India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
New Delhi: Come October 1, only Aadhaar-linked IRCTC accounts will be able to book passenger tickets during the first 15 minutes of the reservation window. The new rule is an expansion of an existing mandate that was limited to booking Tatkal rail tickets only. In an official statement, the Ministry of Railways said, "This step aims to ensure that the benefits of the reservation system reach the common end user and are not misused by unscrupulous elements." The statement added that the new rule applied exclusively to online bookings through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website and its mobile app. However, the existing schedule for booking general reserved tickets at computersised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters of the Indian Railways remains unchanged. "There shall, however, be no change in the timings of booking of general reserved tickets through computerised PRS counters of Indian Railways at present," the statement said. Also, the existing restriction preventing authorised ticketing agents from booking tickets during the first 10 minutes of opening day reservations will continue. "There shall also be no change in the timings of restriction of 10 minutes of opening of general reservation during which authorised ticketing agents of Indian railways shall not be allowed to book opening day reserved tickets," the Railways statement added. ALSO READ: Indian Railways Update: Tatkal Ticket Prices to Rise from July 1; Aadhaar Now Mandatory for Bookings The new rule comes within months of Indian Railways making Aadhaar authentication mandatory for tatkal ticket booking effective July 1. Starting from July 1, 2025, all Tatkal ticket bookings require passengers to authenticate their identity using Aadhaar. This measure is also aimed at ensuring that the benefits of the Tatkal scheme reach the common public.
Bengaluru, Jul 19 (PTI) Hockey India on Saturday announced a 40-member core probable group for the upcoming senior women's national coaching camp, which will be held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre here from July 21 to August 29. The camp holds significant importance as the Indian women's hockey team gears up for the women's Asia Cup, set to begin on September 5 in Hangzhou, China. The tournament will serve as a direct qualification pathway for the 2026 FIH Women's World Cup, with only the champion earning a guaranteed spot. All players from the previous camp have been retaine ...Read More >
PATNA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is all set to embark on 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' from Bihar's Rohtas district on August 17 to register a protest against how the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls was being conducted in the state. This comes at a time when the Opposition is ratcheting up its protest against the SIR and casting aspersions on the integrity of elections. AICC general secretary (organisation) and MP KC Venugopal held a meeting with the INDIA bloc leaders at Sasaram in Rohtas district on Wednesday and reviewed preparations for Rahul Gandhi's visit to Bi ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 29 (PTI) The Railway Ministry has enhanced the limit on passengers' waiting list from 25 per cent to 60 per cent for all AC classes and 30 per cent for non-AC classes by a fresh order issued on Saturday. The order to cap the waiting list of passengers of all classes at 25 per cent was originally issued on April 17 to all zones as well as the Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS). Also Read | Bengaluru Horror: Woman's Body Found Stuffed in Sack, Dumped in Garbage Truck Near Channammanakere Skating Ground; Murder, Possible Sexual Assault Under Investigation. The CRIS ame ...Read More >
To ease last-minute anxiety for passengers, the Indian Railways (IR) will soon begin preparing reservation charts by 9 pm the previous evening for trains scheduled to depart before 2 pm. The Ministry of Railways announced on Sunday that the change, which will benefit waitlisted passengers in particular, will be rolled out in phases across the network. Currently, charts are prepared four hours before the train departure time. A ministry official told News18 that this will be a major relief for w ...Read More >
New Delhi (India) June 30 (ANI): In a move aimed at streamlining fare structures and enhancing the financial sustainability of passenger services, the Ministry of Railways has rationalised the basic fare of Passenger train services, effective from 01 July 2025. The revised fares are based on the updated Passenger Fare Table issued by the Indian Railway Conference Association (IRCA), the railways said in a release. As per the release, no change in Suburban single journey fares and Season Tickets (for both suburban and non-suburban routes). The fare hike varies across different classes and tra ...Read More >
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said indigenously made 150 Vandebharat trains are slated for export with the first train set already flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. More railway rolling stock, including metro coaches, are getting export orders and the upcoming ₹521.26 crore mega Kazipet Railway Manufacturing Unit is going to play a key role once it is commissioned in 2026, he told the media at the factory site on Saturday (July 19, 2025). What will be manufactured the ...Read More >
Guwahati: Work on the second Saraighat rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra in Guwahati will start soon, with tenders to be opened next month, followed by work allotment, officials said on Saturday.While this major infrastructure project was sanctioned during the FY 2023-24 with an estimated cost of Rs 1,473.77 crore, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on Saturday said the bridge is targeted for completion by Dec 2029. This bridge at Saraighat has been sanctioned as part of the doubling of the Agthori-Kamakhya railway line under NFR."The geotechnical investigations have been completed for t ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 6 (PTI) The first 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit Train Tour' has received overwhelming response as all the seats have been booked ahead of the scheduled departure on June 9, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited said on Friday. In a release, IRCTC, a 'Navratna' PSU under the railway ministry, said all 710 seats have been booked in 11 coaches. These comprise 480 in the Economy (Sleeper) category, 190 in Comfort (3AC) and 40 in Superior (2AC), indicating strong interest across travel classes, it added. IRCTC in collaboration with Maharashtra government ...Read More >
