Indian Railways Launches 'RailOne': A One-Stop App for All Train Travelers

Indian Railways has launched RailOne, a new all-in-one mobile app designed to make train travel easier, faster, and more convenient for passengers across the country. Instead of juggling multiple apps for booking tickets, tracking trains, ordering food, or filing complaints, travelers can now do it all in one place. Available for free on Android and iOS, the app has been developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and brings together key services previously spread across different platforms like IRCTC, UTS, Rail Madad, and NTES.   RailOne allows users to book both reserved and unreserved tickets, buy platform tickets and monthly passes, check PNR status, track live train movement, find coach positions, and order food directly to their seat. It also offers a journey planner, digital wallet (R-Wallet) for payments, and a built-in complaint and refund system. What makes the app especially user-friendly is the option to log in with your IRCTC or UTS credentials—or simply use an OTP as a guest, which is ideal for occasional travelers or those unfamiliar with railway apps.   One of the app's biggest strengths is its clean and intuitive interface. Whether you're a daily commuter or someone planning a long-distance journey, you can find everything in one place without needing tech expertise.   A standout feature is the new R-Wallet, a digital wallet built into the app that lets you pay securely and even gives a small discount on certain bookings. RailOne also supports multiple Indian languages and has a clean, user-friendly design, making it accessible for a wide range of users, regardless of their familiarity with technology.   Overall, RailOne feels like a much-needed upgrade in how we interact with Indian Railways. It’s convenient, comprehensive, and built with real-world travel needs in mind. Whether you're planning a long journey or just heading to work, this app is a simple way to stay connected to everything you need—without the clutter.   While the app is still fresh and may face a few technical hiccups, Indian Railways is actively working to smooth out the experience. They’re also rolling out a powerful new backend system that can handle heavy booking traffic, set to be fully in place by the end of 2025. This means faster response times and fewer delays when booking tickets or checking train status.   The RailOne app marks a big step forward in simplifying train travel in India, offering passengers a smoother, smarter, and more connected experience.   If you travel by train often—or even just once in a while—RailOne is worth checking out. From booking tickets and tracking your train to grabbing a meal en route or filing a complaint, this app is built to save time and reduce hassle, all from your phone.

To accelerate development, PM Modi calls on states to cooperate with the center.

Punjab laments "step motherly treatment," T.N. demands a larger portion of Central tax income, and the PM encourages States to create world-class tourism destinations and incorporate women into the workforce at the Niti Aayog Governing Council meeting.Some States, including Tamil Nadu and Punjab, complained to the Center while others offered proposals to accelerate their growth, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for the States to unite with the Center to accelerate national development.Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong case for cooperative federalism on Saturday, emphasizing the value of coordinated action between the federal government and the states. He said that no goal is impossible when India works as "Team India." The Prime Minister, who chaired the 10th meeting of Niti Aayog's Governing Council, emphasized the importance of accelerating development efforts in order to achieve a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047. The purpose of the gathering, which had as its topic "Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047," was to synchronize national and state developmental goals. "Every Indian aspires to Viksit Bharat. Bharat will be Viksit once all the states are Viksit. Prime Minister Modi stated, "This is what its 140 crore citizens want."The chief ministers of every state, lieutenant governors of Union Territories, and a number of Union ministers make up the Governing Council, the highest authority within Niti Aayog. The Prime Minister promoted a bottom-up approach to development while serving as the council's head. "Our goal should be to make every state, city, Nagar Palika, and hamlet viksit. We won't have to wait till 2047 to achieve Viksit Bharat if we continue along these lines," he continued.He suggested that every state choose and create at least one internationally renowned tourism destination with all the amenities and infrastructure of today. "One State: One Worldwide Location." The Prime Minister pointed out that it will also result in the growth of nearby cities as tourism destinations.He called for an emphasis on creating "future-ready cities" with development driven by growth, innovation, and sustainability, acknowledging the rapid rate of urbanization in India. In addition, the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of boosting women's employment. He stated that in order for them to be politely included into the labor, rules and procedures must be created.  

