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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) launched a revamped one-stop portal called India Cine Hub (ICH) on Wednesday, designed for producers and directors to obtain permissions for filming in India. Additionally, the MIB had introduced Prasar Bharati’s new streaming platform, Waves, which also features interactive games. The OTT app offers three subscription tiers ranging from ₹30 per month to ₹999 per year.

The ICH portal allows producers and directors to apply for financial incentives and provides online payment processing. Previously known as the Film Facilitation Office, the portal now supports applications for filming at railway stations, on trains, and at Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) sites. Currently, five states have been integrated into the platform, with plans to onboard additional central agencies, such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).

The MIB envisions transforming the ICH portal into a B2B e-commerce hub for movie production, enabling producers and directors to sell their films to distributors.

The Prasar Bharati's OTT platform Waves now has multiple games on its platform. From Casual games to sports interactive games. A user can play multiple games, can shop online and watch movies on one single platform. 

The subscription plan of Waves is categorized in Platinum Plan- Rs 999 per year, Diamond Plan- Rs 350 per year. A user can stream the content on multiple devices depending on the subscription plan. 

The Gold Plan users can access content in 480p and can stream live TV and Radio alongwith free movies available on the platform. 

While the Platinum Plan users can unlock all content, including movies, live shows, TV specials with Ultra HD 1080p streaming quality.  

MIB launches India Cine Hub portal for filming permissions; Prasar Bharati's new OTT Waves offers interactive games

Prasar Bharati's family-friendly over-the-top (OTT) platform WAVES has officially launched at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The app ‘Waves- Family Entertainment Ki Nayi Lehar’ will be available on Android, iOS, and as a website.

Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting during a media roundtable on 13th November, had addressed Storyboard18's query on Prasar Bharati's OTT plans. Jaju informed that only a small part of Prasar Bharati OTT will be subscription-based and the rest can be accessed for free.

Jaju had told Storyboard18 that the OTT is going to be a game-changer "because this is not just streaming material, but it also will carry a lot of live channels. It will also host archival material... so we are combining all this together."

When asked about which private or live channels have agreed to join the pubcaster's OTT, Jaju had said, "Obviously there are many who have agreed because we already run DD Freedish where there are close to 60 entertainment channels which are part of DD Freedish. They would be more than willing to come and join the deal...so it will be a very good service. We will have access to a lot of entertainment material, that is currently possibly not being enjoyed by them for various reasons. It's on the cards."

Waves also features a diverse range of content, including movies like Aarakshan, One Day, The Impossible, and Alice Darling, as well as TV shows, games, and a live events section. 

Prasar Bharati’s streaming platform will offer content in SD, HD, and 4K, initially supporting 10 million concurrent users with scalability to 100 million. The OTT app will also introduce features like integrated gaming for kids and online shopping via the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

The launch, which was first announced in 2023, was earlier scheduled for September 15. It was then pushed to October 3 amidst the growing concerns from select broadcasters and streaming platforms.

Prasar Bharati's move into the OTT space not only is poised to stir up competition for the other OTT players but is also distressing linear TV channels in the market. For top broadcasters, it is the conflict of interests as they already run their own subscription-based or ad-based OTT platforms. Additionally, some seek holistic regulatory review because of the pubcaster’s ability to integrate its OTT with traditional TV offerings, potentially leading to market distortions.

In its letter to the MIB, dated September 2, All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) has in fact urged the Ministry to withdraw Prasar Bharati's notice inviting TV broadcasters for its soon-to-be-launched OTT platform, as it believes the same disrupts uplinking and downlinking guidelines, and also disrupts the traditional TV distribution.

DTH operators too, reportedly are planning to write a similar letter to the information and broadcasting ministry on the placement of linear TV channels on Prasar Bharati's OTT platform.


Prasar Bharati launches its OTT platform Waves at IFFI in Goa

The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, speaking at an event organized by the Press Council of India, expressed concerns about fake news, algorithmic bias, artificial intelligence, and the need for fair compensation from Big Tech companies. Ashwini Vaishnaw also suggested reconsidering the ‘Safe Harbor’ provision, which shields social media intermediaries.

