Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0) aims to expand access to homeownership for eligible urban families, particularly those who do not own a permanent home. The scheme is designed around inclusion, transparency, and improved ease of access through a structured eligibility and beneficiary identification framework. In parallel, Bajaj Housing Finance Limited’s Sambhav Home Loan offers housing loan solutions for homebuyers from the unorganised sector, including micro-entrepreneurs and low-income households, designed for customers with cash-based incomes or limited formal documentation.

A key component of PMAY-U 2.0 is the Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS), under which eligible beneficiaries can receive an interest subsidy of up to Rs. 1.80 Lakh over a period of 5 years on their housing loan. This helps reduce the effective cost of borrowing and supports more manageable monthly repayments. The subsidy is applicable on home loans sanctioned and disbursed after 1 September 2024, subject to eligibility and scheme norms.

Eligible homebuyers who opt for Bajaj Housing Finance Limited’s Sambhav Home Loan can apply for PMAY-U 2.0 interest subsidy benefits, subject to the scheme’s eligibility framework, verification, and allotment process, among other factors. Final allotment under PMAY-U 2.0 is determined based on preference categories outlined in the official guidelines.

Eligible applicants can also check their eligibility and register for PMAY-U 2.0 benefits through the Unified Web Portal of PMAY 2.0, launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, as per the scheme’s eligibility criteria and process.

As urban India continues to expand, widening access to housing remains central to building stronger communities. PMAY-U 2.0, through its interest subsidy framework, helps eligible households reduce the cost of borrowing, while lending solutions such as Sambhav Home Loan expand access to home loans for customers with varied income profiles. Together, these efforts contribute to a more inclusive housing ecosystem for eligible homebuyers.

Sambhav Home Loan is designed for homebuyers from the unorganised segment, including micro-entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, and households with cash-based incomes. The product framework is structured to consider varied income profiles and, where applicable, supports assessment through alternative income and repayment indicators. The product framework also follows a simplified documentation approach for eligible applicants, subject to internal verification and credit norms.

Borrowers can read PMAY-U 2.0 scheme details and registration information on the Unified Web Portal of PMAY 2.0.

BHFL is a facilitator of the PMAY-U 2.0 application and does not guarantee any receipt of the subsidy.

About Bajaj Housing Finance Limited

Classified as an ‘Upper-Layer NBFC’ by the RBI pursuant to Scale Based Regulations, Bajaj Housing Finance Limited (BHFL) is a subsidiary of Bajaj Finance Limited — one of the most diversified NBFCs in the Indian market, catering to more than 110.64 million customers across the country. Headquartered in Pune, BHFL offers finance to individuals as well as corporate entities for the purchase and renovation of homes, or commercial spaces. It also provides loans against property for business or personal needs as well as working capital for business expansion purposes. BHFL also offers finance to developers engaged in the construction of residential and commercial properties as well as lease rental discounting to developers and high-net-worth individuals. The Company is rated AAA/Stable for its long-term debt programme and A1+ for its short-term debt programme from CRISIL and India Ratings.

For more queries, visit www.bajajhousingfinance.in

S. L. Raheja Hospital – A Fortis Associate, today announced the launch of Mumbai’s first Centre of Excellence (CoE) for ‘Craniofacial & Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Surgery’, a centre to provide comprehensive and specialised care to patients with structural and functional issues, and injuries in the facial & jaw area.

The launch event was graced by the renowned actor-director, Shri Mahesh Manjrekar, who stressed upon the increasing need to raise awareness around facial health and the importance of timely, specialised intervention.

Actor-filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar with Dr Kunal Punamiya & Dr Tofiq Bohra at the launch of Mumbai’s first COE for Craniofacial & TMJ Surgery at Fortis S. L. Raheja Hospital Mumbai

The newly launched CoE for TMJ Surgery is equipped to manage a wide range of conditions, such as jaw pain and stiffness, jaw locking or clicking, facial asymmetry, craniofacial deformities, cleft lip and palate, facial trauma, jaw cysts & tumours, and facial reconstruction. The centre focuses on applying minimally invasive and precision-based techniques to help restore jaw functionality and alleviate pain while promoting a faster recovery process.

TMJ disorders are most commonly seen among adults aged 20 to 45 years, though they can affect people of all age groups. According to Dr Tofiq Bohra, Head -Craniofacial & TMJ Surgery, S. L. Raheja Hospital – A Fortis Associate, the hospital sees close to 50 TMJ-related patients every month; and this number has been increasing over the years. He attributes this increasing trend to certain lifestyle factors: such as stress, long working hours, poor posture, teeth grinding, and sleep disturbances. Patients suffering from TMJ and Craniofacial-related disorders end up undergoing varied treatments before finally receiving diagnosis and a planned approach towards their treatment. Established under the supervision of Dr Bohra, the CoE would enable diagnosis, imaging, pain management under one roof.