Why the Madhya Pradesh Congress has targeted Shivraj Chouhan's stronghold in order to implement changes

Beginning with the district of Vidisha, the Madhya Pradesh Congress has begun what it describes as its most comprehensive organizational reorganization exercise in decades. In order to restore the party's grassroots presence following a string of election setbacks in the state, the plan creates a new level of panchayat and ward-level committees.This new organizational model has chosen Vidisha as a test project, and if it works, it will be used in all 52 Madhya Pradesh districts. This is part of the state Congress's larger proposal to declare 2025 a year of "organizational renaissance."One and a half years have passed after the Congress' disastrous performance in the 2023 state Assembly elections, in which it only managed to get 66 of 230 seats. With 163 seats, the BJP won a resounding majority and was able to hold onto power for another term. Following this, the Congress was overwhelmingly defeated in the state's 2024 Lok Sabha elections, losing  29 seats—including the Vidisha seat—at the hands of the BJP.  

Lower bond purchase amounts are accepted by RBI in the first FY26 OMO auction.

Mumbai: Despite market participants' attempts to sell assets worth twice the publicized offer on the table, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) accepted a lower-than-notified sum to buy bonds during its open market operations on Monday. This most likely means that the central bank is content with the liquidity as it stands right now.At this OMO, the RBI received bids totaling ₹19,203 crore, which was less than the ₹25,000 crore notified amount. Bids of ₹50,369 crore were received by RBI. The RBI has accepted a smaller amount in this first FY26 OMO auction. The actions taken by the RBI have improved system liquidity. The auction on Monday included government notes with maturities in 2029, 2032, 2033, 2034, and 2036. On Monday, the 10-year benchmark yield ended the day at 6.24%. "For the semi-liquid 20, the auction cut-off prices were nearly in line with market levels."It seems that the majority of HTM stock that might be sold in OMOs has either hit or is close to a limit. "Most banks are selective and don't have excess," stated Ritesh Bhusari, joint general manager of South Indian Bank.  

Exclusive: As the BJP seeks caste balance in the AIADMK alliance, Annamalai may resign as TN chairman.

"Delhi sees a bright future for him," the youthful Annamalai, whose assertive position on issues has given the BJP publicity in Tamil Nadu, if not political success thus far, was informed.As coalition negotiations between the parties pick up steam, K Annamalai, who is regarded as a major factor in the 2023 split between the AIADMK and BJP, may resign as head of the BJP Tamil Nadu. However, according to BJP sources, caste equations will be the reason rather than "punishment." The BJP does not want a Gounder to represent both the party and the AIADMK in the 2026 state elections if the parties run together. Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the leader of the AIADMK, shares Annamalai's heritage as a member of the powerful backward community and the Gounder-dominated western Kongu region. According to BJP insiders, the first official moves for a reconciliation between the BJP and AIADMK were taken when Annamalai met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi shortly after Shah's meeting with Palaniswami."Delhi sees a bright future for him," the youthful Annamalai, whose combative approach to issues has given the BJP visibility in Tamil Nadu, if not political success thus far, was told. The leadership responded by saying that Annamalai was expected to trust the party and adhere to its strategy.It is thought that Annamalai declared her total allegiance to the party. According to a top BJP leader, "he expressed that he has no regrets about his dedication to the party and is even willing to work as a mere cadre." "Annamalai remains a key figure in the party's long-term strategy for Tamil Nadu, whether or not he leaves his position as state president," stated another politician. It is unclear if he will assume a national function or a different state job.  

According to PM Modi, Maha Kumbh enhanced India's sense of unity.

In a statement to the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Modi praised the togetherness and strength demonstrated at the Maha Kumbh.On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the Maha Kumbh bolstered the nation's togetherness and provided an appropriate answer to those who doubted India's ability to host such a sizable gathering.On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the spirit of India's ascent was mirrored in the Mahakumbh's successful conduct in Prayagraj. Modi spoke on Mahakumbh to the Lok Sabha during the current Parliament budget session."I bow to crores of people across the nation who helped make Mahakumbh in Prayagraj a success," Modi said, adding that Prayagraj Mahakumbh embodied the spirit of India's ascent. A Hindu pilgrimage event commemorating Jupiter's complete orbital round around the Sun, the Mahakumbh 2025 was held in the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from January 13 to February 26, 2025. It was the most recent version of the Kumbh Mela. According to figures given by the UP administration led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the event was hailed as the greatest gathering in the world, with over 660 million people swimming in the river.  

World Bank: To increase credit for MSMEs, the government should relax lending regulations on NBFCs.

