Latest news with #MotorVehicleAggregatorGuidelines
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
RTO to begin crackdown on bike taxis in Mumbai, MMR
Mumbai: The Regional Transport Offices (RTO) will now start a crackdown on bike taxis across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) following an internal order issued by the state transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar's office on Thursday. The order directed the RTO to catch bike taxis that continue to operate even though the service is yet to be legalised in the state. Officials at the state transport commissioner's office said that Rapido, Ola and Uber are ferrying passengers without obtaining mandatory permits. The order asks citizens not to use the bike taxis and urges them to prioritise their safety. 'We have asked the RTOs to take strict action against the unauthorised operations of bike taxis,' said a transport department officer. Officials at the state transport commissioner's office said that Rapido, Ola and Uber are ferrying passengers without obtaining mandatory permits. The internal order read, 'As per section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act and the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, it is mandatory for such companies to obtain proper permits. Under section 66, private motor vehicles cannot be used for passenger transport, and doing so may attract legal action.' This comes a day after transport minister Pratap Sarnaik, under an alias, booked a Rapido bike taxi from the Mantralaya to Dadar and found the service operating without permission. Last month, police cases were registered against Uber and Rapido for operating illegal bike taxi services. The state government is in the process of drafting rules and regulations regarding bike taxi operations in the state, and is open to suggestions and objections from the public.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Action initiated against illegal e-bike services
Mumbai: Transport commissioner's office on Thursday issued a statement pointing out that "services like Rapido, Uber, and Ola are engaging in illegal passenger transport in metropolitan areas without obtaining necessary licenses as mandated under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2020", and that action has been initiated. Source in the aggregator firm, however, said that bike taxi option was not visible on Uber, Ola and also Rapido apps in Mumbai. tnn
NDTV
a day ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
Ola, Uber New Rules: Pricing, Cancellation, And More, What Drivers And Passengers Must Know
The central government has announced new regulations under the 'Motor Vehicles Aggregator Guidelines 2025' that are expected to reshape the operations of cab aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. These guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, advise states to adopt the revised norms within the next three months. Here are five key points from the new guidelines that could impact both passengers and drivers: Surge Pricing Increased: Cab aggregators can now charge up to double the base fare during peak hours (previously 1.5 times). Minimum Fare During Off-Peak: A minimum of 50% of the base fare can be charged during non-peak hours. Minimum Distance for Base Fare: The base fare must cover a minimum distance of 3 kilometres. Fairer Driver Compensation: Drivers owning their vehicles must receive at least 80% of the total fare collected; aggregator-owned vehicle drivers must get at least 60%. Both Drivers and Passengers Face Cancellation Penalties: The government has also set new rules for cancellations. If a driver cancels a ride after accepting it without a valid reason, a penalty of 10 per cent of the fare - up to a maximum of Rs 100 - will be charged. The same rule applies to passengers who cancel a ride without a valid reason. Meanwhile, India's ride-hailing and bike-taxi industry has welcomed the government's new Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG) 2025, calling it a major step toward regulatory clarity, innovation, and expanded affordable mobility across the country. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Tuesday issued the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG) 2025, providing long-awaited regulatory clarity for India's shared mobility sector by officially permitting states to allow the use of non-transport (private) motorcycles for passenger rides through aggregator platforms. This move brings relief to bike taxi operators like Rapido and Uber, who have long operated in a legal grey area, especially in states like Karnataka, where a recent ban on bike taxis had led to increased tensions and widespread protests. Major industry players, including Uber and Rapido, have welcomed the move, acknowledging its potential to drive innovation, expand affordable mobility, and create new livelihood opportunities.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Economy MCQs on pre-payment charges for loans granted for small business, di-ammonium phosphate and more (Week 117)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Economy to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), consider the following statements: 1. It is a critical fertiliser containing phosphorus (P) nutrient that crops require during the early stages of root and shoot development. 2. DAP is India's most-consumed fertiliser. 3. DAP contains 18 per cent phosphorus (P) and 82 per cent nitrogen (N). How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — China's unpredictable export limits do not only apply to rare earth elements and magnets used in electric vehicles (EV), wind turbines, defence equipment, and different consumer electrical products. There are also issues with the availability of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), a crucial fertiliser containing the phosphorous (P) ingredient that crops require during the early stages of root and shoot growth. Farmers frequently mix it in with the seeds when they sow them. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — DAP is India's second most consumed fertiliser, with an average annual sales volume of 103.4 lt over the last five years, trailing only urea (359 lt). A considerable portion of that, an average of 57 litres during this period, is imported in finished form. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — According to the accompanying data, China was a major, if not the leading, supplier of DAP to India until 2023-24 (April-March). However, imports from China decreased from 22.9 lt in 2023-24 to 8.4 lt in 2024-25. Since the beginning of the current calendar year, not a single tonne of Chinese goods has entered the country. — DAP includes 46% phosphorus (P) and 18% nitrogen. Many industry professionals and agronomists feel that Indian farmers should be prevented from using fertilisers with extremely high individual nutrient content, such as DAP or urea (46% N) and muriate of potash (60% potassium or K). Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the new Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, consider the following statements: 1. The aggregator shall be permitted to charge a minimum of 50% lower than the base fare and a maximum dynamic pricing of two times the base fare. 2. Base fares are notified by the central government for the corresponding category of motor vehicles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) declared on July 1 that cab aggregators like Uber, Ola, and Rapido can now charge consumers up to twice the base cost as the maximum fare. The new Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, increased the previous restriction to 1.5 times the base fare. — 'The aggregator shall be permitted to charge a minimum of 50% lower than the base fare and a maximum dynamic pricing of two times the base fare…,' according to the guidelines. The state governments notify the public about the base fares for the respective motor vehicle type. States are advised to apply the amended rules within three months. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), consider the following statements: 1. It is the Maharatna CPSU dedicated to the growth and development of Renewable Energy (RE) capacity in India. 2. It acts as a nodal agency to enable meeting the growing energy demand through RE and reducing the dependence on fossil fuels. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited is India's leading Navratna CPSU focused on the expansion and development of renewable energy (RE) capacity. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — To achieve India's lofty RE ambitions, the Government of India selected SECI as a central body to satisfy rising energy demand through RE while lowering reliance on fossil fuels. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — Models such as solar-wind hybrid with/without energy storage, Round-the-Clock (RTC) power supply, RE with assured peak power supply, Firm and Dispatchable RE (FDRE), and others have significantly boosted the growth of the RE market and created a thriving RE ecosystem, while optimising RE uptake across various states in response to the sector's changing landscape. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Source: With reference to the National Statistics Day, consider the following statements: 1. June 19 is celebrated as National Statistics Day. 2. It is the birth anniversary of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, the father of statistics in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — June 29 is celebrated as National Statistics Day. It is the birth anniversary of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, the father of statistics in India. Hence, statement 1 is not correct and statement 2 is correct. — Mahalanobis, often known as 'The Professor', was instrumental in establishing the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata as well as the Planning Commissions of independent India. Among his many gifts, India benefited the most from his ability to precisely and effectively comprehend the stories contained in datasets. — Born in Kolkata in 1893 to an aristocratic Brahmo Samaj family, Mahalanobis attended Presidency College before moving to London for further study. However, he returned to India and dedicated his life to both establishing statistics as an academic field and applying academic knowledge to real-world problems. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. The Reserve Bank of India has issued directions that certain categories of banks will not levy any pre-payment charges for all loans granted for business purposes to individuals and small businesses. Which of the following categories are excluded? 1. Commercial banks 2. Regional rural banks 3. Local area banks 4. Tier 4 primary (urban) co-operative bank Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only Explanation — The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has prohibited banks, certain non-bank financing firms (NBFCs), and a few other lenders from imposing foreclosure or prepayment penalties on floating-rate loans made to micro and small businesses (MSEs). The banking regulator also urged all regulated entities (RE) not to impose prepayment penalties on floating-rate personal loans. The new laws will apply to any loans sanctioned or renewed after January 1, 2026. — The Reserve Bank of India has issued directions that commercial banks, tier 4 primary (urban) co-operative bank, non-banking financial companies-upper layer (NBFC-UL), and All India Financial Institutions will not levy any pre-payment charges for all loans granted for business purpose to individuals and small businesses. — However, small finance banks, regional rural banks (RRBs) and local area banks have been excluded from the new norms. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: 1. The World Bank under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) provides financial assistance to countries facing serious medium-term balance of payments problems because of structural weaknesses that require time to address. 2. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) as the largest development bank in the world, provides loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries. Which of the statements given above is/are true? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — According to the IMF, the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) 'provides financial assistance to countries facing serious medium-term balance of payments problems because of structural weaknesses that require time to address'. — Put simply, the IMF provides assistance under the EFF to countries that do not have enough money to pay their bills to the rest of the world for the goods and services they import. — ' The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) is a global development cooperative owned by 189 member countries. As the largest development bank in the world, it supports the World Bank Group's mission by providing loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, as well as by coordinating responses to regional and global challenges.' Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer With reference to 'e-way bill' system, consider the following statements: 1. It is for GST registered person / enrolled transporter for generating the way bill electronically on commencement of movement of goods. 2. The goods included should exceed the value of Rs. 50,000 in relation to supply or for reasons other than supply or due to inward supply from an unregistered person. