New Delhi: The first day of any month can prove to be quite significant, as it often marks the date when various rules and regulations undergo changes or come into effect. Starting today, several such regulations are set to be implemented that will have a direct impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. As of May 1, 2026—that is, today—India is set to witness a major transformation in the online gaming sector with the operationalisation of the ‘Online Gaming Authority of India’ under the new online gaming regulations.
Key User Safety Features:
- ✅ Mandatory age verification
- ✅ Parental controls for minors
- ✅ Gameplay duration restrictions
- ✅ Fair play monitoring mechanisms
- ✅ Mandatory platform registration for high-value transactions
2. 🏧 ATM Transaction Fees — Now More Expensive
RBI has approved an increase in ATM interchange fees effective today
Free Transaction Limits (Unchanged):
| ATM Type | Free Transactions/Month |
|---|---|
| Own Bank’s ATM | 5 transactions |
| Other Bank’s ATM (Metro cities) | 3 transactions |
| Other Bank’s ATM (Non-metro) | 5 transactions |
Charges After Free Limit:
| Parameter | Old Rate | New Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Per transaction charge | ₹21 | ₹23 |
| Increase | — | ▲ ₹2 per transaction |
This authority will be tasked with regulating the gaming sector. Additionally, changes to ATM transaction fees are also anticipated, a development that is bound to impact the pockets of customers. Meanwhile, there are also plans to launch the ‘One State-One RRB’ scheme across 11 states.
Online Gaming Regulations Come into Effect
These regulations establish a comprehensive regulatory framework under the *Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025*. Under this Act, the ‘Online Gaming Authority of India’ has been constituted. This body will be responsible for regulating, classifying, and monitoring online games. The primary objective is to safeguard users against financial risks and potential mental health-related hazards.
Key Changes Related to Online Gaming
Furthermore, in accordance with the new regulations, online games have been categorised into three distinct groups: Online Money Games, Online Social Games, and E-sports. Registration has been made mandatory for gaming platforms that involve higher financial risk or high-value transactions. Additionally, to ensure user safety, the framework incorporates features such as age verification limits, parental controls, restrictions on gameplay duration, and mechanisms to monitor for fair play.
ATM Interchange Fees Set to Rise
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted permission to increase ATM interchange fees, a change that comes into effect starting today. Following the implementation of these new rules, conducting transactions at ATMs will become slightly more expensive. Once the monthly limit of free transactions is exhausted, customers will now be required to pay ₹23 per transaction—an increase from the previous rate of ₹21. As per the regulations, customers are entitled to five free transactions per month at their own bank’s ATMs. Additionally, customers are permitted three free transactions per month at other banks’ ATMs in metropolitan cities, and five free transactions per month at other banks’ ATMs in non-metropolitan areas.
A New Beginning
The Union Ministry of Finance has recently launched the ‘One State–One RRB’ scheme across 11 states. Under this initiative, the process of consolidating 15 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across these 11 states into a single unified bank will be undertaken. The scheme is set to come into effect on May 1, 2025. The primary objective of this scheme is to enhance operational efficiency while minimising costs.
Changes in FD Interest Rates
Effective May 1, the RBI Bank has revised the rules regarding interest payments on savings accounts. Consequently, customers will now receive interest on a monthly basis, rather than quarterly. According to the bank, interest will be calculated daily based on the end-of-day balance in the account. This accrued interest will be credited to the account every month. The maximum interest rate applicable to savings accounts stands at 7 per cent, subject to the account balance.
