Rs 1 lakh investment in NSC: What will be maturity value after 5 years?

 

The National Savings Certificate (NSC) remains one of the most popular small savings schemes for investors seeking a low-risk, government-backed investment option.

When stock markets are witnessing volatility and fixed deposit (FD) rates at many scheduled banks are low, NSC provides attractive interest rates to a lot of investors looking for a long-term investment option.

NSC interest rate

The current NSC rate of 7.7% is higher than the rates offered by many banks on their five-year fixed deposits. Since the interest rate is fixed for the whole duration when you invest in NSC, investors can easily figure out the amount they will receive on maturity after five years, no matter how interest rates change in the future.

What will a Rs 1 lakh investment in NSC give you after 5 years?

If you invest Rs 1 lakh in NSC at the current interest rate of 7.7% per annum, the investment will grow to approximately Rs 1,44,903 at maturity after five years.

Interest in NSC is payable at maturity (compounded yearly).

NSC maturity calculation for Rs 1 lakh investment

Amount Investment amount: Rs 1,00,000

Interest rate: 7.7% p.a.

Tenure: 5 years

Maturity value: Rs 1,44,903

Total interest earned: Rs 44,903

Does investing in NSC offer tax benefits?

Deposits in NSC qualify for a tax deduction of up to Rs 1.5 lakh under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, for taxpayers opting for the old tax regime.

The same benefit is not available for those who have opted for the new tax regime.

Can an NSC account be transferred?

An NSC account can be transferred from one individual to another, subject to the condition that the transferee is eligible under the NSC scheme in the following cases, namely:

On the death of an account holder in case of a single account or all the account holders in a joint account, the amount will be transferred to the legal heirs or the nominees.

On an order of a court, on pledging, in the event of the death of any of the account holders in a joint account, the account will be transferred in the name of the surviving account holder or account holders.

NSC premature account closure rules

The account is not eligible for closure before maturity except in the following cases:

On the death of an account holder in a single account, or any or all the account holders in a joint account.

On forfeiture by a pledgee being a gazetted officer, when the pledge is in conformity with this scheme.

When ordered by a court.

NSC premature account closure interest payment rules

If you close an NSC account within one year of opening it, you will get back only the amount you originally invested. No interest will be paid.

• If you close an NSC account after one year but before completing three years, you will receive your principal amount along with interest at the rate applicable to the Post Office Savings Account for the period the account was held.

• If you invest ₹1,00,000 in the National Savings Certificate (NSC) under the current locked-in interest rate of 7.7% per annum (compounded annually), your maturity details after the fixed 5-year tenure will be as follows:

  • Principal Investment: ₹1,00,000

  • Total Interest Earned: ₹44,903

  • Total Maturity Value: ₹1,44,903

  Year-on-Year Growth Breakdown

  Although the interest is only paid out as a lump sum at the end of the 5th year, it compounds annually. Here is exactly how your ₹1 Lakh grows year by year:

  Year	Opening Balance	Interest Earned (at 7.7%)	Closing Balance
  Year 1	₹1,00,000	₹7,700	₹1,07,700
  Year 2	₹1,07,700	₹8,293	₹1,15,993
  Year 3	₹1,15,993	₹8,931	₹1,24,924
  Year 4	₹1,24,924	₹9,619	₹1,34,543
  Year 5	₹1,34,543	₹10,360	₹1,44,903

  Key Rules & Tax Implications to Keep in Mind

  • Fixed Rate Assurance: Once you invest, your interest rate is locked at 7.7% for the entire 5 years. Any future quarterly changes made by the government won't affect your ongoing certificate.

    
    
    

  • Tax Benefits on Investment: The initial investment of ₹1 Lakh is completely deductible from your taxable income under Section 80C (applicable if you opt for the old tax regime).

  • Tax on Accrued Interest:

    • For Years 1 to 4, the interest earned is automatically re-invested into the scheme. Because it is re-invested, this annual interest also qualifies for a fresh Section 80C deduction every year.

    • In the 5th Year, the interest earned (₹10,360) cannot be re-invested because the scheme is maturing. Therefore, this final year's interest is fully taxable as "Income from Other Sources" according to your tax slab.

  • No TDS: The post office does not deduct any Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on your maturity amount; it is up to you to declare the final year's interest in your ITR.

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'Till death do us part': African couple who came to Delhi for IVF die in each other's arms in hotel blaze

 

An African couple undergoing IVF treatment at a Delhi hospital were among the 21 people killed in the Malviya Nagar hotel fire, with rescuers finding them dead in each other’s arms inside a bathroom where they had apparently taken shelter from the smoke and flames.

