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After being banned in Chhattisgarh, opinion trading platforms such as SportsBaazi, Probo and TradeX are now under legal scrutiny in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, with a new Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding an immediate halt of their operations alongwith their advertising and promotional activities. The matter will be heard on May 20. 

The PIL (a copy of which is with Storyboard18), filed by Advocate Anuj Malik and a member of the New India Consumer Initiative, has urged the court to restrain all forms of advertisement and marketing related to opinion trading—particularly on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, radio, print, television, and other digital media. The petitioner contends that these platforms operate as disguised betting services under the garb of market speculation and public opinion analysis.

Highlighting the advertising strategies used by these companies, the petition alleges that they actively engage in surrogate marketing, celebrity endorsements, and manipulative digital campaigns aimed at youth. Despite repeated advisories from regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), and the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), these platforms continue to promote betting-like behavior, the PIL claims.

"These advertisements deliberately blur the lines between legal trading and illegal gambling. They use sophisticated terminology like 'profit margins,' 'stop loss,' and 'real-time markets' to present themselves as legitimate investment tools, misleading users—especially young and financially inexperienced individuals."

In a parallel move, the Chhattisgarh government informed its High Court that it has already issued formal directives to block SportsBaazi, Probo and TradeX under the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act, 2022, classifying them as online gambling services.

Storyboard18 reached out to SportsBaazi and Probo for their comments. They have declined to respond. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/opinion-trading-platforms-sportsbaazi-probo-tradex-banned-in-chhattisgarh-64735.htm">Opinion Trading platforms SportsBaazi, Probo, TradeX banned in Chhattisgarh</a>

The PIL filed by Malik also argues that the state's inaction in curbing such promotional tactics violates constitutional protections, including Article 14 (equality before the law) and Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty), by allowing unlawful trade that leads to financial exploitation and societal harm.

In response to the PIL, a bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel has sought the Centre’s position on the matter. The list of respondents spans several key ministries and regulators, including MeitY, MIB, Ministry of Home Affairs, SEBI, RBI, and the Enforcement Directorate.

Recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a public advisory cautioning investors against engaging with opinion trading platforms. According to SEBI, these platforms simulate investment environments but fundamentally operate on yes/no betting models—a form of gambling not covered by any existing investor protection mechanisms.

SEBI underscored that such platforms, which are neither recognized stock exchanges nor registered intermediaries, are operating outside the scope of legal financial markets, and any securities-related transactions conducted through them would be deemed illegal.

The PIL filed by Malik has now been tagged with another petition filed in the court seeking action against the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and several high-profile celebrities for allegedly promoting illegal online gambling platforms.

Interestingly, The Haryana government's Prevention of Public Gambling Bill, 2025, passed during the budget session in the state's Vidhan Sabha, also cast doubts on the operations of opinion trading platforms in India. These platforms are also currently under scrutiny in the Gujarat High Court. Earlier, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) had formally urged the Indian government to ban opinion trading apps and websites referring it as 'Digital Satta'.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who also holds the Home portfolio, introduced the Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Bill, 2025, which aims to prevent and penalize individuals involved in public gambling, operating common gambling houses, betting on sports or elections, and engaging in match-fixing or spot-fixing in sports.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/digital-satta-haryanas-new-gambling-bill-casts-shadow-over-opinion-trading-platforms-63411.htm">Read More: Digital Satta: Haryana govt’s new Gambling Act casts shadow over Opinion Trading platforms</a>

The unchecked rise of such games on real-money gaming platforms has also drawn the attention of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Globally, in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, opinion trading apps and websites are classified as wagering platforms and are regulated. In India, however, there is still a lack of specific legislation to govern these activities.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/cait-demands-ban-on-opinion-trading-apps-says-digital-satta-a-threat-to-democracy-59729.htm">Read More: CAIT demands ban on opinion trading apps, says 'Digital Satta' a threat to democracy</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/opinion-trading-apps-games-now-under-meitys-scanner-54324.htm">Read More: Opinion trading apps, games now under MeitY's scanner</a>

Digital Satta in disguise: Legal heat intensifies for Opinion Trading apps SportsBaazi, Probo & TradeX

