August 27, 2026

Petroleum minister Hardeep Puri reviewed the action taken on decisions from two brainstorming sessions on the rollout of the scheme, which received Cabinet’s approval, said officials. (Photo: IANS) NEW DELHI: Government is likely to finalise a year-wise plan soon for drilling, seismic surveys and rig deployment under Samudra Manthan, a Rs 84,084-crore national programme aimed at stepping up oil and gas exploration in India’s offshore basins and reducing dependence on energy imports.Officials said petroleum minister Hardeep Puri recently reviewed the action taken on decisions from two brainstorming sessions held in Gurgaon in Haryana and Duliajan in Assam, on the rollout of the scheme, which received Cabinet’s approval last month.The year-wise roadmap will help government carry out exploration and production activities in a concerted manner across Krishna-Godavari (KG), Mahanadi, Andaman and Cauvery basins and ensure systematic utilisation of funds, an official said.The scheme will fund acquisition, processing and interpretation of seismic data, scientific drilling in frontier basins, accelerated exploration in deepwater and ultra-deepwater blocks, and development of shared offshore production and evacuation infrastructure.While Rs 43,200 crore has been earmarked for drilling 60 exploratory deepwater wells over five years, Rs 28,534 crore has been allocated for acquisition of 2D and 3D seismic data, Rs 10,000 crore for common infrastructure hubs and Rs 2,000 crore for an oil and gas manufacturing and services zone.India’s annual crude oil requirement is around 256 million tonnes (MT), of which nearly 88 per cent is imported. Domestic crude oil production from 26 sedimentary basins is estimated at around 28 MT. With domestic output stagnating even as demand continues to rise, government has been looking to step up exploration to improve energy security and reduce import dependence.Samudra Manthan is expected to add more than 600 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent (MMTOE) to the country’s hydrocarbon reserves and boost domestic production of crude oil and natural gas.Officials said government has implemented a series of upstream sector reforms over the past decade, including opening up almost the entire offshore acreage for exploration, changes to legal and contractual framework, and strengthening National Data Repository. Samudra Manthan would complement these reforms by providing public funding for offshore exploration and facilitating the deployment of advanced technologies, they said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe scheme also includes dedicated provisions for digital programme management, capacity building, technology adoption, stakeholder engagement and international outreach, creating an integrated ecosystem to accelerate offshore exploration and production in the country.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos18 Rounds, Point-Blank: How Haryanvi Singer Ankit Balyan Was Gunned Down Outside Gym In UPIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch‘Big Reveal’ Or Big Scam? August 25 Insta Account Make Hype Sparks ₹8.5 Crore Scam Row’Hijab On Heads, Not Minds’: Owaisi Calls Allahabad High Court Ruling ‘Attack On Islam’‘Do We Need A 4th-Party Audit?’: PM Modi Raps Secretaries, Flags Quality Issues In Public ProjectsAhmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train Cost Revised To Rs 2 Lakh Crore, Nearly 2x Of Original Estimate123Photostories7 houseplants that may help keep mosquitoes away: From basil to mintCan infections such as mumps affect male fertility years later?Psychology says why the sibling you couldn’t stand as a child can become the person you trust most as an adultFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journeyLoro Piana to Zegna: Lesser-known luxury sneaker brands the old-money tribe knows by heart10 baby boy names with powerful meanings and fascinating ancient rootsIntuition or fear? 5 ways to tell what your gut is really telling youPrincess Diana’s ‘Last Ring’ from Dodi Al-Fayed: The mystery behind the ‘Dis-moi Oui’ ringRaksha Bandhan 2026: 10 beautiful mehendi designs to elevate your Rakhi lookTired of lemons going dry or mouldy? Here’s how to store them the right way123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeICSI CS june resultNEET UG 2026Sridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderDelhi MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalDelhi Women AccidentKangana RanautMaharashtra Hill Tragedy

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
Petroleum minister Hardeep Puri reviewed the action taken on decisions from two brainstorming sessions on the rollout of the scheme, which received Cabinet’s approval, said officials. (Photo: IANS) NEW DELHI: Government is likely to finalise a year-wise plan soon for drilling, seismic surveys and rig deployment under Samudra Manthan, a Rs 84,084-crore national programme aimed at stepping up oil and gas exploration in India’s offshore basins and reducing dependence on energy imports.Officials said petroleum minister Hardeep Puri recently reviewed the action taken on decisions from two brainstorming sessions held in Gurgaon in Haryana and Duliajan in Assam, on the rollout of the scheme, which received Cabinet’s approval last month.The year-wise roadmap will help government carry out exploration and production activities in a concerted manner across Krishna-Godavari (KG), Mahanadi, Andaman and Cauvery basins and ensure systematic utilisation of funds, an official said.The scheme will fund acquisition, processing and interpretation of seismic data, scientific drilling in frontier basins, accelerated exploration in deepwater and ultra-deepwater blocks, and development of shared offshore production and evacuation infrastructure.While Rs 43,200 crore has