The Government of Sikkim has set up a centralized State Control Room in Gangtok, along with district-level control rooms across all six districts, to monitor and manage LPG distribution. This step comes amid concerns over supply disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict. According to the Food & Civil Supplies Department, the control rooms will operate 24/7 to ensure smooth supply, prevent black marketing, and address public complaints. A regulated refill schedule has been introduced, with domestic LPG refills available every 25 days in urban areas and every 45 days in rural regions. Priority for commercial LPG will be given to essential services, including hospitals and educational institutions. Authorities have also instructed strict enforcement of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and require daily reporting from district units to the State Control Room.

Oil companies such as IOCL, HPCL, and BPCL will coordinate with the government to maintain uninterrupted supply. Officials have assured swift action against malpractices, emphasizing that these measures will remain in effect until further notice. At the central level, the government is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary preparedness and response measures to ensure stability in critical sectors. Efforts focus on maintaining energy supplies, safeguarding maritime operations, and supporting Indian nationals in the region. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas provided an update on these measures on March 29, 2026.

With the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a key global oil shipping route—proactive steps are being taken to secure uninterrupted petroleum and LPG availability. All refineries are operating at high capacity, with adequate crude stocks. Domestic LPG production has been increased, and sufficient petrol and diesel reserves are being maintained.

City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies, including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas, and BPCL, are offering incentives for domestic and commercial PNG connections. The government has urged States, Union Territories, and Central Ministries to expedite approvals for CGD network expansion. States that facilitate a transition from LPG to PNG can receive an additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG, with multiple States already applying for such support. Two LPG carriers, BW TYR and BW ELM, carrying a total of about 94,000 MT of LPG, have safely transited and are en route to India.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Friday emphasized that meaningful dialogue is central to a healthy democracy, stating that discussion, debate, and even dissent should contribute to the national interest rather than cause disruption. He made these remarks while serving as Chief Guest at the 20th Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards held in New Delhi.

He noted that the exchange of ideas, questioning of assumptions, and respectful acceptance of differing opinions are essential for refining policies and ensuring decisions gain legitimacy. According to him, such engagement should ultimately guide decision-making in the nation’s interest, not lead to instability.

Paying homage to publisher Ramnath Goenka, the Vice-President recalled the historic moment during the Emergency when The Indian Express carried a blank editorial as a mark of press freedom and courage. He said the awards, now in their 20th year, celebrate Goenka’s legacy of fearless journalism.

Radhakrishnan also spoke about the achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, highlighting that lifting 25 crore people out of poverty stands out as a major milestone. He stressed the need for inclusive development and referred to the Prime Minister’s call at last year’s Ramnath Goenka Memorial Lecture to move beyond colonial-era mindsets, noting that this remains a continuing challenge. The awards were presented by the Vice-President in the presence of Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

Express Group Chairman Viveck Goenka spoke about the changing nature of journalism, stating that future journalists must combine technical expertise with strong human insight. He emphasized the importance of reaching audiences across platforms while staying committed to journalism’s core purpose—informing citizens rather than taking sides.

Chief Editor of The Indian Express, Raj Kamal Jha, highlighted that true journalism is about uncovering stories that may be hidden or uncomfortable, particularly those that people in power may not want revealed. He added that trust is built not by telling audiences what they wish to hear, but by presenting the truth. The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Lok Sabha MPs Anil Manish Tewari, Anil Baluni, and Rajeev Kumar Rai; Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Shukla; BJP leader Rajendra Agarwal; CPI General Secretary D. Raja; lawyer and politician Ashwani Kumar; and Mongolian Ambassador Ganbold Dambajav.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

The Delhi government has cancelled a ₹6.2 crore tender for the procurement of two luxury boats intended for VIP and VVIP use, and has suspended two senior officials associated with the process. The development was reported by Hindustan Times, citing minister Parvesh Verma. Verma, who heads the Irrigation and Flood Control Department in the national capital, stated that an investigation has been initiated to examine how the tender was issued and whether proper procedures were followed. He also emphasized that future procurement of boats would be strictly limited to essential departmental functions such as surveillance, pollution monitoring, and other operational needs.

As per the report, the tender proposed the purchase of two high-end boats, each capable of accommodating 16 to 20 passengers. The vessels were to feature several luxury amenities, including rooftop cassette-style marine air conditioners, customized business-class push-back seats made of vegan leather with fine stitching, and a dedicated pantry for food service.

The design included an open rear deck meant for VIP public appearances, equipped with sofa-style seating for a small group. The tender also called for a premium aesthetic, incorporating concealed LED and ambient lighting to enhance the overall experience. The bidding process was initially scheduled to close on March 18 but was later extended to March 27 before the tender was ultimately scrapped. Opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, criticized the BJP-led government, alleging misuse of public funds and accusing it of focusing on luxury expenditures instead of addressing pressing public concerns.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

On Thursday, the Petroleum Ministry assured that India’s energy supply remains stable and secure, with no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG anywhere in the country. It stated that all retail outlets are functioning normally and have sufficient stock. The Ministry dismissed reports of shortages as misinformation and urged citizens to rely only on official updates while avoiding rumors and panic buying. It reiterated its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted energy access for all.

A day earlier, the Ministry highlighted that the government is prioritizing Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and confirmed that petrol and diesel are available in adequate quantities, with no change in fuel prices. During an inter-ministerial briefing, Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma emphasized that efforts are underway to ensure full domestic PNG supply, supported by a streamlined and time-bound framework for expanding pipeline infrastructure across the country.

Addressing concerns about possible fuel shortages due to the West Asia conflict, she urged the public not to believe rumors or engage in panic buying. Sharma noted that refineries are operating at optimal capacity, with the ability to process 26 crore tonnes of crude oil annually. She acknowledged recent queues at petrol pumps caused by panic buying but reassured that there is no shortage at retail outlets or supply terminals. She also confirmed that both PNG and CNG supplies are being provided fully to consumers.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

This week, as the repercussions of the US-Israel conflict with Iran continue, Australians are feeling the pinch from a worsening fuel crisis. At the same time, the Liberal Party faces a critical moment as voters increasingly shift toward One Nation. In this edition of the Guardian’s Australian Politics podcast, political editor Tom McIlroy talks with Andrew Hastie, shadow minister for industry and sovereign capability, about Australia’s approach to the global fuel shock, the need for reindustrialisation, and his perspective on how the Liberal Party should respond to the rise of One Nation.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

In spring 2003, the initial euphoria over Saddam Hussein’s fall quickly turned into deadly chaos across Iraq. Guardian reporters, whether working independently or embedded with military units, witnessed the violence and disorder firsthand, documenting the rapid shift from jubilation to conflict, looting, and unrest that marked the early days following the invasion and the collapse of Saddam’s regime.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Our system of mental health diagnosis and labeling has provided clear benefits, helping people access treatment and understand their conditions. However, as a practicing doctor, I am concerned that overdiagnosis and excessive labeling may be causing more harm than good, potentially stigmatizing patients and oversimplifying complex mental health experiences.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Under President Lee Jae Myung’s guidance, investor confidence in South Korea has surged, fueled by ambitious reforms—from proposed corporate governance improvements and regulatory adjustments to efforts aimed at revitalizing the stock market. His pro-market policies have shifted sentiment positively, attracting both domestic and international investors and pushing the Kospi to new highs. But is this surge sustainable, or merely a short-term spike? Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji explore the outlook with Betty Wang, Head of Northeast Asia Research at Oxford Economics.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.