20 C Personal Finance News
Text view
Income tax dept releases FAQs on tax deduction on donation under Section Section 80G
Donating to charities offers tax benefits under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. The Income Tax Department has clarified rules for these deductions. Taxpayers can claim benefits for donations to eligible institutions. Verification is done through Form 10BD. Different donation categories offer varying deduction limits. Cash donations over two thousand rupees are not eligible.
Mutual funds to further tilt towards short-end, steer clear of long bonds, managers say
Indian mutual funds are set to buy more of the shortest maturity instruments as investors increasingly channel savings into sub one-year schemes, spurning longer duration debt including government bonds, fund managers said.
Our lives today are running on autopilot, leaving us with little time to think or reflect on our spending habits. Social media algorithms constantly show us products we may like or have recently searched for, while digital payment methods make shopping feel effortless. We often don't realise how much money we are mindlessly spending until we consciously review our expenses.
Gross SIP flows in 2025 crosses Rs 3 lakh crore, highest in 5 years. Check details
SIP inflows remained strong in November 2025, marking the second-highest monthly collection and extending a multi-year streak of robust and consistent investor participation.
Ola Electric, Aditya Birla Fashion among worst BSE 500 performers, stocks sink up to 70% in 2025
More than 300 BSE 500 stocks ended 2025 in deep losses, with names like Ola Electric, FirstCry and Aditya Birla Fashion plunging as much as 70% amid volatility and sectoral churn.
The Punjab government has announced its official list of public and restricted holidays for state government offices in 2026. These holidays will be observed across all government offices, boards, corporations, and educational institutions under the state's purview. This annual release ensures clarity for public sector entities and aligns with the varied holiday schedules across Indian states.
6 mutual funds make a complete exit from 9 midcap stocks in November
Six mutual funds made a complete exit from nine midcap stocks in November as part of active portfolio reshuffling, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities. Quant Mutual Fund led the sell-off by exiting three stocks, while Kotak Mutual Fund exited two.
NFO Alert: DSP Mutual Fund launches Nifty 500 and Next 50-based passive funds
DSP Mutual Fund has launched two new passive offeringsDSP Nifty 500 Index Fund and DSP Nifty Next 50 ETFproviding diversified, low-cost access to Indias equity markets. The NFOs aim to help investors build long-term portfolios using transparent, benchmark-linked strategies across market capitalisations.
Edelweiss MFs Altiva Hybrid Long Short Fund crosses Rs 1,000 crore in AUM
Edelweiss Mutual Funds Altiva Hybrid Long Short Fund has crossed Rs 1,000 crore in assets under management within months of launch. The milestone reflects strong investor interest in the SIF strategy, which combines equity arbitrage, fixed income and special situations to deliver tax-efficient, consistent returns across market cycles.
Nilesh Shah of Kotak Mutual Fund says equity arbitrage fund taxation mirrors Chanakyas advice of gentle taxation. Despite low-volatility returns, Kotak Equity Arbitrage Fund generated significant government revenue through STCG and transaction charges, with total collections reaching up to 78% of investors net returns in FY25, according to his analysis.
Piramal Finance to sell 14.72% stake in Shriram Life Insurance for 600 crore
Shriram Life Insurance contributed 12.68 crore to Piramal Finances FY25 revenue, accounting for just 0.12% of total income.
A list of major cross-border deals in India's financial sector this year
Between January and September 2025, mergers and acquisitions worth $8 billion had concluded across the financial sector, a 127% increase over the same period last year
MUFG Bank to acquire 20% stake in Shriram Finance for 39,618 crore
The partnership aims to enhance SFLs capital adequacy, strengthen its balance sheet, and align governance with global best practices
Japans MUFG to buy 20% stake in Shriram Finance for $4.4 billion
The deal comes close on the heels of Emirates NBD Banks $3 billion investment for a 60% stake in RBL Bank in November
Bad credit? Heres how it raises your car loan interest, insurance premium and EMIs
Crypto mining, staking, airdrops: How the IT department tracks and taxes everything now
Silver ETFs deliver triple-digit gains in 2025. Should investors book profits?
Silver ETFs have emerged as top performers in 2025, delivering triple-digit returns on the back of strong industrial demand and a sharp rally in silver prices. Experts advise partial profit-booking after the surge, while maintaining limited long-term exposure through disciplined rebalancing and staggered investments rather than aggressive lump-sum allocations.