The centre offers comprehensive, lifelong care for patients with cleft lip and palate, including surgical repair and rehabilitation from childhood through adulthood. The Multidisciplinary team at the CoE for TMJ Surgery works to restore facial structure and functioning for patients with cleft related conditions, supported by expert dental team. Under the leadership of Dr. Bohra, who has completed advanced training for TMJ Mini Residency at University of Maryland, USA – the centre brings together a robust team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, pain specialists, neurologists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists to deliver comprehensive care that focuses on both function and aesthetics. This multi-disciplinary team will offer a range of services including nonsurgical treatments for pain to complex TM joint reconstruction, supported by advanced 3D imaging and planning.

Speaking at the launch Dr Tofiq Bohra, Head – Craniofacial & TMJ Surgery, S. L. Raheja Hospital – A Fortis Associate, “This CoE has been created with a clear vision – based on the pillars of precision, function and asthetics. Every facial and jaw condition is unique, and our focus is on offering advanced solutions for TMJ and jaw disorders, complex craniofacial conditions and lymphatic-related facial issues using minimally invasive, precision driven surgical techniques. Our goal is not just treatments, but the long-term functional recovery and restoration of confidence for patients.”

Dr Kunal Punamiya, CEO, S. L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate added, “The launch of this Centre of Excellence reflects our commitment in making highly specialised facial and jaw care more accessible to patients across Mumbai and beyond. By combining deep clinical expertise with Fortis Healthcare’s rigorous quality benchmarks, we aim to deliver consistently superior outcomes for patients with complex craniofacial and TMJ conditions – under one integrated, patient-centric ecosystem.”

Sharing his views, Shri Mahesh Vaman Manjrekar – Actor, Film Director, Screenwriter & Producer added, “Facial and jaw conditions are often ignored until they begin to interfere with everyday life, confidence, and self-expression. Centres like this play a critical role not just in treatment, but in creating awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and specialised care. Reaching the right specialist at the right time can make a profound difference to both recovery and quality of life.”

With this launch, S. L. Raheja Hospital Mumbai continues to expand its specialised services, reaffirming its commitment to delivering advanced, patient-centric care to the community.

About Fortis Healthcare Limited
Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. The healthcare verticals of the company primarily comprise hospitals, diagnostics, and day care specialty facilities. Currently, the company operates 33 healthcare facilities (including JVs and O&M facilities) across 11 states. The Company’s network comprises over 5,700 operational beds (including O&M beds) and 400 diagnostics labs.

Strengthening India’s transition towards a gas-based economy, THINK Gas, one of India’s leading City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies, today kicked off the implementation of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board’s (PNGRB) National Drive 2.0 with an inaugural event at Jodhpur. The campaign was inaugurated by Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, IAS, Chairperson – PNGRB, in the presence of Mr. Amitava Sengupta, Chairman. The nationwide campaign advances the vision of “One Nation, One Grid, One Tariff” by expanding PNG access and accelerating CNG adoption across India.
 

L to R: Mr. Gaurav Agarwal, IAS, District Collector of Jodhpur; Dr Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson, PNGRB, and Mr Amitava Sengupta, Chairman, THINK Gas
 

As part of this campaign, THINK Gas also announced its commitment to connect 30000+ households with PNG connections and enhance the CNG station network across 10 states. During the inaugural event, THINK Gas commenced the operations of PNG Connection to 500 households in Ashiana Dwarka – Premium Homes and flagged off a CNG rally to signify the strengthening of CNG adoption in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), said, “National Drive 2.0 is a focused initiative of PNGRB to deepen the reach of City Gas Distribution networks and accelerate the adoption of PNG and CNG across the country. The Unified Tariff framework is enhancing affordability, transparency, and access, ensuring that regulatory reforms translate into direct consumer benefits. With nearly 60% of Jodhpur city covered, over 51,000 households connected, and domestic PNG prices reduced by Rs. 2.77 per SCM from January 1, 2026, the impact at the household level is clearly visible. Such LNG-based CGD models are replicable for expanding clean, reliable, and economical energy to far-flung areas. I am confident that National Drive 2.0 will significantly accelerate PNG and CNG adoption nationwide and strengthen India’s clean energy ecosystem.”
 

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Amitava Sengupta, Chairman, THINK Gas, said, “PNGRB’s National Drive 2.0 is a landmark initiative that will play a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of PNG and CNG across India. This drive comes close on the heels of the implementation of landmark tariff reforms by the PNGRB when Domestic PNG and CNG segments will benefit from a preferential tariff system. We thank Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson, PNGRB, and the Board for their leadership in creating a progressive regulatory framework, that enables wider access to clean and affordable natural gas. THINK Gas has exemplified this vision by investing over Rs. 510 crore in the Barmer-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer Geographical Area and adopting a unique LCNG-based hybrid supply model to ensure uninterrupted gas supply even in the absence of pipeline connectivity. Building on the strong response to last year’s National Drive, which witnessed significant on-ground enrolments and increased CNG adoption, we will further intensify customer outreach across our Geographical Areas to support India’s transition towards a gas-based economy.”
 

