India’s love affair with rummy has been a long, intense one. From the festive living room tables to the glowing mobile screens, the classic card game has undergone several significant changes. In today’s tech-driven era, the online skill-based iterations of rummy are thriving, amassing tens of millions of loyal users. But what makes rummy so alluring to India

Tez Rummy

Read on to know which intertwined forces explain why rummy continues to rule Indian hearts:

Heritage, Festivals & the Comfort of Familiar Cards
Long before smartphones, rummy was a festival staple, played during Diwali nights, harvest celebrations, and wedding downtime. The rules are simple and strategic enough, making it a rare multi-generational pastime. Mobile versions merely digitized an old ritual. As the popularity of online rummy platforms surged, many praised the familiar gameplay that came with modern twists.

Enhanced Accessibility
India is home to over 50 million online rummy enthusiasts, a majority of whom play daily. Low-cost data and smartphones mean fans are never more than a tap away from a Points, Pool or Deals table. Commuters squeeze in quick rummy games during metro rides; night owls enter long-format leagues; and rural users, whose smartphone adoption has risen dramatically over the last decade, log in from villages once cut off from digital entertainment. In a time-strapped society, rummy’s bite-sized game loops dovetail perfectly with modern schedules.

Online rummy platforms like Tez Rummy, which recently adopted an India-first approach, transforming from its .com domain to ‘.in’ domain, are revolutionizing how Indians experience rummy online. With intuitive design, instant withdrawals and real-player matchups, Tez Rummy is setting new benchmarks in the online skill-based gaming space.

Real Skills, Real Rewards
Real money gaming has transformed a parlour game into an esports-like spectacle. The nominal entry fees and substantial prize pools ensure that users are fairly rewarded for their rummy skills. The excitement spills outside apps: several celebrities acknowledge the allure of rummy and leverage their fan base to promote online skill-based gaming. As a result, rummy now inherits the aspirational glamour once reserved for cricket leagues and quiz shows.

Conclusion
Rummy thrives in India because it sits at the crossroads of tradition and technology, legality and livelihood, community and competition. A game once shuffled under mango trees now reaches crores through 5G towers, yet its essence – skillful sequencing, tactical foresight – remains intact. As tournaments scale toward million-player marathons and the online skill-based gaming economy continues to grow, one truth endures: Indians love games that combine mental dexterity with the cccwarmth of familiarity. Rummy deals both, hand after winning hand.

In the competitive world of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), where brand loyalty is hard-won and easily lost, tangible promotions remain one of the most powerful tools for meaningful consumer engagement. At the forefront of this evolving strategy is iBox Promotions, which has helped brands reach over 23 crore households across India through thoughtfully designed promotional campaigns, not just with products, but with moments of joy.

With its blend of innovation, scale, and heart, iBox Promotions is not just delivering smiles; its shaping the future of brand-consumer relationships in India

iBox Promotions is redefining what it means to be a promotional gifting partner. Unlike traditional vendors, iBox Promotions brings together strategic thinking, global compliance, and consumer insight to design product campaigns that do more than just attract attention; they build emotional connections.

Ankit Sanghavi and Pramila Chandanshive, the dynamic co-founders of iBox Promotions, drive every project with a sharp sense of strategy, bold creativity and hands-on execution. Their leadership turns each campaign into a compelling story that connects and delivers.

With a deep understanding of brands and audiences alike, they craft experiences that don’t just grab attention but leave a lasting impression.

“Promotions must go beyond visibility,” says Ankit. “They must create delight. That’s what consumers remember and return to.”

This approach has earned iBox Promotions the trust of some of the world’s most respected FMCG brands, including Kellogg’s and Pringles, brands known for their rigorous global standards. Working with them means adhering to the highest levels of safety, compliance and packaging protocols, benchmarks that only a few brand activation agencies in India can meet.

On the domestic front, their reputation continues to rise. They are an approved promotional agency for conglomerates like ITC, TATA, Zydus Wellness, etc, and were recently honoured for being ‘The Most Preferred Promotional Partner’ by ITC. Notably, the only brand activation agency invited to their annual vendors meet last year.

