Indian Railways to Raise Long-Distance Train Fares from December 26, Daily Commuters to Get Relief
New Delhi, December 21:Indian Railways has announced an increase in fares for long-distance train travel, which will come into effect from December 26. The revised fare structure will mainly impact passengers travelling on longer routes, while daily commuters using suburban services and short-distance ordinary travel will remain unaffected. The decision was announced by the Ministry of Railways on Sunday.According to the Railways, the fare hike has been introduced to manage rising operational costs, especially the growing expenditure on manpower and pensions. The ministry clarified that the increase has been kept minimal so that the financial burden on passengers remains limited. At the same time, the move is expected to help the Railways generate additional...
Biogas Industry in India Likely to Attract Over ₹5,000 Crore Investment in 2026–27: IBA
New Delhi, December 21:India’s biogas sector is set for a major expansion, with investments expected to cross ₹5,000 crore in the financial year 2026–27, according to the Indian Biogas Association (IBA). The growth is being driven by rising investor interest, expanding compressed biogas (CBG) infrastructure, and strong policy support from the government.The IBA said that the sector has gained steady momentum over the past year, especially in 2025, as more stakeholders have shown confidence in biogas as a clean and commercially viable energy source. At present, more than 100 compressed biogas plants have already been commissioned across the country, and several new projects are in different stages of planning and development.Government data...
BJP Takes Clear Lead in Maharashtra Local Body Elections, Emerges as Top Party Across Urban Councils
Mumbai | December 21, 2025The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as the single largest party in the Maharashtra municipal council and nagar panchayat elections, taking a decisive lead in the counting of votes that began on Sunday morning. The results so far show the BJP well ahead of its alliance partners and the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), marking a significant moment in the state’s local political landscape.According to trends available till Sunday afternoon, the BJP is leading in 127 out of the 288 municipal councils and nagar panchayats where elections were held. Alliance partner Shiv Sena is leading in 53 councils, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is ahead in 32. Together, the ruling Mahayuti alliance is leading in 212 urban...
Maharashtra Civic Polls Vote Counting Begins Amid Reports of Violence, Bogus Voting and Cash Distribution
Counting for Maharashtra’s municipal council and nagar panchayat elections began Sunday at 10 am, a day after polling saw violence, alleged bogus voting, and cash distribution. These elections cover 23 councils and panchayats, including 143 vacant seats, and are seen as a lead-up to the bigger municipal corporation polls next month.Polling on Saturday ended at 5:30 pm, but several incidents made the day tense. In Ambernath, clashes between two groups led police to use lathi-charge, and 208 women from nearby Bhiwandi were detained. Opposition parties alleged they were brought for fake voting, while the women said they had come for a public meeting. Police are investigating the matter.Elsewhere, a man was caught carrying Rs 35,000 cash, and an FIR was...
Delhi Grapples with Cold Wave, Dense Fog and Near-Severe Air Pollution
New Delhi, Dec 21, 2025Delhi and the National Capital Region are experiencing a harsh winter day as cold wave conditions combine with severe air pollution and dense fog, causing disruptions across the city. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was 390 on Sunday morning, slightly improved from 398 the previous day, but still in the “very poor” category and on the verge of reaching “severe.”Certain areas reported even worse pollution. Chandni Chowk topped the list with an AQI of 455, followed by Wazirpur at 449, Bawana at 446, Rohini at 444, and Anand Vihar at 438. These high pollution levels coincided with Delhi’s first significant cold wave of the season. On Saturday, the maximum temperature...
Doctor at Centre of Nitish Kumar Hijab Row Yet to Join Duty as Political Storm Continues
Patna, December 21:The Ayush doctor whose naqab was removed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during an appointment letter distribution event earlier this week has not reported for duty so far, officials confirmed on Saturday. The incident, which was caught on camera and went viral on social media, has triggered widespread political debate and public outrage across the country.According to Patna Civil Surgeon Avinash Kumar Singh, the doctor, Nusrat Parveen, did not join duty till 7 pm on Saturday, after which the joining process for the day was closed. Singh said the deadline for reporting to duty has been extended beyond December 20, but did not clarify the new last date. He added that it remains to be seen whether Parveen will report for duty on Monday.Parveen...
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