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Government Cuts Toll Rates by Up to 50% on National Highways with Tunnels, Bridges, and Flyovers

July 5, 2025, 10:58 am

The Indian government has decided to reduce toll charges significantly on national highways that include large structures. This change aims to ease travel costs for commuters and promote more highway use.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) officially notified the new rule on July 2, 2025. It has updated the National Highways Fee Rules (2008) to introduce a better method for calculating tolls.

What Has Changed?

Earlier, motorists had to pay 10 times the regular rate for each kilometre that included tunnels, bridges, flyovers, or elevated corridors. This made travel expensive, especially on stretches full of such structures.

Now, under the revised rule, the toll will be based on the lower of two values:

Ten times the length of the structure(s) plus the remaining stretch of the highway (excluding those structures),
OR
Five times the total length of the full highway section, including the structures.

As the notification clearly states, “Structure” means an independent bridge, tunnel, flyover or elevated highway.”

How Does It Benefit Drivers?

To show the difference, the ministry gave an example. Suppose a 40-kilometre stretch consists entirely of elevated or structured sections. Under the old rule, toll would be charged for 400 kilometres (10 × 40 km). But now, under the new rule, it will be charged for 200 kilometres (5 × 40 km). As a result, drivers will pay half the toll.

Why the Government Took This Step

The government recognized that current toll rates on structured roads were too high. Elevated roads, tunnels, and bridges require more money to build and maintain. Therefore, the tolls were higher.

However, the burden on road users also increased.

To fix this, the ministry revised the fee formula. A senior official from NHAI explained, “This move is designed to rationalize toll collection and provide relief to road users while maintaining a balance between infrastructure cost recovery and affordability.”

What This Means for Travelers

This new rule is expected to bring big savings for commuters. It will also encourage people to use national highways more often.

Moreover, people driving through areas with long bridges, flyovers, or tunnels will see lower toll bills. The reform is part of the government’s broader plan to make travel more affordable, while still recovering costs of large infrastructure.

In short, the government wants to support both road users and infrastructure development — and this new toll formula is a step in that direction.

US Panel Urges Sanctions on RAW Over Alleged Sikh Separatist Plots

March 26, 2025, 12:02 pm

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged targeted sanctions against India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). The commission accused R&AW of plotting assassinations against Sikh separatists. According to Reuters, the panel also claimed that religious minorities in India face worsening conditions.

In its annual report released on Tuesday, the panel recommended that the US government designate India as a “country of particular concern” for religious freedom violations. However, India has not yet responded to this recommendation.

Vietnam Also Under Scrutiny

The commission also criticized communist-ruled Vietnam for tightening control over religious activities. Like India, Vietnam has strengthened ties with Washington due to shared concerns about China. The panel suggested that Vietnam should also be labeled a “country of particular concern.”

US-India Tensions Over Sikh Separatists

Since 2023, tensions between the US and India have increased over allegations that India targeted Sikh separatists in the US and Canada. The issue escalated when Washington charged former Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav in connection with a foiled assassination plot against pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

India views Sikh separatists as a security threat but has strongly denied any involvement in such operations.

Allegations Against Modi and BJP

The USCIRF report claimed that religious freedom in India declined further in 2024. It accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of promoting “hateful rhetoric and disinformation against Muslims and other religious minorities” during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign.

The US State Department has repeatedly highlighted minority rights concerns in its human rights and religious freedom reports. However, India has dismissed these findings as “deeply biased.”

India Denies Discrimination

The Indian government has rejected all allegations of discrimination. Officials insist that policies such as electrification drives and subsidy schemes benefit all communities equally, regardless of religion.

X Sues Indian Government Over Alleged Censorship, Challenges IT Act

March 20, 2025, 4:47 pm

Elon Musk-owned X has moved to court against the Indian government, questioning its reliance on the Information Technology (IT) Act to censor content on the platform. The lawsuit, which was filed in the Karnataka High Court on Thursday, contends that the government is indulging in illegal content regulation and arbitrary censorship.

