The Economic Times

The older mAadhaar App is retiring on June 30, 2026, making way for a new, enhanced Aadhaar App. Don't worry, your existing Aadhaar records will not be deleted; the app is merely a service access point.

Small savings scheme interest rates: The Finance Ministry has kept interest rates on all small savings schemes unchanged for the JulySeptember 2026 quarter. Rates remain 8.2% for SCSS and Sukanya Samriddhi, 7.7% for NSC, 7.5% for Kisan Vikas Patra and 5-year deposits, 7.1% for PPF, and 4% for Post Office Savings Account.

New Railway Act amendments, effective July 2026, significantly hike penalties for common travel offenses. Travelling without a ticket now incurs fare plus a minimum Rs 500 penalty, shifting from criminal charges to recovery.

Retiring with Rs 2 crore? Experts advise a prudent 3.5-4% withdrawal rate, yielding around Rs 60,000-Rs 70,000 monthly. This sustainable income hinges on lifestyle, inflation, and investment strategy, with a balanced portfolio of equities and bonds crucial. Avoiding common pitfalls like excessive early withdrawals and neglecting healthcare costs ensures your corpus lasts.

Over 30 years ago in 1995, Amish Anantrai Modi had booked some shops in a project for a total consideration of Rs 25 lakh. In his complaint, the buyer said that he needed suitable commercial premises to expand his existing business activities and earn his livelihood by means of self-employment. However, the builder never started construction of the proposed project.

The new fund offer or NFO of the fund is open for subscription and will close on July 14. The scheme will reopen for continuous sale and repurchase within five business days from the date of allotment.

Gold prices saw a dip across major Indian jewellery brands on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, offering buyers welcome relief. Leading retailers like Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas reported lower rates for 22-carat gold in key cities.

ET Wealth Reader's Query: My wife and I have had a floater health insurance policy for over four years. We declared diabetes as a pre-existing condition. Now we have high cholesterol and mild fatty liver. Will my insurance cover pre-existing and new illnesses?

UTI Mutual Fund has significantly boosted its stake in MCX, acquiring nearly 15 lakh shares for a substantial Rs 425 crore via an open market deal. This move comes as MCX reported a remarkable surge in its March quarter profits, nearly quadrupling to Rs 530 crore and tripling revenue. The commodity exchange, a dominant player with over 98% market share, saw its shares dip slightly following the transaction.

Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath said building long-term wealth does not require chasing hot stocks or timing the market. He stressed that investors often overcomplicate investing by trying to predict markets or pick from thousands of options. In a post on X, he said good outcomes come from doing a few boring things well through disciplined, low-touch investing.

Central government departments must submit pay revision data for the 8th Pay Commission by today, June 30, 2026. Submissions are strictly online via the commission's portal; physical or emailed data will be rejected.

Choosing the right mutual funds for a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) hinges on individual financial goals, investment horizon, and risk tolerance, not a universal list. Experts advise aligning fund choices with withdrawal timelines, suggesting equity/hybrid for long-term wealth building and debt funds for immediate income needs. Understanding tax implications of Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs) is also crucial for a balanced investment strategy.

As Section 143(2) scrutiny notices for AY 2025-26 reach taxpayers during the ITR filing season for AY 2026-27, this article explains why taxpayers receive scrutiny notices, how they should respond, the consequences of non-compliance and under-reporting of income, the relief available under Section 270AA, and the key compliance lessons for filing current-year returns.

Around 10 equity mutual funds delivered returns of over 25% in the first half of 2026, with Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund more than doubling investors' money. The top performers were largely international and thematic funds, while technology-focused schemes dominated the list of worst-performing equity mutual funds during the period.

Confused by interest rate shifts? Dynamic bond funds offer a solution, allowing managers to adjust investments based on market outlook. While not foolproof, these funds could shine if the RBI begins rate cuts later this year, potentially rewarding debt mutual fund investors after muted performance. For those investing three to five years without wanting to predict rate movements, dynamic bond funds present an option.

Retirement planning: Dipping into your retirement corpus for urgent needs can be a costly mistake, potentially costing you lakhs by retirement. Experts emphasize building a robust emergency fund, ideally covering six months to two years of expenses. This fund, held in low-risk, easily accessible instruments like savings accounts or liquid funds, acts as a crucial buffer against unforeseen events, safeguarding your long-term financial future.

Indians working abroad can now potentially avoid paying tax on selling Indian shares. The key is to have purchased these shares using convertible foreign exchange. This provision, under Section 215 of the Income Tax Act, 2025, allows for tax exemption if the sale proceeds are reinvested in specified Indian assets within six months. However, a three-year lock-in period applies to the reinvested assets.

A Telangana High Court ruling has revived a property deal after a buyer's nine-year delay in paying the Rs 8 lakh balance. Despite the seller's initial opposition, the court condoned the extensive delay, allowing the buyer to complete the sale by depositing the outstanding amount with 12% annual interest. The court emphasized that the seller's failure to appeal the original decree prevented him from opposing the sale now.

Aarogya Setu 2.0, a new Personal Health Record app, launched today, offering users access to health services, secure record storage, and nearby facility searches. Developed under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, it integrates PM-JAY services and introduces Ayushman Sarathi, a WhatsApp chatbot for easier access.

Delays in SWP payouts should be treated as delayed mutual fund redemptions. SEBI requires payouts within three working days, with delayed payments potentially attracting investor interest compensation.

JioBlackRock has launched its Prism Hybrid Long-Short Fund, an innovative interval investment strategy allowing twice-weekly redemptions. This fund aims to generate capital appreciation and income by blending equity, debt, derivatives, and alternative investments. Designed for dynamic markets, it seeks to deliver better risk-adjusted returns with lower volatility, leveraging BlackRock's global expertise and advanced technology. The New Fund Offer is open until July 13.

