News Broadcasting
ABP News Lets Fly The Flag Salutes Bravehearts with Singham
MUMBAI: ABP News Lets Fly The Flag initiative, started in 2012 has reached a new pinnacle this year. Other than the celebration of 68th Independence Day and the musical performance by an ace artist Irfan, the initiative this year was partnered with Singham Returns to recognize the act of bravery by a common man.
“Let’s fly the flag is one of the most successful initiatives that have been undertaken at ABP News Network. Though its journey is short but the success is immense-from being just an on air initiative in 2012, it has become an on ground + on air property. This initiative is very intrinsic to the ABP News Network as it is a reflection of all that we believe in-connecting with our viewers. We have celebrated the bravery of common people using this initiative as the platform. And we would continue to do so in the future.” shared Ashok Venkatramani, CEO, ABP Network
In 15 days of campaign on ABP News, viewers were asked to send entries of their act of bravery and winners were selected using a stringent process. A total of 10 winners were awarded by the entire cast of Singham Returns – Ajay Devgan, Rohit Sheety, and Kareena Kapoor in a ceremonial ground event at Amity University, Noida. The winners of the award were:
• Promila Katiyar for saving her 5yr old grand daughter from a thief
• Shalini Tomar for saving her daughter from kidnappers
• Veeru and Ramandeep for saving 2 girls from goons in Delhi
• Beni Prashad of 80yrs for educating under privileged children selflessly
• Ankita Arora for fighting with 4 snatchers and getting them arrested
• Naveen Gulia for fighting against beggar maffia
• Sanjay Kumar of CISF for saving life of a person who fell in river in Kullu
• Renu Singh for fighting with snatchers and getting them arrested
• Maleika Singh Tak for saving herself from kidnappers in Jaipur
The award was followed by enthralling performance of Mohd. Irfan of Banjara song fame. While the award function was happening, Ajay Devgan was very moved and shared “I am inspired to see these real life Singhams. They are the real heroes”. More than 600 people attended the on-ground programme. The show was telecasted on 15th Aug, 8pm onwards on ABP News.
Lets Fly The Flag was presented by Black Cobra Plywood, Powered by Raj Shree Pan Masala, Co-Powered by Jharkhand Sakrar, Associate Sponsor M-Tech Mobiles, Venue Partner Amity University.
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.
