Pioneer in short
Selling vehicle? Clear tolls first
In a push towards barrier-free tolling, the government has amended motor vehicle rules to make it mandatory for vehicle owners to clear all pending toll dues before selling a vehicle or renewing its fitness certificate. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has notified amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 2026, aimed at improving toll compliance and preventing evasion ahead of the rollout of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system on national highways. Under the new rules, no No Objection Certificate (NOC) will be issued for vehicle transfer, fitness renewal or permits if unpaid user fees at toll plazas are pending. A new definition of "unpaid user fee" has been introduced, covering tolls recorded electronically but not paid as per the National Highways Act, 1956. Form 28, required for vehicle transfer, has been amended to mandate disclosure of pending toll dues and will now be issued electronically through a designated portal. The changes follow public consultation on draft rules issued in July 2025. Union minister Nitin Gadkari has said seamless, barrier-free tolling will be a top priority in 2026, using ANPR cameras, FASTag and AI systems, with penalties including FASTag suspension for non-payment.
Close to historic FTA: EU President
India and the European Union are on the verge of a “historic trade agreement” that could create a market of two billion people accounting for nearly a quarter of global GDP, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday, days ahead of her visit to New Delhi. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, von der Leyen said negotiations on the long-pending India-EU free trade agreement are close to completion and could be concluded at the India-EU summit on January 27. She and European Council President Antonio Costa will visit India from January 25 to 27 as chief guests for Republic Day and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
CM appeals for calm in Assam
Clashes erupted between Bodos and Adivasis in Assam’s Kokrajhar district on Tuesday, a day after mob violence left one person dead, prompting the deployment of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and temporary suspension of internet and mobile services in Kokrajhar and neighbouring Chirang, officials said. The unrest began Monday night when a vehicle carrying three Bodos hit two Adivasis at Mansingh Road under Karigaon police station. The Bodo occupants were beaten by villagers, the vehicle torched, and one person died. On Tuesday, both communities blocked the National Highway, burned tyres, set houses and a government office ablaze, and attacked the Karigaon police outpost. Police resorted to lathi charge and tear gas to disperse the mob, injuring several people, including officers.