Delivering a keynote address at the inaugural World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025), Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani called India's creative industries a 'strategic opportunity,' laying out a roadmap to grow the media and entertainment (M&E) market five-fold and make India the world’s content capital. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/its-the-dawn-of-the-orange-economy-pm-modi-at-waves-2025-64000.htm">Read more: It’s the dawn of the Orange Economy: PM Modi at WAVES 2025</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/youtube-to-invest-rs-850-crore-into-indian-creators-neal-mohan-64109.htm">Read more: YouTube to invest Rs 850 crore into Indian creators: Neal Mohan</a>

Speaking at the Jio World Centre, calling Mumbai the current entertainment hub of India, Ambani said that the day is not far when India will become the entertainment hub of the world.

Ambani emphasised the unique power of creative industries in shaping minds and societies. Identifying the twin forces shaping global entertainment — geo-economic realignment and technological disruption — he said. "The economic power of the global South is rising rapidly. On a parallel track, artificial intelligence and other digital technologies are proving to be even more disruptive for the creative industry."

"What AI is doing to entertainment industry is hundred times more revolutionary than what cameras were in the silent period."

"India's Storytelling- Almost Unbeatable"

Ambani underscored India’s “almost unbeatable” advantages in the new entertainment order.

For Indians, he pointed out, storytelling has been a way of life since the dawn of our civilisation over 5000 years ago. According to him, India is not following the technological revolution; India is actually leading it.


"Soon our economy will become the third largest globally. This will potentially make India the world's largest M&E market. 1.4 million creators and consumers with an average age of 29, this is not just a statistic, it is a profile of a demographic, economic, and creative superpower.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/indias-me-industry-a-100-billion-opportunity-mukesh-ambani-at-waves-2025-hails-it-as-real-power-64013.htm">Read more: India’s M&E industry a $100 billion opportunity: Mukesh Ambani at WAVES 2025 hails it as “real power”</a>

India's third advantage is technology. India is not following the technological revolution in M&E, it is actually leading it. Indian VFX is now powering Hollywood blockbusters. We produce several million hours of content every year. Films, TV series, music, sports, short form, long form, live and immersive content. We are multilingual, multi-format and multi-platform by design. And what is our secret weapon? It is our world class digital infrastructure built on 5G, which will soon be elevated to 6G."


4-Point Vision to Propel India’s M&E Industry to $100 Billion



Ambani laid out a four-point vision to unlock the full potential of India’s M&E industry, urging stakeholders to seize the moment and aim for a five-fold growth to $100 billion within the next decade.

"My first action point is we must not miss this humongous opportunity that is beckoning all of us," Ambani said, reiterating the scale of growth ahead. "India's M&E industry today stands at $28 billion. We can easily grow this five times to over $100 billion in the next decade."

To achieve this, Ambani emphasised the need for concentrated investment in infrastructure, skills, and innovation. 

"India should invest in state-of-the-art content clusters across India, train tens of thousands of talented young people in animation, VFX and other technologies, incentivise IP creation, AI-powered innovation and gamification, create new investment avenues, and build a regulatory environment that rewards imagination and inclusion."

His second action point focused on going global. Ambani said India must start creating content for international audiences while nurturing regional creators to reach the world stage. Drawing parallels from cinematic legends like Raj Kapoor and Satyajit Ray to modern successes like Dangal and the IPL, he said, "The global market for India's entertainment and cultural products will grow exponentially by leaps and bounds in the coming years and decades."

Ambani's third action point was about international collaboration. "We should forge partnerships and collaborations with innovative entrepreneurs, artists, and studios from around the world," he said, aligning this with the national goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi- "India should become the modern global centre for content and creativity."


Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/waves-iict-to-further-strengthen-mumbais-role-as-key-centre-in-global-creative-ecosystem-ashwini-vaishnaw-64003.htm">WAVES, IICT to further strengthen Mumbai's role as key centre in global creative ecosystem: Ashwini Vaishnaw</a>


The fourth and final idea was rooted in purpose. "The purpose of all we do is to build a better world for our future generations, a more harmonious world. The whole world is one family," Ambani said, referring to the G20 motto Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

He stressed that in a turbulent and polarised world, people crave content that brings "hope and happiness" — something India is uniquely positioned to deliver. 

