New Delhi, April 7: The Centre has decided to double the daily allocation of 5-kg free trade LPG (FTL) cylinders available for distribution to migrant labourers across states, according to an official communication.

The Petroleum Ministry said in a notification the enhanced allocation will be based on the average daily supply of cylinders provided to migrant workers.

The revised allocation goes beyond the earlier cap of 20 per cent specified in March announcement.

The government also said that the additional 5-kg FTL cylinders will be placed at the disposal of state governments and their Food and Civil Supplies Departments for distribution exclusively to migrant labourers with the assistance of oil marketing companies (OMCs).

Earlier, the government had said it was making all efforts to ensure adequate availability of petrol, diesel and LPG amid the prevailing geopolitical situation, while advising citizens to avoid panic buying and rely only on official sources for information.

Consumers were also encouraged to use digital modes for LPG bookings and minimise visits to distributors unless necessary.

The government has prioritised domestic LPG and PNG supplies, along with critical sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.

It has also implemented several demand and supply-side measures, including enhancing refinery output and increasing LPG booking intervals to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas.

To ease pressure on LPG demand, alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been made available, while states have been advised to expand PNG connections.

The government also said there has been no disruption in LPG supply affecting migrant workers.

According to official data, around 51 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered recently, with online bookings rising to 95 per cent and delivery authentication-based distribution increasing significantly to curb diversion.

New Delhi, April 7: The Delhi Police on Tuesday rescued a 17-year-old minor girl and arrested an accused in a swift operation carried out by the women patrolling team of Mahila Chowki, Central District, preventing a serious crime as the victim was lured to Delhi on the pretext of getting her a job.

According to officials, the incident came to light on April 2, at around 10:00 AM, when a police team from Kamla Market Police Station comprising SI Kiran Sethi, W/Ct Khushboo, and W/Ct Pooja was on routine patrol duty near S.N. Marg. During patrolling, a minor girl approached the team seeking immediate help.

The police personnel acted promptly, ensured her safety, and recorded her statement. The victim, a resident of Darbhanga district in Bihar, revealed that she had left her home on March 14 following a domestic dispute and travelled to Delhi on the advice of a friend.

Upon her arrival at New Delhi Railway Station, she was received by Shivji Das (52), an acquaintance of her friend. He took her to his residence in Nehru Vihar, where she stayed from March 15 to April 2 under the pretext of being offered domestic work.

The victim alleged that during this period, especially in the absence of the accused’s wife, Shivji Das outraged her modesty, made inappropriate advances, and threatened her with defamation if she disclosed the incidents to anyone.

On April 2, the accused brought the girl to S.N. Marg area and asked her to wait in a parking lot, claiming he was arranging a job for her. Sensing danger and feeling unsafe in the suspicious surroundings, the victim sought help from the women police team passing by.

Acting on her complaint, the police immediately apprehended the accused at the spot. During further enquiry, when officers visited nearby shops to gather statements, it emerged that the accused was attempting to negotiate a deal to sell the minor. The alleged plan was foiled due to the timely intervention of the police team.

Based on the victim’s statement, an FIR (No. 95/2026) was registered at Kamla Market Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act.

The victim has undergone medical examination and was produced before the Child Welfare Committee. She is currently safe and staying in a shelter home.

Police confirmed that the accused, Shivji Das, a native of Darbhanga, Bihar, has been arrested, and further investigation into the case is underway.

Patna, April 6: Abdulmajid Hakim Elahi, Representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader to India, has said that the Strait of Hormuz has historically remained under Iranian control for thousands of years and that disruptions began only after the recent conflict involving the United States and Israel, which he described as a personal war driven by President Donald Trump against Iran.

The US and Israel carried out joint strikes on February 28, resulting in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting Israel, as well as US bases in neighbouring Gulf countries, leading to a broader regional escalation that has led to the Strait of Hormuz crisis and disrupted significant oil and energy supplies.

Speaking to media, Abdulmajid Hakim Elahi said, “This war is President Trump against Iran. Everyone knows that, because this war is not in the interest of Americans. This was his personal war, and now Americans are handling it. And they want out, but they don’t know how they can get out of it.”

On the question of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, he emphasised Iran’s longstanding control over the strategic waterway and blamed the ongoing crisis on the conflict.

“The Strait of Hormuz has been there for thousands of years; it’s under control and dominated by Iran. Iran will continue to do the same now. There wasn’t any crisis or problem before this war. But now they (the US and Israel) have created this war, and they have created a lot of crises and problems through the Strait of Hormuz. We hope that it will finish very soon,” he said.

Elahi also underlined the historical ties between Iran and India, describing the relationship as deeply rooted and longstanding.

“We have a very tight relationship and friendship with India, which dates back over 5000 years,” he said.

Recalling the global response following Khamenei’s death, he said the Iranian leader was respected across communities and faiths.

“Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was a spiritual leader not only for Muslims but also a religious figure and a voice for the voiceless. He is not just for Shia people but also those from other communities, including many Hindus and Christians, who also respected and admired him. When the news of his martyrdom spread, everyone came out in respect and paid their respects and shed their tears, mourning his death,” he added.