13 C Personal Finance News
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ECL impact: Banks could hike loan rates, re-draw lending strategy, experts say
A senior PSU banker said loan rates may rise by 5-10 bps upon full implementation of ECL norms for large banks and higher for smaller and mid-size peers
RBI postpones implementation of Phase 2 of Cheque Truncation System
The Central bank said this is to allow more time for banks to streamline their operations. The Phase 2 of Continuous Clearing and Settlement on Realisation in CTS was to start on January 3, 2026.
G-Secs rally on RBIs liquidity infusion announcement worth 2.90 lakh cr
RBI to conduct open market operation (OMO) purchase of G-Sec aggregating 2 lakh crore and a USD/INR three-year Buy/Sell Swap auction of $10 billion
IBBI mandates disclosure of beneficial ownership in resolution plans
Move will help in curbing opaque bids for resolution, say experts
Does the OCI card expire? How to reissue or renew it? Check all the details
An OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card remains valid for a lifetime, allowing its holders a multiple-entry lifelong visa for visiting India for any purpose. However, it has to be renewed from time to time.
Quote of the day by JP Morgan: Go as far as you can see; when you get there and
J.P. Morgan's quote: Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you'll be able to see farther, emphasizes the power of action and experience in personal and professional growth.
Is your PAN active? What will happen if you miss to link PAN Aadhaar after December 31
PAN Aadhaar Link Status:According to the ITR department, both registered and unregistered users can link their Aadhaar and PAN on the e-filing portal, even without logging in. You can use the quick link Link Aadhaar on the e-Filing home page to link Aadhaar and PAN.
Gold vs Silver: Which metal is poised to deliver higher return in year 2026? Heres what experts say
Gold price vs silver price in 2026: Precious metals gold and silver delivered exceptional returns in 2025, with silver outperforming gold significantly. Experts anticipate continued positive performance in 2026, driven by factors like central bank buying, industrial demand, and economic uncertainty. While both metals are expected to rise, silver may continue to outperform gold on a percentage basis.
PAN Aadhaar link deadline: Linking your PAN with Aadhaar is crucial by December 31, 2025, to prevent your PAN from becoming inoperative from January 1, 2026. Losing your PAN card or forgetting its number can be stressful.
ET Wealth Reader's Query: I am currently employed in India and work for a US-based company, with my salary paid in INR and credited to my Indian bank account. My employer has asked me to continue in the same role while working from the US, with salary to be credited to my Indian account. Will this arrangement be valid once my residential status changes to NRI?
Are you travelling to tick off a checklist or investing in experiences that stay with you?
The Reserve Bank of India has proposed new regulations mandating banks to disclose all foreign exchange transaction costs upfront. This aims to bring transparency to cross-border payments, addressing issues like hidden charges and opaque pricing that have long troubled retail users. The move will empower customers to better understand and compare costs before committing to transactions.
Lumpsum investments disappoint many MF investors in 2025. Will 2026 be different?
Lumpsum mutual fund investments in 2025 yielded mixed results, with some schemes delivering negative returns up to 20%. This divergence highlights timing risk in volatile markets. While SIPs offered a less volatile approach, selective lumpsum investments in 2026, particularly in large and flexi-cap funds, are advised.
Small spending habits that are costing you big money in the long run
Delhi High Court has declared electricity a fundamental right. A tenant's power supply cannot be cut off due to a dispute with the landlord. BSES Rajdhani must restore electricity to a tenant's property. The court ordered the power company to visit the premises and restore the connection. Tenants must pay bills. Landlords cannot obstruct reconnection.
Online EPF withdrawal gets easier in 2026: Know how and when you can take money out
EPFO simplified EPF withdrawal rules in 2025, reducing categories to Essential Needs, Housing Needs, and Special Circumstances. While full withdrawals are possible for retirement, unemployment, or permanent disability, partial withdrawals are allowed for emergencies, education, marriage, and housing needs after specific service periods. Understanding tax implications, especially the 5-year service rule for tax-free withdrawals, is crucial.
The Allahabad High Court has ruled a woman cannot claim maintenance from a man she lived with for ten years if she was still legally married to another. The court stated that cohabitation, even with public acknowledgment, does not grant the legal status of a wife. This decision upholds the sanctity of marriage and Section 125 of the CrPC.
Confused about bank operations during the Christmas season? In 2025, banks will be closed on December 24th in Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya for Christmas Eve. Nationwide, all banks will observe a holiday on December 25th for Christmas, with other state-specific holidays also impacting December banking schedules.
