Under the updated rates, prices of several popular food items including vada pav, samosa, dosa, idli and pav bhaji have been increased at minor static catering units managed by Central Railway. The revision comes as authorities cite rising operational and input costs in the catering business.

According to the revised menu issued by Central Railway, an aloo vada will now cost ₹15, while pav will be sold separately at ₹5, taking the effective price of a vada pav to ₹20. Veg samosa, veg puff and sabudana vada have each been priced at ₹20. Meanwhile, masala dosa will now cost ₹35 and a serving of two idlis with sambar and chutney has been fixed at ₹30.

Other food items have also witnessed upward revisions. Pav bhaji and veg pizza will now be available at ₹50, while sandwiches and packaged snacks may also see revised rates depending on station categories and stall operations.

The new pricing structure was approved through a circular issued by the Office of the Chief Commercial Manager (Claims & Catering) at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai. The circular has been forwarded to multiple railway divisions including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Solapur and Bhusaval for implementation from June 1.

However, not all food items have become costlier. Railway authorities have retained existing prices for selected items such as misal pav, kachori and certain beverages. Officials said the revisions were made after reviewing prevailing market prices, raw material costs and vendor operating expenses.

Central Railway has also instructed catering operators to maintain food quality and hygiene standards despite the price increase. Vendors have been directed to prominently display updated bilingual rate charts at all stalls to ensure transparency for passengers. Railway officials are expected to carry out regular inspections to prevent overcharging and monitor service quality.

The latest move is likely to impact lakhs of daily commuters and long-distance passengers who depend on station food stalls for affordable meals and snacks during travel. Popular items such as vada pav and samosa are among the most commonly purchased foods at railway stations in Mumbai and across the Central Railway network.

The price revision comes at a time when food inflation and higher operating costs continue to affect the broader hospitality and catering sector across India.

Also Read : Fuel prices near record highs: How petrol, diesel hikes added nearly ₹5/litre in under 10 days

The post Central Railway Food Price Hike: Vada Pav, Samosa, Dosa to Cost More at Stations From June 1 appeared first on Story Pitch.

In the latest revision, petrol prices were increased by 87 paise per litre and diesel by up to 91 paise across most markets, according to industry sources. In Delhi, petrol now costs ₹99.51 per litre, up from ₹98.64, while diesel has risen to ₹92.49 from ₹91.58.

Since May 15, fuel prices have been revised three times — a ₹3 per litre hike, followed by a 90-paise increase, and now another round of adjustments — pushing overall retail rates up by nearly ₹5 per litre. State-owned oil companies said the changes reflect elevated international crude prices and earlier cost pressures that had not been fully passed on to consumers.

Private fuel retailers such as Nayara Energy and Jio-BP have largely mirrored these revisions, while some companies had already increased pump prices ahead of the PSU-led hikes.

No nationwide fuel shortage, says IndianOil

Amid reports of queues and localized fuel shortages at some outlets, IndianOil Corporation (IOC) has clarified that there is no nationwide shortage of petrol or diesel. It said the situation is “highly localised and temporary,” driven by demand-supply mismatches at select retail outlets.

IOC, India’s largest fuel retailer with over 42,000 petrol pumps, said only a small number of outlets have faced disruptions. The company attributed the spike in demand to seasonal diesel consumption during the harvesting period, a shift in customers from private retailers, and higher institutional demand at PSU pumps due to pricing differences.

Petrol sales rose about 14% year-on-year in early May, while diesel sales increased nearly 18%, indicating strong and sustained demand.

The company also urged consumers not to panic-buy, stating that adequate fuel stocks are available nationwide and supply systems remain stable.

Global factors behind the rise

The recent surge in fuel prices is linked to global crude oil climbing more than 50% since late February due to geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions. A weaker rupee has further increased import costs for Indian refiners.

Oil marketing companies had earlier absorbed losses despite rising crude prices, with estimates suggesting under-recoveries of ₹10 per litre on petrol and ₹13 per litre on diesel even after partial price adjustments.

Prices are now at their highest levels since May 2022, after remaining largely frozen for nearly two years except for a brief cut ahead of elections.

