The National Highways Authority of India Strengthens Policy Against Misuse of FASTags
The National Highways Authority of India has tightened its policy against the misuse of FASTags, specifically targeting what are known as "loose FASTags" or "tag-in-hand" practices. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways confirmed the update in an official release, ANI reported. The new directive instructs toll collecting agencies and concessionaires to immediately report instances where FASTags are not affixed to a vehicle’s windscreen. This is a deliberate act by some users that disrupts the automated toll collection system. NHAI has also provided a dedicated email ID for reporting such violations, enabling swift action including blacklisting or hotlisting of the reported FASTags.
MG Windsor Pro EV Review: More Range, Tech, Safety | TOI Auto
The initiative comes as NHAI prepares to roll out major advancements in tolling infrastructure, including the FASTag-based Annual Pass System and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling. Ensuring the proper placement and use of FASTags is seen as essential to maintaining system reliability and tolling efficiency under these upcoming frameworks. Loose FASTags present several operational challenges. They cause lane-level congestion, trigger incorrect chargebacks, and are often misused in closed-loop systems, ultimately resulting in delays and inconvenience for other highway users. To curb this growing issue, NHAI has asked toll operators to act promptly. Upon receiving a report, the agency will initiate the blacklisting process to prevent further misuse of the concerned FASTag. Earlier in June, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that a FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at Rs 3,000 will be introduced on Independence Day. Valid for a year or up to 200 trips, the pass is expected to further simplify highway travel.
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Health Screening in Singapore (2026): How Much It Really Costs & Where to Go
We all know how crucial health screenings are—spotting potential health issues early can save you from high medical bills and serious complications down the line. But when it comes to the cost of these screenings in Singapore, things aren’t always straightforward.
Man Loses Leg in 'Phatka Gang' Attack on Moving Train in Kalyan
KALYAN: A 22-year-old farmer from Nashik suffered a partial amputation of his left leg after being hit by the notorious 'Phatka gang' near Kalyan. The incident occurred on Sunday morning while Gaurav Nikam was travelling on the Tapovan Express from Thane to Nashik. According to Kalyan GRP, the incident happened between Shahad and Ambivli railway stations when the train slowed down near Irani Pada. Nikam was on a phone call near the train door when a minor boy from outside struck his hand with a
Allegations of Fraudulent Surrogacy Practices Surface at Hyderabad Fertility Clinic
HYDERABAD: Gopalapuram police have registered five new cases against the head of Srushti Fertility Clinic Dr Athaluri Namratha alias Pachipala Namratha, and others based on complaints lodged by five sets of victims. While in one case a couple alleged that the doctor handed them a baby whose DNA did not match theirs, three other couples accused the clinic of adopting dubious methods. They claimed that they had already paid the money â anywhere from Rs 12.5 lakh to Rs 19 lakh â and even deposited their biological samples when they grew suspicious about the operations of Dr Namratha and her clinic. The frauds occurred between 2019 and 2025. Cops are yet to ascertain details of the fifth case.
Uttarkashi Cloudburst Horror: Flash Floods Sweep Away Village, People Seen Running For Their Lives
DEHRADUN: A man narrowly escaped death after the flash flood swept through Dharali village in Uttarkashi on Tuesday, triggering a massive pile of debris. He was seen crawling out from the rubble, covered in mud and visibly injured, moments after the deadly waters destroyed homes, shops, and roads in seconds. The man's identity and his current condition remained unknown as of Tuesday evening, but widely circulated videos have already hailed him as a hero. Officials have not yet confirmed whether he was later taken to hospital or rescued by disaster response teams.
Health Screening in Singapore (2026): How Much It Really Costs & Where to Go
We all know how crucial health screenings are—spotting potential health issues early can save you from high medical bills and serious complications down the line. But when it comes to the cost of these screenings in Singapore, things aren’t always straightforward.
Man Loses Leg in 'Phatka Gang' Attack on Moving Train in Kalyan
KALYAN: A 22-year-old farmer from Nashik suffered a partial amputation of his left leg after being hit by the notorious 'Phatka gang' near Kalyan. The incident occurred on Sunday morning while Gaurav Nikam was travelling on the Tapovan Express from Thane to Nashik. According to Kalyan GRP, the incident happened between Shahad and Ambivli railway stations when the train slowed down near Irani Pada. Nikam was on a phone call near the train door when a minor boy from outside struck his hand with a
Allegations of Fraudulent Surrogacy Practices Surface at Hyderabad Fertility Clinic
HYDERABAD: Gopalapuram police have registered five new cases against the head of Srushti Fertility Clinic Dr Athaluri Namratha alias Pachipala Namratha, and others based on complaints lodged by five sets of victims. While in one case a couple alleged that the doctor handed them a baby whose DNA did not match theirs, three other couples accused the clinic of adopting dubious methods. They claimed that they had already paid the money â anywhere from Rs 12.5 lakh to Rs 19 lakh â and even deposited their biological samples when they grew suspicious about the operations of Dr Namratha and her clinic. The frauds occurred between 2019 and 2025. Cops are yet to ascertain details of the fifth case.
