The Centre informed the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court that it is taking all measures to prevent LPG shortages amid disruptions caused by the West Asia war. An affidavit by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated the government is monitoring the situation and ensuring smooth distribution. The court disposed of a petition against Confidence Petroleum India Ltd, accused of prioritising exports over domestic supply. Petitioners cited supply constraints due to the Iran war and sought increased domestic allocation. The Centre said strict action would be taken against violations and emphasised prioritising household LPG availability across affected regions nationwide. (PC: X)

Hard Rock International has announced the closure of 10 Hard Rock Cafe outlets across India after ending its agreement with operator JSM Corporation. The affected cities include Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and Chandigarh. The company said India remains an important market and confirmed that the Hard Rock Hotel Goa will continue. JSM Corporation, however, said the outlets are still open. It called the move a “unilateral announcement” and said it is reviewing legal options. Many patrons reacted with shock online. Several said the cafes were key spaces for live music and carried strong memories. (PC: NDTV)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk struck a conciliatory note on Ladakh demands after his release. He signalled openness to a “give and take” approach with the Centre. “Our main issue is Sixth Schedule and statehood. If not both, at least one,” he said. He added the outcome should be a “win-win”. Wangchuk said the government’s move made his “job easy”. He had prepared for a long legal fight. He denied any deal behind his release. He said his protest was for the people of Ladakh. He will return to Ladakh to consult local groups before next steps. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Centre has asked people to use LPG carefully amid shortage concerns. It is also pushing commercial users to shift to PNG. Sujata Sharma from the Petroleum Ministry said LPG supply for homes remains a priority. “It would be beneficial if all commercial LPG consumers shifted to PNG,” she said. Officials said hotels, restaurants and caterers moving to PNG can reduce pressure on LPG. The government has also asked states to speed up approvals for gas pipelines. It wants faster clearances and better coordination. PNG supply is stable in many areas. The Centre said demand management will help avoid disruptions. (PC: India Today)

A 19-year-old dental student has been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad in Moradabad for alleged links with an online module of ISIS. The accused, a resident of Saharanpur, was reportedly connected to extremist handlers through social media platforms and encrypted apps. Investigators said he was involved in creating online groups to spread ISIS propaganda, recruit members, and promote extremist ideology aimed at establishing a caliphate system. He allegedly used fake identities and VPNs to operate these networks. A case has been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and further investigations are underway to trace wider links. (PC: NDTV)

Thousands of people joined a shutdown and street protests in Ladakh on Monday. Markets remained closed in Leh and Kargil as people marched with banners. The protest was called by the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. Protesters demanded statehood for Ladakh and protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. ABL co-chairman Cherring Dorjay Lakrook said the protest remained peaceful. “We will not stop demanding what is rightfully ours,” he said. This was the first major protest since demonstrations in September last year linked to activist Sonam Wangchuk. (PC: The Indian Express)

The government has assured that LPG supply across India remains steady despite concerns about shortages. Officials said oil companies are delivering around 50 lakh LPG cylinders every day. Consumers have been urged to avoid panic buying and use online booking systems for cylinder delivery. Authorities are also monitoring rumours, hoarding and black marketing of cooking gas. Meanwhile, LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi, carrying about 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are on their way to India. The situation has affected some sectors, with restaurants, hostels and schools warning of possible disruptions if gas supplies tighten further.

At least 10 patients were killed after a massive fire broke out at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, early Monday. The fire started around 3 am on the first floor of the trauma care unit, where 23 patients were admitted. Thick smoke quickly spread through the ICU, causing panic. Seven patients died inside the ward, while three others died later after inhaling smoke. Eleven hospital staff were injured during rescue efforts. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after several hours. Authorities suspect a short circuit in the ICU’s air conditioner or medical equipment caused the fire. The Odisha government has ordered a judicial inquiry.

India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has announced that households with piped natural gas (PNG) connections will no longer be allowed to keep or refill LPG cylinders. The rule aims to prevent duplication of domestic gas connections and reduce pressure on LPG supplies during global energy disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict. Oil marketing companies have been instructed not to provide new LPG connections or refills to consumers who already receive piped gas. The government said the move will help ensure sufficient LPG availability for households that depend entirely on cylinders for cooking fuel across the country. (PC: HT)

The Centre on Saturday revoked the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. He was later released from Jodhpur Central Jail. Wangchuk was detained in October 2025 and later shifted to a jail in Rajasthan under the NSA. The government had accused him of inciting unrest during protests. The Ministry of Home Affairs said the decision was taken after due consideration. “The Government remains committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh,” the ministry said. His wife Gitanjali J. Angmo earlier said he would avoid agitation after release and continue the movement through dialogue. (PC: The Hindu)