India has started testing a barrier-free toll collection system on its highways. A Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll plaza has been launched on the Mundka–Bakkarwala stretch of Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) in the National Capital Region as part of this initiative by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The system removes physical toll barriers and allows vehicles to pass through without stopping. It works using a combination of technologies including RFID (FASTag), Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, and LiDAR sensors, which together identify, track, and classify vehicles in real time.
MLFF is an electronic tolling framework designed to enable seamless toll collection while vehicles continue moving at highway speeds. Instead of traditional toll booths, overhead gantries are installed with smart sensors and cameras that detect vehicles and process tolls automatically. RFID readers scan FASTag information, ANPR cameras capture number plates for verification, and LiDAR or radar systems determine the size and type of vehicle. All this information is processed instantly through backend computing systems to calculate and deduct toll charges.
In some future versions, this system may also integrate GNSS-based tolling, where vehicles are tracked using satellite signals and charged based on the actual distance travelled instead of fixed toll points. This would shift tolling from location-based charging to usage-based billing. On Indian highways, the MLFF system uses multiple layers of detection. RFID is the primary method for identifying vehicles at high speed without requiring them to slow down. ANPR serves as a backup system to ensure that vehicles without valid FASTags can still be identified and billed through their license plates. LiDAR technology helps classify vehicles by measuring their physical dimensions, which is important for applying correct toll rates. All data is processed in real time using edge computing systems, enabling instant transactions without stopping traffic. If a FASTag is invalid or has insufficient balance, the system generates an electronic notice and allows a limited time for payment before penalties are applied.
Compared to traditional toll systems, MLFF offers major improvements in efficiency. Even with FASTag, vehicles today often need to slow down or stop, causing congestion, fuel wastage, and delays. By eliminating barriers completely, MLFF ensures continuous traffic flow. Early estimates suggest that toll plazas using this system can handle more than double the traffic, with over 500 vehicles per hour compared to around 250 in conventional setups. The government also expects significant fuel savings and a reduction in carbon emissions, especially on busy corridors like those in Delhi-NCR.
Globally, similar barrier-free tolling systems are already in use. Countries in Europe use GNSS-based systems for commercial vehicles to calculate tolls based on distance travelled. The United States uses open-road tolling systems with RFID and camera-based gantries. Vietnam has also implemented RFID-based free-flow tolling similar to India’s approach. However, India is adopting a gradual hybrid model, moving step by step toward more advanced systems.
This technology also fits into India’s broader plan for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication. MLFF acts as an early form of Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) system where vehicles and road infrastructure exchange data in real time. It relies on continuous communication between roadside sensors, backend servers, and vehicle FASTag systems. In the future, with advancements like Cellular V2X and GNSS-based tracking, tolling systems could become even more automated and connected.
However, scaling this system across the country comes with challenges. These include handling vehicles with faulty or missing FASTags, avoiding incorrect identification, managing high-speed traffic discipline, and ensuring stable network connectivity for real-time processing. Strong enforcement mechanisms such as electronic notices and penalties will also be needed to prevent revenue loss and ensure smooth operation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Magnific.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) has stated that the Strait of Hormuz has been “significantly expanded,” now treating it as a wide strategic maritime corridor stretching from Jask and Sirik to areas beyond Qeshm Island and Greater Tunb Island. According to IRGC Navy political deputy Mohammad Akbarzadeh, Iran has redefined how it views the boundaries of this key waterway. He said the earlier perception of the strait as a narrow zone around islands like Hormuz and Hengam is no longer valid under Iran’s current naval approach.
He explained that the operational area has expanded from a traditional width of about 20–30 miles to roughly 200–300 miles (around 500 km), forming what he described as a “crescent-shaped” zone extending across a much larger maritime region. Akbarzadeh further said the Strait of Hormuz is now considered a broad operational theatre under Iranian oversight, stretching between key coastal and island points, rather than a confined passage.
Reaffirming Iran’s stance, he added that the country is closely monitoring regional maritime activity and will not tolerate any infringement on its waters or interests. He emphasized Iran’s commitment to defending its territorial integrity “at all costs,” including through military readiness. The IRGC also indicated that it will regulate shipping routes through the strait, allowing only designated corridors and warning of strict action against vessels that deviate from approved paths.
These declarations come amid heightened regional tensions, which Iranian officials link to recent conflicts involving the US and Israel. Iran has also imposed tighter controls on vessels it considers hostile, citing retaliatory measures against what it describes as restrictive actions on its maritime trade.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday led a padyatra in Baramulla district of North Kashmir as part of the ongoing ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan’, a major initiative aimed at combating drug abuse across the Union Territory. The march witnessed wide participation from students, youth, members of civil society, and district administration officials, reflecting a collective resolve to address the growing challenge of narcotics. The presence of multiple sections of society highlighted the administration’s emphasis on community involvement in the anti-drug campaign.
