Report Highlights High Percentage of Uninsured Vehicles and Low Compliance with Pollution Norms in India
A recent report has brought to light significant concerns regarding the responsible maintenance of vehicles in India. Despite a surge in vehicle ownership, a large number of motorists are neglecting fundamental legal obligations such as insurance and pollution checks. Despite the implementation of stricter regulations and increased awareness about road safety, millions of vehicles in the country continue to operate without valid insurance or a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). These revelations are part of the latest ORBIT data study conducted by CARS24. Here are some key findings from the report. According to the report, over 50 percent of vehicles in India do not possess valid insurance, with two-wheelers contributing significantly to this statistic. Moreover, states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu exhibit less than 30 percent compliance with PUCC regulations. The report indicates that despite the annual increase in the number of vehicles, adherence to legal and environmental standards is not keeping pace.
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Interestingly, the data also indicates that southern states like Andhra Pradesh and Kerala have slightly better average compliance rates at around 9.6 percent, while northern states lag behind at 5.6 percent. In northern regions, the primary issue is the prevalence of lapsed or expired insurance, whereas in the south, PUCC violations remain a focal point. Maharashtra records an enforcement rate of merely 1.9 percent, while Rajasthan stands out with a relatively higher rate of 6.74 percent. The study also sheds light on the usage of FASTags. Between June 2024 and June 2025, FASTag toll collections have increased by 17.53 percent, with an average FASTag wallet balance of Rs 408. While this suggests a rise in digital toll payments, the absence of essential vehicle documents indicates a disparity between digital adoption and legal compliance. Another significant concern is the substantial backlog of unpaid traffic fines. Since 2015, traffic fines totaling Rs 5.11 lakh crore have been issued. However, only Rs 1.92 lakh crore has been settled thus far, leaving Rs 3.18 lakh crore pending in court. Approximately 7.69 crore challans are awaiting resolution.
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Man Loses Leg in 'Phatka Gang' Attack on Moving Train in Kalyan
KALYAN: A 22-year-old farmer from Nashik suffered a partial amputation of his left leg after being hit by the notorious 'Phatka gang' near Kalyan. The incident occurred on Sunday morning while Gaurav Nikam was travelling on the Tapovan Express from Thane to Nashik. According to Kalyan GRP, the incident happened between Shahad and Ambivli railway stations when the train slowed down near Irani Pada. Nikam was on a phone call near the train door when a minor boy from outside struck his hand with a
Allegations of Fraudulent Surrogacy Practices Surface at Hyderabad Fertility Clinic
HYDERABAD: Gopalapuram police have registered five new cases against the head of Srushti Fertility Clinic Dr Athaluri Namratha alias Pachipala Namratha, and others based on complaints lodged by five sets of victims. While in one case a couple alleged that the doctor handed them a baby whose DNA did not match theirs, three other couples accused the clinic of adopting dubious methods. They claimed that they had already paid the money â anywhere from Rs 12.5 lakh to Rs 19 lakh â and even deposited their biological samples when they grew suspicious about the operations of Dr Namratha and her clinic. The frauds occurred between 2019 and 2025. Cops are yet to ascertain details of the fifth case.
Uttarkashi Cloudburst Horror: Flash Floods Sweep Away Village, People Seen Running For Their Lives
DEHRADUN: A man narrowly escaped death after the flash flood swept through Dharali village in Uttarkashi on Tuesday, triggering a massive pile of debris. He was seen crawling out from the rubble, covered in mud and visibly injured, moments after the deadly waters destroyed homes, shops, and roads in seconds. The man's identity and his current condition remained unknown as of Tuesday evening, but widely circulated videos have already hailed him as a hero. Officials have not yet confirmed whether he was later taken to hospital or rescued by disaster response teams.
Health Screening in Singapore (2026): How Much It Really Costs & Where to Go
We all know how crucial health screenings are—spotting potential health issues early can save you from high medical bills and serious complications down the line. But when it comes to the cost of these screenings in Singapore, things aren’t always straightforward.
Man Loses Leg in 'Phatka Gang' Attack on Moving Train in Kalyan
KALYAN: A 22-year-old farmer from Nashik suffered a partial amputation of his left leg after being hit by the notorious 'Phatka gang' near Kalyan. The incident occurred on Sunday morning while Gaurav Nikam was travelling on the Tapovan Express from Thane to Nashik. According to Kalyan GRP, the incident happened between Shahad and Ambivli railway stations when the train slowed down near Irani Pada. Nikam was on a phone call near the train door when a minor boy from outside struck his hand with a
Allegations of Fraudulent Surrogacy Practices Surface at Hyderabad Fertility Clinic
HYDERABAD: Gopalapuram police have registered five new cases against the head of Srushti Fertility Clinic Dr Athaluri Namratha alias Pachipala Namratha, and others based on complaints lodged by five sets of victims. While in one case a couple alleged that the doctor handed them a baby whose DNA did not match theirs, three other couples accused the clinic of adopting dubious methods. They claimed that they had already paid the money â anywhere from Rs 12.5 lakh to Rs 19 lakh â and even deposited their biological samples when they grew suspicious about the operations of Dr Namratha and her clinic. The frauds occurred between 2019 and 2025. Cops are yet to ascertain details of the fifth case.
