West Bengal is restarting the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY), offering cashless health insurance up to Rs 5 lakh per family each year. The update opens eligibility for senior citizens aged 70 and above to apply for coverage, aiming to reduce out of pocket medical costs and ease financial stress on households across the state.
NCRB data for 2024 points to a worrying shift: cases involving juveniles in conflict with the law rose 11.2% to 34,878. At the same time, crimes against senior citizens increased. While kidnapping and abduction cases declined 15.4% to 96,079, overall patterns suggest more youth-linked offenses and heightened targeting of the elderly.
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Bajaj Finance has raised fixed deposit interest rates for 31 to 60 months, offering 7.40% for general customers while senior citizens can earn up to 7.75%. The revised rates take effect from May 1, 2026. Separately, the 8th Pay Commission has scheduled stakeholder meetings across Hyderabad, Srinagar and Ladakh in May and June 2026.
A 62-year-old senior citizen in Navi Mumbai was cheated of Rs 64 lakh over four years after fraudsters impersonated IRDA and the IGMS grievance system. He was repeatedly told the transfers were for “taxes and fees,” and even couriered ATM cards. Police have now registered an FIR as the case reveals a criminal scam rather than a legitimate recovery process.
Senior citizens can still find fixed deposit (FD) interest rates up to 8.05% for a three-year tenure at select small finance banks, though the benefit is capped at Rs 3 crore. Banks typically deduct TDS on FD interest above Rs 1 lakh annually, but seniors with zero tax liability can submit Form 15H to avoid it.
Union Budget 2026 maintains India’s tax framework for senior citizens without introducing major new relief measures. While the changes are minimal and the overall rules stay largely the same, retirees hoping for fresh tax breaks may find their retirement planning assumptions need revisiting. The budget focuses more on continuity than on targeted senior-focused easing.
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Shriram Finance Limited has revised fixed deposit interest rates effective May 6, 2026, lowering returns across multiple tenures for deposits up to Rs. 10 crore. The move comes after the company’s upgrade to a AAA (Stable) credit rating, signaling strong safety for depositors. Investors, especially women and senior citizens, should compare new maturity-wise yields before locking funds.
Union Budget 2026 confirms Ayushman Bharat support for senior citizens aged 70 and above, with health coverage continuing up to Rs 5 lakh annually regardless of income. The scheme also retains Aadhaar as a required step for enrollment. Eligible beneficiaries can apply online or through the Ayushman App, ensuring access without needing income proof.
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