As 2024 draws to a close, preparations for 2025 are already underway. With the new year approaching, several significant changes will take effect nationwide starting January 1. These updates will impact households, professionals, travellers, and finances across the country. The changes span various areas, including data charges, visa procedures, and GST regulations.
Here’s a preview of the key changes set to impact your budget and plans starting 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 to Launch Expanded e-Visa System in 2025
Starting January 1, 2025, travelers from any country will be able to apply for a Thailand e-Visa through the official website, www.thaievisa.go.th. Previously, the e-Visa system was limited to applicants from specific regions, but this expansion now allows individuals worldwide to complete their visa applications entirely online.
This initiative simplifies the visa process, making it more convenient for international visitors to access Thailand. For Indian travelers, in particular, the move is expected to be a significant relief, as Thailand remains a popular holiday destination among Indians. The streamlined document processing will make travel planning smoother for those eager to enjoy a vacation in the country.
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
The Department of Telecommunications released the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024 commonly known as RoW rules on 19 September, 2024. In effect from January 1, 2025, these regulations are established to control the construction, use, and maintenance of underground communications facilities on public property. Companies will be in a better position to boost their services with the aid of Right of Way regulations. The new regulation specifies the locations for new mobile tower installations by telecom providers such as Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, 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
WhatsApp will no longer support these devices, therefore it’s crucial to save any data or chats you may have on them before the deadline. In order to accommodate newer features, such as Meta AI, which requires more sophisticated technology, the application regularly changes its requirements.
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