New Delhi: Prices of CNG in the national capital on Thursday were hiked by Rs 2.50 per kg and that of piped cooking gas by Rs 4.25 per unit to record levels on the back of surge in raw material cost.CNG in the national capital territory of Delhi now costs Rs 71.61 per kg, up from Rs 69.11 per kg, according to the information posted on the website of Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) -- the firm which retails CNG and piped cooking gas in the national capital and adjoining cities.This is the third price hike this month and the 11th since March 7.In all, the CNG price has risen by Rs 15.6 per kg in less than six weeks. This includes a Rs 7.50 per kg hike in this month alone.In the last one year, prices have increased by Rs 28.21 per kg or 60 per cent, according to data compiled by PTI.Alongside, the rates of gas piped to household kitchens, called piped natural gas (PNG), were hiked by Rs 4.25 per cubic meters to cost Rs 45.86 per scm.City gas distributors have been periodically raising prices since October last year when domestic as well as international gas prices started to climb as economies world over recovered from the pandemic-induced slowdown.Prices rose by Rs 8.74 per kg in the last three months of 2021, and from January there was a steady increase of about 50 paise a kg almost every week.The rates have gone up after the government more than doubled the price of natural gas to USD 6.1 per million British thermal unit from April 1.Natural gas when compressed becomes CNG for use as fuel in automobiles. The same gas is piped to household kitchens and industries for cooking and other purposes.On Wednesday, Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) raised Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) price by Rs 5 per kg to Rs 72 per kg in Mumbai. It also raised PNG price by Rs 4.50 to Rs 45.50 per scm.Prices vary from city to city depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT.The increase in CNG prices follows a Rs 10 per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices in 16 days and a Rs 50 per cylinder raise in the cooking gas LPG rates.A record 137-day hiatus in petrol and diesel price revision ended on March 22. On the same day, the price of a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder was increased to Rs 949.50 in the national capital. In some places, the LPG price has touched Rs 1,000 per cylinder.Petrol and diesel prices have been on a freeze for the last eight days. The last price revision took place on April 6.According to IGL, CNG will now cost Rs 74.61 per kg in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad and Rs 79.94 per kg in Gurugram, the cities adjoining Delhi.PNG in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad will now cost Rs 45.96 per scm and Rs 44.06 in Gurugram.—PTI

Prices of CNG in the national capital on Thursday were hiked by Rs 2.50 per kg and that of piped cooking gas by Rs 4.25 per unit to record levels on the back of surge in raw material cost.

CNG Price Hiked By Rs 2.5 Per Kg, Piped Cooking Gas By Rs 4.25

Washington: According to a new study, nylon cooking bags and plastic-lined cardboard cups are conveniences many people rely on, but they are an underappreciated source of nanoparticles in liquids.The findings of the research were published in the journal 'Environmental Science &amp; Technology' by Christopher Zangmeister and his colleagues at the American Chemical Society.Researchers reported that the plastic in these products releases trillions of nanometer-sized particles into each litre of water that they come in contact with. That sounds like a lot, but the team notes that these levels are under the regulatory limits for consumption.Food-grade plastics come into contact with a variety of foods and drinks that people consume every day. For instance, nylon cooking bags help keep food moist in the oven and make clean-up easier for slow cookers. Likewise, plastic-lined paper cups are designed to keep liquids hot and prevent them from leaking out.Previous studies have shown that some plastic materials, including polypropylene baby bottles and polyethene terephthalate tea bags, can shed microscopic and nanoscale particles into heated liquids, though the human health implications of ingesting these particles are unclear.So, Christopher Zangmeister and colleagues wanted to see whether food-grade plastic films can also be a source of small plastic particles.The researchers poured room temperature or hot water into nylon slow cooker bags and low-density polyethene-lined cardboard cups from different retailers. After keeping the slow cooker hot for an hour, the researchers found that 35 trillion plastic nanoparticles leached into the litre of water in each bag. When the team put hot liquid in 12-fluid-ounce cups for 20 minutes, 5.1 trillion plastic nanoparticles per litre leached out. Both materials released considerably fewer nanosized particles into room temperature water.Finally, the researchers calculated that a person would have to drink 13 cups of hot water from a plastic-lined cup or half a litre of water from a cooking bag to consume the equivalent of one nano plastic particle for every seven cells in a person's body.But they also note that the number of particles that migrated from the food-grade plastics into both the room temperature and hot water is still well below the levels for safe human consumption, according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration limits.&nbsp;—ANI

According to a new study, nylon cooking bags and plastic-lined cardboard cups are conveniences many people rely on, but they are an underappreciated source of nanoparticles in liquids.

