From July 1, 2025, everyday life will see some significant changes. Whether you’re booking a train ticket, using a credit card, managing your taxes, or even filling out fuel for your vehicle, new rules are stepping in that could impact you directly. These aren’t just technical updates—they touch real parts of our daily routines.
Aadhaar Now a Must for PAN
If you’re applying for a new PAN card, get your Aadhaar ready. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has made it mandatory to verify identity with Aadhaar. Earlier, other documents like voter ID or birth certificates were accepted. Now, Aadhaar is at the center of India’s digital identity push.
Credit Card Changes That Could Affect Your Wallet
Starting July 15, SBI Card is pulling the plug on complimentary air accident insurance for some premium cards like ELITE and PRIME. If you’ve been counting on that perk, it’s time to review your coverage.
Also, SBI is tweaking how it calculates the Minimum Amount Due (MAD) on your card bill—a change that could shift how your repayments are structured. The updated formula includes more components, potentially making your monthly dues higher if you’re not paying in full.
Meanwhile, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank are changing how they charge for certain transactions:
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HDFC Bank will now apply a 1% fee (up to ₹4,999 per transaction) on high-value spending like rent payments, skill-based gaming above ₹10,000/month, and utility bills beyond ₹50,000/month.
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ICICI Bank will charge ₹23 per ATM transaction after the first five financial ones at its own ATMs. They’ve also adjusted fees for IMPS, cash deposits, and withdrawals beyond your monthly limit.
Income Tax Filing Gets a Breather
Good news for salaried employees: You now have until September 15 to file your income tax return for FY 2024-25, thanks to an extension from CBDT. But don’t wait until the last minute—filing early could save you from last-minute portal slowdowns.
Railway Fare Hike: What It Means for You
Taking the train? Get ready for a small hike. Indian Railways is raising fares slightly to help with rising costs:
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Non-AC Mail/Express: Up by 1 paisa/km
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AC Classes: Up by 2 paisa/km
So, a 500 km second-class journey will now cost ₹5 more. It might seem minor, but it’s part of a larger effort to improve rail services.
Aadhaar Needed for Tatkal Bookings
From July 1, booking Tatkal train tickets on the IRCTC platform will require Aadhaar or a government-issued ID verified through DigiLocker. This move aims to reduce misuse and make bookings more secure for genuine travelers.
