Is India ready for the AI revolution? The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, from generative AI tools to sophisticated machine learning algorithms, are transforming industries across the nation. From fintech's burgeoning use of AI-powered fraud detection to the agricultural sector's embrace of precision farming technologies, the impact is undeniable. This week saw a major breakthrough in indigenous 5G technology development, signaling India's growing prowess in the global tech landscape. But alongside this progress comes the crucial discussion surrounding data privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical implications of AI deployment. How will India navigate these challenges and harness the transformative power of technology for inclusive growth? Explore the latest developments in Indian tech, from the rise of digital payments to the burgeoning startup ecosystem, and discover how innovation is shaping the nation's future. Stay informed with Abtak.com – your gateway to understanding the tech revolution reshaping India.
New Delhi: In a significant effort to regulate India's rapidly growing online gaming sector, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has notified the Draft Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2025 (PROG Rules) under the recently passed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The draft rules clearly delineate a legal framework for e-sports, social games, and for-profit gaming sites utilising stakes, wagers, and prizes in cash and kind. E-sports and social gaming are targeted to be acceptable and incentivised, whereas online recreational money games with stakes and wagers will be prohibited. The rules will be open to public comment until October 31, 2025. Why These Rules Matter? India's online gaming sector has transitioned from a hobby into a multi-thousand-crore industry which engages millions of players on a daily basis. However, growth and expansion come with its challenges namely ambiguous advertisements and "win cash" schemes that encourage addictive behaviors, non-regulated applications and anxieties from parents and regulators over children losing money through disguised gambling. Through the PROG Rules, the Centre aims to achieve a balanced approach to normalise and build careers in e-sports, allow communities to engage in safe social games, while curtailing and leveraging exploitative money games by establishing guidelines. Creation of a New Regulator At the heart of the draft rules is the establishment of the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), a statutory regulator with powers comparable to a civil court. Key features of OGAI: Recognise, categorise, and register online games. Maintain a national Online Gaming Registry of approved games. Issue advisories and impose penalties on violators. Conduct inquiries, summon individuals digitally under oath, and even recommend website blocking under Section 69A of the IT Act. For the first time, India will have a dedicated referee for its digital playgrounds. Classification of Games The rules draw sharp distinctions among different kinds of online games: 1. E-Sports Defined as competitive digital sports requiring skill and recognition under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. Will fall under the oversight of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Expected to receive similar promotion of sports such as cricket, or football with the formal approval of tournament and athletes alike. 2. Online Social Games Recreational, educational or skill development games that do not have money as a stake. Responsible oversight by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B). Includes apps that are puzzle based, casual strategy games and learning based. 3. Online Money Games Any game involving cash deposits, wagering, or prizes convertible into money. Explicitly prohibited under the PROG Act. Platforms like poker, rummy, and fantasy sports that allow betting will no longer be legal. Advertising, promoting, or sponsoring such types of games will also be prohibited, including strict penalties for any violation. Registration and Certification All online service providers of games must apply to the OGAI for registration of their games. While applying for a registration, one must provide
Bhubaneswar: Sainik School Bhubaneswar is set to host the prestigious "All India Sainik Schools Inter Group (National Level) Football Tournament-2025" from June 7 to June 15, 2025, at its school campus in the State Capital. The tournament, organized under the aegis of Sainik Schools Society, Ministry of Defence, and Government of Odisha, will feature teams that have emerged victorious in the eight Intra Group competitions. The tournament will be conducted in three categories: Sub Junior Boys (Under 15), Junior Boys (Under 17), and Junior Girls (Under 17). The winners of this tournament will ...Read More >
Moradabad (UP), Aug 1 (PTI) The Moradabad district administration has cancelled the allotment of a government bungalow granted to former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav. The Samajwadi Party (SP) has been asked to vacate the premises within 30 days. The bungalow, located in the posh Civil Lines area near the Police Training College (PTC II), was allotted to the SP patriarch 31 years ago. Spread across nearly 1,000 square meters on Nazul land, the property serves as the local SP office. District Magistrate Anuj Singh said the property is needed for housing officers and other ...Read More >