Research Suggests Cooking Nylon Bags And Plastic-Lined Cups Can Release Nanoparticles Into Liquid

Colombo: Colombo police called army personnel to disburse the crowd over the demand for cooking gas at a Slave Island Police Station on Saturday. "We are here since morning and we are not getting gas and I think these people are selling gas to hotels and rich people," a woman protestor told ANI. People including women and elderly people and children were chanting "Diyaw Diyaw gas diyaw" on demanding gas for their daily necessities. "We have children in our house, we are not able to cook food for them, we are struggling for gas for a month," another woman protestor said while speaking to ANI.Notably, Ranil Wickremesinghe told the media after assuming the post of Prime Minister that his first challenge is to uplift the country's economy. "I want to settle this problem to ensure the supply of petrol, diesel and electricity to the people," said Wickremesinghe, as reported by Colombo Page. Post Wickremesinghe's oath-taking ceremony, he said that "we need to create a country with a future for the youth, where people can eat three meals a day again and free of queues soon."Presently, Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages, soaring prices and power cuts affecting a large number of the citizens. At the same time, the country continues to negotiate with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to bail out its struggling economy. It is to be seen how Wickremesinghe assuages the anti-government protestors in the near term, with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the central figure whose ouster is being sought by the protestors, still in place.—ANI

Colombo police called army personnel to disburse the crowd over the demand for cooking gas at a Slave Island Police Station on Saturday. 

Cooking gas shortage deepens in Lanka, army called to control angry crowd

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav has termed the increase in prices of cooking gas as another blow to the middle class, which is already reeling under the burden of rising prices.
Akhilesh Yadav said the BJP seems to be only adding to the profit of the gas companies.
"The kitchen-budget of the common man has gone haywire because of the rising prices of foodgrains and vegetables. Now, just before the festival of Holi, an addition of Rs 50 for domestic and Rs 350 in prices of commercial cooking gas cylinders, coupled with the proposed hike in power rates by the BJP government, is a matter of concern," Akhilesh said.
He said the BJP has not only failed to take steps to increase the earning and income of the poor and the middle-class but also failed miserably to check the price rise.
"In the last one year, rates of domestic cooking gas cylinders have gone up by Rs 200. This shows that the BJP is not bothered about the poor and the middle class and on the contrary, only helps the oil companies to increase their profits," he said.
He said as if the rising prices of essential commodities was not enough that the UP government is ready to hike the rates of electricity which will further impact the poor and the middle-class.
"An increase of 23 per cent has been proposed in power tariff which will come as another rude shock for the middle-class. This is being done under the pressure of power companies and to keep big business houses in good humour," Akhilesh said.&nbsp;
—IANS

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav has termed the increase in prices of cooking gas as another blow to the middle class, which is already reeling under the burden of rising prices.

Akhilesh Slams Hike In LPG Rates, Proposed Power Tariff

New Delhi (The Hawk): As we celebrate World Environment Day on June 5, 2023, the Government of India is holding a “Conference on Consumer-Centric Approaches for E-cooking Transition” in New Delhi. The conference will explore pathways to accelerate the deployment of energy-efficient, clean and affordable e-cooking solutions. Organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, Government of India, in collaboration with CLASP, the conference brings together institutional consumers, consumer research groups, policy makers, think tanks, manufacturers, and other enablers to drive dialogue and discuss strategy for the transition to electric cooking.
E-cooking Key to Mission LiFE
The focus on electric cooking is based on the recognition that e-cooking is a key pathway to Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), an India-led global mass movement to nudge individual and community action to protect and preserve the environment. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021, Mission LiFE seeks to transform persons into pro-planet people, who would adopt sustainable lifestyles.
Access to clean cooking energy is a crucial aspect of India’s energy transition journey. The choices we make regarding cooking fuel can have a significant impact on India's trajectory towards becoming a sustainable economy. India’s clean cooking transition requires rethinking individual and community actions and decisions that drive energy consumption.&nbsp;
Speaking on the government’s thrust on clean cooking, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power, Ajay Tewari said: “Recognizing the health, economic, and environmental benefits of clean cooking, the Government of India has prioritised policies that promote cleaner cooking fuels. With tremendous strides being made on electrification, as well as an increasing share of electricity supply being generated from renewable energy, electric cooking solutions provide a great opportunity to propel India towards a climate-friendly, healthier and sustainable future.”
“Time to encourage widespread adoption of Energy-Efficient and Affordable Clean Cooking Products”
The Additional Secretary pointed out that with efficiency policy for induction cookstoves in place, the next crucial step is to encourage the widespread adoption of efficient and affordable products. “The e-cooking transition must put consumers at the heart of the strategy. Understanding the needs of the consumer and making them a partner in creating a mass movement should be central to the transition.”&nbsp;
Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Abhay Bakre said that the conference will help transform Indians into 'pro-planet people' who would adopt sustainable lifestyles. “E-cooking is paving the way to a greener and sustainable environment. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana ushered a new dawn by expanding the coverage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, a cleaner and more efficient cooking fuel, to over 70 million families. Coupled with the status of electrification, this gives a big opportunity to speed up adoption of e-cooking. The Government of India has launched the GO Electric campaign to promote adoption of e-cooking."
Conference to deliberate on Enablers and Approaches for Adopting E-Cooking Solutions
With rising fuel prices and increasing supply pressures, India needs a clean, sustainable and affordable e-cooking solution – one that also reduces its dependence on imports and increases energy security. The conference on Consumer-Centric Approaches for E-cooking Transition will explore enablers for adoption of e-cooking solutions such as finance, demand aggregation, carbon credits and business models. It will also brainstorm on consumer-centric approaches and behaviours to bring about the e-cooking transition. The conference will also have a presentation by Energy Efficiency Services Limited, on e-cooking market transformation program and a presentation by BEE on initiatives undertaken to promote e-cooking. Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power, Ajay Tewari will deliver the special address while Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Abhay Bakre will deliver the keynote address. The conference is being held at Salon West, Hyatt Regency, New Delhi.

