Author: Shehnaz Beig

Mutual funds have always been a popular investment option in India, thanks to their flexible nature and potential for wealth creation. One category often stands out among the various mutual fund schemes: ELSS (Equity Linked Saving Scheme). But what exactly makes ELSS different from other mutual funds? Is ELSS better than regular mutual funds? What special benefit do investors get from choosing ELSS over other options? In this article, we’ll break down the core differences between ELSS and other mutual funds and explore how ELSS can be a more intelligent choice depending on your financial goals. Understanding ELSS: A Mutual…

When people in India invest in gold, they usually buy it in Indian rupees, but the global market fixes gold prices in US dollars. So, is it smarter to buy gold in dollars or rupees? A new report by CapitalMind Financial Services has given some interesting insights into this topic. It shows that Indian investors who buy gold in rupees get better returns over the years than those who invest in gold using dollars. Let’s explain why buying gold in rupees has worked out better for Indian investors, what future gold trends look like, and how gold fits into an…

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has announced new ITR-1 and ITR-4 forms for the Financial Year 2024–25 (Assessment Year 2025–26). These updated forms come with important changes that will directly benefit small taxpayers, salaried individuals, and digital businesses. If you earn up to ₹50 lakh annually and fall under specific income categories, this update is for you. Let’s break down what’s new in simpler terms. Long-Term Capital Gains Can Now Be Declared in ITR-1 One of the biggest updates is that ITR-1 can now be used to declare Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) under Section 112A, but only if…

The holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is restarting in 2024 after a long break of five years. Pilgrims can now apply through the official portal of the Ministry of External Affairs at kmy.gov.in. The yatra will run between June and August, with two different routes available – one from Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the other from Nathula Pass in Sikkim. Every year, thousands of devotees dream of visiting this sacred place situated in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. But before starting the spiritual journey, it is important to understand the full costs involved and whether the government offers any…

In today’s digital age, applying for a passport no longer requires standing in long queues or visiting government offices multiple times. With the Passport Seva portal introduced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian citizens can now complete most of the passport application process online, from the comfort of their homes. Whether you’re applying for a fresh passport or renewing an old one, this guide breaks it all down in simple language. Understanding the Indian Passport Application Process A passport is a must-have document if you wish to travel abroad. It also serves as an important identity proof within…

The roles of the Army Chiefs in India and Pakistan are pivotal, commanding immense respect and responsibility. While both positions are at the apex of their respective military hierarchies, there are notable differences in their remuneration packages. This article delves into a comparative analysis of their salaries, allowances, and benefits.​ Indian Army Chief: Salary and Benefits Basic Salary As per the 7th Pay Commission, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in India holds a pay level of 18, with a fixed monthly salary of Rs. 2,50,000. Allowances and Perks In addition to the basic salary, the Indian Army Chief is…

Aloe vera is no longer just a plant in your garden—it’s a money-making crop. This wonder herb is used in cosmetics, health products, and even food items. With rising demand in both domestic and international markets, aloe vera farming has become a smart choice for small and medium farmers in India. If you’re planning to start an agricultural business with low risk and good returns, aloe vera farming could be your ticket. Let’s understand how to build a practical aloe vera farming business plan from scratch, suitable for 1-acre to multi-acre cultivation. Why Aloe Vera Farming is a Smart Business…

Lakhs of central government employees and pensioners are waiting eagerly for the 8th Pay Commission. If all goes as expected, it may come into effect from 1 January 2026. But there is already a lot of talk among employees about how much their salary will rise this time and how the calculation will be done. Two key terms are being discussed – Fitment Factor and DA Merger. Let us understand what these terms mean and how your salary will be calculated. What is the Fitment Factor and Why It Matters in Salary Hike The fitment factor is a multiplication number…

Many people file their Income Tax Return (ITR) early so that they can get their refund as soon as possible. But most do not know when the refund comes and how to track it. If your ITR is already filed but the refund has not come, then it is important to check the status and understand if there is any delay or issue. Let’s understand the timeline, steps to check refund status, and possible reasons for delay. Refund Comes Only After E-Verification One of the most important steps after filing ITR is e-verification. If you only file your return but…

YouTube has announced a big leadership change by appointing Gunjan Soni as the new Country Managing Director for its Indian operations. This move comes after the exit of Ishaan Chatterjee, who earlier held the post and moved to a new opportunity at Geostar. Gunjan’s appointment is seen as a major step, as India is the largest market for YouTube with nearly 50 crore users. Gunjan now joins the growing list of women leaders heading big tech companies in India, standing alongside names like Preeti Lobana of Google India and Sandhya Devanathan of Meta India. Gunjan Soni’s Journey Before YouTube Gunjan…