"This is not just an unprecedented economic and cultural opportunity. It is a strategic opportunity," he concluded.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/creative-economy-to-drive-job-growth-outpacing-manufacturing-adobe-ceo-64037.htm">Read more: 'Next unicorns will be creators, not apps': Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen</a>

Mukesh Ambani's 4-Point Vision to propel India’s M&E industry to $100 Billion

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology will meet with officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, along with stakeholders from the media industry, to review mechanisms for curbing fake news. The meeting is scheduled for May 7 at 11 am.

The committee will examine the topic “Review of Mechanism to Curb Fake News” and will hear about the evidence from representatives of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and other media industry stakeholders.

It’s worth noting that the Fact Check Unit (FCU) under the Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), identified over 97 instances of fake news as of March 19, 2025 alone. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, informed the Lok Sabha during a session on March 26 that the Ministry identified 583 fake news items in 2024, 557 in 2023, and 338 in 2022. Since 2022, the Ministry has flagged a total of 1,575 fake news cases.

So far in 2025, the PIB Fact Check Unit has received around 5,200 queries, of which 1,811 were deemed actionable.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/press-information-bureau-flags-1575-fake-news-cases-since-2022-ministry-of-ib-60317.htm">Read More: Press Information Bureau flags 1,575 fake news cases since 2022: Ministry of I&B</a>

In November of last year, the parliamentary committee, chaired by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, called media organizations including the News Broadcasters and Digital Association and the Editors Guild of India to testify on the issue of curbing fake news. The committee had previously decided to review the mechanisms to address fake news as well as emerging challenges related to OTT platforms.

Last year, the Bombay High Court struck down a section of the amended Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021, that authorized the government to establish its own Fact Check Unit (FCU). This FCU had the authority to label information as "fake," "false," or "misleading," which threatened the safe harbor protections for social media intermediaries if they failed to remove such content.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/breaking-mib-addresses-ai-based-news-recommendation-and-fake-news-regulation-60307.htm">Read More: MIB addresses AI-based news recommendation and fake news regulation</a>

In September 2024, the Bombay High Court ruled that the provision was "vague" and unconstitutional. Notably, the Editors Guild of India (EGI) welcomed the judgment, noting that the court found the amendment violated fundamental rights, including equality, free speech, and personal liberty, and failed the proportionality test. Moving forward, media groups are expected to collaborate with the government to tackle challenges related to fake news, such as deepfakes and doctored content.

In December last year, Vaishnaw remarked, “It is a major challenge that societies across the world are facing—the accountability of social media, particularly in the context of fake news and the creation of fake narratives." He emphasized that establishing societal and legal accountability requires a significant consensus. “These are the issues where freedom of speech comes on one hand and accountability and having a proper real news network getting created, on the other hand. These are things which need to be debated and if the house agrees and if there is a consensus in the entire society we can come up with the new law.” he added.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/91-percent-believe-fake-news-affects-voting-yet-many-share-unauthenticated-news-survey-31093.htm">Read More: 91 percent believe fake news affects voting, yet many share unauthenticated news: Survey</a>

Parliamentary panel to review mechanism to curb fake news on May 7; media stakeholders to participate

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's (MIB) latest initiative to develop a 240-acre global creative hub is earning widespread praise from leaders in the gaming and esports sectors. Industry stakeholders are calling it a significant leap forward for the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) ecosystem.

In collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, the MIB recently announced plans to establish this ambitious creative center in Malad, Mumbai. This development follows the earlier announcement of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) at Dadasaheb Phalke Film City in Goregaon, intended to nurture talent in India’s fast-growing AVGC-XR space.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/maharashtra-mib-to-sign-mou-for-240-acre-creative-hub-development-in-mumbai-62150.htm">Read More: Maharashtra, MIB to sign MoU for 240 acre creative hub development in Mumbai</a>

The announcement was made during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Maharashtra Government, Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation Ltd. (MFSCDCL), and IICT. The MoU exchange took place in the presence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Boosting AVGC-XR industry

Roby John, CEO and Founder of SuperGaming, welcomed the move, calling it “a bold step” that signals India’s ambition to become a global powerhouse in storytelling and content creation.

