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Mayashree Acharya

Senior Content Writer

I am an advocate by profession and have a keen interest in writing. I write articles in various categories, from legal, business, personal finance, and investments to government schemes. I put words in a simplified manner and write easy-to-understand articles. Apart from writing, I like exploring new places and trying new things.

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The latest articles by Mayashree Acharya


How to Change Mobile Number in Aadhaar Card?
Updated on Jan 16th, 2026 | 9 min read

Aadhaar card mobile number change is required when you stop using your old number or need uninterrupted access to OTP-based services. Since UIDAI mandates in-person biometric verification, knowing how to change mobile number in Aadhaar card online and offline helps ensure smooth access to e-KYC, banking, PAN-Aadhaar linking, and other government services.Key HighlightsMobile number updates in Aadhaar cannot be done online, so you must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra.You can book an appointment online through the UIDAI website and complete biometric verification at the centre.A fee of ₹50 is charged for updating or changing your mobile number.You can track the Aadhaar mobile number update status online using the URN (Update Request Number).How to Change Mobile Number in Aadhaar Card?Currently, the UIDAI does not provide the online facility for Aadhaar card mobile number change. Here is how to change your mobile number in your Aadhaar card:Step 1: Go to your nearby Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrolment Centre.Step 2: Fill out the Aadhaar update or correction form. You can also download the Aadhaar update or correction form, fill it out and visit the Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Enrolment Centre.Step 3: Authenticate your details by Biometrics verification at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Enrolment Centre. Step 4: Submit the Aadhaar update or correction form to the respective Aadhaar executive along with a service charge of Rs.50. You will receive an acknowledgement slip containing the Update Request Number (URN). You can use it to check the status of your update request.


Aadhaar Card Name Change - How To Change Name In Aadhaar Card Online?
Updated on Jan 16th, 2026 | 8 min read

Updating your Aadhaar after a legal name change is essential for consistency across all government and financial records. While Aadhaar card name change online is no longer allowed, you can still update it easily at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. This guide explains how to change name in Aadhaar card, required documents, fees, and how to track Aadhaar update status.Key HighlightsAadhaar name change must be done offline at an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra.Submit the Aadhaar Update Form along with a valid Proof of Identity (POI) and pay a fee of Rs. 50.You will receive a URN (Update Request Number) to track your Aadhaar name change status online.Aadhaar card name change cannot be done without valid ID proof, except in UIDAI-approved exceptional cases.Updated Aadhaar can be downloaded online once the request is approved.Aadhaar Card Name Change OnlinePreviously, the process of name change in Aadhaar card was both online and offline. However, now, only the address change in Aadhaar card is online, and the rest of the updates in Aadhaar card are offline. Therefore, Aadhaar card name change can only be completed offline by visiting an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendra. How to Change Name in Aadhaar Card?Currently, you cannot do Aadhaar card name change online.


Name Change Online India - Apply, Process and Fees
Updated on Jan 14th, 2026 | 9 min read

An individual may want to change his/her name for various reasons. Since the name is a person’s identity, it is mentioned in all important documents, such as mark sheets, voter ID, driving license, etc. Thus, an individual must follow certain legal procedures to get the name changed legally. This guide explains how to change your name legally in India, including the online process, documents required, fees, and timelines.Key HighlightsAny Indian citizen can legally change their name by following a three-step process.The legal name change process includes an affidavit, newspaper advertisement, and Gazette notification.Name change can be initiated online for affidavit and Gazette application in many states.Gazette publication is mandatory to make the name change legally valid nationwide.Once published, the new name can be updated across Aadhaar, PAN, passport, bank records, and other IDs.Eligibility for Name Change ApplicationA person can change the name when the following conditions are fulfilled:A person above 18 yearsThe guardian/parents can change a minor’s nameThe person should possess a legitimate government IDThe person should have a valid reason for name changeName Change Procedure in IndiaBelow is the name change procedure in India:Affidavit for Name ChangeThe first step for an online name change is drafting an affidavit for a name change. You need to obtain an e-stamp paper of ₹10 or ₹20 or the minimum value required by the respective state.


