The Economic Times

A minimum pay of Rs 69,000, fitment factor of 3.83, annual increment of 6%, merging 18 employee levels in the 7th Pay Commission into seven, minimum five promotions during service and restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) are some of the 8th Pay Commission-related demands of the draft committee of National Council (Joint Consultative Machinery).

Dubai gold rates today: Following US President Donald Trump's speech and the breakdown of US-Iran peace negotiations, investors are keeping a close eye on gold and silver prices.

Prime Delhi markets like Khan Market and Lajpat Nagar are commanding high commercial property rentals, a recent report reveals. While premium malls offer consistent returns, many brands are opting for high streets due to limited mall inventory. This trend is observed across major cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai, with apparel and F&B sectors showing strong leasing activity.

Boosting SIP investments beyond salary hikes can significantly amplify wealth creation. Increasing SIPs by 20% annually, compared to a flat investment or an 8% increase, can generate substantially larger corpuses over two decades. This strategy combats lifestyle inflation and enhances financial security.

Gold and silver prices are under investor scrutiny after US-Iran peace talks faltered. Pakistan is working towards a ceasefire to facilitate renewed diplomacy. Gold rates at leading Indian jewellers like Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Joyalukkas, and Malabar Gold & Diamonds saw a decrease. The Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd (IBJA) rates were not updated due to a holiday.

EPFO has extended the functionality for members to de-link incorrect Member IDs (MIDs) from their Universal Account Number (UAN). This allows correction of MIDs created without member knowledge, even if contributions exist. However, MIDs with processed, pending, or multiple claims will not be eligible for de-linking.

Property ownership in India, once a symbol of security, now presents significant legal challenges due to unclear titles and disputes. Buyers face risks from historical discrepancies and competing claims, locking capital and stalling income. Proactive legal due diligence, careful transaction structuring, and understanding tenant rights are crucial for navigating these complexities and protecting valuable assets.

Sankaran Naren advises starting SIPs as valuations improve, but cautions against 2020-like returns, favors IT, pharma, energy, remains wary on midcaps, sees selective smallcap opportunities, and stresses disciplined, macro-driven investing.

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced an interim pay hike for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers, effective April 1, 2026. Workers in Noida and Ghaziabad will receive the highest increase of 21%, while other districts see hikes of nearly 15% and 9.21% respectively. The government also debunked rumors of a Rs 20,000 statewide minimum wage.

Gold price today in Chennai (April 14, 2026): In Chennai too, gold prices were slightly up on Tuesday in line with the larger trend in India. As per the prices quoted by leading jewellery retailers in the city, the price of 24 karat gold was around Rs 15,404 per gram.

ET Wealth Reader's Query: I am 80 and my wife is 78. We currently have medical insurance coverage of Rs 7 lakh each. We would like to increase the coverage to Rs 10 lakh each. Is this -possible?

Despite market volatility, six AMCs held over 10,000 crore in cash in March, reflecting a cautious stance even as fund managers actively deployed liquidity to buy equities during the correction.

HDFC Defence Fund significantly boosted its holdings in Hindustan Aeronautics and Eicher Motors during March, adding thousands of shares to its portfolio. The fund also introduced Sedemac Mechatronics as a new investment while exiting Avalon Technologies. Its portfolio remains diversified across key defence and allied sector stocks.

Nine equity mutual funds exceeded Rs 60,000 crore AUM by March 2026, led by Parag Parikh Flexi Cap. Major contributors include HDFC, SBI, ICICI, Kotak, and Nippon India funds leading.

Sovereign Gold Bond : The Reserve Bank of India has announced the premature redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bond SGB 2019-20 Series-V, set at Rs 15,009 per unit. Investors can redeem these bonds from April 15, 2026, after the fifth year of issuance.

The Income Tax Department has introduced Form 141, a consolidated challan-cum-statement, merging four previous TDS forms. This new form simplifies TDS filing for various transactions including rent, property purchase, professional payments, and virtual digital asset transfers. It aims to enhance clarity and reduce duplication in reporting.

High AUM mutual funds arent always a concern, but experts recommend tweaking SIP strategy and diversification to manage risks and optimise returns.

The Odisha High Court quashed criminal cases of 498A and dowry against a husband after he obtained a mutual consent divorce. The court ruled that continuing the criminal proceedings would serve no purpose since the marriage was legally dissolved by mutual agreement under the Hindu Marriage Act, ending a 14-year legal battle.

Bank holiday today: Central government offices will observe a holiday on April 14, 2026, for BR Ambedkar's birth anniversary. Many banks will also be closed across India on this date. This closure coincides with several regional festivals including Tamil New Year and Vaisakhi. Customers should check with their specific bank branches for operational status.

Gold prices in Dubai were a key focus on Monday, April 13, 2026. Geopolitical tensions and statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz influenced the global market. Rates for 22K gold hovered around AED 526-529 per gram across major jewellers. This information provides a snapshot of the gold market on that specific future date.