been earmarked for drilling 60 exploratory deepwater wells over five years, Rs 28,534 crore has been allocated for acquisition of 2D and 3D seismic data, Rs 10,000 crore for common infrastructure hubs and Rs 2,000 crore for an oil and gas manufacturing and services zone.India’s annual crude oil requirement is around 256 million tonnes (MT), of which nearly 88 per cent is imported. Domestic crude oil production from 26 sedimentary basins is estimated at around 28 MT. With domestic output stagnating even as demand continues to rise, government has been looking to step up exploration to improve energy security and reduce import dependence.Samudra Manthan is expected to add more than 600 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent (MMTOE) to the country’s hydrocarbon reserves and boost domestic production of crude oil and natural gas.Officials said government has implemented a series of upstream sector reforms over the past decade, including opening up almost the entire offshore acreage for exploration, changes to legal and contractual framework, and strengthening National Data Repository. Samudra Manthan would complement these reforms by providing public funding for offshore exploration and facilitating the deployment of advanced technologies, they said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe scheme also includes dedicated provisions for digital programme management, capacity building, technology adoption, stakeholder engagement and international outreach, creating an integrated ecosystem to accelerate offshore exploration and production in the country.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos18 Rounds, Point-Blank: How Haryanvi Singer Ankit Balyan Was Gunned Down Outside Gym In UPIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch‘Big Reveal’ Or Big Scam? August 25 Insta Account Make Hype Sparks ₹8.5 Crore Scam Row’Hijab On Heads, Not Minds’: Owaisi Calls Allahabad High Court Ruling ‘Attack On Islam’‘Do We Need A 4th-Party Audit?’: PM Modi Raps Secretaries, Flags Quality Issues In Public ProjectsAhmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train Cost Revised To Rs 2 Lakh Crore, Nearly 2x Of Original Estimate123Photostories7 houseplants that may help keep mosquitoes away: From basil to mintCan infections such as mumps affect male fertility years later?Psychology says why the sibling you couldn’t stand as a child can become the person you trust most as an adultFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journeyLoro Piana to Zegna: Lesser-known luxury sneaker brands the old-money tribe knows by heart10 baby boy names with powerful meanings and fascinating ancient rootsIntuition or fear? 5 ways to tell what your gut is really telling youPrincess Diana’s ‘Last Ring’ from Dodi Al-Fayed: The mystery behind the ‘Dis-moi Oui’ ringRaksha Bandhan 2026: 10 beautiful mehendi designs to elevate your Rakhi lookTired of lemons going dry or mouldy? Here’s how to store them the right way123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeICSI CS june resultNEET UG 2026Sridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderDelhi MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalDelhi Women AccidentKangana RanautMaharashtra Hill Tragedy


Year-wise plan to implement Samudra Manthan in works
Petroleum minister Hardeep Puri reviewed the action taken on decisions from two brainstorming sessions on the rollout of the scheme, which received Cabinet’s approval, said officials. (Photo: IANS)

NEW DELHI: Government is likely to finalise a year-wise plan soon for drilling, seismic surveys and rig deployment under Samudra Manthan, a Rs 84,084-crore national programme aimed at stepping up oil and gas exploration in India’s offshore basins and reducing dependence on energy imports.Officials said petroleum minister Hardeep Puri recently reviewed the action taken on decisions from two brainstorming sessions held in Gurgaon in Haryana and Duliajan in Assam, on the rollout of the scheme, which received Cabinet’s approval last month.The year-wise roadmap will help government carry out exploration and production activities in a concerted manner across Krishna-Godavari (KG), Mahanadi, Andaman and Cauvery basins and ensure systematic utilisation of funds, an official said.The scheme will fund acquisition, processing and interpretation of seismic data, scientific drilling in frontier basins, accelerated exploration in deepwater and ultra-deepwater blocks, and development of shared offshore production and evacuation infrastructure.While Rs 43,200 crore has been earmarked for drilling 60 exploratory deepwater wells over five years, Rs 28,534 crore has been allocated for acquisition of 2D and 3D seismic data, Rs 10,000 crore for common infrastructure hubs and Rs 2,000 crore for an oil and gas manufacturing and services zone.India’s annual crude oil requirement is around 256 million tonnes (MT), of which nearly 88 per cent is imported. Domestic crude oil production from 26 sedimentary basins is estimated at around 28 MT. With domestic output stagnating even as demand continues to rise, government has been looking to step up exploration to improve energy security and reduce import dependence.Samudra Manthan is expected to add more than 600 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent (MMTOE) to the country’s hydrocarbon reserves and boost domestic production of crude oil and natural gas.Officials said government has implemented a series of upstream sector reforms over the past decade, including opening up almost the entire offshore acreage for exploration, changes to legal and contractual framework, and strengthening National Data Repository. Samudra Manthan would complement these reforms by providing public funding for offshore exploration and facilitating the deployment of advanced technologies, they said.

