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Kerala: Left Front begins house visits to recoup lost ground before assembly polls

Kerala's ruling LDF is launching a door-to-door campaign to understand its local body poll setback and address voter concerns before the assembly elections. The party aims to highlight its achievements and gather feedback, hoping to secure a third term despite recent challenges and the strengthening of the UDF and BJP.

The Economic Times 15 Jan 2026 8:17 pm

Kerala School Kalolsavam 2026: In the land of Poorams, young performers come up with riveting performances in Chenda Melam

Every team had reasons to celebrate as they were all awarded A Grade

The Hindu 15 Jan 2026 6:45 pm

Bhubaneswar To Host Womens National T20 Cricket Tournament For The Blind 2026 From January 17

Tech Medical College Cricket Ground: The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled will host the Womens National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2026 from January 17 to 22 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with a total of 18 teams, grouped into five pools, competing in a high-energy battle for the championship. The league matches will commence on January 17 and culminate in the grand final on January 22. The tournament will be formally inaugurated on January 16 with a grand opening ceremony scheduled at 7:30 PM at the Hi-Tech Medical College Auditorium. The Honble Minister for Sports, Government of Odisha, along with distinguished guests from corporate organisations and political representatives, are expected to grace the occasion. Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), said, Over the past year, there has been tremendous momentum around womens cricket, and national-level tournaments play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing new talent to represent India. The Indian Womens Teams World Cup victory has made the nation proud, and all 16 players from the World Cup squad are participating in the nationals, representing their respective states. They showcased their skills at the national level before earning their place in the Indian team. This championship provides a vital platform for players to give their best and demonstrate their cricketing talent. The support from IndusInd Bank has been instrumental and is a key driver behind the growth of womens cricket for the blind in India. Their continued commitment has made a meaningful difference in empowering women and transforming lives through cricket for the blind, he added. The league stage and quarterfinals will conclude on January 20, after which the four qualifying teams will compete in the semi-finals on January 21 for a place in the final. The grand finale will be held on January 22 at the Hi-Tech Medical College Cricket Ground. A total of 31 matches will be played in the IndusInd Bank Womens National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2026. The winning team will receive a cash prize of INR 1,50,000, while the runners-up will be awarded INR 1,25,000. Three players, representing three different sight categories, will be honoured as Players of the Series with a cash award of INR 15,000 each. Additionally, 31 Players of the Match will receive INR 5,000 each, and every player will be paid a match fee of INR 1,000 per match, said G. Sridhar, Chairman of Womens Cricket and Treasurer of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI). The President of the Cricket Association for the Visually Impaired in Odisha (CAVI), Md. Jafar Iqbal said, CAVI is delighted to host 18 womens teams, and this marks the first time a Womens National Cricket Tournament for the Blind is being held in Odisha. Womens cricket has witnessed significant growth over the years, and we are proud that cricket for the blind continues to empower and transform the lives of women cricketers. I would like to thank the Government of Odisha and the Department of Sports & Youth Services for their overwhelming support over the years in promoting cricket for the blind. The Government of Odisha has always been proactive in providing employment opportunities, cash awards, and recognition to the players. I also extend my sincere gratitude to all our partners for their continued support of the Womens National Tournament. The 18 teams have been grouped based on their performances in the previous National Tournament. This edition marks the 6th Womens National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind. Madhya Pradesh emerged as the champions of the 5th edition, and all eyes will be on the top teams to see if a new champion will rise in the 6th edition of the Womens National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2026. Odisha has claimed the title three times in the last five editions, while Karnataka secured the championship in 2022. The participating teams have been divided into the following groups: Group A: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kerala Group B: Karnataka, Jharkhand, Delhi, Gujarat Group C: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh Group B: Karnataka, Jharkhand, Delhi, Gujarat Also Read: Live Cricket Score Group E: West Bengal, Haryana, Assam Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 15 Jan 2026 5:30 pm

Kerala: Two sports trainees found hanging in hostel, probe launched

Kollam: Two teenage girl athletes, both trainees staying at a SAI hostel, were found dead in one of their rooms on Thursday, January 15, in an apparent suicide pact, the police said. The deceased were identified as Sandra A (18) of Chaliyam Kozhikode district and Vyshnavi V(15) of Muthakkal Thiruvananthapuram district. According to police, Sandra Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 15 Jan 2026 5:25 pm

Supreme Court asks Election Commission to publish names of voters deleted from draft electoral rolls in Kerala

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to publish the names of voters removed from Kerala's electoral rolls. This move aims to allow affected citizens to file objections. The court also urged the poll panel to extend the deadline for these objections, potentially by two weeks.

