Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, emphasized on Friday that over the past decade, the number of CNG stations providing eco-friendly fuel for vehicles has skyrocketed more than 20-fold. Additionally, households using piped cooking gas have increased fivefold, and LPG connections have more than doubled. This growth signifies not only an enhancement in the quality of life for citizens but also a significant step towards achieving a ‘Healthy India with Clean Fuel.’

“Thanks to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we’ve seen a 2,300% increase in CNG stations, a 467% rise in PNG connections, and a 128% increase in LPG connections over the last decade,” the minister shared on X.

“These figures are more than just statistics; they represent our commitment to transformative change. They demonstrate that significant progress is achievable through innovative thinking, sincere intentions, and diligent efforts,” Puri remarked. He further noted that these developments not only enhance convenience for citizens but also propel the movement toward a ‘Healthy India with Clean Fuel.’

“These milestones have laid the groundwork for a developed India and set the stage for a brighter future,” he added.

According to a recent study by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), India’s natural gas consumption is projected to increase by nearly 60% by 2030 as the nation aims to reduce its reliance on oil imports and transition to cleaner fuels for vehicles, household cooking, and industrial applications.

The PNGRB has successfully established gas infrastructure across 307 geographical areas, ensuring extensive access to natural gas for domestic, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors, excluding the islands.

The report forecasts that the City Gas Distribution (CGD) sector will be the primary growth driver, with consumption expected to rise by 2.5 to 3.5 times by 2030 and 6 to 7 times by that year from a base of 37 mmscmd in FY24.

Demand covers various sectors including fertilizers, power, refineries, petrochemicals, and households, as well as CNG and LNG as transport fuels, with ample time available for pipeline planning and construction.

Natural gas consumption is anticipated to grow from 188 million standard cubic meters per day in 2023-24 to 297 mmscmd by 2030, according to the ‘Good-to-Go’ scenario, which assumes moderate growth based on current trends. The consumption is expected to reach 496 mmscmd by 2040 under the same assumptions.

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) welcomed 1.54 million new members in February 2025, according to the latest payroll figures released on Friday. Data from the Ministry of Labour reveals that 23,526 new establishments were added to the ESI Scheme, broadening its coverage to a more extensive segment of the workforce.

Among the newly enrolled members, 736,000—about 47.7%—are under the age of 25, indicating a surge of young workers entering the formal labor market.

A breakdown by gender shows that 335,000 women have signed up, in addition to 74 transgender individuals who also registered under the scheme.
ESIC functions as one of the two main statutory social security organizations under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, alongside the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The Fund operates under the Employees’ State Insurance Act of 1948. Employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month contribute 0.75% of their wages, while employers contribute 3.25%, resulting in a total contribution of 4%. These funds are allocated for providing medical care and cash benefits to insured employees and their families.

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) updated its eligibility criteria for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) listed on the exchange looking to transition to the main board. According to the revised regulations, SMEs must have been listed on the NSE’s SME platform for a minimum of three years and possess a paid-up capital of at least ₹10 crore to qualify for the main board.

Additionally, promoters and their groups are required to retain a minimum of 20% of the company at the time of application.

Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate revenue from operations exceeding ₹100 crore in the previous financial year and show positive operating profits in at least two of the last three financial years. The total number of public shareholders must also be at least 500 on the application date.

The NSE outlined several other prerequisites for SMEs aiming to shift to the main board. Notably, there must be no proceedings initiated against the applicant company or its promoters under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, nor should there be any admitted winding-up petitions from NCLT/IBC.

The net worth of the company must be no less than ₹75 crore. Additionally, the NSE emphasized that there should be no significant regulatory actions, such as trading suspensions against the applicant company or its promoters, in the past three years. There should also be no debarments involving the company, its promoters, or its subsidiary by SEBI.

Further, applicants must ensure that directors have not faced disqualification or debarment from any regulatory authority, and there should be no unresolved investor complaints in the SCORES system.