New Delhi, Aug 21: The government on Thursday clarified that no user fee is levied from two-wheelers at the toll plazas on National Highways and National Expressways across the country.

The clarification came after reports surfaced that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) would collect user fees from two-wheeler riders at toll plazas.

“In reference to the fake news circulating on social media regarding toll collection from two wheelers on toll plaza, NHAI would like to clarify that no user fee is levied from two wheelers at the Toll plazas on National Highways and National Expressways across the country,” the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said in a statement.

User fee on National Highways is collected as per the National Highway Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, and there is no proposal to charge toll fee from the two wheelers, the ministry added.

According to the rules, the user fee at toll plazas is charged from four or more wheeled vehicles which include categories like car, jeep, van or light motor vehicle/light commercial vehicle, light goods vehicle or mini bus/bus or truck/heavy construction machinery (HCM) or earth moving equipment (EME) or multi axle vehicle (MAV) (three to six axles)/ oversized vehicles (seven or more axles.

Meanwhile, the NHAI sold over 5 lakh FASTag-based annual toll permits in just four days, collecting Rs 150 crore in revenue. Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of purchases of annual passes in four days, followed by Karnataka and Haryana.

Further, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest number of transactions through FASTag annual passes at toll plazas, a statement by NHAI said. Private vehicles can now use an annual toll pass for free passage through toll plazas on national highways and expressways, with each pass priced at Rs 3,000.

The annual pass is valid for one year from activation or for 200 toll trips, whichever occurs first.

The Lok Sabha passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 by voice vote amid din from the Opposition on Wednesday. The bill prohibits all forms of online money gaming—whether based on skill, chance or a mix of both.

The Bill was approved through a voice vote following brief comments from Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, whilst the opposition MPs staged demonstrations. The proceedings of the lower house of Parliament were adjourned for the day after the passage of the Bill.

An online money game refers to digital activities where users stake money with the expectation of receiving monetary rewards or other benefits.

The proposed law prohibits all forms of internet-based wagering and gambling activities, encompassing online fantasy sports, digital gambling platforms (including poker, rummy and similar card games), and web-based lotteries.

After receiving approval from both Houses of Parliament, persons involved in online monetary gaming will face penalties of imprisonment for up to three years and/or monetary fines reaching Rs 1 crore.

Following the passage of the Bill in Lok Sabha, Ashwini Vaishnaw told media that the Bill aims to promote e-sports and educational & social games while regulating online money games.

“Online money games are causing addiction among people. Reports have surfaced that online gaming is wiping out family savings, and several cases of suicide have also been reported,” he said.

Citing media reports, he said that within just 31 days, 30 cases of suicide linked to online gaming have come to light.

Jaipur: A late-night bomb threat email sent to The Palace School in Jaipur’s Manak Chowk police station area triggered a major security operation on Wednesday morning. The school administration alerted the police early Wednesday after discovering the threatening message in their inbox.

Following the report, senior police officials, along with the Bomb Disposal Squad, Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and dog squad, rushed to the school premises. A full-scale search operation has been underway since morning to ensure the safety of students and staff. The mail threatens explosion in classrooms and toilet, said police.

According to officials, the email claimed that two TNT IEDs had been planted in the classrooms and toilet area of classes 4 to 7, threatening that they would explode by 1.45 p.m. The message instructed the school to evacuate all children before that time.

Speaking on the matter, DCP North Karan Sharma confirmed that a thorough search is being conducted and all necessary protocols are being followed. “All agencies have been deployed, and we are checking every corner of the school,” he said. The Cyber Cell has started investigating the source of the email.

“The Jaipur Police cyber team has joined the investigation and is actively working to trace the origin of the threatening email. The team is examining the IP address from which the mail was sent. The threat is being taken very seriously,” DCP Sharma added.

This is not the first time The Palace School has received such a threat. A similar email had been sent earlier, which also led to a security sweep. However, nothing suspicious was found during that previous incident.

Despite the history of false threats, police say they are treating the current situation with utmost caution. Every possible angle is being investigated, and a security perimeter has been established around the school. Students were not present at the school at the time of the threat, as it was received during the night.