Following the strong response to its property showcase in Gurugram, Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE), one of India’s most trusted real estate developers, is bringing its largest-ever multi-city property showcase to Mumbai on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

The one-day event will offer a unique opportunity for homebuyers and investors to explore 15 premium residential projects across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Gurugram, and Howrah under one roof. The showcase will feature a diverse portfolio of premium apartments, luxury villas, and strategically located plotted developments, catering to a wide spectrum of homeownership and investment aspirations.

With prices starting from Rs. 60 lakhs*, visitors will have access to exclusive event-only benefits, attractive offers, personalised consultations, and expert guidance from SPRE’s sales and advisory teams, enabling them to compare multiple options and make informed purchase decisions.

Speaking about the initiative, Ms. Rima Kirtikar, Chief Marketing Officer, Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate, said, “The way homebuyers evaluate real estate today has evolved significantly. They are looking beyond a single city and actively exploring opportunities across multiple markets based on lifestyle preferences, investment potential, and long-term value creation. Through this showcase, we are bringing together some of our finest projects from across India, allowing buyers to experience the breadth of our portfolio in one place. Following the encouraging response in Gurugram, we are excited to bring this platform to Mumbai and help customers discover homes and investment opportunities that best align with their aspirations.”

The showcase will enable attendees to gain firsthand insights into some of India’s most dynamic real estate markets while interacting directly with SPRE’s teams. From urban residences in established micro-markets to emerging investment destinations and lifestyle-led developments, visitors will be able to evaluate multiple opportunities across different asset classes and price segments.

The event further underscores SPRE’s pan-India presence and diversified residential portfolio, while reaffirming its commitment to simplifying the home-buying journey through greater transparency, expert guidance, and customer-centric engagement.

By bringing together scale, diversity, and expert guidance, the SPRE Property Expo reinforces the company’s position as a pan-India developer with a robust and well-diversified portfolio catering to a wide spectrum of buyer segments.

About Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE)

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate is a well-regarded, reputed player in the Indian real estate sector owing to its cutting-edge design innovation, construction quality, and architectural excellence. It constitutes a significant segment of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, an enormous multi-business conglomerate. The group has more than 160 years of legacy that bridges the earliest celebrated structures of India and the modern marvels. SPRE has made inroads into most Indian cities – Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune, Bengaluru, Gurugram, Howrah and Kolkata – with a variety of developments, from luxury apartments and opulent residences to aspirational homes for mid-income homebuyers, as well as one of the largest mass housing projects in India.

Nikhil Kamath opens his conversation with Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, with a question most heads of state are rarely asked directly: how does it feel to be in power? What follows moves from personal discipline to the structure of great-power conflict, carried by a guest whose training shapes everything he says next. Christodoulides is a historian who became president, and he reads the present the way he was trained to read the past — for pattern, not headline.
 

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides Joins Nikhil Kamath on WTF Podcast
 

Christodoulides argues that Cyprus’s defining fact is geography — a country sitting at the intersection of Europe, the Middle East, the Gulf and Africa, which he says shaped his decision to study in the United States and his read of India as a natural partner. Asked what it would take to run his country the way a chief executive runs a company, he points to two commitments he treats as non-negotiable regardless of a citizen’s income or location — equal access to education and equal access to healthcare — and says that, not election wins, is how he measures whether he is actually succeeding.
 

His own path into politics ran through diplomacy rather than a party machine — government spokesperson, then Foreign Minister, before becoming President in 2023. He credits that career with a specific discipline: understand what the other side needs before raising what you need.
 

That same instinct for structure over slogan carries into the episode’s central argument: that the international system built after the Second World War no longer reflects the world in 2026. The UN Security Council, he argues, still reflects the great powers of that war rather than today’s — India is now the world’s largest democracy and fourth-largest economy, Brazil plays an increasingly central regional role, and neither holds a permanent seat. The institutions currently governing global affairs, as he puts it, were built for a set of realities that no longer exist.

