The Economic Times

Senior citizens can achieve a Rs 1 lakh monthly income using government schemes. Options like SCSS and RBI bonds offer over 8% returns. Experts suggest strategies involving substantial investment in these safe avenues. This approach provides peace of mind against market volatility. Diversification and staggered investments help manage interest rate risks for consistent income.

After purchasing 5.38 kanals of government land at auction in 2011, a buyer discovered it was encroached upon. Following a 15-year legal battle, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court ruled in his favor, ordering possession and criticizing the government for misleading him. The court imposed Rs 50,000 in costs on the Jammu Development Authority for its actions.

Brothers' bid to reclaim ancestral land after a 12-year delay has failed. The Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled against their attempt to amend their lawsuit. This decision protects the rights of current landholders. The court emphasized that legal claims must be brought forward promptly. Delaying action can lead to the loss of legal recourse, even in ancestral property disputes.

Proposed 2026 Income Tax Rules could significantly benefit salaried individuals under the old tax regime. Key changes include expanded HRA exemptions for cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, potentially lowering tax liabilities. For a Rs 20 lakh salary, these revisions might offer substantial savings compared to the new tax regime, making the old system more attractive for many.

Amidst geopolitical tensions and market volatility, investors are turning to overnight and liquid funds for temporary cash parking. These low-risk mutual funds offer liquidity and returns slightly above savings accounts, making them ideal for short-term needs before redeploying into riskier assets.

Equity mutual funds saw renewed investor interest in February, attracting significant inflows. This trend indicates a long-term outlook from investors, overlooking short-term market fluctuations. Gold ETFs continued to receive investments, though at a reduced pace. Conversely, silver ETFs experienced outflows as investors booked profits.

ET Wealth Reader's Query: How should investors decide which mutual funds to continue with, pause, or exit? Which red flags signal its time to move on?

PGIM India Mutual Fund is placing temporary restrictions on subscriptions for three international funds. This measure is to prevent exceeding overseas investment limits. Transactions received after March 9, 2026, will not be processed. Existing Systematic Investment Plans will continue. Other transactions like switches and redemptions remain unaffected. This follows previous reopenings and suspensions of subscriptions in these funds.

Despite international crude oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel due to Middle East tensions, top government sources confirmed no immediate hike in petrol and diesel prices. Oil marketing companies will absorb the current cost strain, while the government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 22nd instalment of the PM-Kisan scheme from Guwahati, Assam, this week. Beneficiaries will receive Rs 6,000 directly into their bank accounts. . The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible farmers for agricultural needs.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund added Indraprastha Gas and Mahanagar Gas to its portfolio in February while exiting Multi Commodity Exchange. The fund also reduced stakes in Balkrishna Industries, Dr Reddys Laboratories and Power Grid, while increasing exposure to several large-cap stocks including HDFC Bank, Infosys, ITC and TCS.

The Income Tax Department has identified 63,000 restaurants for potential income under-reporting. A nationwide survey revealed suppression of sales amounting to Rs 408 crore. Restaurants are urged to file updated returns by March 31, 2026, under the Saksham Nudge campaign. This is a chance to correct mistakes before stricter actions are enforced.

Saving diligently does not guarantee wealth. Inflation erodes savings, making real returns negligible. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) offer a disciplined approach to investing. Regular investments through SIPs, even small amounts, leverage rupee cost averaging. Staying invested through market volatility is key to long-term wealth accumulation. Axis Mutual Fund emphasizes this 'Stay Invested' philosophy for achieving financial goals.

The All India Trade Union Congress has presented 12 significant demands to the 8th Pay Commission chairperson. Key proposals include a 3.0 fitment factor, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, and a 6% annual increment. Other demands focus on increased leave encashment, revised DA calculations, and higher compensation for specific employee groups.

Gold ETF inflows saw a significant monthly drop of 78% to Rs 5,254 crore in February, despite a 165% year-on-year increase. The total assets under management for gold ETFs also experienced a slight decline. Other passive funds, including silver ETFs and index funds, also witnessed a decrease in inflows.

The government has stated there is no proposal for a separate pay revision committee for Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) employees. This clarifies the stance on demands for a distinct mechanism, similar to the 8th Pay Commission, for CPSE staff. Variations in pay across CPSEs are attributed to differing financial capacities and performance.

SIP inflows slipped 4% in February to Rs 29,845 crore, ending a two-month streak above the Rs 30,000-crore mark. Despite the monthly dip, SIP contributions were up 15% year-on-year. Overall equity inflows rose 8% during the month, even as several fund categories showed mixed trends across the broader market.

Families are increasingly prioritizing life insurance for income protection. This financial tool secures household stability by providing monetary support to dependants. Improved features and flexible options make policies adaptable to changing needs. Increased awareness and digital access simplify the process. Life insurance guarantees sustained daily expenses, debt repayment, and future goals like education and retirement.

Investing in GIFT City is simpler than many believe. You do not need a foreign bank account or face complex tax filings. RBI limits do not apply, and it is open to retail investors. Redemptions are quick with no lock-in. Costs are transparent. GIFT City provides a tax-efficient route for global diversification, reducing country-specific risks.

New draft income tax rules for 2026 are set to change how salaried employees are taxed. Calculations reveal significant potential tax savings under the revised old tax regime. Employees with CTCs of 15 lakh, 20 lakh, 30 lakh, and 50 lakh can see reduced tax outgo. The changes affect benefits like motor car perquisites and HRA.