Inflation and broader impact

The increase in fuel prices is expected to add pressure on transportation costs, logistics, and essential goods. India’s retail inflation rose to 3.48% in April, while wholesale inflation surged to a 42-month high of 8.3%, driven partly by energy costs.

Officials have also indicated that the recent price adjustments are aimed at reducing losses for state-run oil companies, which continue to face significant daily under-recoveries despite the hikes.

Also Read : Explained: Why India increased gold import duty to 15 percent amid rising external pressure

The post Fuel prices near record highs: How petrol, diesel hikes added nearly ₹5/litre in under 10 days appeared first on Story Pitch.

The decision comes at a time when gold imports have surged sharply in value due to elevated global prices, even as physical volumes have declined, pointing to a price-driven rise in India’s import bill.

According to the Finance Ministry, the increase in duty has been implemented through adjustments in the Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) and the Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC), effective May 13.

Why India raised gold import duty

The primary objective behind the move is to control the rising import bill and reduce pressure on the current account deficit (CAD), which widens when high-value imports increase foreign exchange outflows.

Gold imports, being one of India’s largest import items, have a direct impact on the country’s external balance. Policymakers aim to moderate demand by making imports more expensive during periods of global stress.

The step is also intended to support the rupee, which has recently faced pressure due to global volatility and rising import demand. Lower gold imports are expected to ease foreign exchange outflows and help stabilise the currency.

Another key factor is the need to conserve foreign exchange reserves amid geopolitical tensions and broader external risks, including disruptions in global trade flows.

Import trends and price impact

India’s gold imports rose over 24 per cent to an all-time high of USD 71.98 billion in 2025-26. However, volumes declined 4.76 per cent to 721.03 tonnes, highlighting that higher prices—not stronger demand—are driving the increase in value.

Gold prices have surged from USD 76,617.48 per kg in FY25 to USD 99,825.38 per kg in FY26.

Policy reversal

The latest hike reverses a reduction announced in the 2024-25 Budget, when customs duty on gold was cut to 6 per cent to support the gems and jewellery sector, reduce smuggling, and ease domestic prices.

India had last raised gold import duty to 15 per cent in 2022 amid pressure on the current account deficit following global disruptions.

Wider economic backdrop

Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran has described the West Asia crisis as a “live balance of payments stress test”, with implications for inflation, the current account and exchange rate stability.

The Indian rupee recently touched a record low of 95.63 against the US dollar, reflecting broader external pressure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also urged citizens to reduce discretionary spending, including postponing gold purchases, fuel use, and foreign travel, to conserve foreign exchange.

Also Read : RBI cancels Paytm Payments Bank licence: What it means for your money & wallet

The post Explained: Why India increased gold import duty to 15 percent amid rising external pressure appeared first on Story Pitch.

It said the action takes effect from “close of business on April 24, 2026,” and that the bank is “prohibited from conducting the business of ‘banking’… with immediate effect.”

RBI also said it will make an application for winding up of the bank before the High Court.

Why the licence was cancelled

RBI said the decision was taken due to governance and compliance concerns.

It stated: “The affairs of the bank were conducted in a manner detrimental to the interest of its depositors.”

It further added: “The general character of the management of the bank is prejudicial to the interest of depositors as also the public interest… no useful purpose or public interest would be served by allowing the bank to continue.”

What happens to your money

RBI said Paytm Payments Bank has sufficient liquidity to repay its entire deposit liability during winding up.

It noted that the bank “has enough liquidity to repay its entire deposit liability upon winding up of the bank.”

This means customer deposits are expected to be returned through the winding-up process.

Company clarification

One 97 Communications Limited (Paytm) said it has no exposure to Paytm Payments Bank and no material business arrangements with it.

It said: “No services provided by the Company are in partnership with PPBL. Additionally, PPBL operates independently, with no board or management involvement from the Company.”

It also added: “There is no direct financial impact on the Company since… the Company had already impaired its investment in PPBL as of March 31, 2024.”

