From “timepass” distraction to daily ritual, free-to-play mobile games in India have quietly turned into social currency: a way to signal identity, stay in touch, and even negotiate status in both online and offline circles. Cheap mobile internet, vernacular content, and multiplayer formats have pushed gaming from private hobby to public culture, especially among young, mobile-first Indians.​
 

Zupee free to play model
 

From Jugaad Timepass to Daily Habit

For most urban and semi-urban Indians, gaming skipped the expensive console-PC era and went straight to pocket screens. Mobile-first internet adoption meant the “gamer” was no longer a niche stereotype, but anyone with a smartphone and a prepaid data pack. What began as a quick “timepass” with endless runners and puzzles during commutes or lunch breaks has evolved into entertaining sessions of battle royales, card games, and digital Ludo rooms that double up as hangout spaces.​
 

Lockdowns accelerated this shift. Casual titles like Ludo King, Zupee Ludo Supreme, Carrom Ninja on Zupee & Building Blocks turned into family entertainment, bringing grandparents, cousins and college friends into a single room-code, normalising gaming as a mainstream entertainment alternative rather than a guilty pleasure. Even after restrictions eased, those who started playing during the pandemic continued, cementing gaming as a fun activity across age groups.​
 

India’s F2P Explosion

India today is the world’s largest mobile gaming market by downloads, clocking around 8.45 billion installs in FY 2024-25 as free-to-play titles flood app stores. The country now hosts roughly 550-600 million casual gamers, with more than 90% on mobile, reflecting how deeply F2P has penetrated daily life. Low-cost mobile data (among the cheapest per GB globally) and affordable Android handsets have removed the hardware and bandwidth barriers that traditionally gated gaming.​
 

How F2P Became Social Currency

In a country where hanging out often means negotiating distance, traffic, and budgets, free-to-play multiplayer games provide a ready-made, zero-cover-charge social venue. Battle royales like BGMI and Free Fire, casual staples like Ludo King, Zupee Ludo Supreme, and multiplayer card games like Teen Patti have become places to meet, talk, roast, collaborate and spectate together.
 

The mainstreaming of free-to-play gaming in India is not just about downloads; it is about cultural fit. Titles that digitise traditional Indian games Ludo, Carrom, Teen Patti have thrived because they combine nostalgia with modern multiplayer and chat features. Zupee ranking 2nd in Top Free Board Games on Google Play and 7th in Top Free Games on the Apple App Store show how a familiar board on a small screen can suddenly bridge generations, states, and social classes.
 

From Free to Valuable: The New Economy of Play

Despite an enduring preference for free entry, India’s gaming economy is maturing. Digital gaming revenues have been growing in double digits year-on-year, and the overall sector is projected to more than double to around 4.3 billion dollars by FY 2030. Battle royale games now command a large chunk of revenues, while simulation and puzzle genres dominate downloads, showing a split between what is most played and what is most paid for.​
 

In less than a decade, India’s free-to-play games have travelled from background “timepass” to foreground marker of who people talk to, what they value, and how they show up in the world. In a mobile-first nation where attention and connection are precious, play itself has become a powerful, everyday currency.

Speaking alongside world-renowned content creator MrBeast at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world’s largest expo for content creators, in Dubai, education pioneer and philanthropist Sunny Varkey today issued a global challenge to content creators and influencers: use their platforms to amplify the crisis of out of school children – and turn attention into action. There are currently 272 million children out of school, and little progress has been in the last decade. UNICEF predicts the figure could rise to 278 million by the end of the year. 

MrBeast and Sunny Varkey speaking onstage at the 1 Billion Follower Summit in Dubai

Mr Varkey was speaking on a panel alongside MrBeast, His Excellency Saeed Al Eter, Chair of the UAE Government Media Office and Jeffery Housenbold, CEO of Beast Industries, at the 1 Billion Followers Summit. Organised by the UAE Government Media Office, the summit is the world’s largest gathering of digital creators. It explores how new media can drive positive societal change and fuel sustainable economic growth for nations.

Speaking onstage, Sunny Varkey, Founder of GEMS Education and the Varkey Foundation, said, “Did you know that globally there are 272 million children not in school today? It is a global education crisis. This is a scar on the world’s conscience. And yet, I have never once seen this crisis trend on social media.”