As we celebrate World Environment Day on June 5, 2023, the Government of India is holding 

Fast-Forwarding India’s Transition To Electric Cooking: Conference To Be Held On World Environment Day

New Delhi (The Hawk): How can we accelerate the deployment of energy-efficient, clean and affordable e-cooking solutions in India? On World Environment Day today, a conference organized in New Delhi by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, Government of India, in collaboration with CLASP, sought to find new answers to this question. The “Conference on Consumer-Centric Approaches for E-cooking Transition” brought together institutional consumers, consumer research groups, policy makers, think tanks and manufacturers in a discussion on strategy for the transition to electric cooking. Delivering the special address, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power, Ajay Tewari said that e-cooking is going to be an environment-friendly habit for all Indians in the times to come. “Some people take it very lightly, but e-cooking has many dimensions for families in urban and rural areas. Given our large population, a change in our behaviour can have the biggest impact on the planet.” Speaking about Mission LiFE launched by the Prime Minister at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021, the Additional Secretary said that India has emerged as the leader in energy transition. “We are going to achieve renewable energy targets much earlier than the timelines we announced. This is evident from our achievement of Nationally Determined Contributions nine years ahead of target and our renewable energy targets.” Move towards e-cooking driven by 24/7 Electricity The Additional Secretary said that we want to move towards e-cooking since we have 24/7 electricity in our households. “India has, in just 18 months, given Saubhagya connections to 26 million households who did not have electricity access. Never before in the history of the world has so many households been given electricity connection in such a short time. We are supplying energy for 23.5 hours in all urban areas and 23 hours and more in rural areas. It is a big achievement that the age of power cuts is behind us.” He added that 700 million people in the world however still do not have access to electricity and that universal energy access is one of the priorities of G20. “E-cooking is going to be the future of the Indian kitchen” The Additional Secretary asserted that once all Indian households have electricity access, e-cooking is going to be the future of the Indian kitchen. “We can promote electric cooking since the technology is available. It must be scaled up, a model needs to be developed so that the energy comes from renewable sources, so that there is aggregation of carbon credits. The model should work in such a way that it becomes affordable in both urban and rural areas.” “Need to come up with Affordable E-Cooking Business Models” After success of UJWALA and thus having transitioned to clean cooking, we now want to make the transition to e-cooking, said the Additional Secretary. Highlighting the importance of affordability, he said that we must promote e-cooking from renewable energy sources such as solar power and thermal power. “We are coming up with aggregation models whereby prices can be brought down. We are moving towards an Indian model of e-cooking to serve Indian kitchens. If we have standard and affordable models, we should be able to cover all urban areas within 2-3 years. By 2030, we will like to cover as many households as possible under e-cooking. This will contribute significantly to our fight against climate change.” “Very few technology barriers towards adopting e-cooking, need replication at Scale” In his keynote address, Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Abhay Bakre said that we have today come to an important juncture in our movement towards environment protection where we are moving ahead with Mission LiFE. Speaking about electric cooking, the Director General said that there is comparatively very little research required in this field since we have e-cooking appliances and consumers too are aware of this. “The principal barriers towards adopting e-cooking were customers’ concerns regarding potential faults in e-cooking appliances and whether all dishes could be prepared using e-cooking. When we launched the GO Electric Campaign, we faced big challenges such as setting up the electric vehicle charging infrastructure, the cost of Electric Vehicles and the production capacity. Contrary to this, we don’t have such challenges in e-cooking. We have found that almost all dishes prepared using conventional stoves can be prepared using e-cooking as well. So, what is needed is replication at scale. Our focus has been on kitchens and locations where cooking can happen for longer periods of time, of 8 – 10 hours per day. Rather than going for full replacement, consumers could go for replacing 50% of their cookers by electric cookers, so that they get the time to build confidence in e-cooking before making full transition.” “E-Cooking a Win-Win for both Power Sector and Consumers” Speaking about Sustainable