In India, gold has long served as a store of value, cultural asset, and financial safeguard. Over decades, gold prices have reflected inflation, currency movements, global uncertainty, and changing investment behaviour. Historical trends suggest gold performs strongly during periods of economic uncertainty and currency weakness.Key HighlightsGold prices in India have risen sharply over the long term, moving from Rs. 63 per 10g in 1964 to above Rs. 94,000 per 10g by January 2026.Key drivers of gold price trends in India include international gold prices, USD–INR exchange rate, inflation, interest rates, import duties, and seasonal demand.While short-term corrections occur, historical data shows gold repeatedly rebounds, reinforcing its role as a safe-haven and long-term hedge.Over the past six decades, gold has consistently outperformed inflation, helping preserve purchasing power across economic cycles.Gold Price Trend in India: Key InsightsIndia’s gold price trend reflects a strong long-term rise, driven by inflation, currency movements, and recurring global shocks.

The 8th Pay Commission will revise the salaries of over 50 lakh central government employees and 60 lakh pensioners. It is expected to update pay structures, allowances, and the overall compensation framework to reflect current economic conditions. The 8th Pay Commission will ensure fair and competitive remuneration for government staff.Key HighlightsThe 8th Pay Commission is expected to bring significant salary hikes, revised salary slabs, and updated pay matrix for central government employees and pensioners. A retrospective implementation from 1 January 2026 would require payment of arrears for the intervening months, covering the salary difference accrued until the new pay structure is formally rolled out.Projected salary hike for central government employees is expected between 30-34%.Fitment factor will range between 1.83 and 2.46, directly impacting salary increases.Allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA) will be recalculated based on the revised basic pay.What is 8th Pay Commission?The 8th Pay Commission, announced by the government, will assess the current salary structure of central government employees. Before the 8th Pay Commission, the 7th Pay Commission introduced a structured pay matrix that replaced the previous grade pay system with levels. Over the years, the pay structure of central government employees has evolved significantly.8th Pay Commission Implementation DateThe 8th Pay Commission is expected to come into effect on 1 January 2026, after the usual gap of 10 years between the Pay Commissions.

A legal heir certificate is an official document that identifies the lawful successors of a deceased person. It is commonly required for property transfer, pension claims, insurance settlements, and other legal or financial purposes. Applicants can apply for a legal heir certificate online or offline, track the legal heir certificate status and complete the legal heir certificate download through state revenue portals.Key HighlightsOnly the legal heirs (spouse, children or parents) can apply for a legal heir certificate.Issued by the Tehsildar, Revenue Officer, or Sub-Divisional Magistrate of the respective state.The legal heir certificate format varies from state to state.Required for property transfer, pension claims, and insurance settlements.What is Legal Heir Certificate?A legal heir certificate is an important document upon the death of a family member. It establishes the relationship between the deceased person and his/her legal heirs. A legal heir certificate identifies the rightful successor of a deceased person's property in the absence of a will.The legal heirs of a deceased person are spouse, children and parents. It contains the details related to a deceased person, such as deceased person's name, address and date of birth. It states his/her legal heir details, such as legal heir's name, address and relationship with the deceased person. The issuing authority details, signature and date of the certificate are also present on the legal heir certificate. The certificate is generally issued by the Village Tehsildar.

The voter list 2026 Karnataka contains the updated electoral roll of eligible voters across the state. Karnataka residents should verify their names in the Karnataka voter list to confirm enrolment, check accuracy of personal details, and avoid last-minute issues before elections. The electoral roll can be searched online, downloaded as a PDF, and updated through official Election Commission portals.Key HighlightsKarnataka residents can check their names in the Voter List Karnataka 2026 online using EPIC number, mobile number, or personal details.The electoral roll PDF is also available on the Karnataka CEO portal.Karnataka Voter ID applications can be submitted online via NVSP or offline through Electoral Offices.Voter ID status can be tracked using the application reference number.Citizens can update address or personal details using Form 8 online or offline.What is the Karnataka Voter List?The Karnataka voter list contains the names of all eligible voters in the state. Residents must verify their voter ID details to ensure they can vote in upcoming elections.How to check Name in Karnataka Voter List?Ensure that you have your EPIC number or personal details handy to search effectively. Follow these steps to search your name in the Karnataka voter list 2026:Visit the Election Commission of India (ECI) website.Click on the Elector Menu on the homepage.Select Search your name in the electoral roll.Enter your EPIC number or Voter ID.If EPIC is unavailable, search using mobile number or personal details such as DOB, district, assembly area, and relative details.Procedure to View Name in PDF Electoral RollUse these steps if you prefer checking your name in the full PDF list:Visit the Karnataka Chief Election Officer's Website .Click on “Search My Name in Voter List”.Enter your EPIC number or Voter ID.If not available, use mobile number or personal details.You can use other details such as your date of birth, the district you're in, your assembly area, and details about a relative to find your name on the voter list.Download the PDF electoral roll to view your name.Eligibility to apply for Voter ID cardYou must meet the following criteria before applying:Indian citizens who have attained the age of 18 years on the qualifying date, i.e., the first day of January of the year of revision of the electoral roll.The individual should be an ordinary resident in the constituency. How to Apply for Karnataka Voter ID Card Online?Follow the steps below if you wish to register as a new voter:Visit the National Voters' Services Portal (NVSP).Click “Sign-Up”.Enter mobile number, email and captcha.