“When you imagine a place where studios, creators, startups, and talent from around the world can come together to innovate and build, IICT could be that place,” John said. “With support like the $1 billion Creator Fund for skill development, tech upgrades, and global market access, and with global initiatives like WAVES involving 100+ countries, we’re not just creating a space—we’re building an ecosystem. One that supports international collaboration and helps position India as a top-tier destination for creators and innovators.”

Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO of Skyesports, echoed this optimism. “If executed well with top-tier infrastructure and integrated into Mumbai’s broader ecosystem, this hub has the potential to attract not only talent but studios and investors globally,” Nandy said. “A dedicated esports zone could also make regular tournaments viable—something that’s currently hampered by a lack of large, cost-effective venues in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.”

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/breaking-ashwini-vaishnaw-announces-1-billion-fund-to-boost-creators-economy-59165.htm">Read More: Ashwini Vaishnaw announces $1 billion fund to boost creators' economy</a>

Nandy also emphasized the career opportunities gaming presents for Indian youth. “Gaming isn’t just about playing anymore—it’s about creating, building, and reaching global audiences. Clear entry points into these career paths can unlock the next generation of game developers and esports professionals.”

Will attract FDI

Aniket Chauhan, gaming content creator and influencer, hailed the initiative as a strategic step toward global leadership. “The MIB’s creative hub plan and the $1 billion Creator Fund mark a huge step forward. These moves not only provide opportunities for the ecosystem but also align with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat,” he said.

Harnit Khatri, a former esports pro turned influencer, added that the initiative would help transform public perception about gaming as a viable career. “These progressive steps will attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and shift how Indians view gaming and esports. It’s not just play—it’s a profession with real potential.”

Calls for Clear Policies

Despite the excitement, stakeholders emphasized the need for regulatory clarity and policy support.

“We’ve made significant progress as an industry, but there’s still work to be done to help creators and developers thrive,” said Roby John. “Stakeholders have been pushing for policy clarity—especially distinguishing entertainment games from real-money games, offering tax breaks for original Indian IPs, and more backing for indie studios.”

He also stressed the importance of spreading opportunities beyond metro cities. “Funding and training initiatives need to reach the grassroots. At SuperGaming, we’re striving to do this through games like Indus, but broader support is needed to truly tap into India’s diverse creative talent.”

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/exclusive-indias-gaming-industry-gets-clarity-rmg-sector-to-be-regulated-by-meity-47355.htm">Read More: EXCLUSIVE: India’s gaming industry gets clarity, RMG sector to be regulated by MeitY</a>

Shiva Nandy pointed out that with esports now included in the Olympic Esports Series and the Asian Games, the timing is ideal to scale India’s grassroots esports infrastructure.

“States like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are already taking the lead,” he said. “But to truly unlock our potential, we need to retrofit Centers of Excellence with gaming arenas, broadcast studios, and AR/VR setups. A National Esports Infrastructure Pool—complete with low-latency connectivity for seamless hybrid tournaments—could be a game-changer for regional development.”

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/maharashtra-mib-to-sign-mous-for-240-acre-creative-hub-development-62150.htm">Read More: Maharashtra, MIB to sign MoU for 240 acre creative hub development in Mumbai</a>

Stakeholders applaud MIB’s bold push to accelerate AVGC-XR sector growth

In a significant step toward establishing India as a global leader in the creator economy, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) and the Maharashtra government have announced plans to develop a massive global creative centre on a 240-acre land parcel in Malad, Mumbai. This ambitious project follows the announcement of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) at Dadasaheb Phalke Film City in Goregaon, aimed at nurturing talent in the burgeoning Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sectors.

The announcement was made during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Government of Maharashtra, Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation Ltd. (MFSCDCL), and IICT. The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Speaking at the event, Fadnavis emphasized India’s deep-rooted creative legacy and its potential to become a global powerhouse in the creator economy. “Today, the creator's economy is one of the fastest growing economy which is not only generating wealth but also employment. India has always been a land of creators, whether in storytelling, art, or dance—our creative traditions go back centuries. It is time for India to take the lead globally in this space,” he said.

