The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is rolling out a valuable update to its Rajmargyatra mobile app: users will soon be able to compare multiple routes between two points and choose the one with the lowest total toll

How It Works
The new functionality will scan all viable national‑highway routes —for instance, Delhi to Lucknow via Yamuna Expressway, Ghaziabad–Aligarh–Kanpur, or Moradabad–Bareilly–Sitapur—then display the route with the lowest accumulated toll charges so motorists can make informed decisions

Existing Features of the App
The Rajmargyatra app already offers:

• Highway maps with live traffic updates
• Toll plaza locations and details
• FASTag recharge and purchase options
• Grievance submission with geotagged photos/videos

Why It Matters

• Cost-savings: Ideal for commuters, logistics operators, and long-distance travelers looking to minimize toll outlays.
• Better travel planning: Balances toll expenses with other route factors like distance and time.
• Strategic choice: Especially useful in regions with parallel expressways and alternate corridors.

What’s Next?
NHAI plans to launch the update next month, broadening the app’s route optimization tools. Meanwhile, the authority continues to monitor expressway misuse—reporting over 173,000 violations by unauthorized vehicles between June 21–23

Nineteen vehicles from the convoy of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav failed to start after being refueled at a petrol pump in Ratlam. Gear and engine issues surfaced almost immediately—some cars stalled at the pump, others broke down within a kilometer—revealing water had been mixed into their diesel tanks

A driver from the convoy confirmed, “We came from Indore and got down at a petrol pump and refuelled. The first few vehicles… broke down after travelling 1 km, while the others broke down here”

Video of the incident:
A viral PTI video captures SUVs being pushed by drivers and petrol-pump staff as they attempt to move the disabled vehicles

Investigation & official response:

• The petrol pump—identified as Shakti Petrol Pump in Dosigaon, Ratlam—was sealed and fuel samples were taken.
• Local authorities confirmed each vehicle’s tank had nearly equal parts diesel and water (approximately 20 L diesel + 10 L water)
• Officials are investigating whether the contamination was due to sabotage or rainwater seepage
• A replacement fleet was arranged from Indore to ensure the CM’s visit to the RISE conclave remained unaffected

Commentary from petrol-pump management:
Manager Amarjeet Dabar attributed the issue to heavy rains causing seepage into underground fuel tanks, denying any intentional adulteration

Political fallout:
Congress spokesperson Shailendra Patel criticized the incident, saying:
When the CM is himself being cheated, imagine the condition of … the common man. … This isn’t an ordinary incident, this exposes the rot in the system

Background: Russia’s Disinformation Campaigns

Russia has sustained long-term information operations aimed at undermining Ukraine’s allies. In Poland, Moscow exploits Telegram—one of the country’s most popular messaging apps—to spread false narratives that strain Poland‑Ukraine relations

Key Telegram Channels and Their Narratives

Several Polish-language channels with Kremlin-linked influence have been identified:

• Anielskie Siostry Jasnowidzki (~14K subs),
• Niezależny Dziennik Polityczny (~12K subs),
• Układ Warszawski (~6K subs), and

They push narratives like:

• False claims of Polish military aspirations in Western Ukraine
• Accusations that Ukrainian refugees are draining Poland’s welfare system
• Staged videos depicting Ukrainian forces as war criminals or fraudsters

Target Narratives & Tactics

These channels repeatedly emphasize:

• Questioning Poland’s aid to Ukraine
• Sowing fear with refugee-centric conspiracy theories
• Repeating doctored media (photos, videos) to legitimize fraudulent claims
  They leverage a “divide and conquer” approach, using emotionally charged content designed to pit Poles against Ukrainians

Real‑World Impact on Polish Society

This viral misinformation has real-world consequences:

• Public mistrust toward Ukrainian refugees
• Pressure on welfare systems
• Political polarization, especially ahead of elections
• Authorities reported disinformation during floods and emergency situations, often traced back to Kremlin-linked IPs

Counter‑Measures and Government Response

Polish authorities have taken action:

• Blocking Russia-affiliated Telegram channels in 2022 and December 2024
• Media and NGOs monitoring Telegram content
• EU-wide actions under the Digital Services Act and Stratcom initiatives