Rising fuel prices are a cause of concern for every Indian citizen whether they already own a vehicle or are planning to buy one. However, have you wondered why fuel prices tend to differ across states?Well, it is due to the taxes levied by the Central and State Governments on the retail prices of petrol and diesel. So, if you wish to know the applicable diesel and petrol tax in India across the different states, keep reading.    Petrol And Diesel Tax In IndiaPetrol tax in India consists of 55% of petrol's retailing price while diesel tax is 50% of the fuel's retail value. Apart from this, sales tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) are levied at varying rates by the State Governments. Here are the major charges present in India’s fuel pricing structure:Base price of crude oil Excise dutyDealer’s commission and chargesValue Added Tax (VAT)  Now, crude oil prices, dealer’s charges and excise duty remain the same all over India. However, VAT and sales tax tend to differ across states, leading to a variation in fuel prices. Central And State Tax On Petrol And Diesel In IndiaBoth the central and state governments of India levy taxes on petrol and diesel.

Latest UpdatesFinance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, focusing on inclusive growth for women, youth, farmers, and the underprivileged. Addressing the Indian diaspora in the United States and meeting top IT leaders in San Francisco, she emphasized India’s leadership in Sunrise Sectors and Digital Public Infrastructure, inviting collaboration and investment in areas like AI, cloud, and digital tech. She also discussed policy reforms and assured continued efforts to enhance the investment experience, attributing India’s rapid economic growth to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and the government's stability.Viksit Bharat 2047 is the government's vision to transform the country into a self-reliant and prosperous economy by 2047. Economic growth, technological upgradation, infrastructure development, social empowerment, and sustainability are the criteria of this programme. Steps towards achieving this were charted in the Union Budget 2025-26, as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a few priorities to create opportunities and drive progress in accordance with the overall strategy outlined in the interim budget.Zero-povertyHundred per cent good quality school educationAccess to high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive healthcareHundred per cent skilled labour with meaningful employmentSeventy per cent of women in economic activities;Farmers making our country the 'food basket of the world'Read on to know more about Viksit Bharat, its vision, purpose and different aspects.Meaning of Viksit Bharat'Viksit Bharat' means 'Developed India.' Viksit Bharat 2047 is the government’s vision to drive the mission of making India a completely developed nation by its 100th anniversary of independence in 2047.

The most awaited 8th Pay Commission is the process for salary structure revision for government employees and pensioners. Expectations soar high around recommendations for salary hikes, allowances, and pension benefits. While there has been no concrete announcement, ongoing speculation suggests that the next revision might consider significant changes such as the minimum pay and fitment factor among others.Key Highlights Of 8th Pay CommissionFeaturesDetails Purpose To revise the salaries and allowances of employees and pensioners of central government.Establishment date16th January, 2025Expected date of implementation1st January, 2026BeneficiariesAbout 50 lakh central government employees and 65 lakh pensionersKey Factors Review of current pay structureAdjustment of allowancesPension revisionsChange in fitment factorProjected Fitment FactorBetween 2.6 and 2.86Dearness AllowanceResettinh to zero upon implementationWhat Is 8th Pay Commission?The 8th Pay Commission, announced by the government, will assess the current salary structure of central government employees. Like the previous two pay commissions, the new pay panel is anticipated to suggest changes to increase the present pay structure.Over the years, the pay structure of central government employees has evolved significantly. Before the 8th Pay Commission, the 7th Pay Commission introduced a structured pay matrix that replaced the previous grade pay system with levels.

The 7th Pay Commission was a body established by the Indian government to establish changes to the salary structure, pensions, and allowances of central government employees. It replaced the older system of pay bands and grade pay with a new pay matrix system, including raising the minimum salary to ₹18,000, a new fitment factor of 2.57, and a revised structure for allowances and pensions. Key Highlights Of 7th Pay CommissionFeatures DetailsPurposeTo update the pay structure and benefits for central government employees and retirees.Beneficiaries33 lakh central government employees, 14 lakh armed forces personnel, and 52 lakh pensionersKey FactorsImprovement in current pay structureChanges in allowancesPension revisionsRevision in the fitment factorFitment Factor2.57Dearness Allowance55% of the basic salaryWhat Is 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix?The 7th Pay Commission introduced a simplified pay matrix to revise the salary structure for over 30 lakh central government employees, replacing the 6th CPC. This table includes 19 pay levels (horizontal) starting with the entry-level pay, which increases as we move along the table (vertically), thus highlighting 40 annual increments for each level. Each level reflects a 3% annual financial progression, and the matrix aligns with the 15th ILC norms, ensuring transparency and consistency in salary calculations.Benefits Of 7th Pay Commission Pay MatrixTake a look at the advantages and features of the 7th pay matrix:The 7th pay commission played a crucial role in minimizing the differences between various pay bands.With this pay matrix fixation, revised pay has been simplified without any further need for calculation.It helps in merging pay bands and grade pay to a composite level.It helps avoid complications with regular promotion, annual progression, span of service, etc. The 7th pay commission pay matrix helped in solving the PB-3 and PB-4 issues.It helps provide a clear and error-free view of the pay system of the Indian Government.It made the administration process streamlined.Entry-Level Pay In 7th Pay MatrixEvery Central Government employee has been eligible for a minimum pay of Rs.18,000 per month. The cabinet has approved the recommendations to raise the minimum pay, allowing employees to receive a significant hike in their existing salaries.Fitment Factor In 7th Pay CommissionThe fitment factor in the 7th Pay Commission acts as the multiplier used to determine the raise in basic salary of the central government employees, while transitioning from the 6th pay commission. The fitment factor during the 7th pay commission was decided at 2.57.

