A small increase in tariffs has occurred at several toll plazas on national highways (NH) and expressways across the country. This change resulted from the Delhi High Court's decision to reinstate the use of a linkage factor for converting the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) series when reviewing user charges.
Toll plaza operators reported that the increase ranges from 2 to 5 percent, depending on the vehicle category. In most cases, the toll for private cars has not increased. One official noted that this does not affect vehicles with an annual FASTag pass, and even for those without one, the increase is minimal. The government merely reinstated the linkage factor for fee review.
Typically, the government reviews toll fees annually in April. However, following observations by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) regarding the government's linkage factor—stemming from the change of the WPI base year from 2004-05 to 2011-12 for toll fee revision—the Ministry of Road Transport used the old rate linkage factor (2004-05) in September 2025. This led to a reduction in toll fees, and even the review in April of this year was conducted using the old rate.
Nevertheless, highway operators challenged the ministry's decision in the Delhi High Court, and the court ruled in their favor. Subsequently, in accordance with the court's order, the ministry decided on June 29 to use the 2011-12 linkage factor. According to one toll operator, the increase introduced in April 2025 has been restored, and rates have been revised since this April.
The City of Cape Town administration has issued a warning to residents regarding a housing scam operating through WhatsApp and other social media platforms. Scammers claim they can secure housing from the City in exchange for a monetary payment.
Carl Pfahaim, a member of the Majority Housing Committee and advisor, stated that the City is aware of this scam operating on social media and WhatsApp. Scammers are misleading people by claiming residents can gain access to City housing opportunities if they make a payment.
Pfahaim emphasized that the City will never demand money to provide housing. He reminded residents that the City does not charge for housing opportunities, and no official process requires payment at any stage. The advisor noted that all legitimate messages regarding City housing opportunities will come directly from city officials through official and verifiable channels.
Residents are strongly urged to refrain from making any payments or sharing personal data with unknown individuals on communication networks and social media. Pfahaim stressed that City housing opportunities are completely free. He added that suitable residents will never be asked to pay for inclusion in the City's Housing Needs Register, allocation of these opportunities, or any related housing services.
If in doubt, citizens are advised to call the City's Housing Contact Centre at 021 444 0333. Recipients must keep their housing registration up to date through official channels or City housing offices.
If someone tells you that you can purchase furniture such as sofas, beds, chairs, dining tables, as well as steel kitchenware, air conditioners, wooden doors, windows, lighting fixtures, and even decorative items that were used in hotels, it might seem incredible. However, there is a place in India where all this becomes a reality. This place is called Alang, located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat state. It is considered the world's largest ship recycling center, not only in India but globally.
Many mistakenly believe that only scrap metal is extracted from old ships, but this is not the case. A large ship is essentially a mobile building or hotel. Inside such vessels are bedrooms, dining halls, offices, kitchens, storage areas, and all necessary living infrastructure. Consequently, a significant amount of useful material is extracted during their dismantling.
These materials include sturdy sofas, beds, chairs, dining tables, cabinets, teak, doors, windows, steel tableware, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, fans, lighting, electrical connections, carpets, curtains, stairs, pipes, mechanisms, and many other items. Items of furniture recovered from foreign cruise liners are particularly valued because they possess high quality and durability. This is why people travel to Alang from afar to purchase such goods.
The question arises for many as to why goods worth millions of rupees are sold for thousands of rupees. The main reason is that the ship owners are not aiming to profit from the old furniture. Their primary goal is to safely dismantle the vessel and prepare the steel and other metals inside for recycling.
If the furniture and other items extracted from the ship were stored for a long time in warehouses, storage and maintenance costs would increase. Therefore, they are sold quickly and at a reduced price. Another reason is that these goods have been used before. Although their quality remains quite high, the price decreases because they are second-hand items. This is why durable and long-lasting goods extracted from ships are available on the market significantly cheaper than new ones.
Every day, traders arrive in Alang from all over the country. Here, representatives from the hospitality industry, restaurants, resorts, farms, offices, warehouses, and interior design specialists purchase large volumes of goods. Additionally, ordinary citizens also buy furniture, wood, tableware, and decorative items here. Sellers note that many clients specifically look for goods extracted from foreign ships, believing that furniture used on international vessels is more robust and durable.
Before sale, the goods are thoroughly inspected, cleaned and repaired if necessary, and then put on the market. Furniture, tableware, and other items extracted from ships are inexpensive because, instead of being thrown away, they are brought to the market for reuse. Alang, Gujarat state, is the main hub of this process, where old ships arrive from all over the world. Here, ships are dismantled using a scientific method, useful items are separated, and then put on the market in a renewed form.
Alang has not only made India the world's largest ship recycling nation but has also provided employment to thousands of people, increased government revenue, and contributed to environmental protection, strengthening India's global reputation. This is why Alang is now referred to not just as a ship dismantling yard, but as the world's largest resource revitalization industry.
