MUMBAI: Buying new cars is set to become even more expensive, with the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Tax or road tax being raised for both petrol and diesel vehicles from May 1. Moreover, owners will also have to shell out more for petrol and diesel, the prices of which are likely to go up. The development, car manufacturers believe, could hit demand to some extent.

Vehicles criss-crossing Delhi to reach destinations in other States are adding to pollution as well as congestion in the capital, the Delhi Chief Minister, Ms Sheila Dixit, has said.

Addressing a seminar on ‘Air Pollution Control Strategies' on Tuesday, Ms Dixit said electronic display boards flashing information on air pollution should be placed at various locations in the city, including her own residence to spread awareness about its rising hazards.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday announced that India has issued a notification reducing the Sensitive List for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to 25 tariff lines over the earlier 480, under the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA).
Zero basic customs duty access will be given for all items removed with immediate effect, said Singh in his statement at the inaugural session of the 17th SAARC Summit here.

Transport experts and motorists have reacted strongly to the Sunder Committee recommendations making proof of parking mandatory before registration of vehicles.
The Sunder Committee was formed to review the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

While car owners opposed the proposed norm vigorously, Regional Transport Officials and transport analysts say it is an idea whose time has come.