Buying a house feels complicated. What are the steps, documents, and unexpected costs you should be ready for?
Personal Finance | Updated: Jan 02, 2026
- New home buyers should evaluate budget, loan options, and property choices.
- Legal and technical verification of documents is crucial before purchase
- Ensure smooth home buying: complete loan, registration, and possession steps.
ITR revised return window closed: How to get your Income Tax refund now
Personal Finance | Updated: Jan 02, 2026
- Refunds can still be claimed if a valid return was filed before the deadline
- Section 154 rectification can fix errors post-December 31 cut-off.
- Updated returns allow corrections but do not permit refund claims
Why legacy planning in Indian businesses is moving beyond inheritance
Personal Finance | Updated: Jan 01, 2026
- India's legacy planning now starts early, emphasizing business governance and control.
- Vague succession plans can lead to disputes, tax problems, and delayed decisions.
- Regularly review wills and plans to prevent costly mistakes and inefficiencies.
Does appointment on compassionate grounds have a right to a higher post: Know what court ruling says
Personal Finance | Updated: Jan 01, 2026
- Supreme Court: No higher post claim after accepting compassionate appointment
- Original appointments of Jayabal and Veeramani as sweepers restored
- Ruling aims to prevent endless litigation and uphold recruitment norms
Planning to visit a bank on New Year 2026? Check the January bank holiday list before heading out
Personal Finance | Updated: Jan 01, 2026
- Banks in many states will be closed on January 1, 2026, for New Year's Day.
- UPI and ATM services will be available during holidays.
- Physical branch services may be delayed or unavailable on bank holidays.
Small saving rates remain unchanged for March quarter: Check what you will earn
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 31, 2025
- Small Savings scheme interest rates remain unchanged for eighth straight quarter
- PPF and Sukanya Samriddhi rates stay at 7.1% and 8.2% for Jan-Mar 2026
- Rates are set based on government securities yields and reviewed quarterly
Last date to file belated and revised income tax return is December 31: Act today or lose money
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 31, 2025
- December 31 is the last day to file belated or revised ITR for AY 2025–26
- From January 1, only updated returns allowed, with higher costs and penalties
- Updated returns cannot claim refunds or carry forward losses
ITR filing late or refund delayed? Here's interest you pay and what taxman owes you
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 31, 2025
- Late ITR filing attracts 1 percent interest per month if tax is unpaid
- Govt pays 0.5 percent interest per month on delayed refunds over Rs 100
- Refund delays often caused by mismatches, unverified bank details, or scrutiny
India’s insurance reset in 2025: Know how Indians insured, invested & paid for policy
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 30, 2025
- Health coverage rose after GST removal, with high-value policies nearly doubling
- Tier-three cities now account for 70% of insurance purchases, up from 63%.
- UPI handles 64% of premium payments, indicating a shift to instant transactions.
Will small savings schemes interest rates change in 2026? Check current rates
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 30, 2025
- Finance Ministry to review small savings scheme rates on Dec 31, 2025
- Interest rates for October–December 2025 quarter remain unchanged
- SCSS and SSY offer highest rates at 8.2 percent; PPF stays at 7.1 percent
Best loan options from banks to drive home a new car this New Year
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 30, 2025
- Year-end offers and lower loan rates make buying a new car more affordable
- Public banks offer car loans from 7.35% with fee waivers on select loans
- Private banks have higher rates, faster approvals; fees vary widely
Income tax refund delay: What happens if your ITR is not processed by December 31, 2025?
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 30, 2025
- Taxpayers can't revise returns voluntarily after Dec 31, even if unprocessed.
- Over 70 lakh income tax returns remain unprocessed for AY 2025–26
- Refunds are not lost if returns are pending, but discrepancies can freeze them
Delhi High Court rules electricity cannot be denied to lawful tenants due to landlord disputes
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 29, 2025
- Delhi High Court rules electricity is a fundamental right for lawful tenants
- Tenants can't be denied power due to landlord disputes if dues are cleared
- Ruling protects tenants from unfair eviction tactics over essential utilities
Dec 31 deadline nears for revised and belated ITRs: What options are left for taxpayers from Jan 1
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 29, 2025
- December 31 is the last date to file belated or revised income tax returns
- Updated returns allowed up to 48 months with higher penalties and limits.
- Experts urge timely filing to avoid penalties and loss of benefits
December 31 compliance rush: Taxpayers scramble as MCA, GST annual returns and belated ITR filings deadlines pile-up
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 26, 2025
- December 31 is the deadline for key company law, GST, and income tax filings
- Technical issues on MCA portal and GST changes are causing compliance challenges
- Missing deadlines may lead to penalties or late fees, no extension announced yet
Buying a home in Mumbai now needs 47% of income, lowest in 15 years; check affordability of other cities
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 26, 2025
- Mumbai home affordability drops to 47%, first time below 50%
- Ahmedabad is India's most affordable city; homes cost 18% of income.
- RBI rate cuts and rising incomes boost housing affordability in major cities.
Kerala HC grants equal share in father’s property to child born within 4 months of marriage
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 26, 2025
- Kerala HC: Child born within 4 months of marriage has inheritance rights
- Court affirmed such a child is presumed legitimate unless proven otherwise
- Judgment stresses birth timing can't dilute succession rights under Hindu law
SPARSH defence pension: How to download your PPO number in minutes
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 25, 2025
- CNSA plans major Moon, asteroid, and telescope missions for 2026
- Chang’e‑7 will explore the lunar south pole with multiple robotic systems.
- Tianwen-2 plans to collect samples from asteroid 2016 HO3 for research.
Winter holiday travel rush: Smart booking tricks that can save you thousands on flights and hotels
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 25, 2025
- Alphabet to buy Intersect Power for $4.75B to enhance AI energy capacity
- Google aims to co-locate data centres with dedicated clean energy generation
- Deal expected to close in first half of 2026, pending regulatory approval
How pensioners can submit a digital life certificate from home using a smartphone
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 25, 2025
- Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad killed 260, including ex-CM Vijay Rupani
- Gujarat to host 2030 Commonwealth Games; Asiatic lion population rises to 891
- Bridge collapse, firecracker blaze, and Coast Guard crash caused multiple deaths
Drivers’ licence remains valid for 30 days after expiry, insurer must pay compensation: High Court
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 26, 2025
- CJI Surya Kant urges expert-led, long-term solutions for Delhi's air pollution
- Supreme Court called current anti-pollution measures a "total failure"
- Vehicular emissions contribute 18.5% to Delhi's pollution, the highest share.
How to save Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh a year without cutting back on daily comforts
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 25, 2025
- Kate Winslet's directorial debut 'Goodbye June' explores family bonds and grief
- The film stars Helen Mirren, Winslet, Collette, and Flynn with natural performances.
- 'Goodbye June' delivers a warm, familiar tale with intimate, understated storytelling.
Kerala women to receive Rs 1,000 monthly assistance under Sthree Suraksha Scheme: Check eligibility and application steps
Personal Finance | Updated: Dec 24, 2025
- Kerala launches Sthree Suraksha Scheme for women not covered by welfare programs
- Women aged 35-60 can receive Rs 1,000 monthly via direct transfer.
- Applications open online; strict eligibility and document requirements apply