News Broadcasting
Rising Karnataka 2019
MUMBAI: Rising India is a mega event organised by the country's largest and most popular News channel – News18. An IP property of Network18, it brings together the stakeholders in the governance of the state to bring about an agenda for growth, hear concerns from various citizens and forums.
Prominent stakeholders from the government come together on the stage and put forth their valuable opinions, visions and share their thoughts with an aim to strengthen and chart the path of the state’s progress. This helps in discussion of issues that are unique and dedicated to that state, and that they are deliberated at length. The collective thoughts derived from the brainstorming on this unique platform will further strengthen the movement of progress of that region.
On these lines, a gala event , Rising Karnataka was organized in Bangalore recently by News18 Kannada. Prominent stakeholders from the of field of politics, education, society, economics, industry, entertainment, cinema etc expressed their valuable ideas and drew the government's attention to innumerable possibilities in the path of progress.
The crux of the event was the presence of the chief minister of Karnataka, B S Yediyurappa. He was accompanied by the deputy chief minister, Ashwath Narayan. Shri. B S Yediyurappa assured the gathering that Karnataka will make giant leaps of progress in the next 6 months. His main agenda of reform for the farmers and in areas of irrigation that would aid the farmers and what has been a thorn with erratic rainfall in the state. He also elaborated on his plans to improve road infrastructure and transport, solving traffic congestion, and touched upon many other relevant issues . He promised that Bangalore will soon be one the best metropolis in the world. He also reiterated that it's not enough if only Bangalore progresses. The other regions of the state must follow suit. He said that he will make great efforts to bring up the other regions by starting industries and providing job opportunities to the youth.
Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwath Narayan also elaborated on many of these issues including waste and water management and said all the departments must be brought under one umbrella for cohesive and smooth functioning.
Freedom fighter H S Doreswamy brought to the CM’s notice the deplorable state of Victoria Hospital. The senior veteran said that the hospital was akin to hell and urged the chief minister to build a new hospital with good amenities. BSY assured him that this would be fulfilled. He also said, not just the hospital, but the map of entire Bangalore will go through a sea change.
Padmashree awardee Saalumarada Timmakka, leaders from BJP, Congress and JDS , Tinsel stars Sharan, Aditi Prabhudeva, farmers' champion Kuruburu Shanta Kumar, students and office bearers of many organizations were present at the event. They put forth their concerns and questions and suggestions to the government.
The introductory speech was delivered by News18 Kannada Editor, Siddappa Kaloji, and elaborated on the aims and aspirations of the event Rising Karnataka. The chief of the Content and Editorial Board, Mr. Santosh Ramachandra Menon, CEO – Languages Cluster, Karan Abhishekh Singh, Special project, Campaign and Event Managing Editor, Mr. Karthik Subbaraman were present.
The efforts of Rising Karnataka in bringing together people from different fields was commended by all. BSY once again reiterated his focus on bringing about comprehensive progress in the state in all fields.
News18 Kannada Rising Karnataka 2019 will be telecasted on 22nd December 2019 Sunday at 6 pm and repeat on 23rd December Monday at 10 am.
News Broadcasting
Induction cooktop demand spikes 30× amid LPG supply concerns
Supply worries linked to West Asia tensions push households and restaurants to turn to electric cooking alternatives
MUMBAI: As geopolitical tensions in West Asia ripple through global energy supply chains, the familiar blue flame in Indian kitchens is facing an unexpected challenger: electricity.
What began as concerns over the availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has quickly evolved into a technology-driven shift in cooking habits. Households across India are increasingly turning to induction cooktops and other electric appliances, initially as a backup but now, for many, a necessity.
A sudden surge in demand
Recent data from quick-commerce and grocery platform BigBasket highlights the scale of the shift. According to Seshu Kumar Tirumala, the company’s chief buying and merchandising officer, demand for induction cooktops has risen dramatically.
“Induction cooktops have seen a significant surge in demand, recording a fivefold jump on 10 March and a thirtyfold spike on 11 March,” Tirumala said.
The increase stands out sharply when compared with broader kitchen appliance trends. Most appliance categories are growing within 10 per cent of their typical demand levels, while induction cooktops have witnessed explosive growth as households rush to secure an alternative cooking option.
Major e-commerce platforms including Amazon and Flipkart have reported rising searches and orders for induction stoves. Quick-commerce apps such as Blinkit and Zepto have also witnessed stock shortages in major metropolitan areas including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
What was once considered a convenient appliance for hostels, small kitchens or occasional use has suddenly become an essential addition in many homes.
A crisis thousands of miles away
The trigger for this shift lies far beyond India’s kitchens.
Escalating conflict in the Middle East has disrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Nearly 85 to 90 per cent of India’s LPG imports pass through this narrow waterway, making the country particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions.
The ripple effects have been swift.
India currently meets roughly 60 per cent of its LPG demand through imports, and tightening global supply has already begun to affect domestic availability and prices.
Earlier this month, the price of domestic LPG cylinders increased by Rs 60, while commercial cylinders rose by more than Rs 114.
To discourage panic buying and hoarding, the government has also extended the mandatory waiting period between domestic refill bookings from 21 days to 25 days.
Restaurants feel the pressure
The strain is not limited to households. Restaurants, hotels and roadside eateries are also grappling with supply constraints as commercial LPG availability tightens under restrictions imposed through the Essential Commodities Act.
In cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai, restaurant associations report that commercial LPG availability has dropped by as much as 75 per cent, forcing many establishments to rethink their kitchen operations.
Some restaurants have reduced menu offerings, while others are rapidly installing high-efficiency induction systems, creating hybrid kitchens where electricity now shares the workload with gas.
For smaller eateries and roadside dhabas, the shift is less about sustainability and more about survival.
A potential structural shift
The government has maintained that there is no nationwide LPG crisis and has directed refineries to increase production to stabilise supply.
Nevertheless, the developments of March 2026 may already be triggering a longer-term behavioural shift.
For decades, LPG has been the backbone of cooking in Indian households. However, recent disruptions have highlighted the risks of relying on a single fuel source.
Increasingly, households appear to be hedging against uncertainty by adopting electric cooking options to guard against price volatility and delivery delays.
If the current trend continues, the induction cooktop, once viewed as a niche appliance, could emerge as a quiet symbol of India’s evolving kitchen economy.