The couple, among the 12 foreign nationals who died in Wednesday’s blaze at the Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani, were discovered on the ground floor of the hotel as rescue teams searched the smoke-filled building. Hospital staff and local residents familiar with the couple said they had been staying at the facility while receiving fertility treatment at a nearby hospital.

Speaking to PTI, Wasim Raja, a duty in-charge at Max Smart Hospital who was among the first responders, described the scene as one that left a lasting impression on him.

“We somehow managed to open the bathroom door and saw something that is beyond words to describe. I have seen many dead bodies during my career, but nothing compares to what I saw there,” Raja said. According to him, the woman, who appeared to have recently undergone a medical procedure and bore a surgery mark on her head, was seated on the toilet seat while her husband sat beside her on a chair.

“They were holding each other. Their arms were wrapped around one another and her head was resting on his shoulder,” he said.

Raja said rescuers immediately checked for signs of life and attempted to revive the couple.

“We checked their pulse and veins and tried CPR and every possible life-saving measure, but there was no response. They had most likely succumbed to smoke inhalation,” he said.

Even in their final moments, the couple appeared to have sought comfort in each other’s presence, he added.

“When death was approaching, they chose to face it together in each other’s arms. It was a scene that will stay with me forever.”

A local cab operator, Ikrar, who lives near the hotel, said several drivers in the area knew the couple as they frequently travelled to and from the hospital for treatment.

“They were undergoing IVF treatment. Drivers from our locality would often ferry them to the hospital and back. They had come here with hope of starting a family,” he said.

The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday morning when a massive fire swept through the five-storey hotel, killing 21 people and injuring several others. Most of the victims were medical tourists or attendants staying close to hospitals in the Saket area.

Investigators probing the incident have since uncovered a series of alleged safety violations. Police said the building’s rooftop exit was blocked and cooking heaters were being used in multiple guest rooms. Authorities have also alleged large-scale irregularities in the operation of the establishment, which was licensed to operate only six rooms but was allegedly running around 25.

This is an incredibly heartbreaking tragedy. Reading about a couple who traveled so far with a shared dream of starting a family, only to have their lives cut short in such a devastating way, is deeply moving. It is a poignant, painful reminder of how fragile life can be, even as it underscores the profound depth of their bond—truly remaining together until the very end.

Such incidents also highlight the critical, real-world importance of strict fire safety compliance and infrastructure standards, especially in commercial hubs and hospitality spaces that host international travelers.

If there is a specific aspect of this news story you are looking to understand better—such as the details of the incident, the safety investigations that followed, or information on emergency protocols—please let me know how I can help you find those details.

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What really happens when you eat a spoon of ghee every day?

 

For generations, ghee has held a special place in Indian kitchens. From drizzling over hot rotis to enriching festive sweets, this golden ingredient is often considered more than just a cooking fat. Recently, however, a new wellness trend has emerged: taking a spoonful of ghee every day, often first thing in the morning. But is this ancient practice actually good for you, or is it just another health fad? The answer lies somewhere in between. Ghee is essentially clarified butter, made by slowly heating butter until the milk solids separate and the water evaporates. What remains is a rich, aromatic fat packed with fat-soluble vitamins and healthy fatty acids.

Why Should I Have Ghee Everyday?

One of the biggest reasons people swear by daily ghee consumption is digestion. Ghee contains butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid that may support gut health and help maintain the lining of the intestines. Many people report feeling less bloated and experiencing smoother digestion when ghee is consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Another benefit is sustained energy. Unlike refined carbohydrates that can cause quick spikes and crashes in blood sugar, fats digest more slowly. A spoon of ghee can provide a steady source of energy, which is one reason it has long been valued in traditional diets. Some people even add it to coffee, warm water or morning meals for an energy boost.

Spoon of ghee (Credits: iStock)

Your skin may also thank you. Ghee contains vitamins A, D, E and K, which play important roles in maintaining healthy skin and supporting overall wellness. While a spoon of ghee won't replace a skincare routine, healthy fats are essential for keeping skin nourished from within.

Interestingly, ghee has also gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts. Healthy fats are necessary for hormone production, nutrient absorption and recovery. When paired with a balanced diet, ghee can be a useful source of dietary fat rather than something to avoid altogether. However, moderation is key.