The same critique extends beyond geopolitics. Christodoulides tells Kamath that if artificial intelligence displaces a large share of today’s workforce, governments may eventually have to nationalise the companies that dominate the technology, or introduce some form of universal basic income — otherwise, he says, people may simply end up “walking into these companies with bricks.” Systems built for one world don’t automatically adjust for the next, and waiting for them to catch up carries a cost.
 

Kamath doesn’t let the argument rest at the level of institutional critique. He raises a recent exchange between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, in which Trump invoked the ancient Greek idea now known as the Thucydides Trap — that wars are rarely caused by bad leaders, but by structure, pride, and the moment a rising power is taken seriously as a challenger to an incumbent one. Christodoulides doesn’t dispute the premise. What he pushes back on is the conclusion: the framework within which states compete, he argues, is what decides whether that competition ends in war or simply in rivalry.
 

His answer centres on India — not primarily for its economic weight, but because he sees it as a rare example of a major power committed to multilateralism without acting unilaterally. Pressed by Kamath on whether reforming institutions can actually change outcomes, Christodoulides proposes starting regionally rather than globally: a new architecture modelled on the 1975 Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, linking India, the Gulf, the Middle East and Europe on what he repeatedly calls a positive agenda, built to attract participation rather than isolate any one country. He points to the EU-India Free Trade Agreement, concluded this January and the largest either side has ever signed, as evidence the model already works when the incentives align.
 

Introducing the episode, Kamath said the conversation left him “with more questions than answers,” describing Christodoulides as someone who “made me redefine my idea of what a politician can be”: “Nikos isn’t a politician who knows history. He’s a historian who became the President of the Republic of Cyprus.” On what holding power actually requires, Christodoulides put it simply: “You need to decide without thinking the next elections, but thinking the next generations.”
 

The episode is available now on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSB58m7Xwhg
 

About People by WTF
People by WTF is a global podcast platform hosted by Nikhil Kamath, featuring in-depth conversations with leaders across business, policy, technology, culture and academia. The show explores long-term institutional, technological and economic questions shaping global society through candid, high-signal dialogue. Past guests include Elon Musk, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bill Gates, Rishi Sunak, Akshata Murty, Martin Escobari, and Ranbir Kapoor.

Kerakoll, a global leader in sustainable building solutions, continues to advance innovation in tile adhesives with the strengthening of its flagship H40 family. As construction demands evolve and installation systems become increasingly sophisticated, Kerakoll is redefining performance benchmarks with a future-ready adhesive portfolio built on technology, reliability, and precision.

H40 Gel Legacy

At the core of this evolution lies H40 Gel, a category-defining innovation that has set new standards in tile fixing. Recognised for its superior workability, durability, and multi-purpose application, H40 Gel has established itself as a trusted solution among professionals across diverse project requirements. Its unique gel-technology delivers optimal consistency, total wettability, and enhanced adhesion, making it a benchmark product in modern adhesive systems.

Building on the proven performance of H40 Gel, Kerakoll is now expanding the H40 family with the introduction of H40 Extreme and H40 Tech to the Indian market. These products are engineered to address the increasing complexity of contemporary construction—from large-format installations to high-performance, heavy-duty applications. Designed with advanced formulations, they deliver enhanced strength, precision, and reliability across demanding environments.

As part of its go-to-market approach, H40 Extreme and H40 Tech will be available through select channel partners, ensuring focused expertise and optimal product experience for specialised applications.

Together, the expanded H40 portfolio—comprising H40 Gel, H40 Extreme, and H40 Tech—represents a complete and integrated adhesive system. This comprehensive range is designed to cater to a wide spectrum of substrates, surfaces, and use cases, empowering architects, contractors, and applicators with solutions that deliver consistent performance across varying project needs.

