Latest Car News in India

October has brought several changes that could affect the way people travel, make digital payments, use banking services and access essential household services. Some of these changes may directly impact everyday expenses and transactions, while others introduce new requirements that consumers need to be aware of. Here are the key changes that you should know about.

Vehicle owners in Delhi will need a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) to purchase fuel from petrol pumps from October 1. The system is being implemented at fuel stations equipped with number plate recognition technology. The move is aimed at strengthening pollution-control measures in the National Capital Region. Vehicle owners should therefore check the validity of their PUC certificate before heading to a petrol pump. 

 

Non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi are also set to face restrictions on entering the capital from November 1.

 

Commercial vehicles entering or exiting Mumbai will face higher toll charges from October 1. The revised rates apply at five entry points, including Airoli, Mulund LBS, Mulund Eastern Expressway, Dahisar and Vashi. The toll for mini buses and light commercial vehicles has increased from Rs 75 to Rs 90. Buses and trucks will now attract a toll of Rs 180, compared with Rs 150 earlier, while heavy motor vehicles will pay Rs 225 instead of Rs 190.

 

Private cars and SUVs, along with taxis, auto-rickshaws and public transport buses, remain exempt from these entry-point tolls.

A new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework will apply to specified UPI person-to-merchant transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15. Under the standard rate, merchants will pay 0.4% on eligible transactions, with the charge capped at Rs 300 for transactions of Rs 75,000 or more. UPI person-to-person payments will continue to remain free, while merchant payments up to Rs 2,000 will also remain free.

 

The government has clarified that MDR is a merchant-side charge and is not a fee that customers have to pay for using UPI.

SBI Salary Package Account holders will get five free monthly transactions at other banks' ATMs, compared with 10 earlier. Customers who frequently use other banks' ATMs should keep the revised limit in mind.

Domestic LPG consumers receiving subsidised cylinders are required to complete biometric Aadhaar authentication. Customers who have already completed the authentication process do not need to repeat it.

New charges under the National Pension System also come into effect. These include a one-time charge of Rs 200 per Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN), along with a recurring charge of 0.20% of assets under management.

 

With several rules and charges changing during October, consumers should check which provisions apply to them and whether any action is required from their side.