Business
How Much Alimony Can Your Partner Legally Claim After A Divorce? Know Your Rights
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Knowing alimony, spousal, and child support rules in India is vital. Both parties should assess assets, liabilities, joint property, accounts, investments, and loans
Hiring a divorce lawyer to protect financial interests and a financial planner for post-divorce financial planning is recommended. (Representative/News18 Bangla)
Amid the emotional turmoil of divorce, many individuals face the added concern of alimony, which can bring significant financial implications. Courts step in to provide this support, aiming to ease the financial strain and ensure stability for the affected spouse.
In India, alimony is governed by various personal laws and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC), ensuring that financially weaker spouses can maintain a life of minimum dignity post-separation. The form of alimony can vary based on case specifics.
Types Of Alimony:
- Permanent Alimony: This is extended to spouses who require ongoing financial support post-divorce, ceasing only upon the recipient’s remarriage or death, as stipulated under Section 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and other personal laws.
- Temporary Alimony/Interim Maintenance: Provided during divorce proceedings, it covers legal fees, living expenses, and other related costs, according to Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and Section 125 of the CrPC.
- Rehabilitative Alimony: Offered for a limited period, it aims to help the financially weaker spouse become self-sufficient, often through education or employment opportunities.
- Reimbursement/Compensatory Alimony: This compensates a spouse who sacrificed career opportunities for family obligations. Equitable principles guide its provision.
- Lump Sum Alimony: A one-time payment that spares the recipient from monthly legal battles, allowing them to settle debts, purchase property, or fulfil other needs.
- Nominal Alimony: A minimal amount set to preserve the legal right to claim more significant support in the future, used when immediate financial need is absent but anticipated.
Alimony Under Various Personal Laws
- Hindu Law: The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (Sections 24 and 25) covers interim and permanent alimony.
- Muslim Law: Alimony is paid during the iddat period post-divorce as per Sharia law and the Muslim Women (Protection of Right to Divorce) Act.
- Christian Law: The Indian Divorce Act, 1869 (Sections 36 and 37) governs alimony for Christian spouses.
- Parsi Law: The Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936 provides for maintenance both during and post-divorce.
- Special Marriage Act, 1954: Applicable to inter-religious marriages, it permits maintenance under Sections 36 and 37.
Future Earning Capacity
The ability to earn in the future, even if currently unemployed, affects alimony amounts. Courts encourage self-reliance, as seen in Kalyan De Chowdhury v. Rita De Chowdhury, (2017) 14 SCC 200.
Income Disclosure And Special Needs
In a notable case, the Jharkhand High Court increased a wife’s monthly maintenance to Rs. 90,000 after RTI findings revealed the husband’s income. The court also acknowledged the special needs of the couple’s autistic child, factoring in the mother’s full-time caregiving role.
Understanding alimony, spousal support, and child support under Indian law is crucial. Both parties must evaluate their assets and liabilities, including jointly owned property, bank accounts, investments, jewellery, and vehicles, as well as joint liabilities like loans. Removing one’s name from joint loans or credit cards is advisable to avoid future liabilities.
For financially dependent individuals, budgeting for post-divorce living expenses is essential. Opening a separate bank account, updating nominees on insurance and investment portfolios, and planning finances to manage alimony payments are important steps. Alimony received in lump sums is tax-free, whereas monthly payments are taxable. Understanding capital gains tax on donated property is also necessary.
Child support for education, health, and daily expenses must be decided, considering the custodial parent’s role. Updating wills, insurance policies, bank nominations, and property documents to exclude the ex-spouse might be necessary. Ensuring all financial settlements are documented in the divorce decree is critical.
Hiring a divorce lawyer to protect financial interests and a financial planner for post-divorce financial planning is recommended. Saving and investing for long-term security, acquiring new skills, and seeking employment or business opportunities can help rebuild a financially independent life post-divorce.
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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.
Business
Gold price today: How much 22K, 24K gold cost in Delhi, Patna & other cities – Check rates – The Times of India
Gold prices climbed to a fresh lifetime high in the domestic market on Thursday amid sustained buying by jewellers and stockists, according to the All India Sarafa Association.Gold advanced by Rs 800 to hit a new peak of Rs 1,47,300 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes), extending gains for the fifth consecutive session. The yellow metal had closed at Rs 1,46,500 per 10 grams in the previous session.Since the start of 2026, gold prices have surged Rs 9,600, or around 7 per cent, supported by persistent demand in the physical market. In overseas trade, spot gold slipped USD 12.22, or 0.26 per cent, to USD 4,614.45 per ounce, after having touched a record high of USD 4,643.06 per ounce in the previous session.Here is how much gold costs in major Indian cities today:
Gold price in Delhi today
The price of 22K gold in Delhi is Rs 13,140 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold is priced at Rs 14,333 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
Gold price in Chennai today
In Chennai, 22K gold costs Rs 13,290 per gram, up Rs 10, while 24K gold is priced at Rs 14,498 per gram, higher by Rs 10.
Gold price in Mumbai today
Mumbai markets see 22K gold priced at Rs 13,125 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold stands at Rs 14,318 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
Gold price in Ahmedabad today
In Ahmedabad, 22K gold is priced at Rs 13,130 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold costs Rs 14,323 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
Gold price in Kolkata today
Kolkata markets price 22K gold at Rs 13,125 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold stands at Rs 14,318 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
Gold price in Jaipur today
In Jaipur, 22K gold costs Rs 13,140 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold is priced at Rs 14,333 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
Gold price in Hyderabad today
Hyderabad sees 22K gold at Rs 13,125 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold is priced at Rs 14,318 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
Gold price in Bhubaneswar today
Bhubaneswar markets see 22K gold priced at Rs 13,125 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold costs Rs 14,318 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
Gold price in Patna today
In Patna, 22K gold costs Rs 13,130 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold is priced at Rs 14,323 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
Gold price in Lucknow today
Lucknow markets see 22K gold priced at Rs 13,140 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold costs Rs 14,333 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
National Startup Day 2026: How India’s Startups Are Shaping The Future
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