Commenting on the development, Ahzam Javed, Regional Director – Asia Pacific, Kerakoll, said “H40 Gel has been a gamechanger in the adhesive category, redefining expectations around performance and ease of application. With the introduction of H40 Tech and H40 Extreme, we are building on this legacy to bring next-generation solutions to India. Together, the H40 family represents our commitment to innovation, enabling the industry to achieve higher standards of precision, durability, and efficiency.”

With the expanded H40 family, Kerakoll strengthens its leadership in advanced adhesive technology by delivering solutions engineered for evolving construction challenges, precision-led applications, and long-term performance. The company remains focused on shaping the future of construction through reliable, high-quality, and sustainable technologies that address real-world industry needs.
 

Senior Product Manager Kerakoll India, Abisanka Sinha said, “With H40 Tech and H40 Extreme, we are strengthening the H40 portfolio with solutions that respond to the evolving needs of professionals working on increasingly demanding tile and stone applications. At Kerakoll, we believe innovation is meaningful only when it helps people work better, with more confidence, consistency and care. These new additions reflect our commitment to bringing advanced technology, reliable performance and practical site-ready solutions to the Indian market.”

About Kerakoll Group

Kerakoll  Group, established in 1968 in Italy, is a global leader in sustainable building materials, offering innovative solutions that merge high performance with environmental responsibility. With a commitment to green building, Kerakoll provides a comprehensive range of eco-friendly products, including adhesives, grouts, coatings & waterproofing systems. Designed for architects, designers, and builders, Kerakoll’s solutions enhance durability, aesthetics, and energy efficiency across residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. The brand’s dedication to research, technological innovation, and sustainability has positioned it at the forefront of the construction industry, creating a future where design meets eco-conscious engineering. Head quartered out of Mumbai, Kerakoll India has two main production units based out of Vadodara and Jaipur in addition to multiple manufacturing partners across the country.

YouTube link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9Bqx2yF33o&t=33s

Finkurve Financial Services Limited, one of India’s leading tech-first gold loan NBFCs, raises  Rs. 50 crore through a Non-Convertible Debenture (NCD) issuance from Franklin Templeton to support its next phase of growth and business expansion. The funding is being executed in two tranches, with the first tranche of Rs. 24 crore successfully completed, while the second tranche will be completed in due course.

Aakash Jain, CFO, Finkurve Financial Services Limited (Arvog)

The capital raised will be utilised to accelerate the Company’s growth strategy by expanding its lending business, strengthening its operational footprint, enhancing its technology-driven platform, and deepening its presence across existing and new markets. The investment will also support business expansion, strengthen the Company’s capital base, and enable it to serve a larger customer base through innovative and accessible financial solutions.

This investment marks another significant milestone in Finkurve’s growth journey and builds on the Company’s previous successful fundraises. It reflects continued investor confidence in Finkurve’s strong business fundamentals, prudent risk management practices, and long-term growth strategy as the Company continues to scale its operations across India.

Commenting on the development, Aakash Jain, CFO, Finkurve Financial Services Limited (Arvog) stated, “Welcoming an institution of this stature is a strong endorsement of the trust we have built through consistent execution, prudent financial management, and a disciplined approach to lending. It reflects the strength of our platform, underpinned by robust governance, sound risk management, and a long-term value creation mindset.”

Further to its previously announced strategic partnership with Godrej Finance Limited (GFL), a subsidiary of Godrej Capital, Finkurve Financial Services Limited has operationalized the co-lending arrangement, enabling both entities to jointly offer gold loan products under the Reserve Bank of India’s co-lending framework. 

About Finkurve Financial Services Limited (Arvog)
Finkurve started its gold loan journey in FY21, Finkurve has since served over 50,000 customers through a network of 115+ branches across four states in Southern India. It’s slowly positioning itself as a leading gold loan NBFC. The Company also offers personal loans and SME loans, expanding its financial solutions through partnerships with fintech companies.

With a growing presence across India, Finkurve remains committed to providing accessible, technology-driven financial services to a broad customer base.
 