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor addressed the gathering and underlined the importance of a united, community-driven approach to eliminate drug abuse from society. He appealed particularly to young people to stay away from substance use and remain focused on education, health, and nation-building activities.
He reiterated that the administration is fully committed to taking strict and sustained action against drug traffickers operating in the region. At the same time, he stressed that enforcement alone is not enough and must be complemented with continuous awareness campaigns, prevention strategies, and rehabilitation efforts for affected individuals.
Officials informed that participants in the padyatra took a collective pledge to contribute towards building a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. The march began from Government Degree College Baramulla and concluded at Dak Bungalow Baramulla, symbolising the public outreach aspect of the campaign. The padyatra forms part of a larger 100-day intensive awareness drive launched by the administration to strengthen outreach against drug abuse. As part of this initiative, more than two lakh awareness and outreach programmes have already been conducted across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Lieutenant Governor also acknowledged the efforts of the police and administration in intensifying both enforcement actions and awareness drives. He praised their work in identifying and acting against drug peddlers while also engaging with communities to spread awareness about the harmful effects of narcotics. He further stated that the anti-narcotics campaign will be strengthened in the coming days, and assured that strict action will continue against anyone involved in the illegal drug trade, with no leniency shown.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
As Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Assam for a second term on Tuesday, BJP leaders congratulated him and thanked voters for giving the party a third consecutive mandate in the state. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed gratitude to the public, stating that the government would work to meet their expectations. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also congratulated Sarma and said the BJP remains committed to Assam's development. He highlighted the significance of the occasion, noting the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Union ministers, and leaders from various NDA-ruled states, and added that Assam would be developed into one of the most advanced states under Sarma’s leadership.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also extended her best wishes, acknowledging the BJP's third consecutive term in the state. West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said that Assam’s development would continue under the leadership of PM Modi and Sarma. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised Sarma’s work for public welfare, saying the BJP’s “double-engine government” would help Assam reach new heights. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini congratulated Sarma and credited public trust under PM Modi’s leadership. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also welcomed the outcome, saying it reflected people’s support for development-oriented governance.
Rajasthan Deputy CM Diya Kumari noted Assam’s visible progress under Sarma and PM Modi's vision, while Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya expressed confidence in BJP’s future electoral success in UP as well. BJP MP Baijayant Panda called the occasion historic and credited PM Modi’s focus on Assam’s development.
The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Veterinary College ground in Khanapara in the presence of PM Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, BJP president, Union ministers, and NDA leaders from various states. Along with Sarma, four ministers were also sworn in from BJP and allied parties, including AGP and BPF representatives. Ranjeet Kumar Dass was named the NDA’s candidate for the post of Speaker of the Assam Assembly, marking the continuation of the NDA government in the state.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured on Tuesday that there is no fuel shortage, stating that LPG production has been increased from 35,000–36,000 tonnes per day to 54,000 tonnes due to the West Asia conflict. He added that India has sufficient reserves, including 69 days of crude oil and LNG and 45 days of LPG stock. He also supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation and cost-cutting measures, including reduced fuel use, public transport, EV adoption, and postponing non-essential expenses like gold purchases and foreign travel to ease economic pressure during the crisis.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
Jonathan Freedland talks with law professor and author Leah Litman about the recent rulings of the conservative-majority Supreme Court, upcoming cases, and the debate over whether the court is now being seen more as a political body than a purely judicial one.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
The 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and associated meetings in Cebu, scheduled from May 6 to 8, will bring together heads of state and senior officials from all ten ASEAN countries as well as Timor-Leste. The gathering takes place at a critical moment for the region, amid concerns that the Middle East conflict could disrupt global oil supplies, driving up fuel prices and increasing inflationary pressure on ASEAN economies. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the summit’s key issues in detail with Susannah Patton, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Lowy Institute.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
In Singapore, bots account for about 58 percent of total internet traffic, with over half classified as malicious. As AI-powered bots become more advanced and harder to distinguish from real users, organizations now face the challenge of not just detecting bots but also interpreting their intent. With AI increasingly blurring the boundary between human and automated activity, businesses are under pressure to adapt. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the implications for online security, trust, and the internet’s future with Garen Ling, Area Vice President of Sales, ASEAN, App Security and Data Security at Thales.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
A 31-year-old man has been accused of trying to assassinate Donald Trump following a foiled plot linked to Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Soon after the incident, false claims began circulating online suggesting the attempt was staged. This week, Jonathan Freedland discusses the rise of such conspiracy theories surrounding the US president with journalist Rachel Leingang.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
