The Economic Times

Restaurants can no longer automatically add 'LPG charges' or 'gas surcharges' to bills, the government has warned. The Central Consumer Protection Authority declared such mandatory extra costs an unfair trade practice, stating menu prices should include all operational expenses. Consumers facing these charges can seek removal or file complaints.

Women investors are rapidly reshaping Indias investment landscape, with demat accounts opened by women rising 129% since 2021, according to Axis Direct. Data shows a strong tilt toward mutual funds, disciplined SIPs and long-term planning, supported by growing digital adoption and a preference for risk-aware, goal-based investing.

Gold, silver rates today: Daily gold prices issued by India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd (IBJA) showed a jump up to 3.01% for different verities of gold. IBJAs 999 purity silver prices also rose by 4.01% compared to rates issued on Tuesday (March 24, 2026).

Specialised Investment Funds are facing their first major test amid market volatility, with early returns showing mixed performance. While offering flexibility through long-short strategies, experts advise investors to focus on risk metrics over returns, as track records remain limited and outcomes vary across fund categories.

The 8th Pay Commission is now functioning in New Delhi. It will submit recommendations on pay, allowances, and pensions within 18 months. Central government employees and pensioners can submit their views through a memorandum by April 30, 2026. A questionnaire is also available until March 31, 2026. The fiscal impact will be assessed after recommendations are accepted.

Many salaried employees mistakenly believe their employer's health insurance is sufficient. However, corporate plans often have hidden limits and may not grow with your needs. Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath emphasizes the importance of a personal health policy.

An investor's Rs 5 lakh investment in SBI Quant Fund has seen losses, prompting reassessment. Market expert Abhijit Chokshi advises partially redeeming the investment for tax harvesting and redeploying into stable options, while holding the remainder for a five-year horizon to potentially benefit from market recovery.

Salaried employees can now claim an income tax exemption of up to Rs 1.05 lakh annually on meal cards, vouchers, or subsidized canteen food. New Income Tax Rules, 2026, have increased the per-meal limit to Rs 200, potentially boosting savings under both old and new tax regimes. This benefit is calculated based on working days and employer policies.

JioBlackRock Mutual Fund has launched its Large Cap Fund, aiming to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in large-cap companies. The fund employs an active strategy combining human insight with AI and machine learning for stock selection and risk management. Experts advise a cautious approach to NFOs, suggesting a wait-and-watch strategy to assess performance over time.

Tenants facing landlord neglect on repairs have legal recourse. The law allows tenants to demand habitable living conditions. If landlords fail to act, tenants can approach authorities for directions, undertake essential repairs, and seek reimbursement. Proper documentation and notice are crucial. Withholding rent without due process can lead to eviction. Tenants cannot seize landlord property for cost recovery.

Precious metals are experiencing a significant downturn, with gold down 16.02% and silver 22.54% on the MCX. Experts attribute this to shifting macroeconomic expectations, elevated US Treasury yields, and a strong dollar, rather than a lack of demand. Investors are advised to hold existing positions and consider staggered buying for new investments.

Silver and gold ETFs surged significantly on Wednesday, driven by a weaker dollar and easing inflation concerns from falling oil prices. This rally, with some silver ETFs gaining up to 11%, presents an attractive accumulation window for long-term investors amid geopolitical uncertainties and inflation-hedging fundamentals.

Don't think that corporate bond funds do not have any risk. Sure, the highest rating of AAA offers you higher safety. But make sure your fund manager is not taking any extra risk to make extra returns.

Equity mutual fund investors face a market downturn. Wealth managers suggest lumpsum investments for those with long horizons and risk appetite. Reviewing portfolios for diversification is advised. Investors with loss-making thematic funds may consider trimming and reallocating to diversified options. This period offers opportunities for strategic financial decisions.

Mutual fund investments can soon be gifted using prepaid payment instruments (PPIs), with Sebi proposing a new framework. Individuals can purchase gift PPIs, capped at 10,000 and valid for one year, to transfer funds for mutual fund subscriptions. This initiative aims to attract new investors and enhance financial product accessibility.

Investors can save income tax by strategically selling equity shares and mutual funds before March 31, 2026. Tax loss harvesting allows offsetting capital gains with losses, while tax gain harvesting utilizes the Rs 1.25 lakh LTCG exemption to reduce future tax liabilities. This strategy can be implemented anytime throughout the year.

Indian Railways has revised its ticket cancellation rules, effective April 1-15, 2026, to combat touting and system misuse. The changes include extended refund windows and stricter penalties for last-minute cancellations. Passengers cancelling more than 72 hours before departure will receive maximum refund, with increased deductions for later cancellations.