How To Check PAN Card Active Or Inactive?
Updated on Jan 14th, 2026 | 11 min read

The PAN card active status indicates if your Permanent Account Number (PAN) is operative or inoperative. To verify whether your PAN is valid for financial transactions, you must check the PAN card active status on the Income Tax e-filing portal. Key Highlights:You can check your PAN card active status online using your PAN number and registered mobile number. If your PAN card is inactive, you will not be able to carry out various financial transactions.If your PAN is deactivated, you can make an application for PAN active status to the jurisdictional AO.Prerequisites to Check PAN Card Active StatusIndividuals will require the following to check their PAN card status:PAN numberValid mobile number linked to your PAN for OTP verificationHow to Check PAN Active Status?Below are the steps to check your PAN card active status:Step 1: Go to the Income Tax e-filing website.Step 2: Click the ‘Verify PAN Status’ option under the ‘Quick Links’ heading on the homepage. Step 3: Enter your PAN number, name, date of birth and mobile number and click the ‘Continue’ button.Step 4: Next, enter the OTP sent to your mobile number and click the ‘Validate’ button.Step 5: Your PAN card status will be displayed.Reasons for PAN Card DeactivationYour PAN card may be marked as inoperative or deactivated by the Income Tax Department for the following reasons:Non-Linking of PAN with Aadhaar: It is mandatory to link PAN with Aadhaar as per the CBDT notification. Failure to do so will result in the PAN being inactive or inoperative.Possession of Multiple PAN Cards: Holding more than one PAN card is prohibited under the Income Tax Act. If there are multiple PANs against a single individual, the duplicate or improperly issued PAN(s) will be deactivated.Issuance Based on False or Duplicate Identity: PAN cards issued using forged documents, invalid personal details, or created for non-existent persons (fake identities) will be classified as invalid and subsequently deactivated.Mismatch of Personal Information: If there are discrepancies between PAN and Aadhaar details, the PAN may be flagged during Aadhaar validation and marked inoperative.What Happens if PAN Card is Inoperative?If your PAN card is inoperative, you cannot execute the following financial transactions:Opening an account (except a time deposit and a basic savings bank deposit account) with a banking company or a cooperative bankApplying for the issue of a credit and debit cardOpening a demat account with a participant, depository or custodian of securitiesPayment in cash exceeding Rs. 50,000 for the following purposes:to a restaurant or hotel against a billfor travel to a foreign country or payment for purchasing a foreign currencyto a mutual fund for the purchase of its unitsto a company or an institution for acquiring bonds or debentures issued by themto the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for acquiring bonds  Deposits of cash of more than Rs.50,000 in one day with a banking company or a cooperative bankPayment in cash exceeding Rs.50,000 in any one day for the purchase of bank drafts,  banker’s cheques, or pay orders from a banking company or a cooperative bankOpening a time deposit exceeding Rs.50,000 or aggregating to more than Rs.5 lakh during a financial year with a bank company, post office, a co-operative bank, NBFC or a Nidhi registered under the Companies Act, 2013Payment in cash, bank draft, pay order or banker’s cheque of an amount aggregating to more than Rs.50,000 in a financial year for one or more prepaid payment instruments to a banking company, a co-operative bank or to another institution or companyPayment of an amount aggregating to more than Rs.50,000 in a financial year as a life insurance premium to an insurerThe sale or purchase of securities (other than shares) exceeding Rs.1 lakh per transactionThe sale or purchase of shares of a company not listed in any recognised stock exchange exceeding Rs.1 lakh per transactionRestrictions on financial transactions such as opening bank accounts, cash deposits, securities, property saleCannot submit Forms 15G/15HA higher tax will be deducted for the following financial transactions when the PAN is inoperative:Purchase or sale of a motor vehicle or vehicle other than a two-wheeled vehiclePurchase or sale of immovable property exceeding Rs.10 lakh or valued by a stamp valuation authority where the amount exceeds Rs.10 lakhPurchase or sale of goods or services for an amount exceeding Rs.2 lakh per transactionWhat to do When PAN Card is Deactivated?If your PAN card is deactivated by the Income Tax Department due to some reason other than non-linking your PAN with your Aadhaar card, you need to draft a letter requesting to activate your PAN card and send it to your jurisdictional Assessing Officer (AO) in the Income Tax Department.


RBI Governor List of India: Past and Present Governors of Reserve Bank of India
Updated on Jan 14th, 2026 | 18 min read

The RBI Governor list of India highlights the distinguished leaders who have shaped India’s monetary policy and financial stability since 1935. From the first Governor Sir Osborne Smith to the present Governor Sanjay Malhotra (2024–Present), each tenure has played a vital role in building a strong financial system. The RBI Governor heads the central board of directors and is responsible for framing India’s monetary policy.Key Highlights:26 individuals have served as RBI Governors from 1935 to the present.Governors are appointed by the Government of India for a term of three years which is extendable.Each RBI Governor is supported by four Deputy Governors to manage diverse functions.What is the RBI Governor List of India?The RBI Governor list of India is the complete record of all past and present Governors of the Reserve Bank of India since its establishment in 1935. It provides insights into the individuals who directed the nation’s monetary policy, banking reforms, and inflation control strategies. List of RBI GovernorsHere is the complete RBI Governors list of India from 1935 to 2024:S. NoGovernor NameTenure1Sir Osborne SmithApril 1, 1935 to June 30, 19372Sir James Braid TaylorJuly 1, 1937 to February 17, 19433Sir C.