What users should know

Paytm Payments Bank will stop banking operations

RBI has ordered winding up proceedings

Deposits are expected to be repaid under RBI supervision

Paytm says its other services remain unaffected

Also Read | Railway ticket cancellation rules: No refund on train ticket cancellations within 8 hours

The post RBI cancels Paytm Payments Bank licence: What it means for your money & wallet appeared first on Story Pitch.

No refund within 8 hours

Under the new rules, passengers will not get any refund if they cancel their tickets within eight hours of the train’s departure. This replaces the existing rule that allowed cancellations up to four hours before departure with partial refunds.

The revised policy will come into effect between April 1 and April 15, 2026, and will apply to all trains.

Updated refund slabs

The Railways has also reworked the refund structure across different time windows:

Cancellations made more than 72 hours before departure will get a full refund, subject to a flat cancellation charge.

Between 72 and 24 hours: 25% of the ticket cost will be deducted

Between 24 and 8 hours: 50% deduction

Less than 8 hours: no refund

Earlier, the deduction windows were shorter and less stringent.

Why the rules were changed

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the move is aimed at curbing black marketing and preventing agents from blocking tickets and cancelling them close to departure.

More flexibility for passengers

In a passenger-friendly change, those with counter tickets can now upgrade their travel class up to 30 minutes before departure. Previously, this was allowed only before the first reservation chart was prepared, usually around eight hours before departure. This facility will not be available for online bookings.

Passengers will also be able to change their boarding station up to 30 minutes before departure. At present, this change is allowed only before the first chart is prepared. The Railways said this will help travellers manage last-minute plan changes without affecting ticket cost.

Tatkal booking changes

To tackle misuse of Tatkal tickets, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication has been introduced, along with restrictions on agents during the initial booking window and anti-bot systems. Around 3 crore suspicious user IDs have been deactivated so far.

Also Read | SEBI introduces Mutual Fund changes to simplify investments: All about it

The post Railway ticket cancellation rules: No refund on train ticket cancellations within 8 hours appeared first on Story Pitch.

Key Highlights of the SEBI Circular

1. Discontinuation of Solution-Oriented Funds

SEBI has phased out the “solution-oriented” category, which included retirement and children’s savings funds. New subscriptions to these schemes have been stopped immediately, and existing investors will see these schemes merged or restructured to align with the updated framework.

2. Introduction of Life Cycle Funds

A new category called Life Cycle Funds has been created. These funds are designed around an investor’s goals, such as retirement or long-term planning. They automatically adjust their investment mix over time — moving from higher-risk assets like equities to more stable assets like debt or gold as the target date approaches.

3. Simplified Fund Categories

All mutual fund schemes will now be classified under clear, standard categories: Equity, Debt, Hybrid, Life Cycle Funds, and Other Schemes (including ETFs and index funds). Fund names and descriptions must now accurately reflect the investment strategy, making it easier for investors to understand what they are buying.

4. Portfolio Overlap Rules

To avoid multiple schemes with nearly identical holdings, SEBI has introduced limits on portfolio overlap. For most equity schemes, the overlap with another fund from the same asset manager should stay below 50%, giving investors more differentiated options.

5. Greater Investment Flexibility

Funds now have broader investment options. Equity and hybrid schemes can include small portions of gold, silver, InvITs, or commodity derivatives alongside debt and money market instruments. This allows fund managers to diversify portfolios more effectively.

6. True-to-Label Mandate

SEBI has tightened rules to ensure that schemes deliver on their stated investment style. For example, value funds and contra funds will now have strict portfolio guidelines to prevent misalignment or duplication, helping investors pick the right fund type for their goals.

What This Means for Investors

Fund houses have six months to realign their schemes with the new regulations.

Investors in discontinued schemes will be informed about mergers or reclassifications.

Overall, the changes are intended to bring more transparency, clarity, and safety to the mutual fund market in India.

SEBI’s reforms reflect a push toward a simpler, investor-friendly mutual fund industry. With clearer categories and goal-based options like Life Cycle Funds, investors will find it easier to choose schemes that match their financial objectives and risk appetite.

Also Read: DGCA revises air ticket refund norms; no extra charges for changes within 48 hours of booking

The post SEBI introduces Mutual Fund changes to simplify investments: All about it appeared first on Story Pitch.

