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Premier of documentary ‘Ram Janmabhoomi’; Arun Govil & Dipika Chikhlia reunite for NDTV
Mumbai: NDTV, is set to bring viewers front-row experience at the inauguration of the grand Ram Mandir on 22 January 2024. NDTV’s ‘Ayodhya Naya Adhyay’ brings you a mega featuring the beloved original stars of the Ramayan series, Arun Govil and Dipika Chikhlia, marking their return to TV starting from 18 January 2024.
In another dedicated offering for its trusted viewers, NDTV has secured the rights to air Amish Tripathi’s documentary ‘Ram Janmabhoomi – Return of a Splendid Sun’. The world premiere takes place on 25 January 2024, hosted by Amish, and directed by Nitish Sharma & Pranav Chaturvedi. The documentary promises to unveil unknown facts and legends surrounding Lord Ram’s birth and the significance of Ayodhya. It delves into the holy temple’s history, enriched with insights from religious scholars, chief minister Yogi Adityanath, and the common man alike.
The actors from the 80s revered series, Ramayan, will grace NDTV’s screens in the run-up to the auspicious inauguration of Ram Mandir, offering viewers an immersive insight into one of the world’s most significant divine events. Arun-Dipika will be an integral part of NDTV’s coverage, sharing their unique perspectives and experiences over three exclusive segments and a show ‘Ayodhya Naya Adhyay – Siya Ram Sang’.
NDTV is all set to provide extensive live coverage of the pre-event, inauguration, and post-launch proceedings from the banks of the holy river Sarayu, spanning all screens and formats. Kicking off on 18 January, the pre-inauguration coverage will include an engaging daily quiz, rapid-fire questions, enlightening lessons from Ayodhya, and a host of other interactive content. The coverage will feature continuous updates, complete with exclusive visuals, documentaries, chat shows, and special interviews.
Renowned anchors Sumit Awasthi and Marya Shakil will spearhead the prime-time shows, bringing you an insight into Ayodhya through the eyes of its citizens, and incorporating voices from other holy shrines across the country.
Stunningly shot, the documentary ‘Ram Janmabhoomi – Return of a Splendid Sun’ brings to life Ayodhya’s Naya Adhyay, strung together by Amish’s powerful narration.
With thousands gathering in Ayodhya to participate in and celebrate this historic event, NDTV is offering practical advice on how to reach Ayodhya, visitor facilities, security arrangements, and more.
For devoted pilgrims following from home, NDTV has prepared bite-sized digital content, including a virtual tour of Ram Mandir, YouTube Live chats, and an array of engaging features to keep audiences captivated.
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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.
