Financial corporation definition expanded to include public and government companies, broadening eligible entities under income-tax provisions. Amendment to section 36(1)(viii) substitutes the Explanation so that 'financial corporation' includes a public company and a Government company, and provides that the meanings of 'public company' and 'Government company' shall be those assigned in the Companies Act, 1956; the substitution is deemed effective from the specified operative date for income-tax purposes.