Top News of the Day: From Tracks to Trade, a Day of High-Impact Decisions

From transformative rail infrastructure upgrades and policy-level reforms to textile export strategies and high-level diplomatic engagements in Europe, June 11, 2025, emerged as a high-powered day across India’s governance and economic agenda. Here's TICE daily round-up capturing the top five business & economy news driving change.

Top 5 News

Tatkal Ticket Booking Gets a Tech Upgrade: Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory from July 1

In a major step towards enhancing transparency in railway bookings, the Ministry of Railways has announced that Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets on IRCTC starting July 1, 2025. Further tightening kicks in from July 15, when OTP-based Aadhaar verification will be required for all Tatkal online bookings.

What’s Changing:

• IRCTC Users: Must link Aadhaar with their profiles for Tatkal booking.

• Agents & PRS Counters: OTP-based verification becomes mandatory.

• Agent Restrictions: No Tatkal bookings allowed in the first 30 minutes of opening—10–10:30 AM (AC), 11–11:30 AM (Non-AC).

Why it matters: These changes are designed to eliminate bulk bookings, prevent misuse, and ensure genuine passengers get fair access during high-demand windows.

Cabinet Clears ₹6,405 Cr Rail Projects Spanning 3 States

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Modi, approved two critical rail doubling projects worth ₹6,405 crore, adding 318 km of track across Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Approved Projects:

• Koderma–Barkakana (133 km): A coal belt corridor and fastest route between Patna and Ranchi.

• Ballari–Chikjajur (185 km): Supports freight and economic activity across Karnataka and Andhra.

Economic & Environmental Gains:

• Will accommodate 49 MTPA freight.

• Expected to cut CO₂ emissions by 264 crore kg.

• Generates 108 lakh man-days during construction.

• Improves rail access for over 1,400 villages with a population of 28 lakh+.

The projects are aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan, reinforcing India’s aim for multi-modal, green infrastructure.

India Ramps Up Textile Export Push with New Task Force

The Commerce Ministry held the first meeting of the newly formed Task Force on Textiles Exports, chaired by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal. The task force aims to create a unified platform to address sectoral bottlenecks and enhance India’s share in the global textile market.

Top Priorities Discussed:

• ESG upgrades in garment units.

• Renewable energy adoption.

• Simplified regulatory frameworks for MSMEs.

• E-commerce enablement, skill development, and branding.

• Certification & credit support for exporters.

The meeting concluded with the decision to form sub-task forces for actionable, ministry-led solutions, echoing India’s larger goal of building a globally competitive textile economy under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

India-Switzerland Ties Get a TEPA Boost: Piyush Goyal’s Strategic Diplomacy

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal concluded his visit to Switzerland, where he pushed forward the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) and invited Swiss industries to partner in India’s growth story.

Key Takeaways from Switzerland:

• High-level meetings focused on regulatory alignment, R&D, and skills development.

• TEPA positioned as a Trust and Efficiency Partnership.

• Swiss companies keen to leverage India’s market and global manufacturing potential.

• Quick investor grievance redressal demonstrated via Endress+Hauser case.

Now in Sweden: Goyal is co-chairing the 21st Indo-Swedish Joint Commission, meeting companies like Ericsson, IKEA, Volvo, SAAB, and engaging with diaspora and government officials to strengthen India’s position as a strategic economic partner.

PM Modi Approves Doubling of Two Crucial Railway Lines

In related news, the Cabinet also gave a nod to the doubling of two major rail routes—Koderma–Barkakana and Ballari–Chikjajur—underlining the strategic importance of these projects for tribal regions, industrial corridors, and logistics efficiency.

The Koderma–Barkakana stretch, in particular, serves as the shortest rail route between Patna and Ranchi and lies in one of India’s critical coal-rich belts. Both these upgrades are expected to significantly enhance passenger and freight services, reducing costs and easing congestion.

Today’s developments present a clear narrative: India is investing heavily in efficiency, transparency, and international collaboration. Be it through tech-led reforms in railways, infrastructure funding, export strategy, or diplomatic efforts, the country is moving swiftly towards becoming a more connected, competitive, and globally engaged economy.