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8th Pay Commission: How fitment factor is determined and how it affects salarieswhat we know

The 8th Pay Commission, recently approved by the Union Cabinet, seeks to adjust salaries and pensions using a fitment factor influenced by inflation. Projections suggest a factor of 1.83 to 2.57, affecting around one crore government employees and retirees.

26 Dec 2025 11:31 pm
PNB reports RBI about 2,434 crore borrowal fraud linked to SREI's erstwhile promoters

Punjab National Bank reported a borrowal fraud of approximately 2,434 crore to the RBI, connected to SREI Equipment Finance Ltd and SREI Infrastructure Finance Ltd.

26 Dec 2025 9:13 pm
India rolls out first dedicated standard for incense sticks amid global scrutiny

This move aims to protect domestic air quality while insulating Indias 8,000 crore industrythe worlds largestfrom rising non-tariff barriers and import rejections in markets like Europe and US.

26 Dec 2025 8:28 pm
Aadhaar-PAN linking mandatory by 31 December 2025 here's a last-minute guide for taxpayers

Taxpayers must link Aadhaar with PAN by 31 December 2025 to maintain PAN validity. The process can be completed online, requiring a valid PAN, Aadhaar number, and mobile number. 

26 Dec 2025 4:42 pm
Personal loan cooling-off period explained: Bank-wise cancellation charges

Banks usually allow borrowers to cancel their personal loans, if required, during the cooling-off period with no or low charges. 

26 Dec 2025 3:59 pm
2025 mutual fund scorecard: Top performers, laggards, and key surprises

In 2025, equity performance varied significantly with silver funds leading at 128% returns. Large and midcap funds excelled due to quality stock selection, while smallcap funds struggled. 

26 Dec 2025 3:32 pm
Personal loan after death: Who pays, who doesnt, and what banks wont tell you

On the borrowers death, the bank asks the co-applicant or guarantor to pay, or recovers the personal loan amount from the deceased persons estate. 

26 Dec 2025 2:28 pm
Market-first vs goal-first: Financial planning should start with required rate of return

The financial planning in India needs to move away from being product-centric to problem-centric.

26 Dec 2025 2:13 pm
RBL launches NOVA Credit Card: Travel & lifestyle benefits explained Should you apply?

The NOVA Credit Card is a luxury credit card that offers accelerated reward points on travel, airport lounge access, low forex markup, golf rounds, and more, designed for those looking to transform everyday moments into milestones.

26 Dec 2025 2:05 pm
Logan Paul auctions ultra-rare Pikachu Card, tells GenZ to bet on alternative assets are collectibles good investment?

Logan Paul purchased the Pikachu Illustrator card for millions of dollars four years back, during which he broke a Guinness World Record for the most expensive Pokmon trading card sold in a private auction.

26 Dec 2025 1:56 pm
India sets 2026 health agenda: Drug quality, innovation, TB and obesity take centre stage

The Indian government plans to enhance drug quality and digital health by 2026, with a focus on good manufacturing practices. The pharmaceutical market is expected to expand significantly, but small manufacturers face challenges in compliance and capital investment.

26 Dec 2025 12:51 pm
Bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed on 26th December due to Christmas celebrations? Check RBI calendar

Bank holiday today, 26 December: The bank holiday today has been decided by the Reserve Bank of India through its bank holiday calendar.

26 Dec 2025 7:34 am
Govt set to exhaust 857-crore subsidy for bigger electric 3-wheelers three months early

In a letter to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers dated 23 December, the government said it would halt incentives on reaching the scheme's target of 288,809 electric three-wheelers in the L5 category, or on 26 December, whichever came earlier.

26 Dec 2025 6:00 am
Milk rules but exports lag: 2026 could change Indias dairy game

Despite being among the worlds largest milk producers, India remains a marginal player in global dairy trade. 2026 could mark a turning pointif quality, branding, and compliance gaps are addressed.

26 Dec 2025 6:00 am
Pet care is set to become Indias next FMCG battleground in 2026

Large packaged consumer goods companies are aggressively courting cats and dogs as Indians increasingly adopt pets and splurge money and attention on them. 2026 could be a pivotal year for competition in this segment.

26 Dec 2025 6:00 am
India Inc 2026: Hinterland hiring, gig growth and AI disruption

India Inc in 2026 will see shifts driven by hiring from smaller cities and towns to cut costs, rapid expansion of the gig workforce, and deeper AI adoption reshaping jobs.

26 Dec 2025 5:50 am
Green power is cheaper than ever; so why are discoms chasing coal?

Lower prices alone aren't enough for electricity distributors in statesThey need stable power at all times, and they do not want to worry about battery supply issues in the future. The answer is right before them: Good old coal, costly and polluting, but reliable as ever.

