News Broadcasting
ETC Networks posts PAT of Rs 141m for FY2003
ETC Networks’ total income for the quarter ended 31 March 2003 (4QFY03) was Rs 88.21 million (as compared to Rs 92 million for the corresponding period ended 31 March 2002). The net profit for the quarter was Rs 16 million as compared to the loss of Rs 157.29 million for 4QFY02.
A press release states that the year 2002-03 has been one of of consolidation and growth for the company. Despite the film and music industry going through its worst period the company has been able to register handsome increase in its total revenue and operating profits, it adds.
The ETC Networks scrip opened the day at Rs 41.45 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and dropped 2.29 per cent to end the day at Rs 40.65. The 52-week high and low of the company were Rs 99 and Rs 33 respectively.
The release also states that the increase in profits is mainly because of increase in total revenues and strict cost control measures taken by the company. During the year total operating revenue has increased by 26 per cent and total operating costs have decreased by 17 per cent as compared to previous year’s figures.
The release also mentions that the dividend will be paid on expanded capital of Rs 139.2 million. Total cash out flow on account of payment of dividend will be Rs 27.8 million. The dividend will be free of tax in the hands of shareholders’ since the company would be paying dividend tax at the rate of 12.5 per cent amounting to Rs 3.5 million.
In terms of future strategy, ETC Networks has started the process of integration of various functions such as sales and programming in order to draw synergies from the strengths of each other. It has started recycling its existing programmes to exploit the same in overseas markets using Zee’s existing international platform. In UK, the programmes have received overwhelming response from the viewers, the release adds. There are plans to launch the programmes on a commercial basis in USA and some other markets also.
The release also mentions that the company has taken conscious decision to improve upon its channel content by having optimum mix of trailors and music and film based programmes. As such the inventory for trailors on the channels is restricted. This policy has already resulted in increase in advertising revenues on both channels, the release adds.
According to the release, ETC Punjabi and ETC (Music) have further consolidated their market leader status in their respective genre. ETC Punjabi claims to enjoy 70 per cent market share among all Punjabi channels and ETC (music) claims to have a 40 per cent market share among the music channels in India. Out of top 25 programmes among the music channel 16 programmes are from ETC (as per TAM report), says the release.
In order to improve corporate governance practices, the company has appointed CR. Mehta, former member company law board, as additional director on the board.
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.