How are precious metalbased ETFs and FoFs taxed? A simple guide for investors
Taxation of precious metalbased ETFs and FoFs varies by structure and holding period, with gold and silver ETFs taxed at 12.5% LTCG after one year.
Noida property: Can the authority ask for higher payment after allotment of leasehold property?
Leasehold property owners in cities like Noida face specific payment systems. While initial agreements often involve a one-time premium, the enforceability of subsequent annual rent increases hinges on the original lease deed's clauses. Rajasthan's attempt to impose new lease rents after allotment was struck down by the High Court. Read more.
Indias big-bang financial reforms target wave of foreign money
India is rolling out significant financial services reforms, including allowing 100% foreign ownership in insurance and pension sectors, to attract foreign capital and fuel economic growth. These measures aim to boost investment in equities and long-term projects, supporting Prime Minister Modi's developed economy goal by 2047 amidst global trade tensions.
PFRDA has introduced significant changes for NPS subscribers, extending the exit age to 85 and increasing the 100% withdrawal limit to Rs 8 lakh. New systematic unit redemption options and corpus slabs streamline withdrawals, offering greater flexibility for government employees upon retirement or in case of death.
HDFC AMC anticipates positive regulatory changes following Sebi's revised mutual fund expense rules. Brokerages believe these adjustments will boost earnings and valuations. The new framework, effective April 2026, is less punitive than initially feared. This clarity allows focus to shift back to HDFC AMC's growth potential and market share.
SFIO seeks details from IndusInd Bank on derivatives, asset balances
The bank said these matters were reported to the SFIO on June 2, 2025, in compliance with RBIs July 2024 fraud risk management directions, which mandate reporting of suspected frauds above 1 crore
More zeros than multibaggers! India's SME IPO returns in 2025 crushed under heavy scrutiny
India's SME IPO market experienced a significant downturn in 2025, with listing gains plummeting to 12.6% and over half of new listings trading below their IPO price. Tighter regulations, including price caps, and weak smallcap sentiment have curbed speculative trading, forcing a reset in investor expectations for quick profits.
Best banking & PSU mutual funds to invest in December 2025
Mutual fund advisors say banking & PSU debt schemes are relatively safe because these schemes invest only in bonds and papers of banks and public sector companies. Since most of these entities are government-backed, they dont have the credit risk.
Earn 6% cashback with this new credit card; heres how to maximise benefits
Paisabazaar and YES BANK have launched an upgraded PaisaSave credit card, offering a significant 6% cashback on dining and travel, capped at Rs 3,000 monthly. This no-joining-fee card also provides 1% cashback on all other spends and a fuel surcharge waiver. It's designed for frequent diners and travelers seeking valuable rewards.
Dr Reddys Share Price Live Updates: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories experiences significant trading volume
HDFC Bank is updating its debit card lounge access program from January 10, 2026. Customers will now need to spend Rs 10,000 per quarter to receive a digital voucher for lounge entry, replacing the previous swipe method. This change aims to streamline the process for cardholders.
ITAT Delhi ruled that brought forward long-term capital losses and current year's short-term capital losses from shares and mutual funds can be set off against long-term capital gains. This decision allowed a taxpayer to reduce his taxable income by Rs 25 lakh, overturning the tax department's disallowance. Read below to know how the taxpayer won.
Will Old Pension Scheme return? Finance ministry clarifies stand on NPS, UPS
The central government will not bring back the Old Pension Scheme for its employees. The Finance Ministry confirmed no proposal exists to replace the National Pension System or Unified Pension System. Several states have reinstated OPS. The Unified Pension System offers a guaranteed minimum pension. Over 1.22 lakh employees have opted for UPS.
One State, One RRB: Govt unveils unified logo for regional rural banks
Currently, 28 RRBs operate more than 22,000 branches across over 700 districts.
The National Pension System has undergone one of its biggest transformations in 2025, with flexible withdrawals, expanded investment options and extended investment age. Read on to find how these changes make NPS more attractive to investors for retirement planning and what one must consider while carefully navigating new choices.