For more details, please visit www.arvog.com

As India accelerates its efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports, the toy industry is emerging as one of the sectors witnessing significant transformation. Companies investing in large-scale local production are increasingly contributing to the country’s ambition of becoming a global manufacturing hub.
 

Mr Deepak Chaudhary, Chairperson, Urban Tots
 

Among them is Urban Tots, an Indian toy manufacturing company that has rapidly expanded its operations over the past five years. Operating from a 350,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, the company currently employs more than 450 people and manufactures a wide range of toys for the domestic market.
 

The company’s origins trace back to an observation made by entrepreneur Deepak Chaudhary, who noticed that the toys in his children’s collection were predominantly imported and carried labels from other countries. The realization highlighted India’s dependence on imported toys and eventually led to the establishment of Urban Tots.
 

Unlike many businesses that entered the category through imports, Urban Tots chose to invest in domestic manufacturing. Its manufacturing journey formally began with the Bhoomi Poojan of its facility on 14 August 2021. Developing large-scale production capabilities required investments in advanced machinery, workforce development and technical expertise.
 

To strengthen its manufacturing capabilities, the company’s founding team studied production technologies and factory operations in China before adapting those learnings to establish a modern manufacturing ecosystem in India focused on efficiency, precision and scalability.
 

Today, the facility operates with automated conveyor systems, Poka-Yoke quality mechanisms and production processes designed to reduce defects while ensuring consistent quality. Products are manufactured in compliance with internationally recognised safety standards, including EN71 and BIS certifications.
 

The company has also integrated sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices into its operations, focusing on reducing waste while improving productivity.
 

Urban Tots initially entered the market with role-play trolley products before expanding into multiple categories. The company is now a manufacturer of ride-on and battery-operated toys, including electric cars and tractors, along with infant products, sensory toys and educational learning kits aimed at supporting early childhood development.
 

Alongside manufacturing expansion, the company has developed a nationwide distribution network comprising thousands of dealers and retailers and has established its presence across major online marketplaces. In addition to its own consumer brand, Urban Tots also manufactures products for several established companies, supplying toys that reach households across India under different labels.
 

Industry observers note that India’s toy sector is entering a critical phase of growth. Increased domestic manufacturing capacity, stronger quality regulations and changing consumer preferences are gradually reshaping an industry that was once heavily dependent on imports.
 

The sector’s development aligns with broader changes taking place across India’s manufacturing landscape, where improving infrastructure, policy support and technology adoption are encouraging companies to compete in international markets while serving growing domestic demand.
 

According to Deepak Chaudhary, India’s strengths position it well for global competitiveness in toy manufacturing.
 

“India has every ingredient required to become a global toy manufacturing hub—entrepreneurship, engineering talent, manufacturing capability and an enormous domestic market. The next step is to build products that are recognised worldwide not because they are made in India, but because they represent quality, innovation and trust.”
 

Urban Tots’ growth reflects a wider trend of manufacturing-led expansion within the toy industry, where long-term investments in infrastructure, technology and workforce development are becoming increasingly important.
 

As India seeks to strengthen its position in global supply chains, companies such as Urban Tots are contributing to the country’s efforts to transition from a major toy import market to a competitive manufacturing and export destination.
 

About Urban Tots
Urban Tots is an Indian toy manufacturing company headquartered in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. Operating from a 350,000-square-foot integrated manufacturing facility, the company designs and manufactures ride-on toys, battery-operated vehicles, educational toys, infant products and sensory toys. With a workforce of more than 450 employees, a nationwide distribution network and partnerships with leading retailers and brands, Urban Tots is committed to establishing India as a globally competitive hub for toy manufacturing through innovation, quality and sustainable manufacturing.

