India - Loktej English

Four lakh candidates have downloaded admit cards for NEET re-examination

Loktej English Team — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:54:24 +0530

New Delhi, June 15. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has stated that approximately 4 lakh candidates have downloaded their admit cards for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21.

However, some candidates are facing technical glitches and server-related issues while downloading the admit cards, which the agency's teams are continuously working to resolve. NTA mentioned in a statement on Monday that it is aware of the issues some students have encountered during the admit card downloading process. The agency assured that all candidates will soon be able to download their admit cards.

NTA also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the candidates. Earlier, late on Sunday night, NTA reported that about one lakh candidates had downloaded their admit cards. The agency also informed that a facility for verifying bank accounts for fee refunds has been initiated in the interest of students, which can be accessed through two-factor authentication login.

According to NTA, heavy traffic on the website has increased pressure on the server, but efforts are ongoing to ensure that all candidates can obtain their admit cards without any issues. Meanwhile, several candidates have expressed their dissatisfaction on the social media platform X regarding the two-step verification process and technical difficulties. Some students have stated that adding additional verification to the admit card downloading process has increased their troubles, especially with only a few days left before the exam.

Some candidates have also reported technical issues related to submitting bank details for fee refunds. They mentioned that confusing messages are appearing during the bank detail verification and admit card download process, raising concerns about the refund process. NTA has appealed to candidates to remain patient, stating that technical issues are being prioritized for resolution and that all eligible candidates will be provided their admit cards on time.

It is noteworthy that NTA conducts NEET-UG for admissions to medical courses in the country. This year, the NEET-UG exam was held on May 3.

Based on alleged irregularities and inputs from investigative agencies, NTA decided to cancel the exam and conduct it again on June 21. This will be an offline examination, with over 22 lakh students expected to participate.

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PM Modi's Important Europe Tour: Will Give New Direction to Defense and Trade Partnership with France and Slovakia

Loktej English Team — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 19:45:33 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on an important Europe tour today. In the first phase of his trip, he will arrive in France to hold bilateral talks with President Emmanuel Macron on key issues such as defense cooperation and maritime security.

Following this, PM Modi will make a historic visit to Slovakia, the first by an Indian Prime Minister since 1993, where he will expand cooperation in sectors like trade, automobiles, and railway manufacturing. In the second part of the trip, PM Modi will participate in the G-7 summit held in Avignon. His presence among the leaders of the world's most powerful countries demonstrates that India is playing a significant role in addressing global challenges.

At this forum, the Prime Minister will strongly advocate for the interests and concerns of the 'Global South,' showcasing India's growing diplomatic influence. In the final phase of his trip, on June 18, the Prime Minister will attend Europe's largest technology event, the VivaTech Summit, in Paris.

He is also scheduled to address the Indian diaspora, which will further strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties between India and Europe. This extensive tour will provide a new dimension to India's strategic partnership and global leadership capacity.

Maximum 200 liters of diesel will be available at petrol pumps in a day, new order issued

Loktej English Team — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 19:40:10 +0530

The government has issued a new order under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, to curb black marketing of petrol and diesel and regulate their distribution. The order states that no vehicle or individual will be allowed to obtain more than 200 liters of diesel from a petrol pump in a day.

This new rule is likely to impact trucks involved in long and medium-distance freight transport. The notification issued late Thursday night by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas directs retail sales centers (petrol pump dealers) to sell diesel only in vehicle tanks or containers approved by PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization). No more than 200 liters of diesel will be sold to a single customer/vehicle in a day, and resale of diesel to such customers will also be prohibited.

Currently, there is no limit set for the retail sale of petrol, but there is a possibility of such a provision in the future. Additionally, measures are in place to prevent hoarding of diesel as well. This order, effective immediately, states that institutional and direct or industrial and commercial customers will not purchase petrol or diesel from retail sales centers.

They will fulfill their requirements only from their consumer pumps. The responsibility for enforcing these restrictions will lie with oil marketing companies and retail sales center dealers. This order will remain in effect for 90 days or until further notice.