July 2026 presents crucial income tax deadlines for Indian taxpayers. The most significant deadline is July 31, marking the final day for salaried individuals and pensioners to file their Income Tax Returns (ITR-1 and ITR-2).

After earning just 1% returns from mutual fund investments over four years, an investor sought expert advice on whether to alter her portfolio. Harshvardhan Roongta of Roongta Securities said weak returns are a normal part of equity investing, urging investors to stay disciplined, avoid frequent changes, and focus on long-term wealth creation through consistent SIPs.

Gold prices saw a slight dip across major Indian retailers today, offering a welcome respite for buyers. Jewellery prices for 22-carat gold have settled around Rs 13,110 per gram at leading stores in cities like Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai.

The National Pension System (NPS) delivered strong returns over the past three years, combining retirement planning with tax benefits. Among fund managers with a three-year track record, Tata Pension Management emerged as the top performer.

Experts are advising mutual fund investors to focus on large-cap, flexi-cap, and multi-asset funds for the latter half of 2026. Following a volatile first half, a cautious yet optimistic approach is recommended, emphasizing diversified equity exposure. While valuations are considered fair, risks like global tensions and oil prices persist. Investors are urged to maintain SIPs and avoid market timing, especially first-time entrants.

Short duration mutual funds offer a balanced investment option for horizons of one to three years, navigating moderate interest rate risks. These schemes invest in a mix of short-term and very short-term instruments like treasury bills and corporate bonds. For June 2026, HDFC Short Term Debt Fund, ICICI Prudential Short Term Fund, and Axis Short Term Fund are highlighted as top performers based on returns, consistency, and risk management.

July bank holidays: Bank customers should note upcoming July 2026 closures across various Indian states. Important banking tasks should be planned around these specific dates to avoid inconvenience. Consulting the RBI holiday calendar is advised before visiting your local branch.

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has declared that temporary-status employees, even without formal regularization, are entitled to pensionary benefits after retirement. This landmark decision, stemming from a case involving postal workers, emphasizes that long service and eligibility under specific rules grant these rights. The court directed authorities to disburse pensions and retiral benefits promptly, asserting that pension is a deferred wage and a constitutional right.

A homebuyer in Gurgaon's Sector 108 will receive Rs 26 lakh in compensation from a builder for delayed possession. Haryana RERA ruled that the delay caused the buyer to miss out on a significant 130% property price appreciation. The authority also ordered a refund of the amount paid, plus interest, and compensation for mental agony and litigation costs, setting a precedent for such cases.

Most investors struggle as they watch their portfolio shrink while EMI obligations remain fixed. The temptation to stop the SWP or redeem the corpus becomes overwhelming. This introduces discretionary risk into what is assumed to be a systematic plan. Acting on it at the wrong time permanently locks in the loss. An investors life situation also matters.

Returning Indians face new tax filing complexities. Foreign retirement accounts now necessitate the more detailed ITR-2, moving away from the simpler ITR-1. Tax authorities are leveraging global information exchange to track overseas assets and income. Accurate reporting in Schedule FA is crucial to avoid penalties under the Black Money Act. Taxpayers must diligently disclose all foreign holdings, including dormant accounts and employee stock options, to ensure compliance.

Resident and Ordinarily Resident (ROR) taxpayers with foreign assets or income must carefully disclose overseas investments, dividends and accounts while filing ITR. Direct foreign holdings require Schedule FA reporting, unlike Indian international mutual funds. Errors can attract penalties under the Black Money Act, making accurate disclosure and timely corrections essential for compliance.

Most investors struggle as they watch their portfolio shrink while EMI obligations remain fixed. The temptation to stop the SWP or redeem the corpus becomes overwhelming. This introduces discretionary risk into what is assumed to be a systematic plan. Acting on it at the wrong time permanently locks in the loss. An investors life situation also matters.

The RBI has proposed widening participation in Indias term money market by allowing eligible NBFCs, mortgage lenders, companies and financial institutions to lend and borrow short-term funds. The move aims to deepen money markets, improve liquidity access and broaden participation, while imposing prudential exposure limits on eligible non-bank finance firms.

Nearly Rs 8,974 crore in unclaimed insurance funds is lying with insurers due to missing nominees, outdated records, lost documents and lack of awareness. Policyholders and beneficiaries can trace and claim these funds through insurer websites or the IRDAI Bima Bharosa portal by submitting the required documents and proof of ownership.

EPFO 3.0 aims to modernize provident fund services through upgraded technology, faster claim processing, simplified withdrawals, digital record corrections and improved user access. While these reforms promise greater convenience, longstanding issues such as data quality, employer dependence, pension complexities and grievance resolution remain challenges that will require sustained implementation efforts.

NSE IPO: Stock exchanges operate on a distinct business model from sectors such as banking, manufacturing, or technology. They neither lend nor manufacture. Instead, exchanges function as platforms that facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers. Meanwhile, NSEs biggest earnings risk is its dependence on derivatives.

We begin this new series with Bala, a curious young learner, as he explores money concepts. His first lesson: understanding UPI and digital money. UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is an instant payment system that allows you to transfer money between any two bank accounts using a mobile app. It acts as a digital bridge between banks, making money transfers simple.

File your application before 30 September 2026 to lock in todays rules for the whole journey. Source-of-funds standards, investment structure, job-creation criteria, all frozen at the point of filing, regardless of what the Congress does later. The deadline also creates conditions in which investors make costly mistakes. Documentation bottleneck is the most immediate.

Individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) are required to file income tax returns (ITR) if their total taxable income before the applicable exemptions and deductions exceeds the basic exemption limit. Even if youre exempt, file a return if you have a refund due, or you need to apply for a loan, passport or visa.