Do You Know ASG Eye Hospital, Utkarsh, Marwari Catalysts INKA, NPrep, Leapahead, UR Turms,Elara IVF, Dopahar, Sarathi Health Care, INTELIQUANT AI, Climekare,  Literom, Nostalgia Pages, Krimanshi, WorkAffair have emerged as national leaders in their respective sectors, others are rapidly expanding into international markets, proving that globally competitive companies are built from Jodhpur/ Tier-III city.

Jodhpur Emerges as One of India’s Fastest Growing Startup Hubs Marwari Catalysts’ plays a vital role in this Ecosystem

According to industry estimates and ecosystem stakeholders, startups founded from Jodhpur have collectively attracted investments exceeding Rs. 2,500 crore over the years. With increasing investor confidence, stronger institutional support and expanding access to domestic and international markets, ecosystem leaders believe the city’s startup community has the potential to attract Rs. 3,000–5,000 crore in cumulative investments over the coming years, creating thousands of high-quality jobs and contributing significantly to Rajasthan’s innovation economy.

Jodhpur Emerges as One of India’s Fastest Growing Startup Hubs Marwari Catalysts’ plays a vital role in this Ecosystem

Prominent institutions like IIT, NLU, AIIMS, MBM University, Rajasthan Agricultural University, Rajasthan Ayurveda University, FDDI etc are playing a vital role in this eco system. 

Known across the world for its majestic Mehrangarh Fort, rich cultural heritage and thriving handicrafts industry, Jodhpur is now earning recognition for a new identity—that of a rapidly emerging startup and innovation hub. Over the past few years, the Blue City has witnessed an unprecedented rise in entrepreneurial activity, with founders building globally competitive ventures, investors backing local innovation and educational institutions actively supporting research-led entrepreneurship.

The transformation has been driven by a collaborative ecosystem comprising academia, industry, investors, successful entrepreneurs and ecosystem enablers. Together, they have created an environment where aspiring founders can access mentorship, incubation, funding, strategic partnerships and global market opportunities without leaving their hometown.

One of the defining milestones in Jodhpur’s entrepreneurial journey came nearly six years ago when Marwari Catalysts became one of the pioneering organisations in Rajasthan.

To strengthen startup ecosystem development, laying the foundation for structured incubation, acceleration, mentoring and investor engagement in the region. This early intervention helped infuse a startup culture in Jodhpur and encouraged a new generation of young innovators to pursue entrepreneurship as a career.

Over the past six years, Marwari Catalysts has incubated, accelerated, mentored And supported more than 200 startups, providing them access to investors, experienced mentors, corporates, government initiatives and international business opportunities. Many of these ventures have successfully scaled their operations, generated employment and expanded beyond India.

Recognising that entrepreneurship flourishes through collaboration, Marwari Catalysts also established Startup Club Jodhpur, a community platform dedicated to aspiring founders, students and innovators. The club has organised eight founder meet-and-greet preincubation sessions, bringing together more than 500+ entrepreneurs for expert talks, networking opportunities, mentorship interactions and startup pitch presentations. The initiative has become an important platform for exchanging ideas, discovering opportunities and inspiring young entrepreneurs to launch new ventures.

Today, Jodhpur’s entrepreneurial landscape spans a wide spectrum of sectors including education, healthcare, financial services, artificial intelligence, climate technology, enterprise software, manufacturing, consumer brands and media. The city’s success is reflected in the growing number of startups and enterprises that have built nationally and internationally recognised businesses from Jodhpur.

Speaking about the city’s transformation, Sushil Sharma, Chairman, Marwari Catalysts Group, Executive Director, BRICS CCI, Convenor, ESC Rajasthan Chapter and also Co-Chair Startup Vertical, Rotary District 3053 (2026–27) said, “Six years ago, very few people associated Jodhpur with startups. Today, the city has become a vibrant centre of entrepreneurship where founders are building companies that are solving real-world problems and attracting national as well as international attention. Our association with Startup India, the development of Startup Club Jodhpur and our continuous efforts to connect founders with investors, mentors and global markets have helped create an ecosystem where innovation can flourish. We believe the next decade belongs to Tier-II and Tier-III cities, and Jodhpur is well positioned to become one of India’s leading startup destinations.”