Highlighting the strategic vision behind the Malad project, Fadnavis added, “The 240-acre land belonging to the I&B Ministry will be developed in collaboration with the Maharashtra government into the world’s largest global creative centre. This will revolutionize the creative ecosystem and transform Mumbai into the entertainment capital of the world.” He further stated that MoUs with the I&B Ministry are expected to be signed soon to begin detailed planning for the global creative centre which will benefit the creators' economy and its ecosystem. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/breaking-mib-and-maharashtra-to-establish-global-creative-centre-in-mumbai-62142.htm">Read More: Breaking: MIB and Maharashtra to establish global creative centre in Mumbai</a>

Union Minister Vaishnaw had earlier announced that a $1 billion fund dedicated to empowering India’s content creators. The fund aims to provide capital access, skill development, production enhancement, and international market expansion opportunities for creators leveraging cutting-edge technologies.

“A $1 billion fund will be created for the creator economy. Our energetic creators using the latest tools and platforms must have the support they need to reach global standards. This fund, designed as a public-private partnership, will do just that,” Vaishnaw said. The structure of the fund and its operational details are expected to be unveiled in the coming months.

MIB had earlier announced the development of IICT, modelled after India's top institutes like IITs and IIMs. IICT will aim to provide world-class training for creative professionals and will serve as a cornerstone in India’s digital media education landscape. IICT will also benefit from a 10-acre land parcel leased by MFSCDCL for 30 years and backed by a one-time budgetary grant of ₹391.15 crore from the central government. 

A temporary campus of IICT is being set up at the National Film Development Corporation premises in Mumbai and will start operation soon. Once fully operational, the institute is expected to become self-sustaining and will play a crucial role in creating a robust digital media and creative technology ecosystem.

Key highlights of the MoU includes, establishment of an AVGC-XR centre with a strategic focus on education, skilling, industry development, and research & innovation. Formation of a Governing Council and Board of Directors with representatives from Government and Industry. Development of specialized councils on Academia, Skilling, Industry Development, and R&D to ensure sectoral alignment and global competitiveness and commitment to fostering public-private collaboration and attracting international partnerships.

The IICT has been established as a not-for-profit Section 8 company, with a total government equity participation of 48% — comprising 34% from the Government of India and 14% from the Government of Maharashtra (through MFSCDCL). The remaining 52% is held by leading industry bodies, with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) each holding 26%.

Maharashtra, MIB to sign MoU for 240 acre creative hub development in Mumbai

Mumbai is set to host the inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) from May 1 to May 4, a global event that promises to spotlight India's creative economy and solidify Mumbai’s status as the entertainment capital of the world. On Friday, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, conducted a detailed review of the preparations for the event.

The summit is expected to see participation from over 100 countries, making it one of the largest gatherings for creators and entertainment professionals worldwide. During the review, Minister Vaishnaw praised the efforts of the Maharashtra government, stating, "Maharashtra and Mumbai have always been at the heart of creativity. WAVES will become the Oscars for the world and help accelerate the growth of the creators’ economy."

Union Minister Vaishnaw had earlier announced that a $1 billion fund will be created for the creators' economy. This fund will be dedicated to ensuring that the energetic creators, who are using the latest technologies today, will be able to access capital, hone their skills, upgrade their production levels, and reach the global market.

Further expanding the state’s creative infrastructure, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that 240 acres of land in Malad, Mumbai—owned by the I&B Ministry—will be developed into a global centre of creativity. This initiative will be co-developed by the state and central governments.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis said, "The 240 acre land belonging to I&B Ministry in Malad, Mumbai will be co-created by the state and MIB to develop a global creative centre. This will benefit growth of creators economy." 

“We thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for entrusting Mumbai with WAVES. Hosting it annually will be a proud moment for Maharashtra,” said Fadnavis.

As part of the long-term vision for nurturing creative talent, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and the Maharashtra government. The agreement includes the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) in Film City, Goregaon. Modeled after India's top institutes like IITs and IIMs, IICT aims to provide world-class training for creative professionals. The central government has already sanctioned ₹391 crore for the project.

Speaking on the overwhelming response to the Create In India Challenge, a precursor to the WAVES, Vaishnaw had earlier shared that over 25 lakh submissions were received, more than 80000 creators participated and out of which only 1000 will be selected. "...so, it is a democratic online process. The vision behind this initiative, as stated by the Prime Minister, is to bring together the creative world and modern technological usage to create unique content," he said.

