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Small towns see gig hiring hustle for festive season, but pay gap persists

As India Inc looks to smaller towns to power festive sales, hiring of gig and blue-collar workers is rising. But a sizeable pay divide persists: workers beyond the metros can earn 2530% less by some estimates, even as companies struggle to find enough hands.

22 Aug 2026 5:40 am
Presumptive taxation: Earning side income from mobile apps? Why Section 44ADA could slash your tax burden

For self-employed individuals in India, handling tax compliance and maintaining financial records can be complicated. Presumptive taxation offers a simpler alternative for eligible small businesses and professionals.

21 Aug 2026 10:51 pm
Bengaluru airport UDF falls, but new projects will add to passenger charges

The air services tariff regulator Aera has cut Bengaluru airport's user development fee sharply and introduced a first-ever charge on arriving passengers, but built in a mechanism to add fresh charges as three major expansion projects come online through 2030-31.

21 Aug 2026 10:45 pm
Can your 4.5 crore corpus generate 4 lakh a month? Decoding the retirement math

Investing the corpus in a mutual fund and setting up a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) reduces the tax burden and creates a steady income.

21 Aug 2026 10:28 pm
85.93 lakh demonetisation-era cash deposits: Tribunal asks Haryana taxpayer to plant 500 trees for one more chance

A Haryana man, whose declared income was 1.79 lakh, faces an income addition of 11.22 crore. A tax tribunal offers a final chance to contest this by planting 500 trees or paying the cost within a month.

21 Aug 2026 10:05 pm
Axis Credit Card rules change next week: These new charges and reward rules take effect from this date

Axis Bank will revise several credit card rules from August 28, including higher DCC charges, a new late fee slab, changes to payment settlement and restrictions on reward points.

21 Aug 2026 8:33 pm
Self-deprivation isn't a business model: Startup founder urges entrepreneurs to pay themselves, bootstrapped or funded

Naturally Yours founder Vinod C. stresses the importance of paying oneself a modest salary while building a startup. He argues that financial self-punishment is unsustainable and encourages founders to manage personal expenses realistically to avoid burnout and maintain long-term commitment.

21 Aug 2026 8:07 pm
Three firms may revive Indian smartphone brands as incentive scheme takes effect

Union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says three homegrown companies are in talks with the ministry of electronics and IT to apply for incentives under the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme.

21 Aug 2026 7:28 pm
How much will 5 lakh grow in a 444-day special FD? Top PSU bank fixed deposit rates and returns compared

Here is how the top public sector banks stack up for a 5 lakh investment based on current interest rates and quarterly compounding.

21 Aug 2026 6:53 pm
Builder delivers defective house: Can homebuyers claim repair costs and compensation?

A Kerala consumer commission has ordered a builder to pay 25 lakh to a homebuyer after finding serious construction defects and inferior materials. The amount includes 20 lakh for repairs and damages, 5 lakh compensation and 25,000 litigation costs.

21 Aug 2026 6:37 pm
The real cost of financial ignorance: 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' author Robert Kiyosaki explains 'what is expensive'

Robert Kiyosaki emphasises the high cost of financial ignorance, advocating for the pursuit of knowledge over merely focusing on the costs of education. After attending expensive educational programmes, he reflects on the value of ongoing learning to make better financial decisions.

21 Aug 2026 6:09 pm
IPO rush ahead: What should retail investors watch out for? DSP's Jay Kothari explains

Jay Kothari warns investors not to be misled by extraordinary market returns and emphasizes the need for proper research and patience. 

21 Aug 2026 4:35 pm
Higher interest, tax breaks and discounts: Financial benefits senior citizens can avail in India

Turning 60 in India signifies the end of active earning but opens the door to financial benefits including higher interest rates, tax concessions and discounts on travel and utilities. All of these financial benefits ease day-to-day spending.

21 Aug 2026 4:17 pm
Your child wants a career reset? Here's a 3-step strategy to support the transition without derailing your finances

Priya Sunder, co-founder and director at PeakAlpha Investments, said a child's exact career choice cannot be predicted 15 years in advance. She, therefore, advised that a portfolio be structured based on present value, adjusted for education-specific inflation.

21 Aug 2026 3:21 pm
Incorrect personal data or a duplicate entry in your credit report? Do this before it hurts your future loan prospects

Your credit report is crucial for loan applications, as discrepancies can harm your credit score and loan approval chances. Here's what you must do the moment you spot a discrepancy.

21 Aug 2026 3:06 pm
Mint Explainer | PM Modis Sapt Dhara: Indias farm-to-food strategy and why it matters

PM Narendra Modis seven-stream framework puts agriculture and food production at the heart of the push towards Viksit Bharat, with a focus on processing, branding and global exports.

