New Delhi: The government has informed that freight loading increased from 1,233 million tonnes (MT) in 2020-21 to 1,617 MT in 2024-25, making Indian Railways the second-largest freight-carrying rail network in the world.

To keep the freight rate competitive, the freight rates have not been revised since 2018 despite increase in input cost over the years, according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

“Passenger fares have been rationalised from July 1, 2025 after a gap of more than 5 years. The increase in fares is very low, ranging from half paise per km to two paise per km for premium classes,” said Vaishnaw in replies to questions in Lok Sabha.

Among key measures for affordable passenger fares are no increase in general class up to 500 km and, thereafter, half paisa increase in fare per passenger per km; half paisa increase in fare per passenger per km in Sleeper Class Ordinary and First-Class Ordinary; 01 paisa increase per passenger per km in Non-AC classes in Mail Express; and 02 paisa increase per passenger per km in reserved AC-Classes.

To maintain affordability for low and middle-income families, the fares for MST (Monthly Season Ticket) and Suburban travel have not been revised, the minister informed.

Indian Railways has also taken several measures to enhance the freight loading and revenue, which include:

To increase the network capacity, rail network expansion has been taken up in a big way by the construction of new lines, multi-tracking of existing lines and gauge conversion of existing lines.

“Further, as on 01.04.25, there are 431 (154 New Line, 33 Gauge Conversion and 244 Doubling) projects sanctioned,” the minister informed.

Indian Railways has taken up the electrification of Railway lines in a mission mode. So far, about 99.1 per cent of the Broad Gauge (BG) network has been electrified.

To increase freight carrying capacity, large numbers of IR wagons have been procured and locomotives have been manufactured. During 2014 to 2025, about 2 lakh wagons have been procured and more than 10,000 locomotives have been added to increase freight loading and mobility.

People who might otherwise turn to friends, family, or social media influencers for financial advice are to be given new help to invest their money.

Targeted support from registered banks and other financial firms is being given the go-ahead by the City regulator and should start in April.

This will allow firms to make investment and pensions recommendations based on what similar groups of people could do with their money.

It still falls short of individually tailored advice, which can only be provided by an authorised financial adviser for a fee.

Nearly one in five people turned to family, friends or social media for help making financial decisions, according to a survey by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Sarah Pritchard, deputy chief executive of the FCA, said the new regime would be “game changing”.

“It means millions of people can get extra help to make better financial decisions,” she said.

“We also hope it will build greater confidence to invest. While investing will not be right for everyone, we know people in the UK invest less compared to the EU or US.”

Investing money is not an option for millions of people. The regulator said that one in 10 people had no cash savings, and another 21% had less than £1,000 to draw on in an emergency.

However, FCA data suggested about seven million adults in the UK with £10,000 or more in cash savings could receive better returns through investing.

Investing does come with some risk as the value of an investment can go down as well as up, but the spending power of cash savings can be eroded by rising prices.

The regulator said that many consumers who were in a position to invest but chose not to did so because they were unsure of their options, felt overwhelmed,  or needed more support. Only 9% of people surveyed received regulated advice on their pensions and investments in the 12 months to May 2024.

Targeted support aims to bridge a gap between general guidance and information, and financial advisers who charge a fee.

For example, banks could explain how a large pot of cash savings could be invested, or how investments could be spread out to reduce risk.

Ms Pritchard told the BBC’s Today programme that this was not about providing expensive financial advice tailored to an individual, but rather suggestions based on people’s circumstances and characteristics.

“It’s important that consumers understand what it is and what it isn’t, and it’s not detailed advice,” she said.

And unlike detailed financial advice, Ms Pritchard said this targeted support should be free.

“Commission is banned, [and] we’re expecting most firms that do provide it, subject to our regulation, will be providing it free of charge to consumers,” she said.

Yvonne Braun, director of policy at the Association of British Insurers said: “The FCA’s new rules mark a significant step towards closing the advice gap and will empower millions.”

Some consumer groups have made clear that the new rules must not be a pathway to firms exploiting customers.

The FCA said firms taking part would need to be authorised in advance. They might include banks, building societies, investment platforms and digital wallet providers.

They would also be required to show that their recommendations were suitable and should only be offered when it put people in a better position, the regulator said. Any customer vulnerabilities would need to be identified and taken into account.

Consumers will have the right to take any disputes that arise to the independent financial ombudsman.

There will also be a move to allow people to make more informed decisions with their pensions.

The regulator’s new rules will require legislation, but the government has made it a clear objective to encourage people to invest. The Treasury believes this will help to create economic growth.

It was one of the reasons for the decision by Chancellor Rachel Reeves to cut the annual allowance for cash Isas (Individual Savings Accounts) from £20,000 to £12,000 a year for under 65s, from April 2027.

Separately, the FCA has launched a “firm checker” tool to help prevent people from losing money to fraudsters through investment scams.

Gold and silver price prediction today: Gold and silver are exhibiting signs of bullish breakout, says Abhilash Koikkara, Head – Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group. He shares his views on gold and silver:MCX Gold Price OutlookMCX Gold prices are showing a firm bullish undertone, and the current market structure suggests the potential for further upside in the near term. As long as the metal sustains above the key support zone around ₹1,27,000, buyers are likely to remain active on dips, keeping overall sentiment positive. This support level has acted as a strong demand area in recent sessions, indicating that market participants are willing to accumulate positions whenever prices soften.On the upside, the next significant hurdle is placed near ₹1,34,000, which could be tested if momentum continues to build. A sustained move above immediate resistance levels, supported by favorable global cues such as softer bond yields, geopolitical concerns, or a weaker U.S. dollar, can accelerate buying interest. Additionally, ongoing expectations of central bank rate adjustments often play a key role in influencing gold prices, and any dovish signals can further strengthen the bullish trend.Traders may look for opportunities to buy on pullbacks as long as the price holds above the identified support. However, it is important to monitor volatility and global market developments closely. A decisive break above ₹1,34,000 could open the door for further gains, while a fall below ₹1,27,000 would weaken the current bullish outlook.MCX Gold Trading Strategy

MCX Silver Price Outlook:MCX Silver is exhibiting strong bullish momentum, and the current market structure indicates the potential for an extended upside move. As long as prices hold above the crucial support zone at ₹1,84,500, the overall bias is expected to remain positive. This level has repeatedly acted as a reliable demand area, suggesting that traders and investors are willing to step in whenever the metal experiences short-term declines. Sustaining above this support reinforces confidence in the upward trend.On the higher side, silver has room to advance toward the ₹2,00,000 mark, which stands as the next notable target. A breakout above intermediate resistance levels, combined with favorable global market cues—such as easing U.S. yields, persistent inflation concerns, or a softer dollar—can provide the necessary momentum for silver to continue its upward march. Increasing industrial demand, particularly from renewable energy and electronics sectors, may also lend additional support.Traders may adopt a “buy on dips” approach as long as silver stays above its key support, keeping risk managed and aligned with the prevailing trend. However, it is important to watch global economic indicators and volatility closely. A clear move above ₹2,00,000 could signal further bullish extension, while a drop below ₹1,84,500 would weaken the current positive outlook.MCX Silver Trading Strategy

(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)