Uttarkashi Cloudburst Horror: Flash Floods Sweep Away Village, People Seen Running For Their Lives
DEHRADUN: A man narrowly escaped death after the flash flood swept through Dharali village in Uttarkashi on Tuesday, triggering a massive pile of debris. He was seen crawling out from the rubble, covered in mud and visibly injured, moments after the deadly waters destroyed homes, shops, and roads in seconds. The man's identity and his current condition remained unknown as of Tuesday evening, but widely circulated videos have already hailed him as a hero. Officials have not yet confirmed whether he was later taken to hospital or rescued by disaster response teams.
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Two-Wheeler Sales Report: July 2025 Overview
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has claimed the top spot in two-wheeler sales for July 2025, pushing Hero MotoCorp to second place. Honda clocked a total of 5,15,378 units, which includes 4,66,331 units sold in the domestic market and 49,047 units exported overseas.
Delhi's Electric Vehicle Policy Extended: New Deadline and Key Perks
Delhi's electric mobility plans have received a fresh update. The government is extending its current Electric Vehicle Policy until March 31, 2026, or until a new one is officially notified - whichever comes first. The extension was approved in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at the Delhi Secretariat.Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, as per PTI, said the move allows the government more time to conduct wide-ranging public consultations before rolling out a revised, fu
India to Make Two BIS-Certified Helmets Mandatory with Every New Two-Wheeler Sold
India is set to take a major step forward in two-wheeler safety. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recently proposed a change to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. This proposal will require manufacturers to provide two BIS-certified helmets - one for the rider and one for the pillion - with every new two-wheeler sold in the country starting January 2026. The objective is to promote safer riding habits and reduce road fatalities, especially among pillion riders who often do not wear helmets. Dealerships will also need to deliver both helmets at the time of vehicle handover.
For an industry that has long struggled with poor safety awareness and widespread use of fake helmets, this new regulation could bring about much-needed change. According to Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird, this rule could lead to a significant increase in helmet demand. Kapur mentioned that if every new two-wheeler comes with two helmets, the annual requirement could exceed 4 crore helmets. However, a challenge lies ahead as India's actual production capacity for genuine ISI-certified helmets is only around 3 crore units per year, leaving a substantial gap.
The proposed rule aligns with the government's broader efforts to reduce road fatalities, with over 1.5 lakh deaths reported annually in India due to road accidents, a significant portion of which involve two-wheeler riders. Steelbird, one of India's largest helmet manufacturers, is already heavily investing in automation and plant expansion. The company plans to introduce 75 new helmet models over the next five years, catering to various segments from budget to premium.
Despite these positive steps, the issue of fake helmets remains a concern. Approximately half of the helmets used on Indian roads are counterfeit, lacking safety standards and providing inadequate protection. Kapur emphasized the importance of strong enforcement to ensure that only genuine ISI-marked products are sold and that any law mandating two helmets per vehicle must have robust checks in place.
Kapur believes that effective enforcement of this law will not only save more lives but also help eliminate counterfeit helmet suppliers from the market.
Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India.
Hyundai Leads as Tata and Mahindra Compete for No.3 Spot in Indian Car Market
India's car market has been quite active lately with increasing demand for SUVs, electric vehicles, and feature-rich models. While Maruti Suzuki leads in overall sales, Hyundai has maintained the second spot for two consecutive months, staying ahead of Tata Motors and Mahindra according to Vahan data from June and July 2025.
Honda CB125 Hornet Launched: A New Challenger in the 125cc Segment
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has officially launched the CB125 Hornet, pricing it at Rs 1.12 lakh, ex-showroom. Unveiled just recently, this new offering now becomes the most premium bike in Honda’s 125cc lineup. Positioned above the Shine and SP125, the CB125 Hornet is set to challenge segment leaders like the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125R. Here’s what makes this new contender has to offer.
Suzuki Avenis 125cc Scooter Gets Refreshed with Dual-Tone Colour Option
Suzuki Motorcycle India has updated the Avenis, a 125cc scooter, by introducing an eye-catching new dual-tone colour option. The new variant (Metallic Matte Platinum Silver No. 2 with Glass Sparkle Black) is now on sale at Suzuki dealerships nationwide. While the change is purely cosmetic, Suzuki has maintained the same pricing, with the Standard Edition priced at Rs 91,400 and the Ride Connect variant at Rs 93,200, both ex-showroom. This new dual-tone addition joins the existing color choices,
Oben Rorr EZ Sigma e-bike: Features, Pricing, and More
Oben Electric has expanded its Rorr electric motorcycle range with a new Sigma trim. The new variant has been launched at an introductory price starting at Rs 1.27 lakh, ex-showroom, for a limited period. The model is available in two battery options: 3.4 kWh and 4.4 kWh. The prices will later move to Rs 1.47 lakh and Rs 1.55 lakh respectively. Deliveries are set to begin on August 15, 2025, with bookings now open for Rs 2,999. Test rides have already begun across Oben showrooms, and the motorcy
Tesla Leases 33,000 Sq Ft Space in Gurugram to Open Second Showroom in India
In a significant move, Tesla India Motors and Energy Pvt Ltd has signed a 9-year lease for a 33,475 sq ft industrial-retail space at Orchid Business Park on Sohna Road, Gurugram. This marks the EV giant’s first integrated delivery hub, service center, and customer-facing store in the Delhi-NCR region, indicating Tesla is fully embracing India's electric vehicle market. The timing aligns with India's strong push for EV adoption, with supportive policies from state and central governments, expandi