Parliament Passes Online Gaming Bill 2025: Real-Money Games Banned

ByAjay Gulia 22/08/202522/08/2025

On 21 August 2025, Parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, creating a national framework for India’s gaming sector.

Objectives: Promote skill-based gaming & esports, regulate the industry, ban real-money betting/wagering games, and protect users from addiction & financial harm.

Prohibitions: Ban on money games, their advertisements, and related financial transactions.
Penalties: Up to 5 years jail, fines up to ₹2 crore for repeat offences.
Impact: Real-money platforms like Dream11, MPL, PokerBaazi face bans; esports & social gaming expected to grow.

6th BIMSTEC Summit on April 4, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand
The 6th BIMSTEC Summit is set to take place on April 4, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. This summit marks a significant milestone as it is the first in-person BIMSTEC meeting since 2018. The theme for this year’s summit is “BIMSTEC – Prosperous, Resilient, and Open”, reflecting the organization’s focus on enhancing regional cooperation in areas such as trade, security, connectivity, and human security.
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization comprising seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Established in 1997, BIMSTEC aims to foster economic and technical collaboration among countries bordering the Bay of Bengal.
During the summit, leaders are expected to adopt the Bangkok Vision 2030, which outlines a roadmap for regional development and cooperation. Key discussions will focus on enhancing maritime transport, completing the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway, and addressing shared challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and poverty.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the summit and will also hold bilateral talks with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to strengthen India-Thailand relations. Following the summit, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka to further enhance bilateral ties.
This summit underscores BIMSTEC’s role as a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, promoting regional integration and collaboration across various sectors. It is a pivotal moment for the member states to reaffirm their commitment to a prosperous and resilient Bay of Bengal region.
India Becomes World’s Largest Rice Producer
India has emerged as the world’s largest producer of rice, overtaking China, according to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Speaking in New Delhi on 4 January 2026, the minister stated that India’s rice production has reached 150.18 million tonnes, surpassing China’s 145.28 million tonnes, marking a major milestone in global agriculture. He also highlighted that India is now actively supplying rice to international markets.
At the same event, the minister unveiled 184 improved varieties of 25 field crops developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). These include 122 cereals, 6 pulses, 13 oilseeds, 11 fodder crops, 6 sugarcane, 24 cotton, and one variety each of jute and tobacco.
Mr Chouhan emphasized that these high-yielding and climate-resilient seed varieties will help farmers achieve better productivity and quality. He directed officials to ensure rapid distribution of these seeds to farmers and urged scientists to focus on boosting pulses and oilseeds production to make India self-reliant. The achievement reflects the collective efforts of ICAR projects, agricultural universities, and private seed companies, signaling a new phase of agricultural revolution in India.
INS Sunayna Strengthens Maritime Ties with Mauritius During Joint EEZ Surveillance
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sunayna arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius, on April 26, 2025, after completing Phase I of Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the National Coast Guard (NCG) Mauritius, the Ministry of Defence announced. This visit strengthens regional maritime cooperation and capacity-building with nations in the South Western Indian Ocean.
INS Sunayna, which sailed from Karwar on April 5, is carrying 44 naval personnel from nine Indian Ocean Region nations, including Mauritian officers and sailors. The ship and its multinational crew received a warm welcome from senior Mauritian officials and the Indian High Commission.
During the two-day port call, activities include official meetings, squadron visits, joint yoga sessions, trekking, and friendly sports events. The ship will also be open to public visitors. After Mauritius, INS Sunayna will begin Phase II of Joint EEZ surveillance and then sail to Seychelles.
INS Sunayna is a Saryu-class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel equipped for anti-piracy, maritime surveillance, and humanitarian missions, featuring advanced weaponry, electronic warfare systems, and helicopter support.
Kho Kho World Cup 2025: Men’s & women’s teams lift trophies
Indian Women’s and Men’s Teams: Both teams won the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup on January 19, 2025.
Women’s Final: India defeated Nepal 78-40 at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.
Men’s Final: India defeated Nepal 54-36 at the same venue.
Dominant Performance: The Indian teams showcased strong strategies and aggressive play, keeping their opponents on the defensive.
Acknowledgments: Women’s team coach Sumit Bhatia praised Nepal’s effort, while Captain Priyanka Ingle credited the win to the players’ and coaches’ hard work and dedication.
‘Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician’ Launched by National Archives of India
The National Archives of India launched a new book titled “Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician” on 30 April 2025 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The book highlights Srinivasa Ramanujan’s life, tracing his journey from Erode, Tamil Nadu, to becoming a pioneer in number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions. Despite minimal formal training, Ramanujan’s work still influences modern mathematics. The book also serves as a tribute to his passion and perseverance, aiming to inspire future generations.
In addition, the National Archives launched Abhilekh Patal Version 3.0, a revamped digital platform for historical records, and announced it had received ISO Certification, reinforcing its commitment to archival excellence and accessibility.
Govt Increases Minimum Support Price for Raw Jute
On 22 January 2025, the government announced Increase in Minimum Support Price for Raw Jute.
The MSP for raw jute for the 2025-26 marketing season was raised to ₹5,650 per quintal. This is ₹315 higher than the 2024-25 season. The move aims to benefit 40 lakh families involved in jute production.