Centre releases over ₹17,700 crore fund under VB-G RAM G:Govt will construct nearly 5 crore homes in rural India

Ministry of Rural Development said on Monday, 20 April, 2026, that the government has released ₹17,744 crore fund support as the first installment of VB-G RAM G through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to states. This will ensure payment of income for the labourers. The Central Government also said taht VB-G RAM G is a demand-driven scheme. PMAY-G Under the PMAY-G, the Centre will construct 4.95 crore houses in rural India. Over 18 lakh 5 kg cyliners sold The Centre has ramped up the manufacture of 5 kg cylinders. The government has sold 18.45 lakh numbers of 5 kg cylinders since March 2026. While, since 3 April, the agencies have sold 1.05 lakh number of 5 kg cylinders. Natural gas: Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, India’s Ministry of Petroleum Natural Gas said that the government has taken a lot of steps to expand the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) network. The West Asia crisis had impacted supply of petrol, diesel, LPG, etc in India. Since March 2026, more than 4 lakh new households have got new PNG connections. Over 11 lakh passengers fly back to India from Gulf countries National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, paid a visit to Saudi Arabia on 19 April, 2026. India continues to monitor the situation in the Gulf region. The government has given high priority to safety of India sailors on the sea routes. Flights continue to operate. The Centre said that 110 flights are expected to land from UAE to India on Monday. The government has been able to fly 11.30 lakh passengers from Gulf countries to India since February 2026. 1,091 Indian students have been brought from Iran to India through several routes. 10 Indian ships safely cross Hormuz Strait since Iran-war begenning The government spokesperson said that so far ten Indian ships had safely crossed the Hormuz Strait since the Iran-war had begun. Several of our ships are still stranded there in the Persian Gulf. In the past 48 hours, two Indian vessels were fired at and returned back to the Persian Gulf.