News Headline
Major financial rule changes coming into effect from December 1
MUMBAI: From pensions to gas cylinders and tax filings, 1 December will usher in a fresh set of financial rules and price resets that touch almost every household. With the 30 November deadline looming large, taxpayers, pensioners and government staff need to tick off critical compliance tasks to avoid penalties and service disruptions.
Government staff rush to enrol in the new pension scheme
Central government employees have until 30 November to opt into the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). Those shifting from NPS must submit their choice either online through the CRA portal or via their nodal officers. Miss the deadline, and the window closes — at least for now.
Pensioners must verify life certificate
Pensioners are required to submit their annual life certificate by 30 November to keep monthly payouts flowing. Verification can be done online through the Jeevan Pramaan platform or physically at banks and post offices. Skip the formality, and pensions will be paused until proof of life is updated.
Tax filings to beat the buzzer
High-value transaction tax deductions made in October come with reporting deadlines this week. These include TDS filings under Sections 194-IA, 194-IB, 194M and 194S.
Companies under transfer-pricing rules must file their compliance report under Section 92E by 30 November. Multinational groups with Indian entities are also expected to file Form 3CEAA before the cut-off.
Ignore the deadlines, and taxpayers may face penalties or unwelcome notices.
Gas prices reset from 1 December
LPG cylinders will see a price revision on 1 December, linked to international benchmarks and currency movements. After a cut on commercial cylinders last month, domestic consumers are watching closely — the update could either ease or squeeze already-tight household budgets.
Airlines brace for ATF rate shift
Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) rates will also be refreshed on 1 December. Even a small bump could push up airline operating costs, raising the risk of costlier tickets right as the holiday travel rush kicks in.
Tick the boxes now — before December bites
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