“Perhaps that is because its impact is gradual rather than dramatic. It doesn’t lend itself to a simple powerful photo that shows the suffering of its victims. But it is there – a cancer slowly eating away at the futures of young people around the world. So today, I want to set a challenge. I challenge every content creator here to help make the global education crisis trend and go viral – so we can advance the cause of getting every child into school. This is urgent. Education is the greatest gift we can give.”

A cornerstone of the Summit is the 1 Billion Acts of Kindness movement, launched in partnership between Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, MrBeast, the 1 Billion Followers Summit, and the Varkey Foundation. This ground-breaking initiative aims to inspire kindness worldwide and amplify social impact through education, empowerment, and community development. 

As part of the movement, 20 creators appeared onstage alongside the panellists, selected to travel to Ghana with MrBeast. There, the creators will help build a village including schools, clean water, and access to life-saving healthcare – transforming the lives of future generations to come. Their journey will be shared with MrBeast’s over 1 billion followers to inspire others around the world to take action in their communities and beyond.

Sunny Varkey’s call comes as recent research by the Reuters Institute shows that globally, one-third of people use Facebook (36%) and YouTube (30%) for news each week. Around one-fifth (19%) get their news from Instagram and WhatsApp. The findings underscore the influence of social media in shaping public awareness and driving action on the world’s most urgent challenges.

Aurigo Software, the leading provider of capital planning and construction management software for infrastructure and private owners, announced the appointment of Divya Kiran as Vice President, Human Resources. In this role, Divya will build and lead Aurigo’s global HR function, aligning organizational design, leadership development, and performance frameworks with its unified product, engineering, and customer experience operating model. As the company moves toward more integrated, outcome-driven teams, it is strengthening the people practices and systems needed to support this approach globally.
 

Divya Kiran, Vice President, Human Resources
 

Divya brings over two decades of strategic leadership experience, helping technology companies navigate transitions during periods of growth and structural change. She has held senior HR leadership roles at some of the world’s leading technology organizations, including Google, Hike Messenger, Ericsson, Myntra, and Rakuten Group. One of the early HR executives at Google India, Divya, partnered closely with leadership to build foundational organizational and staffing processes, contributing to a 90% employee satisfaction score through targeted retention and people development initiatives.
 

“As Aurigo scales, disciplined execution depends on clear accountability and repeatable operating frameworks,” said Balaji Sreenivasan, CEO and Founder of Aurigo Software. “Establishing a global HR function is a deliberate investment in governance, leadership depth, and organizational rigor. Divya will partner with the executive leadership team to build the systems required to sustain performance, manage complexity, and drive long-term value creation.”
 

Divya brings deep expertise in building scalable HR systems and delivering measurable business outcomes, which are core to Aurigo’s next phase of growth. She has led multi-region HR operations across APAC and EMEA, built high-performing teams across tech, product, and enterprise functions, and championed diversity and inclusion initiatives. Divya has completed the Global Fellow Program in Talent Management at the Wharton School and a Global Lead Tech MBA from EADA Business School.
 

“Joining Aurigo at this turning point, as the company expands worldwide, is energizing,” said Divya. “I start with listening – understanding what truly helps teams deliver their best work – then design people strategies that improve collaboration and make execution simpler. I’m looking forward to working alongside Aurigo’s strong talent and shaping an environment where individuals grow and the business gains momentum together.”
 

Aurigo has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by increasing demand for capital planning and construction management software. The company’s solutions are used by customers across various industries, including transportation, utilities, healthcare, retail, and government, helping to manage projects throughout North America and now expanding into new geographies. Recent AI-driven advancements are opening new avenues for growth, enabling teams to deepen domain expertise, focus on higher-value work, and build future-ready skills as Aurigo scales globally.
 

About Aurigo Software
Aurigo builds software that helps build the world. Aurigo provides modern, cloud-based solutions for capital infrastructure and private owners to help them plan with confidence and build with quality. With more than $450 billion of capital programs under management, Aurigo’s solutions are trusted by over 300 customers in transportation, water and utilities, healthcare, higher education, and the government, with over 40,000 projects across North America. Aurigo helps capital program executives make better decisions based on proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Aurigo is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas, with global offices in Canada and India.