The Economic Times 15 Jan 2026 5:14 pm

Kerala Tragedy: Two teenage girls undergoing sports training found hanging inside Sports Authority of India hostel, police launch probe

Tragedy struck a Sports Authority of India hostel in Kerala. Two teenage girls, Sandra and Vyshnavi, were discovered deceased in their room. The incident occurred during morning training hours. Hostel authorities found the girls hanging from ceiling fans. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths. No suicide note was found. Statements from trainees, coaches, and families will be recorded.

The Economic Times 15 Jan 2026 4:25 pm

Kerala achieves first-ever organ transport with the help of a commercial airline

Kerala used a commercial airline for organ transport for the first time, flying a donor kidney from Kannur to Thiruvananthapuram on an IndiGo flight for a transplant, coordinated by K-SOTTO

Mid Day 15 Jan 2026 2:22 pm

Kerala: Two Minor Girl Trainees Found Hanging at SAI Hostel in Kollam

Two minor sports trainees were found hanging in their hostel room at the Sports Authority of India centre in Keralas Kollam district. Police have launched an investigation.

Web Dunia 15 Jan 2026 12:34 pm

Two sports trainees found dead in hostel in Kerala

The reason for the deaths is yet to be ascertained; police will record statements from other sportspersons in the hostel, their trainers and relatives, an official said

The Hindu 15 Jan 2026 12:23 pm

Organ Transported on Commercial Flight For First Time in Kerala

The kidney of Ayona Monson (17), who died after falling from a school building in Payyavoor in Kannur district, was transported to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College on an IndiGo Airlines flight

Deccan Chronicle 15 Jan 2026 12:23 pm

Which city in India is called the Queen of the Arabian Sea?

Kochi, once known as Cochin, rightfully earns its title as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. This historic port city in Kerala, a vital maritime trading hub, boasts a rich past from ancient spice routes to colonial influences. Today, it thrives as a modern metropolis, pioneering sustainable infrastructure and vibrant cultural initiatives, making it a captivating destination.

The Times of India 15 Jan 2026 12:16 pm

2 Girl Trainee Athletes Found Hanging At Sports Authority Of India Hostel In Kerala's Kollam

The 17-year-old girl was an athletics trainee studying in Class 12, while the other one was a kabaddi player and a Class 10 student.

News18 15 Jan 2026 12:14 pm

2 Girls Found Hanging At Sports Authority Of India Hostel In Kerala's Kollam

Two sports trainees were found hanging in a room at a Sports Authority of India (SAI) hostel in Kerala's Kollam on Thursday, police said.

NDTV 15 Jan 2026 10:49 am

Kerala Kalolsavam 2026 / From melody to motion, students dazzle on festival stage

The 64th State School Arts Festival opens in Thrissur with dazzling performances by high school girls in the light music contest, alongside Mohiniyattam, group dance, and myriad art forms. Thousands of participants and spectators celebrate the talent, culture, and rich artistic heritage.

The Hindu 15 Jan 2026 12:31 am

KIIFB model should be modernised to turbocharge States infrastructure development, says Thomas Isaac

Keralas new developmental phase can be meaningfully realised by preparing and implementing an action plan focused on a knowledge economy that builds upon the advances made in education, says former Finance Minister

The Hindu 14 Jan 2026 10:33 pm

Quick commerce players pledge to drop 10-minute delivery comes as a thumbs up for Kerala

In a notice issued on December 23, Kerala Motor Vehicles department had directed the online delivery app companies in Kerala to follow road safety rules and make it part of their corporate policy

The Hindu 14 Jan 2026 9:21 pm

Actor rape case survivors counsel complains to Kerala HC Chief Justice against judge

In the complaint, T.B. Mini says Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Judge Honey M. Varghese, who pronounced the verdict in the case, made derogatory remarks against her