The recent speech by Vaishnaw has been hailed by the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA). For last few years, digital platforms of legacy news publishers have been trying to convey to the policy makers the existential threats posed by monopolistic practices of Big Tech, particularly Google and Meta. 

They have been advocating about an urgent need for regulations to safeguard the interests of the digital news industry, which is crucial for the democratic fabric of the nation. According to DNPA, Big Tech companies have long enjoyed a dominant position in the digital media landscape, deriving substantial revenues from the content created by news publishers without adequately compensating them. 

The stakeholders have time and again reiterated that the Indian digital news platforms, which invests considerably in newsrooms and journalistic integrity, find themselves in a precarious position. The prevailing “take it or leave it” attitude dictated by these monopolistic giants leaves little room for negotiation or revenue-sharing based on transparency. With such limited leverage, many digital news outlets have no choice but to acquiesce to unfavourable terms set forth by these tech behemoths.
 
In recent years, there has been a global fightback against the antitrust practices of Big Tech, with actions taken across various countries, including Australia, Europe, the UK, Canada, and the USA. Investigations into these anti trust practices have intensified, prompting many governments to contemplate strict regulations and frameworks to ensure fair competition and accountability. Within India, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has initiated investigations to examine these practices, although a comprehensive report is yet to be published. 

During the last 18 months , the dialogue surrounding the regulation of digital media has intensified only. Previous communications from the last Information Technology Minister indicated a need for oversight on Big Tech  within the digital media sphere. Minister Vaishnaw’s recent acknowledgment of the ramifications of allowing Big Tech to operate without accountability signals a significant resolve and openness  in acknowledging  of the threats faced by the digital news media and credible news . It lays a foundation for potential regulatory reforms to address the imbalance that has persisted for far too long. 

Legacy digital news publishers have consistently raised alarms about the proliferation of fake and unverified news, which often gains undue prominence on the search engines controlled by these tech giants. These platforms' complicated algorithms have enabled sensationalist and misleading narratives to overshadow credible journalism, posing a serious threat to both the nation’s social fabric and its democracy. The fact that unverified information can garner more visibility than factual reporting is reaching alarming proportions. 

According to DNPA, the emergence of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and Gemini have introduced an entirely new dimension to the media landscape. These interactive platforms serve as surrogate news sources, disseminating information often rooted in Western perceptions of Indian reality. Such representations may not reflect the true essence of Indian narratives, but rather filter content through a lens that can distort or misrepresent critical socio-political contexts.

The proliferation of AI-generated content raises questions about the implications of foreign narratives on domestic discourse, and subverts the rationale of FDI regulations in news media sector that are designed to protect Indian media interests. This is a dangerous development that could further erode the information ecosystem, undermining local narratives and interests.  

Digital news media platforms are now looking towards the government to take decisive action – to craft regulations and enforceable guidelines that ensure fair revenue sharing with news publishers while simultaneously shielding them from the disruptive challenges posed by AI driven platforms. 

The current moment presents a critical opportunity for the Indian government to align policy with the evolving digital landscape. It is imperative to ensure that legacy news publishers are not only compensated fairly for their contributions but are also equipped with the tools to confront and adapt to new technological challenges.  

Moreover, establishing regulations to govern AI technologies used in news dissemination could create a balanced ecosystem where both innovation and journalistic integrity coexist. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and support for local digital news media, the government can play a transformative role in securing the future of digital news in India. 

"Minister Vaishnav’s recent remarks signal a pivotal moment in recognizing the existential threats posed by Big Tech to digital news media in India. As the dialogue progresses, it is vital for the government to act promptly and decisively to implement measures that protect the interests of Indian news publishers," said Sujata Gupta, Secretary General, DNPA. 

"Such initiatives will not only ensure the sustainability of credible journalism but also fortify the very bedrock of democracy by fostering an informed and engaged populace. The call for regulatory frameworks and fair revenue-sharing arrangements is not just an appeal for survival; it is a clarion call to uphold the principles of equity, transparency, and fundamental fairness in the evolving media landscape," said Gupta. 