SBI Debit Card Tracking - How To Track SBI Debit Card?
Updated on Jan 14th, 2026 | 12 min read

Once the card is dispatched, SBI sends an SMS with a Speed Post tracking number. You can use this to track SBI debit card through India Post. Alternatively, SBI also offers multiple online and offline options for SBI debit card tracking, including Net Banking, YONO Lite app, and customer care support. Key HighlightsSBI debit card tracking is primarily done through India Post Speed Post after dispatch.Tracking is possible even without the reference number via SBI digital channels.Debit cards are usually delivered within 5–10 working days from dispatch.How to Track SBI Debit Card?It is very simple to track SBI debit card. SBI sends a message once your card is dispatched. You can track the delivery status through many ways, which are as follows:MethodHow to Track SBI Debit CardIndia Post (Speed Post)Use tracking number received via SMS on India Post websiteSBI Customer CareCall 1800 1234 / 1800 2100 from registered numberSBI Net BankingLogin > e-Services > ATM cum Debit Card > Track Debit CardSBI YONO Lite AppLogin > Manage Cards > Debit Card Issuance TrackingWithout Reference NumberTrack via YONO app, Net Banking, or call customer careUsing Account NumberAvailable indirectly via YONO or Net Banking portalsSBI Debit Card Tracking Speed PostWhen your bank dispatches your card, you will receive an SMS stating the “Speed Post tracking Number SBI ATM card” (Speed Post Number).


Gold Making Charges: How to Calculate Making Charges on Gold?
Updated on Jan 12th, 2026 | 9 min read

Every gold jewellery purchased comes with additional costs called “making charges” for the artistry and labour involved. These charges make up a significant part of the total cost of the jewellery and vary depending on the design, stones, type of metal, etc. It is crucial to understand these charges and how they are calculated if you plan to buy gold. Key HighlightsGold making charges for 22-carat gold range from 5% to 25% of the gold value.Wastage charges are generally 5% to 10% of the weight of gold.Craftsmanship, quality and purity of the metal, and transportation are few factoes that influence the making charges.Gold Making Charges In IndiaMaking charges on gold refers to the cost of producing jewellery from raw gold. It includes the cost of designing, conceptualising and making jewellery.An important point to remember is that there is no fixed price for gold in India. Gold prices vary from shop to shop, jeweller to jeweller, and city to city, mostly due to the making charges.


Domicile Certificate Uttar Pradesh: How To Apply Online, Download, Documents Required, Validity, Status Check
Updated on Jan 12th, 2026 | 9 min read

A domicile certificate Uttar Pradesh is an official document that certifies a person as a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh. The domicile certificate UP is widely required for availing state government benefits, scholarships, and reservations in education and employment under the UP state quota.Key HighlightsThe domicile certificate Uttar Pradesh is required to get state government scheme benefits.All permanent residents of UP can apply for the domicile certificate Uttar Pradesh. The domicile certificate UP can be applied through the Uttar Pradesh Government e-District website or Common Service Centre.It usually takes 15-20 days to issue a domicile certificate UP after its application. What is a Domicile Certificate in Uttar Pradesh?The domicile certificate UP serves as proof of permanent residence in Uttar Pradesh. The District Magistrate Office issues the domicile certificate in UP. It serves as a crucial document to get admission or jobs under state quota in educational institutions or government services. Domicile Certificate Eligibility in Uttar PradeshAn applicant can apply for a domicile certificate UP if any one of the following conditions is met:The parents of the applicant are permanent residents of UP.The applicant has been residing in UP for more than three years.The applicant is a government employee with transferable jobs.How to Apply for a Domicile Certificate in Uttar Pradesh?Eligible applicants can apply for a domicile certificate UP either online or offline.How to get a domicile certificate online in Uttar Pradesh?Step 1: Visit the official Uttar Pradesh Government e-District website.Step 2: Click the ‘Citizen Login (eSaathi)’ option.Step 3: Click the ‘New User Registration’ option. Step 4: Enter the details on the registration form and submit it to complete the registration. Step 5: Log in to the Citizen Login (eSaathi) by entering the User ID and password.Step 6: Click the ‘eSaathi Integrated Services’ button. Step 7: Select the ‘Domicile Certificate’ service under ‘Revenue Department’. Step 8: Enter the details, pay the fee, attach documents and submit the domicile certificate application form. The applicants will get the application/reference number.The authorities will verify the form and issue the certificate within 15-20 days.How to get a domicile certificate offline in Uttar Pradesh?Eligible applicants should visit the Municipality, Common Service Centre (CSC) or District Magistrate Office to collect the domicile certificate application form.