Uttarkashi Cloudburst Horror: Flash Floods Sweep Away Village, People Seen Running For Their Lives
DEHRADUN: A man narrowly escaped death after the flash flood swept through Dharali village in Uttarkashi on Tuesday, triggering a massive pile of debris. He was seen crawling out from the rubble, covered in mud and visibly injured, moments after the deadly waters destroyed homes, shops, and roads in seconds. The man's identity and his current condition remained unknown as of Tuesday evening, but widely circulated videos have already hailed him as a hero. Officials have not yet confirmed whether he was later taken to hospital or rescued by disaster response teams.
Health Screening in Singapore (2026): How Much It Really Costs & Where to Go
We all know how crucial health screenings are—spotting potential health issues early can save you from high medical bills and serious complications down the line. But when it comes to the cost of these screenings in Singapore, things aren’t always straightforward.
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Kerala man creates Lamborghini replica using Alto parts and scrap materials for Rs 1.5 lakh, stuns internet | Watch
Source: YouTube In an extraordinary display of engineering creativity, a 26-year-old man from Kerala has built a full-sized Lamborghini replica not in a factory, but in his garage. Using scrap materials, old car parts, and sheer passion, Bibin, a quality assurance professional, spent three years crafting a stunning homemade supercar that mimics the Lamborghini Huracan. The custom-built vehicle, powered by a Maruti Alto engine, has gone viral after being featured on YouTube. With minimal resource
Hyundai Leads as Tata and Mahindra Compete for No.3 Spot in Indian Car Market
India's car market has been quite active lately with increasing demand for SUVs, electric vehicles, and feature-rich models. While Maruti Suzuki leads in overall sales, Hyundai has maintained the second spot for two consecutive months, staying ahead of Tata Motors and Mahindra according to Vahan data from June and July 2025.
Triumph's Thruxton 400: A Closer Look
Triumph's Thruxton 400 spied without camouflage. (Image: IG/Sohib_solomon)
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Mahindra Teases Vision SXT Pickup Concept Ahead of Annual Showcase
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Delhi Traffic Police's New Initiative: Reporting Traffic Offences for Rewards
Delhi Traffic Police has come up with a new way to not only curb violations but also reward vigilant citizens. The department has relaunched the Traffic Prahari app, a platform that lets users report violations. With the app, users can easily report traffic violations they witness in real time. All they need to do is register on the app using their phone number and email ID. Once registered, they can upload photos or videos of traffic rule violations directly through the app. The best part? Peop
India-UK Free Trade Agreement: Impact on Luxury Car Imports
Luxury car buyers in India might have a reason to celebrate. India and the United Kingdom have officially signed a Free Trade Agreement that promises to bring down import duties on premium British cars - but only to a certain extent. This means that only select models and only in limited numbers, will qualify for the lower import tax. Here's why.
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India to Make Two BIS-Certified Helmets Mandatory with Every New Two-Wheeler Sold
India is set to take a major step forward in two-wheeler safety. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recently proposed a change to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. This proposal will require manufacturers to provide two BIS-certified helmets - one for the rider and one for the pillion - with every new two-wheeler sold in the country starting January 2026. The objective is to promote safer riding habits and reduce road fatalities, especially among pillion riders who often do not wear helmets. Dealerships will also need to deliver both helmets at the time of vehicle handover.
For an industry that has long struggled with poor safety awareness and widespread use of fake helmets, this new regulation could bring about much-needed change. According to Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird, this rule could lead to a significant increase in helmet demand. Kapur mentioned that if every new two-wheeler comes with two helmets, the annual requirement could exceed 4 crore helmets. However, a challenge lies ahead as India's actual production capacity for genuine ISI-certified helmets is only around 3 crore units per year, leaving a substantial gap.
The proposed rule aligns with the government's broader efforts to reduce road fatalities, with over 1.5 lakh deaths reported annually in India due to road accidents, a significant portion of which involve two-wheeler riders. Steelbird, one of India's largest helmet manufacturers, is already heavily investing in automation and plant expansion. The company plans to introduce 75 new helmet models over the next five years, catering to various segments from budget to premium.
Despite these positive steps, the issue of fake helmets remains a concern. Approximately half of the helmets used on Indian roads are counterfeit, lacking safety standards and providing inadequate protection. Kapur emphasized the importance of strong enforcement to ensure that only genuine ISI-marked products are sold and that any law mandating two helmets per vehicle must have robust checks in place.
Kapur believes that effective enforcement of this law will not only save more lives but also help eliminate counterfeit helmet suppliers from the market.
Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India.
The National Highways Authority of India Strengthens Policy Against Misuse of FASTags
The National Highways Authority of India has tightened its policy against the misuse of FASTags, specifically targeting what are known as "loose FASTags" or "tag-in-hand" practices. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways confirmed the update in an official release, ANI reported.
The new directive instructs toll collecting agencies and concessionaires to immediately report instances where FASTags are not affixed to a vehicle’s windscreen. This is a deliberate act by some users that disru