X Raises Questions About Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act

X’s legal appeal challenges the government’s reading of the IT Act, specifically its use of Section 79(3)(b). The micro-blogging site asserts that this provision is being abused to provide an alternative content-blocking mechanism outside the legal framework laid down under Section 69A of the Act.

Section 69A allows the government to order content removal for such reasons as national security, public order, or sovereignty. This provides an obvious legal directive for companies. Section 79(3)(b), according to the government’s reading, grants platforms the obligation to determine which content is illegal. X argues that this creates legal uncertainty, leading companies to self-censor to avoid lawsuits and public backlash.

X References Supreme Court’s Shreya Singhal Case

X’s grievance alleges that the government’s present course ignores the Supreme Court’s precedent in its 2015 landmark judgment in the Shreya Singhal case. The judgment had set out that content could only be blocked by a valid judicial procedure or by way of the legally ordained path of Section 69A. In availing of content take-downs under Section 79(3)(b), X alleges that the government is extending this precedent beyond its limits.

Impact on Social Media Companies

Social networking websites have long grumbled about Section 79(3)(b) due to its vague wording. It is alleged by businesses that it puts too much of an onus upon them to monitor and remove billions of messages daily, hence leading to over-censorship and chilling of free speech. The vagueness surrounding what constitutes “knowledge” of prohibited material makes websites vulnerable to prosecution.

Additionally, X has declined to be part of the government’s Sahyog portal, an initiative created by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The portal is used for direct coordination between law enforcement agencies and social media platforms for removal requests. X accuses the portal of being a “censorship tool,” coercing firms to delete content without legal scrutiny.

X Seeks Judicial Intervention

With its suit, X is hoping to clarify legal parameters on content control in India so as to block unwarranted interference by the government in what can be discussed on the web. The company firmly insists that take-downs must, therefore, happen through a clear, legal, and transparent procedure in order to safeguard freedom of expression and digital rights.

Only 19 Indians Remain in Russian Armed Forces, Government Confirms

December 13, 2024, 7:20 pm

The Indian government has informed the Lok Sabha that only 19 Indian nationals are currently serving in the Russian armed forces, following the discharge of most of their compatriots. This information was shared by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written response to a parliamentary query.

The query sought details regarding the number of Indian nationals recruited to serve in the Russian Army, their repatriation status, and the reasons for any delays in their release despite assurances from Russian authorities. It also inquired whether these Indian nationals were deployed on the war front and if the Indian mission was able to maintain contact with them.

In his response, Singh stated, “As a result of concerted efforts by the government, most of the Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces have been discharged and several have been repatriated to India.” He confirmed that “currently only 19 Indian nationals remain in the Russian armed forces.”

The government has reached out to the relevant Russian authorities to obtain updates on the status of the remaining Indian nationals and to ensure their safety, well-being, and early discharge from service.

Centre Demands Clarification from Wikipedia on Complaints of Inaccurate Information

November 5, 2024, 1:07 pm

The Indian government has issued a notice to Wikipedia, citing numerous complaints regarding bias and inaccuracies found on its pages. The notice raises a significant question: why shouldn’t Wikipedia be classified as a publisher rather than an intermediary, given the complaints? This communication comes from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, which has expressed concerns that a small group may have editorial control over the content on Wikipedia.

Wikipedia promotes itself as a free online encyclopedia where volunteers can create or modify entries on various topics, including people and issues. However, this widely used information source is currently facing legal challenges in India due to allegations of providing inaccurate and defamatory content.

Who Is CC1? US Confirms Key Figure In Pannun Plot No Longer Indian Official

October 17, 2024, 5:20 pm

The United States has confirmed that the individual identified as “CC1” in a Department of Justice (DOJ) indictment related to the alleged foiled assassination plot of US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is no longer employed by the Indian government. This revelation was made by Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State, during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Miller added that the White House is satisfied with India’s cooperation in the investigation, noting that a meeting with the Indian Inquiry Committee regarding the plot had been productive. “It was a productive meeting. They did inform us that the individual named in the Justice Department indictment is no longer an employee of the Indian government,” Miller said. He further stated, “We are satisfied with the cooperation. It continues to be an ongoing process, but we appreciate the updates and mutual cooperation between both nations.”

