RBI postpones January 3 deadline for faster cheque clearance within 3 hours
Phase 2, which was planned to start from January 3, 2026, was meant to make cheque clearance even faster. Banks would have had three hours to approve or reject a cheque after receiving its image.
GSTR-9, GSTR-9C filing: Tax bodies demand extension of December 31 deadline
The annual compliance process for GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C has seen major changes, with frequent notifications and clarifications causing practical challenges in ensuring accurate filing within the current deadlines, according to tax bodies.
SPARSH defence pension: How to download your PPO number in minutes
A simple walk-through for pensioners who need their PPO for life certificate, bank queries or grievance filing, without chasing old paper files
Winter holiday travel rush: Smart booking tricks that can save you thousands on flights and hotels
Peak season is expensive by default, but small choices on dates, routes and cancellation terms can cut the damage
How pensioners can submit a digital life certificate from home using a smartphone
A phone-based process that lets you complete your annual life certificate from home, without visiting a bank or pension office.
How to save Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh a year without cutting back on daily comforts
Small, low-effort tweaks that quietly free up cash without forcing you to cut back on things you enjoy
Thinking of mutual funds? Your first questions answered
Mutual funds are like playlists for your cash: mix equity and debt to vibe with your goals. Whether you’re saving for a vacation, a car, or just flexing financial independence, here’s how to start smart.
End of season sales explained: How discounts trick you into overspending
End-of-season sales, mega offers and clearance discounts look tempting, but most of them push you to spend more, not save more. In this MC Learn episode, we break down common sale tricks, fake urgency, inflated prices and combo offers, and share simple rules to protect your money and avoid overconsumption.
IDFC First Bank slashes benefits: Mayura, Ashva and other credit cards hit hard
IDFC First Bank has made significant changes to its credit cards, including Mayura and Ashva, reducing reward rates on international spends and introducing fees on FASTag recharges and railway spends
Banks to remain closed on these days at the end of December: Check dates
Banks will observe multiple holidays in late December, with nationwide closures on December 25 and over the weekend.
Silver price today: Spot and futures hit record highs; check prices in your city
Silver is closing 2025 firmly in macro-hedge territory rather than trading as a conventional commodity, says analyst.
Gold price today: Uptrend continues, breaking record highs; see 24K, 22K, 18K prices
This rally is expected to extend further towards $4,575 (Rs 1,40,000) and $5,000 (Rs 1,50,000) in a few weeks, says analyst.
Can tax benefits be claimed on an education loan taken from friends?
The deduction under Section 80E is available only for interest paid on the education loan. No deduction is allowed for repayment of the principal amount.
Rising cost, visa uncertainty push Indian students to choose European countries as preferred education destination, says report
European countries such as Germany and Ireland are gaining traction, emerging as attractive alternatives due to lower tuition fees and student-friendly visa regimes.
Why did taxpayers claiming deductions receive emails? Income Tax Department explains
Taxpayers whose deduction or exemption claims are accurate and fully compliant with the law are not required to take any further action.
CBDT launches data-driven nudge campaign for AY26, flags bogus political donations
The initiative, which is advisory in nature, requires identified taxpayers to file revised income-tax returns (ITRs) by December 31, 2025.
The post office schemes that still work for conservative savers, and who should avoid them
Post office schemes can be a solid “sleep well” layer in your finances, but they work best when you use them for stability, not for everything.
Digital banking safety audit: A 15-minute monthly routine to reduce fraud risk
Most digital banking fraud succeeds not because systems are weak, but because small lapses pile up over time. A short, repeatable monthly check can close many of the gaps scammers rely on.
Quit smart, not scared: How to prepare financially before resigning without another offer
A structured checklist to protect your cash flow, benefits, and downside risk while you create time to search, rest, or reset.
SC allows husband to travel overseas for employment despite pending criminal case under Section 498A
Prolonged investigation without a chargesheet cannot be used to indefinitely restrict an accused’s right to livelihood and travel, rules court
Bank Holidays in January 2026: Banks to remain shut for up to 12 days in some cities; check full state-wise list
Most digital banking services — including UPI, mobile banking and internet banking — will continue to work as usual.
Credit utilisation ratio: The lesser-known number that drives your credit score
Your credit utilisation ratio is a simple percentage, yet it has outsized influence on how lenders and credit bureaus view your borrowing behaviour and creditworthiness.
Nominee naming mistakes that can trap your family in paperwork
Small errors in nominations across banks, demat, mutual funds, insurance, and provident fund can delay claims and trigger disputes. A few disciplined checks can prevent most of it.
LIC Housing Finance cuts home loan rates: Check if your CIBIL score is good enough to get the lowest rate
The reduction follows the recent 25 bps repo rate cut by the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