According to an ANI report, India recently achieved a major success in the field of ship recycling. India met the goal set under the Maritime Vision 2030 five years ahead of schedule. The ship recycling yard in Alang, Gujarat, played a key role in this achievement. Today, India is the world's largest ship recycling country with a global share of 35.4 percent.
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the ship recycling sector in India showed a 60 percent growth in 2025. Moreover, India's ship recycling capacity increased from 18.6 thousand tons to 29.9 thousand tons. This means that India can now safely recycle many more old ships than before.
Alang, located on the Arabian Sea coast in the Bhavnagar district, Gujarat state, has served as the final destination for old ships from around the world for decades. The coastline here allows large vessels to be easily brought ashore. Because of this, many shipping companies from different countries send their old and decommissioned ships here.
Today, 115 ship recycling yards operate in Alang. Hundreds of ships are dismantled annually using a scientific method. First, fuel and hazardous substances are safely removed from the ship. Then, steel, machinery, pipes, furniture, wood, electrical equipment, cables, and other useful items for reuse are separated.
Alang is not just a place for ship dismantling; it is one of India's largest industrial centers. At full capacity, the annual turnover reaches about 10,000 crore rupees. Furthermore, this sector generates an annual income of approximately 1,500–1,600 crore rupees for the government.
In addition, there are other industries related to ship recycling. Extracted steel goes to steel mills, wood is used in the furniture industry, and machinery and equipment are resold. This strengthens the economy of the entire region.
The main strength of Alang is employment. Directly in the ship recycling industry, 15,000–20,000 people work. In addition, within a radius of about 10 kilometers around Alang, thousands of small traders purchase goods from the ships and give them a new form. Some sell wood, some repair furniture, some fix machinery, and some decorate old items and put them up for sale again. Thus, this industry has become a pillar of life for millions of people.
Entrepreneurs associated with Alang believe that this is not just recycling, but the revival of things. They argue that it is reincarnation. Practically every useful item extracted from ships is reused. This is why the waste generated here is less than 0.05 percent. In other words, almost every part of the ship finds a use in some form.
Previously, ship dismantling was considered a polluting industry, but the situation has changed significantly. India has the Ship Recycling Act of 2019. It mandates strict adherence to rules concerning worker safety and environmental protection during ship dismantling.
Furthermore, India complies with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Maritime Industry. The government has invested about 53.5 crore rupees in modernizing Alang. This has allowed for the implementation of modern equipment, improved safety systems, and the creation of environmentally friendly conditions. As a result, Alang has been recognized as one of the safest ship recycling centers in the world.
Thanks to improved safety conditions and compliance with international standards, old ships from many European countries are now also sent to Alang. Previously, many foreign companies hesitated to come to India, but the situation has changed. Alang's modern system has gained the trust of foreign companies. Today, ships from various parts of the globe arrive here for recycling.
Workers in Alang are provided with good conditions: the company provides accommodation and food, pays salaries on time, and offers about 40 days of paid leave per year. Workers are also given bonuses and other benefits. This is why the livelihoods of thousands of families are tied to this industry.
Today, Alang is not just a symbol of Gujarat or India, but a name known worldwide. By applying eco-friendly and safe ship recycling technologies, India has shown the world that old ships can also be reused while caring for the environment. This is why India has become the world's largest ship recycling country with a global share of 35.4 percent.
Donald Trump has resumed his campaign to introduce tariffs, following the announcement of a 50% duty on Canada. The US President has now announced the imposition of high tariffs, reaching 200%, on all generic drugs. This move represents an additional shock to America amid escalating global tensions caused by the Middle East conflict and could seriously affect the export of Indian pharmaceuticals.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump informed the world of his plans: starting August 1st, there will be a two-year period during which all imported generic drugs will be subject to a zero tariff rate. However, after these two years expire, a 100% American tariff will be imposed for the following year, and then it will be raised to 200%.
The President explained that the reason for introducing these tariffs is to stimulate the return of generic drug production to US territory. Furthermore, companies that do not establish factories and equipment within the specified timeframe will be subject to fines.
According to data from the US Food and Drug Administration, over 90% of medicines sold in the US are generics. Trump emphasized that the policy regarding patented, branded, or innovative drugs will not change. Previously, major global pharmaceutical manufacturers signed agreements with the US government under which billion-dollar drugs were exempted from tariffs.
Earlier, in April, Donald Trump signed an executive order that provided for the introduction of a 100% tariff on imported branded drugs until manufacturers agree to price agreements or commit to producing products domestically. He has now expanded this plan to 200%. India, known as the 'pharmacy of the world,' is a major supplier to the US: one of the five generic medications used in America is produced in India. Exports of Indian generics to the US exceed $10 billion annually, playing a key role in healthcare accessibility for Americans. Thanks to Trump's announcement, Indian generic exports will receive two years of stability, but the subsequent increase in tariffs to 100% and 200% remains a risk factor.
