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ITR filing: Received ‘nudge’ from Income Tax Department for tax return & refund claims? Here’s what you need to do

Identified taxpayers are being sent SMS and email under the government’s NUDGE campaign. (AI image) ITR filing FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26): The Income Tax Department is stepping up scrutiny for tax returns and many taxpayers are getting alerts to check their exemption and deduction claims. The last date to file income tax returns for FY…

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No more lottery: How the new H-1B visa selection system will work — key changes explained

This is a representative AI image NEW DELHI: After US President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose a $100,000 entry fee on new H-1B visa applications, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a major overhaul of the visa selection process replacing the long-standing random lottery system with a wage-weighted selection model.In a statement on…

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What are the ‘hidden charges’ on forex transactions: RBI issues draft rules on charges; what could change?

Reserve Bank of India (ANI image) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a draft proposal aimed at making cross-border payments more transparent and consumer-friendly. With this, the bank aims to address long-standing complaints about hidden charges and unclear pricing in foreign exchange transactions.A large number of individuals face difficulties while making overseas payments…

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US district court backs Trump on $100K H-1B entry-fee, citing broad immigration powers

A US district court judge has upheld President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a $100,000 entry-fee on new H-1B visa workers hired from outside the US, delivering a significant legal win to the administration’s assertion of broad executive authority over immigration.In an order issued on Tuesday night, Judge Beryl A. Howell, of the Columbia district…

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Budget 2026: Introduction of optional joint taxation for married couples can be a game changer

ICAI proposes that married couples be given the option to file a single, joint return. (AI image) Pre-budget suggestions are pouring in, in the North Block. As the government gears up to present the 2026 budget, one proposal stands out for its potential impact on millions of households: optional joint taxation for married couples. It…

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The Mutual Fund Advisor: From one good fund to a solid portfolio – how to beat the ‘Top 10 Funds’ list every single time

Every solid portfolio begins with one core equity fund that can quietly do the heavy lifting for years. (AI image) You don’t need 15 funds; 4–6 well-chosen ones are enough for most investors.The most common portfolio problem I see these days is not “too little choice”. It’s a fridge stuffed with leftovers.Open a typical investor’s…

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Big relief for homebuyers! LIC Housing Finance cuts home loan interest rates – check details

Representative image (AI) LIC Housing Finance has announced a reduction in its home loan interest rates, providing fresh relief to homebuyers. The lender has lowered the starting rate on new home loans to 7.15%.The revised rates are linked to the borrower’s CIBIL score, with customers having a score of 825 or above eligible for the…

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HCCB, Coca-Cola India’s bottling arm, to lay off 300 employees; move to streamline operations

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), the bottling arm of Coca-Cola India, is set to lay off around 300 staffers as part of a plan to improve profitability and streamline operations.The company has approximately 5,000 employees and 15 manufacturing units, bottles and distributes brands such as Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Minute Maid juices and Kinley water.A company…

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Your money in 2026: Go for dynamic bond funds to get best of both worlds next year – here’s why

Let the fund manager take the call on your behalf by opting for dynamic bond funds. (AI image) Debt funds have offered a mixed bag in 2025. Credit risk funds delivered double-digit returns, and even short-term and medium-term funds gave decent returns of 7-7.5%, but long-term debt funds floundered at 2.8%. This has surprised everyone…

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FTA commitments to unlock global markets for Indian professional services: Commerce Secretary

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal (ANI image) Legally binding commitments on professional services under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) will unlock global markets for Indian professionals, said Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal while inaugurating a “Chintan Shivir” on professional services. According to a Ministry of Commerce & Industry press release, the Department of Commerce organised the event on…

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