To enforce the order, the central or state government may empower any gazetted officer or at least a police officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent to conduct searches and seizures. A sales officer of the oil company or an officer of equal or higher rank can also carry out this task. State governments and union territories have been instructed to take all necessary measures against hoarding, black marketing, unauthorized purchases, misuse of purchased products, and other malpractices related to petrol and diesel under the current order and other applicable laws.

Violations of these orders will be punishable under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and other applicable laws, and fines may also be imposed on violators. The government stated that institutional customers were taking undue advantage by purchasing from retail sales centers due to the recent disparity in wholesale and retail prices of petrol and diesel, adversely affecting availability for retail customers. It emphasized that this order was issued to ensure the fair availability of both fossil fuels and to prevent their hoarding.

The notification mentioned that in light of the current geopolitical situation and incidents of industrial, commercial, and institutional consumers taking undue advantage through purchases from retail sales centers, it is necessary to regulate the supply, distribution, and sale of petrol and diesel at fair prices in the public interest. The central government may grant partial or full exemption from this order to any consumer, consumer class, sector, transaction, or category of transactions by special order.

12 Glorious Years of Service, Good Governance, and Development: Under PM Modi's Leadership, India Achieves New Heights Globally

Loktej English Team — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:00:31 +0530

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the completion of 12 years of his tenure, highlighting that PM Modi has made 'service' the core principle of governance, making administration more accountable and transparent. Under his visionary leadership, the benefits of the government's welfare schemes have reached the last person in society, making India emerge as a confident and strong nation.

The historic journey of change and progress during the BJP government's 12 years has been described by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa as a realization of the collective resolve of 140 crore Indians. He stated that this journey is not just a term of one government but a historical saga of India's transformation, progress, and public welfare. The journey from 'Jan Dhan to Jan Vishwas' has not only strengthened the foundation of an Atmanirbhar Bharat but has also brought pride to the country's cultural heritage and capabilities on the global stage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the changes in India over the past 12 years have always centered around the poor and marginalized. He highlighted the importance of providing respect and opportunities to people through schemes like Swachh Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat, inspired by the spirit of Antyodaya. These 12 years stand as a strong testament to the unwavering commitment to good governance and putting the nation first, as India moves towards the goal of a developed nation by 2047.

The Center Makes Standard Packaging Size Mandatory for Edible Oils, Nine Sizes Specified

Loktej English Team — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 11:06:51 +0530

The central government has made standard packaging sizes mandatory for edible oils to enable consumers to compare prices of different brands. Companies will now have to sell edible oil in specified packets ranging from 200 grams to 20 kilograms.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution announced in a statement on Saturday that the Department of Consumer Affairs has established standard pack sizes for edible oils under the legal metrology framework. According to the government's notification, companies must sell edible oil in packets ranging from 200 grams to 20 kilograms. The ministry stated that the aim of this move is to assist consumers in comparing prices of different brands and making informed purchasing decisions.

The statement mentioned that the department has amended its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to determine the net quantity and standard pack sizes of edible oils and fats. Manufacturers, packers, and importers have been given a three-month transition period to comply with the new regulations. According to the ministry, the revised Standard Operating Procedure has specified nine standard pack sizes for major edible oils (such as palm, soybean, sunflower, mustard, peanut, sesame, rice bran, cottonseed, and corn oil) and blended edible oils, which include 200 ml/grams, 500 ml/grams, one liter/kilogram, two liters/kilograms, three liters/kilograms, four liters/kilograms, five liters/kilograms, 15 liters/kilograms, and 20 liters/kilograms.

The notification states that there will be no restrictions on packets of 200 grams or 200 milliliters or less. According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, if the quantity of oil is declared in volume (milliliters or liters), companies must also mandatorily write the equivalent weight (grams or kilograms) in the same size letters/numbers on their packets.

Surat is not just a city, it is a ‘spirit’; if the public takes one step, I will take three steps - Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Loktej English Team — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 19:57:34 +0530

On the occasion of World Environment Day, addressing a large public gathering at the indoor stadium in Surat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Surat not just as a city but as a 'spirit', praising the awareness, commitment to cleanliness, and development journey of its citizens. He stated that Surat has set an inspiring example for the country in the fields of development, public participation, and environmental protection.