Gaurav Parulkar, CEO, IIT Jodhpur Technology Innovation and Start-up Center (IITJ-TISC), said, “The success of any startup ecosystem depends on strong collaboration between academia, research, innovators and industry. Jodhpur has made significant progress in this direction. Organisations like Marwari Catalysts have played an important role in bridging innovators with mentors, investors and markets, enabling startups to commercialise technologies and build sustainable businesses.”

Professor (Dr.) Govind Sahay Shukla, Vice Chancellor, Dr. S.N. Rajasthan Ayurveda University, said, “Innovation today extends beyond information technology. Healthcare, Ayurveda, biotechnology and wellness are witnessing rapid entrepreneurial growth. The evolving startup ecosystem in Jodhpur is encouraging researchers, students and professionals to transform scientific knowledge into impactful enterprises. Such collaborations are essential for creating sustainable economic development while preserving India’s traditional knowledge systems.”

Vipul Kochar, President, MBM Alumni Association, said, “Jodhpur has always produced outstanding engineers, technologists and professionals. What has changed over the past few years is the availability of an ecosystem that empowers them to become entrepreneurs. The combined efforts of educational institutions, alumni networks, investors and organisations like Marwari Catalysts have created an environment where young innovators have the confidence and support to build companies from Rajasthan with global aspirations.”

Industry experts believe Jodhpur’s remarkable entrepreneurial journey demonstrates the immense potential of India’s Tier-II and Tier-III cities. With continued collaboration between academia, government, investors, industry and ecosystem enablers, the city is steadily emerging as one of North-West India’s most influential innovation centres.

As India enters the next phase of its startup revolution, Jodhpur is increasingly being recognised as a model for regional innovation-led development—showing how visionary leadership, institutional collaboration and community-driven entrepreneurship can transform a heritage city into a globally connected startup hub.

India’s digital entertainment ecosystem is entering a new phase. While streaming platforms, short-form videos, and social media continue to dominate screen time, consumers are increasingly looking for experiences that go beyond passive viewing. Today, entertainment is becoming more interactive, allowing users to participate, compete, and connect with others in real time.
 

 From Passive to Play, India’s shift to interactive entertainment
 

This shift is transforming the country’s gaming landscape. According to Niko Partners, India’s gamer base is expected to surpass 700 million gamers by 2028, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets. At the same time, affordable smartphones, low-cost mobile data, and expanding 5G connectivity have made online multiplayer gaming more accessible than ever before. Together, these factors are reshaping how Indians engage with digital entertainment.
 

Interactive Entertainment is Becoming the New Normal

Over the past decade, India’s digital entertainment journey has evolved rapidly. Consumers first embraced video-on-demand platforms, followed by creator-led content on social media. Today, another evolution is underway as users increasingly prefer experiences that encourage participation instead of passive consumption.
 

Interactive entertainment gives users an active role. Rather than simply watching content, people can compete with others, collaborate in real time, and become part of a larger digital community. This growing preference reflects a broader behavioural shift, particularly among younger audiences who increasingly value engagement over observation.
 

As a result, multiplayer gaming has emerged as one of the fastest-growing forms of entertainment, offering users an experience that combines competition, communication, and connection.
 

Social Games are Redefining Digital Engagement

The growing popularity of social games reflects changing consumer expectations. Modern users seek entertainment that fits seamlessly into their daily routines while providing meaningful interaction.
 

Unlike traditional single-player experiences, multiplayer free-to-play games create dynamic environments where every session is unique because real players influence every outcome. Features such as live matchmaking, leaderboards, in-game communication, and community-driven experiences have transformed gaming into a highly social activity.
 

The appeal extends beyond competition. Whether reconnecting with friends after work, playing with family members across different cities, or participating in quick multiplayer sessions during a commute, users increasingly view gaming as a way to stay socially connected while being entertained.
 

