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Puravankara receives highest accolade at worlds largest Communications Competition
MUMBAI: Puravankara Projects Limited, a premier real-estate developer, has been recognized with a ‘Platinum Award’, the highest accolade, at the 2013 Global Communications Competition sponsored by the League of American Communications Professionals (LACP). This event is the world’s largest communications competition.
The Puravankara entry, the company Annual Report FY 2013, received a ‘Platinum Award’ in the ‘Most Creative‘ category. The report entitled ‘Invest in Life’, reflecting the axiom that a home purchase is an investment of a lifetime, was ranked #10 among the top 100 communication materials of 2013 (The report can be viewed at:
http://www.puravankara.com/pages/Annual_Reports).
The proprietary judging system developed by LACP, evaluated over 1500 entries on the following six criteria: first impression, narrative, visual design, creativity, message clarity and relevance. Puravankara scored 99 out of a maximum 100 points, outperforming several global brands in the process.
The competition was judged by communications professionals affiliated with LACP (Details are available at: http://www.lacp.com/2013spotlight/competition.htm )
Commenting on the award Jackbastian Nazareth, Group CEO, Puravankara Projects said: “Puravankara is honoured to have received the highest commendation at the LACP Global Communication Competition. Recognition at a prestigious global forum validates our organizational focus on international benchmarks and best practices. We view our Annual Report not merely as a statutory document, but also as a strategic brand communication medium. It is a matter of pride for us that we are ranked at #10 among the top 100 Annual reports of 2013. This award reaffirms our commitment to the pursuit of excellence in our operations.”
Christine Kennedy, Managing Director LACP said, “The Puravankara Annual Report 2012-13, proves to be remarkable in light of tremendous competition. More than 1500 entries representing a dozen countries were received, so the competition was exceptionally tough.
Overall, we find this work to be outstanding, earning a total score of 99 out of a maximum 100 points. The first impression presented by this entry is exceptional, while the narrative is outstanding. The visual design is exceptional, tied with a level of creativity that is outstanding. We classify this entry as ranking at #10 among the Top 100 Communications Materials of 2013.” she added.
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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.