The Minister had also highlighted that over 100 countries are participating in it and it is a confluence of tech, media and entertainment. "Technology will serve as the base for this (WAVES) platform, bringing creators together from diverse fields," he added.

Breaking: MIB and Maharashtra to establish global creative centre in Mumbai

In an in-depth conversation at News18 Rising Bharat Summit, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw laid out the government’s ambitious trajectory for India’s technological and industrial transformation, spanning artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, digital regulations, and the modernization of Indian Railways.

Vaishnaw affirmed that India’s foundational artificial intelligence (AI) model is firmly on track. “Absolutely, we are on track,” he said. “We have already got 14,000 GPUs empaneled and another round getting soon. Combine these with our talent, and it gives a very good edge to developers and startups.”

The minister highlighted the global recognition India is receiving in the AI space, referencing a tweet by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, noting the country’s enthusiastic adoption of AI. “It’s phenomenal,” Vaishnaw added.

On the semiconductor front, Vaishnaw confirmed that India’s first Made-in-India chip is expected to roll out by September or October. “All the five units’ construction is going on very well... validation of the machinery is happening,” he assured.

India's tech space 

Responding to concerns about India being late to the AI race compared to countries like China, Vaishnaw disagreed. “This is just the first chapter of the AI book... We are very much in the race,” he said. He emphasized the need for India to build its own large language models (LLMs) for two critical reasons—technological sovereignty and the elimination of cultural bias. “We must have the LLM within our ecosystem,” he asserted.

Discussing the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, the minister emphasized a principles-based, consultative approach. “We had more than 35,000 inputs from various stakeholders,” Vaishnaw shared, adding that the rule-making process is now in its final stages.

He also touched on the growing responsibility of digital influencers and content creators in the wake of controversial online content. “We must understand that we are living in a society,” he said. “Whether we are content creators or consumers... we should understand our responsibility.”

On Starlink’s entry into India and the legal dispute between Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) and the Indian government, Vaishnaw was firm: “Ultimately, every company... has to work within the framework of the Constitution and laws passed by the Parliament.”

India’s startup landscape, the minister noted, has exploded from a few hundred to over 1.5 lakh in the last decade. While acknowledging criticisms about the lack of deep tech, he defended the ecosystem's diversity. “There are more than 100 deep tech startups in IIT Madras alone,” he said. “There is a space for all.”

Addressing the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and critiques by economists like Raghuram Rajan, Vaishnaw stood by the policy. “Every country... started the same process,” he explained, citing Japan, China, South Korea, and Vietnam. He also stressed the scheme’s social impact: “Electronics manufacturing is giving meaningful employment to 25 lakh people... especially young women from rural areas.”

Amid global supply chain shifts, Vaishnaw highlighted India’s growing stature. “In 10 years, electronics manufacturing has grown five times... exports have grown six times,” he noted. India is now attracting major global players, including Chinese smartphone companies, which are encouraged to form joint ventures with Indian firms.

Modernizing Indian Railways

Turning to Indian Railways, the minister detailed a sweeping modernization plan. The upcoming inauguration of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat by Prime Minister Modi is “a symbol of national unity and engineering tenacity.” Vaishnaw noted that 136 Vande Bharat services are already operational and the manufacturing continues apace.

He also underscored railway safety improvements and the rollout of the indigenous Kavach collision avoidance system. “Incidents have reduced by almost 80%,” he said, adding that Kavach deployment across 15,000 km of track is underway.

Looking to the future, Vaishnaw painted a vision of “Viksit Bharat” in 2047. “Safety will improve further... capacity will increase significantly... and new technology trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and the bullet train will redefine travel,” he stated. Additionally, a massive station redevelopment program covering 1,200 stations is in progress, with 100 set to be inaugurated soon.

When asked about his long working hours and the debate around a 90-hour workweek, Vaishnaw simply remarked, “Our Prime Minister has set a very good example. When we have to take our country to a totally new level, there is no option.”