Development Goal 7.1, the Director General said that 2.1 billion people do not today have access to clean cooking, and are exposed to harmful ways of cooking. “The promotion to e-cooking is a natural way of moving ahead with the SDGs, which are to be achieved by 2030. The first part – universal access to electricity – has been achieved in India. Most of our households also have access to LPG, thanks to UJALA. When we transition to e-cooking, it is going to be a much cleaner fuel. Electric cooking is the future and consumer participation is very important here. E-cooking can save energy consumed in reheating as well.” In conclusion, the DG said that we have to start with urban areas and move to Tier-2, Tier-3 towns and then to rural areas. He said that by 2030, e-cooking is going to be a win-win solution for both the power sector and for consumers as well. “Transition to e-cooking can improve quality of life, reduce carbon emissions and improve indoor air quality” Senior Director, CLASP, Bishal Thapa recalled that as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day today, it is time for decisive and transformative action and that the transition to e-cooking represents that opportunity. Noting that the Prime Minister’s articulation of Mission LiFE is bold and visionary, he said that the transition to e-cooking will enable a cleaner, greener and environmentally benign lifestyle. “The potential for e-cooking is not limited to rural areas. It is highly relevant for households and commercial areas in urban areas as well. The transition to e-cooking can help reduce energy imports and reduce our supply vulnerabilities. Overall, the transition can improve the quality of life, reduce carbon emissions and significantly improve indoor air quality.” The CLASP Senior Director said that the transition now requires greater consumer awareness, encouraging consumer choices and additional supply. “New partnerships are now required to drive this energy transition.” The participants took a pledge on Mission LiFE, to adopt environment-friendly lifestyle in all ways possible and to promote the same among fellow citizens. The Secretary, BEE, Milind Deore delivered the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the inaugural session. E-cooking Key to Mission LiFE The focus on electric cooking is based on the recognition that e-cooking is a key pathway to Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), an India-led global mass movement to nudge individual and community action to protect and preserve the environment. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021, Mission LiFE seeks to transform persons into pro-planet people, who would adopt sustainable lifestyles. Access to clean cooking energy is a crucial aspect of India’s energy transition journey. The choices we make regarding cooking fuel can have a significant impact on India's trajectory towards becoming a sustainable economy. India’s clean cooking transition requires rethinking individual and community actions and decisions that drive energy consumption.  Conference to deliberate on Enablers and Approaches for Adopting E-Cooking Solutions The one-day conference on Consumer-Centric Approaches for E-cooking Transition will explore enablers for adoption of e-cooking solutions such as finance, demand aggregation, carbon credits and business models. The conference will also brainstorm on consumer-centric approaches and behaviours to bring about the e-cooking transition. The conference will also have a presentation by Energy Efficiency Services Limited, on e-cooking market transformation program and a presentation by BEE on initiatives undertaken to promote e-cooking.&nbsp;

How can we accelerate the deployment of energy-efficient, clean and affordable e-cooking solutions in India?

On 50th Anniversary Of World Environment Day, Government Holds Conference On Consumer-Centric Approaches For E-Cooking Transition

Mumbai: Actor Ileana D'cruz, who frequently shares glimpses of flaunting her baby bump and pregnancy glow has now shared a new video about 'cooking up quite a bun' journey.  On Friday, the 'Barfi' actor took to Instagram and posted a new video, flaunting her baby bump. She captioned the story, "cooking up quite a bun."  The 'Main Tera Hero' actor donned black co-ord and could be seen in a no-make-up look.  Ileana is quite an active social media user and keeps sharing glimpses from her pregnancy diaries with her fans. From the very beginning, Ileana has been extremely tight-lipped about her personal life. Earlier several reports suggested that Ileana is dating Katrina Kaif's brother Sebastian Laurent Michel. The duo's relationship rumours surfaced after the two were spotted vacationing with Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif in the Maldives. Although the couple has still not made their relationship official. Ileana was earlier in a relationship with photographer Andrew Kneebone for quite a few years. Meanwhile, on the work front, Ileana was last seen in The Big Bull, co-starring Abhishek Bachchan. Filmmaker Kookie Gulati directed the film and it was produced by Ajay Devgn. She will be next seen in 'Unfair And Lovely' with Randeep Hooda. (ANI)