DNPA hails I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's stand on Big Tech platforms in India

The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, speaking at an event organized by the Press Council of India, expressed concerns about fake news, algorithmic bias, artificial intelligence, and the need for fair compensation from Big Tech companies. Ashwini Vaishnaw also suggested reconsidering the ‘Safe Harbor’ provision, which shields social media intermediaries.

Vaishnaw highlighted that platforms fail to verify the accuracy of the information shared online, leading to a flood of “false and misleading information.” He urged online platforms and Big Tech to take a more active role in combating misinformation and safeguarding democracy.

“The rapid spread of fake news is a big threat not only to the media because it undermines trust but it’s also a big threat to democracy,” he said.

Vaishnaw proposed re-evaluating the ‘Safe Harbor’ provision, which shields social media companies like Meta, X, and Telegram from being held liable for user-generated content. He argued that the provision, designed in the 1990s, may be outdated considering the vast influence of digital platforms today.

“With our diverse society, we have to be extra careful. Our country has many sensitivities which do not exist in the countries where these platforms originate. Therefore, if the circumstances are different, shouldn’t there be different metrics for the platforms? Shouldn’t there be more responsibility on the platforms?” he questioned.

Currently, Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, grants big tech platforms immunity from legal action over user-posted content. Removing or modifying the ‘Safe Harbor’ clause would hold these platforms directly accountable for such content, eliminating their legal protection.

Vaishnaw cautioned that the algorithms used by digital platforms often prioritize engagement by promoting sensational or divisive content. This trend, he claimed, poses significant risks to society and requires solutions that balance engagement with ethical practices.

“In a country as diverse as India, misinformation and such algorithmic bias can have serious social consequences, as we’ve witnessed in several instances. This approach, in my opinion, is irresponsible and dangerous for our society,” he stated.

As news consumption increasingly shifts to digital platforms, traditional media outlets are facing financial challenges, Vaishnaw noted. He called for fair compensation to bridge the economic gap between traditional and digital media.

“The efforts made by conventional media in creating content need to be fairly and suitably compensated,” he said.

On the topic of artificial intelligence, Vaishnaw raised concerns about its ethical and economic impacts, particularly regarding AI-generated content.

“AI models today can generate creative content based on vast datasets they are trained on. But what happens to the rights and recognition of the original creators who contributed to that data? Are they being compensated or acknowledged for their work? This is not just an economic issue; it is an ethical one too,” he remarked.

He urged all stakeholders to set aside political differences and engage in open discussions and collaborative efforts to address these pressing challenges.

'Need to revisit 'Safe Harbor' provision for Big Tech firms', says I&B Minister

The Game Developers Association of India (GDAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) to develop policies aimed at fostering growth in the gaming sector. GDAI has also signed MoUs with the states of Rajasthan and Sikkim to enhance game development, align policy initiatives, and drive innovation.

D. Sridhar Babu, Telangana’s IT Minister, and Dr. Palanivel Thiagarajan, Tamil Nadu’s IT Minister, met with key stakeholders from the gaming industry at the 16th India Game Developer Conference (IGDC), organized by GDAI. The Ministers and stakeholders brainstormed on the initiatives around the video gaming industry.

An industry stakeholder on condition of anonymity said, “We raised concerns about the shortage of skilled game developers and the need for government support to build infrastructure for the ecosystem’s growth. While there is abundant passion, we lack both talent and incubation opportunities.”

The participant added, “The Ministers were receptive and committed to creating a roadmap for the industry’s growth in their respective states.”

Commenting on the MoU with FICCI, Manvendra Shukul, a GDAI board member, said, “FICCI, as a policy and industry body, will collaborate with GDAI to map out the requirements, including policy development, for the growth of gaming sector. GDAI will provide industry insights, while FICCI will help us advocate with the government.”

