Several significant rule changes took effect on July 1st, impacting various aspects of daily life. These changes encompass travel expenses, identity verification, digital transactions, fuel policies, and vehicle purchases.
Train travel has become more expensive, with the Railway Ministry increasing fares for both AC and non-AC mail and express trains. Non-AC fares have increased by 1 paisa per kilometer, and AC fares by 2 paisa per kilometer. For instance, a 500 km non-AC journey will cost Rs 5 more, and an AC journey will cost Rs 10 more. For longer distances, like 1000 km, the increase can be up to Rs 10 and Rs 20, respectively. The ministry cites rising railway expenses as the reason for this adjustment.
To book Tatkal tickets, linking your Aadhaar number to your IRCTC account is now mandatory. Aadhaar verification will be done via OTP during ticket booking. During the initial 10 minutes of booking, only Aadhaar-linked users can book tickets, preventing agents from monopolizing the process and ensuring genuine passengers get confirmed tickets.
Aadhaar is also essential for obtaining new PAN cards, as the government mandates it from July 1, 2025. The process is online and allows for the quick issuance of an e-PAN card for a fee. This aims to combat tax evasion and strengthen identity verification.
In an effort to reduce UPI fraud, the real names of recipients will now be displayed during UPI transactions. This change, implemented across all UPI apps, aims to minimize money being sent to the wrong accounts.
MG Motor India has increased the prices of its models by up to 1.5% due to rising production costs and raw material expenses, following a previous increase in January. This will impact car buyers.
Commercial gas cylinder prices have decreased, offering relief to businesses like hotels and dhabas. The 19 kg commercial gas cylinder now costs Rs 1665 in Delhi (previously Rs 1723.50) and Rs 1616.50 in Mumbai (previously Rs 1674.50).
Furthermore, in Delhi, fuel will no longer be provided to end-of-life (EOL) vehicles. The Delhi government’s plan to stop the use of old vehicles started on July 1st. Vehicles exceeding the age limit will be confiscated. ANPR cameras across 520 petrol pumps will enforce this rule, working with a central database to identify non-compliant vehicles.