As part of THINK Gas’s active participation in National Drive 2.0, the campaign will be rolled out from January to March 2026 across the 10 states where THINK Gas has presence – Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.
 

Aligning with PNGRB’s Unified Tariff revision, THINK Gas has also announced significant reduction in prices across its operating Geographical Areas which will benefit the end consumer. Under the revised framework, domestic PNG prices have been reduced by up to Rs. 5/SCM (standard cubic meter), while CNG prices have been reduced up to Rs. 2.50/KG in select Geographical Areas. Additionally, THINK Gas has reduced Domestic PNG prices by up to Rs. 4/SCM in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, and by up to Rs. 2.77/SCM in Rajasthan, even though these states are not yet connected to the National Gas Grid and are not benefiting from the tariff reforms at present.
 

The multitude of customer centric reforms and initiatives of the PNGRB are expected to result in a significant increase in the adoption of DPNG and CNG in the country.

About THINK Gas
THINK Gas, the merged entity of AG&P Pratham and THINK Gas, is a leading player in India’s City Gas Distribution (CGD) business. We hold 19 CGD licenses awarded by the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) to exclusively develop CGD infrastructure and provide natural gas across 49 Districts in the 10 states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
 

Our CGD network will supply Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for use in vehicles as well as Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to domestic households, commercial establishments and industries. Over the next few years, our network will comprise ~24,000 inch-km of steel pipelines, 2000+ CNG stations catering to the needs of more than 100 million customers and cover 324,000 square kilometres.
 

THINK Gas has the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in greenfield CGD business in India. Our marquee investors include I-Squared Capital, and the Japanese consortium of OSAKA Gas, JOIN, Sumitomo Corporation and Konoike Transport.
 

We have been recognized for our efforts on various industry forums for our contributions across all business practices – Safety, ESG, Marketing, CRM, Procurement, Sustainability and Risk Management.

SAP announced that they made SAP Learning Hub, student edition free of charge for students throughout India, as part of a plan to bridge the gap between academic education and technology careers that are in demand.

SAP

SAP Learning Hub is a flexible and versatile digital learning platform, packed with self-paced learning journeys, expert-led sessions, and globally recognized SAP Certifications. It gives learners the resources to acquire knowledge (both technical and business process related), making them industry-ready from day one.

The world economy increasingly relies on talent that is competent in data-driven decision-making and digital business models. However, many students graduate without any exposure to enterprise software and tools that a business leverages daily. SAP’s initiative addresses this issue and provides equitable access to certified training, no matter the geography or background of the learner.

Digitally skilled graduates are also a critical driver of India’s economic growth. A digitally enabled workforce supports GDP acceleration, new innovations by start-ups, and promotes local businesses on the global stage. SAP is ensuring students graduate with job-ready knowledge, to contribute to a stronger economy in India’s long-term growth.

“India is at the cusp of a talent transformation,” said Tine Vandenbreeden, Global VP SIX Partner Solution Enablement, SAP. “By giving every student free access to SAP Learning Hub, we are ensuring they have the same opportunities to gain skills the industry needs and employers value.”

The program offers:

• World-class SAP training, accessible anytime, anywhere.

• Two free attempts at SAP Certification exams.

• Guided SAP Learning Journeys with expert and peer community support.

• Content designed for students across business, technology, and other streams.

This initiative fosters equality for students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Typically excluded from elite training programs, these students can now aspire for the same SAP Certifications and opportunities they would obtain in Tier 1 cities, therefore increasing the talent pool in India.

SAP Learning Hub is closing the gap between classroom learning and career readiness. Students get experience that prepares them for roles in supply chain, finance, HR, consulting, and more. When they graduate, they have both a degree and an industry-recognized certification that makes their resume stand out.

In the short term, SAP expects to see thousands of students certified through the program. In the long term, the initiative is expected to contribute to India’s national growth by producing a tech-enabled workforce that supports the government’s Skill India mission and strengthens the country’s global competitiveness.

For more information on the free SAP Learning Hub, student edition, visit learning.sap.com/free-student-edition

 About SAP

As a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, SAP (NYSE:SAP) stands at the nexus of business and technology. For over 50 years, organizations have trusted SAP to bring out their best by uniting business-critical operations spanning finance, procurement, HR, supply chain, and customer experience.

