From revised FD rates, salaries, to PAN-Aadhaar linkage, here’s all the rule changes in effect from January 1, 2026

With the New Year right around the corner, here are all the policy and regulatory changes that will be in effect starting January 1, 2016. The host of rules which go from banking to government schemes will directly impact salaried employees, farmers, young people and the wider public.

Banking sector

A number of banking rules will see changes from the New Year. Credit score agencies will be required to update credit data every week instead of once every 15 days. The change is to help lenders assess their borrowers and make credit histories more responsive.

Banks, including the SBI, PNB and HDFC, have reduced their loan interest rates, which is expected to help borrowers in the new year.

Revised fixed deposit rates will also come into effect from January 2016.

Banks have also further tightened norms related to UPI and digital payments, along with Pan Aadhar linking. January 1, PAN-Aadhaar linkage will be Mandatory to access most banking and government services. Without the linkage, banking and government services may be stopped.

SIM verification through platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram has also been made stringent in order to curb fraud and misuse.

Social media and traffic

The government is also considering stricter social media rules for children below 16 years, similar to regulations in Australia and Malaysia. Discussions are underway to enforce age-based restrictions and parental controls.

Many cities are also preparing to restrict the entry of diesel and petrol commercial vehicles.

In Delhi and Noida, delivery using petrol vehicles may face limits to reduce pollution.

Government employees

From January 1, the 8th Pay Commission is expected to come into effect as the 7th Pay Commission ends on December 31.

Central and state government employees may also see an increase in Dearness allowance, leading to higher salaries amid the persistent inflation

Some states, including Haryana, also expect a review and raise minimum wages for part-time and daily wage workers.

Farmers

In states like Uttar Pradesh, farmers are being issued a unique ID that will be mandatory to receive instalments under the PM-Kisan scheme. Without the IDs, the beneficiaries may not receive the credited amounts.

Under the PM crop insurance scheme, farmers will be compensated for the crop damage caused by wild animals providers the loss is reported within 72 hours.

Other changes

A new income tax return form may be introduced with pre-filled banking and spending details.

LPG and commercial gas cylinder prices will also be revised on January 1.

Aviation fuel prices may also change, which may affect air ticket prices.