The Indian Parliament has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which bans real-money gaming while promoting e-sports and social gaming.
- *Key Provisions*:
- *Ban on Real-Money Gaming*: The bill prohibits online money games, including fantasy sports like Dream11, online betting, and gambling activities.
- *Promotion of E-Sports*: The bill aims to boost e-sports and casual gaming, with a focus on developing infrastructure and nurturing talent.
- *Regulator for E-Sports*: The bill recommends establishing a regulator for e-sports, educational platforms, and social games.
- *Impact on Indian Gaming Industry*:
- *Companies Affected*: Several Indian gaming companies, including Dream Sports, Mobile Premier League (MPL), Gameskraft, Probo, and Zupee, have suspended or shut down their real-money gaming operations.
- *Job Losses*: Employees of these startups have begun looking for new jobs, and some companies may cut staff to maintain their business and satisfy investors.
- *Government's Reasoning*:
- *Addiction and Financial Harm*: The government aims to curb addiction and financial harm caused by online money gaming.
- *Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing*: The minister cited concerns about money laundering, financing terrorism, and security threats associated with online money gaming.
Shiv Singh

India needs to keep the following factors in view before taking a stand in the fast-changing geo-political scenario especially the weakening Indo-US ties :-
As a transactional leader and an astute dealmaker, the unpredictable President Trump has initiated tariff war to ‘Make America Great Again’. The US expects India to import arms ,crude oil, agricultural /dairy,fisheries and genetically modified products from it. This will adversely impact Indian farmers and fishermen; (b) Both the US and China are trying to balance India against Pakistan to have dominance in the region.China is also suspicious about Pakistan’s growing proximity with the US; (c) Both Russia and China are upset with India for joining the QUAD; (d) China has illegally grabbed large chunks of India’s territory.It has allegedly set up villages inside Arunachal Pradesh and relocated its citizens from the mainland. Its latest misadventure is laying of the railway track to improve connectivity between the mainland and Tibet. This would threaten India’s territorial integrity. Both countries need to work for permanent delineation of boundary; (e) A thaw in US-Russia relations especially after Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska,may not ease tension between the US-India.There is, no hope of reduction in-tariff imposed by the US which has not penalized China for importing oil from Russia. The US Treasury Secretary threatened additional ‘secondary tariff’ on India, if the outcome of the Alaska summit is not favourable. The talks between Trump and Putin, have remained inconclusive. A matter of concern for India.
ow should India handle the dilemma?
All things considered, India needs to play its card cautiously and firmly by strengthening the BRICS for creating a new currency for trade, despite US’s opposition, terming it ‘de-dollarisation’. PM Modi’s meeting with President Jinping on the sidelines of SCO would be important.
India should put its best foot forward in the multi-polar world order. Let India continue to remain a member of the QUAD. More importantly, India needs to support Russia’s proposal of forming the Russia-India-China troika (RIC troika) as a trilateral grouping to counter western dominance.
A K Saxena (Former civil servant)

Prime Minister Modi’s Red Fort address powerfully highlighted how transformative reforms can shape India’s future. More than just policy shifts, reform has become a national movement, driving self-reliance, resilience, and renewal.
Over the years, the Governments have given me reform assignments and I have explored this journey in depth. The link below leads to a curated and abridged compilation of articles I’ve published on Academia (including articles on other sites like EPW), reflecting my long-standing engagement with reform processes in India and globally (latest abridged version):
https://independent.academia.edu/PradipBaijal
Reform is never easy. As Machiavelli observed in the 1500s, those who drive change often face the greatest opposition. The strategies behind successful reform are complex and often misunderstood. ( May be seen on YouTube search for Machiavelli)
Having participated in this evolution, mostly at Government expense through various roles, policy assignments, academic courses, seminars, books, and digital platforms like YouTube, I feel a deep responsibility to share the insights I’ve gathered. I invite you to explore the material and, if you find it valuable, share it with others who may benefit.
Your thoughts and feedback are most welcome. Let’s continue the conversation on how reform can shape a stronger, more self-reliant India.
Pradip Baijal, IAS (retired)
Former Chairman, TRAI and Secretary, Disinvestment.