Srinagar: Before towering cranes and cutting-edge engineering transformed the Himalayan landscape, the monumental dream of connecting "Kashmir to Kanyakumari" by rail began with the plodding footsteps of humble mules. This extraordinary backstory underpins the official realization of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, a project crowned by the awe-inspiring Chenab Bridge. According to Afcons Infrastructure Limited, the company behind the Chenab Bridge, the earliest and most formidable hurdle wasn't just the design of ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Centre on Tuesday launched 'RailOne', a super app designed to serve as a one-stop platform for all railway-related queries, passenger needs and services. The app, launched by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the national capital, aims to enhance convenience by integrating multiple services into a single interface. With a user-friendly interface, the RailOne is live and available to download on Google Play Store and iOS App Store. The new app integrates services such as unreserved and platform tickets with 3 per cent discount, live train track ...Read More >
New Delhi: With the Bihar elections approaching, the Election Commission has directed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) across all states to initiate preparations for a Bihar-like Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. However, Opposition parties have criticized the move, questioning the "hurry" of implementing a nationwide SIR without consulting political parties. Parties across the Opposition spectrum, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and the Left, said on Sunday that the Election Commission should have waited for the Supreme Court to conclude its hearing on the matter befo ...Read More >
New Delhi, The loco pilots union has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him to refer their dispute with the rail administration over rest hours to the lower house's Petition Committee, and warned of a nationwide strike if the issue is not resolved. The All India Loco Running Staff Association and the rail administration have locked horns over clubbing weekly rest hours with daily rest hours. However, the Railway Ministry said that, of late, it has created several amenities for loco p ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who was last seen in 'The Miranda Brothers', is heaping praise on the recently released film 'Saiyaara', and its team. On Saturday, the actor took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and penned a special note for the film and its makers after it witnessed a stellar opening day. He wrote, "Another melodious example of a love story shattering all myths and formulas of the industry. Honest heart wrenching love story wins again in 2025! #Saiyaara". 'Saiyaara', which stars Aneet Padda, and marks the debut of Ahaan Panday, is helmed b ...Read More >
Guwahati, The construction of a second rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra at Saraighat in Guwahati is expected to commence soon, an official said on Saturday. The tender is likely to be finalised shortly, and construction work will start immediately after it, he said. This second bridge at Saraighat was sanctioned as part of the doubling of the Agthori-Kamakhya railway line under Northeast Frontier Railway . It was sanctioned in 2023-24 with an estimate of ₹1,473.77 crore, and is targ ...Read More >
Ahmedabad: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday announced that India's first bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will begin operations very soon, reducing travel time between the two cities to just 2 hours and 7 minutes. He was speaking to reporters at the Bhavnagar terminus in Gujarat after virtually flagging off three trains, namely the Ayodhya Express, Rewa Pune Express, and Jabalpur Raipur Express. He further stated that the bullet train project is progressing rapidly. The 508-kilometre high-speed rail corridor will connect Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) with key cities ...Read More >
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a long-term project by the Indian Railways aimed at transforming more than 1,300 railway stations across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is inaugurating 103 redeveloped Amrit stations across India on Thursday via video conferencing from Bikaner. The redeveloped stations are spread across 86 districts in 18 States and Union Territories and have been built at a cumulative cost of over Rs 1,100 crore, according to a release by the ministry of railways. ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Former head of Air India and chairman of the Railway Board Ashwani Lohani is the new Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) director. The official order for his appointment was issued on Wednesday. A 1980-batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME), Lohani is known for turning around various organisations during his illustrious career. Following his retirement from IRSME service, he joined the GMR Group as the CEO. According to the order dated June 4, his appointment to the post of director, Prime Ministers Museum and Library in the rank and pa ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Railway's decision to limit the passenger waiting list to 25 per cent of the capacity of each class has been flagged by reservation supervisors, ticket booking clerks and some senior commercial officers as uneconomical for the railways and inconvenient for travellers. The ministry, however, has justified the decision, saying less than one-fourth of the total number of waiting passengers get confirmed berths on an average and the 25 per cent cap has been placed in view of that. "The decision was made after meticulously studying the waiting list confirmation pattern," said Dilip ...Read More >
Samastipur (Bihar) [India], July 8 (ANI): In a continued effort to modernise and upgrade railway infrastructure in Bihar, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several key projects worth Rs 17.30 crore at Karpoorigram Station under the Samastipur division. At the outset, Vaishnaw inspected the Digha Bridge Halt and thoroughly reviewed passenger amenities, safety, cleanliness, platform condition, drinking water, lighting, and security arrangements, according to a statement from the Ministry of Railways. He directed officials to work t ...Read More >
