Budget 2026

HDFC Bank has introduced four major changes affecting customers nationwide. These include a reduction in MCLR that may lower loan EMIs, higher interest rates on select fixed deposits, revised ATM withdrawal rules involving UPI transactions, and updated locker rental charges. Some changes are already effective, while others begin on April 1, 2026.

March 2026 Fixed Deposit Interest Rates Revealed Across Top Banks, Highest Returns Detailed for Investors: Major banks including HDFC, ICICI, and Axis have revealed their March 2026 fixed deposit interest rates. Investors can now compare these updated rates to maximize their returns across various tenures. Suryoday Small Finance Bank offers the highest yields, with special schemes also available for optimized earnings.

Tired Of No Change For ₹500? New ATMs May Dispense ₹10, ₹20 And ₹50 Notes: Struggling to get change for a ₹500 note? India is piloting ATMs designed to dispense smaller denominations like ₹10, ₹20, and ₹50. This initiative aims to ease the inconvenience caused by the reduced circulation of small notes in daily transactions, despite the government assuring adequate supply.

The Central Government has maintained the Employees' Provident Fund interest rate at 8.25 percent for the financial year 2025-26. This decision offers stability for millions of salaried employees. The unchanged rate ensures consistent returns on provident fund savings, a crucial component for long-term financial planning and retirement security. Employees can easily check their PF balance through digital services.

Middle East tensions are disrupting global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply, with operations halted at Qatar's export hub and the Strait of Hormuz affected. This situation is creating concerns about rising prices and tighter availability, impacting Europe and Asia as they compete for limited shipments.

Millions of domestic LPG users are urged by the government to complete e-KYC verification promptly. This Aadhaar-based process, facilitated via mobile apps, aims to curb fake connections and ensure subsidies reach genuine customers. Prompt completion is crucial to avoid future disruptions in cylinder booking, delivery, and subsidy transfers, strengthening the LPG supply chain.

Thousands of women in Madhya Pradesh await the 34th installment of the Ladli Behna Yojana, expected around March 13. This monthly financial support of Rs 1,500 may be credited during a program in Gwalior. Beneficiaries can check their payment status online, as some names were recently removed from the list.

Old ₹100 Note With Rare Serial Combination Becoming Highly Valuable In Online Collectors’ Market: Certain old ₹100 currency notes with unique serial numbers, particularly those ending in 786, are fetching high prices in the online collectors' market. These rare banknotes are in demand due to their perceived auspiciousness and cultural significance. Collectors are actively seeking these notes, driving up their value, especially for well-preserved examples.

Good news for fixed deposit investors. HDFC Bank has increased interest rates on select FD tenures, offering slightly better returns to customers. The bank has raised the rate by 10 basis points (0.10%) on deposits with specific durations. The revised rates came into effect from March 6, 2026, and apply to FDs below ₹3 crore.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has announced a reduction in the daily ATM cash withdrawal limit for certain debit cards. The new limits will come into effect from April 1, 2026, as part of the bank’s move to strengthen risk control and improve customer security. Earlier, some debit cards allowed customers to withdraw up to Rs 1 lakh per day from ATMs.