Why have multi-asset MFs beaten equity funds this year?
Multi-asset allocation funds have surprised investors by outperforming pure equity funds. These funds invest in at least three asset classes, including gold and silver. Their allocation to precious metals, which saw a sharp rally, drove their strong performance. Investors seeking automatic asset allocation can consider these funds. The Indian mutual fund industry has 32 such schemes.
Aavas Financiers to mop up 975 cr via NCD issuance to a multilateral institution
The NCD issuance will be in two tranches, comprising three series
Last date to link PAN with Aadhaar December 31: Income tax warns of deactivation, Rs 1,000 penalty
PAN holders must link their PAN with Aadhaar by December 31 or face deactivation and a penalty of Rs 1,000. A cancelled PAN can block bank transactions, credit cards, investments and income tax refunds. Here is why the deadline matters and how to avoid last-minute trouble.
RBI announces 2 lakh crore OMO, $10 billion dollar swap to boost liquidity
The measures follow a liquidity deficit of 54,852 crore as of December 22, driven by advance tax outflows.
8th Pay Commission from January 1, 2026? Why central employees may not see higher pay till 2028
The 8th Pay Commission is due from January 1, 2026, marking the end of the 7th Pay Commission cycle. However, experts say revised salaries may only be implemented around 2028 after the panel submits its report and the government clears the recommendations. A fitment factor of around 1.92 is seen as the most practical, which could raise the minimum basic pay from Rs 18,000 to about Rs 34,560. Dearness Allowance, likely to be around 60 to 65 per cent by 2026, will be adjusted into the new pay and then reset to zero. Employees can also expect arrears for the delay period, making the eventual payout significant.
The Income Tax Department is alerting taxpayers about potential errors in their tax deduction claims. Through a NUDGE campaign, the department is sending emails and SMS messages. Taxpayers are urged to review their Income Tax Returns and make corrections by December 31, 2025. This voluntary review aims to prevent future inquiries and penalties, as per the Income Tax Department.
Will the Income Tax Department be able to access your social media and emails from April 1, 2026?
A viral social media claim that the Income Tax Department will access private digital accounts from April 1, 2026, to curb tax evasion has been debunked by the PIB Fact Check team. The department's powers are strictly limited to search and survey operations for significant tax evasion, not routine processing or law-abiding citizens.
Found anomalies in your EPS remittances? EPFO explains how you can get refund for wrong contribution
Employers are making mistakes with Employees Pension Scheme contributions. Some members are wrongly included, while eligible ones are excluded. The Employees Provident Fund Organisation has released new guidelines. These will help field offices correct these errors. The aim is to ensure members receive their rightful pension benefits. This will streamline service delivery for all.
Union Bank of India cuts interest rates on select retail loan products by 30-160 bps
Home loan interest rates have been reduced by 30 bps, and start at 7.15%, as against the earlier rate of 7.45% p.a.
As more Indians relocate abroad, the demand for international money transfers is rising for various purposes like education and investments. Understanding the costs involved, including exchange rates, fees, and taxes, is crucial. This article reviews prominent online platforms like Niyo, Thomas Cook, and BookMyForex to help users save time and money on remittances.
A retired Punjab IPS officer tragically attempted suicide after losing 8.1 crore to a sophisticated stock market scam. Posing as DBS wealth managers, fraudsters lured him with promises of high returns, leading him to invest his savings and borrow heavily. Despite paying hefty fees, his money vanished, highlighting the vulnerability even to educated individuals.
Govt scraps mandatory probate of wills: Is voluntary probate still a smart move?
The Indian government has removed the mandatory requirement for probate of wills. This change simplifies succession planning for Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, and Parsis. While no longer legally compulsory, voluntary probate still offers crucial judicial confirmation of a will's validity. This is especially important for complex estates or strained family relationships.
Credit Card issuance declines in Q2FY26 amid slowing consumer credit growth: JM Financial
India's credit card growth is slowing. New card issuances have dropped significantly. Private banks are increasing their market share in credit cards. Meanwhile, public sector banks are gaining ground in personal, home, and auto loans. This shift indicates evolving trends in consumer credit across different banking sectors.
Central government employees and pensioners anticipate a substantial pay hike with the 8th Pay Commission. A fitment factor of 2.15 could double basic salaries. This revision, likely effective from January 1, 2026, will also boost allowances and pension benefits. The government may take up to two years to approve these recommendations, leading to arrears for employees.
