New Delhi/Kathmandu: Nepal's new Prime Minister Balendra Shah is expected to visit India soon. While the dates of his visit have not yet been formally announced, it is being seen as a significant step towards reinvigorating India-Nepal relations.

It is reported that after becoming Prime Minister, Narendra Modi extended a formal invitation to Shah to visit India, which Shah has accepted. Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal confirmed this. Traditionally, the first foreign visit of a new Prime Minister of Nepal is often to India.

Experts believe Shah's stance is more balanced and neutral than that of his predecessor, KP Sharma Oli. During Oli's government, India-Nepal relations were strained, particularly over border disputes and political statements.

According to sources, officials of both the countries are busy making preparations at technical and diplomatic levels for Shah's proposed visit, so that this visit does not remain merely formal but proves to yield concrete results.

It is worth noting that during Oli's tenure, bilateral relations soured due to Nepal's release of a new political map and some controversial statements. Therefore, after the change of power, Shah now has a significant opportunity to improve relations.

Experts believe that through this visit, new initiatives can be taken on issues like trade, connectivity and strategic cooperation, which will give a new direction to the relations between the two countries.

Kolkata: Amid the West Bengal Assembly elections, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the BJP, TMC and the Left parties. Addressing a rally in Raiganj, he took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, "Have you seen his face these days? He can't look me in the eye."

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are working together to undermine democracy in the country. He said that efforts are being made to dismantle the Constitution given by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru.

The Congress leader also attacked the Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He said the state government has failed to provide employment. Rahul claimed that 8.4 million youth in Bengal have applied for unemployment allowance, while the government only talks about 500,000 jobs.

He alleged that the TMC's policies had paved the way for the BJP in the state. Rahul Gandhi said that if the state government had acted properly, the BJP's presence in Bengal would not have been so strong.

During the rally, Rahul Gandhi appealed for votes in support of the Congress, saying that on one hand there is the BJP's "politics of hate," and on the other hand there are the TMC's failures. In such a situation, only the Congress can emerge as a better option for the people.

He started his speech in the name of Baba Saheb Ambedkar and said that protection of the Constitution and democracy is the biggest priority.

Delhi. Two distinct weather patterns are being observed across the country. While the plains are experiencing intense heat, the hills are experiencing cold and snow. Fresh snowfall has been recorded in Kedarnath and Badrinath, leading to a drop in temperatures.

Meanwhile, temperatures have surpassed 40°C in several states, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha. Barmer and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan recorded temperatures above 41°C, while Narmadapuram in Madhya Pradesh recorded a high of 42.1°C. Banda in Uttar Pradesh also recorded temperatures of 40.4°C.

According to the Meteorological Department, temperatures could rise by another 6 to 8 degrees over the next two weeks. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka. Rain and strong winds are expected in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and several northeastern states.

Winds of 30-50 kmph and rain are expected in the northeastern states on April 16 and 17. Heatwave conditions will begin in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, while western Rajasthan and Jharkhand may also experience increased heatwave effects.

The weather department has advised people to avoid going out in the afternoon, drink enough water and be cautious, as there are signs of heat intensifying in the coming days.

Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agarwal inaugurated 'My Bharat Budget Quest 2026' in a grand manner
00 National initiative to connect youth with budget and policy-making, 471 participants selected from 30 thousand participated

00 17 new My Bharat offices to be opened i Chhattis

Raipur. Chhattisgarh Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agarwal attended the grand launch of "My India Budget Quest 2026" at Triple IT in Naya Raipur as the chief guest. Interacting with the youth, he said, "Youth power is the real power of a developed India," and this event provides a powerful platform to connect youth with economic policies and nation-building.

This program is part of the "My India" initiative, run under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, which aims to strengthen the understanding of the Union Budget 2026 among youth and the general public, making budgetary provisions more accessible, relevant, and citizen-centric. The presence of 471 participants, selected from approximately 30,000 youth across the country, reflects the scale and competitiveness of the event.
In his address, Chief Guest Mr. Agarwal said that the budget is not just a compilation of statistics, but a roadmap for the country's development. He urged youth to use this platform to learn, reflect, ask questions, and express their views. He said that democracy becomes stronger when youth understand and actively participate in the policy-making process. He also emphasized that every citizen, especially youth, must be aware of how and in what areas taxpayers' money is being used, which instills a sense of responsibility and awareness.