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The community advisory was issued after intense criticism of the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and his ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’, to be held on Saturday at Madison Square Garden (Photo: Reuters). American non-profit organisation, The Hindu American Foundation has issued an advisory ahead of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s event in New York City, advising citizens to stay vigilant, aware, and civilised.”HAF is issuing this security alert in advance of the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Stay vigilant, remain situationally aware, and keep interactions civil. Ahead of the event, activists targeting Hindu Americans have attempted to disrupt and cancel the celebration”, HAF posted on X, while also urging New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to ensure the safety of the event attendees.The community advisory was issued after intense criticism of the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and his ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’, to be held on Saturday at Madison Square Garden.On Tuesday, Mamdani expressed his lack of support for Bhagwat’s event while admitting his office cannot cancel it.“I don’t support the rally, but I don’t know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event,” he told reporters.United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) asked US government to consider sanctions against the RSS, alleging deterioration of religious freedom in India.”We urge the US government to consider targeted sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials complicit in religious freedom violations, including revoking the visa issued to Mohan Bhagwat and making him ineligible for future entry into the United States”, the body said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe USCIRF is Chaired by Pakistani-American Asif Mahmood.The body has previously been dismissed by the ministry of external affairs over bias and lack of credibility.”We all know this is a biased institution. For years, it has made incorrect and provocative statements about India. We should ignore such institutions, as they have their own agendas and lack credibility”, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during an August 21 press briefing.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorPranjal PandeyPranjal Pandey is an intern at The Times of India. He holds a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and covers Real Estate, Defence, and International Relations, among other beats.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos18 Rounds, Point-Blank: How Haryanvi Singer Ankit Balyan Was Gunned Down Outside Gym In UPIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch‘Big Reveal’ Or Big Scam? August 25 Insta Account Make Hype Sparks ₹8.5 Crore Scam Row’Hijab On Heads, Not Minds’: Owaisi Calls Allahabad High Court Ruling ‘Attack On Islam’‘Do We Need A 4th-Party Audit?’: PM Modi Raps Secretaries, Flags Quality Issues In Public ProjectsAhmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train Cost Revised To Rs 2 Lakh Crore, Nearly 2x Of Original Estimate123Photostories7 houseplants that may help keep mosquitoes away: From basil to mintCan infections such as mumps affect male fertility years later?Psychology says why the sibling you couldn’t stand as a child can become the person you trust most as an adultFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journeyLoro Piana to Zegna: Lesser-known luxury sneaker brands the old-money tribe knows by heart10 baby boy names with powerful meanings and fascinating ancient rootsIntuition or fear? 5 ways to tell what your gut is really telling youPrincess Diana’s ‘Last Ring’ from Dodi Al-Fayed: The mystery behind the ‘Dis-moi Oui’ ringRaksha Bandhan 2026: 10 beautiful mehendi designs to elevate your Rakhi lookTired of lemons going dry or mouldy? Here’s how to store them the right way123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeICSI CS june resultNEET UG 2026Sridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingClaressa ShieldsSuresh GowdaHyderabad AccidentIIT Delhi Student DeathBihar Dolphin NewsMumbai Airport DemolitionRam RahimDelhi Women AccidentKangana RanautMaharashtra Hill Tragedy

The community advisory was issued after intense criticism of the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and his ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’, to be held on Saturday at Madison Square Garden (Photo: Reuters). American non-profit organisation, The Hindu American Foundation has issued an advisory ahead of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s event in New York City, advising citizens to stay vigilant, aware, and civilised.”HAF is issuing this security alert in advance of the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Stay vigilant, remain situationally aware, and keep interactions civil. Ahead of the event, activists targeting Hindu Americans have attempted to disrupt and cancel the celebration”, HAF posted on X, while also urging New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to ensure the safety of the event attendees.The community advisory was issued after intense criticism of the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and his ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’, to be held on Saturday at Madison Square Garden.On Tuesday, Mamdani expressed his lack of support for Bhagwat’s event while admitting his office cannot cancel it.