Learn more at www.aurigo.com.

Wellness is no longer just a whisper. It’s roaring across screens, spas and skies. Netflix’s The White Lotus created a new trend of turning wellness into cultural escapes whilst conversations around gut cleansing, sound baths dominate social conversations. New wellness centres, clinics are sprouting like wildflowers and wellness bookings surge 40 % year on year (Global Wellness Institute). From Bollywood celebs to boardroom executives, 2026 marks the year holistic health becomes a mainstream mandate.

Pioneering this revolution are luxury retreats blending ancient wisdom and cutting-edge rejuvenation. From longevity bio-hacks to hormone balancing retreats for women, itineraries feature resets, detox programs, mindfulness immersions, vegan food, and sustainable practices embedded into customer experiences. These programs are designed to deliver real transformation rooted in the philosophy of holistic living and the harmony of mind, body and soul. These wellness sanctuaries offer spaces and expanses of nature that lend to healing and calming the senses.

SwaSwara, Gokarna – CGH Earth

SwaSwara in Gokarna, a CGH Wellness Centre is nestled on the pristine Om beach in Gokarna, a couple of hours from Goa airport. This coastal heaven overlooks the Arabian sea and is rooted in the philosophy of Swa (self) and fosters self-discovery through eco-conscious living. Here guests can immerse in yoga nidra sessions amidst lush greenery and ocean rhythms and partake in other signature experiences like Ayurveda pavilions and art studios for creative expression. The centre has recently introduced new Perimenopause and Menopause programs, 5- 7-day retreats featuring pranayama, hydrotherapy, reflexology and elemental rituals (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space) to ease hot flashes, weight gain, insomnia and emotional imbalances. www.cghearth.com/swaswara

Venturing eastward, bespoke wellness journeys to Bhutan elevate mindfulness to spiritual heights. Guided treks through the valleys of Paro, visits to monasteries, organic farm to table concepts, unique hot stone baths, using mineral rich rivers stones heated with medicinal herbs to alleviate stress, all provide immersive experiences amid the most rarified air in the happiest kingdom on earth. The sacred monasteries amplify serenity through private meditation with Buddhist monks. Wellness centres offer a combination of yoga, Tibetan medicine, forest bathing in the country’s 70% green cover, promoting carbon- negative rejuvenation.

Layan Life by Anantara – Phuket

Layan Life by Anantara, Phuket, is an award-winning, next-generation medical-led wellness retreat where advanced science, sensory immersion, and ancient Thai healing traditions converge. Guided by a distinctive “Whole of Life” philosophy, the retreat offers deeply personalised wellness journeys integrating longevity medicine, traditional Thai therapies, complementary healing, and lifestyle medicine. Set between the lush greenery of a protected national park and the tranquil shores of Layan Beach, the experience unfolds through advanced diagnostics, bio-harmonising therapies such as cryotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen, mindful movement, hydrothermal rituals, and clean, nutrition-forward cuisine. Designed to support guests through every season of life, Layan Life extends its impact beyond the stay through ongoing wellness continuity — reinforcing the belief that true transformation is not a momentary escape, but a lifelong practice. www.layanlifephuket.com

In Amanbagh’s rural, Rajasthan oasis, the journey begins with a three-day Detoxification Programme, curated by Novak Djokovic (Aman’s first Global Wellness Ambassador) to offer a guided reset for body, mind and spirit, while drawing on the healing traditions of this ancient land. The ancient art of Pinda Sweda (a traditional Ayurvedic treatment using herbal boluses) on day two offers a therapeutic embrace rooted in Rajasthan’s heritage. This destination-led therapy takes place on day two, bookended by a Signature Aman treatment (90 – 150 minutes) on day one, promoting relaxation, and a body-mind-spirit balancing activity (60-minutes) on day three, providing guests with the tools to sustain their journey after their stay. www.aman.com/resorts/amanbagh

Set within Sri Lanka’s storied ramparts, Amangalla introduces Ceylon Crystal Therapy. A deeply rejuvenating ritual rooted in the island’s traditions, the treatment combines Sri Lankan crystals with aromatic herbs and spices, working along key meridian points to balance energy flows and relieve tension. The warmth of the crystals penetrates deeply into the muscles, creating a sense of relaxation and renewal. The property also offers profound spiritual grounding through Monk-Led Meditation and Monk Blessings, sacred practices that foster clarity and emotional balance. These ceremonies offer a rare opportunity to connect with Sri Lanka’s rich spiritual heritage, and in turn, foster a feeling of inner peace and renewal.