Shukul continued, “FICCI will act as a bridge between the government and the gaming industry. GDAI will also support FICCI’s initiatives, such as FICCI Frames.”

Regarding the MoUs with Rajasthan and Sikkim, Shukul stated, “GDAI’s goal over the next five years is to establish an ecosystem and maximize India’s video game intellectual properties (IPs). We aim to become the world’s IP capital. These MoUs mark the beginning of that journey.”

He emphasized, “We need to incubate talent and increase the number of game developers, which is the focus of our agreements with these states.”

The MoUs with the states of Rajasthan and Sikkim further stipulate that GDAI will provide expertise in skill development and expanding the video gaming industry.

Additionally, the state governments of Tamil Nadu and Telangana have engaged actively with GDAI and officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). They have requested the establishment of regional Centers of Excellence (CoE) in Telangana and Tamil Nadu to support the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector. These CoEs would serve as hubs for research, development, and training in game design and interactive media.

Neerja Sekhar, Additional Secretary of MIB, emphasized on the importance of a premier game development school and the inclusion of gaming courses in leading technology, design, and arts institutions. The gaming industry will prepare and submit a detailed project report to the central government for consideration.

GDAI signs MoU with FICCI to streamline gaming policies, sector growth

In a significant boost for the video gaming industry, the Indian government has decided to separate Real Money Gaming (RMG) from the video gaming sector. The longstanding demand to differentiate between entertainment-focused gaming and pay-to-play gaming has finally been addressed. This move aims to enable the government to develop more targeted and effective policies for both the RMG and video gaming industries.

Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), addressed key concerns of game developers during a closed-door roundtable at the 16th edition of the India Game Developer Conference (IGDC). Speaking to Storyboard18, developers present at the session confirmed, "The government has decided to distinctly separate the RMG industry from the video gaming sector. The Secretary clarified that video games designed for entertainment and content will fall under the jurisdiction of the MIB."

Another developer added, "The RMG industry will be overseen by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The Secretary emphasized that the government understands these are two fundamentally different industries and cannot be regulated in the same manner."

<strong>Manish Agarwal, Board Member of the Game Developers Association of India</strong>, remarked, "This bifurcation was inevitable. The video gaming and interactive entertainment industry thrives on creative content. As the MIB Secretary pointed out, entertainment is central to this industry. Therefore, it naturally aligns with MIB, which also governs other entertainment sectors like OTT platforms, movies, and radio."

Agarwal continued, "In contrast, the RMG industry operates on a cash-in, cash-out model, which leans more toward technology and app-based transactions rather than deep, narrative-driven content. It's logical for MeitY to oversee this sector, with distinct regulations for each industry."

Developers also urged the government to support education and training initiatives in game development at premier institutions in India.

<strong>Sridhar Muppidi, Chairperson of the Game Developers Association of India</strong>, stated, "India has only 25,000 game developers compared to 6 million globally. Despite a large number of gamers, we lack the talent pool to capitalize on this opportunity."

Muppidi added, "We’ve requested the government to establish a game development school on par with IITs and to introduce game development courses in colleges. This could address the immediate talent gap by incorporating game development into top-tier educational institutions."

He also cautioned, "The government should avoid imposing restrictive regulations on the nascent gaming industry. Over-regulation at this stage could stifle growth. Once the industry matures, regulatory frameworks can be revisited."

Earlier, on September 6, Storyboard18 reported that the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) had sent a letter to MIB, MeitY, and NITI Aayog seeking clarity on distinguishing between games of skill and games of chance. This distinction is crucial for drafting a policy formalizing 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in online gaming.

The proposed policy would permit full FDI in online real-money gaming, provided the investments exclude betting or gambling activities. NITI Aayog, India's premier policy think tank, is working to establish these definitions to ensure a robust long-term framework for the gaming ecosystem.

