The Economic Times

The Indian Railways Technical Supervisors Association (IRTSA) has submitted a memorandum to the 8th Pay Commission demanding five distinct fitment factors for its technical staff, citing job complexities and hazards. They also proposed a 5% annual increment, a promotional increment equivalent to two annual increments, and a separate CPI for calculating Dearness Allowance.

HDFC Mutual Fund has revised investment rules for its HDFC Defence Fund, increasing the minimum amount for fresh SIP registrations. It has also capped new STP registrations at 25,000 per month per investor (PAN level), allowing them only under a monthly frequency from May 4.

New consumer rights rules for air travel in Dubai took effect on April 28, 2026, empowering passengers with clearer information on ticket prices, terms, and baggage. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority's directive mandates airlines to provide timely updates and options like re-routing or refunds for flight disruptions, with provisions for meals and accommodation during extended delays.

Gold prices are stable today as traders await crucial economic data from major economies and the US jobs market. Analysts note that geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices are influencing gold's movement. Retail prices at leading jewellery brands like Tanishq, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds show little change.

Etihad Airways is now offering a 10% discount on promo seats for its top-tier loyalty members. Gold, Platinum, and Emerald members of the Etihad Guest program can avail this special offer. This benefit enhances the exclusive member experience, providing greater value and rewarding redemption opportunities.

Axis Mutual Fund has launched the Axis Nifty Capital Markets Index Fund, an open-ended scheme tracking the Nifty Capital Markets Total Return Index (TRI). The NFO is open till May 15 and aims to mirror index performance, before expenses, subject to tracking error. The fund offers investors exposure to Indias evolving capital markets ecosystem.

SBI Card has revised its late payment charges, effective May 1, 2026, impacting lower outstanding amounts. A new Rs 100 penalty now applies for dues between Rs 100 and Rs 500.

An investor's SIP portfolio in SBI Mutual Fund showed a Rs 10,000 loss after 20 months, prompting expert advice. Volatility is inherent in equity markets, and a short investment horizon makes performance judgment difficult. Experts recommend a flexi-cap fund for better diversification and reduced volatility.

A US-based son, Mr. Bussi, successfully challenged an Indian income tax notice after depositing Rs 11 lakh cash into his parents' account during demonetisation. The ITAT Delhi cancelled the notice, acknowledging the funds were genuine remittances from earlier years, ruling in favor of the NRI after a six-year legal battle.

Top NPS equity funds have generated over 910% annual returns in the last three years, with fund managers like LIC, UTI, and SBI leading performance amid steady equity market gains.

Baroda BNP Paribas Mid Cap Fund has delivered exceptional returns, turning a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP into Rs 1.55 crore over 20 years. The fund's consistent performance across market cycles, driven by a fundamental, bottom-up approach, has helped investors achieve their financial goals.

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 101st part of this series, Riju Mehta explains the difference between the three types of financial statements.

For best portfolio results, its best not to get swayed by any one asset class. Experts recommend diversification. While asset allocation is the way to go, the question remains: what is the best combination? Every investor has their own asset allocation. Heres a start. In this weeks TrendMap, ET Wealth compares seven asset combinations. Portfolios with gold have delivered a notable returns boost in recent years, while those with zero gold exposure have persistently lagged. By Sameer Bhardwaj.

There are several types of orders that investors can place on the exchange, and each interacts with the system in a distinct way. The choice of order type determines how and when a trade is executed, the price it gets filled at, and even whether it gets executed at all. As a result, the order an investor chooses can significantly impact trading outcomes and overall returns.

An online game is any game played on a phone, laptop, or digital device, operated through software using the internet or any form of electronic communication. This definition ensures that almost every form of digital gaming falls within its scope. The real difference, and the real tax impact, begins when we look at how these games are classified.

Women are learning to keep pace with the ubiquitous apps and AI, shrugging off dependence on their kids for financial transactions, online shopping, utility bill payments, documentation and paperwork, health care and medical needs, travel (booking cabs or navigation), recreation, and even career management.

From vesting-day perquisite taxes to a 40% US estate levy that most Indian professionals never see coming, your employers stock is not the safe reward it feels like.

HDFC MFs Navneet Munot tells Sanket Dhanorkar and Kayezad E. Adajania how navigating crises has shaped investing discipline, risk management and future strategy.

Can the NPS Swasthya scheme be an effective substitute for a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers hospitalisation and related expenses? Participating companies say that is not its objective. The scheme allows you to dip into your NPS corpus to fund healthcare needs, but several conditions apply.

When IRDAI defines success as premium collected, and the industry maximises commissions by selling products that collect maximum premium per unit of cover, the two are in perfect alignment. No one needs to collude. The ruler measures what the industry finds convenient. The industry finds it convenient because the ruler keeps pointing upward.

Even as individuals from Tier-2/3 cities and beyond are rapidly embracing the world of stocks and mutual funds, gaps in advisory and awareness may leave investors vulnerable.

Invesco India Mid Cap Fund gave the highest return of 27.2% in the last three years. The fund is assigned a four-star rating and had an AUM of Rs 9.895 crore.

Growing up in a middle-class family that valued discipline and long-term thinking, I developed an early interest in understanding how businesses grow and create value. That curiosity gradually evolved into a passion for equity markets and investing.