During the event, Mr. Arpit Tiwari, State Director of My Bharat Chhattisgarh, presented the outline of "Budget Quest 2026," explaining that this initiative is engaging youth in creative and nationally relevant programs throughout the year. He stated that ensuring youth participation in the vision of a developed India 2047 is crucial, and this platform provides them with an opportunity to express their views and contribute to policymaking. He informed that "My Bharat" was announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on October 31, 2023. It is an autonomous organization that works for, with, and by the youth, with the core motto of "Sanskar (culture) through service." Mr. Tiwari further stated that there are plans to establish My Bharat offices in all 763 districts of the country, with 17 new offices being opened in Chhattisgarh. Through these offices, youth will be empowered through capacity building, training, and programs such as youth exchange programs.

Dehradun: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uttarakhand today, Tuesday, to inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, built at a cost of approximately 12,000 crore rupees. He will also address a public rally in Dehradun and visit and worship at the Siddhpeeth Maa Daat Kali Temple, located on the Uttar Pradesh border near Dehradun. 

Prime Minister Modi will conduct a road show for the first time in Devbhoomi. 
He will also conduct a 12-km long road show from the temple to Jaswant Ground in Garhi Cantt, Dehradun. With the construction of a total 213-km long expressway, the journey between Delhi and Dehradun will now take about two and a half hours. 10 interchanges, three railway overbridges (ROBs), four major bridges and 12 roadside public amenities have been constructed in this six-lane expressway. 

The expressway will provide a safe and smooth travel experience to the commuters.
The expressway is equipped with Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to provide a safe and smooth travel experience to the commuters. Asia's longest elevated wildlife corridor of 12 km has also been developed in this expressway to ensure safe and smooth movement of wildlife and reduce incidents of human-wildlife conflict. The corridor also includes eight animal passages, two elephant 'underpasses' and a 370-metre long tunnel near Daat Kali Temple. Union Minister for Road Transport and National Highways Nitin Gadkari had announced the construction of this expressway in February 2021. 

Tourism and trade will receive a boost. 
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described the expressway as extremely important and historic for the state, saying that this economic corridor will significantly boost employment, tourism, and trade in the state. This is Modi's 18th visit during Dhami's tenure as Chief Minister. This is Modi's 28th visit to Uttarakhand since he became Prime Minister.       

Dehradun: PM Narendra Modi is visiting Uttarakhand today, April 14th. This visit is considered special and historic. He will hold a grand roadshow in Devbhoomi for the first time. A glimpse of the state's culture will also be seen. The approximately 12 to 14 kilometer long roadshow will welcome the Prime Minister with Kumaoni, Garhwali, and Jaunsari folk dances and traditional music. People will greet him through their own cultures at various locations.

Prime Minister Modi will be in Dehradun for approximately two hours  
. During this time, he will offer prayers at the Maa Daat Kali Temple, inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, and address a public rally.

The schedule will be as follows...
PM Modi will arrive at Dehradun Airport around 10 am. From there, he will travel to Ganeshpur in Uttar Pradesh. He will then offer prayers at the Maa Daat Kali Temple around 12 noon. He will then inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and address a public rally in Dehradun. He is scheduled to return around 2 pm. According to the BJP, a large number of people are expected to attend the event, and party workers are showing considerable enthusiasm for the event.

CM Yogi inspected the preparations 
for the inauguration ceremony of the Dehradun-Delhi Expressway on Tuesday. The people of western Uttar Pradesh, especially Baghpat, Saharanpur, and Muzaffarnagar, and the districts of Haridwar, Roorkee, and Dehradun in Uttarakhand, are eagerly awaiting his warm welcome. On Monday, approximately 20 hours before the Prime Minister's arrival, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived at Ganeshpur village in Biharigarh tehsil of Saharanpur district, the Uttarakhand border venue. This is where Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the 12-kilometer-long wildlife corridor, Asia's longest elevated corridor, built in the Shivalik Hills, one of Asia's most important hills, Mohand (Uttar Pradesh), which is part of this expressway. This corridor has been designed to allow vehicles to run at high speed on the road while wildlife can continue to move freely beneath it. Furthermore, the wildlife will not even hear the sound of the vehicles. For this, proper sound proof sheets have been installed.       