21 Aug 2026 2:52 pm
Businessman gets 23L via RTGS, bank freezes his account over income mismatch; HC rules in his favour here's why

A businessman received 23 lakh via RTGS but had his account frozen by the bank due to an income mismatch. The Allahabad High Court ruled in his favor, ordering the bank to pay 50,000 in compensation. Here's what happened.

21 Aug 2026 2:10 pm
Why risk is becoming more distributed across Indias lending ecosystem

Indias lending ecosystem is becoming more interconnected as banks, NBFCs and fintechs take on specialised roles. This shift is distributing lending risk while making data sharing, technology and coordination increasingly important.

21 Aug 2026 1:53 pm
F&O losses hit young traders hardest: 89% of investors under 30 lost money in FY26, most were from low-income groups

A recent Sebi study reveals that young traders, aged under 30, now represent 43% of individual traders but face high losses, with 89% incurring losses in FY26. Details here.

21 Aug 2026 12:44 pm
EPF inoperative accounts: When does your balance stop earning interest? EPFO explains 4 key cases

EPFO has clarified when an EPF account becomes inoperative and stops earning interest. Here are four retirementage examples, key rules and practical steps members should know to manage old balances.

21 Aug 2026 11:33 am
Selling your old phone, furniture or jewellery? Know when you have to pay tax and what counts as personal effects

Profits from selling an asset is generally subject to income tax, but there are certain exceptions which are categorised as personal effects by the income tax department. Here's when you have to pay tax and when the sale of an item is exempt from tax.

21 Aug 2026 10:24 am
Gold, silver prices today, 21 August: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 21 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.

21 Aug 2026 9:38 am
India market is going to act like an AI-hedge: DSPs Jay Kothari

India has lagged global markets amid the AI boom. DSPs Jay Kothari explains why that underperformance could reverse, where investors should look and how to approach the coming IPO wave.

21 Aug 2026 9:00 am
Turning 60? These financial benefits can cushion your retirement

Senior citizens in India get higher interest rates, tax concessions and discounts on travel and utilitiesbut with retirement largely self-funded, building a sufficient corpus remains crucial.

21 Aug 2026 9:00 am
Can a govt employee switch pension scheme after accepting retirement benefits? SC clarifies

The Supreme Court ruled that a retired employee cannot switch pension schemes after accepting benefits. This arose from a case where a retired professor sought GPF coverage after being under CPF. Details of the full case here.

21 Aug 2026 8:32 am
8th Pay Commission: Can government amend ToR to cover pension revision for pre-2026 retirees?

The 8th Pay Commissions Terms of Reference could be amended to include pension revision for retirees who retired before 1 January 2026. While the Centre has yet to announce any change, historical precedents show that the ToRs of earlier Pay Commissions have been amended and improved when required.

21 Aug 2026 8:17 am
Despite Skyroot feat, India has world's costliest rocket launches

The findings are significant for the country's private space industry, for one of Indias biggest selling points has been the frugality of its scientific space missions.

21 Aug 2026 6:00 am
Banks warm up to startup lending as new economy matures

Traditional banks are moving into startup lending as more growth-stage companies become profitable and bankable, putting pricing pressure on venture-debt funds and NBFCs that previously dominated the segment.

21 Aug 2026 6:00 am
Deluge of FCNR dollars leaves banks with a problem of plenty

Indian banks are rushing to raise funds before the RBI closes the FCNR(B) scheme early, leading to deployment challenges and potential negative carry for some lenders. 

21 Aug 2026 5:40 am
Only two consumption funds gave over 10% SIP returns in 3 years, while one scheme posted less than 1%: Here's why

Consumption funds have delivered widely different returns over the past three years, despite focusing on the same broad theme. Find out what drove this divergence, the role of stock selection, key sectors, and the risks investors should consider.

20 Aug 2026 11:18 pm
RBI board rejig cuts strength to 11; Somanath, Mahindra appointed

Former Isro chief Somanath Sreedhara Panicker joins the RBI board of directors, while Anand Mahindra gets another four-year term

20 Aug 2026 11:05 pm
Bitcoin and Dogecoin emerge as India's favourite crypto duo: New study reveals how age shapes investing preference

Bitcoin and Dogecoin have emerged as the most popular crypto pairing among Indian investors across age groups, according to a report. While younger investors are driving new participation, older investors display stronger buying conviction and greater portfolio diversification.

20 Aug 2026 10:50 pm
Joint FCNR (B) accounts for NRIs: Eligibility, mode of operations and key rules explained

NRIs are permitted to open and maintain FCNR(B) accounts jointly with eligible resident relatives, subject to certain conditions.

20 Aug 2026 10:27 pm
Gold loan jewellery stolen from bank? Consumer court ruling explains your compensation rights

A Karnataka consumer commission has ruled that if gold jewellery pledged for a loan is stolen from a bank, the lender must compensate for the gold value, making charges and stone value. Canara Bank was ordered to pay 88,362 with 9% interest, plus compensation.

