11 C Personal Finance News
Text view
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.
Bank of India raises 10,000 crore via long-term infrastructure bonds
The funds raised will be deployed to finance long-term infrastructure projects and affordable housing, in line with RBI guidelines.
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.
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.
Bankers urge RBI action as rupee forward premiums hit multi-year highs
Outsized moves in the forward market intensified over the last week as the dollar glut collided with regulatory and balance-sheet constraints, leading to a spike in premiums
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.
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.
How to invest in stocks through a SIP: A step-by-step guide for first-time investors
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
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
Share of non-bank sources in incremental funding to commercial sector goes up to 45% from 43%
Non-bank funding to the commercial sector rises to 45%, highlighting strong growth in financial resources during FY2026.
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,
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
SIPs vs EPF vs NPS: The ideal allocation strategy when you are in your 20s, 30s, 40s & 50s
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
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.
Insurance Bill for 100% FDI now law, dates for implementation to be notified later
New act amends three existing acts: Insurance Act, 1938, the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956 and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999
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.
Neptune Logitek shares to list today. Check GMP ahead of debut
Neptune Logitek's stock will list on December 22. Grey market indicators suggest a flat debut. The company's Rs 46.62 crore IPO was subscribed 1.61 times. Neptune Logitek provides integrated logistics solutions. Proceeds will fund truck purchases and debt repayment. Investor sentiment in the SME space remains cautious.
Positive Breakout: These 11 stocks cross above their 200 DMAs
As long as the stock is priced above the 200-day SMA on the daily time frame, it is generally considered to be an overall uptrend.
IndiGo shares in focus as firm enters Sensex today; replaces Tata Motors PV
IndiGo joins the Sensex on December 22, replacing Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles. This comes amidst significant flight cancellations due to new duty rules, impacting operations and leading to brokerages cutting target prices. The airline reported a substantial quarterly loss, though revenue saw a year-on-year increase. Despite recent challenges, shares remain up year-to-date.
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.
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.
2026 long weekend calendar: Plan your year-long holidays with fewer leaves
Travellers can look forward to many long weekends in 2026. October offers three, while January and September each have two. Plan your trips with these extended breaks. Holidays like Republic Day, Good Friday, Buddh Purnima, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, Durga Puja, Valmiki Jayanti, Diwali, and Christmas provide opportunities for short getaways.
Stock market meets physics: 5 laws that explain why prices move the way they do
Ambit Capital has drawn parallels between markets and classical physics, outlining five laws that explain stock price behaviour. From inertia and momentum to mean reversion and valuation resistance, the framework helps investors decode why some stocks outperform while others stagnate, and why rich valuations often cap long-term returns.
Saturday bank holiday: Are banks open or closed today on December 20, 2025?
Many bank customers remain confused about whether bank branches are open or closed today, Saturday, December 20, 2025, leading to doubts over whether to visit a branch or wait for a weekday
Benign inflation outlook to provide policy the space to support growth momentum: MPC minutes
The Monetary Policy Committee has also decided to continue with the neutral stance.
RBIs central board approves risk-based deposit insurance framework for banks
At present, the deposit insurance coverage is limited to 5 lakh per depositor of each insured bank. Deposit insurance cover increased from 1 lakh to 5 lakh with effect from February 4, 2020.
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.
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.
The Karnataka Chartered Accountant Association has flagged the Income Tax Department's recent intimations. These emails, concerning mismatches in Annual Information Statements, property deals, and foreign assets, use a threatening tone. The association argues this causes undue stress to genuine taxpayers. They urge the department to adopt a facilitative approach, seeking explanations rather than demanding immediate revisions.
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
