Business
Looking For Tax-Free Guaranteed Returns Better Than An FD? GRP Has You Covered
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Guaranteed return plans offer up to 6.9% tax-free returns from day one, remaining unaffected by future interest rate changes or market fluctuations
FDs, which were considered safe investments, no longer offer the same returns as before. (Representative/Shutterstock)
The financial environment is continually evolving, with interest rates fluctuating and the stock market remaining unpredictable. This uncertainty has prompted many in India to reconsider their financial planning strategies.
Previously, investments were made in fixed deposits (FDs), recurring deposits, or market-based schemes with little consideration. Nowadays, people are seeking options that are stable, low-risk, and capable of securing their financial future for years to come.
In this context, guaranteed return plans (GRP) have emerged as a new source of relief and trust for many investors.
The primary advantage of guaranteed return plans is that they offer up to 6.9 percent tax-free guaranteed returns from the outset. These plans remain unaffected by future interest rates or market downturns, which makes them appealing as safe and stable investment options. These schemes attract a wide range of investors, from daily savers to those contemplating long-term investments.
Pavitt Laul, Head of Investments at Policybazaar.com, highlighted that the assured and stable returns are the main reason for the increasing popularity of GRP.
Previously, FDs, which were considered safe investments, no longer offer the same returns as before. With a guaranteed return plan, returns are locked in from the moment of purchase. For instance, FD interest rates were around 9 percent in 2011 but had dropped to 6.05 percent by 2025. This decline makes it increasingly difficult to outpace inflation with such returns. Conversely, GRP guarantees fixed returns for the entire period, regardless of market fluctuations.
Why Guaranteed Return Plans Are So Popular
- Tax savings on investments under Section 80C.
- Tax-free maturity benefits on annual premiums up to Rs 5 lakh under Section 10(10D).
- Fixed interest rates throughout the policy period.
- Tax-free maturity amount.
- Compound growth at a fixed rate.
The entire maturity amount of a Guaranteed Return Plan (GRP) is tax-free, making it more attractive than fixed deposits, where the interest income is fully taxable. This tax advantage, combined with the ability to plan for long-term goals of 10, 15, 20, or even 47 years, makes GRPs appealing to many investors.
Another advantage is the flexibility in payment options:
- Investors can opt for a lump sum at maturity.
- They can choose monthly or annual payouts for 5 to 30 years.
- Immediate income plans are available for those who want returns right after investing.
- Some plans provide a steady income later in life, functioning like a pension.
This flexibility allows every investor to select an option suited to their life goals and budget.
GRPs are not just investment tools—they also include life insurance cover, providing financial security for the family and ensuring that long-term goals remain achievable even in the absence of the breadwinner. This combination of tax benefits, flexibility, and security is why GRPs are increasingly popular, especially among young parents, middle-class families, and new investors.\
Disclaimer:Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
November 25, 2025, 19:30 IST
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Business
Gurugram Attracts Rs 86,588 Crore In Real Estate Investments In 2025 As RERA Clears 131 Projects
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Alongside rising investments, Gurugram RERA strengthened regulatory oversight to safeguard homebuyer and investor interests
Gurgaon Real Estate (Representative Image)
Gurugram emerged as one of India’s top real estate investment destinations in 2025, with projects worth Rs 86,588 crore receiving regulatory approvals during the year, according to data from the Gurugram Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Gurugram RERA).
Market observers said the numbers reflect strong investor confidence in the NCR’s largest commercial and residential hub.
Gurugram RERA registered 131 projects in calendar year 2025, representing development potential of 35,455 units across housing and commercial segments.
A striking feature of the data was the dominance of large-ticket projects. Just 28 major developments accounted for investments worth Rs 59,360 crore, highlighting the growing influence of institutional capital and large developers in shaping Gurugram’s property market.
Residential assets continued to attract the bulk of investment interest. Of the total units approved, 31,455 were residential, underscoring sustained end-user demand and long-term confidence in the city’s housing fundamentals.
According to Authority data, the residential mix included 17,405 group housing units, 5,720 mixed land use units, 4,040 residential floor units, 2,122 affordable group housing units, 1,954 units under the Deen Dayal housing scheme, and 214 residential plotted colony units.