The amended Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), issued on February 24, will come into effect from March 26.

Under the new rules, airlines must provide a 48-hour “look-in option” from the time of booking. During this window, passengers can cancel or modify tickets without paying extra charges, except for any fare difference applicable to the revised flight. However, the facility will not apply if the departure date is less than seven days from booking for domestic flights and less than 15 days for international flights, when tickets are booked directly through an airline’s website.

Beyond the 48-hour window, standard cancellation or amendment charges will apply.

In a significant relief to flyers, the regulator has also barred airlines from levying additional charges for correcting the name of the same passenger, provided the error is reported within 24 hours of booking and the ticket was purchased directly through the airline’s website.

For bookings made through travel agents or online portals, the DGCA clarified that the responsibility for processing refunds rests with the airlines, as agents act as their appointed representatives. Airlines have been directed to ensure that refunds are completed within 14 working days.

The revised norms also address ticket cancellations arising from medical emergencies. If a passenger or a family member listed on the same PNR is hospitalised during the travel period, airlines may offer either a refund or a credit shell. In other cases, refunds will be processed after an opinion on the passenger’s fitness to travel is received from an airline’s Aerospace Medicine specialist or a DGCA-empanelled specialist.

The changes come amid rising passenger complaints about delayed refunds. In December 2025 alone, scheduled airlines received 29,212 passenger-related complaints, with 7.5 per cent linked to refunds. The issue also drew attention during flight disruptions involving IndiGo in December 2025, following which the civil aviation ministry directed the airline to complete pending refunds within a specified timeline.

India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, with domestic airlines carrying over 16.69 crore passengers in 2025, according to official data.

Also Read | Long weekends in 2026: A complete guide for holiday planning

The post DGCA revises air ticket refund norms; no extra charges for changes within 48 hours of booking appeared first on Story Pitch.

As per information shared by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), once implemented, all toll payments at National Highway fee plazas will be processed exclusively through digital modes, including FASTag and Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

This proposed measure is aimed at consolidating the substantial progress achieved under the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system and further strengthening the efficiency, transparency, and reliability of National Highway toll operations across India.

Transition Towards a Fully Digital Tolling Ecosystem

Over the past several years, the adoption of FASTag has fundamentally transformed toll collection practices nationwide. With over 98 percent penetration, FASTag has enabled seamless, contactless, and automated toll payments using RFID technology affixed to vehicle windshields.

At present, an overwhelming proportion of toll transactions at National Highway fee plazas are processed electronically, significantly reducing the dependency on physical cash handling.

In addition to FASTag, UPI payment facilities have also been operationalized at toll plazas across the country. This ensures that commuters have access to instant, accessible, and widely accepted digital payment options at every National Highway toll point.

The proposed discontinuation of cash payments is therefore seen as a logical progression in India’s digital tolling journey.

Existing Fee Structure Encouraging Digital Payments

Under the prevailing National Highway fee rules:

Vehicles entering a fee plaza without a valid and functional FASTag and opting to pay in cash are charged double (2x) the applicable user fee.

National Highway users choosing to pay via UPI are charged 1.25 times the applicable user fee for their vehicle category.

These measures have already played a crucial role in reducing reliance on cash transactions and accelerating the shift toward digital toll payments nationwide.

The contemplated move to eliminate cash payments altogether would further reinforce this policy direction.

Addressing Operational Challenges at Toll Plazas

Plaza-level assessments have indicated that cash-based transactions contribute to:

Congestion at fee plazas

Increased waiting time, particularly during peak traffic periods

Transaction-related disputes

Reduced lane throughput

Operational inefficiencies

Even a small percentage of cash-paying vehicles can disrupt traffic flow, especially on high-density corridors and expressways.

A complete transition to digital-only payment modes is expected to:

Strengthen operational efficiency

Improve traffic management

Minimise delays

Enhance lane throughput

Increase consistency and transparency in toll transactions

Improve overall commuter experience

Impact Across 1,150+ Fee Plazas Nationwide

The proposed measure will impact more than 1,150 fee plazas located on various National Highways and Expressways across India.

