News Broadcasting
Investor alert: ‘Operation Farzi Bull Run’ by Zee Business unveils market manipulation
Mumbai: In recent times, the stock market has witnessed remarkable activity, with both institutional and retail investors interpreting the surge as a bullish trend. Zee Business’ extensive investigation on ‘Operation Farzi Bull Run’ has proved to be an eye-opener to investors and the general public about the perplexing/ complex surges in few loss-making & weak fundamental PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) stocks that gripped the Indian stock market.
Zee Business managing editor Anil Singhvi, through his extensive analysis, scrutinized the extraordinary activity in a few small PSU shares. This has culminated in several stocks with suspect bull runs, now being subjected to lower circuit restrictions. In fact, the mid-cap and small-cap sectors, in particular, have experienced significant growth over the last six months.
Most notably, selected PSU stocks have displayed an extraordinary upswing, with gains ranging from 100% to a staggering 300% in just three months. However, while these stocks have exhibited substantial price movements, their underlying fundamentals often remain questionable.
Some of the key highlights of ‘Operation Farzi Bull Run’ are as follows:
● Dubious Price Surges: ‘Operation Farzi Bull Run’ uncovered a systematic modus operandi, which emphasized on how select groups of investors have been manipulating the prices of government-owned shares that are already underperforming. These manipulations have led to unprecedented price hikes, leaving small, unsuspecting investors at risk.
● Low Public Shareholding and Market Manipulation: Anil Singhvi also highlighted that the government owns a significant 90% of shares in state-owned companies where these manipulative activities are prevalent. The remaining 1% to 10% of shares are actively traded on the stock market. Owing to the low price of these shares, influential market participants and investors can easily amass substantial quantities, thereby gaining the power to dictate prices. This power is often used to lure smaller investors with the promise of lucrative returns, trapping them in a dubious cycle.
● Uncovering the Deception: The ‘Operation Farzi Bull Run’ special report also highlighted the tricky trap into which regular investors fall into. It exposed the fraudulent tactics of the prominent investors behind this deception.
Upon investigation, there was a sharp correction of up to 10 per cent seen in these counters, which, until 10:30 am on Wednesday (October 18), were trading with gains of up to nine per cent. It further led to lower circuit in most of the stocks – i.e. a sharp decline was observed in Scooters India, MMTC, STC, Andrew Yule, KIOCL, FACT and HMT stocks.
Emphasizing on the far-fetched impact of ‘Operation Farzi Bull Run’, Singhvi said, “At Zee Business, we’re committed to ensuring financial markets are transparent and honest. We initiated ‘Operation Farzi Bull Run’ with the sole purpose of protecting investors. The stock market’s current dynamics are captivating, but appearances can be deceiving. It’s imperative for investors to exercise prudence and conduct thorough research.”
Zee Business and WION CBO Madhu Soman further added, “At Zee Business, our investigative programming is a reflection of our pledge to inform, protect, and empower investors. ‘Operation Farzi Bull Run’ serves as a prime example of the tangible, real-world impact we aim to achieve. In fostering transparency and trust, our work not only benefits our viewers but also strengthens the integrity of the financial landscape.”
‘Operation Farzi Bull Run’ is not just an investigation but has been able to raise an alarm for investors, regulators, and market participants to take action. It, in fact, underscores the significance of sound judgment and vigilance in a dynamic financial landscape.
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.
