News Broadcasting
ESS looking to hit a distribution ‘Grand Slam’ in smaller markets
MUMBAI: To say that the relationship between broadcasters and cable operators has been rough would be putting things mildly. However, ESPN Star Sports is looking to change that in its own way.
To this effect, it has introduced a Grand Slam programme. Its main aim is to foster goodwill amongst its cable affiliates through Grand Slam. Of course, another benefit which could accrue as a corollary is higher subscription revenues.
Speaking on this, ESPN affiliate sales vice president Sricharan Iyengar says, ” We introduced this a couple of months ago with the aim of improving and building upon the relationships between us and our cable affiliate partners. Most of the time we function like two adversaries and with this we want to make them feel that they are working in the same space with us as partners.”
“So far, 1000 customers have signed up. Right now our focus is on the smaller cities and towns where you can deal with the operators directly. We will look at the metros later on where the MSO comes into play,” says Iyengar.
“The programme works on three levels. At the first level the participants will be judged on a consistency basis which will work month by month. Based on increased declarations and revenue flow they get bonus points. This works like a frequent flyer programme. When they collect a certain number of points, these can be redeemed for prizes like holidays, household items.”
“At the second level, an aspirational value is added. A lot of cable operators in the smaller places have not had the opportunity to interact with celebrity commentators on our shows like Harsha Bhogle, Sunil Gavaskar. So Bhogle could do a phone in programme for the operator or even visit him.”
Iyengar added that the third level would see big ticket items being auctioned. Members of the programme could bid for durables like a car. This would happen every quarter. In addition every member gets a card. With this card he can avail of discounts at retail outlets, restaurants. For this purpose the broadcaster is looking to make the necessary tie ups.
The uncharitable would say that the direct contact concept looks to have been “inspired” by a similar effort from Sony’s One Alliance. Sony’s cricket brand ambassador Kapil Dev has been taken across the country and has proved a huge hit with the cable fraternity.
However, ESS denies this saying that the sports network has been having direct contact programmes with cable ops, taking Harsha Bhogle to them, three years ago, much before Sony decided to hire Kapil as its cricket ambassador.
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.