The DOJ indictment had previously identified “CC1” as an official of the Indian government allegedly directing an assassination plot against Pannun, a designated terrorist in India and an American national, in New York in June 2023. Reports from earlier in the year had identified CC1 as Vikram Yadav. India had informed the US that CC1 had been arrested.

In November, US prosecutors charged Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, for conspiring to assassinate Pannun. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic and extradited to the US in June, where he pleaded not guilty. Indian authorities have denied any involvement but have launched an internal investigation into the matter. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also extended the ban on Pannun’s organization, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), for another five years due to its anti-national activities aimed at destabilizing India.

India Plans To Set Up AI Safety Institute To Shape AI Standards

October 13, 2024, 9:48 pm

The Indian government is moving ahead with plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (AISI). This institute will play a key role in setting standards and frameworks for AI development, ensuring safety without acting as a regulatory body or stifling innovation. A consultation meeting, led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), sought stakeholder input on the structure and mandate of the AISI.

Global Influence: Learning from Other Countries

India’s decision follows in the footsteps of other countries like the UK, USA, and Japan, which have already launched their own AI Safety Institutes. These nations have committed to international cooperation on AI safety, as outlined in the Seoul Declaration signed by multiple countries earlier in 2024.

Focus on India-Specific AI Challenges

Stakeholders in the October 7 consultation emphasized the importance of developing indigenous AI safety tools that cater to India’s unique challenges. The AISI will focus on understanding the risks of AI development and deployment, and setting standards that are applicable to both national and international needs.

Building Strong Partnerships

One of the key discussions revolved around how AISI can establish strong partnerships, both within India and globally. This involves engaging stakeholders, forming collaborations with industry leaders, and playing an active role in international AI safety discussions.

Structure and Independence of AISI

Stakeholders debated whether the AISI should be housed within MeitY or have more independence, potentially operating from academic institutions like IITs. The institute will likely provide guidance on AI usage, especially as Indian states like Telangana begin using AI in public services.

Budget and Flexibility

The budget for AISI was briefly discussed, with ₹20 crore allocated under the IndiaAI Mission. Singh indicated that more funds could be repurposed from the larger ₹10,372 crore budget approved for the IndiaAI Mission.

Future Mandate of AISI

Initially, the AISI’s mandate will focus on setting AI safety standards, identifying risks, and fostering international collaborations. As it evolves, the institute may contribute to shaping India’s AI policies based on research and global trends.

Know the Whopping Amount Indian Govt Spent on Vinesh Phogat’s Training

August 7, 2024, 7:13 pm

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya provided an overview of the extensive support Vinesh Phogat received from the Indian government in her quest for Olympic success, particularly following her disqualification from the women’s 50kg freestyle event at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Mandaviya highlighted the significant financial and logistical assistance provided to Phogat:

1. Training Camps and Competitions:

Belmeken, Bulgaria: Financial aid of ₹5,44,744 for a 23-day training camp in November-December 2022.
Budapest, Hungary: ₹10,54,796 for participation in the 4th Ranking Series and a 16-day training camp in July 2023.
Spain and France: ₹14,20,965 for participation in the Grand Prix of Spain and pre-Olympic training camps in July-August 2024, including foreign sparring partners.

2. Rehabilitation and Support:

Rehabilitation Equipment: ₹5,28,087 provided for essential recovery tools.
Support Staff: ₹1,30,014 for support staff during the UWW 2nd Ranking Series and training camp in June 2024.
Strength and Conditioning Coach: ₹64,800 for Wayne Patrick Lombard’s services.

3. Total Financial Assistance:

Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): ₹53,35,746.
Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC): ₹17,10,029.