The Hindu 14 Jan 2026 8:59 pm

Kerala School Kalolsavam 2026 / Celebrating silent spaces of creativity

For many gathered at the venue, participating in competitions such as short story writing, cartooning, or essay writing, moments of effort and emotion often pass unnoticed, far removed from the glitz and applause of on-stage performances. Yet students prepare for these events with equal diligence, even when their achievements rarely draw public acclaim

The Hindu 14 Jan 2026 8:57 pm

Assistants to Melsanthis at Sabarimala will be limited to four, TDB informs Kerala HC

The board also says that police verification will be done prior to their selection

The Hindu 14 Jan 2026 8:10 pm

Mahakalipadpu Twin RuB likely to open on January 18

The four-lane road passing through the twin RUB offers a shorter route for vehicles to and from the south of Mangaluru, including Kerala

The Hindu 14 Jan 2026 7:43 pm

Two facing disciplinary proceedings for illegal access of memory card in actor rape case

Mahesh Mohan, the personal assistant to the former Ernakulam Principal and Sessions Judge Kauser Edappagath, and Thajudeen, the former Shirasthadar of the CBI Court 3, where the trial in the rape case was conducted, are facing the proceedings initiated by the Kerala High Court

The Hindu 14 Jan 2026 7:43 pm

Kerala: Ration card to nun who accused former Bishop of rape

Kottayam: The Kerala government on Wednesday, January 14, issued a ration card to the nun who had accused former Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal of rape. The move by the state civil supplies department came days after the survivor told the media about the financial hardships faced by her and two other nuns supporting her at Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 14 Jan 2026 7:41 pm

Fourteen Bills passed by Kerala Assembly awaiting assent, says Speaker A.N. Shamseer

Kerala Budget session to begin on January 20. 2026-27 Budget to be presented on January 29

The Hindu 14 Jan 2026 5:16 pm

Kerala: Budget Session To Begin On January 20, 2026

General discussion on it is scheduled from February 2 to 4, 2026

Deccan Chronicle 14 Jan 2026 4:09 pm

Watch: India prepares for 5 Assembly elections in 2026. What can we expect?

Four States - Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and West Bengal - and one Union Territory - Puducherry - will go to the polls this year. What impact could the Special Intensive Revision have on Tamil Nadu and West Bengal? Can the BJP make further inroads in Kerala? Is fatigue beginning to show in Assam?

The Hindu 14 Jan 2026 2:53 pm

Congress protest outside Kerala Lok Bhavan for restoration of MGNREGA ends, party vows to intensify stir

Two-day day-and-night protest in Kerala capital is part of nationwide MGNREGA Bachao Sangram campaign by Congress against replacing MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G Act

The Hindu 14 Jan 2026 2:11 pm

Kerala small shop runs on trust without shopkeeper cameras

This small shop runs without a shopkeeper, cameras or a guard. The system works completely on honesty.

News18 14 Jan 2026 1:58 pm

Kerala Speaker says complaint by an MLA needed to refer Rahul Mamkootathil case to Privileges and Ethics Committee

Shamseer says Assembly has received several private complaints seeking disqualification of Mamkootathil or action against him by Privileges and Ethics Committee. But these are private complaints and, as such, cannot be dealt with by the committee, he says

The Hindu 14 Jan 2026 1:21 pm

Jose K. Mani rejects speculations of alliance shift, says KC(M) is happy within LDF

Kerala Congress (M) chairman says wherever KC(M) holds sway, power remains with it and the party stands fully united

The Hindu 14 Jan 2026 1:00 pm

'Conspiracy To Sabotage...': Row In Kerala Over Halting Of Bridge Construction For 'Kumbh Mela'

According to the police, revenue authorities directed the organisers to halt the construction of the bridge, which led to controversy in the state.

News18 14 Jan 2026 12:02 pm

Kerala School Kalolsavam 2026: Full coverage

Discover the vibrant highlights of Kerala School Kalolsavam 2026, featuring 14,000 students in 249 events in Thrissur in this collection of stories on the mega school arts festival

The Hindu 14 Jan 2026 11:39 am

Watch: Language of Harmony: On The Malayalam Language Bill

The Malayalam Language Bill, 2025 has sparked concern beyond Kerala, particularly in Karnataka, over the rights of linguistic minorities.

