Parliament has cleared an amendment allowing the Centre to reshape the zero-MDR framework for UPI and other notified digital payments. No new UPI charge has taken effect yet, while the government says customers will not directly bear MDR charges. India has moved closer to potentially introducing Merchant Discount Rate charges on some UPI merchant transactions after Parliament cleared changes to the law governing digital payment charges. The Taxation a

India has proposed a legal change that could permit merchant fees on selected UPI payments, including transactions above Rs 2,000. No fee has been finalised, and the proposals mainly target large merchants rather than customers, small shops or personal transfers. UPI Fee Has Not Been Introduced Yet UPI payments above Rs 2,000 are not automatically becoming chargeable. A proposed amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act woul

A monthly SIP for Rs 10 crore may start at Rs 25,000 with a 10% annual step-up for 25 years. See how returns, inflation and rising contributions affect the retirement plan.   Step-up SIP plan for early retirement Retiring at 50 is an ambitious goal that requires investors to start early and invest consistently. For someone targeting a reti

Why Filing ITR Matters Even When No Tax Is Payable Filing an income tax return can remain useful even when your final tax liability is zero. A timely ITR may help you claim excess TDS, carry forward eligible investment losses, document your income, and support future loan or visa applications. Benefits of Filing ITR With Zero Tax: 5 Reasons It Matters The benefits of filing ITR with zer

Documents Needed After Changing Jobs Taxpayers who changed jobs during FY 2025-26 must combine salary and TDS details from every employer. They should also verify AIS and Form 26AS and collect records related to bank interest, rent, home loans and capital gains before filing their return. Changed Jobs This Year? Keep These Papers Ready for ITR Filing New Delhi, July 28, 2026: ITR filing after a job change in

Thematic Funds at a Glance Thematic mutual funds can capture long-term trends such as manufacturing, data centres, healthcare, and consumption, but they carry concentration and timing risks. Investors should study valuations, portfolio overlap, and exit plans before making a limited allocation. 7 Thematic Mutual Fund Themes for Long-Term Growth Thematic mutual fund themes for long-term

Rayalaseema gains focus in Andhra’s industrial growth plan Rayalaseema is moving into the spotlight as Andhra Pradesh pushes a wider industrial development strategy aimed at taking investment beyond traditional growth centres. The region has attracted proposed investments of more than Rs 4.58 lakh crore across over 275 projects, according to reported government-linked figures. The pipeline includes 172 SIPB-approved projects and 103 proposals connected to the CI

Naidu pushes district growth mapping in Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to prepare district economic profiles within two months to identify growth opportunities across the State. The move is aimed at mapping sector-wise strengths and creating focused development plans for each district.

Nara Lokesh Seeks Korean Telugu Support To Boost Andhra Pradesh Investments VIJAYAWADA/SEOUL, July 7, 2026: Andhra Pradesh Minister for HRD and IT Nara Lokesh has urged the Telugu community in South Korea to support the State’s investment push by promoting Andhra Pradesh as a reliable destination for global industries. Addressing Telugu diaspora members in Seoul during his South Korea visit, Lokesh said overseas Telugus could play an important role as

India Real Estate Investment Jumps 70% To $2.9 Billion In Q2 2026 India’s real estate sector continued to draw strong institutional investor interest in the second quarter of calendar year 2026, with investments rising sharply to US$ 2.9 billion, according to a Colliers report cited by IBEF. The sector recorded a 70% year-on-year jump in Q2 2026, supported by strong participation from both domestic and foreign investors. Several large-ticket deals also

India-Russia Eye $50 Billion Investment Target By 2030 India and Russia have set a target to scale mutual investments to US$50 billion, around ₹4.41 lakh crore, by 2030, giving a fresh push to long-term economic cooperation between the two countries. The target was discussed during the India-Russia Joint Working Group on Priority Investment Projects held in Moscow. The meeting was co-chaired by India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Interna

For decades, Silicon Valley has been the undisputed global leader in technology innovation. Today, however, a new region is rapidly gaining attention — the Middle East. Massive investments in artificial intelligence, startup ecosystems, digital transformation, and cloud infrastructure are positioning countries across the Gulf as serious global tech contenders. The question is whether the Middle East can truly emerge as the next hub for AI and startups.

When planning for long-term wealth creation, investors often face a common dilemma: should you choose ULIPs, mutual funds, or direct stocks? Each option offers distinct benefits, risk levels, and return potential. The right strategy depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, tax planning needs, and investment knowledge. Understanding the features and limitations of each option can help you make an informed decision for building sustainable wealth.

When it comes to building wealth in India, two investment options consistently dominate discussions — gold and mutual funds. For generations, gold has symbolized security, prosperity, and cultural significance, while mutual funds have emerged as a modern wealth-building tool powered by equity markets and professional management. But the pressing question for today’s investors is: which truly builds long-term wealth — gold or mutual funds?

In a country where income levels vary dramatically across cities, professions, and lifestyles, earning ₹70 lakh per year sounds impressive. Yet in today’s economic landscape, a pressing question arises: does a ₹70 lakh annual salary make someone truly affluent, or does it still place them within India’s expanding middle class? The answer is far from straightforward. Redefining Middle Class in Modern India Tradition