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Issues received from Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad
Script approvals We feel that the process of approval of scripts prior to film productions by the Ministry of I & B for foreign film productions in India should be simplified if not eliminated, for example, why do we need the Indian government approving a script of a movie being produced for a foreign audience? Etc.
Approval of foreign cast and crew – We do not understand the need for seeking additional approval of the foreign cast and crew coming into India, after having already procured a visa from our missions abroad. This can be discussed during the meeting and if a representative is available from the Home Ministry, it will be worthwhile.
The supervision of production by NFDC supervisor – This is not only unnecessary but also a burden on production unit costs. Secondly, when the script is already approved then why does one need a supervisor? The supervision by NFDC or I & B official who has no background in creative filmmaking reminds us of the Inspector Raj which existed in other industries until recently. Please get rid of this vestige. The supervisors travel, food and accommodation, which is being borne by the production company becomes an additional, unwanted, unacceptable burden.
The screening of a completed film to the Ministry before release: This is very unreasonable and pointless especially in cases where pure production services are offered.
The RBI circular No. FEMA 61 / 2002 – RB dated May 02, 2002 (which prevent purchase of Insurance cover from a foreign insurance company) Indian production companies undertaking co-productions from foreign insurance companies. In an environment where an Indian insurance company is unable to even propose a comprehensive insurance coverage of a movie production unit, cast and crew, equipment, travel, etc, we should be allowed to take insurance coverage from foreign companies or enable a comprehensive insurance coverage for the Entertainment Industry to evolve within India.
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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.