In order for The World Bank, in its most recent report, has recommended that the government abolish the interest cap on NBFCs in order to loosen lending restrictions and increase credit availability for MSMEs."Offering sufficient funding for MSMEs by enhancing NBFCs' capacity to lend to them by eliminating the current interest cap on NBFCs to qualify for guarantees offered by the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE)," it stated. These suggestions center on enhancing NBFCs' liquidity availability, loosening lending regulations, and establishing risk-sharing arrangements to make bank funding for NBFCs easier. Removing the current interest cap on NBFCs' eligibility for guarantees under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) is one of the main recommendations made. According to the World Bank, removing this cap will provide NBFCs more leeway when lending to MSMEs, improving small enterprises' access to funding. The banking industry would also be more inclined to accept NBFC funding if risk-sharing arrangements were introduced for banks that lend to NBFCs.NBFCs to qualify for guarantees under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), the World Bank recommends eliminating the current interest cap.  

Prior to US jobs report, India bond yields remain unchanged, while the 10-year yield increases.

Since the RBI decided not include the 10-year bond in next week's bond purchase, the yield on Indian government bonds stayed largely unchanged, with the yield on the 10-year bond marginally increasing. In order to evaluate the Federal Reserve's interest rate trajectory, investors are awaiting U.S. economic data. To preserve the surplus in the banking system, the RBI intends to make large bond purchases and liquidity measures. Early Friday trading saw little movement in the rates on Indian government bonds as investors awaited U.S. economic data to determine the Federal Reserve's interest rate trajectory, which may also affect the domestic rate cycle.The yield on the benchmark 10-year bond increased little after the Reserve Bank of India excluded the note from next week's bond purchase, despite the fact that yields on the majority of notes remained unchanged.  

Who is Ramji Gautam, the BSP musical chairs' substitute for Akash Anand?

As the BSP's only MP at the moment, Gautam is a seasoned party member with decades of experience in a variety of organizational capacities. He will be serving as the national coordinator for the BSP for the second time.Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Gautam searched the conference room for a chair when he arrived at the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) office in Lucknow on Sunday for a gathering of the party's top officials. At that point, a staff member told Gautam that Mayawati, the party president, had directed that the MP be requested to occupy one of the five seats on the dais to her right.There were rumors of a significant organizational upheaval in the room when Gautam was offered the seat next to party national general secretary S C Mishra, as Mayawati's nephew and national coordinator Akash Anand was not present. A few minutes later, the BSP chief said something shocking that some had anticipated. The former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh declared that two leaders will henceforth handle the responsibilities after Anand was fired as national coordinator. She appointed her brother, Akash's father, Gautam, and party vice-president Anand Kumar as the new national coordinators. She kicked Akash out of the party on Monday.  

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European Commission and EU College of Commissioners President Ms. Ursula von der Leyen's visit to India

The European Commission President Ms. Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi both confirmed that the EU-India Strategic Partnership has greatly benefited both their respective populations and the greater good of the world. Building on more than 30 years of India-EC Cooperation Agreement and 20 years of India-EU Strategic collaboration, they pledged to advance this collaboration.On February 27–28, 2025, President von der Leyen led the European Union College of Commissioners to India on her historic official visit. This is the first time the College of Commissioners has traveled outside of Europe since the beginning of their new mandate, and it is also the first time in the history of bilateral relations between the EU and India. India and the EU, the two biggest democracies and open market economies with diverse pluralistic communities, reaffirmed their shared interest and dedication to creating a robust multipolar global order that supports economic growth, sustainable development, and peace and stability. The leaders concurred that India and the EU are trustworthy and like-minded partners because of their shared values and principles, which include democracy, the rule of law, and a rules-based international order in accordance with the goals and tenets of the UN Charter. More than ever, the India-EU strategic partnership is required to work together to address global concerns, maintain stability, and advance prosperity for both parties.The significance of enhancing collaboration between India and Europe in the areas of trade and supply chain de-risking, investment, emerging critical technologies, talent, innovation, the digital and green industrial transition, the space and geospatial sectors, defense, and people-to-people interactions was emphasized in this context. They also emphasized the necessity of working together to address shared global issues such as terrorism in an interdependent world, development finance, artificial intelligence governance, and climate change.  

Following a huge stranding in Australia, several whales will be put to death.