“I don’t support the rally, but I don’t know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event,” he told reporters.United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) asked US government to consider sanctions against the RSS, alleging deterioration of religious freedom in India.”We urge the US government to consider targeted sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials complicit in religious freedom violations, including revoking the visa issued to Mohan Bhagwat and making him ineligible for future entry into the United States”, the body said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe USCIRF is Chaired by Pakistani-American Asif Mahmood.The body has previously been dismissed by the ministry of external affairs over bias and lack of credibility.”We all know this is a biased institution. For years, it has made incorrect and provocative statements about India. We should ignore such institutions, as they have their own agendas and lack credibility”, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during an August 21 press briefing.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorPranjal PandeyPranjal Pandey is an intern at The Times of India. He holds a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and covers Real Estate, Defence, and International Relations, among other beats.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos18 Rounds, Point-Blank: How Haryanvi Singer Ankit Balyan Was Gunned Down Outside Gym In UPIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch‘Big Reveal’ Or Big Scam? August 25 Insta Account Make Hype Sparks ₹8.5 Crore Scam Row’Hijab On Heads, Not Minds’: Owaisi Calls Allahabad High Court Ruling ‘Attack On Islam’‘Do We Need A 4th-Party Audit?’: PM Modi Raps Secretaries, Flags Quality Issues In Public ProjectsAhmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train Cost Revised To Rs 2 Lakh Crore, Nearly 2x Of Original Estimate123Photostories7 houseplants that may help keep mosquitoes away: From basil to mintCan infections such as mumps affect male fertility years later?Psychology says why the sibling you couldn’t stand as a child can become the person you trust most as an adultFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journeyLoro Piana to Zegna: Lesser-known luxury sneaker brands the old-money tribe knows by heart10 baby boy names with powerful meanings and fascinating ancient rootsIntuition or fear? 5 ways to tell what your gut is really telling youPrincess Diana’s ‘Last Ring’ from Dodi Al-Fayed: The mystery behind the ‘Dis-moi Oui’ ringRaksha Bandhan 2026: 10 beautiful mehendi designs to elevate your Rakhi lookTired of lemons going dry or mouldy? Here’s how to store them the right way123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeICSI CS june resultNEET UG 2026Sridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingClaressa ShieldsSuresh GowdaHyderabad AccidentIIT Delhi Student DeathBihar Dolphin NewsMumbai Airport DemolitionRam RahimDelhi Women AccidentKangana RanautMaharashtra Hill Tragedy

Vamsikrishna 0
In the last five months, a little over 1.4 lakh households surrendered their LPG connections. NEW DELHI: Only about 20% of LPG consumers who have a PNG network in their neighbourhood and can switch to the cleaner fuel have actually converted to piped gas despite govt’s push following the military conflict in West Asia earlier this year.Of the 21.7 lakh consumers identified by city gas distribution (CGD) companies as having access to a PNG network and being eligible to switch, only 4.4 lakh have applied so far, while connections of 3.3 lakh consumers have been activated, govt data showed.These consumers are spread across more than 72,000 housing societies in 311 geographical areas where PNG networks are available through oil companies, and public sector and private CGD entities.Data also showed that more than 21 lakh households were sent WhatsApp messages and eight lakh were given physical notices to switch to PNG. More than 33,000 camps were also organised, but conversion remained low. In the last five months, a little over 1.4 lakh households surrendered their LPG connections.While the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board had launched two campaigns to promote PNG, the real push came from govt during the peak of the West Asia conflict in March and April, when supplies through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupted and India faced a squeeze on LPG imports.Of the 33 million tonne of LPG consumed in 2025-26, India domestically produced about 13 MT, while the remaining requirement was met through imports, mostly from West Asia. In comparison, India is relatively more comfortable with LNG supplies and domestic gas production.The petroleum ministry in March issued an order to accelerate pipeline infrastructure, ease approvals and promote a shift from LPG to PNG to strengthen energy security. It also asked CGD and oil companies to communicate with LPG consumers who had a PNG network in their area, asking them to switch to piped gas within three months or risk discontinuation of their LPG cylinder supply.Officials said a task force constituted by the ministry for enhancing PNG penetration and mapping LPG-PNG consumers met on Wednesday, with poor conversion rates being discussed. Companies were asked to expand the PNG network. A thorough de-duplication exercise will also be carried out to identify consumers who have both LPG and PNG connections.To accelerate the adoption of piped gas, petroleum secretary Neeraj Mittal recently wrote to the chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories, asking them to provide district-level administrative support and appoint nodal officers to coordinate with gas distributors and oil marketing companies to expand the network.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesGovt has also launched an incentive scheme for CGD entities, effective from Sept 1, promising them an additional 200 standard cubic metres of domestically produced, lower-priced APM gas for activating each previously unbilled connection.