News Broadcasting
Star News claims to be one up on others during Maharashtra election week
MUMBAI: While the political battle for the position of Chief Minister in Maharashtra is still being waged, Star News has emerged the clear winner in the war of the news channels as far as the viewer’s share is concerned.
According to the latest Tam ratings for election week (9-16 October) within the core news viewing audience (C&S, Male, 25+, SEC A,B,C) in Maharashtra, Star News leads with a market share of 27 per cent within prime time (7 pm – 11.59 pm).
The all day market share for the same audience and market is 24 per cent for Star News, which makes it a joint number one.
Also on the two most important days of the electoral process – 13 October (polling and exit polls) and 16 October (counting day) Star News is the number one news channel with a market share of 25 per cent and 29 per cent respectively in Maharashtra.
In terms of time spent for the same audience and market Star News occupies the top spot with 67 minutes for the entire week whereas Aaj Tak is a distant second with 57 minutes. Within the C&S, 15+ All SEC’s group too, Star News comes a close second in Maharashtra for the entire week as well as on polling and counting days, says an official communiqué from the channel.
Star News’ counting day special – Kaun Banega Mukhyamantri – Aapka Hukum – has also featured as one of the top five shows of the category.
Star News’ Pehli Tasveer (first opinion poll) – was way ahead of the competition with 63 per cent viewer share, and the closest competitor NDTV was way behind with its Jeet Uski Janta Jiski at just 19 per cent. Star News also came up trumps with its second opinion poll – Taaza Tasveer that grabbed the viewer’s attention.
As per the latest figures Star News scored the highest amongst viewers in Mumbai too on all parameters including ‘all-day’ viewing and ‘prime time’ viewing for the entire week and on the crucial ‘polling day’ and ‘counting’ day.
Also credible is the fact that the channel was the only one who’s exit poll predictions were almost bang on target.
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.