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation According to — 'E-Way bill system is for GST registered person / enrolled transporter for generating the way bill (a document to be carried by the person in charge of conveyance) electronically on commencement of movement of goods exceeding the value of Rs. 50,000 in relation to supply or for reasons other than supply or due to inward supply from an unregistered person.' Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. (Also refer: E-way bill: An electronic system to track goods movement, a way to plug leaks under the GST framework by Anchal Magazine) With reference to RBI as 'Banker to Government', consider the following statements: 1. RBI has the obligation to undertake the receipts and payments of the Central Government and to carry out the exchange, remittance and other banking operations, including the management of the public debt of the Union. 2. State Government transactions are carried out by RBI in terms of the Finance Commission recommendation every five years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation According to FAQs on What is RBI's role with regard to conduct of the Government's banking transaction? — 'In terms of Section 20 of the RBI Act 1934, RBI has the obligation to undertake the receipts and payments of the Central Government and to carry out the exchange, remittance and other banking operations, including the management of the public debt of the Union. Further, as per Section 21 of the said Act, RBI has the right to transact Government business of the Union in India. — State Government transactions are carried out by RBI in terms of the agreement entered into with the State Governments in terms of section 21 A of the Act. As of now, such agreements exist between RBI and all the State Governments except Government of Sikkim. Thus, the legal provisions vest the Reserve Bank of India with both the right and obligation to function as bankers to the government.' Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 116) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Uber, Ola can now charge twice the base fare: What surge, dynamic pricing means
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) announced on Tuesday (July 1) that cab aggregator companies such as Uber, Ola and Rapido may now charge customers up to twice the base fare as the maximum fare. The new Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, raised the previous limit of 1.5 times the base fare. 'The aggregator shall be permitted to charge a minimum of 50% lower than the base fare and a maximum dynamic pricing of two times the base fare…,' the guidelines said. Base fares are notified by the state governments for the corresponding category of motor vehicles. States have been advised to implement the revised guidelines within three months. What exactly is dynamic pricing, when do companies deploy the mechanism, and does it always prioritise drivers over customers? Is it the same as surge pricing? We explain. Companies resort to dynamic pricing models to benefit from the variations in the supply and demand of a product or service. This is, quite simply, market economics at work. Dynamic pricing follows the economic law of demand, which states that the price of a product will increase when its demand for an item or service increases in relation to its supply. This can happen due to a variety of factors. For example, in the case of cabs, rain can reduce the availability or the supply of cabs. The mechanism is widely used across several industries, including entertainment, utilities and hospitality. Amazon, for instance, has the dedicated 'Automate Pricing' tool, which allows sellers to set rules and parameters describing when and how prices may fluctuate for a range of products. However, the practice has also come under criticism. Last September, fans of the rock band Oasis held the ticketing platform Ticketmaster responsible for inflating concert ticket prices on checkout through dynamic pricing when the band announced its reunion tour in the UK. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had termed the price hike 'depressing'. The Indian Railways first experimented with dynamic pricing in 2006. The then-Railways Minister Lalu Prasad proposed a dynamic pricing scheme for both freight and passenger trains, impacting peak and non-peak seasons, as well as premium and non-premium services. In 2016, it was formally adopted with the Railways adopting the 'flexi-fare' scheme. Under the scheme, the base fares of Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi trains would increase by 10% with every 10% of berths sold, capping at 1.5 times the original fare. While the terms 'dynamic pricing' and 'surge pricing' are used interchangeably, surge pricing is simply one dynamic pricing strategy. It refers to the additional fee demanded from the consumer during periods of high demand, such as rush hours, when traffic congestion is at its peak. Such fees are also applied to utilities, like electricity, and are used to help manage the supply and demand, preventing potential blackouts. In the case of ride-sharing aggregators, the premise is simple: Rush hours correspond with periods of increased demand for rides from the likes of Uber, Ola and Rapido. With a larger proportion of users in an area demanding the cab service compared to the number of drivers available there, ride prices in the area surge. This presents the consumer with two choices — booking the ride at the higher price, or waiting for prices to reduce. The surge pricing also helps attract more drivers to an area to benefit from the increased prices, which ultimately helps reduce and normalise fares. According to the Uber website, its drivers are made aware of the surge price through a multiplier to the standard rate, an additional surge amount, or an upfront fare including the surge amount, which incentivises them to accept rides. The surge pricing can vary within the areas of a city. The Uber Driver app indicates the area-wise demand spikes through a colour-coded scheme. 'Light orange areas represent smaller earning opportunities from surge, while dark red areas indicate larger ones,' according to the website. In 2016, Wharton Business School researchers Gerard P Cachon, Kaitlin M Daniels and Ruben Lobel argued that the surge pricing model, while critiqued, did benefit Uber consumers by helping subsidise prices during off-peak times. Their research compared the surge pricing model to a benchmark fixed price and found that it also allowed Uber to serve markets that would otherwise remain underserved under a fixed pricing model, such as consumers hailing a cab on a rainy night. They also noted that Uber allows drivers to 'self-schedule', or decide their operating schedule, allowing them to gravitate towards areas facing a driver shortage when surge prices are effective. (Cachon, Daniels, Lobel, 'The Role of Surge Pricing on a Service Platform with Self-Scheduling Capacity', SSRN, 2016)