This evolution has also changed how developers approach game design. Instead of focusing solely on graphics or complex gameplay mechanics, many platforms now prioritise accessibility, shorter play sessions, and seamless multiplayer experiences.
 

Ludo Continues to Find New Life in the Digital Era

Few games illustrate this transformation better than Ludo. For generations, the classic board game has been a staple of Indian households, bringing families and friends together during holidays and social gatherings. Today, digital platforms have successfully adapted that familiar experience for smartphones.
 

The game’s simple mechanics, combined with real-time multiplayer functionality, have helped introduce millions of users to online gaming. Because players already understand the rules, they can immediately participate without navigating a steep learning curve.
 

Digital innovation has also expanded the way people experience Ludo. Faster formats, strategy-oriented gameplay, and real-time competition have enabled the game to remain relevant for today’s mobile-first generation while preserving the nostalgia that has made it a household favourite for decades.
 

Technology is Fueling India’s Social Gaming Growth

India’s improving digital infrastructure continues to support the rapid expansion of interactive gaming. Faster internet speeds, lower latency, cloud computing, and widespread smartphone adoption have significantly enhanced multiplayer experiences.
 

The rollout of networks is expected to further improve gameplay quality by reducing lag and enabling smoother real-time interactions. At the same time, artificial intelligence and advanced matchmaking technologies are helping developers deliver more personalised and engaging gaming experiences.
 

These technological advancements are not only improving accessibility but are also encouraging more users from Tier II and Tier III cities to participate in multiplayer gaming, further expanding India’s digital entertainment ecosystem.
 

Platforms are Responding to Changing Consumer Preferences

As user expectations evolve, gaming platforms are adapting their offerings to deliver faster, more engaging, and socially connected experiences.
 

Zupee is among the free-to-play platforms reflecting this broader industry trend. By reimagining Ludo through strategy-driven, skill-based formats designed for shorter play sessions, the platform aligns with the growing demand for interactive entertainment that fits modern lifestyles. Rather than replacing a familiar game, such innovations demonstrate how traditional formats can evolve alongside changing consumer behaviour.
 

Looking Ahead

The future of digital entertainment in India is expected to become increasingly interactive. As technology advances and consumer behaviour continues to evolve, multiplayer experiences will likely play a larger role in how people connect, compete, and spend their leisure time.
 

Classic games like Ludo demonstrate that innovation does not always require reinventing familiar experiences. Instead, by combining cultural familiarity with modern technology, they continue to attract new audiences while remaining relevant for existing ones.
 

As India’s gaming ecosystem continues to mature, the rise of social games signals more than a technological shift – it reflects changing consumer preferences, evolving entertainment habits, and the growing importance of real-time digital interaction in everyday life.

KLAY, India’s leading early childhood education and care provider, today announced the appointment of Abhishek Joshi as Chief Executive Officer. A proven builder of some of India’s most trusted consumer brands, Abhishek takes charge at a defining moment for the education industry, as India places the early years of a child’s life at the very centre of its national education agenda.
 

Abhishek Joshi, Chief Executive Officer, KLAY (Founding Years Learning Solutions)
 

Abhishek’s mandate is clear and ambitious: to establish KLAY as the definitive early childhood ecosystem in India, to deepen the brand’s integrated proposition across learning, care, and parenting partnership, and to widen access to high-quality early education for families nationwide. The goal is not incremental growth, but to set the standard for what early childhood can and should be in India.
 

This ambition is grounded in simple and settled truth: nearly 90% of a child’s brain develops before the age of six. The curiosity, confidence, and character formed in these years shape everything that follows. KLAY’s belief is that getting the early years right is not childcare, it is the foundation for life.
 

