The fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival kicked off in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with a star-studded lineup. Actress Emily Blunt, Bollywood icon Aamir Khan, and action movie legend Vin Diesel were honoured at the event for their contributions to international cinema. The honourees expressed their gratitude and shared their admiration for the festival, which has become a platform for showcasing diverse and impactful stories from around the world. Michelle Yeoh, Eva Longoria, and Michelle Rodriguez also joined in to celebrate the global impact of these talented artists.
In a move to reduce the tax burden on petroleum companies, the government has removed the windfall tax on aviation turbine fuel, crude products, diesel, and petrol. The tax, which was introduced in 2022, aimed to generate revenue from the sudden price increase of crude oil. With this change, the government hopes to attract more investments in the petroleum sector and improve the country's overall economy. Stay updated with the latest business news and stock market updates on Zee Business and optimize your tax through their income tax calculator.
In an effort to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce farmers' electricity and diesel expenses, the government has launched the PM Kusum Scheme which provides free agricultural pumps to farmers. Experts suggest crowd-financed loans as a viable option for farmers to obtain solar-powered pumps which have long-term benefits. With the central government setting a target for Haryana to install 22,000 solar pumps, applicants can avail of up to 75% subsidy for irrigation.
The Delhi Traffic Police has started cracking down on violators of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) III in the national capital. On the first day of the ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles, around 550 challans were issued with a total fine of over Rs 1 crore. Additionally, 4,855 vehicles were also fined for not having a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). The ban also extends to inter-state buses from NCR cities into Delhi. Traffic police have intensified checking and returned over 300 prohibited vehicles, prosecuting those without PUCC certificates. This comes as the city faces severe air pollution levels and the Delhi government implements restrictions under stage III of the GRAP.
The Delhi government has taken strict measures to combat pollution and smog in the city by implementing GRAP Stage III, which includes a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles. This comes as part of India's efforts to adopt Bharat Stage VI emission norms by 2020 and reduce air pollutants by 80%. The move aims to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for the citizens of Delhi.
In a move to generate additional revenue, the AAP government in Punjab has increased the prices of petrol and diesel and also revoked the scheme of subsidised electricity for those with electricity loads up to 7 KW. This decision, taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, aims to mobilise Rs 1,500-1700 crore for the state. However, critics are concerned that this hike in fuel prices will have a ripple effect on the cost of essential commodities. While the government maintains that it is aimed at improving governance, voices of concern have already emerged from the petroleum trade.
After the successful launch of the electric version, Tata has now launched the internal combustion engine version of the Curvv SUV. The base petrol variant starts at Rs. 9.99 lakh while the base diesel variant starts at Rs. 11.49 lakh, with prices set to increase in November 2024. With eight variants and multiple engines and gearbox options, the Curvv ICE will compete with popular SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. It also boasts of premium features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 9-speaker JBL audio system, and safety features like six airbags and ADAS technology. Tune in to NDTV for the latest updates on the Tata Curvv ICE.
The Bangladesh interim government has announced a reduction in the prices of diesel, petrol, and octane, with the price of diesel being lowered by Tk 1.25 per liter. However, the power, energy, and mineral resources adviser, Fouzul Kabir Khan, has stated that this was an extremely challenging decision. He also explained the difference in price reduction between octane/petrol and diesel, citing consumption patterns as the reason. The new fuel prices will take effect from midnight on Saturday.
Sources have confirmed that there will be a third consecutive rate cut in the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) starting September 1. This decision comes as a result of a decrease in crude prices in the global market, with $2 to $2.30 per barrel reduction seen in the last two weeks. The current price of crude oil is at $79 per barrel. The OGRA will review global crude oil prices on August 30 and submit a summary to the finance minister for price fixing. This news comes after the government reduced the prices of petrol and HSD by Rs8.47 and Rs6.70 per litre, respectively, in the last pricing review. It is estimated that there will be a total reduction of Rs14.64 and Rs17.56 per litre in petrol and HSD prices, respectively.
A video of a man overfilling his car's diesel tank for a social media reel has caused widespread outrage in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The footage, which has gained over 530,000 views, shows the individual engaging in unsafe behaviour and wasting fuel. Following public uproar, both the young man and the petrol pump employee have been arrested, with the vehicle confiscated under the Motor Vehicles Act.