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos18 Rounds, Point-Blank: How Haryanvi Singer Ankit Balyan Was Gunned Down Outside Gym In UPIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch‘Big Reveal’ Or Big Scam? August 25 Insta Account Make Hype Sparks ₹8.5 Crore Scam Row’Hijab On Heads, Not Minds’: Owaisi Calls Allahabad High Court Ruling ‘Attack On Islam’‘Do We Need A 4th-Party Audit?’: PM Modi Raps Secretaries, Flags Quality Issues In Public ProjectsAhmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train Cost Revised To Rs 2 Lakh Crore, Nearly 2x Of Original Estimate123Photostories7 houseplants that may help keep mosquitoes away: From basil to mintCan infections such as mumps affect male fertility years later?Psychology says why the sibling you couldn’t stand as a child can become the person you trust most as an adultFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journeyLoro Piana to Zegna: Lesser-known luxury sneaker brands the old-money tribe knows by heart10 baby boy names with powerful meanings and fascinating ancient rootsIntuition or fear? 5 ways to tell what your gut is really telling youPrincess Diana’s ‘Last Ring’ from Dodi Al-Fayed: The mystery behind the ‘Dis-moi Oui’ ringRaksha Bandhan 2026: 10 beautiful mehendi designs to elevate your Rakhi lookTired of lemons going dry or mouldy? Here’s how to store them the right way123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeICSI CS june resultNEET UG 2026Sridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderDelhi MurderSamay RainaIIT Delhi Student DeathBihar Dolphin NewsMumbai Airport DemolitionRam RahimDelhi Women AccidentKangana RanautMaharashtra Hill Tragedy

In the last five months, a little over 1.4 lakh households surrendered their LPG connections. NEW DELHI: Only about 20% of LPG consumers who have a PNG network in their neighbourhood and can switch to the cleaner fuel have actually converted to piped gas despite govt’s push following the military conflict in West Asia earlier this year.Of the 21.7 lakh consumers identified by city gas distribution (CGD) companies as having access to a PNG network and being eligible to switch, only 4.4 lakh have applied so far, while connections of 3.3 lakh consumers have been activated, govt data showed.These consumers are spread across more than 72,000 housing societies in 311 geographical areas where PNG networks are available through oil companies, and public sector and private CGD entities.Data also showed that more than 21 lakh households were sent WhatsApp messages and eight lakh were given physical notices to switch to PNG. More than 33,000 camps were also organised, but conversion remained low. In the last five months, a little over 1.4 lakh households surrendered their LPG connections.While the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board had launched two campaigns to promote PNG, the real push came from govt during the peak of the West Asia conflict in March and April, when supplies through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupted and India faced a squeeze on LPG imports.Of the 33 million tonne of LPG consumed in 2025-26, India domestically produced about 13 MT, while the remaining requirement was met through imports, mostly from West Asia. In comparison, India is relatively more comfortable with LNG supplies and domestic gas production.The petroleum ministry in March issued an order to accelerate pipeline infrastructure, ease approvals and promote a shift from LPG to PNG to strengthen energy security. It also asked CGD and oil companies to communicate with LPG consumers who had a PNG network in their area, asking them to switch to piped gas within three months or risk discontinuation of their LPG cylinder supply.Officials said a task force constituted by the ministry for enhancing PNG penetration and mapping LPG-PNG consumers met on Wednesday, with poor conversion rates being discussed. Companies were asked to expand the PNG network. A thorough de-duplication exercise will also be carried out to identify consumers who have both LPG and PNG connections.To accelerate the adoption of piped gas, petroleum secretary Neeraj Mittal recently wrote to the chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories, asking them to provide district-level administrative support and appoint nodal officers to coordinate with gas distributors and oil marketing companies to expand the network.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesGovt has also launched an incentive scheme for CGD entities, effective from Sept 1, promising them an additional 200 standard cubic metres of domestically produced, lower-priced APM gas for activating each previously unbilled connection.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos18 Rounds, Point-Blank: How Haryanvi Singer Ankit Balyan Was Gunned Down Outside Gym In UPIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch‘Big Reveal’ Or Big Scam? August 25 Insta Account Make Hype Sparks ₹8.5 Crore Scam Row’Hijab On Heads, Not Minds’: Owaisi Calls Allahabad High Court Ruling ‘Attack On Islam’‘Do We Need A 4th-Party Audit?’: PM Modi Raps Secretaries, Flags Quality Issues In Public ProjectsAhmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train Cost Revised To Rs 2 Lakh Crore, Nearly 2x Of Original Estimate123Photostories7 houseplants that may help keep mosquitoes away: From basil to mintCan infections such as mumps affect male fertility years later?Psychology says why the sibling you couldn’t stand as a child can become the person you trust most as an adultFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journeyLoro Piana to Zegna: Lesser-known luxury sneaker brands the old-money tribe knows by heart10 baby boy names with powerful meanings and fascinating ancient rootsIntuition or fear? 5 ways to tell what your gut is really telling youPrincess Diana’s ‘Last Ring’ from Dodi Al-Fayed: The mystery behind the ‘Dis-moi Oui’ ringRaksha Bandhan 2026: 10 beautiful mehendi designs to elevate your Rakhi lookTired of lemons going dry or mouldy? Here’s how to store them the right way123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeICSI CS june resultNEET UG 2026Sridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderDelhi MurderSamay RainaIIT Delhi Student DeathBihar Dolphin NewsMumbai Airport DemolitionRam RahimDelhi Women AccidentKangana RanautMaharashtra Hill Tragedy

