The Economic Times

Bengaluru residents can now download their e-Khata online. This new system uses your SAS Property Tax ID for quick access. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has made this digital option available to eliminate delays. Citizens can get their e-Khata anytime, anywhere, without visiting offices. This move simplifies property transactions and tax payments for all.

Top flexi cap funds delivered over 17% CAGR since inception, led by Bank of India Flexi Cap Fund, highlighting strong long-term performance across varying AUM sizes and relatively recent launch periods.

Five low-cost mutual funds delivered strong three-year returns, led by Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund and global or silver ETFs, combining high performance with relatively low expense ratios for investors.

Thirteen equity mutual funds delivered over 22% CAGR on lumpsum investments in five years, turning Rs 1 lakh into nearly Rs 2.72.9 lakh, led by midcap and smallcap funds.

Paytm has said that the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) action on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) will have no financial or business impact on the company, stressing that it has no material exposure or operational link with the banking entity.

The employee body representing central government teachers from Union Territories is seeking significant pay hikes in their salaries in the 8th Pay Commission. Pragatisheel Shikshak Nyaya Manch (PSNM) has submitted a memorandum demanding a minimum basic pay of Rs 50,000 for a Level 1 employee and a fitment factor up to 3.83.

Investors face a choice between SIPs and lumpsum investments for wealth growth. Experts suggest a balanced approach, continuing SIPs for discipline and using lumpsum for market dips. For a 4 lakh surplus, a staggered investment over months is recommended. This strategy aims to optimize returns over a 15-20 year horizon. Discipline and strategy are key for long-term success.

Senior citizens can still secure fixed deposit (FD) interest rates up to 8.05% for a three-year term from select small finance banks, with a cap of Rs 3 crore. Banks deduct TDS on FD interest exceeding Rs 1 lakh annually. Senior citizens with zero tax liability can submit Form 15H to avoid this deduction.

A husband took Rs 25.6 lakh personal loans in his wife's name, spent the money on a lavish lifestyle, and fled with her car and jewellery. He later sued her for maintenance. The Allahabad High Court imposed a Rs 15 lakh cost on him for filing false affidavits and exploiting his wife.

Public sector bank employees dismissed for misconduct can still receive their pension. This is due to Bipartite Settlement rules that allow for superannuation benefits even after removal from service. A Supreme Court ruling reinforced this, stating that employees with qualifying service are entitled to their pension and other retirement benefits.

Bank holiday today: Indian banks observe a fixed Saturday holiday schedule, with all branches closed on the fourth Saturday of the month. It is important for bank customers to know the status of bank operations and plan their bank visits accordingly.

Indian employees are often verbally instructed to work beyond mandated hours, a practice normalized but not legal. While the new Labour Code and state laws mandate overtime pay at double the ordinary rate, managerial and supervisory staff may be exempt. Employees can legally document instructions, raise grievances internally, or file complaints with labor authorities to claim unpaid overtime.

Studying abroad involves more than just academic merit; it's a significant financial investment. Indian students often underestimate hidden costs beyond tuition, making informed decisions about loans, university choices, and daily spending crucial for a successful and financially manageable experience.

NRIs now have a new investment avenue through GIFT City. This international financial hub provides access to global markets and tax-efficient structures. Policybazaar is facilitating NRI investments in US dollar-denominated products. Budget 2025 introduced tax exemptions on maturity proceeds for specific investment-linked insurance policies.

Bollywood action star Tiger Shroff has acquired a prime luxury waterfront apartment in Dubai's Maritime City area. The property, part of Danube Properties' Breez project, offers stunning sea views and proximity to major landmarks. Shroff expressed his admiration for Dubai's lifestyle and growth, calling the city his 'second home' after this significant investment.

Gold rates in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Jeddah and Kuwait City are grabbing attention amid factors such as escalating US-Iran tensions, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and surging Brent crude prices. As per Joyalukkas' website, gold rates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as of April 24, 2026, are AED 522.50 per gram for 22k, AED 564.25 per gram for 24k and AED 429.50 per gram for 18k gold.

Five small cap mutual funds have delivered over 23% annualised returns in the last three years, led by Bandhan Small Cap. The list includes both active and index funds, highlighting strong performance in the segment, while some other small cap schemes lagged with comparatively moderate returns.

Gold prices fell today (Friday, April 24, 2026) across leading jewellery brands such as Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, Tanishq and Malabar Gold & Diamonds. Gold prices at India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd. (IBJA) also showed a dip. An expert tells whether gold prices will recover from here?

National Pension System (NPS) pensioners and family pensioners will now receive their Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) directly in their bank accounts. It will be an automatic transfer as they don't need to submit medical bills for that.

As per the latest trends in the city, the price of 24 karat gold was between Rs 15,296-15,754 per gram levels while 22 karat gold was largely priced between Rs 14,020 to Rs 14,494 per gram. Take a look at the latest 24K, 22K, 18K, and 14K rates at leading jewellery retailers in Hyderabad.

It will take about 20 years and 6 months to reach a corpus of Rs 2 crore with a Rs 20,000 monthly SIP and a Rs 50,000 lumpsum investment, assuming a 12% annual return.

ETMutualFunds shortlisted largecap funds using returns, consistency, downside risk and size criteria, highlighting Axis, Canara Robeco, Mirae Asset, Baroda BNP Paribas and Edelweiss funds with varied performance rankings.

