Govt Cuts Ujjwala Subsidised LPG Quota to Four Cylinders a Year

New Delhi, June 9: The Central Government has reduced the annual quota of subsidised LPG cylinders available to beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) from nine to four, citing consumption patterns and rising subsidy burdens amid increasing global energy prices.

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The decision, announced by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, is aimed at aligning subsidy support with the average annual LPG consumption of Ujjwala households. Officials said the revised entitlement reflects the actual usage trends of beneficiaries across the country.

Launched in 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana provides deposit-free LPG connections to women from economically weaker households, promoting the adoption of clean cooking fuel and reducing dependence on traditional sources such as firewood and coal.

Addressing a press briefing, Petroleum Ministry Additional Secretary Praveen Mal Khanooja stated that the government continues to provide substantial support to PMUY beneficiaries despite the reduction in the subsidised quota. Beneficiaries currently receive a subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2-kg cylinder, which is directly transferred to their bank accounts after each refill.

The move comes amid a sharp rise in LPG prices. The retail price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi has increased by ₹89 over the past three months, reaching ₹942 following the latest revision on June 7. After accounting for the subsidy, Ujjwala beneficiaries pay ₹642 per cylinder.

Officials attributed the increase in LPG prices to a surge in international fuel costs driven by geopolitical tensions in West Asia. India’s LPG import prices are linked to the Saudi Contract Price (CP), the global benchmark for LPG, which has reportedly risen significantly in recent months due to supply disruptions in the Gulf region.

According to the ministry, the cost of supplying a domestic LPG cylinder has now exceeded ₹1,600, while oil marketing companies continue to incur substantial losses on the sale of LPG, petrol, and diesel. The government stated that it has provided over ₹52,000 crore in LPG subsidies since 2022 to shield consumers from steep global price increases.

While the government maintains that the revised subsidy structure is based on average consumption levels, the decision is expected to impact millions of low-income households that rely on subsidised cooking gas. Consumer groups and social welfare advocates have urged authorities to closely monitor the effects of the reduction on vulnerable families and ensure continued access to affordable clean cooking fuel.

The latest policy change marks a significant shift in the implementation of the flagship welfare scheme, which has benefited millions of women across India by improving access to cleaner and safer energy for household cooking.

AB de Villiers Caps Off Sneaker LAB’s Golden Wipe Campaign with an Exclusive Meet & Greet Experience

June 9 : Sneaker LAB, a South Africa-born brand redefining sneaker care through science-led and sustainable solutions, recently hosted an exclusive meet & greet experience with cricketing icon AB de Villiers for the winners of its Golden Wipe campaign in India. Designed as the culmination of the brand’s highly engaging consumer campaign launched last year, the experience brought together passionate sneaker enthusiasts and cricket fans through a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet one of the sport’s most loved personalities up close.

Created to reward and celebrate the brand’s growing community in India, the Golden Wipe campaign invited consumers to discover hidden Golden Wipes placed inside select Sneaker Wipe packs across the country. Winners were awarded an exclusive opportunity to meet AB de Villiers in person through a specially curated experience that included intimate interactions, photo moments, and conversations with the cricketing legend, creating a memorable experience that went far beyond traditional consumer engagement.

The event also marked a milestone in Sneaker LAB’s ongoing association with AB de Villiers, which began in May last year when the cricketing legend came on board as the brand’s partner for India. Throughout the collaboration, AB de Villiers played a key role in amplifying the brand’s visibility and helping it connect with India’s growing sneaker and lifestyle community through a series of culture-led initiatives and consumer experiences.

Speaking about the campaign closure, Jo Farah, Founder of Sneaker LAB, said,

“Our goal from the outset was to create a campaign that resonated with consumers in India while reflecting the values of our brand. Partnering with AB de Villiers helped us bring that vision to life. This exclusive meet & greet was a fitting conclusion to the campaign and a celebration of the strong connection we have built with our community throughout this journey.”

Sharing his thoughts on the experience, AB de Villiers said,

“What stood out to me most about this campaign was how genuinely community-focused it felt. Sneaker LAB created something that gave fans a real opportunity to be part of the brand journey in a personal and memorable way. Meeting the winners, hearing their stories, and experiencing their excitement firsthand made this incredibly special for me as well.”

Founded in Cape Town and now present in over 65 countries, Sneaker LAB combines biotechnology-powered innovation with a commitment to sustainability, helping consumers care for and extend the life of their favourite garments and footwear. The Golden Wipe campaign reflects the brand’s broader vision of building meaningful connections through culture-led initiatives that go beyond product, reinforcing its commitment to India’s growing sneaker, performance, and lifestyle communities. While the brand continues to operate as Sneaker LAB in India, it has recently unveiled its global evolution to The Lab – a refreshed identity that reflects its expanded vision and category ambitions.

With the new product range expected to arrive in India later this year, consumers can look forward to experiencing the next chapter of the brand’s journey in the months ahead.

Maoist Arms and Explosives Seized in Joint Night Operation in Malkangiri

Malkangiri, June 9 (UDN): Security forces achieved a major breakthrough in anti-Maoist operations after recovering a cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives during a joint night operation in the Maoist-affected areas of Malkangiri district.