Know Your Customer (KYC) is a one-time verification process that verifies an investor’s identity before they make a mutual fund or other financial investments. KYC status check online confirms if your verification is complete, and it ensures smooth investments, withdrawals, and account openings.This guide explains how to check KYC status. Key HighlightsKYC verification is handled by SEBI-registered KYC Registration Agencies (KRAs).KYC can be done through Aadhar-based biometric, or by downloading KYC application form from the CDSL Ventures website.Investors must submit an ID proof, a proof of address, a passport photo, and a Know Your Client application form. What is KYC (Know Your Customer)?KYC or Know Your Customer, is a process by which the financial institutions obtain the identity and address of the customers. As part of regulatory compliance, KYC is mandatory before carrying out any financial transaction, especially for opening bank accounts or investing in mutual funds. This can be done online or offline.This ensures that the institution's services are not misused and safeguards against fraudulent financial activities.How to Check KYC Status?You can visit the official website of a SEBI-registered KYC Registration Agency (KRA) to complete your KYC status check. These agencies maintain a central database of investor KYC records.

If you are planning to rent a house, you must know about the house rental agreement. A rental agreement is an essential legal document that defines the rights and responsibilities of both the tenant and the property owner, ensuring transparency and preventing disputes.Key Highlights:Tenants and owners must execute a rental agreement to prevent disputes and safeguard both their rights.Rental agreement format provides the general clauses to be included in the agreement.If the rent agreement period is more than 12 months, it must be registered at the Sub-Regisrar's office.What is a Rental Agreement?The rental agreement is an official agreement entered between the tenant and owner of a property. A rental agreement contains basic details of the residential property, property owner, tenant, term/ duration of the rental period, and the amount of the rent for the said term. Tenant is the person who wishes to take temporary possession of the owner's property by paying the rental amount.The tenant can stay/use the property of the owner for the time mentioned in the rental agreement. The rental or rent agreement must be drafted on stamp paper for it to be legally valid.  Rent Agreement FormatA rental agreement format is a standard template that outlines the terms and conditions agreed upon between the landlord and the tenant. It includes essential clauses such as details of the property, rent amount, payment terms, security deposit, duration of stay, maintenance responsibilities, restrictions, and termination rules.A valid house rental agreement format must be printed on appropriate stamp paper, signed by both parties, and witnessed by two individuals. If the agreement exceeds 11 months, it must be registered at the Sub-Registrar’s office to be legally enforceable.Download Rent Agreement Format SampleDownload Rent Agreement Format SampleRental Agreement ProcedureBelow is the process for making a house rental agreement:Step 1: Draft the rental agreement and review of the agreement by both parties, i.e. owner and tenant.Step 2: Finalise the draft rental agreement and print it on stamp paper obtained from a Sub-Registrar's office.Step 3: Ensure the owner, tenant, and two witnesses sign the rental agreement.Step 4: Get the agreement registered at the Sub-Registrar's office if the duration of the rental period is more than 11 months.Step 5: Make a photocopy of the signed (in case of 11 months rent) or registered (in case of more than 11 months rent) rental agreement and give a Xerox copy of the agreement to the tenant.Types of Rental Agreements Commonly Used in IndiaThere are 3 types of rental agreements in India: 1. Rent Agreement Tenancy or rent agreement is a basic contract between landlord and tenant for temporary possession of a property.Duration: Typically 11 months and can be renewed at the end of the period (If more than 11 months, registration is mandatorily required).Key points:Covers details like names, property description, rent amount, late fees, grace period, security deposit, facilities, parking, repairs, insurance, etc.Concise and hassle-free.Registration is optional if tenure is less than 11 months2.

An Aadhaar card date of birth change is important when there are errors or discrepancies in the details recorded with the Unique Identification of India (UIDAI). The UIDAI has made date of birth change in Aadhaar card documents easy through authorised Aadhaar Seva Kendras.Key Highlights:Aadhaar card date of birth change cannot be done online.The update fee is Rs. 50 per request.You must submit a valid Date of Birth proof (such as Birth Certificate, Passport, or Govt. ID).Aadhaar card date of birth change can be done only once, except through UIDAI’s exception handling for special cases.Updates are processed within 90 days, and status can be tracked online using URN.How to Change DOB in Aadhaar Card?For Aadhaar card date of birth change, you need to visit the nearest Enrollment Centre with the required documents mentioned below. Below is a step-by-step process for date of birth change in Aadhaar card documents:Step 1: Visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Center.Step 2: Fill out the Aadhaar Update Form/ Aadhaar correction Form, i.e.

