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Many ELSS investors assume they can redeem their entire investment once the first SIP completes three years. However, each SIP instalment has its own three-year lock-in, resulting in staggered redemptions. The lock-in cannot be bypassed by paying an exit load.

Consumers are becoming more value-conscious. Many are delaying upgrades, choosing previous-generation or refurbished phones, repairing existing devices, or using exchange offers

A consumer commission held a bank liable for failing to act on suspicious transactions after a woman lost nearly 6.93 lakh in a FedEx parcel scam. Despite OTP-authorised transfers, the bank was ordered to refund the amount along with interest and compensation.

AY 2026-7 deadlines: To ensure timely payment before last date, here's a taxpayer's guide with key dates. Learn more about penalties associated with late filing. 

The EPFO has introduced a free doorstep life certificate service for EPS pensioners through India Post. Eligible pensioners unable to visit centres can call 033-22029000 for assistance. The facility helps ensure timely pension payments through easy digital certificate submission from home.

An EPFO officers' association has written to the Labour Minister highlighting delays in PF claim settlements, shortage of IT staff and manpower gaps. The body has also sought reforms in the pension system, CITES implementation and leadership structure within the retirement fund organisation.

The Delhi High Court asked the Centre to respond to a PIL that is seeking automatic TDS refunds for individuals with no tax liabilities, challenging the requirement to file ITR for refunds. Full details of the demand here.

Many investors unknowingly hold investments that no longer create value or align with their financial goals. Experts explain how to identify these dead investments and decide whether they deserve a place in your portfolio.

The 8th Pay Commission consultations are entering a crucial phase, with NC-JCMs retirement benefit demands, including higher gratuity, pension parity and OPS restoration, expected to shape discussions on employee welfare, retirement security and future government pension reforms.

PVR INOX launched a new format designed to deliver an affordable yet premium movie-viewing experience in Tier III cities across India. The first Smart Cinemas will be unveiled in Muzaffarpur, Bihar.

Probate is no longer mandatory in India after the 2025 legal amendment, but it can still help validate a will and reduce inheritance disputes. Here's what probate means, how it differs from a succession certificate, and what happens if a person dies without a will.

The June CPI-IW data has completed the calculation for the July 2026 Dearness Allowance revision under the 7th Pay Commission. Here's why the official inflation numbers point to a likely 3% hike and what it could mean for employees and pensioners.

The RBI has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% while raising its FY27 growth forecast and trimming its inflation estimate. Here's why salaried employees shouldn't expect lower EMIs, cheaper loans or sharply lower FD rates just yet.

While business and professional filers of ITR-3 and ITR-4 get more time, even those who missed the 31 July deadline get a chance to file a belated ITR, though with a penalty.

Early loan repayment reduces interest costs but may not immediately improve credit scores. Experts explain how timely payments, credit utilisation, debt management and responsible borrowing habits play a bigger role in building a strong credit profile.

South Korea's AI-driven stock market boom turned into a sharp rout within weeks. Here's what Indian investors can learn about leverage, passive investing, diversification and FOMO.

A sharp reversal has reshaped the mutual fund leaderboard in 2026, with many of last year's best-performing categories slipping. Here's what the latest data shows and why experts say investors should avoid chasing past returns.

F&O traders need to understand turnover calculation before filing ITR. Check how futures and options turnover is computed, why it affects tax audit rules, ITR-3 filing, books of accounts, and compliance requirements before the August 31 deadline.

The Centre is considering raising the EPF wage ceiling from 15,000 to 25,000, subject to Cabinet approval. If notified, the move could bring more employees under EPF and increase future EPS pension payouts.

LICs equity investment strategy explained as the Finance Ministry reveals how the insurer managed policyholders funds in listed companies over five years, including risk checks, regulatory oversight, portfolio review and investment decisions based on business performance and future prospects.

The CBDT's technology-driven NUDGE campaign prompted 1.25 crore taxpayers to revise or update their ITRs over FY25 and FY26. The voluntary compliance drive also helped the Income Tax Department collect 9,494 crore in additional taxes.

Franklin Templeton's new open-ended short term debt scheme, the Franklin India Short Term Fund opens NFO from 5th to 11th August. Here's all investors need to know about the scheme type, duration, minimum investment amount and potential risk class.