Abhishek brings over two decades of experience scaling some of India’s best-known consumer businesses. He has held senior leadership roles at Licious, Jubilant FoodWorks (Domino’s India), Hindustan Unilever (HUL), and GCMMF (Amul), with a track record across business transformation, category building, and customer-centric growth. Known for a transformational leadership style, he is passionate about building purpose-driven organisations and high-performing teams. He is an alumnus of the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), where he earned a PGDM in Sales & Marketing, and holds a B.Tech from Govind Ballabh Pant University. Outside work, he is a fitness enthusiast who enjoys trekking, surfing, and travel, and values time with his family.
 

Commenting on the appointment, Sandeep Reddy, Chairman, Founding Years Learning Solutions, said, “India is at an inflection point in how it thinks about the early years. The science is settled – what happens before a child turns six shapes the rest of their life. Our ambition is to make world-class early childhood education the norm, not the privilege, for Indian families. Abhishek has spent his career building brands that millions of Indians trust, and scaling them without ever compromising on quality. That is precisely the leadership KLAY needs to take its mission to its next chapter.”
 

Speaking about his appointment, Abhishek Joshi, Chief Executive Officer, KLAY (Founding Years Learning Solutions), said, “Few things matter more than how a child experiences the first years of life. KLAY has earned something rare – the deep, daily trust of parents. I am joining to build on that trust and widen our impact: to ensure that more children across India begin life with the strongest possible foundation, and that more parents have a partner they can count on through their parenting journey. This is a mission worth giving the best years of one’s career to.”
 

This appointment marks an important milestone for KLAY as it accelerates its mission to deliver high-quality early childhood education and care for families across India.

About KLAY (Founding Years Learning Solutions)

KLAY is India’s leading chain of preschools and daycare centres, trusted by over 80,000 families to give their children the best possible start in life. Founded in 2011, KLAY creates safe, nurturing, and engaging environments where children learn and grow, supported by passionate facilitators, modern infrastructure, and a proven pedagogy. As a trusted parenting partner to leading Fortune 500 organisations, KLAY brings together learning, care, and family support into a single, integrated proposition. The institution operates 180+ self-managed centres across 20+ cities in India, backed by 500+ corporate partnerships and a workforce of 3,500+ dedicated professionals – building the foundation for life, one child at a time.

SRM University-AP, Amaravati continues to strengthen its position at the forefront of research and scientific innovation across critical domains of science, technology, and the humanities. 26 faculty members were awarded prestigious grants from DST, ANRF, ICMR, NBHM, and other national bodies, reinforcing the university’s growing research leadership.

Vice Chancellor Ch Satish Kumar and SRM AP leadership, along with prestigious research grant recipients

Since January 2026, SRM AP researchers have secured 24 sponsored research projects and consultancy projects worth Rs. 13.71 crores from prestigious funding agencies, including the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Translational Research Grant, and the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM).

The funded projects span a diverse range of disciplines, including advanced materials & devices, bioscience for human health, waste-to-wealth, and literature and mathematics. The research project on genomic surveillance-driven phage therapy received Rs. 1.76 crores, the highest funding among the projects on the list, while the Indo-French project on plasmid-mediated phage resistance secured Rs. 99.9 lakhs.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Ch Satish Kumar congratulated the faculty members and research teams for their outstanding achievement in advancing high-quality research. He stated, “The success of our faculty in securing competitive research grants is a testament to the vibrant research culture that we continue to nurture at SRM University-AP. I am confident that these projects will lead to impactful discoveries, strengthen collaborations with leading institutions, create opportunities for our students, and contribute meaningfully to society.” He also encouraged the research cohort to now work towards securing major international research grants.

Deans of the schools of Engineering and Sciences, Liberal Arts, and Business Studies also expressed appreciation to the Principal Investigators, Co-Principal Investigators, and their research cohort for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment that drove this monumental achievement. 

This accomplishment highlights the university’s strong commitment to advancing impactful interdisciplinary research. SRM University-AP remains focused on nurturing a robust research culture, strengthening its research infrastructure and faculty capabilities to pursue funded projects that advance national priorities and global innovation.