Beginning his address with a greeting to the crowd, he paid tribute to the recently deceased Dr. Kanu Mavani, recalling his social contributions. The Prime Minister appreciated various environmental awareness programs, cleanliness campaigns, rangoli, public awareness activities, and tree planting events organized in Surat on World Environment Day. He mentioned that the people of Surat have given him a 'gift of waste', as over one hundred thousand citizens participated collectively in a cleanliness campaign to make the city clean.

He described this as an excellent example of civic awareness and social responsibility. The Prime Minister urged farmers to reduce dependence on chemical farming and adopt natural farming. He stated that the whole world is moving towards green development, and India should lead this change.

He emphasized that environmental protection is a matter connected to the future of upcoming generations and stressed the need for public participation. The Prime Minister noted that Gujarat had taken visionary initiatives years ago by creating a separate department for climate change. He mentioned the water recycling and treatment projects operating in Surat, stating that the city is doing remarkable work in the field of environmental protection and resource reuse.

He also mentioned that the industrial units in the Hazira area are advancing towards green steel production and green energy. The Prime Minister described Hazira as a successful model of the Atmanirbhar Bharat concept, stating that it is emerging as a significant national center in the fields of energy, steel, manufacturing, and maritime activities. The industrial capacity being developed here is making a significant contribution to the country's economic progress.

The Prime Minister emphasized that modern connectivity is the cornerstone of development in any region. He mentioned various national highways and infrastructure projects, including the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, stating that these will provide extensive benefits to South Gujarat and the entire state. He expressed confidence that development projects worth thousands of crores will give new momentum to the region's economic activities.

During his address, the Prime Minister targeted opposition parties, particularly the Congress, stating that the public is now prioritizing development, stability, and positive politics. He mentioned that the public does not accept politics of chaos and uncertainty. Referring to the support received by the Bharatiya Janata Party in recent local body elections, he described it as a testament to the public's trust.

At the end of his address, the Prime Minister appealed to citizens to actively participate in environmental protection, cleanliness, and development campaigns, stating that if the public takes one step, he will take three steps. He concluded his address by expressing gratitude to the people of Surat.

RBI Keeps Repo Rate Steady at 5.25 Percent: Sanjay Malhotra

Loktej English Team — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 19:54:43 +0530

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has not changed the repo rate in its second monetary policy review meeting for the financial year 2026-27, maintaining it at 5.25 percent. This decision will prevent an increase in home and car loan costs and will not raise EMIs.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced this decision after the three-day bi-monthly review meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Friday. Malhotra stated that the MPC has kept a neutral stance and maintained the policy rate at 5.25 percent in the second monetary review of the current financial year. He also projected a GDP growth estimate of 6.6 percent for the financial year 2026-27.

Malhotra expressed confidence that amidst global uncertainties, the country would overcome challenges and emerge stronger. He mentioned that the GDP growth estimate for this year is now 6.6 percent, down from the previous estimate of 6.9 percent. The estimates for the current financial year's first quarter is 6.6 percent, the second quarter is 6.3 percent, the third quarter is 6.5 percent, and the fourth quarter is 6.8 percent.

The MPC consists of six members, three of whom are from the Reserve Bank, while the others are appointed by the central government. The RBI holds a monetary review meeting every two months. There will be a total of six meetings of the monetary review committee in the financial year 2026-27, with the first meeting having taken place from April 6-8, 2026.

The repo rate is the interest rate at which the RBI lends to banks. A lower repo rate means banks can borrow at a lower interest rate. When banks receive loans at a cheaper rate, they often pass on the benefits to customers by reducing their interest rates.

It is noteworthy that in the MPC review meeting in April, the RBI unanimously adopted a neutral stance and kept the repo rate at 5.25 percent. The last time the RBI reduced the policy interest rate was in December 2025, when it was cut by 0.25 percent to 5.25 percent.

Surat: Prime Minister to visit Gujarat on June 5, will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for national highway projects worth ₹12,421 crore

Loktej English Team — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:57:13 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a visit to Gujarat on June 5, World Environment Day. During this visit, he will present national highway projects worth approximately ₹12,421 crore to South Gujarat.