About 90 fake killer whales that survived a huge stranding on a remote Tasmanian beach are being put down by Australian authorities. Complex conditions have rendered it impossible to save them, according to a team of experts at the spot. They are among 157 whales that landed close to Arthur River in the northwest of the island. Shortly after the stranding, the others had perished. False killer whales haven't mass stranded in Tasmania in for than 50 years, despite a string of mass whale strandings in recent years, including the worst the nation has ever experienced in 2020.Like their orca namesakes, false killer whales are officially among the largest dolphin species in the world. They can reach a height of 6 meters (19 feet) and a weight of 1.5 tons. The pod had been stuck in the location for 24 to 48 hours, according to authorities on Wednesday, and the remaining animals were already under a great deal of stress. Jocelyn Flint, a local, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that she had visited the location on Wednesday morning after her son, who was shark fishing the previous evening, spotted the pod. "There are infants... They only exist in families. "They're looking at me with open eyes and a 'help' expression.""It's just absolutely horrific." Marine biologist Kris Carlyon informed the media that it is quite difficult to get to the location, which is roughly 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Launceston, and to bring any rescue equipment there. "This is possibly the trickiest location I've seen in 16 years of doing this role in Tasmania," he stated. "We're talking about a single-lane, extremely steep, and difficult road leading to the location. Four-wheel drives can be installed there, but not much else.  

Dallewal consents to accept medical assistance when the center gathers farmers for discussions.

An officer explained the decision to have the meeting on February 14 by stating that the Union Budget is set for February 12–13 and that Delhi's code of conduct is in effect till February 9.In an effort to break the deadlock over the farmers' protest, the Center on Saturday urged farmers to discuss their demands at talks next month. Around midnight, their leader, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been fasting till death since November 26 of last year, consented to receive medical assistance and received a drip. The breakthrough occurred following a meeting between Dallewal and leaders of his Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) by a delegation of Union Agriculture Ministry officials led by Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan.  

What will be discussed at PM Modi and President Trump's talks today?

Given how tough the Trump 2.0 government has been on both immigration and tariffs, these topics are likely to take center stage in the discussion.US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet at the White House on Thursday. Modi had met with US Vice President J D Vance in Paris the day before, where they talked about how the US could help India diversify its energy sources by investing in US nuclear technology. Less than a month after returning to the Oval Office, Modi flew for the United States to meet with President Trump, and the two men met bilaterally on the fringes of the AI Action summit. The prime minister will arrive early Thursday India time after departing Marseille for Washington, DC.The White House released a statement after Modi and Vance met in Paris, saying they "discussed topics of mutual interest, including how the United States can assist India in diversifying its energy sourcing through investments in clean, reliable US nuclear technology."  

Involving the US government to prevent mistreatment of deportees: Jaishankar EAM

The administration was trapped by the opposition in the Rajya Sabha over the US handcuffing illegal immigrants and using a military plane to deport them, arguing that they ought to have been returned unhindered on an Indian aircraft.The government faced criticism on Thursday after the US Border Patrol released a video clip of the deportees walking with handcuffs and leg shackles, and some of the 104 illegal Indian immigrants who were deported from the US on Wednesday complained of mistreatment. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized in a suo motu address before both Houses of Parliament that the "use of restraints" was in accordance with US standard operating procedure (SOP) and that Delhi was interacting with Washington, DC, to make sure deportees were not mistreated. Additionally, he noted that the "deportation process was not new."In response to the opposition's worries on the use of handcuffs and shackles, Jaishankar stated, "The standard operating procedure for deportation by aircraft used by ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) that is effective from 2012… provides for the use of restraints."He claimed that ICE had "informed India that women and children are not restrained." Additionally, deportees' requirements for food and other necessities—including potential medical emergencies—are met, even while they are in transit. If necessary, deportees are momentarily released from restraint during bathroom breaks, according to Jaishankar.  

Delhi 2025 Election: Will Delhi Be Reclaimed by the BJP? Is it too soon to celebrate the largest shift in decades, according to exit polls?