26 Dec 2025 5:30 am
Income Tax Refund Status LIVE: Refund on hold? Here's what it means for taxpayers How to check refund status online

Income Tax Refund Status LIVE: I-T department has issued most of the tax refunds for the people who had filed their income tax returns (ITRs) this year, but some have been delayed. Heres a quick guide to help you check your ITR status online.

25 Dec 2025 8:14 pm
Income tax refund stuck due to risk management: How long can refunds be delayed? Top 5 questions answered

The Income Tax Department has notified taxpayers via email and SMS that their refunds are being held due to discrepancies in their ITR filings. Many affected individuals are seeking clarity and an extension before the 31 December deadline to correct their filings.

25 Dec 2025 6:18 pm
Quick home services boom: VCs interested, but startups struggle to stand out

While more of these companies are likely to appear in 2026 and secure funding, they remain largely similar, with investors focused primarily on the size and disruptive potential of the market.

25 Dec 2025 6:14 pm
Mint Explainer | One approval doesnt make a market: Why new airline NOCs wont break Indias aviation duopoly

Several proposed regional airlines have received no-objection certificates, but these early approvals do little to change the structural barriers that have kept Indias aviation market firmly in duopoly territory.

25 Dec 2025 5:01 pm
Critical illness claim rejected by insurer? Here's what you can do

Always read policy wording carefully, maintain complete medical documentation, and make use of the grievance and ombudsman mechanisms when needed.

25 Dec 2025 4:08 pm
Mint Explainer | Can battery scrap secure Indias rare earth future?

As India chases rare earth security, policymakers are turning to an unlikely source: waste. Battery scrap and used magnets are emerging as a strategic supplement to mining. Here's a dive into India's gameplan

25 Dec 2025 2:26 pm
Revised ITR vs Belated ITR Which one should taxpayers file before 31 December deadline? Here's what you need to know

A revised ITR is filed to correct any mistake in the original ITR. A belated ITR is an original ITR filed if a taxpayer misses the due date for ITR filing. Here is a detailed breakdown.

25 Dec 2025 12:34 pm
Old vs new tax regime: Why PPF still holds ground while ELSS loses appeal

For many, the new tax regime's appeal lies in paying a lower or comparable amount of tax while avoiding the hassle of submitting proof for deductions.

25 Dec 2025 10:28 am
Big star cinema to make a comeback next year but small surprises crucial

India's theatrical business anticipates a balanced 2026, with increased box office collections and a diverse range of films succeeding. The rise of regional and mid-budget films indicates a shift in audience preferences, moving beyond reliance on big blockbusters and embracing original narratives.

25 Dec 2025 10:10 am
Bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed on December 25 for Christmas? All you need to know

Bank holiday today on Christmas 2025: India is celebrating Christmas on 25th December, Thursday, along with the rest of the world. One of the biggest festivals across the world, Christmas is celebrated as a national holiday in India, which is why banks will be closed today.

25 Dec 2025 7:38 am
Growing, but not adding up: The AI revenue paradox for TCS, Accenture

Generative AI is the fastest-growing segment at firms like TCS and Accenture, but experts warn it may be replacing legacy IT revenue rather than adding new business.

25 Dec 2025 5:45 am
Updated vs Revised ITR Here's what taxpayers should know about income tax return ahead of 31 December deadline

Updated vs Revised ITR Income Tax Department gives the taxpaying citizen an opportunity to file a revised income tax return (ITR) and an updated ITR. Here's what taxpayers should know about their differences ahead of the 31 December deadline. 

24 Dec 2025 11:54 pm
Income tax refund failed? Here's a step-by-step guide for taxpayers to request refund reissue

Most taxpayers have received their ITR returns, but some still await refunds. If refunds fail, taxpayers can request reissue via the e-filing portal, ensuring bank details are correct. 

24 Dec 2025 11:14 pm
How many times can you file a revised income tax return? Here's what I-T Department says

Taxpayers can rectify errors in income tax returns by filing revised returns ahead of the deadline. The Income Tax Department has not prescribed any limits on filing revised returns.

24 Dec 2025 10:06 pm
Bank holidays in 2026: When will banks remain closed next year as RBI releases annual holiday calendar Check full list

Bank holidays in 2026: The Reserve Bank of India has announced over 100 bank holidays for 2026, covering national, religious, and regional events. Key holidays include Republic Day, Holi, Independence Day, and Diwali, with specific observances varying by region.

