India

New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) All retail outlets are operating normally with sufficient petrol and diesel stocks to meet national demand, according to the government, while a rapid rollout of PNG connections is currently underway across the country.

All refineries are operating at a high capacity with adequate crude inventories. While panic buying did occur in some areas due to rumours, the government has confirmed that all retail outlets are operating normally.

Moreover, the government is maintaining 100 per cent supply for domestic PNG and CNG transport. Supply to industrial and commercial consumers connected to the grid is being sustained at approximately 80 per cent of average consumption to ensure their economic continuity and India’s progress.

Meanwhile, the government has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026. This creates a streamlined, time-bound framework for nationwide pipeline expansion, aiming to accelerate PNG network growth and bypass land access delays.

A single-day record of 9,046 new PNG connections was achieved across over 110 geographical areas. To support this, entities like IGL and GAIL are offering new incentives, while the DDA in Delhi has permitted 24/7 pipeline laying and waived road restoration charges.

In the meantime, the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) has been advised to dispose of CGD applications within 10 days, while the PNGRB has directed that connections for residential schools, hostels, and community kitchens be prioritised and completed within five days.

The overall commercial LPG allocation to States/UTs has increased to 50 per cent. This additional supply is prioritised for essential sectors, including restaurants, dhabas, hotels, and 5kg FTL cylinders for migrant labourers.

The Centre has offered an additional 10 per cent allocation of commercial LPG to States and Union Territories, specifically linked to their progress in transitioning consumers from LPG to Piped Natural Gas (PNG).

Importantly, under the Essential Commodities Act, authorities conducted over 2,700 raids in a single day, seizing 2,000 cylinders. To date, more than 650 FIRs have been registered and 155 individuals arrested for malpractices.

To ease LPG demand, an additional 48,000 KL of kerosene has been allocated to the States. Furthermore, the Union Ministry of Coal has ordered increased allotments to small and medium consumers to provide alternative energy options.

Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme beyond March 31, 2026, for a period of five years with a budget outlay of Rs 1,800 crore.

Also, a hundred new airports will be developed in challenge mode at an average cost of Rs 100 crore per airport and 200 modern helipads will be developed under the Modified UDAN scheme.

--IANS

na/dpb

Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) Global oil prices jumped to cross $100 per barrel on Thursday after Iran said it was not engaged in direct negotiations with the US to end the war.

Brent crude futures rose 1.21 per cent to $103.46 per barrel while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude jumped 1.35 per cent to $91.54 per barrel, as Middle East tensions continued to escalate.

According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, exchanges between Tehran and Washington through intermediaries should not be interpreted as negotiations. Tehran was also likely to reject a US-backed ceasefire proposal.

Earlier, international crude oil prices witnessed a sharp decline on Wednesday amid growing hopes of a ceasefire in the West Asia region.

According to experts, the recent correction in crude prices could offer some relief to India’s macroeconomic indicators, including inflation and the Current Account Deficit (CAD), even as technical indicators suggest key support levels are being tested.

For India, every $10 per barrel movement in crude typically impacts the CAD by 0.3–0.5 percentage points of the GDP and raises CPI inflation by 20–30 basis points, depending on pass-through.

Meanwhile, Iran has announced that it will not impose restrictions on vessels belonging to five "friendly" countries, including India, allowing them to pass through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz even as access remains limited for others.

Along with India, ships from Russia, China, Pakistan and Iraq have been granted safe passage through the key maritime chokepoint despite the ongoing conflict in the region.

At the same time, he indicated that vessels linked to countries seen as adversaries or those involved in the ongoing conflict would not be allowed passage. He said ships from the United States, Israel and certain Gulf nations playing a role in the current crisis would not be given clearance to transit through the strait.

—IANS

na/

Washington, March 26 (IANS) A group of US senators have urged federal regulators to act against illegal online sales of abortion pills, flagging links to overseas supply chains, including India.

In a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Martin Makary on Wednesday, the lawmakers called for “immediate action” to stop “misbranded and unapproved versions of the chemical abortion drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol” entering the US market.

They said the “illegal sale of these drugs harms women and undermines the FDA’s core mission to protect American consumers.”

The senators warned that easy online access without medical supervision “poses serious risks to women’s health and increases the risk of forced and coerced abortions.”

The letter draws attention to global supply chains. It said drugs sold by foreign websites “often come from a variety of manufacturers in India.”