For millions of daily commuters, commercial transport operators, and long-distance travelers, the shift is expected to deliver smoother, faster, and more predictable journeys.

The initiative aligns with NHAI’s broader objective of building a technology-driven, high-efficiency National Highway network that delivers seamless services and enhances the “Ease of Commuting” for National Highway users across the country.

The Road Ahead

If implemented from 1st April 2026, the discontinuation of cash transactions would mark a major milestone in India’s highway infrastructure modernization.

With near-universal FASTag adoption already in place and UPI systems operational nationwide, the transition is positioned as the next phase in strengthening the digital tolling framework.

Commuters are advised to ensure that their FASTag accounts remain active and adequately funded, and that alternative digital payment options such as UPI are readily available.

The move signals a decisive step toward a faster, contactless, and fully digitised highway travel experience across India.

Also Read | Long weekends in 2026: A complete guide for holiday planning

The post Cash Payments at National Highway Fee Plazas Likely to Be Discontinued from 1st April 2026 appeared first on Story Pitch.

Based on the Central Government holiday calendar and commonly observed national holidays, 2026 presents multiple three-day weekends and a few opportunities to stretch holidays into four or five days with minimal leave. While some festivals depend on moon sightings and may vary slightly, the overall structure of the year remains travel-friendly.

The year begins on a positive note with Republic Day on Monday, January 26, creating the first long weekend. Spring also brings opportunities such as Good Friday in April and Buddha Purnima in May, both falling on Fridays. The monsoon months remain favourable too, with Muharram in June offering another three-day break.

The festive season from September to December is particularly attractive for holiday planners. Janmashtami (Friday, September 4) and Gandhi Jayanti (Friday, October 2) naturally extend into long weekends. Although Diwali falls on a Sunday, taking an additional leave can still help create a short break. The year ends perfectly with Christmas on Friday, December 25, making it ideal for year-end travel.

Employees who can plan their leaves strategically around holidays such as Ram Navami, Dussehra, and Guru Nanak Jayanti can convert them into longer vacations. Companies that allow restricted or optional holidays may offer even more flexibility.

Overall, 2026 provides several chances to balance work and travel efficiently. Early planning, advance bookings, and smart leave management can help travellers make the most of these long weekends.

Also Read: New Labour Codes Explained: What Workers and Employers Need to Know

The post Long weekends in 2026: A complete guide for holiday planning appeared first on Story Pitch.

Mandhana confirmed that the families mutually decided to cancel the wedding after persistent rumours.

“Over the past few weeks, there has been plenty of speculation around my life, and I feel it is important for me to speak out at this time. I am a very private person and I would like to keep it that way, but I need to clarify that the wedding is called off,” she wrote.

She urged everyone to respect their privacy: “I would like to close this matter here and implore all of you to do the same. I request you to please respect the privacy of both families at this time and allow us the space to process and move on at our own pace.”

Mandhana also reflected on her priorities. “I believe there is a higher purpose driving us all, and for me, that has always been representing my country at the highest level. I hope to continue to play and win trophies for India for as long as possible… It’s time to move forward.”

Muchhal, addressing the rumours surrounding the situation, expressed his distress.
“It’s been very difficult for me to see people react so easily to baseless rumours about something which has been most sacred to me. It’s the most difficult phase of my life, and I will deal with it gracefully, holding on to my beliefs,” he wrote. He added that society must learn to pause before judging others based on unverified gossip, noting, “Our words can wound in ways we may never understand.”

He also stated that his team would take strict legal action against those spreading false or defamatory content. Muchhal confirmed the end of his personal relationship, saying, “I have decided to move on in my life and step back from my personal relationship.”

The wedding, originally scheduled for November 23, 2025, in Sangli, was first postponed after Mandhana’s father was hospitalised following a reported heart attack. Muchhal, too, was later hospitalised. The ceremony had been expected to be a high-profile event, especially after India’s Women’s World Cup victory. The couple had exchanged rings after Muchhal surprised Mandhana with a proposal at DY Patil Stadium, the venue of the Women’s World Cup final.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Auction timeline and today’s retention deadline

The post Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal officially call off wedding after weeks of speculation appeared first on Story Pitch.