Actor Ileana D'cruz, who frequently shares glimpses of flaunting her baby bump and pregnancy glow has now shared 

Ileana D'cruz flaunts baby bump, says she's 'cooking up quite a bun'

Bhopal: Youth Congress chief Srinivas B.V. on Monday took a jibe at Union Minister Smriti Irani over the increasing prices of cooking gas cylinders while "reminding" her of the statements she used to make before 2014 on the issue.
Addressing a press conference in Indore, Srinivas sarcastically said that he had found the old gas cylinder which the Irani used to carry before 2014, and he would gift it back to her.
The Youth Congress chief has visited Indore to participate in the 'Parivartan' rally organised by the district unit of the party.
Addressing the gathering of party workers, Srinivas said Irani has been making a lot of statements these days but has forgotten that the BJP leaders used to call inflation a dayan (witch) prior to 2014.
—IANS

Youth Congress chief Srinivas B.V. on Monday took a jibe at Union Minister Smriti Irani over the increasing prices of cooking gas cylinders

Youth Cong chief takes jibe at Smriti Irani over prices of cooking gas

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving a subsidy of Rs 200 on each cooking gas cylinder ahead of Rakshabandhan. CM Yogi Adityanath referred to this "commendable decision" of the Central government as one that aims to "make the life of the common man easy and comfortable" and called it a "special gift" for the nation's millions of mothers and sisters. Apart from this, CM Yogi has also praised PM Modi's vision for the decision to give 75 lakh new gas connections under the Ujjwala scheme. Yogi also praised the decision in a statement to the news agency. He said, "The Union Cabinet had made a significant and historic decision on the eve of Raksha Bandhan. The plan to give a discount of Rs 200 per cylinder and 75 lakh new connections to the beneficiaries of the Ujjwala scheme is a commendable decision. With this, 10.35 crore beneficiaries will directly benefit across the nation, and more than 1.75 crore Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries will directly benefit in the state." The discount of Rs 200 per cylinder is in addition to the subsidy given on March 23. Certainly, this will benefit a large section of the country, CM Yogi said. Expressing happiness over the decision of the Centre, the Chief Minister further said that this gift to crores of mothers and sisters across the nation on the eve of Raksha Bandhan is actually a tribute to the power of motherhood. "Those who are just beginning to understand the concept of healthy fuel will be able to get cooking gas cylinders at even lower prices. Naturally, in the Indian system, the kitchen belongs to our mothers and sisters," the CM said. They will be able to manage their kitchen more easily as a result of this decision, the CM further said. The state's CM continued, "I heartily thank the respected Prime Minister and the Union Cabinet on behalf of the people of the state and on behalf of 1.75 crore beneficiaries of the state." In a tweet from his handle @myogiadityanath on the social media platform X (earlier Twitter), CM Yogi posted, "In order to make the life of the common man easy and comfortable, today the Central Cabinet, under the chairmanship of respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, has taken a commendable decision to reduce the price of domestic gas cylinders by Rs 200 and provided 75 lakh new gas connections under 'Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana'." This relief will be in addition to the subsidy of Rs 200 provided in March 2023 to the beneficiaries of PM Ujjwala Yojana. Thus, around 10.35 crore Ujjwala beneficiaries will get a gas cylinder for Rs 700, he posted. "On behalf of the state's 'matra shakti,' I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you, Prime Minister, for giving the gift of Raksha Bandhan to crores of mothers and sisters,” he further posted. —ANI

