8th Pay Commission: Can India afford a 3.5 fitment factor? Salary hike, fiscal impact explained

The 8th Pay Commission discussions continue to gain momentum. According to the official website of the Commission, the last date of submission of responses to the 8th Pay Commission has…

Mastercard to look beyond card biz; target tier 3 & 4 markets for growth

Mastercard wants to be part of India’s fast-growing and is looking beyond traditional card payments for its next phase of growth. Speaking with Saloni Shukla and Sangita Mehta, Mastercard India…

Easing ITR compliance: A guide to presumptive taxation under Section 44ADA

As the income tax return (ITR) filing window opens, many self-employed professionals can take advantage of the presumptive taxation scheme outlined in Section 44ADA of the . This specific provision…

Maximising emergency funds: Is a sweep-in fixed deposit your best bet?

Storing your emergency reserves in a standard savings account gives you instant access to your money, but it comes at a cost: low interest returns. A sweep-in (FD) offers a…

RBI’s Swaminathan warns banks on rising risks beyond balance sheets

Kolkata: Banks need to be prepared for managing uncertainties from varied sources beyond their balance sheets since shocks can emerge from geopolitics, climate change, artificial intelligence (AI), technological disruption and…

Why file your ITR before July 31? These 3 benefits could help

Many taxpayers see income tax return (ITR) filing as just another annual task. But filing your return on time can do much more than help you meet a tax requirement.…

Can non-salaried persons claim house rent allowance? HRA rules explained

House Rent Allowance (HRA) is standard practice for salaried workers, who receive it as part of their regular pay structure. However, non-salaried individuals—such as freelancers, business owners, and self-employed professionals—can…

Abu Dhabi rent hike halt sends relief to residents, Indian expats amid US-Iran war; experts weigh in

Abu Dhabi has temporarily frozen all rent increases across residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Announced by the emirate’s real estate regulator, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), all tenancy…

India insurance market to grow 10.7% annually over next decade, fastest among major markets, says Allianz

India’s insurance market is expected to expand at an annual rate of 10.7% over the next decade, making it the fastest-growing major insurance market globally, according to the latest Global…

Want to add a nominee to your EPF account? Here’s how; all other FAQs about nomination process answered

The retirement fund body, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is offering EPF and voluntary provident fund (VPF) at 8.25% interest this quarter for salaried citizens. Notably, subscribers are eligible…