It is absurd to say that a senior IAS officer will eradicate corruption in this agency yet to be formed. Central Revenue Secretary as well as joint secretaries admn in both CBIC and CBDT are senior IAS and have not yet eradicated corruption in revenue department. Same is true of land revenue departments in states where this department is headed by IAS from the district level onwards, where nothing moves when not on silver wheels. So let the agency remain with them who have domain knowledge. In fact, these senior IAS are there to channelize and manage corruption and not eradicate it.
Jatinder Sai

Heartiest congratulations to Mr. Suresh Mehrotra, Editor-in-Chief of Whispers in the Corridors and the entire Team, on completion of 25 glorious years of free, fair and excellent journalism!
Dharam Vir Singh
School children want to understand content of Modi’s ID’s address
School children want to understand the contents The PM’s ID address to the nation on 15/8/25, among others addresses inter alia school learners of Classes 8,9,10, 11 &12 also. But most students will look askance if you asked what did the PM speak about. It will yield valuable results if a video is made covering each point to benefit crores of children suffering from poor schooling(not their fault but a crude reality). They are the Indians who will actualise the dreams of Vikisit Bharat. They also want to know what “big” people (bade log) sochte hain, kaise sapne dekhte hain, kinko dikhate hai, kya boh bhi aise sapne dekh sakte hain? It is in this context I suggest that each issue covered by the PM needs to be explained in detail graphically in a video specially made for this purpose. Without such dissemination of information(EV, semi -conductor, renewable energy, hydrogen energy etc) they will miss the opportunities in life. In Indian schools history/geography is taught without maps with the result children learn only so much “history-geography bewafa, raat ko padhi subah safa”.This product will show whether we care for quality, opportunities for students and excite their quest for knowledge.
M L Gupta

Rahul’s ‘Rahul Gandhi's Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar aims to protect democracy and voting rights. The 16-day, 1,300-km journey covers over 20 districts, concluding with a rally at Patna's Gandhi Maidan on September 1. Key stops include¹ ²:
- Day 1-2:Sasaram, Rohtas, Dehri-on-Sone, Aurangabad
- Day 3-4:Gaya, Nawada, Punama, Wazirganj
- Day 5-6: Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur
- Later stops: Katihar, Purnia, Araria, Supaul, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi
The yatra, joined by RJD's Tejashwi Yadav and Lalu Prasad Yadav, protests the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of voter lists, alleging vote theft. Rahul Gandhi emphasizes protecting the Constitution and ensuring true democracy.
Pravin Singh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 79th Independence Day address emphasized India's commitment to self-reliance, technological advancement, and indigenous innovation
Self-Reliance and Technological Advancement
- Make in India: PM Modi stressed the importance of promoting domestic manufacturing, citing initiatives like the production of India's first semiconductor chip, expected to hit the market by the end of 2025.
- Technology-Driven Society:Modi highlighted that the 21st century is driven by technology, and nations that excel in tech achieve success. He emphasized the need for India to become a leader in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and deep-tech.
Energy Independence
- Solar Energy: India's solar energy capacity has increased 30 times in the last 11 years, with ongoing efforts to boost clean energy production.
- Nuclear Energy: PM Modi announced plans to increase nuclear energy capacity tenfold by 2047, with 10 new nuclear reactors currently operational.
- National Deepwater Exploration Mission: The government aims to tap ocean-based energy resources, exploring oil and gas reserves in the sea.
Economic Reforms and Job Creation
GST Reforms: Modi announced next-generation GST reforms, expected to reduce taxes on essential goods and provide relief to MSMEs, local vendors, and consumers.
Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana: A new scheme providing direct financial support of ₹15,000 each to promote entrepreneurship, skill development, and self-reliance among young Indians.
Security and Defence
Operation Sindoor: PM Modi highlighted the success of Operation Sindoor, a recent security achievement showcasing India's commitment to safeguarding its interests.
Military Modernization: The government plans to develop advanced weapon systems, including the Mission Sudarshan Chakra, to enhance India's strategic defence capabilities.
Nuclear Threats: Modi asserted that India will not tolerate nuclear threats or blackmail, emphasizing the country's stance on national security.
Vision for a Developed India
Viksit Bharat 2047: PM Modi outlined his vision for a developed India by 2047, emphasizing the need for self-reliance, technological advancement, and economic growth.
Youth Empowerment: Modi appealed to the youth to contribute to India's mission of national transformation, highlighting initiatives like the Gaganyaan mission and India's own space station.
Shruti Khanna

Greetings to everyone on this Special Independence Day 2025 ! The real India has emerged, symbolised by the Iron Pillar at the Kutub Minar complex, a living wonder of ancient India’s metallurgical technology. The aggressors ruined the Dharma Kshetra but failed to destroy the pillar and were themselves buried deep, the New India has destroyed the infamous Lutyens Gang. They have treated citizens with horrible contempt (hikarat ki nazar se), ruining a fragile democracy in the twentieth century. Today India stands as the new superpower actively contributing in all areas including politics, economics, foreign policy, defence, manufacture, finance, public service and transparent government. Even Donald Trump, whose Deep state, has been charging their batteries daily, can learn a lot. A small step not to open the farm/dairy/fisheries sector has destroyed their conspiracies in the name of the “farmers/kisan”. Kisan/farmers’ land acquired for public purpose was misused and distributed amongst themselves for Farm Houses (one/two/hundreds/thousands?). This Independence Day we are proud of India as a Great Nation. Jai Bharat !
M L Gupta