For more information, visit www.sap.com

Loop Health, an integrated employee health benefits and healthcare platform, has crossed the milestone of managing healthcare for over 1 million lives, as it scales a preventive healthcare model aimed at reducing long-term healthcare costs for employers.

Loop Health

Founded in 2018, Loop Health partners with 1,250+ enterprises, including Nasdaq, Lodha Group, Zepto, and Ola. The platform brings together insurance, preventive care, diagnostics, doctor consultations, and digital and paperless claims experience into a single system, positioning itself as an alternative to traditional insurance-led and broking models that largely activate only during hospitalisation.

“Crossing 1 million lives is a validation of a fundamentally different way of thinking about healthcare,” said Ryan Singh, Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer, Loop. “These are one million individuals whose health is being actively managed on a continuous basis, not just covered when something goes wrong. Prevention, early intervention, and continuity of care are no longer ‘add-ons’—they are the core of how healthcare should work. At scale, this directly translates into healthier employees, fewer avoidable hospitalisations, and more predictable healthcare costs for employers.”

According to the company, Loop Health’s in-house medical team has handled over 390,000 health queries, conducted 209,000+ consultations without physical waiting rooms, and integrated 40,000+ diagnostic tests into actionable care plans. Loop Health employs its own doctors and operates a unified electronic medical records system, enabling clinicians to access a member’s medical history, diagnostics, prescriptions, and claims data in one place.

Loop Health entered corporate health benefits as its primary distribution channel, targeting employer healthcare spends of INR 20,000–INR 30,000 per employee annually. By embedding preventive care, early screening, and structured medical management into employee benefits, the company says it helps employers reduce preventable hospitalisations, improve utilisation efficiency, and stabilise insurance premiums over time.

As it scales beyond the 1 million lives mark, Loop Health is expanding HealthFlex, its flexible benefits platform launched in October 2025, which allows enterprises to allocate healthcare budgets across insurance and employee-controlled wallets for preventive care, mental health, and pharmacy benefits. The company is also strengthening structured chronic care programs focused on diabetes, cardiovascular health, and mental wellness.

About Loop Health

Loop Health is India’s first integrated employee health benefits platform, combining group health insurance with in-house primary care, diagnostics, and chronic condition management. Founded in 2018, they serve over 1 million lives across 1,250+ companies, with a mission to add 20+ healthy years to India’s workforce. The company is backed by General Catalyst, Elevation Capital, Khosla Ventures, and Y Combinator. Learn more at loophealth.com.

Brookfield Properties and the Rotary Club of Mumbai Lakers mixed purpose with pleasure as they welcomed over 11,000 runners to the annual Powai Run on January 11, 2026. 

R to L: Ankur Gupta Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Head of Asia Pacific and Middle East, Real Estate, Brookfield; Suryanarayana Doolla (IIT Bombay) and Eakta Menon (Rotary Club of Mumbai Lakers) flag off IIT B Run 2026 at Downtown Powai, celebrating health and community impact

Headlining the event were 20 pink auto-rickshaws sponsored by Brookfield Properties and the Rotary Club to empower women through skill-based driving training. These vehicles both enable financial independence for the female operators and enhance safety and inclusion for women passengers. 

Proceeds from the event – the 14th in the series, and the fifth year of collaboration with Brookfield Properties – were directed towards several charitable causes, ranging from life-saving heart surgeries and cancer care to girl child education, patient support, and community health and wellness programs.

The event was flagged off from Downtown Powai by: Ankur Gupta, Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Head of Asia Pacific and Middle East, Real Estate, Brookfield; Eakta Menon, President, Rotary Club of Mumbai Lakers; Danny Poljak, President and Co-Head of Real Estate, Brookfield Properties in Australia; and Charu Thapar, Executive Vice President, Head of Operations and CRM, Brookfield Properties in India.

In addition to the annual 4KM and 10KM races, Brookfield Properties also hosted two special category runs – the CEO Run for the senior leadership of Brookfield Properties stakeholders and strategic partners and the IIT-B Run, which saw over 1,000 current IIT B students, faculty, and alumni participate. The run was flagged off by Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla, Dean of Student Affairs, IIT B.

The competitive categories drew strong performances across age groups. In the 10KM category:

WOMEN’S 10KM

• First: Kashish Malhotra

• Second: Ishita Malhi

• Third: Anupama Kamalam

MEN’S 10KM

• First: Rochishnu Rawool

• Second: Salman Shaikh

• Third: Takashi Doi.

Other key highlights included:

• Participation of Geeta Chauhan, the captain of the Indian Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team in the post-run carnival.

• The 100th 10KM run of Mr. Amarjeet Singh Chawla, an inspirational visually impaired runner, inspiring participants, and audiences alike through his extraordinary journey.

