News Broadcasting
iTV Network organised veeron ko jai hind- Ab Ki Baar Aatank Ka Sanhaar conclave to honor braveheart soldiers
MUMBAI: As the entire nation stands today against terrorism, iTV Network, India’s leading media house (India News & NewsX) today organized ‘Veeron Ko Jai Hind- Abki Baar Aatank Ka Sanhaar’, a felicitation ceremony to honor the braveheart soldiers of CRPF, BSF, ITBP and Delhi Police who displayed valor in the battlefield. Held at Hotel Shangri-La in New Delhi, the event shown a light on the bravery of the armed forces who fought against terrorism and some even lost their lives during encounter with terrorists. With recent incidents like Pulwama terror attack on CRPF convoy in which more than 40 bravehearts lost their lives. A few days later, our armed forces retaliated by surgical strikes and destroyed terror camps in POK which again proven the mettle of our armed forces.
The event was graced by political dignitaries like Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqwi, Union Minister of Minority Affairs; Shri Subramanian Swamy, Member of Parliament, BJP; Shri Randeep Surjewala,
Senior Congress Leader; Shri Manoj Sinha, MoS (Independent Charge) of Communications & MoS, Ministry of Railways along with them there were retired veterans from the armed forces, army men and families of martyrs.
The special guest at the event were star cast of the upcoming film RAW-Romeo Akbar Walter-Actors- John Abraham and Sikandar Kher. They were accompanied by RAW director Robbie Grewal and music sensation Hans Raj Hans. The team encouraged men in uniform and felicitated the bravehearts and martyrs families. At the event, John Abraham said, “I have huge respect for our Indian armed forces and in my opinion, every student should serve in the defense forces for atleast 2 years after completing higher studies. I also would like to urge the voters to elect the candidates on basis of development, not religion.” Sharing his experience of shooting in Kashmir for RAW, John said, “It was a great experience to shoot in J&K, people of the valley are really nice and Indian army was very supportive to the whole team of RAW.”
While attending the event, Mr Kartikeya Sharma, Founder & Promoter, iTV Network said, “The security and the well-being of the nation largely depends on the courage of the bravehearts who are protecting the nation to ensure our safety and we should never forget their sacrifices. These awards is to express our gratitude towards them who have shown exemplary valor and devotion while performing their duties.”
In an interesting session, ‘Salute to Service’ with Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqwi, Union Minister of Minority Affairs, the minister shared his views on how the BJP government took strong steps against terrorism he said “Modi government gave a free hand to defense forces to retaliate and eliminate the enemy.”
On the National security amid poll season, Shri Subramanian Swamy, Member of Parliament, BJP and Shri Randeep Surjewala, Senior Leader, INC churn over politics on defense forces.
Shri Randeep Surjewala questioned Subramanian Swamy and said “How did the explosive used in the Pulwama attack?”, however Shri Subramanian Swamy retaliated by saying that “The ruling party did nothing after 26/11 attack and our current government has given freehand to defense forces to act against terrorism.”
Shri Manoj Sinha, MoS (Independent Charge) of Communications & MoS, Ministry of Railways also shared his views on Sena, Shaurya and Samman. Shri Manoj Sinha said, “Politics should not be done over defense force and their operations.” Further he also added that “Our government has already Rs 35000 crore has been sanctioned by the government on One Rank One Pension.”
While in an exclusive session with Shri Birender Singh, Union Minister of Steel, the minister shared his views on various national issues. He said, “Politics should not be done over defense forces and their operations.”
Another session was with Commandant Chetan Cheetah, 5th Battalion CRPF who is also known as ‘India Ka Cheetah’, where he spoke about his extra ordinary tales of bravery, during his session he said “For a soldier family support is the biggest power, for him his wife and kids are biggest strength and I am still willing to go back to border to fight against terror forces.” He miraculously survived nine bullet injuries he received during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.” There was another session with the war veterans from armed forces who have shared their views on how the armed forces are equipped with latest technology to tackle any tough situation.
iTV Network also felicitated the brave men during the ‘Veeron Ko Jai Hind- Abki Baar Aatank Ka Sanhaar’ conclave-
1. Commandant Shri Chetan Chitah of 05 Battalion, CRPF
2. Commandant Shri Vinay Anand Prakash of 86 Battalion, CRPF
3. Second-in-Command Shri RK Shaurya Padak, CRPF
4. Second-in-Command Shri Ashok Kumar, CRPF
The families of the following martyrs were also felicitated by iTV network-
5. Constable Shri Rajesh Kumar, BSF
6. Constable Shri Naresh Kumar, BSF
7. Constable Shri Vinod Kumar, BSF
8. Constable Shri Dinesh Kumar, ITBP
9. Head Constable Shri Khajan Singh, ITBP
10. Head Constable Shri Bijender Singh, Delhi Police (Special Security Vice President)
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.