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(Representative image) DR’s technical monitoring metrics will enable countries to assess their capacity to anticipate, prepare for and adapt to drought (Photo: Reuters). NEW DELHI: Amid reports that three out of four people worldwide could face drought by 2050, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) during its 17th conference (COP17) on Wednesday took a significant step in advancing new global architecture for drought resilience by showcasing the world’s first Drought Resilience Index (DRI) and launching the Drought Resilience Investment Facility (DRIF) to help countries strengthen their drought resilience.DR’s technical monitoring metrics will enable countries to assess their capacity to anticipate, prepare for and adapt to drought while identifying vulnerabilities and informing more effective policies and investments. It’s a new AI-powered features that can help policy-makers, technical experts and the public interpret complex data and turn it into practical insights.On the other hand, DRIF – the first global catalytic financing platform dedicated to drought resilience – will use public capital to reduce investment risks and unlock much larger flows of institutional and private finance for projects that strengthen water security, sustainable agriculture, nature-based solutions and land restoration.“COP17 is about turning commitments into implementation. We now have stronger financing mechanisms, better tools and practical guidance to help countries prepare for drought before it becomes a crisis,” said UNCCD executive secretary Yasmine Fouad.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“The task now is to connect these pieces and put them to work at scale, through governments, development partners, financial institutions and the private sector,” she added.India, represented by a team led by Union environment minister Bhupende Yadav at COP17, too advocated for strengthening drought resilience. Yadav on Tuesday called for a fundamental shift in the global approach to drought from “reactive relief to proactive technology-enabled resilience”.Underlining India’s core belief that “drought must be managed as a predictable, preventable risk, and not a recurring disaster demanding emergency response”, the minister said, “Preparedness over response, prevention over crisis management, resilience over recovery should be the goal.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch‘Big Reveal’ Or Big Scam? August 25 Insta Account Make Hype Sparks ₹8.5 Crore Scam Row’Hijab On Heads, Not Minds’: Owaisi Calls Allahabad High Court Ruling ‘Attack On Islam’‘Do We Need A 4th-Party Audit?’: PM Modi Raps Secretaries, Flags Quality Issues In Public ProjectsAhmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train Cost Revised To Rs 2 Lakh Crore, Nearly 2x Of Original EstimateGovt Seeks 2 Years To Frame OBC Creamy Layer Criteria For PSU, Private Staff Kids123Photostories7 houseplants that may help keep mosquitoes away: From basil to mintCan infections such as mumps affect male fertility years later?Psychology says why the sibling you couldn’t stand as a child can become the person you trust most as an adultFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journeyLoro Piana to Zegna: Lesser-known luxury sneaker brands the old-money tribe knows by heart10 baby boy names with powerful meanings and fascinating ancient rootsIntuition or fear? 5 ways to tell what your gut is really telling youPrincess Diana’s ‘Last Ring’ from Dodi Al-Fayed: The mystery behind the ‘Dis-moi Oui’ ringRaksha Bandhan 2026: 10 beautiful mehendi designs to elevate your Rakhi lookTired of lemons going dry or mouldy? Here’s how to store them the right way123Hot PicksSchool holidays todayBank holiday todayBSE holiday todayKerala name changeICSI CS june resultNEET UG 2026Sridhar VembuVenkata Narasamamba VasamsettyNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingClaressa ShieldsSuresh GowdaHyderabad AccidentIIT Delhi Student DeathBihar Dolphin NewsMumbai Airport DemolitionRam RahimDelhi Women AccidentKangana RanautMaharashtra Hill Tragedy

(Representative image) DR’s technical monitoring metrics will enable countries to assess their capacity to anticipate, prepare for and adapt to drought (Photo: Reuters). NEW DELHI: Amid reports that three out of four people worldwide could face drought by 2050, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) during its 17th conference (COP17) on Wednesday took a significant step in advancing new global architecture for drought resilience by showcasing the world’s first Drought Resilience Index (DRI) and launching the Drought Resilience Investment Facility (DRIF) to help countries strengthen their drought resilience.DR’s technical monitoring metrics will enable countries to assess their capacity to anticipate, prepare for and adapt to drought while identifying vulnerabilities and informing more effective policies and investments. It’s a new AI-powered features that can help policy-makers, technical experts and the public interpret complex data and turn it into practical insights.On the other hand, DRIF – the first global catalytic financing platform dedicated to drought resilience – will use public capital to reduce investment risks and unlock much larger flows of institutional and private finance for projects that strengthen water security, sustainable agriculture, nature-based solutions and land restoration.