20 Aug 2026 10:02 pm
Doctor today, lawyer tomorrow: How do you save for your childs education when they keep changing dreams?

In 2026, planning for a child's education fund is complex due to shifting career paths. Experts advise creating flexible investment structures.

20 Aug 2026 9:53 pm
ITR filed successfully? Here are 8 income tax notices the department may send and what to do about them

Income Tax Returns (ITRs) are essential for lenders to assess borrowers' financial stability. Taxpayers should monitor communications from the Income Tax Department post-deadline for any discrepancies in filings. While minor errors can be resolved, serious issues may lead to scrutiny.

20 Aug 2026 9:51 pm
RBI's special FCNR(B) deposit deadline nears: Should investors tap this opportunity before 31 August? Expert weighs in

The RBI has cut short the deadline for its special FCNR(B) deposit swap facility to 31 August from 30 September. With the window closing soon, NRIs need to weigh the potential benefits of higher foreign currency returns against the lock-in and liquidity considerations.

20 Aug 2026 9:25 pm
Consistency beats quick fixes 5 simple habits to build a bulletproof credit score

Credit score assessment relies heavily on four pillars: your track record of repaying debts, the proportion of available funds you currently use, the longevity of your active accounts, and the frequency of your recent loan applications.

20 Aug 2026 9:03 pm
Gen Z rules new investor category; 18-24 age group grows 7 times: Check preferred investment method, SIPs or lump sum?

Axis Direct data reveals a 53% rise in Gen Z investors aged 18-30, with significant growth in Tier-2 cities. Women now represent 13% of new additions. 

20 Aug 2026 8:38 pm
Don't fear global liquidity integration, strengthen oversight instead: RBIs Rohit Jain

The RBI deputy governor called on banks to fix retail forex pricing, boost participation among smaller firms, and embrace digital workflows while managing risks in an integrated market.

20 Aug 2026 8:35 pm
Claiming both HRA exemption and home loan interest deduction: Know when it is allowed and when it's not

Claiming HRA along with home loan benefits is allowed in certain situations, but mismatches in rent, property status, or loan details can attract tax notices. Heres what taxpayers should know about location rules, eligibility, and documentation. 

20 Aug 2026 8:06 pm
Gold too expensive! Young India is turning to 9-carat jewellery | All you need to know

Experts found that, unlike 14-carat jewellery in its early days, the 9KT category is gaining awareness and trending in line with expectations.

20 Aug 2026 7:45 pm
How to find the best mortgage: Compare home loan rates of leading Indian banks

State-backed lenders often provide competitive interest terms based on loan brackets. Bank of Maharashtra offers interest rates ranging from 7.00% to 9.90%, while the rates at Central Bank of India range between 7.00% and 9.15%.

20 Aug 2026 7:25 pm
How income plus arbitrage FoFs are more tax-efficient than debt funds: The impact on investor returns

Income Plus Arbitrage FoFs combine debt and arbitrage strategies, but their tax treatment can differ from that of debt funds. For investors in higher tax brackets, this difference could affect the returns they ultimately take home. Find out why.

20 Aug 2026 6:52 pm
Want free airport lounge access without spending more? 5 credit cards travellers can consider in August this year

Credit cards now offer valuable perks like complimentary airport lounge access, which is becoming harder to obtain for free due to banks tightening policies. However, some cards still provide unlimited access without spending thresholds. Check details

20 Aug 2026 6:45 pm
India Ratings maintains neutral outlook for transportation infra in FY27

India Ratings retained stable outlooks for toll roads, hybrid annuity model projects, airports and electric bus projects amid stable operating assets, healthy toll revenue growth, higher road awards and continued asset monetization by NHAI

20 Aug 2026 5:11 pm
Filing ITR by 31 August? Know the right forms for taxpayers with business or professional income

With the 31 August ITR deadline approaching, business and professional taxpayers need to know which return applies to them and which supporting tax forms may be relevant. From ITR-3 and ITR-4 to TDS and audit-related forms, heres what to check before filing.

20 Aug 2026 5:00 pm
Centre asks PSBs, IBA to standardise contract-farming loans in 6-12 months

The government seeks to improve value capture across the agricultural value chain and help farmers retain a larger share of the final consumer price.

20 Aug 2026 4:55 pm
No predictable monthly income? How gig workers can use NPS to save for retirement and build a long-term corpus

NPS can help gig workers, freelancers and self-employed individuals build a retirement corpus even when their monthly income fluctuates. Experts suggest saving a percentage of each payout, starting early and making larger contributions during stronger earning months.

20 Aug 2026 3:55 pm
Sold old gold jewellery? Can buying new gold using the proceeds help you save tax heres what the law says

Selling gold can incur capital gains tax as they are considered as a capital asset by the income tax department. Here's whether you can eliminate or reduce your tax liability by investing the proceeds into new gold jewellery. 

20 Aug 2026 3:19 pm