A chance to set a precedent: Mercedes Kilmer on father Val Kilmer’s AI-powered final roleA chance to set a precedent: Mercedes Kilmer on father Val Kilmer’s AI-powered final role Apr 30, 2026, 14:19:13 IST PTI Share via Copy link Los Angeles
There was "no meaningful shift" away from big tech platforms like TikTok and Instagram in the immediate wake of Australia's world-leading teen social media ban, government documents obtained by AFP show.Australia in December banned under 16s from a raft of popular social media platforms
Do the 2026 exit polls signal a comeback for the Congress, or do they underline its shrinking footprint? Projections across key states point to a familiar, uneven story—pockets of resilience in the South, particularly Kerala, but continued struggles in high-stakes battlegrounds like Assam and
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted bail to Sharad Kalaskar, one of the convicts in the murder of anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar, Live Law reported. A bench of Justices Ajay Gadkari and Ranjitsinha Bhonsale also expressed doubts about Kalaskar being identified as the assailant
Yami Gautam says Dhurandhar's success tells ‘it was always about scripts’; reveals Aditya Dhar is ‘unaffected’ by itYami Gautam emphasised that Dhurandhar's success reflected a shift towards quality storytelling, while she and Aditya remain humble and grateful. Apr 30, 2026
PF, SSY and other small savings schemes: Why they matter beyond tax benefits
"null"
PPF, SSY and other small savings schemes: Why they matter beyond tax benefits under the new regime
"null"Many investors assume schemes like PPF and SSY are only worth considering if they reduce taxable income. That used to be true mainly under the old tax regime, where deductions under Section 80C could lower your taxable income.
New Delhi: Small savings schemes such as the Public Provident Fund (PPF) and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) are widely known for their tax benefits. But their value goes well beyond just saving on taxes — even under the new tax structure in India, these government-backed plans play an important role in disciplined long-term saving and financial planning.
Small Savings: More Than Just Tax Perks
Many investors assume schemes like PPF and SSY are only worth considering if they reduce taxable income. That used to be true mainly under the old tax regime, where deductions under Section 80C could lower your taxable income. But even with the shift to the new tax system, these tools remain relevant because they are designed to help individuals build long-term savings goals, not just cut tax bills.
What These Schemes Offer
Here’s what makes small savings schemes attractive — even for taxpayers who don’t need deductions:
1. Safety and Government Backing
Plans like PPF and SSY are backed by the Government of India, so your capital is secure and guaranteed. This makes them suitable for conservative investors and those saving for long-term goals.
2. Predictable Returns
Unlike market-linked products such as equities or mutual funds, small savings schemes pay a fixed rate of interest, reviewed quarterly by the government. This predictability helps you plan your finances with confidence.
3. Long-Term Wealth Building
These schemes encourage saving over extended periods — for example, PPF has a 15-year lock-in, and SSY matures over 21 years. Over time, compound interest helps you grow a substantial corpus for retirement, children’s education, or other major life goals.
Understanding Key Schemes
Here’s a quick look at what some of the popular small savings plans offer:
Public Provident Fund (PPF): A long-term savings option where you can deposit up to Rs 1.5 lakh per year. The interest and maturity proceeds are tax-free, making it a secure retirement or emergency corpus builder.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Designed for the financial security of a girl child, SSY offers higher interest rates and tax-free maturity — making it a strong choice for parents and guardians saving for future expenses.
Other Small Savings Options: National Savings Certificate (NSC), Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS), and Post Office deposits are also part of the government’s small savings ecosystem and serve different investment timelines and financial goals.
Why Investors Should Still Pay Attention
Even without the lure of tax deductions under the new tax regime, small savings schemes remain useful because they:
Encourage routine saving habits.
Offer secure, government-guaranteed returns.
Complement higher-risk investments like stocks or mutual funds.
Can be tailored to specific financial goals such as retirement, education or child welfare.