Lawmakers said the scale of the online market is growing fast. One provider sent 43,259 packages to 30 US states in a year. Another estimate said “as many as 1,00,000 packages” were shipped into the US in 2023.

The senators identified four main channels. These include US-based telehealth clinics, foreign clinics, informal networks, and online pharmacies. Many, they said, operate without prescriptions or proper oversight.

They said some websites falsely claim to sell “FDA-approved” drugs. In reality, they ship unapproved versions from overseas manufacturers.

The letter also raised safety concerns. Some platforms advise users not to tell doctors they took the drugs.

The lawmakers urged the FDA to step up enforcement. They called for warning letters, action against website domains, and stronger coordination with customs and postal authorities to intercept shipments.

They also asked for criminal investigations. The letter cited a 2020 case where a US resident was prosecuted for selling abortion pills sourced from India without prescriptions.

The senators said the FDA must “fully leverage its authorities” and prioritise the issue.

The letter was led by Senator Bill Cassidy. It was signed by Senators Steve Daines, James Lankford, Cindy Hyde-Smith, and Lindsey Graham.

They have asked the FDA to respond with details of enforcement steps by April 8.

Medication abortion is widely used in the US. It typically involves mifepristone followed by misoprostol under regulated conditions.

--IANS

lkj/dpb

Chennai, March 26 (IANS) Dr S. Ramadoss is set to announce the launch of a new political outfit on Thursday, marking a decisive split within the PMK, even as the rift with his son Anbumani Ramadoss deepens ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The announcement, expected later in the day at Thailapuram Estate in Tindivanam, is likely to formalise a long-simmering leadership conflict that has now erupted into a full-fledged political division. Party insiders say the move comes after weeks of mounting tension, public disagreements, and organisational uncertainty within the PMK.

The crisis escalated after the Election Commission recognised Anbumani Ramadoss as the legitimate leader of the party, granting him control over the PMK name and its widely recognised “mango” symbol. Dr Ramadoss challenged the decision in court, hoping to retain authority over the party he founded.

However, the court’s ruling went against him, dealing a significant setback and accelerating his decision to establish a separate political platform.

With the legal route exhausted, Dr Ramadoss is now preparing to test his political strength independently. The veteran leader has already aligned with a new formation backed by V.K. Sasikala, under the banner of the All India Revolutionary Leader Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, to contest the upcoming Assembly elections.

Meanwhile, Anbumani Ramadoss has moved swiftly to consolidate his position within the PMK. His faction has aligned with the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and secured 18 seats as part of the alliance arrangement, positioning him as the official face of the party in the upcoming electoral battle.

The developments have triggered confusion and concern among PMK cadres across Tamil Nadu, with many grassroots workers uncertain about which faction to support.

The split is expected to have a direct impact on the party’s traditional vote base, particularly in northern districts where the PMK has historically held influence.

Efforts are already underway to register the new party with the Election Commission of India.

Mukilan, son of PMK General Secretary Anbazhagan, has reportedly applied for the name “Ayya Pasarai Makkal Katchi”, which is expected to be abbreviated as “Ayya PMK.” Dr Ramadoss’s formal announcement later in the day is likely to mark a crucial turning point in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape ahead of the Assembly elections.

--IANS

aal/dpb

Amaravati, March 26 (IANS) In a horrific accident, at least 14 people were burnt alive, and 15 others were injured as a private travel bus caught fire after colliding with a tipper truck in Andhra Pradesh’s Markapuram district on Thursday, police said.

The accident occurred near Rayavaram around 6.30 a.m. when the bus collided with a tipper truck near a stone quarry. Both vehicles were completely gutted in the fire.

There were 35 passengers in the bus belonging to Harikrishna Travels at the time of the collision. Fifteen passengers were injured. They were shifted to the government hospital at Markapuram.

The death toll is likely to go up as the condition of some of the injured is stated to be critical.

The deceased and injured include women and children. Ten passengers had managed to get off the bus immediately after the fire broke out.

The bus was coming to Pamuru in Prakasam district from Hyderabad. The victims were residents of Kanigiri and Pamuru. The tipper was heading to Markapuram from Chimakurthy with a concrete load.

On receipt of information, police and firefighting personnel rushed to the spot and launched rescue and relief. Three fire engines were pressed into service to douse the flames.

Markapuram MLA K. Narayana Reddy, along with senior officials, visited the spot and supervised relief operations.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed shock over the bus accident. He spoke to officials and enquired about the mishap. He directed district authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.

