July 1 Rule Changes: Passport issuance becomes costlier; free Aadhaar updates begin—know the major changes effective today.
July 1 Rule Changes: Several rules have been modified starting today, the first day of July, including regulations related to banking and railways. These changes will impact your finances.
Major financial changes from July 1: Several significant changes are taking effect in the country today, July 1, 2026, which will directly impact you. With the start of the month, new rules are being implemented for taxpayers, bank customers, Aadhaar card users, credit card holders, and passport applicants. These range from the deadline for filing income tax returns to a six-month facility for free email updates on Aadhaar cards. Let’s take a look at the changes coming into effect today:
No more restrictions on petrol and diesel purchases
In accordance with Central Government regulations, restrictions previously imposed on petrol and diesel purchases for both general and commercial customers are being lifted today, July 1. The government has completely removed all emergency restrictions and rationing measures. Previously, amidst the war between the US and Iran and escalating tensions in West Asia, a limit of 200 liters per consumer had been set for daily diesel sales, and commercial customers were barred from purchasing fuel at retail pumps. These rules have been scrapped as of today. Commercial vehicles and factories can now purchase fuel without any limits.
Passport issuance becomes costlier
The Ministry of External Affairs has increased the fees for both applying for and re-issuing passports under the Passport (Amendment) Rules, 2026. This marks the first major hike in fees in the last 14 years.
The new charges are as follows:
Standard 36-page passport: ₹2,500 (previously ₹1,500)
Standard 60-page passport: ₹3,500 (previously ₹2,000)
Tatkaal 36-page passport: ₹5,000
Tatkaal 60-page passport: ₹6,000
Free Aadhaar email update
Starting today, July 1, and continuing for the next six months (until December 31), the UIDAI has completely waived the ₹75 fee for updating email addresses in Aadhaar. However, this free service applies only to updates made via the official UIDAI mobile app. If you visit an Aadhaar center to update your email, you will be required to pay the full fee.
What changes has the RBI introduced?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has implemented several stringent rules, effective July 1, to curb the mis-selling of financial products by banks. If a bank or its employee sells an insurance policy, mutual fund, or any scheme to a customer without providing full information or by misleading them, the bank must not only refund the entire amount but also compensate the customer for any financial loss incurred. Additionally, restrictions have been imposed on telemarketing and promotional calls.
Deadline for filing ITR
Individuals filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 for the financial year 2026-27 (Assessment Year 2026-27) must file their income tax returns by July 31, 2026. The final month leading up to this deadline begins today.
Rules for HDFC Bank credit card lounge access
For select HDFC Bank premium credit cardholders, domestic airport lounge access has been linked to minimum quarterly spending or specific spending criteria. In other words, bank credit cardholders will be eligible for free domestic airport lounge visits in a given quarter only if they have spent at least ₹60,000 in the preceding quarter. For instance, to avail of lounge access during the July–September 2026 quarter, one must spend ₹60,000 during the April–June 2026 quarter.
Changes to SBI Card Reward Points
Effective today, July 1, SBI Card is modifying the reward point program for the PhonePe SBI Credit Card and select other variants. Reward points will no longer be awarded for certain specific types of transactions made using these cards.
What Rules Have the Railways Changed?
Under the ‘Jan Vishwas Act, 2026’, Indian Railways has increased the minimum fine for ticketless travel from ₹250 to ₹500, effective today. Additionally, rules have been implemented to impose an immediate fine of ₹2,500 and remove male passengers from the train if they travel in or enter coaches reserved for women. Furthermore, a rule imposing a direct fine of ₹2,000 for smoking at railway stations has also come into effect today.
EPFO Online Services Restored
The database upgrade and system migration work undertaken by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)—which had been ongoing since June 26—concluded around midnight on June 30. Effective today, July 1, all of EPFO’s online services—including PF withdrawals, transfers, and claim processing—have resumed operations.