The operation was carried out jointly by personnel of the District Voluntary Force (DVF), Special Operations Group (SOG), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) based on specific intelligence inputs regarding Maoist movement and the presence of hidden arms dumps in the region.

During the search operation conducted in a forested area, security personnel unearthed a substantial quantity of explosives, ammunition, and other materials believed to have been stocked by Maoist cadres for future attacks. The recovered items were safely seized and secured by the forces.

Officials said the successful operation has dealt a significant blow to Maoist activities in the area and could help prevent potential attacks targeting security personnel and public infrastructure. The seizure is expected to weaken the operational capabilities of the insurgents in the region.

No exchange of fire or casualties were reported during the operation. Security forces have intensified combing and search operations in the surrounding areas to track down Maoist cadres and uncover additional hidden caches.

Senior police officials praised the coordinated efforts of the security forces and reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the district. They also appealed to local residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing information related to extremist activities.

Malkangiri, one of Odisha’s most sensitive Maoist-affected districts, has witnessed intensified anti-insurgency operations in recent years, leading to significant gains in curbing extremist influence and strengthening development initiatives in remote areas.

President Droupadi Murmu Presents Gallantry Awards at Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026

New Delhi, June 9 (BNP): President of India, Droupadi Murmu, conferred Gallantry Awards upon personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and State and Union Territory Police during the Defence Investiture Ceremony-2026 (Phase-I) held at the historic Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The prestigious ceremony recognized exceptional acts of courage, devotion to duty, and selfless service displayed by security personnel in the face of extraordinary challenges. The awards were presented to officers and personnel who demonstrated remarkable bravery during counter-terrorism operations, anti-insurgency missions, rescue efforts, and other high-risk assignments carried out in the service of the nation.

Addressing the gathering, the President commended the awardees for their unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and dedication to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, security, and integrity. She noted that their courage and professionalism serve as an inspiration to the nation and future generations.

The Defence Investiture Ceremony is one of the highest recognitions bestowed upon members of India’s defence and security forces for acts of conspicuous bravery and distinguished service. The event was attended by senior military officials, government dignitaries, family members of the award recipients, and other distinguished guests.

Several awards were also conferred posthumously, honouring personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while performing their duties. Family members of the deceased recipients received the awards on their behalf amid emotional and solemn moments during the ceremony.

The event highlighted the nation’s deep respect and gratitude for the brave men and women who continue to serve with courage and dedication, often at great personal risk, to ensure the safety and security of the country.

PM Narendra Modi Set to Become India’s Longest-Serving Prime Minister

New Delhi, June 9 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to achieve a historic milestone on June 10 by surpassing the tenure record of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, becoming the country’s longest-serving Prime Minister.

Having first assumed office on May 26, 2014, Modi has completed more than 12 years in office and is poised to overtake Nehru’s uninterrupted tenure as Prime Minister. The milestone marks a significant chapter in India’s political history and reflects Modi’s sustained electoral success and leadership over the past decade.

Under Modi’s leadership, the country has witnessed several major initiatives and reforms across sectors including infrastructure, digital governance, financial inclusion, manufacturing, welfare delivery, defence, and foreign policy. His tenure has also been marked by the implementation of large-scale programmes aimed at economic growth, social welfare, and technological advancement.

The achievement comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a third consecutive term at the Centre, enabling Modi to continue as Prime Minister and extend his record-breaking tenure.

Political observers view the milestone as a rare achievement in Indian democracy, highlighting both leadership continuity and electoral endurance in the world’s largest democracy.

As Prime Minister Modi enters this new phase of his tenure, attention is expected to remain focused on the government’s development agenda, economic priorities, and long-term vision for India’s growth and global standing.

The milestone is being seen as a significant moment in the nation’s political journey, underscoring Modi’s place among the most influential leaders in independent India’s history.

Indian Railways to Launch AI-Powered Waiting List Prediction System from August

New Delhi, June 9: In a significant step towards modernising passenger services, Indian Railways is set to introduce an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered waiting list prediction system from August, enabling passengers to receive more accurate estimates of ticket confirmation chances.

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The new technology will use advanced machine learning algorithms and data analytics to analyse historical booking patterns, cancellation trends, seasonal travel demand, train occupancy rates, and route-specific data. Based on these insights, the system will provide passengers with a more precise assessment of the likelihood of their waitlisted tickets being confirmed.

Railway officials said the AI-driven feature is aimed at reducing uncertainty for passengers and helping them plan their journeys more effectively. The system is expected to offer real-time, data-backed predictions, making the reservation process more transparent and reliable.

At present, passengers often depend on third-party platforms or estimated forecasts to gauge their chances of securing a confirmed berth. With the introduction of the AI-powered model, Indian Railways plans to integrate a scientifically developed prediction mechanism directly into its reservation ecosystem.

The initiative forms part of the Railways’ broader digital transformation programme focused on leveraging emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency, optimize seat utilization, and enhance customer experience. Officials believe the system will not only benefit passengers but also contribute to smarter management of railway resources.

Once implemented, the AI-enabled feature will be available through railway booking platforms, offering millions of daily users a more dependable and user-friendly reservation experience.

The rollout marks another milestone in Indian Railways’ efforts to embrace cutting-edge technology and deliver smarter, passenger-centric services across the country.