The Chief Minister directed officials to conduct a thorough probe into the accident and submit a report.

Transport Minister Manipalli Ramprasad Reddy also expressed grief over the mishap. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

The minister directed officials to ensure the best treatment of the injured.

Minister for Human Resources Development and Information Technology Nara Lokesh also expressed shock over the loss of lives in the bus disaster. He assured the families of the victims that the government will render all possible assistance.

--IANS

ms/dpb

New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended heartfelt greetings to the countrymen on the occasion of the eighth day of Chaitra Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Millions of salutations at the feet of Mother Mahagauri! May her divine aura bring happiness, prosperity, and good health into everyone's life."

Mahagauri is the eighth incarnation of Goddess Durga, honoured on Maha Ashtami during Navratri, representing purity, tranquillity, and elegance. Renowned for her bright white skin and glowing beauty, she rides a bull and is thought to cleanse sins while providing peace, wealth, and serenity to her followers.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended greetings on the auspicious occasion.

"The worship of Mother Mahagauri, the eighth form of the primordial power Adi Shakti, Mother Durga, illuminates the devotee's life with purity, self-restraint, and strength," he posted on X.

"May the grace of the Mother fulfil the devotees' aspirations, and may their lives be filled with happiness, peace, prosperity, and renewed energy—this is the prayer. Jai Maa Mahagauri!" CM Yogi added.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, extending heartfelt greetings to the countrymen on the sacred festival of Mahashtami, said, "On this special occasion of the worship of Shakti, countless salutations at the feet of the compassionate Mother Mahagauri."

"This form of the Mother, who attained divine fair complexion through severe penance, dispels the darkness within our hearts and infuses our lives with purity and simplicity. The boundless radiance of the Mother inspires us to be free from hatred and serve humanity with selfless devotion," she posted on X.

"May the divine grace of Mother Mahagauri bring happiness, unbroken prosperity, and auspicious energy to every family in Delhi," CM Gupta added.

Across the country, temples and households witnessed special pujas, devotional music, and rituals as devotees offered prayers to Mahagauri, seeking spiritual blessings, strength, and divine protection.

--IANS

sd/

Chennai, March 26 (IANS) Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, Thursday marks the final opportunity for eligible citizens in Tamil Nadu to have their names included in the electoral roll.

The Election Commission has urged all unregistered voters to utilise this last chance and ensure their participation in the democratic process.

The state is set to go to the polls in a single phase, with a total electorate of approximately 5.67 crore voters.

In the run-up to the elections, officials have been consistently appealing to citizens to verify whether their names are present in the voter list to avoid any inconvenience on polling day.

According to the Election Commission, March 26 has been fixed as the last date for submitting applications for inclusion of names in the electoral roll. Those who find their names missing can apply by submitting Form 6 either directly to the concerned Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or through the official online portal.

Election authorities revealed that more than three lakh applications have already been received during this revision period, indicating a steady response from the public.

The ongoing enrolment drive is part of efforts to ensure maximum voter participation and an inclusive electoral process.

Officials stressed that verifying one’s name in the voter list is as important as casting a vote itself. They also cautioned that failure to register within the stipulated deadline would mean missing out on voting in the upcoming Assembly elections, as no further extension is likely to be granted.

Special arrangements have been put in place to facilitate easy registration, including digital platforms and local-level assistance through electoral officers.

Citizens have been encouraged to make use of these facilities and complete the process without delay.

With just hours left before the deadline closes, the Election Commission has once again appealed to all eligible voters, especially first-time voters and those who recently shifted residences, to act promptly.

Ensuring one’s name in the electoral roll remains a crucial step in exercising the right to vote in one of the most significant democratic exercises in the state.

--IANS

aal/dpb

Chennai, March 26 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a rise in temperatures across Tamil Nadu over the next three days, signalling the onset of warmer conditions in several parts of the state.

According to the latest weather bulletin, the maximum temperature is expected to increase by 2 degrees Celsius to 4 degrees starting Friday, potentially leading to hotter daytime conditions.

The IMD stated that dry weather is likely to prevail today across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. No significant change in maximum temperatures is expected during the day, indicating relatively stable conditions before the anticipated rise begins.

In Chennai, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy, offering limited respite from the heat. The maximum temperature in the city is likely to hover between 33 and 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to range between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels may also contribute to discomfort, especially during the afternoon hours.

