News Broadcasting
ABP Ananda’s ‘Sera Bangali’ celebrates 19 years of recognising talent
Mumbai: India’s leading Bengali news channel, ABP Ananda, concluded its illustrious flagship event, ‘Sera Bangali 2023,’ with tremendous success. The event, which spotlighted and celebrated the remarkable achievements of nine outstanding personalities from Bengal, showcased the pinnacle of excellence across diverse fields such as literature, science, film, music, business, sports, and industry. Throughout the event’s proceedings, the stage pulsated with the vibrancy of Bengal’s unparalleled talent and cultural richness.
The recipients of the esteemed 2023 Sera Bengali Award, each a luminary in their respective fields, were honoured for their significant contributions:
- Chanchal Chowdhury – acting
- Iman Chakraborty – music
- Masud Ahmad – literature
- Anjan Chatterjee – business
- Subrata Chowdhury – art
- Ayhika Mukherjee & Sutirtha Mukherjee – sports
- Dhritiman Chatterji – lifetime achievement
- Debojyoti Dhar – serar sera
Reflecting on the cultural significance of the event, ABP Network CEO Avinash Pandey expressed his pride, stating, “Sera Bangali stands as an epitome of Bengal’s cultural richness, highlighting the extraordinary contributions made by the finest minds and talents of the region. ABP Ananda feels privileged to curate this platform, not just to honour these luminaries but to ignite a spark in the upcoming generation, encouraging them to reach for brilliance in their chosen endeavours.”
Keeping the legacy of the event alive and celebrating Bengal’s excellence, ABP Network Sr VP Suman De added, “Sera Bangali marks another milestone in our commitment to recognising and acknowledging the unparalleled achievements of Bengali personalities. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees for their outstanding accomplishments.”
The event highlighted the diverse, yet interconnected tapestry of accomplishments woven by these personalities, resonating deeply with the ethos and identity of the region. Another highlight from the evening was Shreya Ghoshal’s scintillating performance at the event.
The event, presented by Bandhan Bank, Anmol Biscuits, and Dabur Chyawanprash, along with the support of co-powered by sponsors – Sahababur Adi Dhakeshwari, Shalimar Chef Spices, Dear Government Lotteries, and Senco Gold & Diamonds, in partnership with Salical, Alteus, Mio Amore, Mehai LED, Sparx, and ZED Black Premium Agarbatti, showcased the liveliness and talent Bengal has to offer on a global stage. The Digital partner was ABP Live.
The repeat telecast of this prestigious event will air on 9 December and 16 December 2023 at 10 pm exclusively on ABP Ananda.
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.
