Shaghil Bilali is a Deputy News Editor at The Economic Times. He specializes in finance, personal finance, and business economics, with a focus on topics such as credit health, debt management, retirement planning, and wealth management. Shaghil's insights and analyses have been featured in prominent outlets including ZEE Business, The Economic Times, and MSN.
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India (National)
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Shaghil Bilali's coverage primarily revolves around personal finance, investments, and the stock market in India. He frequently cites data and provides investment analysis. Pitches for Shaghil should focus on offering expert insights into personal finance strategies, stock market trends, or investment opportunities specifically within the Indian context.
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By: Shaghil Bilali
During Diwali, many choose to invest in gold due to its cultural significance and potential financial returns. It's crucial to grasp the tax implications when deciding between physical gold and gold ETFs. Purchasing physical gold triggers GST and varied capital gains taxes depending on how long it's held. Conversely, gold ETFs offer more favorable conditions for capital gains. Investors need to weigh their goals to make the best choice.
By: Shaghil Bilali
8th Pay Commission latest news: On November 3, 2025, the government announced the 8th Pay Commission's Terms of Reference. The Commission is tasked with submitting its report within an 18-month deadline ending on May 3, 2027. An 18-question questionnaire was launched to gather inputs from stakeholders about various employment issues. Additionally, stakeholder consultations began in April 2026, with meetings held in multiple cities. Recommendations will influence future pay and pension adjustments for central government employees.
By: Shaghil Bilali
The Reserve Bank of India has reassured the public that there will be an ample supply of currency notes for the upcoming Diwali festival.
By: Shaghil Bilali
People can legally own gold without a prescribed maximum quantity if they explain its source. The Income Tax Department has guidelines regarding the non-seizure of gold jewelry during searches. Married women can own up to 500 grams, while unmarried women are allowed 250 grams and male members 100 grams. These limits do not automatically exempt individuals from income tax liabilities.
By: Shaghil Bilali
GPF for government employees: The government has provided crucial updates on the General Provident Fund (GPF) policies concerning the beneficiaries of deceased government employees. While family nominees will be entitled to the GPF funds, certain stipulations apply. In cases where valid nominees are absent, family members will inherit equal portions of the GPF sum, but exclusions are noted for adult sons and married daughters.
By: Shaghil Bilali
Gold returns: Gold prices have seen a sharp decline after peaking earlier this year, resulting in varied investment outcomes. With Dhanteras on the horizon, many buyers are hopeful for profits despite the market's fluctuations. Experts recommend a cautious approach, favouring staggered purchases over lump sum investments. Looking ahead, price predictions suggest that global economic factors will play a significant role in shaping future gold values, making it crucial for investors to stay informed.
By: Shaghil Bilali
The National Confederation of Pensioners' Associations has requested the Labour Ministry's urgent intervention in pending pension cases. They seek to withdraw a circular from January 2025 that affects higher EPS pension eligibility. The NCPA emphasizes eliminating discrimination between exempted and unexempted establishments regarding pension rights. They have proposed several recommendations to streamline the processing of pension applications and address delays.
By: Shaghil Bilali
8th Pay Commission calculator: The growth of central government employees' salaries heavily relies on fitment factors and annual increment rates. Various organizations have proposed differing fitment factors and increment rates for the 8th Pay Commission. Salary estimates reveal the potential financial impacts for Level 5-7 employees based on varying conditions. A high increment rate could potentially close the salary gap over time compared to a high fitment factor.
By: Shaghil Bilali
The central government has issued new guidelines allowing officers in Pay Levels 8 and above to buy laptops for their official duties. Eligible officers can invest up to Rs 1,50,000, or Rs 1,80,000 for Make-in-India devices. After four years, these laptops can be kept, provided that all data is erased prior. In case of transfers or retirements, officers can retain laptops by settling the book value.
By: Shaghil Bilali
As of now, approximately 1.5 lakh applications for higher EPS pensions have been processed by the EPFO. A high-level PMO meeting is currently evaluating pending EPS pension cases in relation to ongoing Supreme Court petitions. MP Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade raised concerns about uniformity in EPS pension implementation during a recent Rajya Sabha session. The National Confederation of Pensioners’ Associations is advocating for swift actions on long-standing higher EPS pension cases.