Mandaviya emphasized that the government provided comprehensive support, including financial aid for training camps, essential equipment, and staff, to ensure Phogat’s peak performance. Despite these efforts, her disqualification due to being slightly overweight has led to significant disappointment and fueled debates, including unfounded conspiracy theories and political discussions.

The Indian Olympic Association has lodged a strong protest with the United World Wrestling (UWW) regarding the disqualification, and the government, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has expressed support and urged necessary actions.

Mehbooba Mufti Urges Indian Government to Address Youth Concerns, Cites Bangladesh’s Economic Struggles as Warning

August 7, 2024, 2:44 pm

Kashmir: Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a dire warning to the Indian government. She emphasized the importance of addressing the nation’s growing economic issues, particularly those affecting the youth, by drawing parallels to the socio-economic challenges currently faced by Bangladesh.

In her recent statements, Mufti expressed deep concern over the escalating unemployment and inflation in India, which she believes are pushing the country’s youth towards despair and potential unrest.

“Bangladesh’s struggles with unemployment and inflation should serve as a wake-up call for us. The increasing sense of marginalization and frustration among our youth due to a lack of opportunities and rising living costs cannot be ignored,” Mufti emphasized.

Mufti criticized the economic policies of the current Indian government, arguing that they have been ineffective in generating adequate employment opportunities and controlling inflation. She called for urgent, comprehensive reforms to stimulate job creation and stabilize prices, thereby securing a better future for India’s younger generation.

Her comments are particularly relevant as India faces economic challenges exacerbated by global uncertainties and domestic policy decisions. Mufti’s critique underscores the critical need for the government to take immediate action to address these issues and prevent potential social unrest.

“The youth are the backbone of any nation, and their well-being is crucial for our country’s stability and growth. We must prioritize policies that focus on education, skill development, and employment generation,” Mufti stated.

Mufti has long been an advocate for the welfare of the youth, consistently pushing for policies that support their education and employment. Her recent remarks highlight the urgent need for the government to address the economic grievances of the younger population to maintain social harmony and drive progress.

As India navigates through these turbulent economic times, Mufti’s call to action serves as a reminder of the pressing need to address the root causes of youth discontent. By learning from the experiences of neighboring Bangladesh, India has the opportunity to implement measures that can foster economic stability and ensure a prosperous future for its young citizens.

India Thanks China for Solidarity Following Wayanad Landslides

August 2, 2024, 4:18 pm

On July 31, the , stating, “China extends heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured, and wishes those who are injured a speedy recovery.”

Indian Foreign Minister Jaiswal acknowledged China’s message of support, coming shortly after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had noted that India-China relations were “not doing very well” earlier in the week.

India and China have recently concluded diplomatic talks on border issues, described as “in-depth, constructive, and forward-looking.” Both nations have committed to enhanced military and diplomatic communication to maintain peace along their shared borders.

In the wake of the devastating Wayanad landslides, which have claimed 308 lives so far, messages of solidarity have poured in from around the world. U.S. President Joe Biden also issued a statement expressing condolences and commending the efforts of those involved in rescue and relief operations.

On Tuesday, heavy rains of up to 572 mm in 24 hours triggered multiple landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, destroying homes, roads, and public infrastructure. Rescue missions by the army, NDRF, and SDRF have been challenged by ongoing rain, swollen rivers, and damaged infrastructure.

State government data shows that about 900 people have died in Kerala over the past seven years due to extreme weather and landslides. Contributing factors include environmental neglect, rising sea temperatures, and loss of forest cover, which have increased the region’s vulnerability to such disasters.

Nepal: Indian Govt Funds New School and Hostel in Pyuthan

June 15, 2024, 5:36 pm

The foundation stone for Shree Dang-Bang Secondary School and Hostel Buildings in Pyuthan District, Nepal, has been laid. The project is funded by the Indian Government.

The Stone laying ceremony was attended by Nabil Bikram Shah, Chairman of Airawati Rural Municipality, and Prashant Kumar Sona, Second Secretary at the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. This marks an important step in improving educational facilities in the area.