Charu Thapar, Executive Vice President, Head of Operations and CRM, Brookfield Properties in India said, “The Powai Run reflects our commitment to building vibrant, inclusive communities where we operate. Beyond our physical spaces, we focus on fostering meaningful engagement with residents, tenants, and local stakeholders through long-term partnerships and initiatives such as the Powai Run. It’s a terrific event that has become a hallmark of the Powai community, which is a credit to our long-term partner, the Rotary Club of Mumbai Lakers. These efforts enable us to drive sustained community development while enhancing accessibility and a shared sense of belonging.”

Eakta Menon, President, Rotary Club of Mumbai Lakers added, “Powai Run isn’t just a flagship fundraiser for us – it is the heartbeat of our year-round service. Every step taken by a participant powers a project that changes a life.”

Brookfield Properties and the Rotary Club of Mumbai Lakers reaffirm their commitment to creating meaningful and lasting impact across Downtown Powai and beyond, with Brookfield Properties continuing to foster inclusive spaces that strengthen communities.

About Brookfield Properties
Brookfield Properties is a leading global manager of high-quality real estate assets. We are active in nearly all real estate businesses, including office, retail, multifamily, hospitality, and logistics. We manage more than 670 locations, 1,500+ buildings and over 275 million square feet of real estate in global markets on behalf of Brookfield, one of the largest asset managers in the world. With a focus on sustainability, a commitment to excellence, and the drive for relentless innovation in the planning, development, and management of buildings and their surroundings, Brookfield Properties is making the world a little bit better, together.

For more information, visitbrookfieldproperties.com.

In India, Brookfield Properties manages approximately 55 million square feet of high-quality assets across 10 key gateway cities of which over 41 million square feet is already operational. Some of the marquee assets in its portfolio include Candor TechSpace in Gurugram, Noida and Kolkata; Worldmark in Delhi and Gurugram; Downtown Powai and Equinox in Mumbai; Ecoworld and Ecospace in Bengaluru; and COWRKS, a leading co-working and flexi office business across India.

About Rotary Club of Mumbai Lakers
Rotary Club of Mumbai Lakers (RCML) works across education, health, environment, and social welfare in Powai. Since 2012, the club has been actively involved in community projects such as health and awareness drives, support for education, environmental initiatives, and outreach programmes for underprivileged groups. The members contribute time, skills, and resources to deliver practical, on-ground impact to the local community.Its primary motto is “Service above Self.”Engage Rotary, Change Lives.

On the National Youth Day, we celebrate the honour recently bestowed upon Bajaj Foundation and Vishwa Yuvak Kendra at Agartala, Tripura. Both these not-for-profit organisations were honoured with the prestigious “Recognition of Excellence” award by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tripura, Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, in recognition of their outstanding national contributions. The award was conferred for the significant and sustained work carried out by both organisations in their respective domains.
 

Mr. Apoorv Bajaj, Trustee, Bajaj Foundation felicitate the Chief Minister of Tripura, Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha along with Mr. Uday Shankar Singh, CEO, Vishwa Yuvak Kendra
 

Bajaj Foundation was felicitated for its exemplary contribution to the successful organisation of Heritage Fest 2025, as well as for its impactful initiatives in natural farming, water conservation and management, education, and livelihood promotion. The award on behalf of the Foundation was received by Mr. Apoorv Nayan Bajaj, Trustee, and Mr. Mahendra Phate, Programme Manager, Bajaj Foundation.
 

Vishwa Yuvak Kendra was recognised for its consistent and impactful role in youth development, national integration, capacity building of civil society organisations (CSOs), and nation-building. The award was received by Mr. Uday Shankar Singh, Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. Mukta Bhardwaj, Programme Officer. For decades, VYK has been implementing residential training programmes, digital learning initiatives, youth leadership development, women empowerment activities, and national-level collaborations, benefiting lakhs of young people across the country.
 

Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Chief Minister appreciated the contributions of both institutions and stated that organisations such as these play a vital role in strengthening youth potential, preserving cultural heritage, and empowering communities that are key pillars of national progress.
 

The awards were presented during an international programme organised by Yuva Vikas Kendra, Tripura during the week-long Heritage Fest 2025 that brought together the young volunteers of culture and heritage from various neighbouring countries like, Nepal, Srilanka and others. Click to watch a short video on the Instagram handle of @bajajgroupofficial www.instagram.com/reel/DTZNlOrjItE/?igsh=MTdhMmp4a3JjYWc0Yg==
 

The recognition bestowed upon Bajaj Foundation and Vishwa Yuvak Kendra upon this international platform, stands as an official acknowledgement of the vision, dedication, and grassroots impact of Bajaj Foundation and Vishwa Yuvak Kendra.
 