But the real magic lies in how these products resonate with consumers.

“Whether it’s a collectable toy that excites a child or a high-utility item that becomes part of someone’s daily routine, a well-planned ‘premia’ creates a moment of unexpected happiness,” explains Bhavin Thakkar, Founder of iBox Promotions. “That moment transforms a transaction into a relationship.”

These moments drive deeper brand recall and loyalty. Unlike conventional advertising, which can be easily forgotten, a physical product stays, is used repeatedly, shared within households, and is often associated with a positive emotion. Over time, this turns promotional marketing into a brand ritual, encouraging repeat purchases and stronger affinity.

Behind each campaign is deep research into regional preferences, household dynamics, and evolving consumer expectations. The team ensures that every product aligns with the brand’s promise and the consumer’s lifestyle, whether in metros or Tier 3 towns.

As FMCG marketers face increasing pressure to deliver results while staying meaningful, tangible promotions are being reimagined – not as a tactical add-on, but as a core strategy for engagement. And iBox Promotions is emerging as a trusted partner in this transformation.

“Our job is to create experiences that make people smile and make them feel valued,” says Bhavin. “In a crowded market, that emotional connection is what keeps a brand alive in the hearts of its customers.”

With its blend of innovation, scale, and heart, iBox Promotions is not just delivering smiles; its shaping the future of brand-consumer relationships in India.

About iBox Promotions
A team of innovative engineers and creative designers united by a passion for crafting impactful marketing solutions and premium products. With years of experience across diverse industries, the team has become a trusted partner for leading brands, delivering 360-degree marketing strategies that go beyond the ordinary. Their approach focuses not just on campaigns but on building genuine connections between clients and their customers, transforming ideas into lasting brand experiences.

For more details, visit: www.iboxpromos.com

Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi recently launched a Robotic Surgery Program, equipped with the cutting-edge Versius Surgical System. This robotic-assisted technology will help redefine the future of Gastrointestinal, Urology, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Pancreatic and abdominal Oncology procedures, as well as general surgery. The surgical system biomimics a human arm, helping surgeons deliver high-precision robotic minimal access surgery (MAS) and marks a significant step towards delivering safer, smarter, and more patient-friendly surgical solutions. The robotic surgery unit will be led by Dr. Jignesh Gandhi, Senior Consultant – Robotic Surgery & Dr. Shishir Shetty, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology; and supported by a team comprising of Dr. Ram Khare, Consultant – General Surgery; Dr. Prakash Sankapal, Consultant – Urology; Dr. Roji Philip, Consultant – General Surgery; and Dr. Sharad Sharma, Consultant – General Surgery.

(L-R) Dr S. Narayani, Dr Roji Phillip, Mr Nitin Kamaria, Mr Anil Vinayak, Dr Jignesh Gandhi & Dr Shishir Shetty at the launch of Fortis Vashi’s Advanced Robotic Surgery Program

The robotic surgical unit will be assisting in the precise and accurate control of endoscopic instruments including rigid endoscopes, blunt and sharp endoscopic dissectors, scissors, forceps/ pick-ups, needle holders, electrosurgery, and accessories for endoscopic manipulation of tissue, including grasping, cutting, blunt and sharp dissection, approximation, ligation, electrosurgery and suturing. Robotic-assisted surgery offers numerous benefits for both patients and surgeons. It enables greater precision, enhancing the surgeon’s capabilities, allowing for more accurate and controlled movements, even in complex procedures. Being minimally invasive, it involves smaller incisions, resulting in less pain, reduced blood loss, and minimal scarring. Patients often benefit from faster recovery, with shorter hospital stays and quicker return to daily activities. The lower risk of complications is another key advantage, as enhanced visualization and precision helps reduce the chances of surgical errors & postoperative issues. Overall, improved outcomes are a hallmark of robotic surgery, leading to better clinical results, higher patient satisfaction, and an improved quality of life.

This initiative is closely aligned with Fortis’ larger goal of becoming a center of excellence for high-end technology-driven healthcare. By integrating cutting-edge surgical innovations, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi continues to raise the benchmark for quality care while ensuring that patients in Navi Mumbai and beyond have access to world-class treatment options, closer to home.