CM Dhami inspected 
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inspected the preparations at Jaswant Ground in Garhi Cantt in view of the Prime Minister's program proposed in Dehradun. During this, he thoroughly observed the status of the arrangements on the spot and provided necessary instructions to the concerned officials. Taking information about the stage, spectator gallery and other arrangements at Jaswant Ground, he said that keeping in mind the dignity of the program, all preparations should be ensured in a planned and systematic manner. Along with this, he also asked to give priority to cleanliness and beautification works. He said that this program is a very important occasion for the state and ensuring its success is the shared responsibility of all the concerned departments. 

New Delhi: The global smartphone market has had a volatile start to 2026. While component shortages (DRAM and NAND memory) led to a 6% decline in total shipments, tech giant Apple made history by becoming the world's largest smartphone brand in the first quarter (Q1).

Apple's Historical Performance
Samsung usually dominates the first quarter, but according to the latest report from Counterpoint Research, Apple has won this time. Apple is in first place with a 21% share. Strong demand for the iPhone 17 series and excellent trade-in offers propelled the company to the top. This is the first time Apple has secured the top spot in the global market in the first quarter (Q1) of a year.

Samsung and Xiaomi's position :
Samsung slipped to second place with a 20% market share. The delay in the launch of the Galaxy S26 series and low demand in the budget segment are believed to be the main reasons for this.

Xiaomi: Chinese company Xiaomi remained in third place with a 14% market share, although its sales declined year-on-year.

OPPO & Vivo: Oppo (including OnePlus and Realme) is at fourth position with 11% share and Vivo is at fifth position with 8%.

Google and Nothing: Small packets, big bang
These companies may not be in the top 5, but their growth has surprised everyone:

Google (14% growth): Google achieved 14 percent year-on-year growth, driven by the success of the Pixel series, especially the new Pixel 10a, and its excellent AI features.

Nothing (25% growth) : Carl Pei's company, Nothing, saw the fastest growth this quarter, rising 25%. The brand is rapidly gaining popularity among young people thanks to its unique "glyph interface" and the Nothing Phone (4a).

Major reasons for the market decline:
A total of 1.26 billion phones were shipped between January and March of this year, a decrease of approximately 75 million units from the previous year. The main reasons behind this are:

-Global shortage of memory chips (DRAM and NAND).

-Decrease in demand for entry-level (budget) phones due to rising costs.

-Customers are now more inclined towards premium and AI-powered phones.

Dehradun . The special CBI court has convicted and sentenced a total of 12 accused, including the then branch manager, in the major bank fraud case of Uttarakhand Gramin Bank . While delivering the verdict on Tuesday, the CBI court Dehradun sentenced Ram Avtar Singh Dinkar, the then branch manager of Bajpur branch (District Udham Singh Nagar) of Uttarakhand Gramin Bank, to 4 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000

Assam Elections 2026 : Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in Assam on April 9th. The results are expected on May 4th. On Tuesday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman released the BJP's election manifesto in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The BJP made several major promises regarding the state's economic rejuvenation and security. The party has announced the following promises and announcements for Assam:

Key promises and announcements

The BJP has put forward the goal of 'Safe Assam and Developed Assam' in its manifesto:

• Economic Investment: A target of investment of Rs 5 lakh crore has been set in the state on return to power.
• Land and Love Jihad: The party has resolved to ban 'land jihad' and bring in stringent laws against 'love jihad'.
• Uniform Civil Code ( UCC): The implementation of UCC has been promised in the state, although the Chief Minister clarified that Sixth Schedule areas and tribal areas will be excluded from it.
• Employment: Target to provide 2 lakh government jobs in the next 5 years.
• Flood-free Assam: Rs 18,000 crore will be spent in the first two years to tackle the flood problem.

Nirmala Sitharaman targeted Congress

Releasing the manifesto, the Finance Minister said that Assam's GDP has tripled in the last 10 years. Sharing development figures, she said that the per capita income, which was Rs 1.03 lakh in 2020-21, has increased to Rs 1.59 lakh in 2024-25. Stressing on infrastructure, Sitharaman said, " During the 50 years of Congress rule, only 3 bridges were built on the Brahmaputra, whereas in 10 years, our government has built 9 bridges and 5 are currently under construction."

The goal of ' One District , One University '

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented the vision of "One District, One Medical College, One University, and One Engineering College" in the education and health sectors. Former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the resolution was prepared based on 2.45 lakh suggestions from the public.