ET Wealth Reader's Query: Im 45 and have a brother and a sister. Our family partition deed, signed in 2011 by me, my father, and brother, was not notarised and the original is lost. If my mother passes away first, how will my parents' properties devolve?
LIC Housing Finance cuts home loan rates: How do revised rates compare with SBI home loans?
LIC Housing Finance has slashed its home loan interest rates, with the lowest starting at 7.15% for borrowers with a CIBIL score of 825 and above. This move offers a competitive edge, as it is marginally lower than SBI's starting rate of 7.25% for standard home loans. The revised rates are tiered based on CIBIL scores and loan amounts.
Know your income tax refund status: How to check ITR refund - A complete guide
If you're constantly checking your bank account for that tax refund, this guide will help you track your income tax refund status check online and understand why delays happen.
To achieve goals or create wealth, the important ingredients are patience, discipline, and consistent investment with a long-term focus. The most important thing is to find the right mix of assets in your portfolio, with appropriate tenure and liquidity, to meet short to medium-term goals.
Flexi cap funds attracted Rs 70,959 crore in 2025 as investors sought flexibility in a volatile market. Experts say the categorys appeal lies in fund managers ability to shift between large, mid and small caps as conditions change. SIPs and long-term horizons remain key for investors using flexi caps as core equity holdings.
Best gilt mutual funds to invest in December 2025
Gilt mutual funds may deliver strong gains when the RBI begins cutting interest rates, but they are highly sensitive and suited only for informed, risk-taking debt investors. Gilt funds are debt mutual funds that invest in government securities or G-secs. As per Sebi norms, these schemes must invest 80% of their corpus in government securities.
M&M Share Price Live Updates: M&M's beta indicates strong market correlation
Hero MotoCorp Share Price Live Updates: Hero MotoCorp's market behavior reflected in its beta
Bharti Airtel Share Price Live Updates: Bharti Airtel's Stock Behavior
Employer cant deny NOC for passport due to pending disciplinary proceedings: Odisha High Court
The employee had three disciplinary proceedings pending against him; he sought an NOC for a passport to visit his daughter in Singapore, but his request was denied. He subsequently filed a case and won in the Odisha High Court. He was represented by Advocates S. Mallik, P.C. Das, M. Mallik, and A.P. Mohanty.
Retiring soon? These tax changes will directly effect your income and savings
Should investors consider Nifty Next 50 Index fund for their portfolio?
Investors can consider the Nifty Next 50 Index fund for a contrarian investment. Its recent underperformance compared to Nifty 50, coupled with attractive valuations, presents an opportunity. The index offers exposure to high growth sectors and a unique risk-return profile. Wealth managers suggest staggering investments over the next three months, potentially accumulating during market corrections.
Mission and vision match led to Shriram Finance-MUFG deal, says MUFG official
MUFGs Yasushi Itagaki credits shared vision with Shriram Finance for Indias largest FDI in the BFSI sector
HDFC Bank Parivartans HRDP boosts women farmers income in Madhya Pradesh
The project focuses on sustainable agriculture, crop diversification, and women-led livelihood enhancement
The new directions aim to address customer grievances arising from inconsistent practices and restrictive clauses in loan agreements, particularly affecting MSEs
We dont aspire to become a bank, just yet, Shriram Finance CEO says
In conversation with Parag Sharma, MD and CEO, Shriram Finance, on the MUFG Bank deal,
Uttar Pradesh property owners will soon benefit from a new 16-digit land unicode system. This initiative aims to enhance property tax tracking and collection across municipal corporations. The system will provide unique identification numbers for properties, aiding in the prevention of fraud and land disputes. It will also facilitate easier access to property information and streamline transactions for citizens.
MUFG Bank not keen to raise Shriram Finance stake beyond 20%
Says decision on bank conversion rests with Shriram Finance board, not MUFG
Linking PAN with Aadhaar is now mandatory for taxpayers. If PANAadhaar linkage is not over by December 31, 2025, the PAN may become inoperative from January 1, 2026.
Gold price today: Latest gold jewellery rates of Kalyan Jewellers, Tanishq, Malabar Gold, Joyalukkas
Check out the latest 22K gold jewellery rates of Kalyan Jewellers, Tanishq, Malabar Gold, Joyalukkas.
What if CPC misses ITR processing deadline? Heres how taxpayers can legally claim their refund
Taxpayers are entitled to their refund if the Income Tax Department's CPC fails to process their ITR within the statutory nine-month deadline from the financial year's end. This lapse means the CPC loses its right to make adjustments, and the return becomes final as filed. Taxpayers can then pursue their refund through grievances or legal avenues.