Effective April 1, 2026, the Bureau of Immigration has revised OCI service fees. Fresh applications now cost USD 275 abroad and Rs 15,000 within India. Re-issuance and duplicate cards also have updated charges. Payment methods vary based on application location. New passport holders must update OCI details within three months to avoid a $25 penalty.

24K, 22K gold price today in Chennai: Other than top retailers, the price of 22 karat gold at Lalitha Jewellery is Rs 13,975 per gram, while 22 carat gold is retailing at Rs 14,100 per gram at Swarna Maligai Jewellers, and 18 carat gold at Rs 11,760 per gram.

Equity mutual funds see renewed inflows in March, led by five schemes attracting nearly Rs 100 crore each, highlighting selective investor interest across domestic, international, and alternative strategies.

The Code on Social Security, 2020 expands the wage base for gratuity, potentially increasing payouts, but tax rules under the Income-tax Act, 1961 and the Income-tax Act, 2025 still rely on basic pay plus DA. With the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 now subsumed, this mismatch could make part of the higher gratuity taxablehighlighting the need for alignment between labour and tax laws.

Gold rate today: Gold and silver prices are currently experiencing a minor dip. This trend is observed across major Indian jewellers and the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association. Experts suggest that a strengthening dollar may cap any immediate price increases. The upcoming Akshaya Tritiya festival is a key period for gold purchases in India, with celebrations expected next week.

New Income Tax Return forms are here for Assessment Year 2026-27. A key change is a new field for a secondary address. Contact details are now primary and secondary. Reporting for representative assessees is simplified. The need to split capital gains based on transfer dates before or after July 23, 2024, has been removed.

Transferring equity within family accounts involves specific procedures and tax implications heres a quick guide to the rules, costs, and key considerations.

Haryana has revised minimum wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled workers, effective April 1, 2026. The new rates, determined by skill level, ensure equal pay for men and women. Employers are responsible for ensuring contractors also adhere to these revised wage structures.

JioBlackRock Mutual Funds Flexi Cap Fund exited Swiggy and 20 other stocks in March, while adding ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company and nine more. The fund also increased exposure to key largecaps, reflecting active portfolio reshuffling amid evolving market opportunities and valuation dynamics.

The drop in equity indices, coupled with macro stress from the war in the Middle East, has led major equity brokerages to downgrade India. The ensuing flight of capital, along with the 11% depreciation in rupee in the past 12 months, has really tightened the easy money window for primary capital.

8th Pay Commission: The Eighth Central Pay Commission is actively recruiting consultants on a contractual basis to bolster its research and analytical capabilities. Applications are open for Senior Consultants, Consultants, and Young Professionals, with specific experience and age criteria.

Mutual funds significantly reduced their cash holdings in March. This move indicates fund managers actively invested in the market during a period of correction. Despite global uncertainties, this strategy aimed to leverage potential investment opportunities. Several asset management companies deployed substantial cash reserves. This shift reflects a proactive approach to market dynamics.

Equity mutual funds saw a significant surge in monthly inflows during March, despite market downturns. This rise reflects a shift in investor behavior, with corrections now viewed as buying opportunities. Robust SIP flows and sustained confidence in India's growth outlook are key drivers behind this trend.

Flexi cap mutual funds offer fund managers the flexibility to invest across market capitalizations and sectors, making them suitable for moderate investors seeking long-term wealth creation with a five to seven-year horizon.

A Kerala High Court ruling clarifies that a settlement deed holds legal power over a Will. Even if children are excluded from family property in a Will, a settlement deed executed in their favour remains valid. This legal instrument allows for property transfer independent of a Will.

Whether in trust deeds, corporate agreements or commercial contracts, even a single clause drafted without sufficient precision can significantly alter the legal consequences of an arrangement. in matters of taxation, precision in drafting is not merely good practice but an essential safeguard.

FY26 left your equity portfolio bruised. As FY27 begins, heres how to heal it.

Sankaran Naren explains why markets are more attractive but unlikely to deliver outsized returns and shares his macro-driven approach with Sanket Dhanorkar.

The Iran war will also likely hit semiconductor output, amid disruptions in the shipments of key inputs for chip manufacturing like helium, sulfur and petrochemical products, according to the ADB. Tourism-dependent economies will likewise feel the drag after the war upended global travel, it added.

For global diversification, experts recommend a diversified, disciplined approach across regions.

In India, property carries both emotional and financial weight. As Indian wealth increases, the shift has to be from accumulation to intentional transfer. Real estate will sit at the centre of that journey

Parents buy maternity cover for delivery, but the bigger financial risk is complications after birth.

Travel insurance faces challenges due to global conflicts and increased flight costs. Many insurers are suspending coverage for affected regions. Leisure travel to West Asia and Europe is down. However, senior citizens visiting children in the US are proceeding with travel plans. Pre-existing condition coverage remains a key concern for elderly travelers.

If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 98th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains how this special category of bonds work.