LPG Black Marketing Ghaziabad: The disruption of commercial gas cylinder supplies in Ghaziabad, adjacent to Delhi, has caused a stir. The fuel crisis has sent food prices skyrocketing. The situation is so dire that the district's daily food and beverage business, estimated to be worth approximately ₹80 crore, is being severely affected. The stoves in hotels, eateries, and hostel messes have gone cold.

A cup of tea is heavy on the pocket

Gas shortages and alleged black marketing of domestic cylinders have led to inflation at refreshment shops. In many areas, tea that used to cost ₹10 is now being sold for ₹12 to ₹15. Savitri, a tea vendor near Ansal Building, and Shyam Lal, a shopkeeper, say they are forced to raise prices due to rising costs. Consumers allege that not only have prices risen, but the quality of food has also declined. People are now forced to serve cold pakodas instead of hot snacks.

Favorite dishes missing from the menu

Gas-intensive dishes are now disappearing from stores. Amit Dutt, who runs a sweet shop near the New Ghaziabad railway station, said that due to the lack of cylinders, he has now resorted to coal furnaces. Electric stoves are also failing due to power cuts. Dishes like kachoris have completely disappeared from many shops because they require a lot of gas to prepare.

National Desk: The West Bengal elections have seen a major upset. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has suffered a major setback ahead of the elections. Abdul Rahim Kazi, the sitting MLA from the Baduria constituency in North 24 Parganas district, left the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and joined the Congress party on Monday, March 30. It is believed that Kazi will now contest the elections as a Congress candidate from this constituency.

Was angry about ticket cancellation

Abdul Rahim Kazi's displeasure stemmed from the TMC denying him a ticket. After resigning from all party posts on Sunday, March 29th, he joined the Congress party the following day. Congress's West Bengal in-charge, Ghulam Ahmed Mir, and state president, Subhankar Sarkar, welcomed him into the party fold.

It felt like returning home, the leader said emotionally 

Getting emotional after joining the Congress, Qazi said, "My father was an active member of the Congress for 50 years. Today, after joining the Congress, I feel as if I have returned home. I am completely dedicated to serving the people of my constituency."

TMC gave this statement

On the other hand, the TMC has downplayed this defection. The party has nominated Burhanul Muqaddim Liton as its candidate from Baduria this time. Former minister Jyotipriya Mallick, reacting to this, said that candidate selection is a collective decision of the party. He clarified that the personal displeasure and departure of an individual MLA will not affect the TMC's electoral performance.

Major changes in Basirhat area

It is noteworthy that the TMC has fielded new candidates in six assembly seats (Sandeshkhali, Basirhat North, Basirhat South, Haroa, Hingalganj, and Baduria) in the Basirhat organizational district, cutting the tickets of its sitting MLAs. Political experts believe that Kazi's move to Congress could make the electoral dynamics in this region interesting.

Sports Desk: Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi has been fined 1 million Pakistani rupees (approximately 3.29 lakh Indian rupees) by the Pakistan Super League 2026 franchise for violating the team hotel's security arrangements. The franchise issued a statement saying the decision was taken to maintain discipline and establish accountability.

Entry of Sikandar Raza's guests creates controversy

According to the report, the entire matter involves Sikandar Raza's guests being allowed into the team hotel. Despite repeated requests from local police and security officials, the guests were granted entry. The matter was subsequently reported to the PSL and the Pakistan Cricket Board.

What the franchise said in the statement

In an official statement, Lahore Qalandars stated that the incident was not a deliberate violation of the rules, but rather a misunderstanding. The franchise also praised the work of the security personnel and stated that the team respects all security regulations. The franchise has also sent a full report of the incident to the Pakistan Cricket Board.

No action was taken against Raza

No action has been taken against Sikandar Raza in this matter. Raza himself took responsibility for the incident and said that if anyone was to blame, it should be him, as the guests were his. He also said that he has been hosting his guests in this manner for the past four years, and that the guests only stayed at the hotel for 40 minutes.

Team position in the points table

Despite the controversies, Lahore Qalandars have performed well in the tournament. With one win and one loss, they are in second place in the points table and have a good net run rate. The team's next match will be against Multan Sultans on April 3rd.

