With the beginning of the new year, many important developments have taken place in India. News like BSNL’s preparation for 5G launch, change in LPG cylinder prices, fluctuations in gold prices, stability in petrol prices and expansion of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) are in the headlines. All these events will have a deep impact on the country’s economy and the general public.
In this article we will tell you in detail about the 100 most important news of January 4, 2025. We will pay special attention to BSNL’s 5G launch, new prices of LPG, gold-silver prices, petrol-diesel prices and extension of PMGKAY. Besides, we will also discuss the new rules coming in the telecom sector and their impact.
Petrol-Diesel Prices: Know the rate of your city
There has been no change in the prices of petrol and diesel on January 4, 2025. Prices have been stable for the last few months.
Petrol prices (per litre):
| City | price |
| Delhi | ₹94.77 |
| Mumbai | ₹106.31 |
| Kolkata | ₹103.94 |
| Chennai | ₹101.40 |
Diesel prices (per litre):
| City | price |
| Delhi | ₹87.66 |
| Mumbai | ₹94.27 |
| Kolkata | ₹90.80 |
| Chennai | ₹92.58 |
- Petrol and diesel prices have been stable for the last 6 months
- Stability in prices has brought relief to the general public and traders.
- The government has said that despite fluctuations in crude oil prices in the international market, domestic prices have been kept stable.
BSNL 5G launch: India’s digital future
BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) has announced the launch of its 5G services. This step is a big step towards strengthening India’s digital infrastructure.
Highlights of BSNL 5G launch:
| Description | Information |
| launch date | June 2025 |
| starting city | 75 major cities of the country |
| network coverage | 1 lakh 4G sites, which will later be upgraded to 5G |
| technology partner | TCS, C-DOT |
| spectrum band | 3.5 GHz and 700 MHz |
| special services | Direct-to-Device Connectivity, Disaster Relief Network |
- BSNL 5G services will be launched in June 2025
- Initially the service will be available in 75 major cities of the country.
- The company will set up 1 lakh 4G sites, which will later be upgraded to 5G.
- TCS and C-DOT are technology partners of BSNL
- 3.5 GHz and 700 MHz spectrum bands will be used
- Special services like direct-to-device connectivity and disaster relief network will also be provided
BSNL’s 5G launch will begin a new chapter in India’s telecom sector. This will not only increase internet speed but will also revolutionize areas like IoT, AI and smart cities.
New prices of LPG cylinder: impact on household budget
There has been a change in the prices of LPG cylinders from January 4, 2025. This change will be applicable to both domestic and commercial cylinders.
New prices of domestic LPG cylinder (14.2 kg):
| City | new price |
| Delhi | ₹803.00 |
| Mumbai | ₹802.50 |
| Kolkata | ₹829.00 |
| Chennai | ₹818.50 |
- There has been no change in the prices of domestic LPG cylinders.
- Up to 12 cylinders per family are available at subsidized rates
- Market price will have to be paid for extra cylinder
New prices of commercial LPG cylinder (19 kg):
| City | new price |
| Delhi | ₹1,804.00 |
| Mumbai | ₹1,756.00 |
| Kolkata | ₹1,911.00 |
| Chennai | ₹1,966.00 |
- Commercial LPG cylinder prices have been reduced by ₹14.50
- This reduction has brought relief to restaurants, hotels and other commercial consumers
This change in LPG prices is based on the crude oil prices in the international market and the rupee-dollar exchange rate.
Gold and silver prices: good news for investors
On January 4, 2025, fluctuations were seen in the prices of gold and silver. This change is important for investors and jewelery buyers.
New gold prices (per 10 grams):
| carat | new price |
| 24 carat | ₹78,860 |
| 22 carat | ₹72,300 |
| 18 carat | ₹59,160 |
- The price of 24 carat gold has fallen by ₹490 per 10 grams.
- The price of 22 carat gold has decreased by ₹450 per 10 grams.
- The price of 18 carat gold has fallen by ₹370 per 10 grams.
New prices of silver:
- Silver price stable at ₹91,500 per kg
- Silver price has fallen by ₹1,000 per kg since last day
This change in gold and silver prices is based on the global market situation, the strength of the rupee against the dollar and local demand.
Expansion of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
The government has extended the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for the next 5 years. This decision has brought great relief to the poor and needy people.
Highlights of PMGKAY Extension:
| Description | Information |
| extension period | 5 years (2025-2030) |
| beneficiary | more than 80 crores |
| free ration | 5 kg per person per month |
| budget allocation | ₹2 lakh crore |
- The scheme has been extended from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2030
- More than 80 crore people will get the benefit of this scheme
- Each beneficiary will be given 5 kg free ration per month
- The government has allocated a budget of ₹2 lakh crore for this expansion.
- Wheat, rice and coarse grains will be distributed under the scheme
Extension of PMGKAY will provide food security to poor families and improve their nutritional level.
New rules in telecom sector: Customers will get better service
Some new rules have come into effect in the telecom sector from January 1, 2025. These rules will affect customers of companies like Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL.
Highlights of the new telecom rules:
- Promote rapid development of 5G infrastructure
- improving network quality
- improve customer service
- Strengthening data security and privacy
- To promote healthy competition among telecom companies
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Although we have attempted to provide accurate and up-to-date information, prices, policies and plans are subject to change. Please verify with relevant authorities or companies before taking any decision. The author or publisher will not be responsible for any loss or damage caused by the use of this information.