In fact, financial planners often suggest blending small savings schemes with other investments to build a balanced portfolio that withstands market fluctuations while delivering steady long-term results.
Bottom Line
Small savings schemes aren’t obsolete just because of tax rule changes. They remain relevant tools for disciplined and secure long-term saving. Whether you are planning for retirement, your child’s education, or simply a solid financial foundation, PPF, SSY, and similar instruments still have an important role to play in your portfolio — not merely as tax-saving vehicles, but as smart, purpose-driven savings options.
Source: ZeeNews
Related Posts: PPF 7.1%, NSC 7.7%, SSY 8.2% If PPF a/c holder opens PPF A/c for kids India to assume Chairpersonship of Kimberly Process from Jan 1 2026 Indian Investors Prefer Hybrid Mutual Fund Schemes Harry and Meghan's trip felt like a royal tour - except many Aussies weren't interested Skipped ELSS and PPF PPF rules explained Multiple PPF accounts allowed or not EPF, PPF Interest Won’t Be Taxed—But Hiding It Could Cost You Big From Sukanya Samriddhi To PPF --Interest Rates Of All 13 Small Savings Scheme
In a time when wellness and mindful eating are reshaping everyday kitchens, the focus is shifting from restrictive diets to nourishing, balanced meals that support long-term health. Today’s approach to food is less about cutting out ingredients and more about choosing what truly fuels the body
1 days ago
US-Iran War: Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump and warned of “inevitable and extremely damaging consequences" if the United States and Israel resume military action against Iran, the Kremlin said after the call
1 days ago
Priyanka Chopra has opened up about the many phases in her career, starting from being a pageant winner to becoming a global star who has conquered both Bollywood and Hollywood. Priyanka made her debut in 2002 in Thamizhan. In 2003, she was seen in both The Hero: Love Story of a Spy and Andaaz
1 days ago
Cristiano Ronaldo moved a step closer to the elusive 1000-goal milestone after scoring in Al-Nassr’s 2-0 win over Al-Ahli SFC on Wednesday. The goal took his official tally for club and country to 971, underlining his remarkable longevity. Kingsley Coman added the second to seal a result that
1 days ago
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has announced the results of the Class 10 (ICSE) and Class 12 (ISC) board examinations on Thursday (April 30, 2026) at 11 a.m., officials said. Parents and students can access the official CISCE websites for downloading the
1 days ago
What is ‘Operation Child Protector VIII’? All about US sting that led to arrest of ‘for-hire Santa Claus’ & 18 othersAs many as 19 people have been arrested during an undercover operation – ‘Operation Child Protector VIII’ – that focused on child predators. Published on: Apr 30
1 days ago
One of Malayalam cinema’s most anticipated releases, Patriot, is gearing up for a grand theatrical release on May 1. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the spy action thriller has already generated significant buzz, largely due to its star-studded cast and gripping premise
1 days ago
Strong demand for in China has nearly doubled prices for 's B300 servers to about 7 million yuan ($1 million) each, industry sources said, as a crackdown on chip smuggling dries up black-market supply.Prices of Nvidia's most advanced and powerful server
1 days ago
At Jus Drums, there is a variety of percussion to choose from at their 24th annual summer camp; the drums, konakkol or the art of vocal percussion which has its origins in South India, cajón which is a box-shaped instrument from Peru played by slapping its hide, and the djembe
1 days ago
Nepal Airlines on Thursday (April 30, 2026) apologised for what it described as cartographic inaccuracies in the wake of a furore showing Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan in a “network map”. The airlines had deleted the social media post on Wednesday (April 29) following the backlash
1 days ago
Was Nancy Guthrie crime scene ‘staged’ to mislead authorities? Experts's chilling theory, ‘Killed somewhere else…’A renowned forensic psychologist has suggested that the physical evidence left at Nancy Guthrie’s home may have been “staged.” Updated on: Apr 30
1 days ago
