Discussions around the 8th Pay Commission have now formally begun and employee representatives have wasted no time in putting forward their expectations. In the first meeting held on April 28, staff representatives shared a detailed set of demands which included a sharp increase in minimum pay and scrapping of the National Pension System (NPS). This…
Credit cards are evolving beyond simple payment tools into instruments designed to optimise everyday spending. With reward programmes becoming more personalised, digital, and experience-led, consumers are focusing on how they use their cards rather than how much they spend. Insights shared by Mastercard highlight several ways users can improve the value they derive from credit…
Effective tax planning plays a crucial role in managing personal and business finances, and staying informed about important due dates is a key part of that process. A well-structured tax calendar helps taxpayers remain organised, avoid penalties, and ensure smooth compliance with legal requirements. As the new financial cycle progresses, May 2026 emerges as an…
NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL), a wholly owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India, has partnered with Juspay to introduce a switch and software development kit (SDK) aimed at simplifying bank integrations on its Banking Connect platform. The companies said the switch, along with the SDK, is designed to streamline how banks and partners…
India’s market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a fast-track mechanism for processing placement memorandums (PPMs) of alternative investment funds (AIFs), seeking to shorten approval timelines and simplify fund launches. Under the revised framework, AIFs—excluding large value funds for accredited investors (LVFs)—can launch new schemes and circulate their PPMs to investors…
Ten years after the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) was passed, India’s real estate market has undergone a shift, with stronger financial safeguards, greater transparency, and improved accountability reshaping how homebuyers approach property purchases. The law, which came into force in 2017 after being passed by the Rajya Sabha in 2016, addresses…
India’s digital payments activity moderated in April after hitting all-time highs in March, with Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions registering a marginal month-on-month dip, largely due to year-end seasonality. Data from the National Payments Corporation of India showed UPI transaction value declined 1.7% to ₹29.03 trillion in April, compared with ₹29.53 trillion in March. Volumes…
Labour Day will be observed on May 1 to honour workers, labour movements, and the contributions of employees across industries. Also known as International Workers’ Day or May Day, the day has both historical and social importance. Several states mark it as a public holiday and many schools, colleges, private and government organisations remain shut…
A new report shows that workplace injury claims among MSMEs rose 31% year-on-year in FY 2025–26, reflecting higher workplace activity, improved reporting, and faster digital adoption in insurance processes. The findings, part of the BimaKavach Workplace Risk Report 2026, are based on insights from over 6,000 MSMEs across five-plus sectors. The report examines emerging workplace…
In a period marked by shifting interest rates, easing inflation, and ongoing economic uncertainty, financial experts say the most reliable strategy for retail investors is not prediction, but discipline. Across perspectives, the focus is shifting toward consistent investing, prudent debt management, and maintaining liquidity. How investors can stay steady despite changing market conditions Alekh Yadav,…
