News Broadcasting
NDTV 24×7 to sport more biz news
NEW DELHI: Its official and confirmed.
The Prannoy Roy family-controlled NDTV has decided to give CNBC TV 18 business channel some competition by ramping up business and economy related programming during the day time on NDTV 24×7. The change would be effected during the first quarter of 2004.
The time band that the English-language NDTV 24×7 is looking at doing so would be between 9 am and 5 pm. We would be increasing business-related programming on the English channel during day time in the next two to three months time, a NDTV source told indiantelevision.com.
The reason behind the decision is that NDTV feels that, presently, there are several news breaks relating to business and economy during the day, which require extensive as well as intensive coverage. However, the source clarified that this programming strategy should not be construed as conversion of NDTV 24×7 into a business channel during the daytime or as a precursor to the launch of a full-fledged business channel in the near future.
We have seen that our existing business programming on the channel is quite popular and focussing on it more extensively would make sense, the source said. Even when this strategy is put in place, the general news bulletins would continue to be aired during a large part of the day.
Though this initiative would also mean coming up with newer business and economy programming, details of the new fare likely to be introduced are not yet forthcoming. A media analyst, however, opined that knowing Dr Prannoy Roys background in economics, it would be nave to presume that this game plan is being effected sans a viewership feedback, a definite strategy and well defined targets. Lot of thought process seems to have gone behind this proposed move, the analyst said.
What could have also prompted NDTV 24×7 to increase its business programming during the day is the bull run being experienced on the stock market, riding a buoyant Indian economy, for the past several months. When asked whether this experiment would also be carried out on NDTV 24x7s Hindi sibling, NDTV India, the company source said, It has to be seen how this change works out for the English channel before we start thinking of doing something similar on the Hindi channel.
On a jocular note, the source added, As they say, slowly, slowly catch the monkey.
NDTVs new programming strategy comes at a time when Television Eighteen Ltd, the majority Indian joint venture partner for the CNBC TV 18 channel, has publicly said it is working on starting a full-fledged Hindi business channel. In addition to this, the Subhash Chandra-promoted Zee Telefilms is still awaiting a final word from the government on its proposal, seeking uplink permission from the Indian government for its ZeeBiz channel. Not to mention the noises being made by the Dhoots-controlled Videocon group for the last one year on the proposed launch of a Hindi business channel.
The word on the capital markets street is also that NDTV, which is seeking to merge with itself a subsidiary, NDTV World, may make an announcement over the next few months about going public through a mega public issue.
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.