“COP17 is about turning commitments into implementation. We now have stronger financing mechanisms, better tools and practical guidance to help countries prepare for drought before it becomes a crisis,” said UNCCD executive secretary Yasmine Fouad.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“The task now is to connect these pieces and put them to work at scale, through governments, development partners, financial institutions and the private sector,” she added.India, represented by a team led by Union environment minister Bhupende Yadav at COP17, too advocated for strengthening drought resilience. Yadav on Tuesday called for a fundamental shift in the global approach to drought from “reactive relief to proactive technology-enabled resilience”.Underlining India’s core belief that “drought must be managed as a predictable, preventable risk, and not a recurring disaster demanding emergency response”, the minister said, “Preparedness over response, prevention over crisis management, resilience over recovery should be the goal.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch‘Big Reveal’ Or Big Scam? August 25 Insta Account Make Hype Sparks ₹8.5 Crore Scam Row’Hijab On Heads, Not Minds’: Owaisi Calls Allahabad High Court Ruling ‘Attack On Islam’‘Do We Need A 4th-Party Audit?’: PM Modi Raps Secretaries, Flags Quality Issues In Public ProjectsAhmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train Cost Revised To Rs 2 Lakh Crore, Nearly 2x Of Original EstimateGovt Seeks 2 Years To Frame OBC Creamy Layer Criteria For PSU, Private Staff Kids123Photostories7 houseplants that may help keep mosquitoes away: From basil to mintCan infections such as mumps affect male fertility years later?Psychology says why the sibling you couldn’t stand as a child can become the person you trust most as an adultFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journeyLoro Piana to Zegna: Lesser-known luxury sneaker brands the old-money tribe knows by heart10 baby boy names with powerful meanings and fascinating ancient rootsIntuition or fear? 5 ways to tell what your gut is really telling youPrincess Diana’s ‘Last Ring’ from Dodi Al-Fayed: The mystery behind the ‘Dis-moi Oui’ ringRaksha Bandhan 2026: 10 beautiful mehendi designs to elevate your Rakhi lookTired of lemons going dry or mouldy? Here’s how to store them the right way123Hot PicksSchool holidays todayBank holiday todayBSE holiday todayKerala name changeICSI CS june resultNEET UG 2026Sridhar VembuVenkata Narasamamba VasamsettyNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingClaressa ShieldsSuresh GowdaHyderabad AccidentIIT Delhi Student DeathBihar Dolphin NewsMumbai Airport DemolitionRam RahimDelhi Women AccidentKangana RanautMaharashtra Hill Tragedy

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Dissident netas, including Charanjit Channi (L), have been seeking the replacement of Amarinder Raja Warring as the Punjab Cong chief NEW DELHI: Congress is again mulling the idea of appointing a Hindu state president in Punjab amid a push from dissidents for a compromise to end the turmoil in the state unit.Well-placed sources said the deadlock in the dissidence-ridden organisation has cast a cloud over the upcoming election campaign, and the party brass is cut up about the unsuccessful fire-fighting efforts of key managers.A group of dissidents that includes senior netas like Charanjit Channi and Sukhjinder Randhawa has been seeking the replacement of state chief Amarinder Raja Warring ever since the AICC announced a clutch of poll-related panels while sticking with Warring at the helm two months ago.Now, sources said, the dissidents themselves have proposed that a Hindu Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief be appointed. This group has also conveyed that they will be on board with such a replacement, even though each one of them has been fancying their chances till now, they added.With the state chief and the leader of opposition both belonging to the Jatt Sikh community, the idea of a Hindu PCC chief is meant to bring balance to the organisational set-up.This was the original idea before the AICC decided to retain Warring at the top.An insider said the party is looking at its options and may have to make some change in the leadership position — either the Punjab chief or AICC in-charge, or both. While it is too close to the elections for such an organisational overhaul, the sources said the crisis has to be defused.Sources also dismissed the notion that Rahul Gandhi will soon kickstart the state campaign in the form of a bus journey, arguing that the bus would bring all the squabbling netas together and, thereby, enforce peace.A party manager said Rahul will only start the bus journey after the organisational bickering is over.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“The campaign will be about the state and state Congress. It needs an agenda so that the party can set a narrative for voters,” he said. “The state netas will have to come together and draw up a plan for winning the election together. Only then will Rahul get into it,” the party functionary said.Also, Rahul will be a part of the bus campaign for 2-3 days, and state netas will steer the rest of it for around 20 days. While Congress was hopeful of its chances in the AAP-governed state, persistent infighting in the local unit has raised concerns about its prospects.Inputs that forces like jailed MP Amritpal Singh’s “Waaris Punjab De” may be gaining ground have further alarmed some strategists.