The Economic Times

Making travel more rewarding and accessible for customers this summer, BOBCARD is offering instant discounts, exclusive deals, and convenient EMI options that help travellers save more while enjoying seamless journeys. For example, BOBCARD users can get up to RS 8000 instant discount on domestic and international flights; claim up to 15% instant discount on flight and hotel bookings on MakeMyTrip.

The 8th Pay Commission is set to hold crucial meetings in Kolkata from July 9-10, 2026, extending the memorandum submission deadline to June 15. This body, tasked with reviewing salaries and pensions for central government employees, will also visit Srinagar and Ladakh in June. Its recommendations, due in 18 months, will consider economic factors and fiscal discipline.

Gold prices continued their downward trend on Saturday, May 30, 2026, with major Indian retailers reporting lower rates. This decline is attributed to softer global bullion prices and reduced safe-haven demand, leading to a modest correction in domestic gold rates across various karats.

Five midcap mutual funds delivered strong long-term performance, generating over 20% annualised returns in the last three years, led by HSBC Midcap Fund, ICICI Prudential Midcap Fund and WhiteOak Capital Mid Cap Fund.

Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund introduces MPOWER SIF, a new investment product. This fund aims to provide investors with unique strategies beyond traditional mutual funds. It will utilize derivatives and other tools for varied risk-return outcomes. The fund house plans to offer diverse strategies across equity, hybrid, and fixed income categories.

Around 11 equity mutual funds delivered over 10% returns in May, led by international and technology-focused funds such as Mirae Asset AI ETF FoF, Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund and Edelweiss US Tech Fund.

As retirement nears, investors question diversifying beyond fixed deposits into equities. Experts advise it's never too late to adjust strategies, emphasizing diversification balances capital preservation with inflation-beating growth potential. An ideal asset allocation depends on individual goals and risk tolerance.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) offers a compelling investment avenue for girl children, currently providing an 8.2% annual interest rate. Parents can build significant corpus for their daughter's future by consistently investing up to Rs 1.5 lakh annually, with maturity proceeds and interest being tax-free under EEE status.

Smallcap stocks present a favorable entry point following a market correction, driven by improving fundamentals, healthier balance sheets, and corrected valuations. A disciplined approach focusing on strong businesses with long-term potential is advised, as smallcaps have historically outperformed during recovery phases.

The Reserve Bank of India has announced the premature redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2021-22 Series-II, fixed at Rs 15,672 per unit. Investors can redeem these bonds from June 1, 2026, after five years from the issue date. This premature redemption price offers a significant return of 227% on the initial investment.

Private sector employees and managers facing disciplinary action can protect themselves. Understanding labour laws and principles of natural justice is crucial. The article outlines three key steps to challenge disciplinary committee actions. These steps involve carefully reviewing the charge sheet, crafting a detailed reply, and actively participating in the oral inquiry.

Legal heirs in England and Wales require a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration to sell property and manage a deceased person's estate. While not always mandatory for jointly owned assets or to cover immediate funeral expenses, these grants are crucial for accessing bank accounts and proving legal authority.

Many taxpayers mistakenly believe the New Tax Regime offers no deductions. However, salaried employees and pensioners can claim a Rs 75,000 standard deduction. Employer contributions to NPS and interest on home loans for let-out properties are also still permissible, reducing overall tax liability.

Bank holiday today: Banks across India are open today, May 30, 2026, as it is the fifth Saturday of the month. Typically, banks observe holidays only on the second and fourth Saturdays, unless otherwise declared by the RBI. Customers planning branch visits should always verify the operational status with their bank.

Financial plans often falter not due to lack of planning, but because they don't account for life's uncertainties. The Waiver of Premium feature in investment-linked insurance products ensures that contributions continue even if the policyholder passes away, safeguarding long-term financial goals like a child's education.

Manoj Soman had not filed an ITR for the relevant assessment year, which is FY 10-11 in this case. Based on information available through the AIR mechanism and other departmental databases, the Income-tax Department noticed substantial cash deposits in the taxpayer's bank account. ITAT Mumbai, however, ruled in the assesses favour, saying TDS cannot be denied even if ITR is not filed.

June 2026 bank holidays: Indian banks will be closed on several dates in June 2026. These holidays are for regional and national celebrations. Customers should check the specific dates for their state. Important observances include YMA Day, Raja Sankranti, Moharrum, Muharram, Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti, and Remna Ni.

A 60-year-old retiree sought guidance on whether she should continue investing in equity mutual funds after retirement. Experts say senior citizens can retain some equity exposure to beat inflation, provided regular expenses are covered through stable income sources. Aligning the portfolio, reducing overlap, and balancing SIPs with lumpsum investments remain key.

Groww Mutual Fund has launched the Groww Nifty Smallcap 250 Momentum Quality 100 ETF, offering passive exposure to small-cap companies selected on momentum and quality factors. The ETF aims to provide diversified participation in Indias small-cap segment through a rules-based investment strategy focused on stronger price trends and relatively sound fundamentals.

Gold rate today: Gold prices are up today, May 29, 2026. Investors watch Middle East developments closely. The US-Iran truce extension remains uncertain. Jewellery brands like Tanishq and Malabar Gold & Diamonds show price increases. IBJA also reports higher rates for gold and silver. Consumers can check the latest retail prices.