Chandigarh (Chandra Shekhar Dharni): The Deputy Chief Minister's government has prepared an action plan to curb irregularities during the Kharif and Rabi crop procurement processes in the mandis. While reviewing preparations for the Rabi crop procurement with district deputy commissioners late Saturday night, Chief Minister Nayab Saini issued a stern warning that officials and employees will be held accountable for any irregularities or negligence found in the mandis. Every grain of the farmers' produce will be purchased at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). 

Chief Minister Nayab Saini warned the district deputy commissioners that no inconvenience to farmers will be tolerated in the mandis. He directed officials to ensure that basic amenities such as gunny bags, drinking water, seating arrangements, clean toilets, and canteens are available in the mandis. The Chief Minister also directed them to ensure that timely payments for crops are directly deposited into farmers' bank accounts. On this occasion, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Arun Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Vijayendra Kumar, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Director General of Agriculture Department Rajnarayan Kaushik and other officers were present. 

 CCTV surveillance will be installed at the market gates. 
The Chief Minister stated that farmers visiting the markets should not face any inconvenience and should be provided with all necessary facilities. He directed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure adequate gunny bags (bardana), clean drinking water, proper seating arrangements, clean toilets, and well-functioning canteen services in all markets. He also placed special emphasis on ensuring effective CCTV surveillance at all entry and exit gates. He directed that a nodal officer be appointed in each market to monitor the procurement process and promptly resolve problems. He also directed that police assistance be sought as needed to maintain law and order and ensure smooth functioning of the markets.

National Desk: Very sad news has emerged from the Bengali film and TV industry. Renowned actor Rahul Banerjee died in a boat accident in Odisha. The accident occurred at Talsari Beach while he was filming his TV show "Bhole Baba Par Karega." It is reported that he fell into the sea during the shooting. He was immediately rescued and taken to the hospital, but doctors declared him dead.

Accident happened during shooting

According to preliminary information, Rahul Banerjee suddenly lost his balance during the shooting and fell into the sea. The crew and locals present at the scene pulled him out and rushed him to a nearby hospital, but his life could not be saved. The incident caused chaos at the shooting location.

Wave of grief in the industry

Rahul Banerjee was known for his popular podcast "Sahaj Katha" and his powerful performances in several TV serials. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Fans and fellow actors have been paying tribute to him on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing deep sorrow.

Police engaged in investigation

The Digha police and local administration are investigating the matter. According to preliminary information, the actor's body is currently being held at the Digha Medical Center. Officials are investigating all aspects of the incident and gathering complete information.

Such accidents have happened before as well.

It's worth noting that several artists have lost their lives in water-related accidents before. Recently, singer Zubeen Garg died in a similar incident during a music festival. Rahul Banerjee's death has once again raised questions about such incidents.

National Desk: An event held in Basti district of Uttar Pradesh has once again sparked political activity. The event, titled "Sanatan Samvad," called for unity within the Brahmin community. The event was led by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda, who delivered several scathing remarks against the state government from the stage and appealed for unity for the upcoming elections.

GIC ground becomes political hub

Held at the GIC grounds in Basti, the event drew a large crowd. Speakers from the stage questioned the policies of the current state government. Former MLA Vinay Shankar Tiwari also spoke openly, urging the Brahmin community to unite and challenge the government in the upcoming elections. His remarks further politicized the event.

The atmosphere increased due to the statements of the leaders

Former PCS officer Alankar Agnihotri also addressed the gathering. In his address, he emphasized the role and unity of the Brahmin community, raising passionate slogans that galvanized the audience. His statements from the stage gave the event a completely political twist.

Shankaracharya made allegations against the government

In his address, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda leveled several serious allegations against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the state government. He stated that if the government were truly serious about the issues of Sanatan Dharma and cow protection, the opposition would not have had the opportunity to question it. He also said that various political parties should take a clear stand on issues like cow protection.

Warning about elections

Referring to the upcoming 2027 elections, Shankaracharya said that if no political party raises the issue of declaring the cow "Mother of the Nation," he might consider fielding a candidate himself. He also questioned the state government's handling of animal protection in the state.

Questions were also raised regarding constitutional posts

In his address, Shankaracharya also commented on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's role as both a saint and a chief minister. He said that it is not in keeping with decorum for one person to hold both roles. He also said that saints should stay away from government positions.

National Desk: A major update has emerged from Katra for pilgrims planning to visit the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. According to reports, the pilgrimage has been temporarily suspended and counters issuing new travel slips (registrations) have been closed.

