News Broadcasting
News18 India (Languages) retains its Status as the most read regional news platform
MUMBAI: News18’s leading destination for regional language news, leads over competition third-time in a row amongst multi-vernacular (Indian languages) news/information Sites. As per the recently released Comscore mobile metrix report, News18 India with over 85 million1 unique visitors across mobile web platform has retained its number one rank with an 11.6% increase in its unique visitors count. News18 Bangla2 grabbed the number one position amongst the Bengali news sites, with an incredible 21% month on month growth of unique visitors.
In addition to this, the multi-vernacular verticals of the platform-agnostic news destination maintain its leadership position with a continuous growth of unique visitors in their respective regions. Occupying significant positions on the chart, the websites offer quality content across diverse formats and languages. Covering the length and breadth of the country, News18 seeks to enable its users to consume news in their preferred language at their fingertips by providing news and live TV across 11 languages that include Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Punjabi, Assamese and Urdu.
Reiterating News18 India’s constant growth and market dominance, the numbers reflect on its dedication to provide audiences with relevant content and offerings that make for a valuable and insightful experience.
Delighted to be amongst the highest rankers in the Comscore report, Network18 Digital COO- General News Mitul Sangani, said, “Personalization of consumption is one of the most important tools that help in building a robust audience relationship. We have been pioneers in providing innovative, original, and diverse content through our well-balanced reach and ace-quality news. In that sense we have personalized news consumption for our audience to their native language that allows them to consume credible content in their own comfort. It has been our constant endeavour to craft engaging services that meet the demands of the ever-evolving audience and we wish to continue with excellence in all our efforts.”
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.