Indian life insurers are asking the government to double the tax-free limit for insurance policies. This move aims to increase money flowing into these funds. Inflows have slowed down since new tax limits were introduced in February 2023. Higher inflows would support government borrowing needs for long-term projects. The Life Insurance Council has formally requested this change.

Bengaluru citizens can attend an e-Khata open house on May 30, 2026. This event, part of the Bhoo Guarantee- 6th guarantee scheme, offers on-the-spot assistance for property tax and e-Khata related services. Held in various areas, it aims to resolve citizen issues and streamline property administration. The initiative promotes transparency and legality in property transactions across the city.

EPS-95 pensioners unable to submit their annual life certificate can now avail doorstep assistance from the postal department. A simple call to 033-22029000 will arrange for a postal worker to visit and submit the certificate free of charge, ensuring uninterrupted pension payments.

Bandhan Small Cap Fund topped the list with 251 stocks in March 2026, followed by Nippon India Small Cap Fund and HDFC Large and Mid Cap Fund, highlighting strong portfolio diversification trends.

Kotak Mutual Fund has launched the Kotak Nifty Alpha Low-Volatility 30 Index Fund, an open-ended scheme tracking the Nifty Alpha Low-Volatility 30 Index. The fund, open for subscription until June 12, aims to provide investors with exposure to equities through a structured, factor-based approach combining Alpha and Low-Volatility characteristics for long-term capital growth.

Equity mutual funds saw strong performance in May, with returns reaching up to 17%. International funds led the gains, driven by markets like the US, Korea, and Taiwan. While global diversification is beneficial, experts advise caution due to high valuations. Investors should consider a systematic investment plan for global exposure, focusing on long-term data for market assessment.

The Supreme Court has ruled that a wife's career choice is not cruelty. A woman's decision to open her own dental clinic was opposed by her husband and in-laws. The court stated this reflects a regressive mindset. Charges of cruelty and desertion against the wife were dismissed. The divorce decree remains valid on grounds of irretrievable breakdown of marriage.

Dubai is introducing a new law for shared housing. Landlords must get permits from the Dubai Land Department. Non-compliance can lead to tenant eviction and permit cancellation. The law sets rules for occupancy and space per resident. Designated areas will be identified for shared housing. This aims to regulate the sector and ensure safe living conditions for all residents.

Retail rental yields in Delhi NCR and Mumbai's Grade A and A+ malls have seen significant appreciation, with Mumbai recording 15-20% year-on-year growth. This surge is driven by strong footfalls, tenant productivity, and the expansion of international retailers, making malls an attractive investment. Investors can consider REITs for exposure to this growing sector.

Indian travellers are increasingly using UPI abroad for convenient payments, but understanding its limitations and risks is crucial. While cheaper than cards in select countries like UAE and Singapore, UPI acceptance is uneven, and backup payment options are essential. Users must be aware of transaction limits, potential failures, and fraud risks.

Understanding personal loan EMIs is crucial for managing major expenses. An EMI calculator helps estimate monthly repayments based on loan amount, interest rate, and tenure, enabling informed borrowing decisions. Bajaj Finance offers flexible personal loans with amounts up to 55 lakh and tenures up to 108 months, ensuring convenient repayment options.

This simple Google tool can decrease the chances of strangers coming across your private information lying on the internet. However, you must know that the Results about you feature does not erase the data from the original website, for which you would need to contact the site owner.

Gold rate today: Gold prices saw a decline on May 28, 2026, influenced by ongoing US-Iran talks. Major jewelers like Tanishq, Joyalukkas, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, and Kalyan Jewellers reported varying rates for 22k gold, with some showing a slight increase from the previous day.

Mutual funds significantly increased their investments in smallcap IPOs during the March quarter, with a focus on newly listed companies. Amagi Media Labs and Fractal Analytics emerged as top holdings, followed by Sedemac Mechatronics and Shadowfax Technologies.

Indian residents investing in US stocks face forex gains tax. These gains are taxable as capital gains when US dollars are converted back to Indian rupees. The tax treatment depends on whether the gain is considered income. Foreign currency held for investment is a capital asset. Tax arises only upon actual conversion. Reporting foreign assets in ITR is mandatory.

Not only did Shelby advised people to bet for the long run, but his firm also lived by the idea, thereby giving rise to the term - Davis Dozen. The legendary investor for a core portfolio of about a dozen big long-term winning stocks which he continued to hold for decades.

Individuals with assets in both India and England are advised to create separate Wills to ensure proper distribution and avoid legal challenges. English law has strict requirements for Will validity, including written format, testator's signature, and proper witnessing. Seeking professional advice is crucial to prevent errors and potential invalidation of Wills.

Homebuyers in Amritsar received partial victory from Punjab RERA regarding delayed possession. The authority ordered the builder to pay interest for the delay. However, the homebuyers' claim for an extra Rs 75 lakh charge was dismissed. RERA emphasized that buyers must carefully read agreements, as the principle of 'Caveat Emptor' applies. The builder-buyer agreement's terms were deemed binding.

Homebuyers in Amritsar received partial victory from Punjab RERA regarding delayed possession. The authority ordered the builder to pay interest for the delay. However, the homebuyers' claim for an extra Rs 75 lakh charge was dismissed. RERA emphasized that buyers must carefully read agreements, as the principle of 'Caveat Emptor' applies. The builder-buyer agreement's terms were deemed binding.