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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released an important update for investors holding Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2018-19 Series V. As per the latest press release dated 21 January 2026, the premature redemption price for this tranche has been officially announced.

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

Who Is Eligible for Premature Redemption?

According to RBI guidelines, Sovereign Gold Bonds can be redeemed prematurely after completion of 5 years from the date of issue, but only on the interest payment dates.

• Issue Date: 22 January 2019

• 5 Years Completed On: 22 January 2024

• Next Eligible Premature Redemption Date: 22 January 2026

So, investors holding SGB 2018-19 Series V can opt for premature redemption on 22 January 2026.

Premature Redemption Price

The redemption price is calculated based on the simple average of closing gold prices of 999 purity for the previous three business days, as published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd. (IBJA).

For this tranche:

• Redemption Price: ₹14,853 per unit

• Gold Price Average Dates Considered:

  • 19 January 2026

  • 20 January 2026

  • 21 January 2026

Why This Matters for Investors

• If gold prices have increased since your investment, you may benefit from capital appreciation.

• SGBs also offer 2.5% annual interest, which is paid semi-annually.

• Capital gains on redemption with RBI are tax-free for individual investors (a major advantage over physical gold).

Key Takeaway

If you are holding SGB 2018-19 Series V, this is a good time to:

• Review your investment goals

• Compare market gold prices

• Decide whether to redeem or continue holding until maturity

Premature redemption at ₹14,853 per unit could be attractive depending on your purchase price and financial planning needs.

If you need help with tax implications, investment planning, or portfolio review, feel free to consult a professional before making a decision.

Source: RBI Press Release (January 21, 2026)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has once again extended the directions imposed on The Konark Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., Ulhasnagar, citing public interest. As per the latest press release dated January 20, 2026, the restrictions will now continue till April 23, 2026, subject to review.

Background of the RBI Directions

Earlier, RBI had issued directions to the bank under Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. These directions were initially imposed for six months up to October 23, 2024, and were later extended up to January 23, 2026.

After reviewing the situation, RBI has decided that it is necessary to further extend the directive in the interest of depositors and the general public.

Latest Extension – Key Details

• Extension period: 3 months

• From: January 23, 2026

• To: April 23, 2026

• Status: Subject to review by RBI

This means that the bank will continue to operate under the same restrictions for the extended period.

Important Clarification by RBI

RBI has clearly stated that this extension should not be interpreted as confirmation of the bank’s financial soundness. The extension is purely a regulatory measure and does not imply RBI’s satisfaction with the bank’s financial position.

What About Other Conditions?

All existing terms and conditions of the directive remain unchanged. Customers and stakeholders should continue to follow the previously notified restrictions until further instructions are issued by RBI.

What Should Depositors Do?

If you are a customer of Konark Urban Co-operative Bank:

• Stay updated with official RBI notifications

• Avoid relying on rumors or unofficial sources

• Plan finances cautiously during the restriction period

• Consult a financial or tax professional if needed

Conclusion

The RBI’s decision to extend the directions highlights its continued monitoring of the bank’s operations. Depositors are advised to remain cautious and informed until RBI issues further updates after review.

When we think about planning for our children, education and healthcare usually come first. But what about their long-term financial security? Recognising this gap, the government has introduced NPS Vatsalya, a pension and savings scheme designed exclusively for minors.

Recently, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) released detailed NPS Vatsalya Scheme Guidelines, 2025, bringing much-needed clarity for parents and guardians who want to start early financial planning for their children.

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What is NPS Vatsalya?

NPS Vatsalya is a long-term contributory savings scheme for children below 18 years of age. It allows parents or legal guardians to start building a retirement-sized corpus for their child from a very young age.

The account is opened in the child’s name, with the guardian managing it until the child becomes a major. Once the child turns 18, the account can smoothly transition into a regular NPS Tier I account.

In short, it’s about starting early, staying disciplined, and thinking long term.

Who Can Open an NPS Vatsalya Account?

• Any Indian citizen, including NRI or OCI children

• Child must be below 18 years

• The minor is the sole beneficiary

• The account is operated by the parent or legal guardian

Contribution Rules: Small Amounts, Big Impact

One of the biggest advantages of NPS Vatsalya is how accessible it is.