RBI Governor asks IDBRT to focus on digital fraud mitigation and banker training
Operational workflows need to be strengthened for portability and user ownership of their information, RBI Governor Malhotra said
Ahead of Market: 10 things that will decide stock market action on Friday
Indian equities closed nearly unchanged after three losing sessions as IT and financial stocks cushioned early declines. Global cues stayed mixed, trade deal uncertainty capped gains, and technical indicators kept Nifty vulnerable near key support levels.
OMO auction for injecting 50,000 crore gets good response
LIC noted that the Bill addresses the need for a modern, flexible, and inclusive regulatory architecture aligned with the countrys long-term development priorities.
UPI to be next engine of growth, says MobiKwik Co-founder
We want to grow without cashback led activity, but organically, says Co-founder
The Income Tax Department is sending advisories to taxpayers about potential mismatches in their income tax returns. Taxpayers have until December 31, 2025, to revise their returns or file belated ones. If a return is processed after this date and an error is found, taxpayers can apply for rectification. This process helps correct mistakes apparent from the record.
Sundaram Home Finance targets 100 Emerging Business branches by year end
The company expanded its presence to around 50 EB branches in a phased manner over 3 years, it said in a release
New mutual fund rules are balanced, positive for investors and AMCs: AMFI chairman
AMFI chairman Sundeep Sikka said Sebis revision of mutual fund rules strike a balanced approach, benefiting both investors and fund houses. Key changes include the Base Expense Ratio, lower brokerage caps, and removal of statutory levies from expenses. The framework offers clarity, reduces costs, and supports growth and penetration of the mutual fund industry.
RBI announces 30,000 crore G-Sec underwriting auction, releases OMO purchase results
According to the RBI, the Government of India has notified the sale (re-issue) of two Government Securities through an auction scheduled for tomorrow
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund files draft documents with Sebi for 2 SIFs
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has filed draft documents with Sebi for two specialized investment funds (SIFs): iSIF Equity Ex-Top 100 Long-Short Fund and iSIF Hybrid Long-Short Fund. These funds aim for long-term capital appreciation by investing in equity and debt instruments, with a unique long-short strategy involving derivative instruments.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced new luggage rules for train passengers. Travelers exceeding free baggage allowances will now face charges. These regulations align with airport practices. Specific weight limits are set for different train classes. Passengers can carry excess luggage up to a maximum limit by paying a fee. Personal luggage dimensions are also defined.
Central government employees and can face potential financial losses if the 8th Pay Commission's implementation is delayed. The reason is employees don't get arrears on allowances such as House Rent Allowance (HRA), which is a big part of the salary. Depending on the basic salary of an employee, it can be a loss from a few thousands to a few lakhs.
NPS merges Scheme A with Schemes C, E: What are the benefits of this merger?
7 mutual funds made complete exit from these 19 stocks in November
Seven mutual funds exited 19 stocks in November as part of active portfolio rebalancing, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities. HDFC, SBI, Kotak, Axis, Nippon India, Quant and ICICI Prudential Mutual Funds made full exits across financials, auto, pharma, metals and consumer stocks, reflecting shifting allocation strategies.
7 equity mutual funds multiply investors money by over 15 times in 20 years
Seven equity mutual funds across large-cap, mid-cap and flexi-cap categories delivered over 15x returns in 20 years, led by Nippon India Growth and HDFC Flexi Cap, highlighting the power of long-term compounding and consistent performance across market cycles for investors.
The Supreme Court has opened a new chapter for a husband burdened by domestic abuse allegations and two years of joblessness, allowing him to accept a job offer in Belgium. By securing his commitment with a deposit of Rs 5 lakh, he can now travel, with the stipulation of attending court hearings remotely or face-to-face.
Kotak Mutual Fund: SBI, Eternal, and RIL among top 10 stock holdings in November
Kotak Mutual Fund managed assets worth Rs 5.94 lakh crore as of November 2025, with major allocations across banking, telecom and large-cap stocks. HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and SBI remained top holdings, while selective increases were seen in Bharti Airtel, Axis Bank and Infosys, reflecting calibrated portfolio adjustments.
PNB Housing Finance facilitates PMAY-U 2.0 in Maharashtra
Strengthens commitment to Governments Housing for All and PMAY-U 2.0 agenda
EPFO has clarified that weekends and holidays between jobs will not be considered a break in service for EDLI death claims. This ensures families receive benefits even with minor gaps, addressing previous rejections. The clarification aims to prevent denial of assurance benefits due to short employment breaks.
