logo
Gadkari announces FASTag annual pass: What is the pricing, launch date? who can apply? Key details inside

Gadkari announces FASTag annual pass: What is the pricing, launch date? who can apply? Key details inside

Hindustan Times3 days ago

Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday unveiled a new FASTag-based annual pass plan for private vehicles, set to be implemented from August 15. Nitin Gadkari said the scheme will reduce the financial burden on highway users by bringing down the annual toll cost from ₹10,000 to just ₹3,000.
The minister said the move would help eliminate the need for vehicles to stop at toll plazas, thereby easing traffic flow and reducing travel time.
According to the road transport ministry's 2024 year-end review, over 10.1 crore FASTags have been issued till December 1, 2024 in India.
(With ANI, PTI inputs)

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

KTR showcases Telangana's transformative journey at Oxford India Forum in UK
KTR showcases Telangana's transformative journey at Oxford India Forum in UK

India Gazette

timean hour ago

  • India Gazette

KTR showcases Telangana's transformative journey at Oxford India Forum in UK

London [United Kingdom], June 21 (ANI): Former Minister and BRS Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR) delivered a powerful and inspiring talk at the prestigious Oxford India Forum held at Oxford University, highlighting Telangana's exceptional growth story since its formation. Speaking on the theme 'Governing Innovation - A Telangana Case Study', KTR articulated how India's youngest state has emerged as a beacon of inclusive development, resilience, and economic transformation. In his address, KTR emphasised that Telangana was not created by chance but was the result of decades of peaceful democratic struggle. He referred to it as 'the most successful startup state of independent India' and proudly stated that Telangana has shown not only promise but also consistent delivery of development goals across sectors. He underscored that the formation of the state in 2014 was the culmination of decades of aspiration, and in just a short span, it has transformed into a model state admired across India and globally. KTR highlighted the impressive economic indicators that back Telangana's growth story. The state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has grown from Rs 4 lakh crore to Rs 15 lakh crore, and its per capita income has surged from Rs 1.12 lakh to Rs 3.57 lakh. Telangana has risen from the 12th position in the national economic rankings to among the top in multiple sectors, including agriculture, industry, and technology. However, KTR noted that Telangana's story goes beyond numbers and it is a tale of restoring dignity, empowering citizens, and building a resilient society. He illustrated how bold and innovative decisions led to revolutionary transformations. He pointed to landmark achievements such as the Kaleshwaram Project, the world's largest lift irrigation project, which was completed in a record four years and has dramatically transformed the irrigation landscape, contributing to Telangana becoming the number one state in inland fisheries. He noted that Telangana has provided safe drinking water to all one crore households and eradicated fluorosis. KTR also spoke of the immense strides Telangana has made in attracting global investments. Hyderabad, the state capital, is now home to the world's largest campuses of Amazon and other top global tech companies. The state also houses the world's largest innovation campus, T-Hub, which fosters thousands of startups. Telangana is also a global pharmaceutical hub, producing one-third of the world's vaccines. KTR stressed the importance of legislative reforms such as the TS-iPASS, which guarantees industrial clearances within 15 days or grants automatic approvals, making Telangana the top state in India in the ease of doing business rankings by NITI Aayog. He attributed the state's success to shifting from personality-based governance to process-driven, institutionalised systems that ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability. Speaking of agriculture, he highlighted the landmark initiative of directly depositing $9 billion into the accounts of 70 lakh farmers under the Rythu Bandhu scheme, the largest of its kind in the world. He described this as a conscious choice to empower farmers with financial autonomy, leading to a phenomenal rise in agricultural output, including a jump in paddy production from 68 lakh metric tons to 3 crore tons in under a decade. During the fireside chat that followed, KTR responded to questions about his personal journey and political choices. He recounted how he left a promising career in the US to support the Telangana statehood movement led by KCR. He admitted that while politics is a challenging and often thankless field, it offers the unmatched reward of affecting meaningful change in people's lives. On the question of replicating Telangana's success in other Indian states, KTR identified two crucial elements: visionary leadership with a clear sense of purpose, and a strong institutional framework that encourages cooperative federalism. He stressed the need for a 'big brother' role from the Union Government in helping states complement each other's strengths rather than compete destructively. KTR also addressed the contentious issue of redistricting and regional disparities in India. He argued that basing the redrawing of Lok Sabha boundaries solely on population would unfairly penalise southern states like Telangana that have effectively implemented population control measures. Instead, he advocated for a GDP-based formula to reward high-performing states and ensure equitable representation in Parliament. When asked about the future priorities if he were to serve as Chief Minister, KTR asserted that economic growth would be his foremost focus. He emphasised the need to continue attracting investments, creating jobs, and expanding the state's economic base while also ensuring welfare measures for vulnerable sections of society. He advocated for a balanced approach that combines growth with compassion, economic expansion paired with inclusive development in health, education, and social welfare. KTR also addressed the question of women's participation in politics. He welcomed the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill and said the mandated one-third reservation would be a game-changer. However, he expressed hope that the country could aim even higher. Acknowledging that women often bring more focus and discipline to leadership roles, he predicted that their increasing participation in politics would significantly accelerate India's progress. At this global forum, KTR reiterated that he was not in Oxford to make a pitch, but to build partnerships. He said Telangana's journey is not just a geographic transformation but a blueprint for hope and aspiration that others could emulate. He invited institutions like Oxford to join hands with Telangana in scripting the next chapter of innovation and inclusive growth. KTR added, 'India is the future, and Telangana will continue to tell its story. This is not just a presentation; it's a promise. We authored a new chapter of Indian democracy, and we are ready to compete with the best in the world.' (ANI)

