As 2024 is coming to an end in a few days, plans are already in motion for 2025 to begin. Along with the new year and new calendar, a number of important changes (Rule Changes from January 1) will go into force countrywide, affecting households, professions, travellers, and money all throughout the nation. These modifications cover a wide range of topics, including data charges, visa procedures, and GST.
Here’s a sneak peek at the major changes affecting your budget and planning beginning January 1, 2025.
Important Changes in GST Compliance
A number of key changes in GST compliance will come into effect starting from January 1, 2025, which would affect companies in India:-
1: Mandatory MFA: MFA shall become mandatory for all taxpayers. This is to make security on GST portals tighter than ever.
Preparation: Update mobile numbers for OTPs, train employees, enable MFA early, and ensure IT system compatibility.
2: E-Way Bill Restrictions: E-Way Bills (EWBs) can only be generated for base documents not older than 180 days.
Preparation: Align invoicing and logistics with the 180-day rule, automate EWB reminders, and coordinate inventory with supply chain teams.
These changes aim to streamline processes and reduce fraud.
Thailand’s e-visa system is coming in 2025
Beginning January 1, 2025, visitors from across the world will be able to apply for a Thai e-Visa through the official website, www.thaievisa.go.th. While the e-Visa system was previously accessible only to travelers from certain regions, this expansion allows applicants from any country to complete the entire visa application process online. This move simplifies the process, making it more convenient for international travelers to visit Thailand. This law will undoubtedly make the travel documentation procedure easier for many Indians, as there are a lot of Indian tourists travelling to Thailand for holiday.
New US visa appointment rules to cut wait time, bring relief for Indians in 2025
- US Visa Relief for Indians: Starting January 1, 2025, the US Embassy in India will allow non-immigrant visa applicants to reschedule appointments once without extra fees. Additional rescheduling will require reapplication and fee payment.
- H-1B Visa Overhaul: Effective January 17, 2025, new DHS rules aim to modernize the H-1B process, offering flexibility for employers and better transitions for Indian F-1 visa holders.
- But long Wait Times Persist: Visa appointment wait times in India remain high, with B1/B2 visas averaging 400+ days.
ITC Hotels demerger to come into effect from January 1, 2025
The multifaceted conglomerate ITC, based in Kolkata, has already said that once all necessary permits are obtained, the demerger of ITC Hotels will take effect on January 1, 2025.
Key Rule Changes for Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, and BSNL Users from January 1, 2025
On September 19, 2024, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) released the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024 (RoW Rules). The effective date of these regulations is January 1, 2025. The purpose of the regulations is to control the construction, use, and upkeep of underground communications facilities on public property.
Companies will be able to enhance their services by implementing the Right of Way (RoW) regulations. The new regulation specifies the locations for new mobile tower installations by telecom providers such as Jio, Airtel, Voda, and BSNL.
WhatsApp will stop working on many Android phones running older versions of the operating system starting January 1, 2025.
This includes popular models from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, HTC, and Motorola.
Here are the list of the names of the affected phones models:
- Samsung: Galaxy S3,Galaxy Note 2,Galaxy Ace 3,Galaxy S4 Mini
- HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601
- Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V
- LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90, Motorola, Moto G, Razr HD
- Moto E 2014
If you have any data or chats on these devices, it’s important to back them up before the deadline, as WhatsApp will no longer support them. The app frequently updates its requirements to support newer features, including Meta AI, which needs more advanced hardware.