Bitcoins silent exodus hits crypto as long-time buyers cash out
For much of the past year, that selling was absorbed by a surge of demand from newly launched exchange-traded funds and crypto investment firms
HDFC Mutual Fund: Eternal, ITC, Swiggy, and Paytm among stocks bought and sold in November
HDFC Mutual Fund increased its holdings in 469 stocks in November, adding exposure to names such as Eternal, ITC, ICICI Bank and Infosys, while reducing stakes in 126 stocks, including Swiggy and Paytm. The fund also invested in new IPOs, exited select stocks, and maintained a strong tilt towards financial services.
The Income Tax Department is alerting taxpayers about foreign assets and income. Income earned from abroad requires reporting in revised Income Tax Returns. Taxpayers must update their ITRs by December 31, 2025. Failure to disclose can lead to significant penalties and scrutiny. This applies to various foreign assets, even those without income.
I have a 5-year cumulative FD, do I need to pay income tax on interest annually or at maturity?
ET Wealth Reader's Query: I have a 5-year cumulative fixed deposit where the interest is payable only at maturity. To file my income tax return, should I report the accrued interest every year or should I declare the entire interest income in the year of maturity?
Why timeless investing principles still outperform in todays markets
Cant meet the 2-2-2 rule? Smart ways to fix your credit fast
The Reserve Bank of India has announced the final redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2017-18 Series-XII, set at Rs 13,245 per unit. This price, based on the average gold price of the three preceding business days, reflects a significant return for investors. The bonds mature on December 18, 2025, eight years after their issuance.
AMFI Rejig: HDFC AMC and Muthoot Finance among 7 midcap stocks that may get largecap status in 2026
AMFIs half-yearly stock re-categorisation could see several midcap stocks, including Muthoot Finance, HDFC AMC, Canara Bank, Bosch, Cummins India, Polycab India and Hero Motocorp, upgraded to large-cap status from February 2026. The large-cap threshold is estimated at Rs 1 lakh crore, reflecting rising market caps and potential new entrants.
A notable victory has been achieved in the tax arena as a taxpayer triumphed at ITAT Delhi, overcoming a significant hurdle with the Income Tax Departments disallowance of tax exemptions on Rs 17 crore. The tribunal decisively indicated that disallowance should apply strictly to investments generating exempt income.
12 equity mutual funds lose over 10% in 2025. Where should investors focus in 2026?
Many equity mutual funds experienced significant losses in 2025. Over a dozen funds saw declines exceeding 10%. This performance shift highlights the need for strategic investment decisions. Investors are now considering where to focus their capital in the upcoming year. Experts suggest a move towards quality large-cap funds and diversified options for better outcomes.
TRAI fixes Feb 15 deadline for 1600-series adoption by IRDAI-regulated entities for service calls
The series will enable people to reliably identify legitimate calls originating from such regulated entities, says TRAI
Best conservative hybrid mutual funds to invest in December 2025
Conservative hybrid mutual funds are similar to erstwhile monthly income plans or MIPs. MIPs were extremely popular at one point. They used to invest a small part of their portfolio in stocks. But their USP, as the name suggests, was regular income in the form of dividends. However, regular dividends stopped when the market got into a bad phase. That was the end of MIPs. The lesson: do not bank on hybrid funds to secure a regular income.
ITC Share Price Live Updates: ITC Reports a Weekly Return of -0.83%
Wipro Share Price Live Updates: Wipro's Weekly Performance Shows Positive Returns
JSW Steel Share Price Live Updates: JSW Steel's weekly performance shows a drop
Hero MotoCorp Share Price Live Updates: Hero MotoCorp's Market Position Today
A mother can claim maintenance from her son even if her husband is alive and provides support. The Kerala High Court upheld a Rs 5,000 monthly maintenance order for a 60-year-old mother. The court stated a son cannot avoid his duty to care for elderly parents due to his own family obligations.
HCLTech to modernise digital operations of Dutch bank ASN
The engagement will focus on consolidating IT services, simplifying the vendor landscape and improving efficiency across enterprise applications.