New Income Tax Rules, 2026 mandate that Indian employees acting as authorised signatories for foreign companies must now provide their PAN, residential address, and other key details. This change aims to enhance compliance and links individuals directly to the foreign entity's tax obligations, potentially increasing scrutiny.

Many leading PSU banks offer the 444-day FD at attractive interest rates to general, senior and super senior citizens. From State Bank of Indias Amrit Vrishti scheme to similar offerings by Indian Bank, Bank of Baroda and Canara Bank, these 444-day FDs offer up to 6.60% interest rate to general citizens.

New investors facing market dips are advised to remain invested. Experts suggest avoiding duplicate funds and focusing on quality investments for long-term goals. Consistency in SIPs is crucial, as short-term volatility is a normal market phase. Staying invested ensures participation in market recoveries and prevents significant loss of potential returns.

The Bharatiya Pratiraksha Mazdoor Sangh (BPMS) has proposed a significant overhaul for the 8th Pay Commission, demanding a minimum basic salary of Rs 72,000 and a fitment factor of 4.0. The union also seeks to increase the annual increment from 3% to 6% and expand salary calculation to five family units.

Health insurance premiums in India are rising by up to 25% due to escalating healthcare costs, increased claims, and changing risk profiles. Factors like age, coverage, and chronic diseases contribute to these hikes, with older individuals and comprehensive plans facing steeper increases.

Energy sector mutual funds have surged, delivering nearly 12% returns in three months. This performance has captured investor attention amid rising global energy prices. Experts suggest this is a cyclical trend, advising existing investors to book partial profits and new investors to opt for SIP or STP.

For investors seeking relatively safe debt options for near-term or medium-term goals, corporate bond funds are recommended for April 2026. These funds invest primarily in highly-rated corporate papers, offering a safer alternative to credit risk and interest-rate sensitive funds. Investors should prioritize safety and consider the current interest rate environment.

Entertainment enthusiasts can now make their movie nights and dining experiences more affordable with specially designed credit cards. Cards like the PVR Inox Kotak, Axis My Zone, RBL Bank Play, and IDFC First Millenia offer attractive benefits such as movie ticket discounts, free subscriptions, and food deals.

As per the Reserve Bank of India, any failure on the part of the card-issuers to complete the process of closure within 7 working days shall result in a penalty of Rs 500 per calendar day of delay payable to the cardholder, till the closure of the account provided there is no outstanding in the account.

Salaried employees can now claim meal card tax benefits under both old and new tax regimes from Tax Year 2026-27. For AY 2026-27, the benefit is restricted to the old tax regime, with limits of Rs 50 per meal. Proper reporting in ITR and documentation are crucial for claiming these exemptions.

BOBCARD has extended its lifetime free offer on the ETERNA travel credit card until June 30, 2026, for new customers. This premium card provides accelerated rewards on travel and dining, complimentary airport lounge access, and a year of FITPASS Pro membership, aiming to deliver significant annual savings and lifestyle privileges.

Hyderabad gold rate today 24k, 22k: As per the latest trends in the city, the price of 24 karat gold was between Rs 15,240-15815 per gram levels while 22 karat gold was largely priced between Rs 14,075 to Rs 14,235 per gram.

Retiring with a Rs 2 crore corpus requires careful planning for monthly income. Experts suggest safe withdrawal rates between 3-5% annually, depending on your investment mix. A balanced approach with hybrid and equity funds is recommended to beat inflation and ensure long-term financial security.

Bombay High Court ruled in favour of six employees seeking higher pensions. The court stated the Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) cannot reject claims solely because employers failed to provide certain documents. EPFO must exhaust all verification options before rejecting applications. This judgement offers relief to employees who contributed on actual wages but faced rejection due to employer's document lapses.

Investors seeking steady income from mutual funds often weigh lump-sum withdrawals against systematic withdrawal plans. While market timing suits experienced investors, SWPs offer disciplined cash flows and continued investment. Financial planners recommend diversified funds, with moderate withdrawal rates, helping balance regular income needs and long-term capital growth potential.

Invesco Mutual Fund announced the launch of two new funds on Thursday, Invesco India BSE Sensex Index Fund and Invesco India Nifty Bank Index Fund.

Gold rates at leading brands such as Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers dipped today (Thursday, April 23, 2026). Gold prices slipped after the US extended its ceasefire with Iran, while concerns over a possible Strait of Hormuz blockade kept energy risks and inflation elevated.

The RBI has revised Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) rules, introducing new monthly debit limits for full-KYC PPIs at Rs 2,00,000, with a Rs 25,000 sublimit for person-to-person transfers. These changes, part of the Master Direction on PPIs, aim to enhance security and user protection across various PPI categories.

Investors weighing commodity exposure can choose between gold and silver ETFs, commodity mutual funds, and multi-asset allocation funds. While ETFs offer direct exposure, commodity funds behave like equities and are cyclical. Experts suggest limited allocation and a preference for diversified multi-asset funds for most investors.

As India's digital asset market matures, investors prioritize counterparty risk and verifiable institutional standards. The article outlines a four-pillar safety guide, using Binance as a case study, focusing on transparency, security architecture, regulatory accountability, and proactive user defense to navigate the evolving landscape.