A tablespoon of ghee contains around 120 calories and is high in saturated fat. While recent research has challenged the idea that all saturated fats are harmful, consuming excessive amounts may still contribute to weight gain if overall calorie intake becomes too high. For people with certain heart conditions or elevated cholesterol levels, it's best to consult a healthcare professional before making daily ghee a habit.

Another common misconception is that more ghee automatically means better health. It doesn't. A spoonful may fit well into a healthy lifestyle, but multiple servings throughout the day can quickly add up. Ghee works best as part of a varied diet rich in vegetables, fruits, proteins and whole grains.

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Ghee (Credits: iStock)

What Happens When You Take Ghee Everyday?

You may experience better digestion, steady energy levels, improved nutrient absorption and a satisfying feeling of fullness. But the benefits depend on your overall diet, lifestyle and portion size. Think of ghee as a supporting player rather than a miracle ingredient. In the end, that daily spoonful of golden goodness can be a healthy addition to your routine, just don't expect it to perform magic on its own. Like most things in nutrition, balance matters more than any single food ever will.

For generations in Indian households, a spoonful of desi ghee has been treated as a golden elixir. When you make it a daily ritual—especially if consumed first thing in the morning with warm water or added to a warm meal—your body undergoes several distinct physiological changes.

Here is what modern nutritional science and traditional biochemistry tell us about what actually happens inside your body:

1. Your Gut Linings Get a Super-Fuel Boost

Ghee is one of the highest natural sources of butyric acid (butyrate), a short-chain fatty acid.

• The Science: The cells lining your colon (colonocytes) use butyrate as their primary energy source. Eating ghee daily helps repair, strengthen, and maintain the integrity of the gut wall.

• The Result: It reduces internal inflammation, supports a healthy gut microbiome, and promotes smooth peristalsis (the movement of intestinal muscles), acting as a natural lubricant to relieve mild, chronic constipation.

2. You Absorb Far More Nutrients from Your Food

You can eat all the leafy greens and colorful vegetables you want, but many of their vital nutrients are fat-soluble.

• The Science: Vitamins A, D, E, and K cannot be absorbed by your body without a fat runner to carry them into your bloodstream.

• The Result: Drizzling a spoonful of ghee over your food or eating it as a morning ritual ensures your body actually metabolizes and utilizes the vitamins from your entire diet, directly benefiting your immune system, bone density, and vision.

3. Your Joints Get Internal "Lubrication"

If you suffer from morning stiffness or popping joints, a daily spoonful of ghee can alter how your joints feel.

• The Science: Ghee provides essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamin K2, which plays a critical role in directing calcium out of your arteries and straight into your bones.

• The Result: In Ayurvedic terms, it pacifies Vata (dryness) by providing systemic moisture. Biochemically, the healthy fats support the integrity of cell membranes and tissues, keeping joints more flexible and resilient.

4. Your Cellular Energy Stabilizes

Unlike refined vegetable oils or carbohydrates that cause rapid spikes and crashes in energy, ghee is rich in Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs).

• The Science: MCTs are processed differently than other fats. Instead of going through a lengthy digestion process, they go straight to your liver, where they are immediately converted into clean, usable energy.

• The Result: A morning spoonful provides sustained energy and enhances satiety (the feeling of fullness), which can prevent mid-morning sugar cravings.

5. Your Skin Gains a Natural Glow

The phrase "glowing from within" has a structural basis when it comes to healthy fat consumption.

• The Science: Your skin cells are wrapped in a protective lipid barrier. A lack of high-quality fats in the diet dries out this barrier, causing flaky skin, brittle hair, and premature aging.

• The Result: The combination of vitamins A and E along with stable lipids seals in moisture from the inside out, improving skin elasticity and giving it a naturally supple appearance.

⚠️ The Golden Rule: Context and Quantity Matter

While a spoonful of ghee can do wonders, its effects depend entirely on how you live:

• The Dose: One to two teaspoons (around 5–10 grams) per day is the sweet spot for most adults. At roughly 45–90 calories, it fits beautifully into a balanced lifestyle.

• The Quality: Opt for traditional, cultured A2 cow ghee (made via the traditional churning or Bilona method) for the highest concentration of butyric acid and nutrients.

• Watch Your Overall Diet: Ghee works beautifully when it replaces processed fats, refined oils, and excessive carbohydrates. If you add a spoonful of ghee to a diet already high in junk food and sedentariness, it will simply add excess calories.

A Note on Health Conditions: If you have an existing cardiovascular condition, high LDL cholesterol, or fatty liver disease, it is wise to consult your doctor or a lipid specialist before making ghee a daily therapeutic habit.

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