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi 

CM Yogi Expresses Gratitude To PM Modi For Rs 200 Cooking Gas Subsidy

Bhopal: With eyes firmly set on the Assembly elections due later this year, the Madhya Pradesh cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday approved the proposal to compensate Rs 450 on per gas cylinder purchased by Ujjawala connection beneficiaries.  The announcement was made by CM Chouhan during an event in Bhopal a couple of days back.  Addressing a gathering on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Chouhan has announced that the state government would provide the cooking gas cylinder at Rs 450. Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led MP cabinet approved this proposal two days after the Union Cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced to reduce the price of LPG cooking cylinders by Rs 200. After slashing the price of gas cylinder by Rs 200, a 14-kg LPG cylinder would cost Rs 900, and now the state government has also announced to compensate Rs 450 through direct benefit transfer (DBT), state home minister Narottam Mishra, who also spokesperson of MP government told the press on Thursday. “Beneficiaries under the Centre’s Ujjwala scheme would receive the compensation amount within the next few days, while the process of providing the same benefit to other consumers will also be initiated soon,” Mishra said. The minister informed that cabinet has also approved some other key proposals on Thursday, including the construction of a four-lane of worth Rs 2,981.65 crore. “The cabinet has approved a proposal to increase the incentive amount of ASHA workers from Rs 2,000 to Rs. 6,000. The incentive amount of ASHA supervisors has been increased from Rs 350 to Rs 500 and maximum.”
—IANS

With eyes firmly set on the Assembly elections due later this year, the Madhya Pradesh cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday approved the proposal to compensate Rs 450 on per gas cylinder purchased by Ujjawala connection beneficiaries.

Shivraj cabinet nod to compensate Rs 450 LPG subsidy for Ujjwala beneficiaries

With eyes firmly set on the Assembly elections due later this year, the Madhya Pradesh cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday approved the proposal to compensate Rs 450 on per gas cylinder purchased by Ujjawala connection beneficiaries.


New Delhi: The union cabinet on Wednesday approved an additional 75 lakh new LPG connections under the Ujjwala scheme, which will be given in the next three years.
The total cost on these connections will come to Rs 1,650 crore.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur, while addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting, said that these new connections will be in continuation of existing deposit- free connections, which are provided under the Ujjwala scheme.
The 75 lakh new connections will be given to those households which are dependent on wood for cooking food, which affects the health of women folk in rural households, he said.
The expense for giving these deposit-free connections will be borne by the central government, which later will be reimbursed by oil marketing companies (OMCs), Thakur said.
Under the new Ujjwala connections, the first stove and cylinder will be given free of cost, the expenses of which will be borne by OMCs, the minister said.
Earlier, the cabinet last month had reduced Rs 200 per cylinder for domestic cooking gas connection holders, while for Ujjwala scheme beneficiaries, the connections had become Rs 400 cheaper.
The latest decision as well as the earlier one by the union cabinet has come at a time when Assembly elections in five states are just 90 days away and the Lok Sabha polls are six months away.
—IANS

The union cabinet on Wednesday approved an additional 75 lakh new LPG connections under the Ujjwala scheme, which will be given

With polls round the corner, union cabinet approves 75 L new LPG connections under Ujjwala scheme

Los Angeles: Singer-actress Selena Gomez has always shared a close relationship with her grandparents, she has revealed that she often eats her grandma's leftovers.  "If it's a random Tuesday night, I'm definitely eating something my grandma made, probably (from) the night before," the 'Selena + Chef' host said in an Instagram video.  Gomez also loves to cook with her grandparents, reports aceshowbiz.com.  She said: "I live with my grandparents so we're always in the kitchen and we're always cooking. We always have leftovers so I'm pretty sure I won't be ordering in, it's got to be something from home."  The chart-topping star launched her 'Selena + Chef' series in 2020, and she remains keen to learn new cooking skills. Selena is particularly eager to learn how to make sushi.  She said: "We haven't even done that yet on our show and I would love to."  Meanwhile, Selena revealed earlier this year that she leans on her ten-year-old sister for advice. The "Lose You to Love Me" hitmaker admitted that her sister Gracie helps her to maintain a healthy "perspective on life."
—IANS

Singer-actress Selena Gomez has always shared a close relationship with her grandparents, she has revealed that she often eats her grandma's leftovers.

Selena Gomez opens up about living with her grandparents

Mumbai: Mohammed Aashiq from Mangalore is declared the MasterChef for this season on the streaming cooking show ‘MasterChef India’.  The journey for the homecook is all the more inspirational as he found himself in the 1st elimination round of this season but his love for the art of cooking propelled him to eventually take home the trophy.  Before gracing the MasterChef India kitchen, Aashiq ran his own juice shop, where he showcased his love for the art of cooking and his creative flair by crafting unique recipes that delighted his patrons.  Nambie Jessica Marak, secured the position of First Runner-up, whereas Rukhsaar Sayeed, claimed the title of Second Runner-up.  Shedding light on his remarkable journey, Mohammed Aashiq said: “I am immensely grateful for the whirlwind journey I've had on ‘MasterChef India’. From facing elimination to holding the trophy, every moment was a profound lesson. This experience has completely reshaped my life, and winning this esteemed title feels surreal.”  He further mentioned: “Coming back with stronger determination after narrowly missing out last season was tough, but I devoted myself entirely to the culinary craft. This victory isn't just mine; it's for every dreamer who defies the odds to chase their aspirations. I owe immense gratitude to the judges- Chef Vikas, Ranveer, and Pooja fellow contestants, the audience, and all the renowned chefs who pushed me to perform better with each passing day in the kitchen. I've grown significantly and noticed a remarkable shift in my cooking skills, all thanks to an incredible boot camp experience.”  ‘MasterChef India’ streams on Sony LIV.
—IANS