Patna, Aug 1 (PTI) Healthcare services were affected at AIIMS-Patna on Friday as resident doctors went on an "indefinite strike" in protest against the alleged high-handedness of Sheohar MLA Chetan Anand. According to a press statement issued by the Resident Doctors' Association (RDA), AIIMS-Patna, on Friday, "The RDA expresses deep disappointment and anguish over the lack of action by the administration following the violent and traumatic incident that occurred on Wednesday, when MLA Chetan Anand, his wife and their armed guards breached hospital security, physically assaulted staff, and thr ...Read More >
Officials say the train will help the troubled region, but many Kashmiris see it as a tool to entrench the Indian government's control. After decades of highly complex engineering work and billions of dollars in investment, India has finally connected the Himalayan region of Kashmir by rail to the rest of the country. The train link, which was officially inaugurated on Friday, fulfilled a dream dating back to the British colonial era. Indian officials called it a transformative leap for the res ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: In a significant development, Indian Railways has proposed to prepare and release the reservation chart eight hours before a train's departure, replacing the current practice of releasing the chart four hours before departure. This new timeline is expected to come into effect from 1st July this year. The decision follows a series of meetings between railway officials and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, aimed at improving convenience for passengers, particularly those holding waitlisted tickets. Confirming the development to this newspaper, a senior railway official said on Sun ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 3 (ANI): In a major crackdown on narcotics smuggling, officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone-III, have seized 14.738 kgs of suspected NDPS hydroponic weed (marijuana) valued at approximately Rs 14.73 crore during operations on Sunday. The seizures were made across Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMI), resulting in the arrest of one passenger, as stated in the press release. The passenger was arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Based on specific intel, ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], August 28 (ANI): The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has extended the tenure of Satish Kumar as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Railway Board for a further period of one year, effective from September 1, 2025. An order dated August 27 from the Secretariat of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, reads, "The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension in tenure of Satish Kumar, Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) (Retd.) as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Railway Board for a further period of one yea ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) It was a belligerent, brilliant, and breathtaking performance from the Chennai Bulls, who were crowned the first ever champions of the Rugby Premier League, here in Mumbai, at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex. The Chennai Bulls thrashed the Delhi Redz by a scoreline of 41-0 in the final, to clinch the title. In fact, the margin of victory is the biggest across Season 1 of the GMR RPL. Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Heroes, who had finished top of the table in the league stage, came away with a third-place finish, after they won 17-12 against the Bengaluru Bra ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 29 (PTI) Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently reviewed the progress of ongoing reforms in the passengers reservation system and emphasized the need for smart, transparent, accessible and efficient ticketing system with a focus on passenger convenience, the ministry on Sunday said. Under Vaishnaw's guidance, officials are working to prepare the reservation chart eight hours before the train's departure instead of the current system of four hours. "It will benefit passengers travelling from remote locations or suburbs of major cities for catching long distance trains. It w ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 1: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched on Tuesday the RailOne mobile application, which can help passengers get easy access to multiple services such as ticket booking, train and PNR enquiry, journey planning, rail help services and meal booking. Vaishnaw inaugurated the app, available on both Android Play Store and iOS App Store platforms, at the 40th Foundation Day celebrations of the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). "RailOne App is a one-stop solution for all passenger needs. Through this app, passengers get easy access to the following services: Ticket ...Read More >
Jammu, Jul 18 (PTI) Senior officials of the Jammu and Kashmir government reviewed the arrangements for the smooth conduct of the 13-day-long Budha Amarnath pilgrimage in Poonch district that will begin on July 28. Deputy Inspector General of Police Tejinder Singh reviewed security in Poonch and stressed ensuring the safety of the devotees. "The first batch will depart from the Bhagwati Nagar basecamp in Jammu on July 28, moving towards the Mandi tehsil in Poonch in a regulated convoy amid full security arrangements," a spokesperson said. Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspec ...Read More >
Patna: Railway Board has decided to soon implement advanced charting of wait-listed tickets."Currently, the reservation chart is prepared four hours before the departure of the train. This creates uncertainty in the minds of passengers. To remove this uncertainty, the railway ministry has decided preparing the reservation chart eight hours before the departure," a communique issued by the ministry of railways said on Sunday.Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently reviewed the progress of a series of steps being taken by the railways to make ticket booking easier. He emphasised that the tick ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 30 (PTI) The Ministry of Railways has decided to prepare reservation charts for long-distance trains eight hours in advance, instead of the current four hours, to help passengers travelling from remote locations plan their journeys better. The decision was taken during a recent review meeting chaired by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, a statement issued by the ministry said. Also Read | Kolkata Fatafat Result Today: Kolkata FF Result for June 30, 2025 Declared, Check Winning Numbers and Result Chart of Satta Matka-Type Lottery Game. Under Vaishnaw's guidance, officials are ...Read More >