Bajaj Foundation is committed to nation building through inclusive and sustainable rural development in Wardha district of Maharashtra, Sikar district of Rajasthan and Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Through its integrated interventions in last 2 decades, the Foundation has rejuvenated 245 rivers and constructed 130 check dams, enabling irrigation across 3.5 lakh acres of farmland. It has trained 1.25 lakh farmers in natural farming practices, making 1.6 lakh acres chemical-free, and strengthened livelihoods through 4,500+ women self-help groups benefitting 56,000 families. By imparting skill development training to over 9,000 rural youth and women, promoting 6,000 biogas plants and 4,000 solar units, and establishing 30 Farmer Producer Companies (FPOs), Bajaj Foundation continues to lay a strong foundation for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, empowering the youth and rural communities to achieve long-term self-reliance and prosperity.
 

On the occasion, both Bajaj Foundation and Vishwa Yuval Kendra reiterated their commitment to further strengthening their initiatives in the larger interest of society and the nation.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, in collaboration with Academy of General Education (AGE), Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), Bengaluru, Manipal Media Network Ltd and Dr. TMA Pai Foundation successfully organized the “New Year Awards 2026” to honor the five eminent personalities for their outstanding contributions to society, art and culture.

Distinguished awardees honoured at the Manipal Groups’ New Year Awards 2026 ceremony, held on 10 January in Manipal

The event was graced by Dr H S Ballal, President-AGE and Pro Chancellor MAHE, Mrs Vasanti R Pai, Trustee, MAHE Trust, Dr Ranjan R Pai, Chairman, MEMG, Bengaluru, President, MAHE Trust, and Registrar, AGE; Shri T Satish U Pai, Executive Chairman, Manipal Media Network Ltd and Vice President, AGE; and Shri T Sachin Pai, Trustee, Dr. TMA Pai Foundation, Manipal. Their presence underscored the continued commitment of the Manipal institutions to recognizing excellence and societal impact.

The eminent personalities for New Year awards 2026 were: Shri K Jayaprakash Hegde, Former Minister Ports and Fisheries, Government of Karnataka, Shri K Lakshminarayanan, Former Executive Director, Canara Bank, Dr Thumbay Moideen, Founder President, Thumbay Group, UAE, Mrs Vinaya Prasad, Indian Cine Artist, and Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM, (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE.

Addressing the occasion, Dr H S Ballal, President-AGE and Pro Chancellor MAHE, said, “It is with immense pride that we gather once again to celebrate excellence and recognise individuals whose contributions have enriched our society in meaningful ways. At MAHE, we believe that recognizing such excellence goes beyond mere acknowledgment as it strengthens the cultural and intellectual fabric of our society. Their journeys inspire us to continue fostering an environment where creativity, scholarship, and social responsibility thrive together. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the recipients and thank them for being the torchbearers of positive change.”

Expressing his gratitude on receiving the award, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM, (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “As I reflect on this honour, I am reminded that education is, at its core, a collective endeavour. No achievement in this field belongs to one person alone. It is the result of the shared commitment of countless individuals, faculty members whose teaching inspires, researchers who push the boundaries of knowledge, staff who ensure the seamless functioning of our campuses, students whose curiosity fuels innovation, and partners who believe deeply in our mission. I accept this award on behalf of the entire MAHE community, whose tireless efforts make recognitions such as this possible.”

Shri K Jayaprakash Hegde, Former Minister Ports and Fisheries, Government of Karnataka, said he was extremely humbled on receiving the award and emphasized “Appointed by the Government of Karnataka, I was entrusted with the responsibility to oversee social inclusion initiatives and classification reforms. In this role, I sought to modernize representation frameworks and address long-standing social inequities within our state. One moment that stands out is submitting Karnataka’s first report advocating the inclusion of orphans for reservation- ensuring that children without families or communities would not be left behind and could compete on a fair footing with their peers.”

Shri K Lakshminarayanan, Former Executive Director, Canara Bank, went down the memory lane and shared “I had the opportunity to meet Shri T A Pai when he was the head of the Canara Industrial and Banking Syndicate, with Dr TMA Pai as the chairman of the Board of Bank. As my boss was on a tour, I took care of Sri Pai’s requirement. After which, I received an offer letter, and I joined Shri Pai in his bank. Initially, I was not familiar with local languages and conversed in English, which later got down to broken Kannada, and local people were kind enough to accept me as such. During the time, the bank expanded its services to overseas and I got the opportunity to learn banking practices from Germany, and in subsequent years when the bank opted to operate from London, I was managing the branch for some time. After satisfying years, the Government of the day chose to appoint me as the Executive Director of the Syndicate Bank and subsequently the Executive Director of the Canara Bank.”

