Business
25 Lakh Additional LPG Connections To Be Given Under Ujjwala Scheme; Govt Sanctions Rs 676 Crore
New Delhi: Government has approved the release of 25 lakh additional LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) during the Financial Year 2025-26.
Extending his greetings to women beneficiaries on this occasion, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi stated in a post on X, “On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, I extend my best wishes to all mothers and sisters joining the Ujjwala family. This step not only brings them joy during this sacred festival but also strengthens our resolve towards women empowerment.”
________ __ ___ ____ __ ________ ______ __ ______ ____ _____ ___ ______-_____ __ ____-____ ____ ___ __________! _____ __ ___ __ __ _____ __ ____ ____ __ ______ __ ____ ______, _____ ____ _________ __ _____ ________ __ __ __ ______ _____ ____ ___ https://t.co/jYWve2SbrU
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2025
With this expansion, the total number of PMUY connections will rise to 10.58 crore. The Government has approved an expenditure of Rs 676 crore for the release of these connections, which includes Rs 512.5 crore for providing 25 lakh deposit-free connections at the rate of Rs 2,050 per connection, Rs 160 crore for targeted subsidy of Rs 300 per 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder (for up to nine refills per year, proportionately pro-rated for 5 kg cylinders), and Rs 3.5 crore towards project management expenses, transaction and SMS charges, Information, Education & Communication (IEC) activities, and administrative expenditure.
Under PMUY, beneficiaries receive a deposit-free LPG connection that covers the security deposit of cylinder, pressure regulator, suraksha hose, Domestic Gas Consumer Card (DGCC) booklet, and installation charges. In addition, the first refill and stove are also provided free of cost.
Beneficiaries are not required to make any payment for the LPG connection, the first refill, or the stove, as these costs are borne by the Government of India and the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). Beneficiaries have the flexibility to choose from a 14.2 kg single bottle connection, a 5 kg single bottle connection, or a 5 kg double bottle connection.
Launched in May 2016, PMUY initially targeted 8 crore deposit-free LPG connections, which was achieved in September 2019. To cover the remaining poor households, Ujjwala 2.0 was launched in August 2021 with a target of 1 crore additional connections, achieved by January 2022. Subsequently, the Government approved 60 lakh additional connections under Ujjwala 2.0, achieved in December 2022, and another 75 lakh connections, achieved by July 2024.
As of July 2025, over 10.33 crore PMUY connections have been released across the country, making it one of the largest clean energy initiatives globally.
Business
Oil prices jump and shares drop after Trump threatens more Iran strikes
The US president said he’ll bring Iran “back to the Stone Age” but gave no detail on ending the war.
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Business
Good Friday 2026 in US: What’s open and closed on April 3; Check banks, USPS, UPS, FedEx services status – The Times of India
As the US observes Good Friday on April 3 ahead of Easter Sunday on April 5, most essential services will continue without disruption since the day is not designated as a federal holiday.In the Christian calendar, Good Friday marks the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ and has long been associated with mourning, penance and fasting. Easter Sunday, which follows, celebrates the resurrection and comes at the end of the 40-day Lent period. The dates shift annually as part of the liturgical cycle of “moveable feasts”.
USPS services on Good Friday 2026
Operations at the United States Postal Service will proceed as usual. Postal counters will be open and regular mail delivery schedules will be maintained across the country.
Bank operations on April 3
Commercial banks are expected to function normally, given that Good Friday is not a federal holiday in the US. Branch-level timings, however, may differ, and customers may need to verify with local offices.
UPS delivery and store status
Services offered by UPS, including pickups and deliveries, will continue as per routine schedules. UPS Store outlets will also remain operational.
Will FedEx services remain operational on Good Friday?
FedEx will run standard delivery and pickup operations, with its office locations open for customers on April 3.
Other services and closures
Federal offices will remain open, though select state or local government entities may choose to observe the day. Retail outlets, restaurants and transport systems are expected to function normally. School schedules may vary depending on whether institutions observe the religious holiday.With no nationwide shutdown in place, Good Friday in the US typically sees continuity in banking, logistics and public services, even as it holds religious significance ahead of Easter weekend.
Business
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