New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina was on Wednesday questioned by the Enforcement Directorate in an alleged illegal online betting app-linked money laundering case, official sources said. Rains (38) was seen interacting with CISF personnel and Enforcement Directorate (ED) staff outside the agency's office in central Delhi before he marked his attendance at around 11 am. The federal probe agency recorded his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as part of the investigation linked to a sports betting app (application) named 1xBet, the sources said. The fo ...Read More >
As India gear up to face Pakistan in their Asia Cup 2025 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 14, the fixture has sparked controversy. While sections have raised objections to India playing Pakistan over terrorism concerns, IPL franchise Punjab Kings drew attention with a unique move -- omitting Pakistan's name in their social media post announcing the match. Meanwhile, a plea seeking urgent cancellation of the game was turned down by the Supreme Court. Punjab Kings' soc ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 6 (ANI): A complaint has been filed against cricketer Virat Kohli at the Cubbon Park Police Station in connection with the June 4 stampede near Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium that claimed 11 lives and left dozens injured. The complainant, social activist HM Venkatesh, accused Kohli of promoting what he described as "gambling through IPL," alleging it incited the massive crowd that led to the tragedy. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi's Panch Pran Initiative Inspired by Shivaji Maharaj's Hindavi Swaraj, Says Jyotiraditya Scindia. Police said the complaint will ...Read More >
MUMBAI: The Indian equity indices opened lower on Friday as heavyweights like Axis Bank and Bharti Airtel were among the top losers in the BSE benchmark. At 9.25 am, Sensex was down 171 points or 0.21 per cent at 82, 087 and Nifty was down 35 points or 0.14 per cent at 25, 075. In the Sensex pack, M&M, Tata Steel, Power Grid, L&T, UltraTech Cement, Infosys, Tata Motors, BEL, NTPC, TCS, Trent and Maruti Suzuki were top gainers. Axis Bank, Bharti Airtel, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tech Mahindra , HDFC Bank, Eternal (Zomato), HUL, Sun Pharma, Bajaj Finance, ICICI Bank, Titan and Bajaj Finserv ...Read More >
Actor Rana Daggubati appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad concerning a money laundering case linked to illegal online betting and gambling. The ED had summoned Daggubati and other actors like Prakash Raj and Vijay Deverakonda, who have already appeared, for endorsing online betting apps allegedly generating illicit funds. The agency is recording statements under the PMLA. Actor Rana Daggubati on Monday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad in conn ...Read More >
Mumbai, Sep 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has slammed the Centre for allowing the India-Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match in Dubai on Sunday, saying it is "anti-national" and an "insult" to crores of Hindus. In a hard-hitting editorial in party mouthpiece Saamna, the Thackeray camp said, "It is another terrible 'terrorist' attack after Pahalgam. It is an insult to the crores of Hindus and mothers and sisters whose vermillion was erased following the killing of their beloved ones." Slamming the Centre for giving the go-ahead for the cricket match with Pakistan by "t ...Read More >
Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the third edition of Nayi Chetna - Pahal Badlaav Ki, a national campaign against gender-based violence, at Rang Bhawan Auditorium, New Delhi yesterday. Delivering his address, Shri Chouhan stated that the Government has taken a slew of initiatives for women's economic and social development. He stressed that gender-based violence is not an issue that persists in rural areas, but in urban areas as well. He said with the presence of Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Annpurn ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, on Friday attended the Grand Finals of the Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series (BMPS) 2025 at Yashobhoomi, India International Convention and Expo Centre, Dwarka, according to a release from Sai Media. The Minister's visit to the inauguration of the three-day tournament, running from July 4 to 6 and featuring 16 of India's top BGMI professional teams competing for a 4 crore prize pool, underscores the Government of India's growing recognition for esports as a mainstream sporting disc ...Read More >
Patna, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a major action against corruption, the State Vigilance Unit (SVU) on Saturday arrested Sub-Inspector Putul Kumari, the SHO of the Women's Police Station in Samastipur, for accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000. Her driver was also arrested in the case. The arrest has created a stir within the police department. According to an official, Putul Kumari was caught red-handed while taking the bribe from Rajiv Ranjan, a resident of Chhatauna village under Mufassil police station limits, in connection with an assault case. Rajiv Ranjan had filed a written complaint with ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who was last seen in 'The Miranda Brothers', is heaping praise on the recently released film 'Saiyaara', and its team. On Saturday, the actor took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and penned a special note for the film and its makers after it witnessed a stellar opening day. He wrote, "Another melodious example of a love story shattering all myths and formulas of the industry. Honest heart wrenching love story wins again in 2025! #Saiyaara". 'Saiyaara', which stars Aneet Padda, and marks the debut of Ahaan Panday, is helmed b ...Read More >