The Hindu 14 Jan 2026 11:18 am

Ayyappa Devotees Allege Restrictions Being Imposed On Them In Kerala, Sing Bhajans On Roads

Sabarimala pilgrims sat on the road at Erumeli, bhajans rising as protest, anger simmering beneath folded palms. The flashpoint: alleged curbs on Karnataka-registered vehicles

News18 14 Jan 2026 9:06 am

Kerala HC Directs Probe Into Rs 35 Lakh Embezzlement Of Ghee Sales At Sabarimala

Kerala HC orders VACB to probe Rs35 lakh embezzlement in Sabarimala temple ghee sales, implicating Travancore Devaswom Board staff and highlighting major misappropriation concerns.

News18 14 Jan 2026 9:05 am

Kerala Lottery Result Today LIVE: Dhanalekshmi DL-35 WINNERS For January 14; First Prize Rs 1 Crore!

Kerala Lottery Result Today Live: Dhanalekshmi DL 35 draw will be held on January 14, 2026. Check full winning numbers, prize structure, claim rules and live updates from 3 PM.

News18 14 Jan 2026 9:00 am

Kerala Conundrum: Coastal Bypoll Loss Costs BJP, Majority Hopes In Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Sink

In a tightly contested three-cornered fight for the Vizhinjam ward, UDF candidate KH Sudheer Khan defeated his nearest rival, NA Noushad of the CPI(M), by just 83 votes

News18 14 Jan 2026 6:29 am

Counterfeit parts case: Mercedes owner in Bengaluru wins Rs 2.6L refund; dealer pays Rs 10k for mental agony

A Bengaluru man has won a full refund after being sold counterfeit German Bilstein air shocks for his Mercedes ML 350. The consumer commission ordered the Kerala-based dealer to return Rs 2.6 lakh with interest and take back the fake parts. The dealer was also fined for mental agony and litigation costs.

The Times of India 14 Jan 2026 2:39 am

The UDFs ray of hope in an uphill battle in Kerala

Kerala local body poll results give the Congress-led United Democratic Front momentum, but Assembly polls could be challenging

The Hindu 14 Jan 2026 12:31 am

Noted Kerala Educationist Majeed Khan Dies At 91

Noted educationist Dr A P Majeed Khan died on Tuesday at a private hospital here following age-related ailments.

NDTV 14 Jan 2026 12:07 am

BJP Member Gets Elected With Muslim League's Vote In Kerala Panchayat

The alliance resulted in the defeat of a CPM nominee

Deccan Chronicle 13 Jan 2026 10:50 pm

First Kudumbashree Snacks Bar opens in Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala Chicken Snacks Bar will serve a host of value-added products

The Hindu 13 Jan 2026 8:15 pm

Kerala Kalolsavam 2026 | State school festival, the Olympics of arts, from January 14

The 64th edition of the school arts festival, being held in the cultural capital of Kerala, indeed promises plenty. Nearly 14,000 students will showcase their talent in 249 events

The Hindu 13 Jan 2026 7:45 pm

Kerala Kalolsavam 2026: Thrissur all set for a vibrant school fest reminiscent of Pooram

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the 64th Kerala State School Arts Festival. The Exhibition Ground at Thekkinkadu Maidan is the main venue.

The Hindu 13 Jan 2026 7:31 pm

UDF walks a tightrope as KC(M) return buzz rattles central Travancore

Congress appears wary of opening a Pandoras box in central Travancore, where any seat-sharing exercise will require balancing the competing claims of rival Kerala Congress factions

The Hindu 13 Jan 2026 7:26 pm

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams to visit Kerala Literature Festival 2026

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams will attend the Kerala Literature Festival 2026.

