is 10 April.

31 Mar 2026 10:20 am
April 1 Financial Rule Change LIVE Updates: ITR, PAN, salary, LPG prices set for major revisions

April 1 Financial Rule Changes LIVE Updates: One of the most significant changes from 1 April is the implementation of the new Income Tax Act, 2025. Follow Mint's LIVE coverage of 1 April financial rule changes.

31 Mar 2026 7:54 am
Bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed on 31 March for Mahavir Jayanti? All you need to know

Bank holiday today: Banks across various Indian cities will be closed on 31 March for Mahavir Jayanti. Here's a list of all cities where banks will be closed on Tuesday.

31 Mar 2026 7:19 am
Mint Explainer: How AI is transforming investment banking

AI promises significant revenue gains and frees up bankers for strategic work, without replacing human judgment.

31 Mar 2026 6:01 am
Do your work and go home: Aditya Puri on leadership without frills

Aditya Puri, the former MD and CEO of HDFC Bank, shares insights from his 26-year journey in banking during a chat at the Mint India Investment Summit. He discusses the evolution of financial services in India, the role of AI and how a customer-focused approach can transform banking.

31 Mar 2026 6:00 am
RBIs new forex rules signal shifts in currency strategy; banks now on frontline

While the measure may have some short-term impact, the Indian economy's fundamentals will determine the course of the rupee. The move may support the rupee from falling further, but lead to mark-to-market losses in the March quarter.

31 Mar 2026 5:45 am
A year after scrapping EV levy, Karnataka's new tax raises concern over adoption

According to a bill passed in the Karnataka assembly last week, a tax in the range of 5-10% of a vehicles price will be imposed on all EV cars based on their price at the time of registration in the state, which is expected to widen the price gap with less expensive ICE vehicles.

31 Mar 2026 5:30 am