India second home market shifts to managed communities as hybrid lifestyle and investment asset

India second home market shifts to managed communities as hybrid lifestyle and investment asset

India’s second-home market is moving through a structural shift, evolving from discretionary holiday purchases into a more organised segment influenced by lifestyle preferences, investment considerations, and the rise of professionally managed residential formats that integrate hospitality-style services. Why managed second homes are emerging as a preferred model “At the centre of this evolution is the…

Read More
Summer season travel: How demand is shaping spending patterns and tips for planning

Summer season travel: How demand is shaping spending patterns and tips for planning

With the summer travel season approaching, India’s hospitality sector is preparing for stronger demand across leisure, family holidays, and workcation travel, as consumer spending continues to shift from price-led decisions toward experience-driven stays. Across regions, travel operators expect high occupancies this season, which is likely to reduce dependence on discounts and increase focus on service…

Read More
8th Pay Commission begins consultant hiring for salary and pension review work

8th Pay Commission begins consultant hiring for salary and pension review work

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…

Read More
Bank of Baroda Reliance Jio launch bob World Lite mobile banking app for JioPhone Prima 4G feature phone users in India

Bank of Baroda Reliance Jio launch bob World Lite mobile banking app for JioPhone Prima 4G feature phone users in India

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…

Read More
TDS deadlines: How to issue certificates by April 14 and deposit tax by April 30

TDS deadlines: How to issue certificates by April 14 and deposit tax by April 30

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,…

Read More
RBI’s new NBFC rules explained: Why impact may be limited for now but longer-term effects remain

RBI’s new NBFC rules explained: Why impact may be limited for now but longer-term effects remain

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…

Read More
HDFC Bank, Visa launch FIFA World Cup 2026-themed Pixel credit card

HDFC Bank, Visa launch FIFA World Cup 2026-themed Pixel credit card

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…

Read More
Akshaya Tritiya: A look at discounts and offers on gold, silver and diamond jewellery

Akshaya Tritiya: A look at discounts and offers on gold, silver and diamond jewellery

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…

Read More
How much should you invest in alternative assets, explains WhiteOak Capital's Sunanda Venkataraman

How much should you invest in alternative assets, explains WhiteOak Capital’s Sunanda Venkataraman

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…

Read More