Several important changes will come into effect for railway passengers, bank customers, and mobile users from December 1, 2025.
These updates aim to improve security, reduce fraud, and make services more transparent across railways, banking, and telecom sectors.
OTP Now Mandatory for Tatkal Railway Tickets
Indian Railways has introduced a major update to the Tatkal ticket booking system. Starting December 1, an OTP will be compulsory for booking Tatkal tickets.
This rule will first be implemented on the Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express.
Ticket booking will not be completed unless the OTP sent to the registered mobile number is entered.
The purpose is to stop the use of fake mobile numbers, reduce illegal bookings, and support genuine passengers.
This rule applies to the IRCTC website, mobile app, railway ticket counters, and authorized agents.
Important for passengers:
Ensure your mobile number is updated before booking, as the OTP will be sent to that number. You cannot change the mobile number during the booking process.
Changes in SBI ATM Transactions and mCash
From December 1, SBI will revise its ATM transaction rules:
Salary account holders: 10 free ATM transactions; after that, ₹23 will be charged per transaction.
Savings account holders: 5 free ATM transactions.
SBI is also discontinuing the mCash feature on YONO Lite and Online SBI.
Customers can now transfer money only through UPI, IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS.
Stricter Rules for GST Returns
GSTN has announced that businesses that have not filed returns for the last three or more years will no longer be able to file new returns starting December.
To continue tax filing, businesses must first update all pending old returns.
Caller’s Real Name Will Now Appear on the Screen
The Department of Telecommunications will implement CNAP (Caller Name Presentation) from December 15.
When someone calls, their name—as registered in their KYC—will appear on your screen.
This change aims to reduce spam, stop fraud calls, and improve user safety.