24 Dec 2025 7:31 pm
Mint Explainer | Cheaper loans, rising pricesis buying a home really affordable?

Home buying has become relatively more affordable in most major cities but this improvement is uneven and increasingly skewed towards premium housing

24 Dec 2025 6:41 pm
One man distilled up Amrut and Indri single maltsmeet Indias Surrinder Kumar

Two decades ago, nobody had heard of Indian single malt. Today, it outsells imports. The man who scripted this revolution is master distiller Surrinder Kumar. His experiments, risks and patience reshaped how the world views Indian whisky. This is his story.

24 Dec 2025 5:00 pm
Who needs to file revised ITR after Income Tax Department's message?

The Income Tax Department has alerted many taxpayers that their refunds are on hold due to ITR mismatches. The identified taxpayers must file revised returns by 31 December 2025, or face additional tax liabilities. 

24 Dec 2025 3:55 pm
Why Indias music labels are moving beyond songs to manage artists, fandoms and revenue streams

Music labels are expanding beyond recordings into artist management, betting on independent musicians, fan engagement and 360-degree deals to secure content pipelines and unlock new revenue streams.

24 Dec 2025 3:31 pm
When buying insurance, why honesty is the best policy for claims and coverage

Concealing health details may help secure a policy, but it can derail claims later. Why full disclosurenot approvalis the real test of a successful health insurance plan.

24 Dec 2025 3:06 pm
Tax benefits on loans explained: Home, education, vehicle and personal loans

The article highlights tax benefits for various loans, focusing on home loans, education loans, vehicle loans, and personal loans. 

24 Dec 2025 3:00 pm
Stage collapses to flight delays: Why wedding insurance remains a hard sell

India will host weddings worth 6.5 trillion this year, yet few couples insure them. High costs, rare mishaps, and confusing exclusions keep wedding insurance on the sidelines.

24 Dec 2025 2:01 pm
Does holding a joint account with parents create tax liability for NRIs?

Many NRIs are unsure about the tax implications of operating family accounts. Heres clarity on beneficial ownership rules and key reporting requirements.

24 Dec 2025 1:24 pm
Power PSUs weigh exit from debt-laden energy-efficiency venture as stress mounts

Promoters of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd are considering a public listing of the company, which has outstanding dues of over 4,000 crore. While the company navigates its debt and cash flow challenges, experts suggest that government backing could attract investors. 

24 Dec 2025 1:12 pm
ITR filed, but still not processed by CPC? Here's how taxpayers can legally claim their income tax refund

Income Tax Refund Rule: If your ITR does not get processed by 31 December 2026, or within the relevant deadline for previous assessment years, the CPC has to forfeit its right to the ITR.

24 Dec 2025 1:02 pm
Got income tax alert for filing revised ITR before 31 December? Step-by-step process explained

While filing ITR initially, taxpayers can often overlook certain things or make mistakes. However, the mistakes in the ITR filing can be corrected. Under Section 139(5) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, taxpayers are given the opportunity to file a revised income tax return.

24 Dec 2025 11:44 am
Gold in your portfolio: What to expect from the safe-haven asset in volatile times

While most experts remain optimistic about gold, citing a macroeconomic backdrop that continues to favor it, some warn of short-term risks.

24 Dec 2025 11:25 am
5 practical steps to avoid legal action after a personal loan default

A personal loan default can lead to legal action, but timely communication, repayment planning, restructuring options and understanding recovery rules can help borrowers reduce risk and protect credit health.

24 Dec 2025 10:27 am
Income Tax Refund Status LIVE Updates: I-T Department sends bulk text to taxpayers, says refunds on hold; chaos online

Income Tax Refund LIVE Updates: The income tax department has reportedly started sending bulk SMS and emails to taxpayers, saying that their refunds had been put on hold due to risk management measures.

24 Dec 2025 9:12 am
Indias creator economy 2026: From commerce to contracts, a year of maturity

As 2026 approaches, the industry is poised to enter a phase of strategic maturity and scale.

24 Dec 2025 9:00 am
Income Tax Refund: When is refund issued, partially adjusted and what are reasons for its failure? All you need to know

Several taxpayers who filed their income tax returns (ITR) in September for the Assessment Year 2025-26 are waiting for their refunds to be credited. Here's all you need to know about the process. 

23 Dec 2025 11:50 pm
Income tax: Can you claim unreported deductions to employer while filing a belated ITR? Experts weigh in

Taxpayers can claim deductions not reported to employers while filing their income tax returns, even after the employer's TDS calculation. The final deadline for belated returns is 31 December, allowing corrections for missed claims. 

23 Dec 2025 8:33 pm
Your ITR refund is on hold: Taxpayers take to social media to express concern about I-T Department's message

The Income Tax Department is reportedly holding taxpayers' ITR refunds, citing discrepancies in their claims. Many taxpayers are frustrated with the alerts and the short timeframe to revise returns, by 31 December 2025. 

23 Dec 2025 6:25 pm