As India steps into the 2025-26 financial year, a host of rule changes are kicking in that could affect your wallet, daily habits, and travel plans.
Lower Taxes, More Benefits for Salaried Individuals
The Union Budget 2025 is now live. If you earn up to ₹12 lakh annually, you’re officially off the income tax hook. Add in the new standard deduction of ₹75,000, and incomes up to ₹12.75 lakh per year become tax-free under the revised tax regime. This shift is expected to bring big relief to the middle class and push more people toward adopting the new system.
UPI and Credit Card Rule Updates
The NPCI is tightening digital payment security. From now on, UPI transactions from mobile numbers that haven’t been active will be blocked. Banks and apps like PhonePe and Google Pay have started phasing out inactive UPI accounts. Make sure your UPI-linked number is current to avoid disruptions.
Credit card users, especially SBI SimplyCLICK, Air India SBI Platinum, and Axis Vistara cardholders, will notice changes in their reward programs. Axis Bank is reshuffling Vistara card perks following the airline’s merger with Air India—so check your updated benefits.
LPG Price Cuts and Toll Hikes
Here’s some good news for businesses and commercial kitchens: the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder has dropped by ₹41. In Delhi, it’s now ₹1,762 (down from ₹1,803), and in Mumbai, ₹1,714.50 (down from ₹1,755.50). This comes after a see-saw of price changes in February and March, largely driven by global energy market volatility.
Meanwhile, travel just got pricier. New toll rates have taken effect across major highways, increasing by ₹5–₹10. Routes in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow-Kanpur and Varanasi-Gorakhpur, are affected. Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra, and other states will also see updates from the NHAI.
Pensions, Banking, and GST Compliance Changes
The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), launched in August 2024, is now in full force. About 23 lakh central government employees will benefit, with those serving over 25 years entitled to 50% of their average basic salary over the past year as pension.
Major banks like SBI, PNB, and Canara Bank have updated their minimum balance rules. Fall below the threshold, and penalties will follow. Better check your account settings.
For businesses, the GST portal now requires mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication. Plus, E-Way Bills will only be valid for base documents up to 180 days old—part of an ongoing crackdown on tax evasion.
New Perks for RuPay Debit Card Users
Holding a RuPay Debit Select Card? You’re in for some serious upgrades. New features include spa sessions, OTT subscriptions, airport lounge access, gym memberships, health check-ups, and more—all rolled out from today by the NPCI.