Talking about the launch, Mr Nitin Kamaria, Facility Director, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, said, “We have bolstered our robot-aided infrastructure by enabling the Versius advanced robotic technology for surgical procedures performed across specialties. By combining the precision of robotics with the surgeon’s expertise, we’re able to offer patients safer, faster, and more effective procedures, all the while ensuring our patients benefit from world-class medical care. Our goal is to continuously elevate healthcare standards. Through our Robotic Program, we reaffirm our vision to stay at the forefront of medical excellence, equip our specialists with best-in-class tools, and enhance the overall patient experience.”

Members of the community, clinicians, and the hospitals administrative staff were joined by Dr. S. Narayani, Business Head – Fortis Hospitals Maharashtra, for the inauguration of the Robotic Surgery Program.

Warning that the country’s housing ladder is losing its crucial first rungs, Ashwinder R. Singh, Vice-Chairman & CEO of BCD Group and Chairman of the CII Real Estate Committee, has raised a red flag over India’s shrinking affordable housing supply. Affordable housing is not a second-tier pursuit, and the real estate sector must embrace affordability.

Ashwinder R. Singh, Vice-Chairman & CEO of BCD Group and Chairman of the CII Real Estate Committee

Despite India’s massive housing shortfall, developers are increasingly turning away from sub-Rs. 50-lakh homes. Singh points out that the trend is being driven not only by tighter margins and heavier regulatory burdens but also by the stigma that still surrounds budget housing in the eyes of the industry. “When a fellow developer recently asked me, ‘When will you move beyond budget projects’ he thought he was encouraging me,” Singh remarked, highlighting the misplaced perception that affordability equates to underachievement.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Nearly half the homes sold in India’s top eight cities in the first half of 2025 were priced above Rs. 1 crore, according to Knight Frank India. Meanwhile, affordable housing launches in 15 Tier-2 cities plummeted 67% year-on-year in Q1 2025, based on PropEquity data. Even in seven major metros, sales of units priced below Rs. 50 lakh declined by 14% in 2024, despite record overall residential sales.

Singh identifies a “triple penalty” that discourages developers from building affordable homes. First, compressed margins and high input costs make budget projects commercially risky. Second, affordable offerings are seen as diluting brand value, which in turn affects pricing power. Third, capital continues to favour premium projects, with banks and funds applying stricter lending norms and lower exposure limits to budget housing. He further notes that compliance remains disproportionately burdensome, with budget projects facing the same regulatory hurdles as high-end developments. The lapse of the Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme in 2022 and fragmented state incentives have further weakened the segment’s viability.

Yet, the market continues to signal strong demand for affordability. As per a blended estimate by CII-NAREDCO, 73% of incremental urban housing demand sits below the Rs. 50-lakh mark, predominantly driven by millennial families looking for shorter commutes. EY data also reveals that nearly a quarter of all mortgage disbursements in the past year were for affordable housing.

Calling for urgent reform, Singh outlines five areas of intervention. These include bridging the perception gap through recognition of affordable developers via awards, ESG indices, and REIT weightage; addressing the capital drought through blended finance with first-loss guarantees; streamlining compliance via a digital single-window system with deemed approvals; improving land economics through density bonuses and transferable development rights; and confronting the brand stigma by mandating disclosure of affordability metrics in advertising.

Reframing affordable housing as a high-impact sector is essential, Singh argues. “Affordable developers build social mobility; every 1,000 units create about 1,800 direct and indirect jobs,” he notes, citing data from the Ministry of Housing. However, industry and media continue to highlight opulence over outcomes, showcasing marble instead of the multipliers that uplift communities.

According to a 2024 Times of India analysis, the share of homes priced under Rs. 50 lakh fell from 63% of new launches in 2019 to just 47% in 2023, before plateauing in response to falling interest rates. Singh warns that cyclical rate cuts will not be enough to correct what is now a structural imbalance in the market.

