Archive
October 2026
Everything we published in October 2026.
71 articles · page 1 of 3
AT&T data breach settlement: payment date, how much you'll get
The $177 million AT&T data breach settlement got final court approval on 2 October 2026. Who gets paid, estimated amounts for each tier, when payments may arrive, and how to avoid settlement scams.
CBSE date sheet 2027 out: Class 10 and 12 exams from 16 February
CBSE released the 2027 date sheet on 6 November 2026. Exams start 16 February; Class 10 ends 9 March, Class 12 on 9 April. Subject dates, two-exam rule, timings and how to download.
Cyclone safety checklist: what to do before, during and after
A practical cyclone safety checklist for India based on NDMA and IMD advice — IMD warning colours, emergency kit, preparing your home, what to do during the storm and staying safe after it. Helpline 112.
DA hike July 2026: 3% rise to 63% — how much more salary you get
The Cabinet approved a 3% DA and DR hike on 28 October 2026, taking dearness allowance to 63% from 1 July 2026. Salary and pension examples, arrears and how DA is calculated.
Diwali 2026 and 2027 dates: Lakshmi Puja muhurat, Dhanteras, calendar
Diwali 2026 was on Sunday, 8 November; Diwali 2027 is on Friday, 29 October. Lakshmi Puja muhurat for Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai and more, Dhanteras on 6 November, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj dates.
Gold vs silver investment in India (2026): rates, returns, which to buy
Gold or silver — which suits you? How the two metals behave, their risks, and how to invest through ETFs, mutual funds, SGBs, digital gold or jewellery, plus tax rules.
How to use ChatGPT for free: what you get, limits and paid plans
A plain guide to using ChatGPT free — sign-up, what the free plan includes, its limits and ads, the Go and Plus prices in India, privacy settings and 15 useful ways to use it.
IPO GMP meaning: what grey market premium is and how far to trust it
GMP (grey market premium) is the unofficial price at which IPO shares trade before listing. How GMP is calculated, kostak and subject-to-sauda rates, real examples, risks and why it isn't legal or reliable.
JEE Main 2027 registration: last date 22 Nov, fees, exam dates
JEE Main 2027 session 1 registration is open on jeemain.nta.nic.in until 22 November 2026. Exam dates (20–28 January 2027), fees, eligibility, documents and step-by-step form filling.
PM Kisan 24th installment released: status check, 25th kist date, eKYC
PM Modi released the ₹2,000 PM Kisan 24th installment on 30 October 2026 to 9.34 crore farmers. Check if you got it, fix a stuck payment, finish eKYC, and when the 25th kist may come.
UGC NET December 2026: city slip 23 Nov, admit card 7 Dec, exam dates
UGC NET December 2026 exams are on 14–18 and 21 December. City intimation slip on 23 November, admit card on 7 December. Fees, eligibility, JRF age limit, pattern and preparation tips.
Cyber fraud in India: call 1930 and report on cybercrime.gov.in
Lost money to a UPI, OTP, digital arrest or investment scam? Call 1930 at once, file on cybercrime.gov.in, alert your bank. What to keep ready and how money is recovered.
Heat pump vs furnace: cost, efficiency and which to pick
A heat pump costs about $6,500–$13,000 installed and also cools; a gas furnace runs $5,000–$7,500. Here's how to pick the right one for your home.
How to apply for a passport in India online (2026 guide)
Apply on Passport Seva, pay ₹2,500 (normal) or ₹5,000 (Tatkal) for 36 pages from July 2026, book a PSK slot and pass police verification. Documents, steps, fixes.
15 ways to lower your electric bill in winter
From thermostat setbacks that save up to 10% to cold-water laundry and sealing drafts, here are 15 proven ways to cut your winter electric and heating bill.
401(k) and IRA contribution limits for 2026 (full table)
2026 limits: $24,500 401(k), $8,000 catch-up at 50+, $11,250 at 60–63, $7,500 IRA + $1,100 catch-up. Roth income limits, deduction phase-outs and the new Roth catch-up rule.
AC replacement cost in 2026: prices by size, SEER2 and brand
A new central AC costs $2,500–$7,500 installed; a 3-ton system runs about $3,000–$6,500. Prices by tonnage and SEER2, the refrigerant change, repair-or-replace rule and ways to save.
Attic insulation cost in 2026: blown-in, batts and spray foam
Blown-in attic insulation costs about $1.60–$2.75 per sq ft ($1,600–$2,750 for 1,000 sq ft); spray foam $3.80–$6.75. R-values by climate, air sealing, savings, DIY vs pro and rebates.
Ayushman card: check eligibility, apply and download (70+ too)
PM-JAY gives cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family a year. Check eligibility, do Aadhaar e-KYC, download the card, and get the Vay Vandana card if you're 70+.
Bathroom remodel cost in 2026: prices by size, item and scope
A bathroom remodel averages about $15,600; most cost $6,500–$24,700. Small baths $12,700–$14,800, primary suites $22,400+. Item costs, timelines, ROI and ways to save.
Best thermostat settings for winter to save money
Set about 68°F when you're home, then 7–10°F lower overnight or while out — that can save up to 10% a year. Here's a schedule, plus heat pump tips.
Compound interest explained: formula, examples and the rule of 72
Compound interest earns interest on your interest. The formula, how compounding frequency matters, the rule of 72, real examples in $ and ₹, and how debt compounds against you.
Deck cost in 2026: price per square foot by material and size
A pro-built deck costs about $30–$60 per sq ft: $4,300–$8,600 for 12x12 and $9,600–$19,200 for 16x20. Wood vs composite, add-on costs, permits, upkeep and ROI.
DigiLocker guide: Aadhaar, PAN, DL and marksheets on your phone
DigiLocker stores government-issued documents on your phone, legally valid like originals. Sign up with Aadhaar, fetch issued documents, share safely and fix errors.