PNB scam: Belgiums top court rejects Mehul Choksi appeal against extradition to India
India has given Belgium assurances on Choksis safety, trial and medical care.
RBI caps withdrawals at 35,000 for Gauhati Cooperative Urban Bank
The curbs, effective from the close of business on December 16, bar the bank from granting loans, making investments or disbursing payments without prior RBI approval.
How long does a Rs 3,500 monthly SIP take to become Rs 1 crore? See the full calculation
A monthly SIP of Rs 3,500, started at the age of 25 and continued for 30 years, can grow into around Rs 1 crore at a 12 per cent annual return. The power of compounding and long-term discipline makes small investments highly effective over time.
Ashwini Kumar Tewari re-appointed as MD of SBI
Tewari started his career in the SBI as a probationary officer in 1991 and was elevated as the MD in January 2021 for three years. Earlier, his tenure was extended by two years in 2024 till Jan 2026
Axis Bank, Google Pay launch co-branded credit card
The card enables users to pay at millions of offline merchants or in apps and earn and redeem reward points instantly
Days of largesse forex flows over: SBI report
ERD officials emphasised that while the rupee is the most depreciated currency, it is not the most volatile.
Explained: Sebi revises mutual fund expense fee. Will it make your investments cheaper?
Sebi has overhauled mutual fund expense rules by introducing a Base Expense Ratio, separating statutory levies, lowering expense and brokerage caps, and simplifying disclosures to improve cost transparency, discipline and investor protection, without necessarily cutting total costs sharply
Shriram Finance board to meet Friday to consider raising funds
Shares of Shriram Finance ended trading 2 per cent higher at 854 apiece on the BSE today
US tariffs: Gem, jewellery exporters seek extension of RBI moratorium
Moratorium helped the industry manage cash flow by deferring payments, converting interest and increasing credit flexibility, besides preventing defaults and bring stability in the sector
Capri Global Capital eyes 1 lakh cr AUM by FY32
To weigh converting into a Bank once the AUM reaches 50,000 crore
India's insurance watchdog, IRDAI, has fined Care Health Insurance Rs 1 crore. The penalty stems from serious lapses in how the company handled insurance claims. These issues violated policyholder rights and corporate governance. IRDAI also issued warnings for other failures, including cybersecurity and accounting practices.
Borrowers can now cheer as major banks like SBI, PNB, and Canara Bank have lowered lending rates. This follows the RBI's recent repo rate reduction. These cuts mean lower EMIs for many customers. Banks including Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of Baroda, Indian Bank, Bank of India, and Bank of Maharashtra have also announced rate reductions on various loans.
Lower EMIs ahead: Canara Bank reduces lending rates; also revises FD interest rates
Canara Bank has adjusted its lending and fixed deposit interest rates. This follows the Reserve Bank of India's recent repo rate reduction. Borrowers with loans linked to RLLR will see lower rates. However, new fixed deposit holders will receive reduced interest. These changes reflect the current economic adjustments.
Bank of Baroda underwrites $500 million 5-year foreign currency term loan facility
Bank of Barodas IFSC Banking Unit is a critical pillar of the Banks international footprint and its third-largest branch outside India, having a diversified portfolio spanning syndicated credit, retail banking, and trade finance
NFOs : 5 new mutual funds are open for subscription now. Check details
Five mutual fund NFOs are currently open for subscription, dominated by passive offerings such as ETFs, index funds, and FoFs, alongside one active fund. Investors are advised to align choices with their risk profile and long-term goals.
HDFC Bank, RIL and SBI among 10 stocks owned by over 550 mutual funds in November
8th Pay Commission factcheck: Will pensioners lose DA, other benefits?
NFO Alert: Kotak Mutual Fund announces launch of Kotak Nifty Next 50 ETF
Kotak Mutual Fund has launched the Kotak Nifty Next 50 ETF, a passively managed fund tracking the Nifty Next 50 Index, offering diversified exposure to emerging large-cap companies at discounted valuations, with the NFO open from December 18 to January 1
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund to launch 3 new funds in January 2026. Check dates and key details
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund will launch three new schemes in January 2026two debt funds and one sectoral equity fund. The Short Duration and Low Duration Funds will open on January 8, while the Sector Rotation Funds NFO begins January 27. Minimum investment starts at Rs 500.