Meteorologists have indicated that the gradual increase in temperatures from Friday could be attributed to prevailing dry winds and clear sky conditions, which typically lead to enhanced solar heating. Interior districts of Tamil Nadu are likely to experience a more pronounced rise in temperature compared to coastal areas.

While the weather is expected to remain stable overall, residents are advised to take necessary precautions, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours, and wearing light, breathable clothing.

Despite the expected rise in temperatures, the IMD has not issued any specific warnings for fishermen along the Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal coasts. Sea conditions are expected to remain normal, allowing routine fishing activities to continue without disruption.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further updates will be issued if conditions intensify.

Meanwhile, health officials have urged the public to remain cautious as the state transitions into a hotter phase, particularly with the approaching summer season.

--IANS

aal/dpb

Ayodhya, March 26 (IANS) Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh is scheduled to visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya on Thursday, marking his first trip to the temple town since the foundation stone laying ceremony of the shrine.

According to his itinerary, Singh will arrive at Ayodhya airport at around 9:40 a.m., following which he will offer prayers at prominent religious sites, including Hanumangarhi, the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, and Kanak Bhawan.

The visit has triggered a fresh round of political exchanges between the BJP and the Congress, with leaders from both sides engaging in sharp remarks over the timing and intent of the trip.

The BJP has criticised Singh, stating that the Congress leadership had been invited to the Ram Temple consecration ceremony earlier, but he had chosen not to attend.

BJP MLA from Bhopal Rameshwar Sharma, who often targets Digvijaya Singh on Lord Ram, took a jibe at the former CM. ​

He said, “I would request him during his visit to the Ram temple to please pay homage to the martyrs who faced bullets in 1992.”​

Speaking to the media, Sharma added that had the country’s political leadership grasped this reality sooner, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya would have been built many years ago.​

He further said, “As you offer your prayers today to the very Ram Lalla whom your party once dismissed as a mythical figure, acknowledge and accept that Ram Lalla is not a figment of imagination, but a living reality.”​

Responding to the criticism, Congress leaders defended Singh’s position and dismissed the remarks as politically motivated. Party spokesperson Jitendra Mishra said that Singh’s faith should not be questioned, noting his contribution towards the temple’s construction.

"There’s no need to provide proof of Digvijay Singh's adherence to Sanatan traditions. BJP leaders should explain what they have done for the public," Mishra said.

In 2021, Digvijaya Singh donated Rs 1,11,111 for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He had sent the cheque in favour of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.​

He had also stated that he would visit to offer prayers once the temple was fully completed. ​Meanwhile, Hanuman Garhi Temple priest Mahant Raju Das said that the very people who used to call Lord Ram "imaginary" are now visiting the temple.

Speaking to IANS, Das said, ''People used to say there was no change, no change, PM Modi did nothing. But in reality, PM Modi has transformed everyone’s hearts... Who is at the feet of Ramji? Digvijay Singh. Who is taking refuge in Lord Ram? The very people who once called Ram imaginary.''

--IANS

sd/

New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) A minor boy was brutally stabbed to death late at night in Delhi's Dayalpur area, triggering fear and tension across the locality, officials said on Thursday.

The incident took place in Lane Number 13 under the jurisdiction of Dayalpur Police Station in northeast Delhi.

The injured victim was rushed to Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital in Shastri Park, where doctors declared him dead on arrival, according to the Delhi Police.

According to local residents, the incident took place late at night when two to three assailants allegedly attacked the minor, inflicting multiple stab injuries before fleeing the scene. Police were immediately alerted following the attack.

Officials said that by the time the victim was taken to the hospital, his condition was critical, and he could not be saved.

A team from the Delhi Police reached the spot soon after receiving information and initiated an investigation. A Forensic Science Laboratory team was also called in to examine the crime scene and collect vital evidence.

Police said efforts are currently underway to establish the identity of the deceased, while CCTV footage from nearby areas is being scanned to identify and trace the accused persons involved in the crime.

The body has been taken into custody and sent to the mortuary at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Authorities have registered a case of murder in connection with the incident, and a manhunt has been launched to apprehend those responsible. Investigators are also working to ascertain the motive behind the killing.

The incident comes close on the heels of another fatal stabbing reported on March 24 in northeast Delhi’s Bhajanpura area, where an 18-year-old youth lost his life.

In that case, the victim, identified as Mohammad Asif, a resident of Subhash Mohalla, was attacked near a temple in the locality. By the time police reached the scene, he had already been taken to Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital by his family members, where he later succumbed to his injuries during treatment, officials had said.

--IANS

sd/