Expatriates in India for extended periods face changing tax rules. Staying longer can shift residency status, impacting tax liability on worldwide income. This shift may increase compliance burdens and affect foreign income exemptions. Individuals should monitor stay durations and any government relaxations. Understanding these rules is crucial for managing tax obligations effectively.

Investing Rs 20,000 monthly through a systematic investment plan can help build a Rs 5 crore corpus over time. Assuming a 12 per cent annual return, the estimate shows it may take around 28 years and 3 months with no lumpsum investment, depending on market performance and compounding benefits over time.

ET Wealth Reader's Query: I want to gift a large amount to my daughter living abroad for her future needs. What is the simplest way to send it?

JioBlackRock Mutual Fund has launched a largecap fund - JioBlackRock Large Cap Fund. The new fund offer or NFO of the fund is open for subscription and will close on April 7.

Forget your UPI PIN? BHIM app now allows transactions up to Rs 5,000 using fingerprint or facial recognition. This new biometric authentication feature by NPCI NBSL offers a quicker, simpler, and more secure way to make everyday payments, especially when remembering your PIN is a challenge. It enhances user-friendliness for online, merchant, and peer-to-peer transactions.

Housing societies cannot block online deliveries like Amazon or Zomato for unpaid maintenance dues. Legal experts clarify that such actions interfere with residents' normal use of their homes and are not permitted. Societies must follow statutory procedures and their bye-laws for recovery, which may include interest, penalties, or legal action, but not restricting essential services.

President Trump's delay of air strikes against Iran's energy assets triggered a market rebound, with equities jumping and oil sliding. However, many investors remain cautious, maintaining defensive strategies and hedges due to ongoing unpredictability. Fund managers are sticking to reduced risk exposure, awaiting clearer signs of de-escalation or a significant market dip.

A new study reveals nearly 80% of women mutual fund investors start before 35, with SIPs driving adoption among younger demographics. While women are increasingly participating in financial decisions and staying invested, confidence and a gap between saving and investing remain key challenges.

Gold predictions: Gold and silver prices are showing a rebound. Experts believe current price lows are strong technical support zones. These levels are unlikely to break decisively soon unless new geopolitical escalations occur. Latest gold rates from major brands are also provided.

An investor's mutual fund portfolio, heavily skewed towards small-cap schemes, was identified as over-diversified. Experts advise rationalizing holdings, reducing exposure to multiple small-cap and large/mid-cap funds to manage volatility and optimize returns. A balanced approach across categories is crucial for long-term success.

HDFC Mutual Fund is restructuring its HDFC Gold ETF, allowing investments in Gold Deposit Scheme, Gold Monetisation Scheme, and Exchange Traded Commodity Derivatives. Existing unit holders are offered a 30-day exit window from March 23, 2026, to April 21, 2026, due to these fundamental attribute changes.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a small savings scheme of the central government. The objective of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is to encourage families to invest in the education of a girl child. Data presented in Lok Sabha shows a consistent year-on-year increase in both the number of accounts opened and total deposits since the scheme's 2015 launch.

Nippon India ETF Gold BeES ranked 6th globally among top gold ETFs with USD 1,085.2 million in fund flows as of February 28, 2026. This marks the only Indian gold ETF in the global top 10, reflecting growing investor interest in regulated gold investments and India's expanding ETF ecosystem.

Courts now demand concrete proof for ancestral property claims. Simply calling property ancestral is insufficient. Claimants must establish a traceable lineage from the original ancestor to themselves. This requires documentary evidence like revenue records and proof of possession. Recent rulings emphasize that birthright alone does not guarantee ownership. Without a clear chain of title, such claims are being dismissed.

Gold and silver ETFs have seen significant drops amid Middle East tensions. Experts advise investors to maintain long-term allocations, viewing gold as a portfolio stabilizer. Silver's volatility suggests caution for those with lower risk tolerance. The current downturn is seen as a normal market cycle, with a focus on disciplined rebalancing and long-term asset allocation.

A rising or firm interest rate environment is bad for debt funds. However, since these schemes do not invest in very long-duration papers, they will be relatively better off. Most money market pundits say the interest rates have peaked and the RBI will start cutting interest in the later part of the year. It may start cutting rates, once it is convinced that inflation is cooling off. However, be prepared for some volatility till then.

Silver and gold ETFs rebounded on Tuesday after a steep crash in the previous session, even as rising yields and tight liquidity kept bullion under pressure. Anup Bhaiya said the correction offers long-term accumulation opportunities amid strong safe-haven demand and persistent geopolitical risks, supporting investor confidence despite elevated precious metals volatility.