NewsBytes 13 Jan 2026 5:23 pm

Former CPI(M) MLA P. Aisha Potty joins Congress in Kerala

Aisha Potty formally enters Congress shortly after appearing alongside senior party leaders, including AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal and Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, at ongoing day-and-night protest in front of Lok Bhavan

The Hindu 13 Jan 2026 3:55 pm

Centre undermining rural workers rights by replacing MGNREGA, says K.C. Venugopal

AICC general secretary inaugurates two-day day-and-night protest by Congress in front of Kerala Lok Bhavan demanding restoration of MGNREGA in its original form with adequate safeguards for labourers

The Hindu 13 Jan 2026 3:30 pm

LDF wins rescheduled Onakkoor ward election in Keralas Ernakulam

C.B. Rajeev of CPI(M) wins the seat with a majority of 221 votes

The Hindu 13 Jan 2026 3:17 pm

Former CPI(M) MLA Aisha Potty Joins Congress in Kerala

Potty, who represented the Kottarakkara Assembly constituency for three consecutive terms, formally took Congress membership after arriving at the venue of a day-and-night protest organised by the party in front of the Lok Bhavan

Deccan Chronicle 13 Jan 2026 3:01 pm

Rajeev Chandrasekhar Writes To PM Modi, Urges To Rename Kerala As 'Keralam'

In his letter to the Prime Minister, Rajiv Chandrasekhar expressed the hope that all political parties will work together to revive and preserve the rich heritage of Keralam.

News18 13 Jan 2026 2:58 pm

Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil sent to police custody for 3 days in rape case

Prosecution argues that Rahul Mamkootathils custodial interrogation is imperative for recovering evidence, including digital devices he used for his private and social communications with alleged victim from 2020

The Hindu 13 Jan 2026 2:36 pm

Congress keeps cards close to chest on talks with LDF ally Kerala Congress (M)

Asked if Sonia Gandhi has extended an olive branch to KC(M) chairperson Jose K. Mani, Keralas Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan says UDF is poised to expand its base stunningly. You will know in a few days

The Hindu 13 Jan 2026 1:37 pm

Expelled Congress MLA Mamkootathil sent to police custody for 3 days in sexual assault case

A Kerala court has granted custody of expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil to the police for three days in connection with a sexual assault case. Mamkootathil, arrested on Sunday, faces a third sexual assault case registered following a complaint from a woman in Canada. He was previously protected from arrest in two other cases by the Kerala High Court.

The Economic Times 13 Jan 2026 1:07 pm

UDF wins Vizhinjam local body poll in Kerala, wrests control from LDF after a decade

K.H. Sudheer Khan wins by a margin of 83 votes. UDF victory comes as a blow for BJP, which nurtured hopes of securing a majority in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on its own by winning Vizhinjam ward

The Hindu 13 Jan 2026 12:36 pm

ISRO was born in a church in Kerala: The untold story every child should know

India's space agency, ISRO, began its journey in a humble church in Thumba, Kerala, with scientists carrying rockets on bicycles. This resourceful start, driven by determination and a do more with less mindset, laid the foundation for groundbreaking missions like Chandrayaan-1 and Mangalyaan, showcasing ISRO's continued success with limited resources.

The Times of India 13 Jan 2026 10:28 am

Kerala: CM Vijayans Coffee Mug Sparks Buzz at LDF Protest

The phrase had earlier been used by the survivor in the sexual assault case involving LDF MLA Rahul Mamkootathil after his arrest

Deccan Chronicle 13 Jan 2026 9:48 am

Former MP Thomas Kuthiravattam from Kerala dies at 80

A native of Kallissery in Chengannur, he was a well-known face in Kerala politics and had a long association with Kerala Congress

The Hindu 13 Jan 2026 9:40 am

Kerala Lottery Result Today LIVE: Sthree Sakthi SS-502 WINNERS For January 13; First Prize Rs 1 Crore!

Kerala Lottery Result Today, January 13, 2026: Sthree Sakthi SS-502 draw winners, prize structure and step-by-step guide to check results and claim prize money.

News18 13 Jan 2026 9:00 am

22 Teams Participate In Boat Races

The participants from Kerala, Telangana, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh vied for the trophy

Deccan Chronicle 13 Jan 2026 12:26 am

Satyagraha sparks political storm in Kerala

PTI Thiruvananthapuram Kerala saw a heated political showdown on Monday as state ministers led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took to the streets with a Satyagraha, accusing the BJP-led Centre of squeezing the state financially. What followed was a war of words, with the BJP hitting back hard and the Congress keeping its distance, turning []

The Navhind Times 13 Jan 2026 12:16 am

Medical college doctors defer their strike plans by a week following talks with govt.