Following a 27-year drought in the capital, exit polls for the 2025 Delhi assembly elections suggest that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may make a comeback. The BJP is predicted to take the majority of seats in the 70-member Delhi Assembly after Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ruled for ten years. It may even win more than 40 seats. Congress is predicted to stay mostly in power, while the AAP, which is running for a third consecutive term, fears a serious setback.Based on surveys by multiple agencies, the exit polls have consistently shown the BJP to be winning. The AAP is only expected to win 28 seats, while the BJP is expected to win 41 seats, according to NDTV's Poll of Exit Polls. Only one seat is anticipated to be won by the Congress, which is a little improvement from its zero seats in prior elections. With the BJP seeking to regain control of Delhi for the first time in twenty years, this represents a dramatic change.AAP Dismisses Forecasts for the Exit Poll The AAP is still hopeful in spite of the exit poll forecasts. Noting that comparable exit polls had understated its chances in past elections, the party has disputed the predictions. "This is our fourth election... every time exit polls did not show AAP (winning), but Arvind Kejriwal has worked for the people of Delhi," said AAP leader Sushil Gupta. We will establish the government and observe results that favor the AAP. The hope for the AAP is in.  

ISMA requests that the government look into increasing the amount of ethanol produced from sugarcane juice and BHM.

According to ISMA, a change in the price of ethanol made from sugarcane juice and B-Heavy molasses will promote sector viability and guarantee farmers receive their cane payments on schedule.In order to promote the profitability of the sugar industry and guarantee that farmers receive their cane payments on time, the Indian Sugar and Bio Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has asked the government to take into account a proportionate rise in the price of ethanol produced from sugarcane juice and B-Heavy molasses (BHM).On January 29, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) authorized a 3% increase in C Heavy Molasses (CHM) for the November–October 2024–25 ethanol supply year. The previous price of ₹56.58 per litre will now be ₹57.97. The cost of ethanol made from alternative feedstocks has not changed. Oil marketing corporations will still buy ethanol at ₹71.86 per liter when it is made from maize, ₹65.61 when it is made from sugarcane juice or syrup, ₹64 when it is made from damaged foodgrain (rice), and ₹60.73 when it is made from BHM. The cost of ethanol made from FCI's subsidized rice is still ₹58.50 per liter.The highest amount of sugar may be produced when ethanol is made from CHM because it is the final product of processing in the sugar industry and includes little sugar. The government only permitted ethanol from CHM during the previous sugar season, which ran from October to September.  

Highlights of the Budget and Economic Survey: As the budget session starts, FM Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Indian economy report.

Highlights of the Budget and Economic Survey: On January 31, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the Economic Survey, which examines the Indian economy, governmental policies, and prospects for the future. It discusses socioeconomic problems including poverty and education as well as macroeconomic performance.Highlights of the Budget and Economic Survey: On January 31, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the Economic Survey to Parliament, which will include a thorough examination of the Indian economy with an emphasis on a few important areas. Economic Survey: What Is It? The Indian economy's performance, governmental policies, and prospects for the next fiscal year are all summarized in the Economic Survey. It is separated into two sections: Part A examines economic performance, focusing on fiscal trends and macroeconomic statistics, while Part B discusses socioeconomic concerns like poverty, education, climate change, and the prospects for GDP growth, inflation, and trade.The Economic Survey is created by whom? The Department of Economic Affairs' economic section, led by Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran, prepares the Economic Survey. The Economic Survey will be presented by whom? One day prior to the budget speech, on January 31, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the Economic Survey to the Parliament.  

Dallewal consents to accept medical assistance when the center gathers farmers for discussions.

An officer explained the decision to have the meeting on February 14 by stating that the Union Budget is set for February 12–13 and that Delhi's code of conduct is in effect till February 9.In an effort to break the deadlock over the farmers' protest, the Center on Saturday urged farmers to discuss their demands at talks next month. Around midnight, their leader, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been fasting till death since November 26 of last year, consented to receive medical assistance and received a drip. The breakthrough occurred following a meeting between Dallewal and leaders of his Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) by a delegation of Union Agriculture Ministry officials led by Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan.Priya Ranjan read out a proposal after the meeting, asking Dallewal to call off his hunger strike and calling farmer leaders to a meeting at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Public Administration in Sector 26, Chandigarh, on February 14 at 5 p.m. Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, the coordinators of SKM (NP) and KMM, were the recipients of the invitation."We have serious concerns over Dallewalji's health. The Union Ministry of Agriculture has invited Union Ministers and Punjab Cabinet Ministers to engage in discussions following meetings with Dallewalji and the leaders of both forums. According to Priya Ranjan, this will be a follow-up to the February 2024 meetings.