New month, new money rules: direct MF plans default, CNAP mandatory, pension papers due

Direct mutual fund plans become the default, CNAP makes caller names visible, and pensioners must file life certificates this month.

The mutual fund change is the most visible: all AMCs must now make direct plans the default on digital platforms, and investors who actively choose regular plans will be warned about their higher expense ratios — a nudge toward lower-cost investing. The Department of Telecom's Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) goes mandatory, meaning incoming calls will display the caller's name, a long-awaited weapon against spam and fraud calls.

Pensioners below 80 must submit their annual life certificates between November 1 and 30 to keep pensions flowing, while PNB has revised charges on its Visa and RuPay credit cards. The CBDT, meanwhile, has extended the income-tax return filing deadline for audited taxpayers to November 21, 2026.

Taken together, the November 1 reset touches savings, borrowing, telecom and taxes — a reminder to check the fine print on accounts and policies this month.