The program includes the inauguration of two significant packages of the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway and the foundation laying of four other major road infrastructure projects. These projects are expected to enhance road connectivity, transportation facilities, and economic activities across the state, including South Gujarat. The two packages of the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway, constructed at a cost of ₹7,689 crore, include the 36-kilometer long Kim-Aena section (Package-6) and the 27.50-kilometer long Gandheva-Aena section (Package-7).

A comprehensive network of major and minor bridges, rail-road bridges, flyovers, and vehicle underpasses has been developed in these projects. To facilitate local commuting, a total of 70 underpasses and 2 interchanges have been constructed. The commencement of these sections of the expressway will provide fast, safe, and uninterrupted traffic flow in the region.

Keeping in mind the convenience of drivers and passengers, a total of 7 modern rest areas are also being developed on both packages. The initiation of the project is expected to increase the speed of goods transportation and reduce logistics costs, benefiting industries. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for four significant projects of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) worth approximately ₹4,732 crore.

These include: four-laning of the Dhamasia to Bitarda/Movi section under NH-56 (Package-4), four-laning of the Nasarpur to Malotha section under NH-56 (Package-6), construction of a 6-lane vehicle underpass (Reliance Junction) on the Surat-Hazira National Highway (NH-53), and flyover construction including vehicle underpass in the Kavas area, which will improve connectivity to tribal areas and the Statue of Unity. The new four-lane roads being constructed under the upgrade of NH-56 will provide better road connectivity to tribal districts like Narmada, Tapi, Valsad, and Chhota Udaipur. Additionally, these projects will make access to the Statue of Unity more convenient.

The construction of these approximately 107.67 kilometers of roads is expected to reduce travel time by about 40 minutes and increase average vehicle speed by up to 75%. This will particularly benefit farmers, industries, commercial centers, and logistics networks. A 6-lane flyover and underpass will be constructed on the Surat-Hazira National Highway at a cost of approximately ₹149 crore.

This project is considered extremely important for the Hazira port and surrounding industrial areas. The construction of new structures will facilitate faster and smoother movement of heavy goods vehicles, promoting port-based trade and industrial activities.

Additionally, local citizens will benefit from relief from traffic jams and safer commuting. The completion of these national highway projects is expected to provide a new impetus to the transportation network and industrial development in South Gujarat.

Surat: Preparations for Prime Minister Modi's visit to Surat intensify, Principal Secretary Ashwini Kumar holds review meeting

Loktej English Team — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:11:12 +0530

Surat. The administration has accelerated preparations for the grand event to be held at Surat's indoor stadium on June 5, in the presence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on the occasion of World Environment Day.

Principal Secretary of the Energy and Petrochemicals Department, Ashwini Kumar, has been appointed as the nodal officer for the event. A review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary Ashwini Kumar with senior officials from the district administration and various departments at the indoor stadium complex. The meeting involved a detailed review of the preparations being made to successfully conduct the Prime Minister's program.

Ashwini Kumar instructed the officials to complete all arrangements related to the event in a timely and organized manner. He mentioned that the program would be attended by the city's distinguished citizens, industrialists, representatives of social organizations, public representatives, and prominent personalities from various fields. During the meeting, information was gathered from officials of various committees regarding the main stage arrangements, stage management, seating arrangements for guests and invitees, banners and hoardings, law and order, traffic management, parking, and other necessary arrangements.

Officials were also instructed to complete all preparations within the stipulated timeframe. The review meeting was attended by District Collector Tejas Parmar, Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan, senior police department officials, and senior officials from various departments.

Surat: Preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Surat on June 5 intensify, detailed discussion on arrangements in review meeting

Loktej English Team — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:46:26 +0530

Preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to Surat on June 5 have been intensified. A significant meeting was held at the district collectorate to review the arrangements and programs for the visit, chaired by Gujarat's Home State Minister Harsh Sanghvi and Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil.