New Delhi: The 'Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025', which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, could spell the end of "real money gaming platforms", that have stakes in the sponsorship market of Indian sports, most significantly cricket. The contents of the bill, which aims to regulate one of the fastest growing industries, is music to the ears for the Esports fraternity in the country. But the multi-billion dollar fantasy gaming industry comprising companies that have spent big money in sponsorship of cricket might see a marked dip in their revenues. And as a cha ...Read More >
NEW DELHI, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the national governing body of the sport of cricket in India, on Monday ended the sponsorship association with the country's fantasy online sports platform Dream11. The decisions followed the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 in both houses of parliament last week. The confirmation was made by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia while speaking to the media. "Looking at the current situation and keeping in mind that the bill has become an Act, it would be really difficult for BCCI to ...Read More >
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], September 14 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, constructed at a cost of about Rs 825 crore, at Naranpura, Ahmedabad. On this occasion, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, along with many other dignitaries, were present, as per a press release from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Union Home Minister said that when he had gone to Prime Minister Narendra ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jan 31: Online gambling has become a growing menace in Kashmir, driving several families into severe financial distress and emotional turmoil. The easy accessibility of online betting platforms has lured many, particularly youth, with the illusion of quick financial gains. However, this often results in heavy monetary losses, debt and psychological suffering. According to details obtained by the news agency -- Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a youth from south Kashmir initially won Rs 10,000 in online betting within a few days. Encouraged by this, he borrowed lakhs of rupees from neigh ...Read More >
Silchar: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday visited the flood-ravaged districts of Hailakandi and Sribhumi in the Barak Valley. He assured affected residents of providing timely disbursement of rehabilitation grants and swift repair of damaged infrastructure.This marks Sarma's second visit to the flood-hit region within four days, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the media in Sribhumi after inspecting multiple relief camps, the CM said, "Flood-related problems may persist till July. I will return before Durga Puja to ensure that roads and infrastructure ar ...Read More >
Image: Virat Kohli with Karnataka's Vice -Minister DK Shivakumar during the arrival of RCB at HAL airport in Bengaluru on Wednesday after their IPL 2025 title Triumph. Photo: Ani Photo A complaint has been filed against Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Starbag Virat Kohli at the police station of Cubbon Park in connection with the Sampede of 4 June near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru that lived and did not injure dozens. The complainant, HM Venkatesh, accused Kohli of promoting what he described as 'gambling by IPL', claiming that it encouraged the enormous crowd that led to the tragedy ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 15 (ANI): A friendly cricket match between Parliamentarians under Rajya Sabha Chairman XI and Lok Sabha Speaker XI is being played at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Sunday. BJP MP Anurag Thakur captained Lok Sabha Speaker XI while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju led Rajya Sabha Chairman XI. The friendly affair has been named 'TB Mukt Bharat awareness cricket match'. Speaking to ANI, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "Several of our MP colleagues have come here. With the mantra of fitness...this event has been scheduled to fill people with vigour through sports. ...Read More >
The minister, while speaking to the media on the sidelines of an event to launch department of youth affairs' initiatives against drug addiction, also reiterated the government's position that Pakistani athletes will not be stopped from coming to India for multi-lateral sporting engagements. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday said the long-awaited National Sports Governance Bill will be tabled in Parliament during the monsoon session beginning July 21. The minister, while speaking to t ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Expressing serious concern over the deleterious impact of addictive betting applications on youth, the Supreme Court on Friday asked the Centre to respond in two weeks what steps it is contemplating to save youngsters from getting financially ruined, often forcing them to commit suicide. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi asked the counsel for Centre to specify in its affidavit "what remedial measures it is contemplating after applying mind to the gravity of the issue".The counsel said another bench is examining whether these apps are akin to gambling, requiring them ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 14: Medulla Communications Pvt. Ltd., one of the world's most awarded healthcare-specialist advertising agencies, has announced the launch of its new hub in Singapore. With over 15 years of experience in solving complex healthcare challenges, Medulla is now looking to create a super-specialist category as the first digital healthcare advertising agency in Asia. New Hub to Deliver Scalable, Specialist Healthcare Marketing Solutions Across APAC. Also Read | New Cheque Clearing System: Banks To Clear Cheques Within Few Hours Starting October 4, Announces RBI. ...Read More >
