Business Archives - National Times

18 Jun

No More Toll Hassles: Govt Launches Rs 3,000 Annual FASTag Pass for Highway Commuters

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, India, TrendingFASTag

New Delhi (National Times): In a first-of-its-kind move, the Government of India will roll out a FASTag-based Annual Toll Pass for non-commercial private vehicles starting August 15, 2025, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced today. The pass, costing Rs 3,000, will be valid for 200 toll trips or one year, whichever comes first, across all National Highways in the country. It is exclusively meant for private cars, jeeps, and vans. The Annual Pass comes in response to widespread public frustration over frequent toll deductions and bottlenecks, particularly at plazas less than 60 km apart. “This policy is designed to eliminate those…

13 Jun

DGCA Orders Enhanced Inspections of Air India’s Boeing 787 Fleet Following Ahmedabad Crash

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness

National Times Bureau, June 13, 2025: In the wake of India’s deadliest civil aviation disaster, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a directive mandating enhanced inspections of Air India’s entire Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The move follows the catastrophic crash of Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of all 232 people on board and at least five medical students on the ground. It marked the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 in global aviation history.The DGCA’s directive comes amid growing scrutiny of the aircraft’s safety and technical performance. The regulator has asked Air India…

13 Jun

Iraq Closes Airspace Amid Israel-Iran Tensions; Delhi Airport Issues Advisory, Air India Diverts Multiple Flights

nishuthapar10 CommentsBusiness

Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): In response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Iraq has closed its airspace and suspended all flights, state media confirmed on Friday, June 13. The rapidly evolving situation in the region has disrupted international air travel, prompting Delhi Airport to issue a passenger advisory. While Delhi Airport operations continue smoothly, authorities have warned that flight schedules to and from West Asia may be impacted due to restricted airspace over Iraq, Iran, and nearby regions Air India Flights Affected:Air India has diverted or returned several long-haul international flights to ensure passenger safety. Affected routes include those…

10 Jun

RCB Owners Considering Franchise Sale Following IPL 2025 Title Win: Sources

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, IndiaRCB

Bengaluru (National Times): Just a week after lifting their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may be heading for a change in ownership. Sources have revealed to NDTV that Diageo Plc, the current owners of the franchise, are actively exploring options to sell their stake, either partially or entirely. The development follows the team's historic win in the 2025 IPL season, a triumph that ended an 18-year-long title drought. Insiders suggest that Diageo is looking to capitalise on the franchise’s soaring brand value and momentum post-victory. RCB is operated in India by United Spirits Ltd, a…

07 Jun

New RBI Locker Rules 2025 Aim to Boost Security, Limit Bank Liability

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusinessbank locker safety, RBI compensation policy, RBI Locker Rules 2025

New Delhi, June 7, 2025 – The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has rolled out revised guidelines for bank lockers effective 2025, focusing on enhanced security for customers and increased accountability for banks. These updated rules introduce stricter access controls, compensation limits, and guidelines on permissible locker contents.Under the new regulations, a dual-key system has been mandated, requiring the presence of both the customer and the bank to access a locker. If a locker remains unused for three years, banks are allowed to open it for inspection following due procedure.One of the most notable provisions is the compensation cap. In…

07 Jun

India’s Extreme Poverty Plummets from 27.1% to 5.3% in Just Over a Decade: World Bank

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, IndiaWorld Bank

New Delhi (National Times): In a landmark revelation, the World Bank has released its June 2025 Poverty Report, highlighting a significant decline in extreme poverty in India. According to the report, the percentage of Indians living in extreme poverty, defined as living on $3.00 a day (2021 PPP), has dropped dramatically from 27.12% in 2011 to just 5.25% in 2022. This translates to a reduction in the number of people living under extreme poverty from 344.41 million in 2011 to 75.22 million in 2022, an achievement that underscores the success of India’s inclusive growth strategies over the past decade. The…

06 Jun

What is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act? Why Did It Spark a Feud Between Donald Trump and Elon Musk?

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, Trending, World NewsDonald Trump, Elon Musk

Washington DC (National Times): The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 22, 2025, with a 215-214-1 vote, is a comprehensive budget reconciliation package designed to overhaul the U.S. tax code, social programs, and federal spending priorities. Championed by President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, the bill extends the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and introduces new tax breaks, spending cuts, and policy changes. Key provisions include: Tax Reforms: Permanently extends TCJA provisions (e.g., tax brackets, doubled standard deduction), eliminates taxes on tips and overtime pay through 2028,…

05 Jun

Amritsar on Alert! Massive Security Cover Ahead of Operation Bluestar Anniversary Observance At Sri Akal Takht Sahib

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsBusinessAmritsar, Operation Bluestar, Sri Akal Takht Sahib

Amritsar (National Times): In anticipation of the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar, commemorated as Ghallukara Diwas, Amritsar has been placed under an unprecedented security cover with the deployment of nearly 7,000 police personnel across the holy city. The observance, scheduled for June 6 at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, is expected to draw thousands of devotees from across the globe. Operation Bluestar, carried out in 1984, remains one of the most emotionally charged events in Sikh history. Every year, June 6 marks a solemn day of remembrance for those who lost their lives, and the day holds deep spiritual and emotional…

29 May

Hailey Bieber’s Beauty Brand ‘Rhode’ Acquired by e.l.f. Beauty for $1 Billion

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusinessBeauty Brand Sold, E.l.f. Beauty, Hailey Bieber, Rhode Acquisition

Los Angeles, May 29, 2025: Hailey Bieber’s skincare and makeup brand, Rhode, has been acquired by e.l.f. Beauty in a blockbuster $1 billion deal, marking one of the biggest celebrity brand acquisitions in recent years.Founded in 2022, Rhode quickly gained a cult following for its minimalist, skin-first approach and clean beauty formulations. With Bieber’s global influence and digital-first marketing strategy, the brand rapidly scaled across international markets and built a loyal consumer base.The acquisition signals e.l.f. Beauty’s aggressive expansion in the premium skincare segment. Industry analysts say the deal strengthens e.l.f.'s portfolio while cementing Rhode as a legacy brand in…

21 May

Dr. Jagdeep Singh Assumes Charge as Punjabi University Vice Chancellor, Outlines Vision for Industry-Aligned Education

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsBusiness

Patiala, May 21, 2025 — Dr. Jagdeep Singh officially took charge as the Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University today, receiving a warm welcome from faculty, staff, and university officials. In his inaugural address, Dr. Singh shared a forward-looking vision focused on aligning the university’s curriculum with industry demands to enhance student employability.Expressing gratitude for being entrusted with the leadership of his alma mater, Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of modernizing academic programs. “Educational institutions must evolve to meet the changing needs of the workforce,” he said. Plans include involving industry professionals in curriculum design through the Board of Studies and…