Author: Deshwale National Desk

In a significant policy shift, the Indian government has announced the removal of the 20% export duty on onions, effective from April 1, 2025. This duty had been imposed on September 13, 2024, as part of measures to ensure domestic availability and stabilise prices. The government’s decision aims to balance the interests of both consumers and farmers. By lifting the export duty, authorities intend to provide onion growers with better access to international markets, potentially leading to improved income. This move reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring fair prices for farmers while maintaining affordability for consumers. Historically, onion prices have…

Cab drivers in Hyderabad have launched a ‘No AC’ campaign to protest against low fares set by ride-sharing platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. Many drivers have switched off air conditioning in their vehicles, urging passengers to understand their struggle with increasing operational costs. The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) claims that driving with air conditioning increases costs to ₹16-18 per kilometre, but drivers only earn ₹10-12 per kilometre after deductions. With rising fuel prices and maintenance expenses, many say they are barely making ends meet. They argue that aggregator pricing policies need regulation to ensure fair earnings…

As the financial year draws to a close on March 31, it’s crucial to finalise your tax-saving strategies. Here are some effective moves to consider: 1. Maximise Section 80C Deductions Invest up to ₹1.5 lakh in: These investments can significantly reduce your taxable income under Section 80C. 2. Contribute to the National Pension System (NPS) Beyond the Section 80C limit, you can avail an additional deduction of ₹50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B) by investing in NPS. This not only aids in tax saving but also secures your retirement. 3. Pay Advance Tax If your tax liability exceeds ₹10,000 after accounting for…

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified its action against unauthorised structures in Malvani, Malad West. A major demolition drive was carried out recently, targeting illegal residential and commercial buildings. In a well-coordinated operation, BMC officials demolished multiple unauthorised structures, including ground-plus-two-storey commercial buildings and ground-plus-one-storey residential units. These illegal constructions had encroached upon public land, violating municipal regulations. The action covered an area of approximately 4,200 square feet. The demolition drive in Malvani, Malad West, was carried out on Saturday under the leadership of Kundan Valvi, Assistant Commissioner of P North, along with Designated Officers Sagar Rane and Nitin…

In a historic moment for Indian art, M.F. Husain’s masterpiece Untitled (Gram Yatra) has been sold for a record-breaking ₹118.7 crore ($13.75 million) at an auction in New York. This makes it the most expensive modern Indian artwork ever sold, surpassing the previous record of ₹61.8 crore set in 2023. The monumental painting, nearly 14 feet wide, captures the essence of rural India through 13 vignettes depicting everyday life. A central figure of a man and woman riding an ox-drawn cart anchors the composition, surrounded by scenes of women milking cows, grinding grain, and caring for children. Another striking image…

A statewide bandh in Karnataka on March 22 led to significant disruptions in transport, education, and daily activities. The protest was organised by pro-Kannada groups in response to an attack on a Belagavi bus conductor and escalating Karnataka-Maharashtra tensions. Transport and business hit hard Public transport services, including buses, autos, and cabs, were severely affected as protesters took to the streets. Many drivers refrained from operating due to safety concerns. Several businesses remained shut, particularly in Bengaluru and Mysuru, as groups staged demonstrations. Schools and colleges shut down Several educational institutions announced closures to avoid inconvenience to students. Attendance in…

Indian Railways has launched new measures to protect elephants and wildlife from train accidents. A key innovation is the AI-enabled Intrusion Detection System (IDS). It detects elephants near railway tracks using Distributed Acoustic Sensors (DAS). The system alerts loco pilots, station masters, and control rooms for quick action. Currently, IDS is operational over 141 Rkm in Northeast Frontier Railway. The system has proven effective in reducing elephant deaths. Work is ongoing to install IDS across 1,158 Rkm in multiple railway zones. The project costs Rs. 208 crore. Multiple safety measures in place Indian Railways is also taking other steps to…

India’s digital payment ecosystem is set for a major change as the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced that UPI services linked to inactive mobile numbers will be discontinued from April 1, 2025. This move aims to enhance security and prevent fraudulent transactions linked to reassigned mobile numbers. Why Is This Happening? When users change their mobile numbers, old numbers are often reassigned to new customers. If UPI accounts remain linked to these numbers, there is a risk of unauthorised transactions. To prevent misuse, NPCI has mandated banks and payment service providers (PSPs) to periodically check and deactivate…

The Indian government has approved a ₹7,000 crore deal to procure Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) for the Army. The move, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), aims to strengthen defence capabilities along the Pakistan and China borders. The ATAGS, a 155mm/52-calibre howitzer, has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems. The artillery system boasts an extended firing range, high mobility, and advanced automation, making it one of the most potent guns in its class. The decision comes as India looks to bolster its military…

सर्वोच्च न्यायालय द्वारा दी गई जानकारी के अनुसार, मामले प्रबंधन में कृत्रिम बुद्धिमत्ता (एआई) और मशीन लर्निंग (एमएल) आधारित टूल्स का उपयोग किया जा रहा है। इनका प्रयोग संविधान पीठ के मामलों में मौखिक दलीलों को लिपिबद्ध करने के लिए किया जा रहा है। एआई की सहायता से लिखी गई दलीलों को सर्वोच्च न्यायालय की वेबसाइट पर देखा जा सकता है। सक्षम प्राधिकारी ने नियमित सुनवाई के दिनों, यानी हर गुरुवार को मौखिक दलीलों को लिपिबद्ध करने पर विचार करने का निर्देश दिया है। सुप्रीम कोर्ट की रजिस्ट्री, राष्ट्रीय सूचना विज्ञान केंद्र (एनआईसी) के साथ मिलकर एआई और एमएल आधारित…