NEW DELHI, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Indian gaming company A23 has challenged the government's ban on online money-based games, a legal filing shows, in the first case against a law that led to the sudden shutdown of popular contests and has thrown the industry's future into doubt. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government issued a law last week to ban such games, which the industry says rely on skill and are therefore not gambling. Gambling was already highly restricted in India. The legislation is a setback for an industry backed by venture capital firms such as Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners, ...Read More >
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], June 6: Bajaj Markets simplifies access to personal loans from multiple financial partners, and facilitates the funding for diverse needs, including travel, wedding expenditures, and medical emergencies. Users can easily compare vital loan specifics like interest rates, available loan amounts, and repayment tenures, and select those that align with their specific requirements and preferences. Also Read | Arietids Meteor Shower 2025 Peaks on June 7: Why Is It Known As the Most Active Daytime Meteor Shower? How To Watch the Shooting Stars and Other Important Details ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Thousands of people who gathered at ashoorkhana in Dabeerpura on the 10th day of Muharram (Youm-e-Ashura) took part in the Bibi-ka-Alam procession. The procession commenced from Dabeerpura on an elephant and concluded at Chaderghat. The Shia mourners took out the procession to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Imam Hussain, on the 10th day of Muharram. Members of the Shia sect performed matam and participated in processions. The 10th Muharram is the day on which Imam Hussain was martyred in the battle of Karbala by Yazid and his army. The relic made of ...Read More >
Lucknow: Umar Ansari, the younger son of gangster-turned-politician late Mukhtar Ansari, was arrested by Ghazipur police from Darul Shafa area of Lucknow late Sunday night.The arrest was made following the registration of a criminal case against him for forgery in Ghazipur. He was taken into custody and transported to Ghazipur for further proceedings.Umar Ansari was booked for allegedly attempting to fraudulently reclaim a property that had been confiscated under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. The property was earlier seized under Section 14(1) of the ...Read More >
Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 12 (ANI): Ahead of the upcoming India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on September 14, Sanjay Dwivedi, father of Pahalgam terror attack victim Shubham Dwivedi, on Friday said there should be no political or sports ties with Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. He also urged the government to cancel the match. Speaking to ANI, Sanjay Dwivedi said, "On 22nd April 2025, Pakistan killed 26 innocent people of our country. The government of India had said that it would have no relations with Pakistan ...Read More >
Nagpur: Warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj belonged to the entire country, but British history tried to confine him as a regional icon, said BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi, who was in Nagpur on Friday to attend an event marking the 351st anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj's coronation. Trivedi told TOI at the event organized by Shivaji Maharaj Kruti Samiti that Shivaji Maharaj's contribution in 'safeguarding' the southern part of India from Mughal invasion must not be forgotten.Trivedi said, "Shivaji Maharaj belonged to all of us, entire country. Unfortunately, the British p ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 1 (ANI): As the Digital India Mission completed 10 years on Tuesday, BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari drew contrast between the BJP and the opposition bloc and said that while the INDI Alliance is associated with 'corruption and nepotism,' the Modi government is associated with the model of development. The BJP leader praised the central government for the success of Digital India and stated that the country now accounts for 50 per cent of global financial transactions, a testament to Prime Minister Modi's development model. Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, P ...Read More >
Chennai: Madras high court has clarified that private self-financing medical colleges are required to pay only a stipend, and not a full salary, to in-service govt doctors pursuing postgraduate or super-specialty courses under the govt quota.A division bench of Justice R Subramanian and Justice K Surender passed the order while partly allowing a batch of appeals moved by Karpaga Vinayaga Medical College and others. They challenged a single judge's order that directed private colleges to pay salaries to in-service doctors studying in their institutions.The appeals were moved based on a GO dated ...Read More >