Dugar Finance raises $18 million in debt funding
The capital will enable Dugar Finance to enter new geographies, deepen distribution in underserved regional markets, and further strengthen its analytics-driven credit and risk capabilities
Aggressive Investment explained: Who should use it and what makes it so risky?
Good news for borrowers: EMIs set to drop as these banks cut lending rates
Nomura sees Ashok Leyland as key beneficiary of CV upcycle, sets target at Rs 196. Stock up 2%
Ashok Leyland shares hit a fresh 52-week high after Nomura reaffirmed its Buy rating and raised optimism around the commercial vehicle upcycle. The brokerage sees the company as a key beneficiary of improving CV demand, stronger volume growth and margin tailwinds, setting a target price of Rs 196 with healthy upside.
BharatPe & YES BANK launch 'Pay Later with BharatPe', an instant Credit on UPI
This new product is designed to democratize access to credit across Bharat, enabling both consumers and merchants to manage their financial needs with ease
Best corporate bond mutual funds to invest in December 2025
Investors seeking relatively safe debt options for short- to medium-term goals can consider corporate bond mutual funds in December 2025. These funds invest largely in AAA-rated papers, offering lower credit risk than other debt schemes, though investors must still track interest rate risks and fund manager prudence.
Aditya Birla Capital Digital offers digital will to simplify legacy planning
Many Indians delay writing wills, but digital wills offer a simple solution. They address the complexities of scattered digital and physical assets. The ABCD app provides an accessible platform for creating legally valid wills. This modern approach ensures loved ones face less uncertainty during vulnerable times. Estate planning must evolve with digital financial behavior.
A man who invested Rs 75 lakh in ULIPs and surrendered them for Rs 3.22 crore was penalized Rs 2.48 crore for reporting the income under the wrong head in ITR. ITAT Hyderabad canceled the penalty, ruling that a mere reporting error does not constitute misreporting under Section 270A(9) of the Income Tax Act.
Eighteen equity mutual funds have delivered over 15% XIRR on SIP investments in 2025. SBI Focused Fund and ICICI Pru Focused Equity Fund led with over 20% XIRR. Mirae Asset Midcap Fund and ICICI Pru Midcap Fund also showed strong performance. Investors who started SIPs on January 1, 2025, saw significant returns.
Kerala High Court ruled against retrospective higher pension claims for 67 CIAL employees. Despite CIAL offering retrospective contributions with interest, the court emphasized that EPF operates on an accrued investment basis. Employers cannot retrospectively contribute beyond statutory limits to gain benefits not available earlier, upholding the fund's financial sustainability.
ICICI Bank is introducing new credit card charges effective January-February 2026. A 2% fee will apply to online gaming transactions, and a 1% fee will be levied on transportation spending exceeding Rs 50,000. These changes also impact third-party wallet loads and other credit card features.
Gifts to daughters-in-law are tax-free, but income from these gifts is taxed to parents-in-law due to an outdated clubbing rule. This provision, intended to prevent tax evasion, now unfairly burdens senior citizens and can lead to disputes. Budget 2026 is an opportunity to reform this rule, aligning tax law with modern realities and cultural practices.
Owning land: Plotted developments, legal risks & disputes
Land investment in India offers potential outsized gains but carries legal risks including title disputes and zoning issues. Experts recommend thorough legal scrutiny, professional surveys, and treating land as a long-term investment in your portfolio.
How SEBIs expense ratio changes will impact your MFs
SEBI has restructured mutual fund expense ratios by introducing Base Expense Ratio (BER) and moving statutory levies like STT, GST and stamp duty outside expense limits.
NPS: Investment flexibility, bigger lumpsum & more
Lower annuitisation, extended investment timelines and flexible withdrawals have made NPS more investor-friendly.
Rupee at 91: Impact on students, travellers, investors
Students studying abroad and their parents will see budgets stretched, while international travellers can expect last-minute plans and discretionary spending to become 10-15% more expensive.
Direct overseas broker vs Indian platforms: Which wins?
Investing abroad directly with a foreign broker works best for sophisticated investors who trade sparingly and can hold for the long term.
Buy Bitcoin at $87K? What Indian investors must know
A price fall may look tempting, but Bitcoins new links to macro markets demand a different kind of caution.
