News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 Town Hall brings together political bigwigs
Mumbai: The much-anticipated CNN-News18 Town Hall is set to make a grand comeback on 27 September in Mumbai. Renowned for its dynamic and thought-provoking discussions, CNN-News18 Town Hall has previously hosted editions across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. Over the years, the platform has seen key figures from politics, business, and entertainment converge to debate national issues and the country’s key policies.
The theme of this edition, ‘Road to Delhi via Mumbai?’, arrives at a pivotal moment as India navigates its political landscape in the lead-up to assembly elections in Maharashtra. Previously, CNN-News18 Town Hall has featured prominent figures such as Nirmala Sitharaman, S. Jaishankar, Nitin Gadkari, Shashi Tharoor, MK Stalin, Aaditya Thackeray, along with entertainment actors like Kartik Aryan and Sameer Nigam.
This year’s event continues this legacy with a series of engaging sessions focused on critical political and cultural topics. Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde will lead a conversation on ‘Mahayuti’s Maharashtra Test’, discussing the coalition’s future in the state. Aaditya Thackeray, MLA, Maharashtra (Shiv Sena UBT), will delve into his party’s strategy in a session titled ‘Matoshree to Prove Its Might?’, while Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis answers the question ‘Can BJP Get Its Math Right?’, as he examines the party’s electoral calculations. Supriya Sule MP, NCP (SP) will outline her party’s vision for the upcoming Assembly elections in a session titled ‘Pawar-Play: Maha ‘Binding’ Factor?’. On the other hand, Aditi Tatkare, State Minister and MLA, NCP (AP) will also share her views on the same topic. The CNN-News18 Town Hall would also see Milind Deora, MP, Rajya Sabha (Shiv Sena) and Priyanka Chaturvedi, MP, Rajya Sabha (Shiv Sena UBT) weigh in on ‘Who is the Real Shiv Sena?’ in back-to-back sessions. From the entertainment sphere, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal will address “The New Reality of Theatrical vs OTT”.
Network18 CEO – English & Business News Smriti Mehra said, “CNN-News18 has been the number one English news channel for over two consecutive years. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to delivering impactful, relevant content to our viewers. Given its stellar lineup of speakers, I have no doubt that CNN-News18 Town Hall will once again captivate our viewers and set the stage for essential conversations that will shape the nation’s future.”
CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob added, “The CNN-News18 Town Hall was born out of a need for candid, unfiltered exchange of dialogue that goes beyond the usual political discourse. Now in its seventh edition, it remains a crucial space where the country’s most pressing issues are addressed by a diverse mix of leaders and influencers. As we bring together voices that shape policy, culture, and society, we continue to lead the national debate on what truly matters to India.”
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.
