Draft Income Tax Rules 2026 explained: How you can save Rs 1.41 lakh tax outgo – top points on HRA, PAN changes

The Income Tax Department has released the Draft Income Tax Rules 2026. (AI image) The Income Tax Department has released the Draft Income Tax Rules 2026, which once approved will be applicable for FY 2026-27. For salaried and middle class income taxpayers, several changes have been proposed, which will have implications for their taxable income…

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RBI proposes revamp of Lead Bank Scheme; aims to boost district credit flow, inclusion

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday proposed revised guidelines for the Lead Bank Scheme (LBS) to streamline operational processes and enhance the effectiveness of the programme introduced in 1969 to coordinate development activities at the district level, PTI reported.The Lead Bank Scheme is aimed at coordinating the activities of banks, governments and other…

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New labour codes to keep salary hikes stable; IT sector margins tested

A majority of companies are unlikely to reduce salary hikes, even with higher wage bills resulting from the implementation of new labour codes, according to HR heads and compensation experts. However, increments may be moderated in certain sectors, particularly information technology.Costs for benefits such as gratuity, overtime, bonus, and leave encashment have increased after the…

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Reliance bags US licence to buy Venezuela oil; may help replace Russian crude: Report

Issuing such approval to Reliance may accelerate Venezuela’s crude shipments. (AI image) Reliance Industries (RIL) has been granted a general licence by the Donald Trump administration that will allow the company to crude oil directly from Venezuela without breaching any existing sanctions, a Reuters report has said.According to the report, this general licence permits the…

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Asian stocks today: AI concerns continue to drag down markets; Nikkei falls over 500 points, HSI sheds 2%

Asian stock markets traded in red on Friday, mirroring Wall Street’s downward momentum as tech stocks continued to weigh down investor sentiments. Traders are struggling with concerns over heavy outlays on the artificial intelligence sector. Focus was also firmly on inflation numbers scheduled for release in the United States later in the session.In Hong Kong,…

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HUL completes acquisition of Oziva

MUMBAI: HUL has acquired the remaining 49% stake in D2C brand Oziva for Rs 824 crore, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company. HUL bought an initial 51% majority stake in the brand in Dec 2022.Oziva, a plant-based, clean-label consumer wellness brand which focuses on spaces such as lifestyle protein and hair & beauty…

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