• Minimum initial and annual contribution: ₹250

• No maximum contribution limit

• Contributions can also be gifted by relatives or friends

This makes it ideal even for middle-income families who want to start small but stay consistent.

Choice of Pension Fund

The guardian can choose any pension fund registered with PFRDA. This gives flexibility to align investments with long-term goals and risk appetite.

Partial Withdrawals: Help When It Matters

Life is unpredictable, and the scheme recognises that.

• Partial withdrawal allowed after 3 years

• Up to 25% of own contributions (returns excluded)

• Allowed for:

  • Education

  • Medical treatment

  • Specified disabilities

• Limited number of withdrawals, ensuring long-term discipline

This balance between flexibility and discipline is a thoughtful feature.

What Happens When the Child Turns 18?

At 18, fresh KYC is mandatory, and the child has options until age 21:

1. Continue under NPS Vatsalya

2. Shift to NPS Tier I

3. Exit the scheme:

   • Up to 80% as lump sum

   • At least 20% to be annuitised

   • Full withdrawal allowed if total corpus is ₹8 lakh or less

This ensures continuity without forcing immediate decisions.

Why NPS Vatsalya Matters

NPS Vatsalya isn’t just another savings scheme. It promotes:

• A habit of saving from childhood

• Financial literacy at an early age

• Long-term planning aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047

It’s especially impactful in rural and semi-urban areas, where community workers like Anganwadi workers, ASHAs, and Bank Sakhis will play a key role in spreading awareness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a parent thinking beyond short-term goals, NPS Vatsalya is worth serious consideration. Starting early gives compounding enough time to work its magic—and that’s something no last-minute investment can replace.

After all, when it comes to our children’s future, time is the most powerful investment of all.

The Income Tax Department has released provisional data on Direct Tax Collections for FY 2025–26 up to 11 January 2026, revealing steady growth in net collections despite lower refunds. The figures highlight resilience in corporate and non-corporate tax revenues and reflect the broader strength of India’s formal economy.

Snapshot of Direct Tax Collections (₹ in Crore)

Key Highlights

1. Net Direct Tax Collection Grows by 8.82%

Net direct tax collections stood at ₹18.38 lakh crore, compared to ₹16.89 lakh crore in the same period last year. This robust growth has been primarily supported by:

• Strong corporate tax inflows
• Improved compliance
• Reduced refund outgo

2. Corporate Tax Continues to Lead

Corporate Tax (CT) collections increased from ₹7.67 lakh crore to ₹8.63 lakh crore, reflecting healthy corporate profitability and improved tax administration.

3. Non-Corporate Tax Shows Strong Momentum

Non-Corporate Tax (NCT), which includes taxes paid by individuals, HUFs, firms, LLPs, AOPs, BOIs, and local authorities, rose from ₹8.74 lakh crore to ₹9.30 lakh crore. This indicates:

• Growth in personal incomes
• Expansion of the tax base
• Better reporting and compliance

4. Securities Transaction Tax (STT) Stable

STT collections remained almost flat at around ₹44,867 crore, suggesting steady activity in capital markets without excessive volatility.

5. Significant Reduction in Refunds

Refunds declined sharply by 16.92%, falling to ₹3.12 lakh crore. Lower refunds have played a key role in boosting net collections and may indicate:

• More accurate advance tax payments
• Improved processing efficiency
• Better matching of returns and TDS data

What This Means for the Economy

The data underscores the structural strength of India’s tax ecosystem:

• Rising compliance through digitisation and analytics
• Broad-based contribution from corporates and individuals
• Improved fiscal position for the government

Higher net direct tax collections provide the government with greater fiscal space for capital expenditure, welfare schemes, and infrastructure investment, without excessive reliance on borrowing.

Outlook for FY 2025–26

With one quarter still remaining in the financial year, direct tax collections are expected to further improve, especially with:

• Advance tax payments in March
• Year-end corporate tax settlements
• Continued economic momentum

If current trends continue, FY 2025–26 could close with one of the strongest direct tax performances in recent years.

Source: Income Tax Department (TINMIS)