[1] Pay 20% TCS if you are sending money abroad. [2] Debt Mutual Funds are now on parity with FDs. [3] If you buy Real Estate, pay more taxes (Stamp Duty). [4] Don't buy physical gold because SGBs are better (presumably). [5] More taxes on trading income. So what's going on? It is simple: Either take more risk with your money (by investing in equities). Or put your money in 'paper money' (eg. eg Banks, SGBs, REITs), all these options leads to more paper money. This paper money will be lent to several politically aided businesses in the form of subsidised loans. Even if you are a GREAT investor and can make money via Equities, you can't really move it abroad (b/c more taxes) or buy 'REAL' assets (eg. Land, Physical Gold etc) without paying crazy taxes. All this is happening right in front of your eyes. But, most people won't get it, because economics & finance is complex.