News Broadcasting
Fadnavis reveals surprising CM offer from Thackeray amid rebellion on Zee 24 TAAS
Mumbai: Zee 24 TAAS’ ‘To the Point’, hosted by Kamlesh Sutar, has once again set the standard for journalistic excellence with a sensational disclosure from Maharashtra’s Deputy chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis. In a revealing interview, Fadnavis disclosed that Uddhav Thackeray, during a critical moment of political instability in 2022, extended an offer for him to become the chief minister amidst Eknath Shinde’s rebellion.
According to Devendra Fadnavis, this unprecedented offer was made in a bid to sway his support away from Shinde, with Thackeray proposing that his party’s MLAs would back Fadnavis as the chief minister instead. This conversation, Fadnavis disclosed, was facilitated via Thackeray’s PA, Milind Narvekar’s phone, underlining the urgency and secrecy of the offer.
This revelation not only highlights a pivotal moment in Maharashtra’s political drama but also underscores the strategic manoeuvres within its ruling factions. During the interview, Fadnavis also shared insights into his political relationship with the Thackeray family, including his suggestion for Aditya Thackeray to enter electoral politics, adding layers to the narrative of his political foresight and leadership acumen.
Emphasizing this revelation, Zee 24 TAAS officiating editor Kamlesh Sutar stated “At Zee 24 TAAS, we are dedicated to uncovering and presenting the intricate details and deeper truths of stories that impact our viewers. Our platform continues to set the standard for rigorous and impactful journalism by providing a stage for such substantial political discussions. This exclusive disclosure from Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis not only brings to light a significant episode from Maharashtra’s recent political history but also underscores the critical role of behind-the-scenes negotiations in shaping the leadership of our state.”
This must-watch episode of ‘To the Point’ will air on Zee 24 TAAS on 2 May 2024- Thursday at 10 AM and again at 9 PM. Viewers can catch this revealing interview on multiple platforms including DTH: Dish TV – 1251, D2H – 1515, Airtel – 538, Tata Play – 1259, Sun Direct – 688 | MSO: SITI – 767, GTPL – 460, DEN – 815, Hathway – 526, BRDS (Kolhapur) / Metrocast – 547, BRDS (Solapur) / Metrocast – 160, UCN – 274, DL DIGITAL – 635, IN DIGITAL – 527, Nxt Digital – 248, SANGLI MEDIA – 277, Darpita – 558, JPR Channel – 567, Signet Digital – 722, PCMC – 453 and ICC – 703
Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of the media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 16 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528 million viewers through its linear and digital properties.
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.