In his call to action, Singh urges policymakers to introduce a “Taxpayer Bill of Rights” for developers, setting clear approval timelines with penalties for delay. He recommends that lenders and funds ring-fence a portion of their annual real estate allocations for blended debt in the Rs. 15-50 lakh segment. Developers, meanwhile, must rethink affordable projects as modern communities-EV-ready, climate-resilient, and digitally connected-reflecting the expectations of the next generation.

India’s urban future cannot rest on luxury towers alone. “A housing ladder without its first two rungs traps families in rental stress, magnifies urban sprawl, and throttles productivity,” he writes. If India aims for a $5-trillion economy, it must restore dignity-and profitability-to the business of building affordable homes.

In a significant step towards integrating oral healthcare into the realm of sports science, Manav Rachna Dental College (MRDC) in collaboration with the Indian Dental Association (IDA), has launched the Fellowship in Sports Dentistry. The initiative holds national significance, as MRDC becomes the first institution to launch such a specialized programme, spearheading an innovative movement that underscores the critical link between oral health and athletic performance.

A milestone moment captured with the MoU signing

The event witnessed participation from eminent dignitaries, sports and dental professionals, academic leaders, students, and members of the dental fraternity, all gathered with a shared vision to integrate oral safety into the broader spectrum of sports medicine and preventive care.

Dr. Amit Bhalla, Vice President, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions, said, “The oral health of athletes is not a luxury, it is the need of the hour, and we are proud to lead this change. This initiative reflects our vision to blend academic excellence with community impact. By driving this programme, we aim to inspire dedicated dental professionals who will champion athlete health at all levels.”

The Fellowship in Sports Dentistry is a unique academic programme designed to provide dental professionals with in-depth training on the prevention, management, and rehabilitation of sports-related orofacial injuries.

With the surge of organized and competitive sports across India, from school tournaments to elite leagues, the risk of dental and facial injuries among athletes has increased manifold. Yet, the field of sports dentistry remains largely uncharted in India, especially in structured academic and preventive formats. Prof. Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, Vice Chancellor, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, noted, “This initiative reflects our commitment to building bridges between health sciences and societal well-being through innovation and education. Every individual brings their own unique strength, and through such social efforts, these strengths blend to create a stronger, more meaningful impact.” This programme addresses a glaring gap, offering not only clinical education but also social outreach that aligns with national health and fitness agendas.

Adding perspective from the field of dentistry, Dr. Puneet Batra, Pro Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences and Dean, School of Dental Sciences and School of Allied Health Sciences, MRIIRS, stated, “As dental professionals, we must recognize that an athletes oral health is directly linked to their performance, endurance, and risk of injury. Sports dentistry is no longer a niche, it’s an essential aspect of comprehensive healthcare. Through this fellowship, we aim to produce a new cadre of professionals who understand these dynamics and can bring real change to the sports ecosystem.”

One of the core highlights of the launch was the Krida Dant Suraksha Volunteer Training, a youth-focused outreach component that aims to create oral health ambassadors in sports communities. Volunteers will be trained in first-response dental care, importance of custom mouthguards, injury reporting protocols, and oral hygiene maintenance for athletes. This initiative ensures that the impact of the programme extends beyond clinics and reaches the playgrounds, stadiums, and grassroots athletes who need it the most.

Addressing the audience, Dr. Ashok Dhoble, Secretary of the Indian Dental Association, and the chief guest of the event remarked, “This initiative reflects IDA’s commitment to preventive care and community engagement. Sports Dentistry is not just about treating injuries but about empowering our future dental force to protect athletes before injuries happen. The combination of academic rigor and public health orientation through this initiative is commendable and much needed.”

As India positions itself as a global sporting hub, with growing Olympic representation, professional leagues, and youth participation, the need for holistic athlete care is more pressing than ever. Oral health, often neglected, is now being rightfully brought to the forefront, thanks to this programme.

