Starting July 1st, a series of new rules have been implemented, affecting the financial landscape and daily routines of citizens. These changes encompass travel, identity verification, digital payments, fuel regulations, and vehicle ownership.
Train fares have been revised upwards by the Railway Ministry. Non-AC fares will increase by 1 paisa per kilometer, while AC fares will increase by 2 paisa per kilometer. This results in an increase of Rs 5 for a 500 km non-AC journey and Rs 10 for an AC journey of the same distance. For a 1000 km journey, the increase can be up to Rs 10 and Rs 20, respectively. The ministry attributes the increase to rising operational costs.
Booking Tatkal train tickets now requires linking your Aadhaar number to your IRCTC account. Aadhaar verification will be conducted via OTP during the booking process. Only Aadhaar-linked users can book tickets in the first 10 minutes, thereby preventing agents and ensuring confirmed tickets for genuine passengers.
The government has mandated Aadhaar for all new PAN card applications from July 1, 2025. This requirement aims to streamline the process and allows for quick issuance of e-PAN cards online for a small fee. This step is intended to curb tax evasion and strengthen identity verification.
To enhance security in UPI transactions, the real name of the recipient will be visible during payment. This change, applicable across all UPI apps, aims to minimize fraudulent transactions and reduce the risk of money being sent to the wrong account.
MG Motor India has increased prices across its model range by up to 1.5%, citing higher production costs and raw material expenses, following an earlier price hike in January. This change will put additional financial pressure on car buyers.
Commercial gas cylinder prices have been reduced, providing financial relief to commercial consumers, particularly in the hospitality sector. The price of a 19 kg commercial gas cylinder has decreased by Rs 58.50.
In Delhi, fuel will no longer be dispensed to end-of-life (EOL) vehicles. The Delhi government has initiated a strict action plan to stop the use of old vehicles, beginning July 1st. Vehicles exceeding the prescribed age limit will be confiscated. ANPR cameras at all 520 petrol pumps across the city will enforce this regulation, working with a central database to identify non-compliant vehicles. These changes affect citizens’ financial conditions, travel, digital payments and identity verification. It’s advisable to stay informed and take appropriate action to avoid any inconvenience.