Skeptical Democrats confronted Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday (April 29, 2026) for the first time since the Trump administration went to war with Iran, touching off tense exchanges over a costly conflict with unclear objectives that has been waged without congressional approval
1 days ago
Anti-stigma campaign, digital tool help mitigate mental health problems in slums: StudyAnti-stigma campaign, digital tool help mitigate mental health problems in slums: Study Published on: Apr 30, 2026 2:38 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link New Delhi
1 days ago
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran on Wednesday (April 29, 2026) that it should "get smart soon" and capitulate to Washington's demands for tight controls on its nuclear programme, as a U.S. naval blockade turned the screws on Iran's economy
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Power cuts this summer are unavoidable: These 10 inverter and battery combos keep you preparedPower cuts during summer can disrupt daily life
1 days ago
Supreme Court reserves order on Cong leader Pawan Khera’s anticipatory bail pleaSenior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared for Congress leader Pawan Khera, argued that the case did not justify arrest Published on: Apr 30, 2026 2:42 PM IST By Ayesha Arvind Share via Copy link The Assam
1 days ago
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) appointed Care Ratings Ltd. to function as the Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA), according to a circular released 29, April 2026. The agency will vet Investment advisors and research analysts for their past performance and risk
1 days ago
China will ban the sale of drones in Beijing and require permits to fly them under new rules that take effect on Friday. Drones and key components will be prohibited from being sold, rented or brought into the Chinese capital. Drone owners will also be required to register their devices with the
1 days ago
‘He didn’t stop because he accepted my ride’: Bengaluru woman gives T-shirt to drenched auto driver, internet movedA Bengaluru woman shared how she helped a drenched auto driver during rain, winning hearts online. Published on: Apr 30, 2026 2:07 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy
1 days ago
India’s agricultural transformation has long been driven by technological shifts—from the Green Revolution’s high-yielding varieties to the widespread use of synthetic fertilisers. Today, nano urea is being positioned as the next leap: a precision input that promises higher efficiency
1 days ago
Exit polls are revealing potential political shifts across India. In West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress faces its toughest challenge yet from the BJP. Assam shows continued BJP dominance. Tamil Nadu sees a complex scenario with the DMK alliance ahead but Vijay's new party disrupting the scene
1 days ago
Kara Twitter review: Best Dhanush film ‘in recent years’ floors viewers, internet hails Vignesh Raja's gripping thrillerKara Twitter review: Dhanush plays a small-time thief who specialises in robbing the rich in this crime thriller directed by Vignesh Raja. Apr 30, 2026
1 days ago
The IPL 2026 season isn’t just heating up on the pitch; it’s practically boiling over on social media. A new video released by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) has fans convinced that the franchise just took a massive, “pink-tinted" swipe at RCB icon Virat Kohli
1 days ago
‘Ghost’ claim leads Guj officials to skeletal remains in 30-yr-old caseThe remains are suspected to belong to Farzana alias Shabnam, a Mumbai resident who had come to Ahmedabad to meet her partner, Shamshuddin over three decades ago Published on: Apr 30
1 days ago
Former FBI Director James Comey surrendered to authorities to face charges alleging that an image he briefly shared on social media posed a threat to the life of US President Donald Trump. The case stems from a 2025 Instagram post shared by Comey
1 days ago
Can autism or ADHD be diagnosed in adulthood? Psychologist shares what they look like in adultsExpert debunks common myths and discloses how ADHD and autism can be masked for years, well into adulthood. Published on: Apr 30, 2026 2:40 PM IST By Adrija Dey Share via Copy link Austism is usually
1 days ago
Hyundai has taken its compact SUV and added a sporty twist with the Venue N Line N10 DCT Dual Tone, priced at Rs 15,66,000 (ex-showroom). This is the top model in the Venue N Line range and is aimed at buyers who want a small SUV that is not just practical, but also fun to drive
1 days ago
