News Broadcasting
Zee Bharat: Igniting news with vibrancy of India’s spirit
Mumbai : Zee Media Corporation Limited presents ‘ZEE Bharat,’ a ground-breaking fusion of news and culture officially unveiled on 22 January 2024, igniting news with the vibrancy of India’s spirit. This channel revolutionises news consumption by seamlessly blending impactful storytelling with a vibrant celebration of India’s cultural richness and diversity.
Going beyond the conventional realms of news delivery, ‘ZEE Bharat’ stands out as a dynamic platform that offers a fresh, distinctly Indian perspective. More than just a news source, ‘ZEE Bharat’ is commitment to amplifying the unheard voices of rural India, providing a platform for those who truly represent the diverse fabric of the nation. With an energetic line-up of anchors and a rejuvenated look, the channel embodies a dynamic approach to news delivery, investigative reporting and impactful stories that goes beyond information dissemination.
Interestingly, ‘ZEE Bharat’ unveils a striking visual identity marked by vibrant colors, sleek graphics, and contemporary set design. This carefully crafted atmosphere serves as a mirror reflecting India’s cultural heritage, seamlessly merging with the nation’s forward-thinking spirit. The channel’s celebration of cultural richness is vividly showcased through a diverse colour palette resonating with the nation’s energy. It doesn’t just deliver news; it encapsulates the pulsating vibrancy and essence of India, setting unprecedented standards in news presentation.
Zee Media Corporation Limited CEO Abhay Ojha expresses his excitement about the launch, stating, “In the dynamic realm of media, Zee Media Corporation Limited stands resolute as a beacon of reliability and dynamism, driven by a belief in the transformative power of news. Our unwavering mission is to continually elevate the standards of journalism, offering our audience a trustworthy source amid the abundance of information. With ‘ZEE Bharat,’ we transcend the conventional boundaries of news. It’s not merely a medium; it’s a vibrant platform beckoning audiences to embark on a refreshing, distinctly Indian news journey. Brace yourselves for an exhilarating exploration where news intertwines seamlessly with the celebration of our nation’s rich cultural tapestry and diversity.”
Zee Media Corporation Limited chief revenue officer Mona Jain further highlighted, “ZEE Bharat transcends conventional news channels; it’s an immersive experience that mirrors the cultural richness and pride of our country. Advertisers can now join us in this celebration, forging connections with audiences who seek more than just information – they seek an emotional connection with their heritage.”
The unique ‘Zee Bharat’channel can be accessed on various platforms with the following channel numbers: Dish TV (654), D2h (721), Tata Play (520), Airtel Digital TV (319), Sun Direct (587), Siti Cable (306), Siti Gujarati (403), Siti Bihar (181), Siti JHK WB (168), Den (311), Fastway (317), GTPL (246), Hathway (209), IN Digital Maharashtra (318), IN Digital Delhi (315), Radiant (312), NXT Digital (807), Digiana (316), dL GTPL (163), Take One Digital (173), Rajasthan Infotech (103), Signet Digital (561), Darsh Digital (514), UCN (105), Skynet (211), and more.
ZEE Bharat invites audiences to embark on this unique journey, where news becomes a celebration of the cultural pride that unites us as Indians.
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.