A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) blends the operational flexibility of a traditional partnership with the limited liability protections of a company. The LLP full form is Limited Liability Partnership. An LLP is a body corporate where partners are not personally liable for business debts beyond their agreed contribution.This guide explains what is Limited Liability Partnership in detail, and outlines the complete LLP registration process in India.Key HighlightsMinimum two partners required. There is no upper limit on maximum partners.Partners enjoy limited liability which means that their personal assets are protected.Regulated under the LLP Act, 2008 with lower compliance than companies.LLP has a separate legal entity, perpetual succession, and flexible internal management.What is Limited Liability Partnership?The concept of the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) was introduced in India in 2008. It is a separate legal entity formed by partners who share profits but are not personally liable for business debts beyond their agreed contribution.The Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 regulates the LLPs in India.

The LRS full form is Liberalised Remittance Scheme. The Liberalised Remittance Scheme by the RBI allows resident Indians to remit up to USD 250,000 annually abroad for education, travel, healthcare, gifts, and investments. Budget 2025 revised the LRS scheme with a higher TCS-free threshold, making global financial transactions easier.Key Highlights:TCS-free threshold for the Liberalised Remittance Scheme: Rs. 10 lakh (raised from Rs. 7 lakh in Budget 2025)Eligible purposes: Education, travel, gifts, medical treatment, investments, emigration, businessIneligible uses: Lottery, margin trading, overseas real estateWhat is LRS?The LRS full form is Liberalised Remittance Scheme. It is a foreign exchange policy initiative introduced by the Reserve Bank of India in 2004.

LIC policy surrender means discontinuing the policy before its maturity and claiming the surrender value of LIC policy. Once surrendered, all benefits, coverages, and bonuses under the plan cease immediately. Understanding how to surrender LIC policy is important as the process requires specific forms, documents, and eligibility conditions.Key HighlightsThe policyholder receives a surrender value after at least 3 years of premium payments.Surrender value is calculated using a formula with sum assured, bonuses, and surrender factors.Policies can be surrendered offline at an LIC branch or online via the LIC portal.Required documents include Form 5074, original policy bond, ID proof, PAN, and bank details.Once surrendered, the policy cannot be revived.What is LIC Policy Surrender?LIC policy surrender is the voluntary termination of a life insurance policy before maturity. The coverage stops immediately, and the policyholder gets back a lump sum known as the surrender value. The surrender value of LIC policy represents the paid-up value plus accumulated bonuses (if any) after deducting applicable charges. Most LIC policies acquire a surrender value only after 3 full years of premium payment.Types of Surrenders in LIC PolicyHere are some of the common ways of LIC policy surrender:Full SurrenderThis is when the policyholder chooses to completely cancel their ongoing policy. The policyholder won't need to pay premiums anymore and won't receive any policy benefits or claims in the future. Depending on the type of policy, LIC will make the pay-out which is typically a certain percentage of premiums paid, after the deduction of applicable surrender charges.Special SurrenderIt is applicable in a few exceptional situations where LIC sets specific terms for surrendering the policy. The value differs from standard surrender value of LIC policy. These situations may involve severe financial difficulties, unexpected events or serious illnesses, where LIC offers reduced charges or a better surrender value.Surrender as a Result of No Payment of PremiumsIf a policyholder is unable to pay premiums and renew the life insurance policy within a specified grace period, it will be treated as surrendered. If the policy has got a surrender value, he or she will receive the amount as per the agreed terms. If the policy has not got a surrender value, no such pay-outs would occur.How to Surrender LIC Policy Offline?Here is the step-by-step guide on how to surrender LIC policy:To start with, visit your nearest LIC branch and obtain Form 5074, also known as the Surrender Discharge Voucher.Upon completion, the form along with the necessary documents must be submitted.Following submission, LIC will process your policy surrender request.Upon approval, the surrender value will be transferred to your bank account.Alternatively, instead of visiting a branch, you can opt to courier the discharge voucher and other necessary documents to LIC's head office in Mumbai.How to Surrender LIC Policy Online Before Maturity?Here is how to surrender LIC policy online before maturity:Navigate to the LIC’s official portal and sign in using your credentials.Under the “Customer Services” tab, select “Policy Surrender”.Then, download the Surrender Discharge Voucher (LIC Form No. 5074).Fill it up carefully and submit the same along with the necessary documents to LIC.Once the form is accepted, the surrender process will start.The surrender value will be deposited into your registered bank account.Documents Required to Surrender LIC PolicyHere are some of the documents required if the policyholder chooses LIC policy surrender:Policy surrender application formForm 5074: surrender discharge voucherCancelled cheque for providing policyholder's bank account detailsOriginal policy bondNEFT mandate form PAN Card copyHow to Calculate the Surrender Value of LIC Policy?You can opt for LIC policy surrender only if you fulfil certain criteria such as payment of policy premium consecutively for 3 years.