An early retiree must build a larger retirement corpus by targeting a lower withdrawal rate in retirement and by maintaining a margin of safety in the corpus to account for swings during multi-decadal economic cycles

Today, we look at how employees provident fund members can file a grievance with the retirement fund body, the step-by-step process to register a complaint, the customer care and social media alternatives.

The 8th pay commission has invited candidates to apply for various consultant roles. Here's who is eligible, how to apply, the terms of the job, due date for application, salary offered and other details.

The Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission rules that while a lapsed life insurance policy does not entitle nominees to a death benefit, fairness may still require insurers to refund premiums in exceptional circumstances. 

The Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the Punjab government to clear pending dearness allowance arrears for employees and pensioners within two weeks. Dues are estimated at 15,000 crore, with penalties for late payment set at 6% interest. 

The choice between a trust and a will should be informed not only by control and asset protection considerations, but also by taxation, treaty relief and repatriation rules in those jurisdictions.

SEBI's new GARUDA framework cuts the launch time for eligible AIF schemes to 10 working days. Experts explain how the reform could benefit investors while keeping regulatory safeguards intact.

The upgraded EPFO portal lets members view their complete service history and identify older PF accounts that may not be linked to their UAN. Here's how employees who started working before UAN or Aadhaar can trace and consolidate their old EPF accounts.

The Union Ministry of Finance has made moves to enable merchant discount rates on UPI and proposed scrapping the zero MDR provision. We take a look at what this decision could mean for UPI customers.

DA, 7,500 minimum monthly pension, medical facilities Here's what the EPS95 National Agitation Committee is seeking from the government. It has warned of a protest on 5 August if demands are not met. 

Although payments for Annapurna Bhandar are generally credited in a phased manner during the first week of the month, many bank accounts have yet to receive the funds

8th Pay Commission: Employee unions are seeking annual increments of up to 7%. Illustrative projections show how 3%, 5% and 6% annual increments could significantly increase central government employees' basic pay over five years through compounding.

A redevelopment firm won tax relief after the ITAT ruled its 8 crore tenant compensation provision was not contingent. The order explains when unpaid business liabilities can still be claimed as deductible expenses.

Women, younger borrowers and non-metro regions are driving credit growth in the country. The number of eligible Indians opting for loans has jumped from 34% in 2017 to 74% in 2026.

Income-tax returns: The due date for ITR-1 and 2 passed on 31 July, but taxpayers using ITR-3 and 4 have time to complete their process. Amid the tax season, we explain what invoices and documents employees should retain to support tax-free reimbursements.

Want to check your employees provident fund (EPF) balance, contributions, interest earned or download your passbook? Here's how you can do so using the official EPFO portal, Umang app, SMS, missed call or helpline.

Multi-asset allocation funds attracted nearly 38,027 crore in H1 2026, about seven times the inflows into balanced advantage funds. The gap was driven by strong gold and silver returns, investor return-chasing behaviour, and fresh fund launches in the multi-asset category. 

The deadline for ITR filing has passed, yet a viral claim about a Pune CA earning 12 lakh from nearly 400 clients during this peak tax season has sparked debate.

The Gujarat High Court has held that the Income Tax Department cannot retrospectively apply the expanded powers under Section 55A to reopen old property valuation disputes. The ruling offers clarity for taxpayers involved in legacy capital gains cases.

The Telangana High Court has ruled that taxpayers cannot lose Section 54F capital gains exemption solely because a builder delayed completing or registering a home. The judgment says delays beyond the taxpayer's control should not defeat the tax benefit if the investment has already been made.

Millennial investor Todd Baldwin became a millionaire in his 30s by employing a combination of real estate and equity investment. Here's how he used the housing hacking strategy to gain rental income and invested it in index funds. 

The Delhi Lakshmi Yojana aims to empower eligible women by providing 2,500 in monthly assistance. Women aged 21 to 60 from households with an income of under 2.5 lakh can apply, with a local MLA or MP's recommendation required for a transparent application process.

Credit card balance transfers can lower interest costs but may temporarily affect your credit score through hard inquiries and new accounts. Experts explain why repayment discipline, lower credit utilisation and avoiding repeated transfers are essential for maintaining a healthy credit profile.

The real protection for your EV lies in specific covers like EV Shield, which is offered as an add-on to cover batteries. An EV Shield is essential as it specifically covers the battery, electric panel, and charging equipment.