The government has restricted institutional, industrial, and commercial customers from buying Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel from retail outlets and has asked them to source their requirements from their own consumer pumps.

The decision has been taken to prevent local shortages amid disruptions in global supply chains caused by the ongoing crisis in West Asia.

Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel are essential commodities, and uninterrupted availability at fair prices is critical for transportation of goods and passengers, agricultural operations, emergency services, and national security.

In a notification, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry said the restrictions will be in place for up to 90 days. Retail outlets have been directed to sell up to 200 litres of High-Speed Diesel to a customer per day to prevent bulk purchase.

The government said the restrictions were necessary to prevent hoarding and maintain uninterrupted fuel supplies at fair prices. The Ministry added that many states have sought prevention of such practices, as they are causing inconvenience to retail customers and farmers.

It said the order is a temporary measure to curb practices that unscrupulous elements are resorting to during the crisis. It has asked Oil Marketing Companies and retail outlet dealers to ensure compliance with the order.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will visit Shillong on June 15 to participate in key events focused on infrastructure development and connectivity in the North Eastern Region.

The Minister will attend the CEOs Round Table during the North East India Infrastructure (NEIINFRA) Summit and Exhibition at the Lariti Performing Arts Centre, Shillong. The summit serves as a premier platform for discussions on infrastructure development, investment opportunities, and regional growth, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and other stakeholders from across the country.

Later in the day, the Union Minister will preside over the dedication to the nation and foundation stone laying ceremony of National Highway projects at Polo Ground, Shillong.

The projects are expected to provide a major boost to road connectivity, facilitate faster movement of goods and people, improve access to remote areas, and contribute to the socio-economic development of Meghalaya and the wider North Eastern Region.

In a social media post, PM Modi said that the growing participation of women in emerging fields such as drone technology is opening new avenues of opportunity and transforming the development landscape across the nation.

He noted that over the last 12 years, the NDA government has worked to further women-led development, and this is visible across sectors. He added that the government is actively supporting Self Help Groups, which are helping women become financially independent.

The Prime Minister further underlined that the government’s efforts are rooted in dignity, opportunity, and empowerment, which have helped create an environment where women can realise their full potential and contribute more strongly to nation-building. PM Modi expressed happiness at witnessing India’s Nari Shakti making a mark in sectors like science, space, and innovation.

Sharing a Sanskrit quote, the Prime Minister said that the country’s Nari Shakti is the cornerstone of nation-building. He added that the mothers, sisters, and daughters of the nation are enhancing the glory of Mother India with their extraordinary talent and skills in every field.

 India has undertaken wide-ranging labour reforms through consolidation of 29 Central Labour Laws into four Labour Codes to simplify compliance, strengthen workers’ welfare and create a modern and transparent labour ecosystem.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje stated this while addressing the Plenary Session of the International Labour Conference (ILO) at Geneva in Switzerland yesterday. The Minister appreciated the ILO for its continued leadership in promoting social justice and decent work amidst rapidly evolving global transformations.

Ms Karandlaje laid emphasis on India’s progress in developing Digital Public Infrastructure in the labour and employment sector through the National Career Service Portal and the e-Shram Portal. She also highlighted the importance of international cooperation on skills and occupations and India’s ongoing feasibility study with the ILO on developing an international reference classification of occupations. She added that between 2017 and 2025, unemployment rate fell from 6 percent to 3.1 percent, and women’s workforce participation surged from 22 percent to 38.8 percent. 

On the sidelines of the International Labour Conference the minister held bilateral meeting with the Minister of Public Service and Labour of Rwanda, Christine Nkulikiyinka, Labour Minister of Sri Lanka Anil Jayantha Fernando and Director-General of ILO Gilbert F. Houngbo.

India and Nepal have launched a peer-to-peer cross-border remittance mechanism to strengthen bilateral digital financial connectivity. The Ministry of Finance, in a statement said that the newly operationalized system establishes a direct link between India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Nepal’s National Payments Interface (NPI). This integration enables citizens of both nations to make seamless, real-time, and secure instant money transfers directly through mobile banking applications and digital wallets. The UPI-NPI linkage represents a major advancement in financial inclusion, fostering stronger economic and digital ties between both the countries. 

The Ministry said, this initiative aligns with regional goals for accessible, safe, and affordable cross-border payments, reinforcing long standing social and economic bonds. The digital payment corridor represents a major shift in how commerce operates between the two countries. The Finance Ministry noted that the initiative will enhance traveler convenience, will provide economic boost for local merchants and improve operational efficiency. It noted that local merchants would benefit from optimized cash management, reduced overhead costs associated with physical cash handling, and secure, real-time transaction settlements.

Chairing the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, Mr Modi said, as India progresses towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat, the collective responsibility of the Centre and States becomes even greater. The Prime Minister said that cooperation, dialogue, and sharing should guide interactions among the States. He said, NITI Aayog can play an important role as a platform for collaboration, enabling States to exchange ideas and work together towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The Prime Minister highlighted that creating the right ecosystem for the country’s youth through quality education, demand-driven skilling and employment opportunities must remain a priority. Mr Modi added that empowered youth will be the driving force behind the journey towards Viksit Bharat. He said, India has signed Free Trade Agreements with many countries to create new opportunities for growth and exports. The Prime Minister said these agreements also present a significant opportunity for the MSMEs, enabling them to prepare for global markets by adhering to international standards and enhancing competitiveness.

The Prime Minister said, women-led development is a cornerstone of the vision of Viksit Bharat. He said, from farming and startups to science and innovation, Nari Shakti is contributing across the domains. Mr Modi said, states should prioritise education, skilling, safety and empowerment of women to unlock their full potential and drive India’s development journey.

The meeting is deliberating on measures to promote entrepreneurship, enhance skilling, and create sustainable employment opportunities across the country. Discussions also focus on collectively charting an implementation roadmap that leverages key enablers, including governance, digital public infrastructure, and partnerships, while ensuring accountability and measurable impact.

The theme of this year’s meeting is “Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat @2047,” which emphasises the well-being and development of every Indian, regardless of age, region, gender, or socio-economic background. The Governing Council deliberates on strategies to realise this vision and translate it into concrete, measurable outcomes for citizens nationwide.

The meeting has brought together Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors from across the country to discuss the Inclusive Human Development Framework, anchored around four core pillars. These are Foundational Human Capital and Future-Ready Skills; Productive Employment, Entrepreneurship and Decentralised Growth; Health, Nutrition and Well-being; and Equity and Dignity for All.