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/small-part-of-prasar-bharati-ott-will-be-subscription-based-rest-all-free-mibs-sanjay-jaju-47312.htm">Small part of Prasar Bharati OTT will be subscription-based; rest all free, says MIB's Sanjay Jaju</a>


EXCLUSIVE: India’s gaming industry gets clarity, RMG sector to be regulated by MeitY

The Delhi High Court will hear petitions challenging the constitutionality of the IT Rules, 2021, at 2.30 PM on Monday. Approximately 17 petitions have been filed across India by individuals, associations, and organizations. The petitions were filed citing government's control on social media services, video streaming platforms and digital news outlets. 

On August 14, 2024, the Delhi High Court directed that the cases be categorized by issue and appointed Advocates Shashank Mishra and Kirtiman Singh as nodal counsels for the petitioners and respondents, respectively. The court also instructed all parties to complete pleadings within four weeks and submit written arguments.

During the October 14, 2024, hearing, the Bench, with the consensus of all counsels, decided to split the hearings into two parts: first addressing challenges to Part III of the IT Rules, 2021, and then challenges to Part II. The IT Rules, 2021, which significantly impact online privacy and freedom of expression by granting the government broad authority over digital platforms, are being challenged on constitutional grounds.

It was decided that proceedings would begin with arguments against Part III (Code of Ethics and Procedure and Safeguards in Relation to Digital Media) and then move to Part II (Due Diligence by Intermediaries and Grievance Redressal Mechanism). Arguments on Part III will commence on November 11, 2024, led by Senior Advocate Darius Khambata, followed by other counsel. Arguments against Part II will be heard afterward.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, along with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, introduced the IT Rules, 2021, on February 25, 2021. These rules expand government oversight over social media intermediaries, including content shared by users. Additionally, they bring online content and digital news media under the jurisdiction of a government-appointed committee.

Since the notification of the IT Rules, 2021, at least 17 separate constitutional challenges have been filed in various High Courts across the country by individuals, associations, and organizations.

Delhi HC to hear petitions challenging constitutionality of IT Rules

The News Broadcasters and Digital Association and Editors Guild of India will depose before a parliamentary committee to disclose their stance on curbing fake news in the country. The parliamentary committee will be headed by the BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.  

An official statement said the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology will meet on November 21 on the subject of "Review of mechanisms to curb fake news." The panel will hear the views of the News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) and Editors Guild of India (EGI).

The committee had earlier decided to review the mechanism to curb fake news and issues related to the emergence of OTT platforms. With cryptocurrency making its presence felt in India, the committee will also examine the emergence of new forms of currencies and their impact.

The panel has selected the impact of the emergence of artificial intelligence and related issues as one of its subjects. It is mandated to examine the functioning of the ministries of information and broadcasting, electronics and information technology, and communications.

The committee has selected for examination a review of the implementation of laws related to all forms of media as well as a review of the functioning of public broadcaster Prasar Bharati. As hundreds of people fall victim to digital and cyber crimes every day, the panel will also look into regulation and monitoring in this regard.

NBDA to keep its stance regarding ‘fake news’ infront of Parliament panel

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s (MoHFW) draft amendment to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) rules, requiring OTT platforms to stream 30 second non-skippable anti-tobacco advertisements, have faced strong opposition from stakeholders. Multiple stakeholders wrote  to MoHFW as their response during the consultation process. 

Stakeholders argue that MoHFW is infringing on the authority of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), which oversees OTT platforms. Stakeholders have pointed out that the draft COTPA Amendment Rules cite Section 31 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA Act), which grants the Union Government the power to make rules regarding anti-tobacco warnings.

A key stakeholder stated, “The draft COTPA Amendment Rules directly regulate OTT platforms and their published content. According to Rule 8, Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, publishers of online curated content fall under the MIB’s jurisdiction.”

The stakeholder added, “Additionally, the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 specify that ‘Films and Audio-Visual programs/content made available by online content providers/publishers’ are under MIB’s purview. By issuing the draft COTPA Amendment Rules, the MoHFW has bypassed the nodal ministry for OTT platforms and overstepped its authority.”