Equity mutual fund inflows surged 8% to Rs 25,977 crore in February, though down 11% year-on-year. Flexi-cap funds led with Rs 6,924 crore, while midcap and smallcap funds also saw significant interest. Sectoral and thematic funds experienced a substantial 187% monthly inflow jump.

The deadline for the final advance tax payment is March 15, 2026. This payment is crucial for taxpayers to avoid interest and penalties. Advance tax is paid in instalments throughout the financial year. Individuals and businesses with a tax liability of Rs 10,000 or more after TDS must pay.

A look at the top 10 best-performing mutual funds for February 2026 to help investors identify strong investment opportunities.

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the demolition of a dangerous building in Varanasi, upholding public safety over tenancy rights. Tenants were directed to vacate the property, with the court stating their rights cannot obstruct the necessary demolition of the unsafe structure. The court clarified that tenants can seek relief under tenancy law while demolition proceeds.

Silver and gold ETFs surged on Tuesday, with Tata Silver ETF jumping nearly 10% and Zerodha Gold ETF gaining 3%. This rise was fueled by a weaker U.S. dollar and indications of a potential end to the Middle East conflict, easing inflation concerns. Experts advise a uy on dips strategy using SIPs or ETFs for balanced diversification.

According to the Sebi mandate, small cap schemes must invest in companies that are ranked below 250 in terms of market capitalisation. These schemes also will have to invest at least 65% in small cap stocks.

Quant Mid Cap Fund has strategically adjusted its portfolio in February, introducing ICICI Bank, Paytm, Colgate-Palmolive, and LG Electronics India as new holdings. The fund also divested its entire stake in Escorts Kubota and GMR Airports, while reducing exposure in Godrej Properties and Linde India.

Homeowners undertaking redevelopment of old houses should prepare for increased annual property costs. Bigger flats and modern amenities like lifts and gyms mean higher maintenance charges. Property taxes also rise as they are now linked to the property's current market value. This shift from older rent-based assessments to capital value systems impacts yearly outgoings significantly for residents.

New UPI-enabled credit cards offer convenience and rewards. Kiwi, HDFC Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, and Axis Bank provide options. Users can make payments via UPI apps and earn cashback, reward points, and other benefits. These cards combine UPI's ease with credit card advantages.

Eight equity mutual funds have experienced significant losses, with six of them shedding over 10% in the past six months. Among the biggest losers were Tata Small Cap Fund at -17.71% and two from Motilal Oswal, losing over 16%. Other funds from Invesco, UTI, Mirae Asset, and Samco also saw substantial declines.

Employee bodies are urging the 8th Pay Commission to reduce the compression ratio, which signifies the disparity between the lowest and highest basic pay. The Federation of National Postal Organisations proposes a 1:8 ratio, citing historical widening of the gap in recent commissions and advocating for a uniform multiplication factor and need-based minimum wage.

This state mandates tenant verification for property owners under new rules, effective from December 2024. Owners must submit tenant documents to the police within five days; failure to do so can result in up to six months' imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000. Police will maintain inspection records to enhance public safety and law and order.

Capitalmind Flexi Cap Fund reduced its exposure to HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Bharti Airtel in February while increasing stakes in several stocks including BPCL and Federal Bank. The fund also added seven new companies to its portfolio and exited six stocks as part of its portfolio reshuffle during the month.

YES Bank is adjusting its credit card fee rules. Starting April 1, 2026, higher spending limits will apply before fees are charged on utility, transportation, and digital wallet transactions. These changes aim to benefit cardholders by increasing the threshold for various spending categories. The bank is modifying these thresholds across different card types, offering more flexibility to customers.

Flight disruptions due to the Iran-Israel conflict have led to discounted gold prices in Dubai, presenting potential buying opportunities for Indians. However, experts caution that customs duties, GST, and other charges can significantly erode profit margins, making large-scale arbitrage unlikely.

If your monthly rent crosses Rs 50,000, income tax rules require tenants to deduct tax at source (TDS) before paying the landlord. Many renters are unaware that this responsibility lies with them, not the landlord. Understanding this requirement helps tenants avoid penalties and stay tax compliant.

Subscribers of PPF, SSY, and NPS schemes must complete all financial year-end compliances and investments by March 31. To avoid account inactivation and maintain tax benefits, ensure minimum deposits are made. For PPF, it's Rs 500 annually; for SSY, Rs 250; and for NPS, Rs 1,000.

Zerodha Mutual Fund's instant withdrawal facility is transforming how Indians manage money. A large number of small transactions show investors are using it for daily cash needs. This feature allows quick access to funds, even on weekends. Zerodha's Overnight Fund now offers this 24x7 service via WhatsApp, making liquidity management simple and fast for many.

Samir Arora-backed Helios Flexi Cap Fund added Tata Motors to its portfolio in February while exiting REC, KPIT Technologies and Oswal Pumps. The fund also increased exposure to several stocks including Lemon Tree Hotels, HDFC Bank and SBI. Its portfolio size fell to 62 stocks while assets under management rose to Rs 6,211 crore.

Gold and silver ETFs saw significant drops on Monday. Precious metal prices opened lower on the MCX. A stronger U.S. dollar pressured bullion prices. Rising energy prices fueled inflation concerns, reducing interest rate cut expectations. These factors overshadowed safe-haven demand amid Middle East conflict. Investors are advised to use dips for accumulation.

Mid cap schemes invest in mid cap stocks or in stocks of medium-sized companies. As per Sebi norms, the mid cap mutual funds are mandated to invest in companies that are between 101 and 250 in the market capitalisation. These companies can be leaders of tomorrow. Thats what makes them great bets. If these companies live up to the promise, the market will reward the investors handsomely.