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NDTV YUVA announces line-up for the fifth edition of its conclave
Mumbai: NDTV presents the fifth edition of Yuva Conclave – a day-long event dedicated to exploring the hopes, challenges, and aspirations of India’s youth. Scheduled for 19 September 2024, NDTV claims this year’s conclave promises to be more engaging and impactful, featuring an impressive line-up of speakers and panellists addressing the key issues shaping India’s future.
Building on the success of previous editions, NDTV YUVA returns with renewed energy, bringing together thought leaders and influencers from diverse sectors. From politics to sports, social media to the environment, and entertainment, the conclave is set to spark insightful conversations with India’s most prominent voices.
As per the press release leading the conversation at NDTV YUVA, Chirag Paswan, minister of food processing industries and a torchbearer of young political leadership, is reshaping India’s future with a bold, forward-thinking vision that connects with the aspirations of millions. Alongside him, Bansuri Swaraj, MP, Lok Sabha – a dynamic legal mind, stands out with her sharp intellect and commitment to diplomacy and public service, using her expertise to foster meaningful change. Then there’s Deepender Singh Hooda, MP, Lok Sabha; Member, CWC – a steadfast advocate for transformation, bringing his passion to policymaking, driving socio-economic reforms that uplift and empower communities across India.
In the realm of young business icons, Zerodha, co-founder Nikhil Kamath shines as a pioneering entrepreneur, reshaping India’s fintech landscape and inspiring the next generation to challenge conventional norms and embrace disruptive solutions. Manu Bhaker, an Olympic Medallist- a prodigy in Indian sports, symbolizes precision and power, showing young athletes the heights they can reach with determination and focus, followed by Shamsher Singh, an Indian Field Hockey Player, a stalwart in Indian field hockey, inspiring youth with his exemplary dedication to the sport, with invaluable lessons on discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Sakshi Sindwani, a celebrated content creator, model and entrepreneur, who challenges societal norms with her message of self-love and body positivity. Finally, Nikhita Gandhi, a versatile and soulful singer, is taking the music world by storm, blending her Indian roots with global sounds and inspiring young artists to fearlessly express their creativity.
Together, these leaders from politics, entrepreneurship, sports, entertainment, and self-empowerment will weave a rich tapestry of insights, inspiring the youth to rise above challenges, innovate, and build a future that’s both inclusive and extraordinary. The NDTV YUVA Conclave 2024 will not just be an event but a movement, urging India’s next generation to take charge and lead with confidence, vision, and heart.
The conclave live on NDTV 24×7 and NDTV India starting at 2:00 PM on 19 September 2024.
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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.