Conveying her happiness after accepting the award, Mrs Vinaya Prasad, Indian Cine Artist, said, “My artistic journey has taken me across many film industries—Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu—and each phase has taught me invaluable lessons in sincerity, discipline, and dedication. Cinema has a way of shaping one’s understanding of people, emotions, and society. Udupi has always been a place where learning and art walk hand in hand, and MAHE has amplified that tradition on a global scale. I express my heartfelt appreciation and admiration for this special recognition.”

Honored by the recognition Dr Thumbay Moideen, Founder & President, Thumbay Group, UAE expressed his gratitude “This recognition of bestowing me the New Year Award for 2026 is not only a personal honor but also a testament to the collective vision, relentless dedication, and unwavering commitment of the entire Thumbay Group team—especially our healthcare, education, and research professionals—who work tirelessly every day to advance human well-being and knowledge across the UAE and beyond. My journey in building institutions that bridge healthcare, education, and community service has always been inspired by the same values that define MAHE: excellence, innovation, compassion, and a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education and healing.”

The event was concluded with a sincere vote of thanks by Dr. (Cdr) Anil Rana, Director, Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, acknowledging the overwhelming participation and support for the entire community.

• New PMES vertical Has 500+ strong team & 42 active client contracts

• 4 MDs + key VPs/Sr. Directors covering all India regions managing 40 Mn sq. ft.

• India’s EPCM market projected to reach USD 105.96 billion by 2030

• Construction mgmt. accounted for 56.78% of USD 69.28B EPCM market in 2025

ANAROCK, India’s leading independent real estate services platform, today announced the strategic launch of its Project Management & Engineering Services (PMES) vertical. This high-impact expansion strengthens ANAROCK’s position as a holistic one-stop real estate solutions provider, now offering seamless delivery from concept to realty.

The PMES vertical is off to a flying start with 500+ professionals and 42 active client contracts already in place. It is poised to generate INR 125 Cr+ in revenue for FY 2026-27, significantly contributing to the Firm’s group-wide target of INR 1,100 Cr. With a clear roadmap to scale to INR 300 Cr revenue by FY28, ANAROCK PMES is already actively addressing the explosive demand for professional, tech-enabled project delivery in India’s booming real estate market.

Powerhouse Leadership Team

To drive this ambitious growth, ANAROCK has onboarded a seasoned leadership brigade with deep expertise across residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use sectors:

• Amit Jaitly leads as Managing Director for West & North India.

• Tarunankur Nag leads Central & East India as Managing Director.

• Veeresh S Manjunatha heads Karnataka operations as Managing Director.

• Nishanth Kumar drives pan-India growth as Regional Director for Business Development.

They are supported by a robust senior team including Amol Rane (Director Developments – West India), Vijay Kori (VP – Commercial Developments, Karnataka), Ramana Nagireddy (VP – Residential Developments, Karnataka), Anandkumar Patil (Sr. Director – AP & Telangana), and Mani Ganesh (Sr. Director – TN & Odisha), ensuring execution excellence across every region.

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group

Key Vertical Diversification

“We have launched PMES because our clients want the ANAROCK trademark for accountability and transparency in building their projects, not just selling them,” said Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK. “With 500+ experts already on board, we aren’t just entering the market – we hit the ground running and will immediately set a new benchmark. By integrating best-in-class technology, rigorous processes, and senior talent, we are delivering the on-time, on-budget promise that modern real estate demands.”

Strong Market Fundamentals

India’s Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) market is estimated at USD 69.28 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 105.96 billion by 2030, implying a CAGR of 8.87%. Construction Management Services account for 56.78% of EPCM revenues, reflecting strong demand for single-point accountability on complex, multi-package contracts.

The residential EPCM segment is growing at an 11.56% CAGR, driven by robust housing demand and government initiatives such as PMAY and RERA reforms. India’s planned USD 1.4 trillion The National Infrastructure Pipeline, rising Building Information Modeling (BIM) adoption, ‘digital twin’ requirements in public tenders, and increasing relevance and implementation of digital/AI tools in construction management, are key structural tailwinds for the EPCM industry.

Strategic Impact & Capabilities

The ANAROCK PMES vertical offers a complete suite of services – Project & Construction Management Services, Turnkey & Design – Build Solutions and Project Advisory Services – for base-build and fit-out projects all under a single accountability framework.

• Integrated Tech: Proprietary digital dashboards and workflow systems for real-time tracking.

• Proven Scale: Already managing 40+ million sq. ft. across 42+ engagements.

• Future Ready: Leveraging the USD 69B+ EPCM market opportunity driven by urbanization and infrastructure growth.

“The launch of ANAROCK PMES takes our dominance on the Indian real estate landscape to the next logical level – that of guiding projects through their entire lifecycle from viability and strategy consulting to raising capital, and finally to construction and sales,” says Anuj Puri. “We launched in 2017 with the sharp-focused mission of delivering unmatched value to developers and investors with industry-leading service standards and a technology-first approach. In 2026, we close the core services loop with PMES, even as we continue to explore new, innovative diversification avenues to leverage our market leadership – and to deliver on this mission.”