“Not late, just starting strong”: IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on India’s AI leap

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has strongly refuted concerns over India's ranking in the 2024 Global Press Freedom Index, asserting that the country's vibrant media ecosystem does not require validation from foreign organizations. Responding to an unstarred question in Parliament, Dr. L Murugan, Minister of State for MIB, emphasized that India's judicial system ensures the protection of constitutional rights, including press freedom.

The query, raised by Congress MP K Sudhakaran from Kerala, sought clarity on India's decline in the global rankings and the measures undertaken by the government to protect journalists and safeguard press freedom.

In his response, Dr. Murugan highlighted India’s extensive media landscape, which includes approximately 1,45,000 printed publications, over 900 private satellite TV channels, and a thriving digital media presence spanning OTT platforms, e-newspapers, and social media-based news channels.

"India has a vibrant press and media ecosystem, which does not need validation from foreign organizations," Dr. Murugan reiterated. He further stated that the Press Council of India (PCI), an autonomous statutory body chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge, plays a crucial role in addressing grievances related to press freedom, including complaints of physical attacks on journalists. The PCI also has the authority to take suo motu cognizance of pressing issues concerning media rights and standards under the Press Council Act, 1978.

Similarly, electronic media regulation is ensured through a self-regulatory mechanism under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. "Besides these provisions, we have a robust judicial system that guarantees the implementation of constitutional protections," MIB's response affirmed.

India ranks 159th in the 2024 world Press Freedom Index published annually by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Pakistan is ranked 152 while Sri Lanka 150.

India's ranking was 161 out of 180 countries last year. The index ranks 180 countries on the ability of journalists to work and report freely and independently.

In the Asia-Pacific region – the world’s second most difficult region for practising journalism – five countries are among the world’s ten most dangerous countries for media personnel: Myanmar (171st), China (172nd), North Korea (177th), Vietnam (174th) and Afghanistan (178th).

India’s media ‘Does not need foreign validation,’ says I&B Ministry

Prasar Bharati will call for bids within a year to rollout large scale testing of Direct to Mobile (D2M) technology in the country to establish a viable business model. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) had referred the Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting proposal to a committee of secretaries.

Direct-to-Mobile is a broadcasting technology that enables users to receive multimedia content on their phones without an internet connection, similar to FM radio, where signals are transmitted and received by a device’s receiver. The government plans to roll-out D2M nationwide especially in tier II and III cities.

Prasar Bharati, in partnership with IIT Kanpur and Saankhya Labs (Tejas Networks), is currently testing D2M technology in over 19 cities in India. This technology could allow the government to broadcast content in areas lacking internet connectivity, focusing on educational programming and emergency broadcasts.

On the sidelines of FICCI Frames 2025, Gaurav Dwivedi, Chief Executive Officer, Prasar Bharati said, “The proof-of-concept testing has been completed successfully across 19 cities using both high-power and low-power transmitters. Now, we are looking at a slightly longer-term model to establish its business viability. Within a year, we will invite bids from technology companies for large-scale testing over a period of three to five years to establish viable business model.”

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/exclusive-mib-refers-d2m-broadcasting-proposal-to-committee-of-secretaries-46211.htm">Read More: EXCLUSIVE: MIB refers D2M broadcasting proposal to committee of secretaries</a>

Discussing the relevance of D2M, Dwivedi highlighted, “While there is a belief that streaming is replacing broadcast, we see the broadcast sector as still very vibrant. So the D2M idea essentially is that on the mobile devices, for people who want to consume content on the move, this provides them an option whether they would want to consume content through data download or whether they want to consume it in a broadcasting mode. So as far as the technology is concerned, as I mentioned, the proof of concept testing has been completed satisfactorily." 

Dwivedi said, "As we move forward in the next few months towards rolling it out across these 19 cities with formalized private sector participation, then the picture should become clearer. (3:56) And based on that result, I think the players in the market can then devise their own strategies and then we should see how the sector evolves over the next few years." 

With multiple ministries involved such as Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Department of Space (DoS), and MIB, Dwivedi said, “This technology impacts multiple ministries—not just Information & Broadcasting. A decision can only be made after considering all stakeholder concerns. These discussions are progressing satisfactorily.”

