Pioneer in short

Delhi Bans Direct LPG Sales from Godowns
In a bid to make the LPG distribution system more transparent and efficient, the Delhi government has imposed a complete ban on the sale of cylinders directly from godowns. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have issued clear instructions to all distributors, stating that any such sale is illegal and will attract strict action. At the same time, the Government has significantly expanded the availability of 5-kg LPG cylinders across the city to improve consumer access. These smaller cylinders can now be purchased easily from gas agencies by showing a valid ID, with no requirement for address verification. To further assist migrant workers, 11 dedicated help desks have been set up at select HPCL outlets, where people can get information about nearby LPG distributors. According to the chief minister’s office, CM Rekha Gupta said the supply is being closely monitored to ensure there are no disruptions and that all regulations are strictly followed. Residents have been advised to avoid visiting gas agencies or storage points or gathering in crowds, as all booked cylinders are being delivered directly to homes within the stipulated time.
 

Snowfall in higher reaches of Himachal

Higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh experienced snowfall as the Shimla Meteorological Office issued an orange alert of hailstorm, thunderstorm, lightning, and gusty winds in four to five districts on April 7 and 8. In the past 24 hours, since Saturday evening, Gondla in the tribal Lahaul and Spiti district received 28.2 cm of snow, followed by Keylong with 20 cm, Hansa with 5 cm, and Kukumseri with 1.3 cm. Intermittent light to moderate rains lashed parts of the State. Sarahan received 23.5 mm of rain, followed by Dharamshala and Sundernagar 18.2 mm each, Manali 18 mm, Mandi 16.2 mm, Shimla 13.4 mm, Kukumseri 13.2 mm, Kalpa 11 mm, Jubbarhatti 10.9 mm, Palampur 10.6 mm and Kasauli 10 mm.  Rain followed by a heavy hailstorm lashed Shimla on Saturday night, and the city was covered under a thin layer of sleet within minutes.

Congress mentally bankrupt: Nadda 

Union Minister JP Nadda on Sunday accused the Congress of being “mentally bankrupt’’ without any proper manifesto or programmes. Addressing an election rally at Dimoria near here for the BJP’s alliance partner AGP’s Tapan Das, he claimed that the Congress does not understand anything and is a “tired and broken party.” “The Congress is mentally bankrupt without any manifesto or programme. They only know how to divide the society,’’ the former BJP president said. Amid the current global crisis caused by the war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to ensure that LPG gas cylinders reach every home and there is no shortage of any commodity, he said. “The world is faced with rising prices, but Modiji is making efforts to keep control on the prices of all commodities so that the common people are not affected,’’ Nadda said.