About MREI
Founded in 1997, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI) stand as a symbol of excellence in education, providing high-quality learning across diverse fields. With over 41,000 alumni, 135+ global academic collaborations, and 80+ Innovation & Incubation Entrepreneurial Ventures, MREI is home to premier institutions, including Manav Rachna University (MRU), Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies (MRIIRS) – NAAC A++ Accredited, and Manav Rachna Dental College (under MRIIRS) – NABH Accredited. MREI also operates twelve schools nationwide, offering Indian and International curricula such as IB and Cambridge. Consistently ranked among the top in India by NIRF-MHRD, TOI, Outlook, Business World, ARIIA, and Careers360, MREIs achievements reflect its commitment to quality education. MRIIRS is recognised in the QS World University Rankings 2026, in addition to holding QS 5-Star ratings for Teaching, Employability, Academic Development, Facilities, Social Responsibility, and Inclusiveness. MRIIRS has entered the Top 100 Universities list in the NIRF Rankings 2024 with Rank 92 and was placed 38 in Dental Category.

For more details visit our website: manavrachna.edu.in

VinFast, the Vietnamese EV maker, has done it again.

First it was in the port city of Haiphong, turning a swamp into a state-of-the-art factory. Now, the company is attempting a similar feat in southern India, where the contours of its second major plant are beginning to emerge.

Over a year ago, the land outside Thoothukudi was little more than sun-baked scrubland. Today, assembly lines stand ready, the machinery set to stamp, weld and paint the first Vietnamese-designed electric cars meant for Indian roads.

VinFast factory in Hai Phong city, northern Vietnam

Phase one alone carries a $500 million investment, part of a $2 billion commitment. The assembly facility can turn out 50,000 vehicles annually, with room to triple output if demand rises, and is expected to create 3,000 to 3,500 jobs. Construction has stayed on schedule since the memorandum of understanding was signed in early 2024, and the first VF 6 and VF 7 models are set to reach Indian customers soon after the ribbon-cutting.

Why India, Why Now

As it scouts the next stop in its global expansion, VinFast sees India, where electric vehicles still make up only a single-digit share of the market, as a market on the edge of rapid growth. Rising environmental concerns and a demand for affordable mobility are reshaping consumer choices. By assembling locally, the company can bypass steep import duties and bring its premium SUVs closer to the budgets of India’s expanding middle class.

But the Tamil Nadu plant is meant to be more than an assembly site. VinFast hopes to replicate a strategy that has served it well in Vietnam: building an ecosystem that integrates production, a network of charging stations, sales to taxi and bus operators, and comprehensive after-sales support, including software updates, repairs and financing.

To deliver this in India, the company has signed 13 distribution partners to open 32 outlets across 27 cities. It has also teamed with RoadGrid, myTVS and Global Assure to establish a charging and service backbone, while working with BatX Energies on recycling and second-life applications to build a closed battery loop and lower lifetime ownership costs.

This ecosystem can require heavy amount of effort and investment, but it may be essential to easing range anxiety and making EV ownership routine.

Tamil Nadu as Launchpad

Tamil Nadu’s 2023 EV policy offers land concessions, subsidies and expedited permits. State officials often point to the deep-sea Ro-Ro port at Thoothukudi as a springboard for exports. For the state, VinFast’s plant represents a significant auto investment, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s status as India’s most diverse automotive hub.

The plant’s modular design allows production to scale for nearby South Asian countries, Gulf states and African markets. Interest has already come from Nepal, Sri Lanka and Middle Eastern distributors, and trade analysts suggest Thoothukudi could become a hub for right-hand-drive exports if tariff agreements with the United States advance.

For India, the gains may extend well beyond the state. The facility is expected to strengthen the country’s EV supply chain, generating thousands of direct jobs and supporting many more in component manufacturing, logistics and software. Local sourcing requirements could draw dozens of suppliers into Tamil Nadu, accelerating technology transfer and giving Indian firms a foothold in Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern EV markets.

The project is also expected to speed the Inia’s transition to cleaner transport. A widespread network of service centers and chargers can help reduce one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption. By delivering competitively priced vehicles with reliable after-sales support, VinFast may pressure local automakers to expand their EV lineups, nudging India closer to its target of electrifying 30 percent of new car sales by 2030.

Yet competition looms. Homegrown manufacturers dominate the EV market, and global giants are recalibrating their India strategies. But VinFast is betting that “premium yet accessible” models – mid-range pricing paired with strong connectivity and after-sales packages – will sway drivers away from gasoline.