Indian capital markets are currently experiencing heightened volatility due to global trade realignments and geopolitical shifts. Even though equities have long dominated the headlines, the need for stable, predictable returns has never been more apparent. This is where fixed-income investments, specifically bonds, are emerging as crucial components of well-balanced portfolios.  This growing maturity of the Indian bond market…

This Mint story explains what expenses qualify as improvements, citing legal provisions and real-world examples. How is the cost of improvement defined? Chartered Accountant Vijaykumar Puri clarified: “Cost of improvement is clearly defined in income tax law, specifically under Section 55. It refers to expenses of a capital nature related to additions or alterations to…

If you are looking to file your income tax returns, here is a look at how spending on certain items can help you save taxes. These deductions are available under the old tax regime.  Education Under section 80C, the taxpayer can claim a deduction on education expenses—tuition fees. These could be related to any educational…

India’s apex income tax regulatory body, the Ministry of Finance’s Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), declared on Monday, 28 July 2025, that it is relaxing the time limit for income tax returns (ITRs) which were erroneously rejected by CPC and filed electronically up to 31 March 2024.  “The matter has been considered by the…

New Delhi: India logged over 65,000 crore digital payment transactions worth ₹12,000 trillion in the last six fiscal years—FY19 to FY25—marking a surge in the technology’s adoption across the country, including small towns and rural areas, minister of state for finance Pankaj Chaudhary said on Monday. This has helped reduce cash dependency in the economy…

Prior to opening a fixed deposit (FD) with a bank, it is important to compare the interest rates offered by its rivals. After RBI cut the repo rate by a total of 100 basis points in three consecutive policy meetings this Calendar year, most banks followed suit and cut their interest rates on fixed deposits…

ITR 2025: The deadline to file the income tax return (ITR) is fast approaching, as the government has set September 15, 2025, as the last date for submission. If you are busy filing your income tax return, make sure you take all necessary precautions, including downloading necessary documents, studying them carefully, checking their authenticity and…

By carefully selecting a co-branded credit card that supports your personal brands, you can also benefit from greater discounts and reward features associated with those companies. This is a carefully compiled guide to the best co-branded cards – and how to best utilise a co-branded card to work for you – whether you travel often,…

My minor son moved to the US last year for studies. I had gifted him money in his US bank account, where I’m his custodian on record. This year, some of the funds lying in excess in the US were put in a short-term deposit in the US, and some were sent back to his…

Resorting to borrowing when the credit need arises is a typical behaviour of consumers. Be it for car, home, consumer durables or for personal needs, borrowing is the part and parcel of life of consumers everywhere. CRIF High Mark released its annual report listing out latest trends relating to borrowing trends of Indian consumers. The report…