Bank employees will see a slight increase in their take-home pay as the government has raised Dearness Allowance (DA) from May 1, 2026. The DA has been revised to 25.70%, a 0.70% hike from the previous quarter's 25%. This adjustment impacts salaries across various pay scales for the May-July period.

Bajaj Finance has boosted interest rates on its 31-60 month fixed deposits to 7.40%, with senior citizens now earning up to 7.75%. These revised rates are effective May 1, 2026. The 8th Pay Commission has also released schedules for upcoming meetings in Hyderabad, Srinagar, and Ladakh during May and June 2026 to gather stakeholder input on pay and pension matters.

Five mutual fund NFOs and one SIF are set to open for subscription this week, offering investors fresh opportunities across index, ETF and thematic categories. With varying investment minimums and timelines, these launches reflect fund houses efforts to expand offerings and capture investor interest in evolving market segments.

Gold prices saw fluctuations on May 2, 2026, influenced by global uncertainties and inflation concerns. Leading jewelers like Tanishq, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds reported varying 22k gold rates. The IBJA provided indicative rates as of April 30 due to market closures.

Bengaluru property owners can now avail a 5% rebate on property tax by paying in full by May 31, 2026, as the deadline has been extended. Additionally, the Greater Bengaluru Authority has enabled online e-Khata downloads using SAS Property Tax ID, simplifying the process for citizens.

Ex-Top 100 long-short SIF strategies have delivered strong near-term gains, with leading funds returning up to 15% in a month. The approach focuses on mid and small caps outside top 100 stocks, combining long equity exposure with selective short positions for alpha generation.

New Citizenship Rules for 2026 are here. Minor children cannot hold two passports. OCI registration is now digital, with e-OCI cards. Applying for OCI is fully online. Renouncing or cancelling OCI cards has clear electronic procedures. Biometric data can be used for fast immigration. These changes simplify processes and enhance digital record-keeping for citizenship matters.

Six equity mutual funds delivered over 20% returns in April, led by international and sector-focused schemes. A majority of funds posted positive returns, reflecting strong market momentum. Global indices, especially Nasdaq, supported performance, while only two funds ended negative, highlighting broad-based gains across categories during the month.

Quant Mutual Fund advises aggressive portfolio rebalancing amid improving market conditions, citing attractive valuations and strong liquidity. It favors large caps, selective mid and small caps, and sectors like energy, infrastructure, and financials, while remaining cautious on manufacturing uncertainties.

Senior citizens seeking stable income and market-risk-free returns often turn to fixed deposits. Banks commonly offer enhanced interest rates for senior citizens, along with benefits like premature withdrawal, loan options, and sweep-in facilities. This article explores the highest FD rates available from PSU, private, and small finance banks for this demographic.

A long-term investor with Rs 10 lakh and a 15-year horizon can build a simple four-fund mutual fund portfolio combining a Nifty index fund and flexi-cap funds. The strategy focuses on disciplined investing, diversification, and staying invested through volatility to generate sustainable wealth over time despite market fluctuations.

The Supreme Court granted bail and suspended the jail sentence of a government officer accused of taking a Rs 10,000 bribe. The unusual reason for the relief was that rats had destroyed the seized bribe money, raising concerns about evidence preservation. The court will further examine this issue.

Banks in India are not open on all Saturdays. So anyone willing to complete their bank work today (Saturday, May 2, 2026) must check if banks are open or closed today.

Securing prestigious scholarships for studying abroad requires more than just academic merit; it demands years of dedicated groundwork and a compelling narrative. Indian students aiming for international education must strategically build impactful profiles, focusing on deep engagement with specific issues and clearly articulating their intent and need.

The All India NPS Employees' Federation met with the 8th Pay Commission chairperson and other members. It proposed allowing central government NPS subscribers to switch to Old Pension Scheme after completing certain years in service. It has also requested raising the retirement age for central government teachers to 65.

Inflation's rise impacts living costs, prompting the RBI to manage it via the repo rate. Changes in this rate directly affect personal loan interest, with unsecured loans responding faster. Understanding these dynamics and borrower profiles helps in preparing for loan applications and securing favorable terms.

The UK's Renters' Rights Act, effective May 1, 2026, significantly overhauls tenant protections. Key changes include abolishing 'no-fault' evictions, capping upfront rent to one month, and prohibiting rental bidding wars. Landlords must now reasonably consider pet requests, and fixed-term contracts are replaced by flexible rolling tenancies, offering renters greater security and stability.

The 8th Central Pay Commission is set to hold crucial meetings in Hyderabad, Srinagar, and Ladakh during May and June 2026. Employee unions and organizations are invited to submit their pay, pension, and allowance-related demands online. The deadline for memorandum submission has been extended to May 31, 2026, with specific appointment booking requirements.

The amount you borrow should depend on your personal financial situation, including monthly expenses, existing liabilities, lifestyle needs, and long-term financial goals such as childrens education, retirement planning, or emergency savings. Ideally, the EMI should not exceed 3540% of your monthly take-home income.

Visa card payments in the UAE are now faster. Visa has partnered with Emirates NBD for local processing of card transactions in UAE Dirhams. This means domestic Visa card payments for shopping, dining, and travel will be processed locally. Consumers will experience quicker transactions without any changes to how they use their cards.