Experts suggest that the entire spectrum from 472 MHz till 582 MHz should be reserved for D2M technology. Currently, a part of this spectrum is being reserved for mobility use.

Telecommunications companies have voiced opposition to the D2M initiative, citing potential business losses in video consumption, one of India’s fastest-growing market. However, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has supported D2M technology as a means to expand digital terrestrial broadcasting, allowing it to coexist alongside cable and satellite.

The MIB has strongly advocated for D2M, highlighting that, of the 280 million households in India, only 190 million have a television, leaving the rest “TV Dark.” In contrast, there are approximately 800 million smartphone users and 250 million feature phone users in the country.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/prasar-bharatis-waves-vs-d2m-committee-of-secretaries-meet-to-discuss-d2m-tech-54471.htm">Read more: Prasar Bharati's WAVES vs D2M: Committee of Secretaries meet to discuss D2M tech</a>

Regarding telecom operators’ concerns about potential data usage impacts, Dwivedi emphasized, “Ultimately, the decision must be taken in the best interest of consumers. They should have the option to choose whether they want to stream content via data or access it through broadcasting.”

When asked about the concerns regarding D2M affecting Waves OTT’s growth in the long run, Dwivedi stated, “The public broadcaster must be present across all platforms—radio, television, set-top boxes, D2M, and streaming. It is up to the consumer to decide which mode they prefer.”

Growth of WAVES OTT

Further, Dwivedi spoke about the concept of keeping WAVES OTT as an ad supported platform, “The basic idea behind keeping an ad-supported platform is that as a public service broadcaster, Prasar Bharati has an obligation to reach the largest number of audiences across the country. Having an entry barrier, such as high subscription fees, runs contrary to that spirit.”

On the growth of advertisers, he added, “We are seeing a good trend in daily viewership. Since we present a diverse range of content—audio, video, archives, new content, gaming, and more—we are witnessing engagement across different categories. This has, in turn, attracted significant advertising spends, including from major brands like Amul.” Looking ahead, Dwivedi is optimistic about the platform’s future trajectory, “In the coming months, we expect stronger growth. Our objective is to reach every last member of the audience, and we are working towards that.”

EXCLUSIVE: Prasar Bharati gears up for massive D2M trials, bidding to begin in a year

In response to concerns about AI-driven news recommendation algorithms prioritizing sensational content over credible journalism, BJP MPs Alok Sharma (Bhopal) and Janardan Mishra (Rewa) sought clarification from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on Wednesday. They requested details on government initiatives to curb fake news and ensure accountability among media houses and online platforms.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the shift of media houses from traditional to digital platforms, emphasizing India's diverse and expansive media landscape. According to Vaishnaw, India hosts approximately 1,45,000 print publications, over 900 private satellite TV channels, and numerous digital media entities, including OTT platforms, digital newspapers, e-replica newspapers, and news websites.

Highlighting the sector's growth, Vaishnaw noted that the media and entertainment (M&E) industry expanded by over 8% in 2023, with 70% of this growth attributed to new media. He reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the industry’s advancement through various policy initiatives.

Responding to questions about AI governance and accountability, Vaishnaw explained that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is dedicated to ensuring fairness, safety, and accountability in AI applications while protecting human rights and privacy. The strategy includes regulatory frameworks, transparent governance, and independent oversight mechanisms to mitigate bias, discrimination, and misuse.

The government has also launched the IndiaAI Mission, a comprehensive program designed to leverage AI for innovation, social impact, and global leadership. The mission’s "Safe and Trusted AI" pillar underscores responsible AI development and deployment, promoting self-assessment tools, governance frameworks, and indigenous AI solutions to ensure ethical technology use.

To combat misinformation, the government has implemented various statutory and institutional mechanisms across different media platforms. The MIB cited regulatory frameworks such as the Press Council of India, the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021), which oversee content in print, television, and digital media.

Additionally, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) established a Fact Check Unit (FCU) in November 2019 to verify and counter misinformation related to the Central Government. The FCU authenticates news through official sources in ministries and departments and disseminates correct information via its social media platforms.

The government remains steadfast in its efforts to regulate AI-driven media, foster responsible journalism, and curb the spread of fake news, ensuring a balanced and credible information ecosystem in the digital era.