News Broadcasting
PIL moves Delhi HC to prevent news channels from preaching communal disharmony
NEW DELHI: A PIL has been filed in the Delhi high court in reference to the recent episode aired by Sudarshan TV on its programme Bindas Bol around the subject of the controversial Tanishq ad. The episode was aired on 12 October on the channel and talked about how the jewellery brand’s campaign was promoting ‘love jihad’ and attacking the psychology of the Hindu community.
The petition, which has been filed by advocate Asghar Khan, sought directions to the central government to formulate guidelines to ensure that news channels do not preach communal disharmony and hate speech. It also sought a mechanism to check content and advertisements which are spreading hatred and are against the spirit of the Union of India.
The plea said it can be clearly inferred from the Tanishq advertisement that its purpose was to showcase the spirit of unity and brotherhood amongst two religious groups.
"However, Sudharsahan TV in its 8 pm show ‘Bindas Bol’ dated 12.10.2020 made their best attempts to incite hatred amongst above said religious groups…editor-in-chief of Sudarshan News and anchor of the show Suresh Chavhanke mentioned that love jihad is now being promoted by the way of advertisements and to quote him he said ‘advertisement jihad’.. an insidious attempt has been made to insinuate that the community is involved in a planned conspiracy to infiltrate the advertisement agency,” the petition reads.
It stated that the central government and other authorities have, from time to time, issued directions and advisories to all private satellite TV channels, asking them to refrain from broadcasting content that may incite violence, threaten national integrity and violate the programme code.
#विज्ञापन_जिहाद बेनकाब. लव जिहाद को कैसे बढ़ावा दे रहे हैं @TanishqJewelry जैसे ब्रांड ? हिंदुओं पर कैसे मनोवैज्ञानिक प्रहार कर रहीं नामी कम्पनियां ? जनता की #BoycottTanishq की मुहिम के बीच #BindasBol #Vigyapan_jihad @RNTata2000 @TataCompanies https://t.co/lijZ0EB5F7
— Suresh Chavhanke “Sudarshan News” (@SureshChavhanke) October 12, 2020
However, Sudarshan TV has not followed any of these advisories and has come up with broadcasts and printed blogs that target the sentiments of a particular community, the petitioner states. This isn’t the first instance of litigation against the channel. It is currently in the dock for its programme 'UPSC Jihad' over complaints that it violated the program code by communalising the entry of Muslims into the civil services.
The plea further urged to ensure that the media houses report only true facts and not opinions and be responsible for what they are publishing.
The plea sought direction to the authorities to form guidelines to include restrictions as envisaged under Article 19 of the Constitution and orders of the Supreme Court to ensure that media does not abuse the freedom of speech and expression.
It has also prayed for imposition of "gag order" restraining the orators or authors of hate or derogatory speeches made on the lines of religion from addressing the public anywhere within the country till the disposal of the criminal proceeding initiated against them.
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.
