10 Key Changes from April 1 2025: From LPG Prices and highway tolls to UPS Portal Launch, Check All Details Here!

As the calendar turns to April 1, 2025, a myriad of changes are set to affect many areas of Indian life. From monetary reforms to infrastructure overhauls, these changes are intended to improve efficiency, ease, and economic growth. Here's a complete overview of the top 10 changes you should know about:

10 Key Changes from April 1, 2025

1. New Income Tax Slabs: The new income tax regime increases the basic exemption limit from ₹3 lakh to ₹4 lakh. Individuals with total income below ₹4 lakh between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, are not required to file income tax returns.

• TDS Relief:

• The dividend tax deduction threshold limit has been raised from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, benefiting equity and MF investors.
• The TDS threshold for insurance commission has been increased from ₹15,000 to ₹20,000.
• For non-senior citizens, the TDS threshold for interest income has increased from ₹40,000 to ₹50,000.
1. Unified Pension Scheme (UPS): Central government employees who joined from 2004 will get the option to shift to the Unified Pension Scheme, offering an assured pension of 50% of the last pay drawn, inflation adjustment, and a ₹10,000 monthly payout after serving for 10 years.
2. Increased Highway Tolls: Tolls on National Highways will rise by around 3% as the Centre allows annual hikes to cover price increases. For example, on highways passing through Lucknow, light vehicles will see an increase of ₹5 to ₹10 per trip, while heavy vehicles face a steeper hike of ₹20 to ₹25.
3. Medicines to Cost More: Prices of essential medicines, such as painkillers, antibiotics, anti-infectives, anti-diabetics, and cancer drugs, will see a modest increase.
4. Gas Prices Rise: The government increased the price of natural gas produced from old legacy fields (APM) by 4% to $6.75 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) effective April 1, from $6.50 per MMBtu.
5. LPG Cylinder Price Reduction (Commercial): Oil marketing companies (OMCs) have reduced the price of 19-kg commercial LPG gas cylinders by ₹41. In Delhi, the revised retail sale price is now ₹1,762.

The revised prices are as follows:

• Delhi: Rs 1,762 (down from Rs 1,803)
• Kolkata: Rs 1,872 (down from Rs 1,913)
• Mumbai: Rs 1,714.50 (down from Rs 1,755.50)
• Chennai: Rs 1,924.50 (down from Rs 1,965.50)

1. UPI Security Checks: Banks and UPI apps will check and update their mobile number records at least once a week to avoid errors caused by recycled or changed mobile numbers. UPI apps will ask users for clear and explicit consent before assigning or updating their numeric UPI ID.
2. GST Changes: Generation of e-way bills and e-invoices will need multi-factor authentication. A new Input Service Distributor mechanism will also be implemented.
3. Small Loans: Banks can extend home loans up to ₹50 lakh in metro cities under priority sector lending norms.

As these reforms are implemented, they hold the key to transforming life in India on multiple fronts - from individual financial planning to development of infrastructure. While some may necessitate up-front changes, they are framed to promote expansion, security, and efficiency over time. You are a tax payer, entrepreneur, or maybe just a regular commuter - regardless of your affiliation, knowing what these changes imply can assist you in navigating this new landscape.