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch‘Big Reveal’ Or Big Scam? August 25 Insta Account Make Hype Sparks ₹8.5 Crore Scam Row’Hijab On Heads, Not Minds’: Owaisi Calls Allahabad High Court Ruling ‘Attack On Islam’‘Do We Need A 4th-Party Audit?’: PM Modi Raps Secretaries, Flags Quality Issues In Public ProjectsAhmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train Cost Revised To Rs 2 Lakh Crore, Nearly 2x Of Original EstimateGovt Seeks 2 Years To Frame OBC Creamy Layer Criteria For PSU, Private Staff Kids123PhotostoriesFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journeyLoro Piana to Zegna: Lesser-known luxury sneaker brands the old-money tribe knows by heart10 baby boy names with powerful meanings and fascinating ancient rootsIntuition or fear? 5 ways to tell what your gut is really telling youPrincess Diana’s ‘Last Ring’ from Dodi Al-Fayed: The mystery behind the ‘Dis-moi Oui’ ringRaksha Bandhan 2026: 10 beautiful mehendi designs to elevate your Rakhi lookTired of lemons going dry or mouldy? Here’s how to store them the right wayOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first reveals whether you are an introvert or an extrovertFrom washing dishes for Rs 1,800 to being asked to return to work after a miscarriage and later being fired after pregnancy: When Smriti Irani opened up about her struggles5 jewellery gifts your sister will love showing off this Raksha Bandhan123Hot PicksSchool holidays todayBank holiday todayBSE holiday todayKerala name changeICSI CS june resultNEET UG 2026Sridhar VembuVenkata Narasamamba VasamsettyNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Woman Deportation CaseSuresh GowdaHyderabad AccidentIIT Delhi Student DeathBihar Dolphin NewsMumbai Airport DemolitionRam RahimDelhi Women AccidentKangana RanautMaharashtra Hill Tragedy

Dissident netas, including Charanjit Channi (L), have been seeking the replacement of Amarinder Raja Warring as the Punjab Cong chief NEW DELHI: Congress is again mulling the idea of appointing a Hindu state president in Punjab amid a push from dissidents for a compromise to end the turmoil in the state unit.Well-placed sources said the deadlock in the dissidence-ridden organisation has cast a cloud over the upcoming election campaign, and the party brass is cut up about the unsuccessful fire-fighting efforts of key managers.A group of dissidents that includes senior netas like Charanjit Channi and Sukhjinder Randhawa has been seeking the replacement of state chief Amarinder Raja Warring ever since the AICC announced a clutch of poll-related panels while sticking with Warring at the helm two months ago.Now, sources said, the dissidents themselves have proposed that a Hindu Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief be appointed. This group has also conveyed that they will be on board with such a replacement, even though each one of them has been fancying their chances till now, they added.With the state chief and the leader of opposition both belonging to the Jatt Sikh community, the idea of a Hindu PCC chief is meant to bring balance to the organisational set-up.This was the original idea before the AICC decided to retain Warring at the top.An insider said the party is looking at its options and may have to make some change in the leadership position — either the Punjab chief or AICC in-charge, or both. While it is too close to the elections for such an organisational overhaul, the sources said the crisis has to be defused.Sources also dismissed the notion that Rahul Gandhi will soon kickstart the state campaign in the form of a bus journey, arguing that the bus would bring all the squabbling netas together and, thereby, enforce peace.A party manager said Rahul will only start the bus journey after the organisational bickering is over.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“The campaign will be about the state and state Congress. It needs an agenda so that the party can set a narrative for voters,” he said. “The state netas will have to come together and draw up a plan for winning the election together. Only then will Rahul get into it,” the party functionary said.Also, Rahul will be a part of the bus campaign for 2-3 days, and state netas will steer the rest of it for around 20 days. While Congress was hopeful of its chances in the AAP-governed state, persistent infighting in the local unit has raised concerns about its prospects.Inputs that forces like jailed MP Amritpal Singh’s “Waaris Punjab De” may be gaining ground have further alarmed some strategists.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch‘Big Reveal’ Or Big Scam? August 25 Insta Account Make Hype Sparks ₹8.5 Crore Scam Row’Hijab On Heads, Not Minds’: Owaisi Calls Allahabad High Court Ruling ‘Attack On Islam’‘Do We Need A 4th-Party Audit?’: PM Modi Raps Secretaries, Flags Quality Issues In Public ProjectsAhmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train Cost Revised To Rs 2 Lakh Crore, Nearly 2x Of Original EstimateGovt Seeks 2 Years To Frame OBC Creamy Layer Criteria For PSU, Private Staff Kids123PhotostoriesFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journeyLoro Piana to Zegna: Lesser-known luxury sneaker brands the old-money tribe knows by heart10 baby boy names with powerful meanings and fascinating ancient rootsIntuition or fear? 5 ways to tell what your gut is really telling youPrincess Diana’s ‘Last Ring’ from Dodi Al-Fayed: The mystery behind the ‘Dis-moi Oui’ ringRaksha Bandhan 2026: 10 beautiful mehendi designs to elevate your Rakhi lookTired of lemons going dry or mouldy? Here’s how to store them the right wayOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first reveals whether you are an introvert or an extrovertFrom washing dishes for Rs 1,800 to being asked to return to work after a miscarriage and later being fired after pregnancy: When Smriti Irani opened up about her struggles5 jewellery gifts your sister will love showing off this Raksha Bandhan123Hot PicksSchool holidays todayBank holiday todayBSE holiday todayKerala name changeICSI CS june resultNEET UG 2026Sridhar VembuVenkata Narasamamba VasamsettyNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Woman Deportation CaseSuresh GowdaHyderabad AccidentIIT Delhi Student DeathBihar Dolphin NewsMumbai Airport DemolitionRam RahimDelhi Women AccidentKangana RanautMaharashtra Hill Tragedy

Vamsikrishna 0