Wellness

SBI BSBD Account Rules to Change From October 1: ₹15 + GST Charge After 4 Cash Withdrawals New Delhi: State Bank of India (SBI) customers holding a Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) account should take note of the reported changes in cash withdrawal charges that are set to take effect from October 1. The revised rules are particularly important for customers who frequently withdraw cash from their accounts. Four Cash Withdrawals to Remain Free Under the reported revised structure, BSBD account holders will be allowed up to four cash withdrawals in a month without additional charges. Once the free withdrawal limit is exhausted, customers making further cash withdrawals may have to pay a charge of ₹15 plus applicable GST for each additional transaction. This means customers who regularly depend on cash withdrawals should keep track of the number of withdrawals they make during each month to avoid unexpected charges. Digital Transactions Will Not Attract This Charge One of the key points is that the reported charge is applicable to additional cash withdrawals, while digital transactions are not covered by this particular charge. Customers can therefore continue using digital payment and banking facilities for their regular transactions without this additional cash-withdrawal fee. What Is an SBI BSBD Account? A Basic Savings Bank Deposit account is designed to provide basic banking facilities without the requirement of maintaining a minimum balance. It is aimed at making essential banking services accessible to a wider section of customers. BSBD account holders can access several basic banking facilities, subject to SBI’s applicable terms and conditions. Several Basic Services Remain Free BSBD account customers continue to receive certain basic services without charges. These may include the basic RuPay ATM-cum-Debit Card and its annual maintenance, along with certain electronic credit transactions such as NEFT and RTGS, as per the applicable SBI service terms. Government cheque deposits and collection-related services may also remain free under the applicable rules. Important Rule for Customers With Another SBI Savings Account There is also an important condition for customers who already have another savings account with SBI. If a customer opens a BSBD account while holding another SBI savings account, the existing savings account is required to be closed within the prescribed period, reportedly within 30 days of opening the BSBD account. Customers should therefore check the latest terms and conditions before opening or maintaining such an account. What Should SBI Customers Do? BSBD account holders who frequently withdraw cash should keep the monthly withdrawal limit in mind. Planning cash requirements in advance and using digital payment options where convenient could help customers avoid additional charges. However, customers should verify the latest charges and applicable conditions through SBI’s official channels before making financial decisions, as banking charges and service rules can be revised. Bottom Line The reported changes from October 1 could affect SBI BSBD account holders who make more than four cash withdrawals in a month. With a reported ₹15 + GST charge on each additional cash withdrawal, customers should monitor their transactions carefully and make use of digital banking facilities where suitable. Disclaimer: Banking charges and effective dates can change. Customers should confirm the applicable BSBD account charges directly with SBI before relying on the information above.

PM Surya Ghar Scheme Offers Up to 300 Free Electricity Units for Households Say Goodbye to High Electricity Bills with Rooftop Solar Are you worried every time your monthly electricity bill arrives? Rising power costs have become a major concern for many households. However, the Central Government’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana could provide significant relief by helping families generate their own electricity through rooftop solar systems. The scheme aims to benefit one crore households across India by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month through rooftop solar installations. The initiative was launched to promote clean energy while reducing the financial burden on consumers. The total budget allocated for the scheme is more than ₹75,000 crore. Government Subsidy of Up to ₹78,000 One of the biggest attractions of the scheme is the financial assistance provided by the government for installing rooftop solar systems. The subsidy structure includes: The subsidy is capped at ₹78,000, meaning households installing systems larger than 3 kW will not receive additional central assistance beyond this limit. How Does the Scheme Work? Households can install solar panels on their rooftops and generate electricity according to their daily needs. A 3 kW rooftop solar system can generate more than 300 units of electricity every month on average, helping families significantly reduce their electricity expenses. Any surplus power can also be supplied back to the electricity grid through net metering, creating an opportunity for additional savings. Who Can Apply? To qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions: How to Apply The application process is completely online: A Step Toward Energy Independence The PM Surya Ghar Scheme is more than just a subsidy program. It is an opportunity for households to become energy-independent, reduce electricity bills, and contribute to a cleaner environment. Before applying, consumers should carefully evaluate their monthly electricity consumption, determine the most suitable solar system capacity, and review all eligibility criteria to maximize the benefits of the scheme. For more information or to apply, visit the official portal: PM Surya Ghar Portal

2026’s Second and Final Solar Eclipse Today: A Rare Celestial Spectacle, But Not Visible From India New Delhi: Skywatchers around the world are set to witness a rare celestial event as the second and final solar eclipse of 2026 takes place today. The spectacular astronomical phenomenon will see the Moon pass between the Sun and Earth, temporarily blocking sunlight in parts of the world. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun’s bright disk, creating a brief period of darkness along the path of totality. The Sun’s glowing outer atmosphere, known as the corona, can also become visible during totality. The maximum duration of totality during this eclipse is expected to be around 2 minutes and 18 seconds. Where Will the Eclipse Be Visible? Unfortunately for skywatchers in India, there is disappointment as the eclipse will not be visible from India. The total solar eclipse will be visible from parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia and Spain. Several regions across Europe and North America will also be able to witness a partial solar eclipse. For people located along the path of totality, the event is expected to create a dramatic transformation in the daytime sky, with darkness briefly replacing normal daylight. Eclipse Timing in Indian Standard Time According to the global timing of the event, the eclipse will begin at around 9:04 PM IST, while the maximum phase is expected at approximately 11:16 PM IST. Since these phases occur at night in India and the eclipse path does not cross the country, Indian observers will not be able to see the event directly from the ground. Why Is a Solar Eclipse Special? A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, casting its shadow on Earth. A total eclipse is particularly spectacular because the Moon can completely cover the Sun for a short period. The brief appearance of the solar corona during totality makes the event especially fascinating for astronomers, photographers and sky enthusiasts. A Global Celestial Event Although India will miss out on the visual spectacle, millions of skywatchers in other parts of the world are expected to turn their eyes toward the sky. The 2026 solar eclipse will provide another remarkable opportunity to observe one of nature’s most fascinating astronomical events. For Indian viewers, the eclipse may be followed through live coverage and astronomical broadcasts from locations where the phenomenon is visible. Note: Never look directly at the Sun during a partial or total eclipse without appropriate certified solar viewing protection. Ordinary sunglasses are not sufficient for safe solar observation.