The doctors had announced on Monday morning that academic activities in all government medical colleges across Kerala would grind to a halt from Tuesday

The Hindu 13 Jan 2026 12:12 am

Kerala Polls: A daunting challenge for the Left, a do-or-die test for Congress and a chance for BJP

As Kerala approaches its pivotal assembly elections, the ruling LDF is vying for an unprecedented third consecutive term amidst rising concerns over incumbency. For the UDF, this election represents a last chance to reclaim lost ground after a decade out of power.

The Economic Times 12 Jan 2026 11:44 pm

Kerala's Ruling LDF Accuses Centre Of Stalling State's Development Momentum

CM Pinarayi, Cabinet colleagues lead satyagraha against Centre's `vendetta' politics

Deccan Chronicle 12 Jan 2026 10:34 pm

None from Kerala among Kogilu Layout evictees: BJP

The Times of India 12 Jan 2026 10:27 pm

Kerala actor rape case: court slams survivors counsel for her conduct during trial, lawyer terms it unfortunate

Court makes the remarks while considering a contempt of court petition filed by the survivor in the case against former Director General of Police R. Sreelekha

The Hindu 12 Jan 2026 8:16 pm

IUML weighs winnability factor against three-term cap ahead of Kerala Assembly polls

Senior leaders such as M.K. Muneer, P.K. Kunhalikutty, and Manjalamkuzhi Ali will not be able to contest if the party strictly enforces the cap. At the same time, the party faces mounting pressure to field younger candidates and more women

The Hindu 12 Jan 2026 6:46 pm

Oil traders seek Kerala govt intervention as copra prices rule firm despite heavy arrivals

COMA President alleges traders in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are holding stocks to create an artificial supply crunch

The Hindu Businessline 12 Jan 2026 6:13 pm

Opposition UDF slams LDF protest, says no plan to join LDF government in any protest

Satheesan says the protest is merely intended to cover up the unholy political alliance between the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Bharatiya Janata Party

The Hindu 12 Jan 2026 5:19 pm

Filmmaker Cyril Abraham Dennis on his debut, Watusi Zombie!

The film explores the life of Grindset Gabriel, a performer in pre-pandemic Kochi

The Hindu 12 Jan 2026 5:04 pm

No clear solution for Konthuruthy families; Kochi Corporation to move Kerala High Court for extension of deadline for eviction and rehabilitation

126 families living along the Konthuruthy river puramboke complain that neither the court nor the Corporation has heard their grievances. In an interim order on December 16, 2025, High Court directed eviction, while entrusting the Corporation and the Revenue department to implement rehabilitation measures within four months

The Hindu 12 Jan 2026 4:55 pm

Chairperson, PNGRB Launches National Drive 2.0 for THINK Gas to Accelerate PNG and CNG Adoption

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.

News Voir 12 Jan 2026 4:54 pm

What was TDB doing?: Kerala HC raps Devaswom board in Sabarimala gold case

The court was hearing bail pleas by former TDB president A. Padmakumar, Bellary-based gold merchant Govardhan and former executive officer of Sabarimala Murari Babu, who had been arraigned as accused in the case

The Hindu 12 Jan 2026 3:55 pm

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams to attend Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, say organisers

Festival to be held from January 22 to 25, bringing together influential voices from across literature, art, science, culture, and public life

The Hindu 12 Jan 2026 3:32 pm

Kerala CMs criticism of Centre amounts to admission of LDFs failure, says State BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Rajeev Chandrasekhar accuses Pinarayi Vijayan and LDF government of misgovernance, fiscal mismanagement and deliberately misleading the public ahead of Assembly elections

The Hindu 12 Jan 2026 2:52 pm

Kerala CM leads Satyagraha protest against Centre

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday led a Satyagraha protest here against the BJP-led union government, accusing it of political vengeance and bias in denying the state its rightful financial allocations. The day-long protest, which commenced at the Martyrs Memorial in Palayam in the heart of the city in the morning, saw the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 12 Jan 2026 2:29 pm