Nestled within the tranquil surroundings of Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, Soneva Soul offers an intuitive pathway to wellbeing, rooted in time-honoured healing traditions and guided by expert care. Guided by the principles of ‘lifestyle evolution’, Soneva Soul works with every guest to co-curate personalized wellness experiences, enabling you to thrive. Every Soneva Soul hosts regular residencies by the world’s most acclaimed wellness experts – bringing their vast experience to Soneva Soul across a spectrum of healing therapies and wellness practices, and sharing their extensive knowledge with guests. soneva.com/soneva-soul

As 2026 unfolds, these iconic centres prove that wellness is no fleeting fad. It’s here to stay. As everyone navigates life’s transitions or battles burnouts and seek work -life balance, wellness programs and centres offer tremendous opportunities to reclaim their lives, fostering resilience and self-care for a healthier world ahead.

The House of Jolly, India’s most enduring name in architectural hardware since 1944, marks a defining chapter in its evolution with the considered expansion of its House of Brands. Staying true to its philosophy quality through design, engineering and materials, Jolly has chosen to align with two design-led brands- Enrico Cassina and Omporro– each selected for their shared values of craftsmanship, longevity, materials and design integrity.

From Left to Right Aditya Bhargava, Rajesh Bhargava and Akshay Bhargava

Founded in pre-independence India by Pt. Sh. Jeetendra Nath Bhargava, Jolly has long believed that hardware, though discreet, plays a defining role in the life and longevity of a space. From its early mastery of precision hinges to building one of India’s most comprehensive architectural hardware portfolios today, the brand’s journey has been guided not by scale alone, but by engineering excellence and enduring relevance. Under the leadership of the current generation, Aditya and Akshay Bhargava, this philosophy continues to inform every strategic decision, including global brand acquisition.

“In an era where rapid expansion and multiple tie-ups are common, House of Jolly has taken a markedly different path. Rather than pursuing numerous international associations, the brand has carefully chosen to acquire only those names that mirror its own legacy, depth of craft, and timeless approach to design,” said Rajesh Bhargava, Director, House of Jolly.

This selective approach is reflected in the acquisition of Enrico Cassina, one of the world’s oldest and most revered decorative hardware maisons (Estd. in 1850), with roots dating back to the 19th century. Renowned for its classic and neoclassical handles inspired by centuries of European art and architecture, Enrico Cassina represents a shared reverence for heritage craftsmanship, material mastery, and timeless aesthetics that can only be crafted in Italy! Its presence under the House of Jolly will introduce Indian consumers and designers to a refined global design language that aligns naturally with Jolly’s own legacy-driven ethos.

Complementing this heritage narrative is Omporro (Officine Meccaniche Porro), a contemporary brand expression developed by Alfredo Porro who decided to transform his hand crafted workshop specialized in the production of keys into a structured business in 1946 in Cucciago-Como, Italy. Omporro will introduce a level of craftsmanship and detailing in noble metals to all elements of architectural hardware including furniture, curtains and stairways hitherto not seen in India.

Both the brands are global leaders and have a list of elite customers in 80 countries across the world.

With a portfolio that includes concealed hinges, premium mortise handles, advanced mechanical and digital locking systems, wardrobe and kitchen hardware, and precision-engineered fittings, House of Jolly continues to offer architects, designers, contractors, and discerning homeowners a complete and credible hardware universe- rooted in legacy and elevated by global sensibility.

As the brand looks ahead, House of Jolly remains committed to growing thoughtfully, partnering selectively, and shaping the future of architectural hardware through brands that share its respect for history, its commitment to quality, and its belief that the finest details are built to last.

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