News Broadcasting
Sumit Awasthi comes back for his second innings at Zee Media Corp
MUMBAI: Zee Media Corporation Ltd has announced the appointment of Sumit Awasthi as Resident Editor, today.
Sumit Awasthi, a Science graduate and post-graduate in Journalism from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, has rejoined Zee Media after a gap of 14 years in which he had been with Aaj Tak and IBN7. In his last assignment at Aaj Tak, he was the Deputy Editor (Political) and a Primetime Anchor (Dastak – the flagship primetime show was anchored by him). In addition he also was reporting on major assignments.
On the occasion Sumit Awasthi said, “14 years back, I had started my career at Zee Media and this is going to be my second stint here and it is feels like coming back to home. Zee Media is the place where I started my Journalism profession as a Reporter and then as an Anchor as well. And, it was here that people started recognising me. So it feels great to be part of Zee Media family once again.”
In these last 14 years the TV News industry has seen a sea-change and I have come back to lend my hand to India’s biggest News Network to become India’s most watched network as well. In this TRP race, I will try to make Zee News to be No 1 Channel as well. With everybody’s efforts and teamwork, this can be achieved. ”
His major forte has always remained Political assignments, but apart from this he has extensively worked on Cricket and International Politics. He is the proud recipient of NT Awards 2012 for ‘Best Anchor’ and Madhavji Jyoti Puraskar for ‘Best Journalist’. He has also been nominated for Indian Telly Awards and Hero Honda ITA Awards for ‘Best Anchor’.
On the occasion, Mr Alok Agrawal, CEO, Zee Media Corporation Ltd said, “ We were looking for a seasoned hand in the Political Reportage spectrum and with Sumit on board, we are sure that Zee Media will gain with Sumit’s experience.” We are also confident that the job entrusted to Sumit will be undertaken with a finesse that has become his trademark.”
On the occasion, Mr Sudhir Chaudhury, Editor, Zee Media Corporation Ltd said, “We at Zee Media are readying ourselves for major reporting during the Assembly Elections in Delhi, MP, Chhattisgarh, Manipur and Rajasthan in 2013 and the General Elections in 2014. Having Sumit will add to our Political Reporting acumen and Zee Media Corp is happy to welcome him.”
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.