Why insurance competition benefits policyholders
Aditya Birla Health Insurance CEO, Mayank Bathwal, talks to Riju Mehta about the benefits of the new insurance bill, the need to resolve insurer-hospital conflict through dialogue, and the reasons for the large number of customer complaints in health insurance.
How CFAR cover helps in sudden flight cancellation
The benefit allows you to cancel your trip without citing a reason, but the 24-hour intimation rule could limit its utility.
How to use credit cards smartly and avoid debt
Rapidly increasing in both usage and transaction value, credit cards continue to be a prominent mode of cashless spending. Whether youre a first-time or seasoned user, here are some pointers to remember.
Italy golden visa: What investors should know
Italy is among Europes most in-demand golden visas, ranking in the top-3 European Union programmes by volume.
Which asset class performed the best in 2025?
Welcome to TrendMap, your quick guide to the performance of different investment segments. In this edition, we present a 10-year performance tracker of various asset classes. The annual returns are ranked for multiple asset classes across equity, debt, precious metals and real estate.
What is insider trading? Is it regulated?
If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, heres a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 82nd part of this series, Riju Mehta explains what this practice means.
Shriram Capitals bank license aspirations get a boost with MUFG backing
Experts say SFLs promoter group, comprising Shriram Capital, Shriram Value Services and Sanlam Life Insurance, among others, with support from strategic investor MUFG Bank may give bank license a shot in 3-4 years
MPC likely to remain on extended pause; further rate cuts hinge on inflation trend: Report
Further easing seen only if inflation undershoots projections consistently
Home loan book set to cross 10 lakh cr next fiscal year on strong demand: SBI chief
SBIs home loan portfolio crossed 9 lakh crore mark last month, making it the biggest mortgage loan provider in the country
I gifted my wife Rs 10 lakh. Should I show it in my ITR or let her pay income tax on it?
ET Wealth Reader's Query: I gifted my wife Rs 10 lakh, which she will report as exempt income in her ITR. If she invests this amount in an FD, the interest earned will be clubbed with my income and shown in my ITR. How should she report this in her return to ensure the interest isnt taxed twice in both our ITRs?
Liquidation of overseas JV: BoB, IoB and UBoI collectively receive $73.4 million
The three public sector banks had a three-way partnership in IIBMB, with BoB, IoB and UBoI holding 40%, 35% and 25% stake, respectively
FD rate up to 8% for senior citizens investing for three years; Know the full list of banks
Senior citizens can now earn up to 8% interest on fixed deposits for three-year terms. Jana Small Finance Bank and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank are leading with this attractive rate. Other banks also offer competitive rates for longer tenures. Investors should note TDS rules and the option to submit Form 15H to avoid deductions if eligible.
Kotak Mahindra Bank customers should note a planned system maintenance on December 21, 2025. From 3:30 am to 4:30 am IST, mobile apps, net banking, UPI, and other payment services will be unavailable. ATM transactions below Rs 20,000 will not be affected. Customers are advised to plan their banking activities accordingly to avoid any inconvenience during this period.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that a driving license remains valid for 30 days post-expiration under the Motor Vehicle Act. This decision prevents insurance companies from reclaiming compensation from drivers whose licenses expired within this statutory grace period, as the license is legally effective during this time. Read more.
Taxpayers are receiving incorrect mismatch alerts from the Income Tax Department. The department's automated systems are misreading capital gains from unlisted share sales as business income. This is causing confusion and stress for those who have filed their returns correctly. The issue stems from how Section 194Q is being interpreted.
Rupee vs Dollar: Planning Rs 1.5 crore corpus for overseas education? Here's what can help
Planning a Rs 1.5 crore corpus for a childs overseas education requires more than market returnscurrency risk is key. Experts recommend starting early with equity mutual funds, disciplined SIPs with 22% annual step-ups, and strategic allocation to international funds, combining growth and rupee depreciation protection over a 20-year horizon
Taxpayers face a critical deadline. After December 31, 2025, revised income tax returns cannot be filed if the original return remains unprocessed. This impacts correcting errors and claiming refunds. Options include filing an ITR-U, which has limitations, or a rectification application for apparent mistakes. Proactive steps are advised for unprocessed returns.
While equity arbitrage funds may provide steady tax-efficient returns, a stunning analysis reveals how the government collects far more than investors realize.
Karnataka government has released its official holiday list for 2026, including both general and restricted holidays. This list is crucial for state government employees and institutions in Bengaluru and across the state to plan their schedules. The general holidays encompass national observances and state-specific festivals, while restricted holidays offer flexibility for employees.
