Several significant rule changes took effect on July 1st, impacting various facets of daily life for citizens. These modifications encompass travel expenses, identity protocols, digital transactions, fuel regulations, and vehicle purchases.
The Railway Ministry has adjusted train fares for both AC and non-AC categories. Non-AC fares have increased by 1 paisa per kilometer, while AC fares have increased by 2 paisa per kilometer. For example, a 500 km non-AC journey will cost Rs 5 more, while an AC journey will cost Rs 10 more. These increases are to address the rising operational costs of the railways.
Booking Tatkal tickets now necessitates linking your Aadhaar number to your IRCTC account. Aadhaar verification will be conducted via OTP during the booking process. During the initial 10 minutes of booking, only Aadhaar-linked users can book tickets, helping to prevent agents from monopolizing the booking process and to provide confirmed tickets to ordinary users.
Starting July 1, 2025, the government mandates Aadhaar for obtaining new PAN cards. The online process is simple and allows for quick issuance of e-PAN cards for a fee. This measure aims to prevent tax evasion and bolster identity verification.
To reduce UPI transaction fraud, the real name of the recipient will now be displayed during payment, across all UPI apps. This change aims to prevent funds from being transferred to the wrong account.
MG Motor India has increased prices across all models by up to 1.5%, citing rising production costs and increasing raw material prices, following a similar increase in January. This price hike will affect potential car buyers.
Commercial gas cylinder prices have been reduced, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and other commercial users. The price of a 19 kg commercial gas cylinder has been reduced by Rs 58.50.
In Delhi, fuel will no longer be provided to end-of-life (EOL) vehicles. The Delhi government has launched a plan to stop the use of old vehicles starting July 1st. Vehicles exceeding the specified age limits will be impounded. ANPR cameras at all 520 petrol stations will enforce this rule.