The government has initiated early groundwork for the Eighth Central Pay Commission (8CPC), with a recent official memorandum inviting applications for consultants who will support its analysis on salaries, allowances and pensions across central government employees. The move offers a first indication of how the commission is likely to approach its mandate, through detailed data…
Bank of Baroda and Reliance Jio on April 13 announced a partnership to launch bob World Lite, a mobile banking application designed for feature phone users, aimed at expanding access to digital banking services in India. The application will be available on the JioPhone Prima 4G device and is positioned as a comprehensive mobile banking…
Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) deductors have key compliance obligations in April 2026, including issuing TDS certificates for February transactions and completing related filings and deposits through the income tax system. Step 1: Issuing TDS certificates (due April 14) Deductors must issue TDS certificates for tax deducted in February 2026 under Sections 194-IA, 194-IB, 194M,…
The Reserve Bank of India’s proposed shift to an asset-size based classification for upper-layer non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) is aimed at simplifying regulation and improving transparency, though experts see limited immediate impact on the sector. Under draft amendments to the Scale-Based Regulatory (SBR) framework, NBFCs with assets of ₹1 lakh crore and above will be…
Visa and HDFC Bank have introduced a co-branded, limited-edition FIFA World Cup 2026-themed Pixel credit card, alongside a nationwide spending-linked rewards programme, as part of a broader partnership tied to the upcoming global football tournament. The card, issued on the Visa network, is positioned as a digital-first offering with features such as instant issuance, app-based…
With Akshaya Tritiya falling on April 19 this year, India’s jewellery industry is entering a crucial sales window, supported by a mix of cultural sentiment, price-driven caution, and a growing shift towards informed buying. Traditionally seen as an auspicious occasion to purchase gold and other assets linked to prosperity, the festival continues to anchor strong…
Investors looking to diversify beyond equities and mutual funds should consider allocating a meaningful portion of their portfolio to alternative assets, but with an understanding of their role and risks. The core principle of portfolio construction, according to Sunanda Venkataraman, Head – Business Development at WhiteOak Capital, remains balancing growth, stability and diversification. In that…
Gold and silver prices declined in domestic futures trade on Monday (April 13), tracking weakness in global markets amid a stronger US dollar and rising oil prices that heightened inflation concerns. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures were 0.78% lower at ₹1.51 lakh per 10 grams of 24-karat purity. Silver futures also slipped…
The Haryana Cabinet has approved changes to its Retirement Housing Policy, permitting higher construction in senior living projects as demand from ageing households increases. The decision, cleared under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, raises the permissible Floor Area Ratio (FAR) through Transferable Development Rights (TDR) to 3.0 from 2.25 earlier. What has changed Retirement housing…
India’s retail investing landscape is defined by a shift from traditional savings instruments to market-linked products. Yet, the Public Provident Fund (PPF) continues to hold ground even as Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds gain traction. Industry participants say the comparison between the two is less about choosing one over the other and more…
