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Indian Railways plans major decongestion drive across 76 stations with new passenger facilities | Details
In a major step to manage rising passenger traffic, the Ministry of Railways has rolled out an extensive plan to build dedicated passenger holding areas at 76 stations across the country. The initiative aims to reduce crowding on platforms by shifting waiting passengers to organised pre-boarding zones equipped with seating, drinking water, toilets, ticket counters, information screens and security systems. A prototype facility at the New Delhi Railway Station is already operational and has helped streamline footfall significantly.
DGCA orders airlines to offer 60% seats on flights 'free of charge' from April 20
In a move aimed at making air travel more passenger-friendly, India’s aviation regulator has directed airlines to offer at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight without charging any extra fee. The new rule, issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), will come into effect from April 20. Under the new guidelines, a majority of seats on every flight must now be available free of cost during booking. At present, airlines usually allow only around 20 per cent of seats to be selected without a fee, while passengers have to pay for the rest.
Report highlights steps taken to mitigate risks posed by offshore Virtual Asset Service Providers
Listing the measures taken by India, the report said that the FIU has set up a dedicated Working Group with local VASPs and other stakeholders, such as banks, payment aggregators, and gateways, to formulate red flag indicators and develop strategies to detect and address operations of oVASPs serving Indian users
'Risking lives of Indians for political gains': PM Modi calls Cong's remarks on West Asia conflict 'dangerous'
Sharply criticising Congress for its remarks on the situation in West Asia where a conflict is underway between the United States (US), Israel and Iran, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the grand old party wants to risk the lives of Indians who live in the Gulf at risk to gain political advantage. According to him, around one crore Indians live in Gulf, and the government prioritising their safe return.
80% Indians cleared by tests are struck by heart attack
At the core of the problem is a mismatch. Most of these risk calculators were designed using Western populations, where heart disease tends to occur later. In India, it strikes earlier and behaves differently — the study found the average age of patients was just 54, underscoring how premature heart disease has become.
Relief for drivers: No jail for 1st-time pollution, road safety norms violations
In the case of noise pollution-related violations, the bill proposes a warning for the first offence, while repeat offence will attract a penalty of up to Rs 10,000. Similarly, failure to comply with an order or contravening provisions of the Electricity Act or rules, which can currently land a person in jail for three months along with a fine of Rs 1 lakh, is proposed to be converted into a fine of Rs 10,000 to Rs 10 Lakh.
Parliament to be adjourned on April 2, to meet after assembly polls
A fixed date for Parliament’s meeting to discuss what are likely to be two bills, one for delimitation based on 2011 census and another for amending constitutional provisions for the rollout of women’s quota in one-third of Lok Sabha and assembly seats, will convey the govt’s determination in no uncertain terms.
FSSAI makes food business permits permanent
Under new rules notified by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), food licences and registrations will now remain valid permanently, unless cancelled for violations. This means lakhs of restaurants, small eateries and vendors will no longer need to renew their licences every few years. The move is part of a wider overhaul aimed at making compliance easier while tightening actual food safety checks.
India denies Musk joined Modi-Trump call over war, refutes US media report
Quoting two anonymous US officials, the report said it was unclear why Musk was on the call or whether he spoke. “His companies have taken on significant investment from sovereign wealth funds in countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Musk has also long coveted a greater commercial presence in India,” it said.
Vijaypat Singhania, ‘The Complete Man’, passes away
Vijaypat Singhania's family had acquired the company from ED Sassoon & Co in 1944, when it was primarily a manufacturer of woollen blankets. Under his leadership, Raymond evolved into a diversified conglomerate, expanding into synthetic fabrics, denim, steel, industrial files and cement, while also becoming one of India’s most recognised clothing brands.
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