Central Government Launches 5,041 Crore Plan to Replace Old Trucks and Buses in Delhi NCR The Indian government has approved a 5,041 crore rupees replacement plan to phase out over 2 lakh old trucks and buses in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The initiative, aimed at reducing air pollution and promoting cleaner transportation, will replace vehicles complying with Bharat Stage (BS) 4 or older emission standards with newer models adhering to BS 6 norms or electric vehicles. The plan spans two years and involves collaboration between the central government and states including Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The move is part of broader efforts to combat pollution, which has been a persistent issue in the region, particularly during winter months. A 2018 report by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) highlighted that transportation contributes significantly to air pollution, with heavy-duty vehicles accounting for 36% of PM 2.5 emissions despite comprising only 3% of total vehicles. The plan targets the replacement of 1.91 lakh trucks and 16,329 buses, with BS 3 vehicles being scrapped and BS 4 vehicles either scrapped or sold outside the NCR. Under the scheme, vehicle owners will be incentivized to switch to BS 6-compliant or electric vehicles. The central government will allocate 5,041 crore rupees, while states will provide tax exemptions totaling 1,601 crore rupees. Subsidies include a 5% interest rate subsidy for loans, monthly fuel vouchers up to 4,800 rupees, and a one-time benefit for electric vehicle purchases. States will also waive registration fees and offer tax exemptions of up to 100% for new vehicles and 50% for older ones.#central_government #delhi_ncr #prime_minister_narendra_moddi #automotive_research_association_of_india #energy_and_resources_institute
US-Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates Amid Escalating Attacks and Diplomatic Tensions President Donald Trump announced an extension of a five-day pause on U.S. strikes targeting Iranian power plants, citing ongoing negotiations with an unnamed Iranian leader. However, Iranian officials dismissed the claims, asserting that the U.S. had retreated after Tehran issued a firm warning. The dispute centers on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global energy exports, which Iran has effectively closed. Trump demanded the strait be reopened, but Iran insisted it would not until the U.S. and Israel halt their attacks. The conflict intensified with Israeli military strikes on Tehran, targeting key command centers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian Intelligence Ministry. Reports indicated over 50 additional targets were struck, including ballistic missile storage facilities. Israeli forces also launched attacks on the Khorramshahr gas pipeline, according to Iranian state media, which noted partial damage to the facility. These strikes followed a U.S.-led operation that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials, marking the beginning of the Middle East war. The crisis has drawn global attention, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India warning of a "serious energy crisis" caused by the conflict. Modi emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to prevent prolonged instability in the region. Meanwhile, Vietnam announced plans to suspend nearly 23 domestic flights weekly starting April 1 due to fuel shortages linked to the war. Iran’s retaliation included missile strikes on Tel Aviv, injuring six people.#strait_of_hormuz #president_donald_trump #iranian_revolutionary_guard_corps #prime_minister_narendra_moddi #iranian_supreme_leader_ali_khamenei
PM Kisan Yojana: 22nd Installment Expected in March 2026, Check Status via Mobile Millions of farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana are eagerly awaiting the release of the 22nd installment, which is projected to arrive soon. The scheme provides eligible farmers with annual financial assistance of 6,000 rupees, disbursed in three equal installments of 2,000 rupees each directly into their bank accounts. As of now, 21 installments have been released, and the 22nd is anticipated to be disbursed shortly. Recent reports suggest that the next payment may arrive by March 13, 2026, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kokrajhar in Assam. However, no official confirmation has been issued by the government yet. Farmers who have not completed the eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification process may face delays in receiving their payments. The government has mandated eKYC for all beneficiaries, and those who have not completed it risk missing out on the next installment. To complete eKYC, farmers can either log in to the official website pmkisan.gov.in or visit a Common Service Center (CSC) for biometric verification. For those wishing to check the status of their payments, the following steps can be followed: Search for your name in the beneficiary list on the website. Select your state, district, tehsil, block, and village. Navigate to the "Beneficiary List" section. Access the "Farmers Corner" on the homepage. To verify if the previous installment was credited, users can: Enter their registration number or mobile number on the website. Access the "Beneficiary Status" option. The release of the 22nd installment remains pending official confirmation, but if the reported timeline holds, it could provide relief to millions of farmers across the country.#assam #pm_kisan_yojana #prime_minister_narendra_moddi #kokrajhar #common_service_center