Ready to start your global journey? Whether you're applying for a new passport, renewing one, or using the Tatkal service, understanding the applicable passport fees in India is essential. With a fresh passport fee starting at just Rs. 1500, fees vary based on age, service type, and whether it’s a fresh application or renewal. This guide breaks it all down to help you plan smoothly and confidently.What Is Passport Fee?A passport fee is the amount charged by the government for processing your passport application. This fee covers services such as document verification, printing, and delivery of the passport.

With ever-evolving financial needs, choosing the right personal loan can be challenging. One of the key factors to consider is the interest rate offered by your preferred bank. With rates starting at 9.75% per annum, selecting a loan that aligns with your income, credit score, and financial goals ensures a smooth borrowing experience.Top 10 Banks Offering Lowest Personal Loan Interest Rates In 2025Here is the list of the top 10 banks offering the lowest personal loan interest rates in 2025:Popular BanksInterest RateIndian Bank9.75% - 15.25% p.a.Bank of Maharashtra9.75% - 14.55% p.a.State Bank of India10.30% - 15.30% p.a.Central Bank of India10.85% - 12.65% p.a.ICICI Bank10.85% - 16.65% p.a.Canara Bank10.70% - 16.15% p.a.Indian Overseas Bank10.75% - 14.15% p.a.UCO Bank10.95% - 13.95% p.a.HDFC Bank10.90% - 24.00% p.a.Axis Bank11.25%  p.a. onwardsNote: Interest rates are as of March 25, 2025, and are subject to change without prior notice.Types Of Personal Loan Interest RatesThere are mainly two different types of personal loan interest rates that are discussed below:Fixed Interest Rate: This interest rate includes a constant amount of interest levied by the respective bank on your loan. The value is decided based on factors such as tenure, repayment capacity, income generated, CIBIL score, etc. Variable Interest Rate: Also known as adjustable interest rate, this value keeps on changing throughout the tenure of loan, depending on factors such as inflation, benchmark rate, economic indicators and more. How To Calculate Personal Loan Interest Rate?Proper calculation of the interest as per the rates available in the market enrrowers to understand the repayment costs as Calculating the formula used to calculate equated monthly instalment (EMI) for a personal loan:The formula to consider for calculating the eProperly calculatingment (EMI) for a personal loan is:EMI = [P*R*(1+R) ^N] / [(1+R) ^N-1]Where EMI=Equated Monthly InstalmentP=principal amount R=monthly interest rate and N =number of monthly instalmentsHow To Get Lowest Interest Rate On Personal Loan?If you are looking for how to get the lowest personal loan interest rate in India, follow the below-mentioned tips:Raise Your Credit Score: Banks and financial institutions provide the lowest interest rate on personal loans to individuals with a high credit score. Keep an Eye on Offers: Majority of banks provide special rates of interest to applicants to avail during festive occasions.

