Nifty Smallcap 100 Plunges to 14,986 Low: Why Mid- and Small-Caps Are Crashing Harder Than the Market in March 2026

  The Indian stock market witnessed intense selling pressure on March 23, 2026, as mid- and small-cap indices tumbled over 4% amid a broader market crash driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The Nifty Midcap 100 index has now declined around 13% year-to-date in 2026, reflecting sharp corrections in broader market segments that have outperformed in previous years but are now facing heightened volatility. Sharp Intraday Declines in Midcap and Smallcap Indices The Nifty Smallcap 100 index opened at 15,565.30 on Monday but quickly slipped to an intraday low of 14,986, erasing significant ground in early trade. By the afternoon session, the selling intensified, with the index down over 4% at points during the day. Market breadth was overwhelmingly negative—except for isolated performers like Trident (up around 2.85%), virtually every stock in the Nifty Smallcap 100 traded in the red, signaling widespread panic across smaller companies. Similarly, the Nifty M...
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Income Tax Changes from April 1, 2025: What Salaried Employees Need to Know

 


As the new financial year 2025-26 approaches, several significant income tax rule changes introduced through the Finance Bill 2025 will come into effect from April 1, 2025. These amendments are designed to simplify the tax structure and provide relief to taxpayers, particularly salaried employees. Here's a comprehensive overview of the key changes:

1. Enhanced Tax Rebate Under Section 87A

The tax rebate under Section 87A of the Income-tax Act, 1961, has been increased from ₹25,000 to ₹60,000 in the new tax regime. This enhanced rebate applies to taxable income up to ₹12 lakh, effectively making such income tax-free. For salaried employees, considering the standard deduction (discussed below), this limit extends to ₹12.75 lakh. It's important to note that the tax rebate under the old tax regime remains unchanged. 

2. Revised Tax Slabs and Rates

The new tax regime introduces revised tax slabs and rates effective April 1, 2025:

  • Income up to ₹4,00,000: Nil

  • ₹4,00,001 to ₹8,00,000: 5%

  • ₹8,00,001 to ₹12,00,000: 10%

  • ₹12,00,001 to ₹16,00,000: 15%

  • ₹16,00,001 to ₹20,00,000: 20%

  • ₹20,00,001 to ₹24,00,000: 25%

  • Above ₹24,00,000: 30%

The basic exemption limit has been raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹4 lakh, and the highest 30% tax rate now applies to incomes above ₹24 lakh. There are no changes to the slabs and rates under the old tax regime. 

3. Increased Standard Deduction

The standard deduction for salaried employees has been increased from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 under the new tax regime. This enhancement effectively raises the tax-free income threshold for salaried individuals to ₹12.75 lakh, considering the ₹60,000 rebate under Section 87A. 

4. New TDS Thresholds

The minimum amounts above which Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is applicable have been revised for various transactions. Notably, the TDS threshold on bank deposit interest has increased from ₹40,000 to ₹50,000. This means that interest income up to ₹50,000 will not attract TDS. 

5. Redefined Perquisites

From April 1, 2025, certain amenities and benefits provided by employers to employees will be exempt from being treated as perquisites. Additionally, expenditures incurred by employers for an employee's medical treatment abroad, including travel expenses for the employee or their family members, will not be considered taxable perquisites. 

6. Taxation of ULIPs

Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) with annual premiums exceeding ₹2.5 lakh will now have their redemption proceeds classified as capital gains. These gains will be taxed under Section 112A of the Income Tax Act, aligning the taxation of high-premium ULIPs with equity-oriented investments. 

7. Additional Deduction for NPS Vatsalya

Salaried employees can now contribute to the NPS Vatsalya account for their children and claim an additional deduction of ₹50,000 under the old tax regime. This initiative encourages savings for children's future while providing tax benefits. 

8. Simplified Annual Value for Self-Occupied Property

Taxpayers can now claim a nil annual value on up to two properties, regardless of whether they are self-occupied. This change simplifies the tax treatment of multiple properties and provides relief to homeowners. 

Staying informed about these changes is crucial for effective tax planning in the new financial year. 

Location:Nainital Uttarakhand ,India India

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