News Broadcasting
News Nation Network launches a new channel
News Nation Network has taken another step towards expansion of its portfolio of news channels. The latest entrant from the house of News Nation Network is News State Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh. A regional Hindi News channel specifically programmed for the audience of MP/CG.
The uniqueness of channel lies in fact that it delivers news with a new outlook incorporating the pride, views, outlook ,problems and solutions of the inhabitants of these states. The channel presently goes with the theme of “ Khabren Naye Nazariye se”. With a strong network of reporters and news providers the channel aims to cover almost every part of these states. BARC data for Wk33’18 shows that it has already displaced strong channels of the state like Bansal News, India News MP/CG, Sadhana News MP/CG.
The programming of the channel is designed to cover all aspects of daily local news. Its programming mix comprises of speed news, special programs, political debates and discussions, general bulletins, reporter led stories etc.
Speaking on the occasion ,the Editor-in-Chief of the network Mr. Sanjay Kulshrestha said
“ The two states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh can be well seen as a crucible of vibrant learning, where people, even politicians and those in public life, have a strong yearning for excellence and they even respect their critic as a teacher and a torchbearer. If Madhya Pradesh is a state adorned with a mix of mythological and scientific fervor, the younger Chhattisgarh has been bestowed upon with the best of the tribal innocence and a rich and thriving natural habitat. News State MP/CG brings to the fore front the uniqueness of these states through pure news , right from the hinterland to the much sophisticated urban centers, I am sure that News State MP/CG will touch new heights in times to come .”
The network’s revenue head and President -Sales & Marketing, Mr. Abhay Ojha commented
“ MP/CG is the heart of the Hindi Speaking Market , about 15 % of National Hindi news viewership comes from this region which is almost equal to that of Delhi, Mumbai & Kolkata combined, it indicates to a higher news consumption in these markets , since News State MP/CG serves news with a highly localized content keeping in view the dynamics of national news environment as well its sure to become popular among viewers here. From the revenue perspective both the states have good potential in terms of tourism, education , real state , heavy industries and start-up as well. In the first week itself ,we have displaced some of the established players in terms of viewership .In spite of existing competition we feel confident to achieve good revenue figures. The marketing campaign for the channel is under process and you will soon see this on the ground ”.
News state MP/CG is widely distributed across all major MSOs of MP & CG including DTH platforms of Airtel TV and Tata Sky. Its noteworthy to mention that the network’s National Hindi News channel “ News Nation” had already positioned itself amongst Top 5 channels in the Hindi News genre while its regional news channel of Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand , News state UP/UK has remained No.1 since its launch.
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.