About ANAROCK

ANAROCK is the leading independent real estate services company with a visible presence across India, Middle East, USA, and Singapore. The Company has diversified interests across the real estate lifecycle and deploys its proprietary technology platform to accelerate marketing and sales on behalf of its clients.

Over the last eight years, ANAROCK has expanded from being a residential-focused organization to complementary sectors including retail, commercial, hospitality, logistics & data centres, industrial and land. The firm also specialises in strategic advisory, investment banking, research & valuations and offers app based flexible workspaces and society management services. ANAROCK has developed proprietary technology that is adopted across all its businesses.

ANAROCK has a team of over 2200+ experienced real estate professionals who operate across all major markets in India, Middle East, USA and Singapore.

For more information, visit www.anarock.com.

Hong Kong SAR
Asia News Network (ANN) and Media OutReach Newswire have entered a partnership for corporate news releases. The landmark agreement means that Media OutReach Newswire, as the only newswire, provides guaranteed online news postings on the ANN news website.
 

Media OutReach Newswire and Asia News Network (ANN) Form Corporate News Release Partnership
 

ANN was formed in 1999 to promote coverage of news from Asia through Asian journalists, bringing Asia closer. This aligns well with Media OutReach Newswire’s goal of bringing the stories of Asian organisations to journalists and audiences across Asia Pacific and globally.

As Asia’s leading news media alliance, ANN consists of 20 leading media titles from Southeast Asia, East Asia and South Asia. The full list of ANN member media can be found in the table below.
 

The landmark corporate press release partnership means that Media OutReach Newswire significantly enhances the reach and impact of clients’ communications across Asia, making their press releases reach even wider audiences in countries across the region and the globe. It is also testament to the uniquely high level of trust that exists between Media OutReach Newswire and the media. Each of the 20 member media gave Media OutReach their vote of confidence, and each of the media is the leading publication in their respective home country.
 

ANN Member Media
 

Jennifer Kok, Founder & CEO of Media OutReach Newswire, said, “We are very pleased, proud and honoured to have entered this partnership with ANN. Not only is it Asia’s leading news media alliance, but the group’s members are also the leading newspapers of their countries, publications with the highest of reputations. The partnership enables us to significantly increase the reach and impact of our clients, across Asia and the globe, further cementing Media OutReach Newswire as the leading newswire for Asia Pacific.”

Jennifer continued, “The partnership also means that we’re the only newswire that provides guaranteed online news posting on ANN, strengthening our clients’ online visibility – both in terms of SEO and GEO for AI search – leading to higher rankings and citations in AI generated answers.” She concluded, “Furthermore, ANN and Media OutReach share the same ethos and goal, which is to promote the coverage of Asian affairs, bringing the stories of Asian organisations to audiences across Asia and the globe, so the partnership is a perfect fit.”

Media OutReach Newswire is the only newswire that provides guaranteed online news posting exclusively and 100% on real, authentic news media. The guaranteed posting of press releases on authoritative online news media sites such as ANN, with its high credibility and trust, along with hundreds of thousands monthly visitors, provides a powerful tool to boost brand visibility – both GEO for AI Search and SEO for search engines – and it leads to brand citations in the AI generated answers from the leading LLMs.

The landmark partnership with Asia News Network further cements Media OutReach Newswire as the leading global newswire for Asia Pacific. Media OutReach Newswire offers clients the widest press release distribution network in Asia Pacific – along with guaranteed visibility on real news media across Asia Pacific, the wider Asia region and the globe.

Media OutReach Newswire’s total communications solutions help PR professionals achieve success, with targeted distribution, direct journalist access, guaranteed visibility on real news media, ready-to-use reporting, and C-suite ready PR campaign intelligence showing ROI.

About Media OutReach Newswire

Media OutReach Newswire is Asia Pacific’s first global newswire, serving as a trusted partner to the media, and PR professionals at corporations, agencies and governments across the region and the globe.

Founded in 2009 as a champion of the PR industry, Media OutReach Newswire leverages next-generation technology to redefine press release distribution and reporting, with data insights and PR campaign intelligence, providing total communications solutions for PR professionals.

With a global network of 200,000 journalists and editors, 70,000+ media titles, 1,500 media partners, and more than 40 languages, Media OutReach Newswire is the only newswire with guaranteed verbatim postings exclusively on real news sites. Press releases on authentic media are trusted by search engines and AI models, powering both SEO and AI search GEO, surfacing brands for LLM citations.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, with offices across China, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan, the global press release distribution network spans Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia, the US, Canada, South and Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

For more information about our services, solutions and network, please visit www.media-outreach.com.