Market observers said this diversified supply pipeline indicates capital deployment across both premium and mass segments, helping reduce concentration risk and deepen market resilience.
On the commercial side, Gurugram RERA approved about 4,000 commercial units, of which 168 were dedicated to IT parks, reinforcing Gurugram’s position as a preferred hub for technology firms and Global Capability Centres.
Analysts noted that the combination of office-led employment growth and residential expansion continues to make Gurugram attractive for long-term capital deployment.
Industry experts said the scale of investments approved in 2025 highlights Gurugram’s ability to attract capital despite global uncertainty, supported by infrastructure growth, a strong corporate base and an improving regulatory environment.
“With a large pipeline of approved projects and sustained interest from developers and institutional investors, Gurugram is expected to remain a key real estate investment destination in the coming years,” a Gurugram-based real estate expert said.
Tighter regulatory checks
Alongside rising investments, Gurugram RERA strengthened regulatory oversight to enhance transparency and safeguard homebuyer and investor interests.
“These steps included stricter scrutiny of developer submissions, mandatory site inspections by domain experts, and public consultation through mandatory notices before project registration,” an Authority official said.
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January 16, 2026, 07:44 IST
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National Startup Day highlights India’s thriving startup ecosystem, celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation driven by founders, unicorns and Startup India mission
National Startup Day 2026 honours Indian startups, entrepreneurs and innovators driving economic growth and job creation.
National Startup Day 2026: India’s startup ecosystem has evolved into one of the world’s most vibrant and promising innovation hubs. To recognise the contribution of entrepreneurs, founders and startups transforming ideas into impactful solutions, National Startup Day is observed every year on January 16 across the country.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, the day celebrates visionary entrepreneurs who play a crucial role in economic growth, employment generation and technological advancement.
National Startup Day serves as a reminder that innovation, backed by determination and policy support, can reshape society and create global impact.
National Startup Day 2026 Theme
The official theme for National Startup Day 2026 is yet to be announced. However, the core focus areas are expected to revolve around:
- Innovation and emerging technologies
- Entrepreneurship and leadership
- Self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat)
- Startup India Mission
- Youth empowerment
- Job creation
How Startups Are Shaping India’s Future
India currently ranks as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, with over 1.59 lakh startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of early 2025. Backed by 100+ unicorns, the ecosystem continues to grow rapidly.
Metro cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi-NCR lead this expansion, while Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are emerging as new innovation centres, adding diversity and scale to India’s entrepreneurial journey.
Startups across fintech, edtech, health-tech, e-commerce and deep-tech are addressing real-world challenges and gaining global recognition. Technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain and IoT are increasingly driving innovation, according to Startup India ecosystem reports.
Industry-Wise Startup Impact
DPIIT-recognised startups have generated over 16.6 lakh direct jobs across sectors as of October 31, 2024, strengthening India’s employment landscape.
- IT Services: 2.04 lakh jobs
- Healthcare & Life Sciences: 1.47 lakh jobs
- Commercial & Professional Services: 94,000 jobs
Through the Startup India initiative, the government continues to focus on skill development, funding access, ecosystem collaboration and global outreach.
Key Initiatives Under Startup India
- Capacity building and mentorship
- Outreach and awareness programmes
- Ecosystem development events
- International exposure and global linkages
- Collaboration between startups, corporates and institutions.
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January 16, 2026, 07:00 IST
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The government on Thursday kept petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices unchanged at Rs253.17 per litre and Rs257.08 per litre respectively, for the coming fortnight, starting from January 16.
This decision was notified in a press release issued by the Petroleum Division.
Earlier, it was expected that the prices of all petroleum products would go down by up to Rs4.50 per litre (over 1pc each) today in view of variation in the international market.
Petrol is primarily used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws, and two-wheelers, and directly impacts the budgets of the middle and lower-middle classes.
Meanwhile, most of the transport sector runs on HSD. Its price is considered inflationary, as it is mostly used in heavy transport vehicles, trains, and agricultural engines such as trucks, buses, tractors, tube wells, and threshers, and particularly adds to the prices of vegetables and other eatables.
The government is currently charging about Rs100 per litre on petrol and about Rs97 per litre on diesel.
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Gurugram Attracts Rs 86,588 Crore In Real Estate Investments In 2025 As RERA Clears 131 Projects
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