Mohammed Aashiq from Mangalore is declared the MasterChef for this season on the streaming cooking show ‘MasterChef India’.

Mohammed Aashiq wins the title on ‘MasterChef India’

Mandi (The Hawk): Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi), in collaboration with Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS), France, and the National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), India, have conducted a comprehensive study on the detrimental effects of indoor air pollution resulting from traditional cooking practices in rural kitchens across three Northeast Indian states. In a series of three papers, a research team from IIT Mandi comprising of Mr. Bijay Sharma, Ph.D. scholar, and Dr. Sayantan Sarkar, Assistant Professor, School of Civil &amp; Environmental Engineering, and his collaborators analyzed the extent and consequences of harmful emissions produced during indoor cooking using firewood and mixed biomass.   Despite advancements, more than 50% of the rural population in Northeastern India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya) continues to use traditional solid fuels such as firewood and mixed biomass for cooking, leading to the release of significant pollutants into the kitchen air. The research aimed to gauge the severity and disease burden associated with the use of biomass cooking fuel compared to LPG-based cooking.   The researchers measured size-resolved concentrations of aerosols, i.e., particles suspended in the air, and toxic trace metals and carcinogenic organic substances bound with it, during cooking with firewood, mixed biomass, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas. They modeled the deposition patterns of these particles and associated chemicals in various sections of the human respiratory system. The resulting inhalation exposure to these chemicals during cooking was then calculated.   Utilizing this data, the researchers estimated the health impact (disease burden) on the rural NE Indian population, focusing on respiratory diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Pneumonia, and various cancers, using the 'Potential Years of Life Lost' (PYLL) metric. This metric estimates the potential number of years lost in a population due to premature death from ill health.   The study revealed that exposure to harmful aerosols in firewood/biomass-using kitchens was 2-19 times higher than in LPG-using kitchens, with respiratory deposition ranging from 29 to 79% of the total aerosol concentration. The fraction of population using firewood and mixed biomass faced 2-57 times higher disease burdens than LPG users.   Furthermore, the research found that the potential for oxidative stress, which leads to damaged cells, proteins, and DNA, was likely to be 4-5 times higher among people using biomass in kitchens than those using LPG. This stress is driven by the inhalation of metals and organic chemicals produced during indoor cooking using biomass fuel.   Highlighting the uniqueness of this research, Dr. Sayantan Sarkar, Assistant Professor, School of Civil &amp; Environmental Engineering, IIT Mandi, said, "Our study combines real-world aerosol measurements in rural kitchens with dosimetry modeling to robustly estimate the impact of cooking emissions on the respiratory tract. It is the first effort to estimate disease burdens caused by exposure to indoor cooking emissions in India in terms of potential years of life lost. The study also measures for the first time the potential for oxidative stress resulting from such exposure in the Indian context, and quantifies the additional risk that biomass users face compared to those who use the cleaner alternative LPG."   This research holds practical implications, emphasizing the urgent need for rural communities in Northeast India to transition to cleaner cooking methods. Recommendations include making LPG more accessible, improving cookstove programs, spreading awareness in rural areas, funding local solutions, and organizing health camps for rural women.

IIT Mandi study reveals high disease burden and respiratory risks, urging a shift to cleaner cooking methods.

IIT Mandi Study Reveals Alarming Health Risks from Traditional Cooking Practices that Use Biomass Fuel in Northeast Indian States

New Delhi [India]: The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the continuation of Rs 300 targeted subsidy to PM Ujjwala Yojana Consumers for 2024-25. Talking to reporters after a meeting of the union cabinet, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters that the beneficiaries will get the subsidy directly in their accounts.
The total expenditure for 2024-25 is expected to be Rs.12,000 crore. Goyal said the decision has come a day before the International Women's Day. The Union Cabinet had in September last year approved the extension of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for release of 75 lakh LPG connections over three years from 2023-24 to 2025-26. Provisioning of 75 lakh additional Ujjwala connections will take the total number of PMUY beneficiaries to 10.35 crore. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was started in May 2016 with an objective to provide clean cooking fuel to poor households across the country. Under PMUY, a deposit-free LPG connection is provided to adult women from poor households.&nbsp;
—ANI

Union Cabinet approves Rs 300 subsidy extension for PM Ujjwala Yojana, benefitting millions with clean cooking fuel, coinciding with International Women's Day.