The project is worth NRs 33.92 million. It is part of the ‘Nepal-India Development Cooperation’ program, which supports community development projects in Nepal. This agreement shows India’s commitment to helping Nepal’s development goals.

Local officials thanked India for its support. They believe the new school and hostel will greatly benefit the students of Shree Dang-Bang Secondary School. Since 2003, India has started 551 high-impact community development projects in Nepal, completing 490 of them. In Lumbini Province, which includes Pyuthan District, India has carried out 61 projects in various sectors. This shows the strong cooperation between the two countries. Besides infrastructure projects, India has donated 1009 ambulances and 300 school buses to Nepal. Lumbini Province has received 164 ambulances and 43 school buses, with 10 ambulances given to Pyuthan District.

India’s ongoing projects show its dedication to Nepal’s socio-economic development. The partnership between India and Nepal highlights their strong ties and cooperation in addressing common challenges and promoting sustainable development.

The ceremony was attended by political representatives, government officials, social workers, school management committee members, teachers, parents, and students. Their presence showed the community’s strong support for the project.

Indian Government Extends The Term Of DRDO Chairman By 1 Year

May 27, 2024, 6:44 pm

Indian Government extends the term of Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman, Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) for one year till May 31, 2025.

Government of India extends the term of Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman, Defence Research Development Organisation for one year till 31st May 2025 pic.twitter.com/KT1JPYs6y6

— ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2024

Deepfake Video Of Cricket Star Virat Kohli Surfing Around The Web

February 20, 2024, 4:00 pm

Since the progress of artificial intelligence, countless deepfake films of celebrities have appeared on social media. A few weeks ago, the famous Sachin Tendulkar called for severe action after a false video of him promoting a betting app went viral.

The same has happened to Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket team’s standout hitter. A video of Kohli advertising a better app has left social media astonished. In the video, the cricketer is seen talking about an app that allows individuals to generate quick money.

Someone used artificial intelligence to produce a false video of @anjanaomkashyap ji and @imVkohli bhai to trick people into downloading an app.Deepfake #AI #ViratKohli February 19, 2024.

Not only Kohli but also the newscaster in the video were made using artificial intelligence.

“Social Media platforms need to be alert and responsive to complaints. Swift action from their end is crucial to stopping the spread of misinformation and deepfakes,” Sachin posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The Indian government is apparently contemplating new legislation that could impose penalties on both creators and platforms hosting deepfakes in an effort to crack down on what IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has called as “a threat to democracy”.

Following reports of celebrities’ faces being altered onto another video, new protection standards are being discussed, which will include features such as watermarking AI-generated content, deepfake detection, data bias guidelines, privacy, and concentration safeguards.

“Deepfakes have emerged as a new threat to democracy. These (can) weaken trust in society and its institutions,” Vaishnaw had said after meeting with various stakeholders, including social media platforms, Nasscom and other professors from the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

Indian envoy asks Canada to produce evidence in Nijjar’s killing

November 5, 2023, 10:56 am

Sanjay Kumar Verma, India’s High Commissioner to Canada, reaffirmed New Delhi’s position on the diplomatic impasse with Ottawa and urged the latter to provide proof for its claim that Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed. The comments were made by the Indian representative during an interview with The Globe and Mail on Friday.

This followed claims made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Nijjar’s June murder was carried out by “agents of the Indian government.” In a tit-for-tat move over Canada’s decision, India had rejected the allegations as “absurd and motivated” and expelled a Canadian diplomat. Verma emphasized that Canada and its allies have not provided India with hard proof regarding its purported involvement in the killing of Nijjar.

He further suggested that the continuing Canadian police probe into the killing had been “damaged” by PM Trudeau’s public statements.
“There is no specific or relevant information provided in this case for us to assist them in the investigation,” Verma said.
“Where is the evidence? Where is the conclusion of the investigation? I would go a step further and say now the investigation has already been tainted. A direction has come from someone at a high level to say India or Indian agents are behind it,” The Globe and Mail quoted him as saying.