The journey had to be stopped as the crowd increased

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has advised pilgrims to stay at their safe stopping points and not attempt to proceed further. Devotees' enthusiasm remains undiminished even after Chaitra Navratri, with millions of devotees making the pilgrimage from Katra to Bhawan.

Heavy crowds on weekends

A devotional atmosphere prevailed in the Bhawan complex, the Yatra route, and Katra, with chants of "Jai Mata Di" echoing throughout. The number of pilgrims steadily increased on Saturday and Sunday, putting pressure on the administration and security forces. Due to the large crowds on Sunday evening, the Yatra was temporarily halted to avoid any untoward incident.

When will the journey begin?

The news of relief for pilgrims is that the pilgrimage will resume on Monday (March 30) morning. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards will also be issued that morning.

Long lines formed throughout the day

Long queues of pilgrims were seen at registration counters throughout the day on Sunday. Devotees also lined up for security checks at the "Darshan Deori," the entry point to the pilgrimage site. Devotees were escorted into the Bhavan complex for darshan in an orderly manner, with the Shrine Board and security forces paying close attention to line management.

Clear weather, tight security

Due to clear weather, pilgrims faced no significant difficulties during the pilgrimage. Police and security forces remained deployed along the pilgrimage routes throughout the day, helping with crowd control and handling any emergencies.

Important advice for devotees

At present, the administration has appealed to the devotees to follow the instructions and maintain patience till the yatra resumes, so that the safety of everyone can be ensured.

National Desk: If you have an account with Punjab National Bank (PNB), the month of April could prove crucial for you. The bank has issued an alert stating that accounts that have not seen any transactions in the past three years may be closed. PNB has clarified that action will be taken if these accounts are not activated by April 15, 2026.

Action will start from April 16

According to the bank, after the April 15 deadline, the process of closing such accounts will begin on April 16. This action will only apply to accounts that have been inactive for the past three years and have a current balance of zero. The bank also shared information regarding this on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on March 18.

Opportunity to activate the account

PNB has advised customers to activate their accounts before the deadline. Account holders can visit their nearest branch to complete the KYC process or initiate transactions on their accounts. Doing so can prevent account closure.

If you don't update it on time, you'll have trouble.

The bank has warned that if customers fail to complete the required procedures on time, their accounts may be closed without further notice. Therefore, performing a simple KYC update or transaction has become extremely important.

Steps taken to prevent fraud

PNB stated that this decision is aimed at reducing the risk associated with inactive and zero-balance accounts. These accounts are more susceptible to fraud, so the bank is strictly monitoring them. Customers are also advised to contact their bank branch in case of any problems.

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has disrupted global oil and gas supplies, leaving India, like many other countries, facing a fuel crisis. To address this situation, the central government has taken a major step, temporarily relaxing regulations to facilitate the supply of kerosene to households.

The government has given temporary relaxation in the rules

According to a gazette notification issued on March 29, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has permitted the ad-hoc supply of Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) for 60 days under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in 21 states and union territories. This is aimed at ensuring that the public does not face fuel shortages. The states where this will apply include Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.

Kerosene will now be available at petrol pumps too.

Under the new rules, select petrol pumps of public sector oil marketing companies have been allowed to store and distribute kerosene.

• A maximum of 5,000 litres of kerosene can be stored at each selected petrol pump.
• A maximum of two petrol pumps in each district will be designated for this.

This step will help in speeding up the supply and making it available to the common people quickly.

Relaxation in licensing norms to speed up supply chain

The notification states that dealers and vehicles engaged in the storage, transportation and distribution of kerosene have been temporarily exempted from certain licensing provisions of the Petroleum Rules 2002. This is aimed at expediting the supply chain and ensuring timely delivery of fuel to the end consumer.

Supply will be for domestic use only.

The government has made it clear that kerosene will be supplied only for domestic needs like cooking and lighting, so that it is not misused.

PDS supply will resume even in closed areas

This decision also temporarily resumes kerosene supply through the PDS in areas where it was previously phased out. This will ensure swift and efficient distribution through the existing fuel retail network.

Safety rules will apply

All safety guidelines and operational protocols issued by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) will be strictly followed during the entire process.

What is its effect?

This decision of the government is expected to provide relief to the common people amid the current LPG crisis, especially in those areas where the need for alternative fuel is increasing rapidly.