According to a recent report by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the number of internet subscribers in India increased from 936.16 million in December 2023 to 954.40 million in March 2024, reflecting a quarterly growth rate of 1.95%. This growing internet penetration positions India as a highly attractive market for OTT video streaming services. The revenue of India’s video OTT market is projected to rise from $1.8 billion in 2022 to $3.5 billion by 2027.

Stakeholders have also expressed concern over the heavy compliance burden on OTT platforms. To meet the amendment's requirements, platforms would need to edit extensive amounts of content. They plan to challenge the amendment’s validity in court, arguing that OTT platforms fall solely within MIB's regulatory scope.

A research report titled The Effectiveness of Tobacco Disclaimers on OTT Content Services by Koan Advisory Group, published in May 2023, found that OTT content does not significantly influence smoking habits in India. Instead, factors like peer pressure and stress are the main drivers.

Another stakeholder, speaking anonymously, emphasized the unique nature of OTT platforms and their audiences. “The draft COTPA Amendment Rules fail to account for binge-watching habits. Non-skippable tobacco health spots before every episode or content block would result in viewers repeatedly seeing the same ads during a single session.”

The source further highlighted, “The draft rules do not specify the language of the tobacco health spots. Since OTT platforms host content in multiple languages, it would be impractical to customize health spots for each one.”

The draft amendment rules propose that if an OTT platform fails to comply, an inter-ministerial committee, including representatives from MoHFW, MIB, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, can take suo moto action or respond to complaints.

MoHFW infringing powers of MIB, OTT platforms oppose non-skippable anti-tobacco ads

With the ongoing festive season, Real Money Gaming (RMG) companies are facing challenges as Out of Home (OOH) advertisements from gambling firms continue to rise. Recently, RMG players met with officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to request intervention against the widespread OOH gambling ads in cities.

Numerous gambling platforms, including 1xBet, Parimatch, Betway, and DafaBet, have been advertising heavily on billboards and cabs across major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. RMG companies have urged the MIB to advise government bodies to restrict these advertisements, which often use surrogate methods to expand their reach and attract new users.

In 2023, the MIB issued an advisory to state Chief Secretaries to curb menace of OOH ads by notorious gambling and betting firms. Apurva Chandra, Secretary of the MIB, cited previous ministry advisories against betting advertisements in traditional media. The letter noted, “While gambling advertisements have largely been curtailed in mainstream print, electronic, and digital media, it has come to our attention that some betting platforms are now utilizing outdoor media like hoardings, posters, banners, and auto-rickshaw branding to promote their websites/apps in India. It is therefore requested that appropriate actions be taken to curb these outdoor advertisements of betting and gambling platforms.”

An industry leader from an RMG platform shared, “With the festive season, notorious betting and gambling platforms have resumed their aggressive advertising and marketing strategies. These ads are not only back on television but are also omnipresent across OOH and digital platforms.”

The source added, “Our meeting with MIB officials aimed to secure their support in urging state secretaries and relevant departments to remove such advertisements promoting gambling and betting platforms.”

Another leader from a leading gaming federation on condition of anonymity said, "This issue continues to harm the reputation of legitimate companies operating in India. Despite multiple reminders from the government, there is a lack of proactive measure to curb advertisements on OOH platforms and on Digital mediums. MIB can help the industry by just nudging them to take proactive action via their advisories." 

"We are hopeful that MIB will help the already burdened industry to tackle the menace of illegal gambling advertisements." 

In a letter to Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the MIB, RMG companies had expressed concerns about offshore and illegal betting platforms such as Melbet, Dafabet, Vegas11, Fun88, and 1xBet, which use surrogate names like Melbat, Dafanews, Vegas11 Sports News, Fun88 News, 1xbat, and Batery.AI.

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) had identified and shared 700 ads from illegal betting and gambling companies with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) between April and August 2024. 

It should be noted that during a media briefing, Sitharaman mentioned in six months since October 1, 2023, when a 28% tax was imposed on these services, the revenue from online gaming has surged by 412%, reaching ₹6,909 crore in just six months. This amount is compared to the ₹1,349 crore collected before the notification on online gaming was issued. 