Planning to travel abroad? Whether it’s for a vacation, work, or something more urgent, a valid passport is your first must-have. While it doesn’t guarantee entry into another country, it’s essential for international travel, and also doubles up as a trusted ID for many other purposes. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the passport renewal process—both online and offline—so you’re all set for your next journey.Passport Renewal Process OnlineFollow the steps mentioned below if you want to know how to renew your passport online:Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva website.Step 2: Click on ‘Existing User? Login’.Step 3: Select "Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport".Step 4: Fill in details like address, spouse’s info, and two local references.Step 5: Click ‘Validate’ and save the form.Step 6: Upload the saved form to auto-fill your application.Step 7: Review all details carefully before submitting.Step 8: Submitted details can't be changed; errors may require starting over.Step 9: Go to ‘View Saved/Submitted Application’ to schedule your appointment.Step 10: Choose a suitable time slot and confirm your appointment at the passport office.Step 11: Once the application process is complete, click on ‘Print Application Receipt’ to obtain a receipt with your application reference number.Making an online payment is mandatory to book an appointment; use net banking, cards, or an offline challan (may take up to 2 days to process).You can visit the passport office at your scheduled time with SMS confirmation; follow the process as per your group number and track the status online using your Passport Login.Passport Renewal Process OfflineThe following are the steps you need to follow to perform the passport renewal process offline:Step 1: Go to the official website of Passport Seva. Step 2: Under the ‘Forms and Affidavits’ section, you will need to download an application form.Step 3: Make sure to print the form double-sided on an A4 sheet.Step 4: Complete the form with accurate details.Step 5: Submit the filled form along with the necessary documents at the District Passport Cell. Alternatively, you can obtain the renewal application form directly from there.Step 6: Once your application, along with the photos and documents, is verified, you will need to pay the fees using a demand draft.After payment, you will receive an ‘Acknowledgement Letter,’ which typically includes a file number that allows you to track the status of your application online.Passport Renewal Fee and ChargesThe following table showcases the passport renewal fees and charges:Sl. No.Service RequiredApplication FeeAdditional Tatkal Fee1Issuance of a new passport or renewal of a passport, including an additional booklet due to the exhaustion of visa pages (36 pages) with a validity of 10 yearsRs.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), a key component of the Ayushman Bharat initiative, was launched under the National Health Policy 2017 to achieve Universal Health Coverage. Designed to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the commitment to "leave no one behind," PM-JAY aims to transform healthcare by shifting from a segmented approach to a comprehensive, need-based system. It provides financial protection for secondary and tertiary healthcare, ensuring access to quality medical services for economically vulnerable families. Alongside health and wellness centres (HWCs), PM-JAY is crucial to strengthening India’s healthcare infrastructure.What is Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana?Launched by the Prime Minister on September 23, 2018, the PMJAY scheme provides health insurance coverage to approximately 50 crore Indian citizens. Over the years, the Ayushman card has facilitated numerous success stories. In a recent expansion, the scheme now extends benefits to all senior citizens above 70 years of age, offering ₹5 lakh in annual health insurance coverage, regardless of economic status.Features of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, or PM-JAY, is a flagship health scheme under the Ayushman Bharat initiative that will provide secondary and tertiary care to economically vulnerable families with financial protection.

Personal loans have become an integral part of our financial journey, assisting us with fulfilling all our goals. With different banks providing personal loans at competitive rates, Punjab National Bank stands out as a key player. One of the top government banks in the country, PNB offers personal loans for different purposes and at interest rates starting at 11.15% per annum, thus helping you fulfil your financial goals.PNB Bank Personal Loan Interest Rate HighlightsHere is a list of important information that a person needs to keep in mind related to the PNB personal loan interest rate 2025 before applying for a personal loan at the bank:Feature DetailsPNB Bank personal loan Interest rate (Floating)11.15% p.a. to 16.70% p.a.PNB Bank personal loan Interest rate (Fixed)12.15% p.a. to 17.70% p.a.Maximum Loan AmountUp to 24 times the gross monthly salary is subject to a maximum of Rs.

Looking for a personal loan with easy repayment options? As of February 2025, ICICI Bank offers personal loans at an annual interest rate of 10.85%, catering to various needs like debt consolidation, weddings, travel, and medical emergencies. Borrowers can avail up to ₹50 lakh with flexible repayment terms. With a seamless application process, minimal documentation, and no collateral required, ICICI Bank ensures quick loan approvals. Continue reading to know more about ICICI Bank’s personal loan options.ICICI Bank Personal Loan Interest Rate HighlightsICICI Bank personal loan interest rate varies between subtypes. Here is a quick overview of ICICI personal loan interest rate:Loan ProductInterest Rate (p.a.)Personal Loan10.85% to 16.65% p.a.Loan AmountUp to Rs 50 lakhProcessing FeeUpto 2% of the loan amountMinimum Monthly Salary ReqiredRs 30,000Repayment TenureUpto 6 yearsTypes of ICICI Bank Personal LoansHere is a detailed overview of the different types of personal loan schemes at ICICI Bank:Flexi Cash: This personal loan scheme offers a personal loan overdraft facility to respective salary account holders of ICICI Bank so they can end up paying for any unexpected needs during times of emergency. The processing fee applicable for this scheme is Rs. 1,999 plus taxes. Pre-Approved Personal Loan SchemeIn this loan scheme, selected ICICI bank customers are chosen and offered instant personal loans with disbursement of loans within 3 seconds. The maximum loan amount applicable in this scheme is Rs.