Cabinet approves continuation of Rs 300 subsidy for PM Ujjwala beneficiaries

New Delhi: In a big announcement on International Women's Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the LPG cylinder prices will be slashed by Rs 100. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a statement, emphasised that this reduction aims not only to make cooking gas more affordable but also to support the overall well-being of families and contribute to a healthier environment.
"Today, on Women's Day, our government has decided to reduce LPG cylinder prices by Rs. 100. This will significantly ease the financial burden on millions of households across the country, especially benefiting our Nari Shakti," PM Modi posted on social media handle X on Friday. "By making cooking gas more affordable, we also aim to support the well-being of families and ensure a healthier environment. This is in line with our commitment to empowering women and ensuring 'Ease of Living' for them," he added. Prime Minister Modi also extended wishes on the occasion of International Women's day. "Greetings on International Women's Day! We salute the strength, courage, and resilience of our Nari Shakti and laud their accomplishments across various fields. Our government is committed to empowering women through initiatives in education, entrepreneurship, agriculture, technology and more. This is also reflected in our accomplishments in the last decade," PM Modi posted on X. Remarkably, the central government has provided 14.17 crore free LPG refills across the country under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, as per an official statement made earlier. "The government had provided upto to three free refills to PMUY beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package from April 2020 to December 2020 etc. Under this scheme, 14.17 crore free refills were provided across the country," Minister of state in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Rameswar Teli, stated in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.
—ANI

PM Modi announces a Rs 100 LPG cylinder price cut on Women's Day to ease household burdens, support family well-being, and promote a healthier environment.

PM Modi announces cut in LPG prices by Rs 100 on International Women's Day

'Can't Believe'...You must be fooling us, no kidding, really, what's up, you and reducing cooking gas cylinders' prices that too, not 50 or so but straight away 300, unbelievable! You, Sir, surely are kidding with us, right? How could you reduce the cooking gas price by Rs 300 in one stroke when till a few days ago, you were strictly hell-bent on not cutting even a paise on the domestic LPG price. And now, in one "jhatka", you reduce Rs 300 and say, more cuts are in the offing in the ensuing days...Are all OK or are all cracking, cackling, crumbling...You know what? Just can't believe, you reducing cooking gas price by 300 in one strike. At this "cut rate", you can give us the whole LPG gas filled 14kg cylinder free even...are we in for that also? Yeee...You are smiling also, you are complacent-resembling, am sure, we're right. Ain't so?!?
—Soumitra Bose

The unexpected Rs 300 cut in cooking gas prices leaves citizens incredulous. Is it genuine policy change or mere political theatrics?

Can't Believe

Visakhapatnam: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) turned out to be the first responder after receiving a distress call from the fishing boat Durga Bhavani, which caught fire following a cooking gas cylinder explosion in the Bay of Bengal on Friday afternoon, officials said on Saturday. Upon receiving the call, the Coast Guard diverted its ship, 'Veera,' to assist the fishermen stranded mid-sea, about 65 nautical miles from Visakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal.
Nine fishermen were injured in the incident, which occurred while preparing lunch. All, with severe burn injuries, were rescued by the ICG, provided with immediate first aid by the medical team on the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Veera, and brought to Visakhapatnam.
The nine fishermen had ventured into the sea for fishing. The incident occurred 50 miles from the Visakhapatnam coast, as confirmed by ICGS Commandant VR Prakash. "As per the information from the Coast Guard, the ICGS Veera rushed to the spot for the rescue operation. All the crew of the fishing boat escaped with minor injuries. No casualties have been reported. The ICGS team provided first aid and is bringing them to the Visakhapatnam coast," ICG said on Friday.  All survivors were shifted to a hospital for further medical treatment, they added.
—ANI

Indian Coast Guard heroically rescues nine fishermen with severe burns after their boat catches fire in the Bay of Bengal, 65 nautical miles from Visakhapatnam.

The Hawk

Tag : Cooking

CNG Price Hiked By Rs 2.5 Per Kg, Piped Cooking Gas By Rs 4.25

Sunil Aswal

Tag : Cooking

CNG Price Hiked By Rs 2.5 Per Kg, Piped Cooking Gas By Rs 4.25

Sunil Aswal

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