2 new Aavin dairies to double supply
2 new Aavin dairies to double supply

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

2 new Aavin dairies to double supply

Chennai: With Gujarat-based Amul slowly firming up its dairy footprint in Tamil Nadu, the state govt-run Aavin has begun ramping up its infrastructure in Chennai after several years. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Two new dairies — one in Madhavaram with a capacity of 10lakh litres a day and another in Acharapakkam of 1 lakh litre capacity — are set to begin operations by March 2026, effectively doubling Aavin's current milk supply potential in Chennai to 22 lakh litres a day, said A Annadurai in response to a grievance letter from the Tamil Nadu Milk Dealers and Workers Welfare Union. The move comes days after Amul managing director Amit Vyas told reporters here that the brand, already selling curd in Chennai, will "slowly and steadily enter into the milk segment" through its plant in Chittoor. Though Chennai, with a population of more than one crore, is a high-potential dairy market, Aavin's current daily sales in the city hover around just 11 lakh litres. Private dairies, despite commanding higher prices, have a stronger presence. Many brands have increased prices by 2 to 3 thrice in the past year, without prior notice or justification. "Aavin's Green Magic, a standardized variant, is in high demand. But it's restricted to monthly cardholders. At retail outlets, agents push the full cream 'premium' or toned 'nice' packs, which don't suit our morning coffee," said T Sadagopan, a resident-activist from Pattabiram. "Aavin should promote what consumers actually prefer, not what offers them higher margins." Beyond sales, Aavin's response letter also addressed environmental concerns raised by the union. The Ambattur dairy, one of its key units, was flagged for polluting the Korattur lake. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Aavin said that its sewage treatment plant, earlier operating at 3.3 lakh litre a day capacity, is being upgraded to 7 lakh litres a day, with the new facility expected to go live by the end of 2025. Indian Institute of Technology Madras has certified the treatment unit's current output at 700 KLD, and formal approvals from the pollution control board for capacity expansion are under process. On the procurement front, Aavin released 342.14 crore in procurement incentives since Dec 2023, directly credited to dairy farmers through cooperative unions. Dealers too have been seeking a revision in commission rates, which currently stand at 1.5 a litre for retail sellers and 2 for wholesale. Aavin has said the revision will be considered when milk prices are restructured.

Less than 100 days to go, Kumartuli readies Durga idols for foreign shores
Less than 100 days to go, Kumartuli readies Durga idols for foreign shores

Time of India

time3 hours ago

  • Time of India

Less than 100 days to go, Kumartuli readies Durga idols for foreign shores

1 2 Kolkata: The festive fervour of Durga Puja may still be a little over three months away, but the idol makers' enclave in Kumartuli is already abuzz with activity. The artisans are racing against time, giving finishing touches to several idols — not for local pujas, but to meet the international demand. Several batches of idols have already been shipped to United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and Australia, among other countries where the Bengali diaspora organises Durga Puja celebrations. According to the Kumartuli Mritshilpi Sanskritik Samity, more than 200 idols have already been sent abroad this season, and dozens more are at various stages of completion. The first idol was dispatched as early as Jan this year, to Sydney. "This year, I have already dispatched five large idols to various cities in the US and the UK," said Bikash Pal, an idol maker. "It takes time to pack the idols securely and get the necessary customs clearances. The shipping itself can take weeks, so we begin much earlier," he added. Some idols are sent by air, too. Mintu Pal, another artisan, has dispatched several idols to Canada, Germany, France, Poland, and Italy. "The price starts from Rs 1 lakh . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Florida New Policy For Senior Drivers The Quote General Learn More Undo This is excluding the expenses for packaging and travel," said Pal, who was busy giving finishing touches to an idol. Potters admit that the number of orders has increased over the past decade. "Earlier, we would only get a handful of overseas orders. Now, the international orders come months in advance," said Koushik Ghosh, who dispatched an idol to Sydney in Jan. The increasing number of orders has not only changed the production timeline but also the economic dynamics of Kumartuli. Artisans say that overseas clients are often willing to pay more as the idols have to be customised. The increased income has led to more stable employment for workers and assistants, who previously relied only on seasonal work. However, the international orders also come with specific challenges. "We have to follow strict guidelines for height, weight, and materials due to shipping constraints," explained Bikash Pal, adding that some idols need to be assembled on-site. Preparations for local pandals have also begun. Full-scale activity for Kolkata-based pujas is expected to pick up by first week of July.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store