News Broadcasting
News18 Tamil Nadu brings Comprehensive Programming for Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections
March 18, 2021, With less than two months to go for the Tamil Nadu elections, the state prepares to see who would be the next occupant of St. George Fort. News18 Tamil Nadu has lined-up extensive programming to capture upcoming state elections Titled ‘Festival of Democracy’ , the programming will showcase the campaigns and rallies of the political parties to questioning the politicians on substantive policy issues that affect the common man to with high-decibel debates to keep the Tamil viewers apprised of major developments in the Tamil Nadu Politics.
New shows include Therthal Kathaiyalla varalaru (History of elections) at 02:30 pm , showcasing analysis on how the elections were conducted earlier in terms of parties, constitutions, star candidates, Election Commission etc . Kalathin Kural (Voice at the right time) at 7 pm , an interactive show with election experts led by a News18 political editor .
18 on 18, an interactive show with college students, First time voters, on how young generation sees the upcoming election which will be an on-ground show telecasted for an hour. Therthal sadukudu (Election punch-up with Audience), where rival candidates are brought face to face amidst the voters, shot as an interactive show in the constituency itself, an hour show on week days.
PECHU…PAETTI…ARIKKAI (SPEECH…INTERVIEW..STATEMENT) at 9 pm on week days , where the Political campaigns of the day will be summed up in half an hour, a fast-paced train of speeches, soundbites and statements by top leaders packaged with Graphics. Podungamma votu (Cast your vote) at 10.30 pm, an info- political entertainment On Screen to Showcase comics & critics of political leaders during their political campaigns.
Oru Naal Oru Natchathram (A day with a star), bringing special Interview with political leaders during their on-ground campaigns. There are also interesting packages which offers news about constituency, Voters and snippets which explains the turning points of Tamil Nadu elections. Ungal thoguthi Arinthathum, Ariyathathum (Your constituency, the known and unknown facts), Muthal Kural (Voice of the first time voter), Nam Vakku Nam uyrimai (My Vote, My Right) and Thiruppu munai (Turning point).
The special programs on the channel will be led by experienced anchors and journalists offering viewers superior coverage of the Tamil Nadu elections. The formidable editorial team will be supported by on-ground reporters and eminent experts, News18 Network will offer viewers unmatched coverage of this crucial state elections.
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.