The meeting was attended by public representatives, senior officials from the district administration, and police department officials. During this time, various administrative aspects were discussed in detail, including security arrangements, traffic management, parking, and the movement of beneficiaries and guests. While providing necessary directions to the officials, emphasis was placed on completing all arrangements related to the program in a timely manner.

District Collector Tejas Parmar also presented a detailed presentation regarding the preparations for the Prime Minister's visit. After the meeting, District Collector Tejas Parmar informed the media that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's program would be organized in two phases. In the first phase, he will visit the Larsen & Toubro plant located in Hazira.

Following this, in the second phase, he will address a large public gathering at the indoor stadium in Surat. He mentioned that on this occasion, the inauguration and foundation stone laying of development projects worth approximately 18,000 crore rupees from various departments would take place, which would give a new impetus to the development of South Gujarat.

The review meeting was attended by Health Minister Shri Prafulbhai Pansheriya, MP Mukeshbhai Dalal, Mayor Mayaben Mavani, MLAs Mukeshbhai Patel, Purneshbhai Modi, Sandeepbhai Desai, Ishwarbhai Parmar, Manubhai Patel, Praveenbhai Ghoghari, Mohanbhai Dhodiya, District Collector Tejas Parmar, Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot, Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan, District Development Officer, and senior officials from the administration and police department.

Why India Imports 700+ Tonnes of Gold Every Year: Explained

PNN — Fri, 29 May 2026 19:19:44 +0530

New Delhi [India], May 29: Gold occupies a rare and unique space in India’s economy and culture. It is inherited across generations, gifted during festivals, and often treated as a practical asset of value. That is why the India gold import story is never just about luxury; it is also about household savings and buying behaviour shaped by trust.

Every year, India brings in well over 700+ tonnes of gold because domestic demand stays far ahead of local supply. India does mine some gold, but not enough to meet the scale of consumption across jewellery, investment bars, coins, and seasonal purchases. So when demand rises, imports naturally fill the gap.

Why the Demand Stays Strong

One reason for this substantial demand is the emotional aspect associated with the metal. Gold is deeply tied to milestones like weddings, births, anniversaries, and festive rituals. Another reason is financial, as many families still see gold as a tangible asset.

This is why gold import in India tends to remain structurally high despite price swings. When prices soften, buying often rises because people see an opportunity. When prices climb, demand may slow briefly, but it rarely disappears altogether. Buyers simply adjust the quantity, design choice, or timing.
The same pattern shows up in broader India import-export data as well. Gold often remains one of the country’s major import items because it is at the intersection of consumption, savings, and cultural continuity.

The Role of Prices and Policy

No conversation about the import of gold in India is complete without looking at pricing. The retail cost of jewellery depends on several moving parts: the international bullion price, the rupee-dollar equation, local taxes, and jeweller-level charges. That is why the gold rate consumers track every day is linked to much more than market sentiment alone.

Policy also plays a major role. The import duty on gold affects landed cost, and even small changes can reshape buying patterns.
Still, higher prices do not automatically reduce demand in a market like India. Instead, they often change how people buy.

Why Exchange is Becoming More Important

Instead of making entirely fresh purchases, many buyers are turning to gold exchange. Old jewellery that stays unused in lockers is now being seen as a value that can be unlocked. For households trying to manage budgets while keeping up with changing tastes, exchange feels practical.

The logic is simple. If a family already owns old bangles, chains, or inherited pieces that no longer match current preferences, exchanging them reduces the out-of-pocket cost of buying something new. In a high-price environment, that benefit matters more.
At a larger level, it also helps domestic gold re-enter circulation, reducing some dependence on freshly imported gold and supporting a more efficient gold economy for India.
This trend has become stronger as consumers grow more aware of hidden deductions, purity-related surprises, and unclear valuation methods in the unorganised market. People do not just want a good design anymore. They want to know exactly how their old gold jewellery is being tested, weighed, and priced.

What Buyers Now Expect From Exchange

The modern gold buyer is more informed than before. They are likely to ask a few basic but important questions.

Was the purity tested transparently?
Was the stone weight separated from the gold weight?
Did the old gold stay in front of the customer during the process?
Was the final valuation easy to understand?