Punjab National Bank (PNB) Savings Account Interest Rate 2026 & Minimum Balance
Updated on Jan 12th, 2026 | 17 min read

Punjab National Bank (PNB) offers multiple types of savings accounts tailored to different customer needs, each with defined interest rates and minimum balance criteria. Understanding the current PNB savings account interest rate and minimum balance in 2026 helps in selecting the right account.Key HighlightsPNB offers a 2.50% p.a. savings account interest rate for most retail customers in 2026.Higher interest rates apply only to very high-value balances, primarily institutional or corporate accounts.Senior citizens do not receive an additional interest benefit on PNB savings accounts.No penalty is charged for non-maintenance of minimum balance in PNB savings accounts since 1 July 2025.Savings account interest is credited quarterly and may be revised based on RBI policy and bank discretion.What is Punjab National Bank Savings Account?Punjab National Bank savings account offers individuals, HUFs, clubs, and others an opportunity to explore various characteristics associated with them. Each of its types cater to the individualised needs of account holders. Moreover, there are several advantages associated with each account type, such as simple eligibility criteria, hassle-free financial transactions, a safety deposit box, and a lot more. What is the PNB Savings Account Interest Rate? Following are the PNB savings account interest rates 2026:Account Balance RangeInterest Rate (p.a.)Up to ₹100 crore2.50% p.a.₹100 crore to ₹500 crore2.70% p.a.₹500 crore to ₹1,000 crore3.60% p.a.₹1,000 crore to ₹2,000 crore3.75% p.a.Above ₹2,000 crore4.25% p.a.What is the PNB Savings Account Interest Rate for Senior Citizens?The PNB savings account interest rate for senior citizens is the same as that for the general public.


Lowest Home Loan Interest Rates in India January 2026
Updated on Jan 5th, 2026 | 25 min read

Choosing a lender offering the lowest home loan interest rate can significantly reduce your total repayment burden. In January 2026, several public sector banks continue to offer some of the most competitive rates, while private banks and housing finance companies focus on flexible eligibility and faster processing. Key Highlights:Home loan interest rates in January 2026 start from 7.35% p.a..Public sector banks continue to offer the lowest home loan interest rates for eligible borrowers.Your credit score, income stability, and loan profile directly impact the final rate offered.Lowest Home Loan Interest Rates 2026 Here are the top 10 banks offering cheapest home loan interest rates in India in 2026:Name of the BankInterest Rate Per Annum (As of January 2026)*Central Bank of India7.35% onwardsBank of India7.35% onwardsBank of Maharashtra7.35% onwardsIndian Overseas Bank7.35% onwardsCanara Bank7.40% onwardsIndian Bank7.40% onwardsUCO Bank7.40% onwardsBank of Baroda7.45% onwardsUnion Bank of India7.45% onwardsSaraswat Bank7.50% onwardsNote: Interest rates vary for each individual depending on the applicant profile, loan amount, and lender policies. Thus, check with the bank officials for the exact interest rate.Lowest Home Loan Interest Rates of Different Banks 2026The interest rate ranges listed below reflect lender-published slabs. The higher end of the range generally applies to borrowers with low credit scores, non-standard income profiles, higher loan-to-value ratios, or increased credit risk.Name of the BankInterest Rate*Processing FeeBank of Baroda7.45% to 10.20% p.a. Minimum ₹8,500 and maximum ₹25,000ICICI Bank8.75% to 11.80% p.a.Up to 2% of the loan amountHDFC Bank7.90% to 13.20% p.a.Up to 0.50% of the loan amount or ₹3,300 (whichever is higher)Axis Bank8.35% to 11.90% p.a.Up to 1.00% of the loan amount or ₹10,000 (whichever is higher)Punjab National Bank8.25% to 10.65% p.a.0.35% of the loan amount (minimum ₹2,500 and maximum ₹15,000) State Bank of India7.50% p.a. to 10.75% p.a.0.35% of the loan amount (minimum ₹2,000 and maximum ₹10,000)Kotak Mahindra Bank7.99% p.a.


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