Section 80G explained: CBDT issues FAQs on ITR donation deductions; what taxpayers should know

Taxpayers opting for the old tax regime can continue to claim deductions on donations made to eligible charitable organisations under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. To clarify how such claims will be assessed and verified, the Income Tax Department issued an extensive set of FAQs on December 19, 2025, outlining both substantive…

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EU-Mercosur trade deal: Lula eyes January signing; EU farmer protests and member pushback delay pact

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Saturday that he hopes the long-pending free-trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union will be signed in January, even as opposition from some EU members and protests by European farmers delay the deal, AP reported.Speaking at a summit of South American leaders in Foz do…

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Electricity Bill consultation: Power minister discusses draft amendments with MPs; stakeholder feedback underway

Power Minister Manohar Lal has held consultations with a panel of Members of Parliament on the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as the government seeks feedback on changes aimed at strengthening India’s power sector framework, PTI reported.MPs from various political parties in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha participated in the meeting of the…

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AI boom or bubble? Is the AI bet driving US growth into risky territory; Ruchir Sharma explains

Left- AI generated reperesentative image; Right- Ruchir Sharma (File photo) The global economy has entered a phase where artificial intelligence has become the dominant force shaping growth, markets and policy, with the US now the most exposed to both its promise and its risks, according to economist and investor Ruchir Sharma.“This big factor has out-Trumped…

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Housing market outlook: Nearly 70% developers see over 5% rise in home prices in 2026; demand remains strong

Nearly 70 per cent of real estate developers expect housing prices to rise by more than 5 per cent during the 2026 calendar year, driven by sustained demand, according to a sentiment survey conducted by industry body CREDAI and property data analytics firm CRE Matrix, PTI reported.The survey, conducted in November and December with responses…

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Bullion outlook: Gold, silver to retain momentum in 2026 amid strong demand, says PL Capital

Gold, one of the strongest-performing assets this year, is expected to remain “moderately to strongly positive” in 2026, while silver is also likely to retain its momentum, according to a market outlook report by financial advisory firm PL Capital, PTI reported.Gold prices have risen more than 60 per cent so far in 2026, supported by…

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