Those questions explain why organised jewellers have gained ground in the exchange conversation. The shift is not only about aesthetics or store experience; it is increasingly about process clarity.

How Tanishq is Bringing a Change

At a time like this, some large jewellery retailers have started standing out. Tanishq, for example, has built a strong reputation around exchange because the process is designed to feel visible rather than mysterious.

At its stores, customers can always see all the steps happen in front of them, from weighing and purity checking to melting. Old gold never leaves your sight, which immediately reduces anxiety.
The use of the Karatmeter for purity assessment, separate calculation for gold and stones, and same gold selling and exchange rates helps create confidence at a time when every gram matters. That matters even more for people exchanging jewellery bought elsewhere.
One long-standing hesitation in the market has been whether a jeweller will fairly value old pieces from another store. Organised exchange programs have helped reduce that concern. In Tanishq’s case, the acceptance of old gold from any jeweller, even across a broad purity range and often without a bill, makes the process more practical for everyday consumers.

Why This Matters in a High-Import Country

India’s gold demand remains deeply tied to the way households save, celebrate, and pass wealth across generations. But as prices stay elevated, the form of demand is evolving. Instead of relying only on freshly purchased gold, many families are increasingly turning to exchange as a smarter and more cost-conscious option.

By bringing old and unused jewellery back into circulation, exchange helps reduce dependence on newly imported gold while still allowing consumers to buy, upgrade, or redesign jewellery according to current preferences. In that sense, exchange is not just a practical financial choice for households, but also a more sustainable approach for a country that relies heavily on imported gold to meet demand.

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Nepal Takes Major Step for Indians' Kailash Mansarovar Yatra; Demands Increase in Quota from China!

Loktej English Team — Fri, 29 May 2026 19:17:33 +0530

Nepal's government has taken a significant step for Indian pilgrims. The Nepal Tourism Department and local businesses are fully prepared to welcome Indian citizens.

Nepal has made an important official demand to the Chinese government to increase the quota for Indian travelers this year. The Kailash Yatra strengthens the deep cultural ties and relationships between the two countries. Given the large number of Indian travelers, the current quota set by China is proving to be very low.

Therefore, the Nepalese government and local travel agents are making continuous and strong efforts to increase it. This important step will also greatly benefit Nepal's local tourism and economy. According to Nepali tourism entrepreneurs, China has set a quota of 24,000 for Indian pilgrims this year.

However, Nepal has demanded that this be increased to 40,000 due to high demand. Last year, this quota was 20,000, and this time there is a significant demand for an additional 15,000. The Indian government allows travel through the Lipulekh and Nathu La passes, but this number is quite limited.

The Indian government sets a limit of only 500 people per route each year, totaling 1,000 pilgrims. As a result, most Indian pilgrims prefer to travel via Nepal's easier routes using private vehicles. Currently, there are four major routes open for traveling to Kailash through Nepal.

The increase in the number of travelers on the Hilsa route has created new employment opportunities for local people. Dozens of hotels and several small lodges have opened in Simkot and Hilsa for the convenience of Indian pilgrims. This large journey has created a high demand for porters, guides, and hotel staff in remote areas like Humla.

A significant new market has emerged for local products such as apples, walnuts, and beans. Farmers are rapidly shifting from traditional farming to commercial vegetable farming. Due to the continuously rising prices of fuel and food, the travel packages for Kailash Yatra have become quite expensive this year.

The cost of the 10-day Rasuwagadhi-Kerung package has now risen to approximately $1,700 per person, a significant increase from last year's price of $1,500. The cost of the eight-day Nepalgunj-Simkot-Hilsa route has now reached $1,550, up from $1,300. Travelers on this route first reach Hilsa Mountain via small planes and then helicopters.

A helicopter makes 15 trips daily, carrying only 4 passengers per flight. Chinese authorities had recently closed the route for three days, but travel has now resumed.

More than 1,200 Indian pilgrims are set to depart via this route between Thursday and Saturday. The Managing Director of Touch Kailash Travel, Basu Adhikari, mentioned that inquiries are continuously and rapidly increasing.