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With the world's largest digital population and a media economy evolving at warp speed, India is asserting itself as a global force in the digital entertainment revolution. 

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit (DES), scheduled for June 27 at The Leela Palace in New Delhi, signals and celebrates this transformation. Backed by Network18 Group - with flagship platforms like CNBC-TV18, CNN-News18, Moneycontrol, and Forbes India - the summit comes at a time when the global digital power structure is being redefined, and India is in pole position.

Set against the backdrop of the government's landmark World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), DES 2025 aims to spotlight policy innovations, new frontiers in gaming, and the tech ecosystem's next growth wave. 

The event is expected to unpack India's strategy for leading the digital entertainment economy, with top policymakers outlining how talent, technology, and governance will fuel future-ready growth.

Powering India's Next Entertainment Boom

India's digital momentum is backed by numbers. The country's gaming market alone clocked $3.8 billion in FY24 — a 23% YoY surge. Artificial intelligence, emerging tech, and digital skilling are converging to create an ecosystem ripe for innovation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for advancing the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sector has already catalysed this surge.

At DES 2025, top policymakers and industry stalwarts will come together to chart the next course for India's entertainment and creative economy - especially in gaming, monetization, regulation, and skilling.

Jayant Chaudhary

Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary will be a key voice at the summit. A third-generation politician and a modern reformer, Chaudhary has transitioned from farmer advocacy to shaping India's youth and startup-focused policy frameworks. With degrees from Delhi University and London School of Economics, his global perspective and grassroots grounding position him uniquely to scale India's talent pipeline for the entertainment and gaming sectors.

Chaudhary's ministry is a cornerstone for enabling India's creative and digital workforce - one that the summit will position as central to the next phase of the global media economy.

Sanjay Jaju

A seasoned officer from the 1992 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Jaju took charge as Secretary of the I&B Ministry of February 5, 2024. With a deep understanding of policy and reform, Jaju brings a wealth of cross-sectional experience to the ministry at a crucial moment when India's digital media economy is on the cusp of exponential growth.

Before taking over at the I&B Ministry, Jaju served as Additional Secretary in the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. There, he played a pivotal role in propelling India's defence and aerospace manufacturing through policies aimed at increasing investments under the "Make in India" initiative.

Earlier in his career, he served as Secretary in the Information Technology & Communications and Food and Civil Supplies Departments in the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Notably, he led the full-cycle execution of the Aadhaar registration drive across the undivided state - a foundational project that transformed welfare deilvery and identity verification.

Dr. L. Murugan

Dr. Loganathan Murugan brings with him a unique blend of legal expertise, grassroots political experience, and a deep understanding of public communication in the digital area.

A Rajya Sabha MP representing Madhya Pradesh, he has served in various capacities, most notably as Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting; and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying from 2021 to 2024.

His current portfolio reinforces his critical role in overseeing the evolving intersection of media, governance, and public discourse.

His legal acumen - shaped by a law degree from Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law College and a doctorate from the University of Madras - has been central to his public life. Before entering politics full-time, he practiced law for over 15 years and served as Standing Counsel to the Government of India at the Madras High Court.

Dilsher Malhi

A firm believer in responsible innovation, Malhi has built Zupee into a powerhouse of culture-driven, tech-first casual gaming - earning the trust of over 100 million users across the country.

At just 23, the IIT Kanpur alumnus founded Zupee in 2018 with a mission to reimagine traditional Indian games for a modern audience. From Ludo to Snakes & Ladders, he revived familiar formats and brought them into the digital age, fusing nostalgia with innovation.

His work integrates frontier technologies like AI-based anti-cheat systems and blockchain to promote fair play and transparency - principles that are core to Zupee's rapid ascent and reputation.

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit will not only bring together government officials and policy thinkers, but also industry stalwarts, gaming innovators, and content creators. As India moves from being the world's largest consumer of digital content to one of its most influential creators, forums like DES are central to shaping policy, strategy, and collaboration.

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/des">DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT</a>

SEE MORE: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/digital-entertainment-summit-2025-to-debut-in-delhi-as-india-stakes-its-claim-on-the-future-of-global-media-69595.htm">Digital Entertainment Summit 2025 to debut in Delhi as India stakes its claim on the future of global media</a>

Policymakers and industry stalwarts to headline Storyboard18’s Digital Entertainment Summit 2025

With the world’s largest digital population and a media economy growing at breakneck speed, India is positioning itself as a formidable force in shaping the future of global entertainment.

The upcoming Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit (DES), set to take place on June 27 at The Leela Palace in New Delhi, is the latest sign of the country’s ambitions and rising influence.

Backed by Network18 Group, with flagship coverage from CNBC-TV18, CNN-News18, Moneycontrol and Forbes India, the summit arrives amid a global recalibration of digital power. The event builds on momentum from the government’s landmark World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), and seeks to define the next chapter of the digital entertainment revolution—one with India at its center.

Among the speakers headlining the summit is Shivani Jha, a prominent public policy lawyer and digital rights advocate, who has emerged as one of the most articulate voices championing fairness, user safety, and responsible growth within India’s online gaming industry.

Shivani Jha

Currently serving as the Director of the Egamers and Players Welfare Association (EPWA), Shivani Jha brings over a decade of legal experience to the table, shaped by her academic foundation at Georgetown University Law Center (postgraduation, 2013) and early professional years spent navigating complex securities and private equity cases at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.

Since pivoting to technology and public policy in 2021, Shivani has focused her energy on digital rights, evolving workspaces, and user safety in the online ecosystem. 

At EPWA, she works at the intersection of law, governance, and real-world user concerns—collaborating with gamers, researchers, government agencies, and industry bodies to ensure the rights and interests of players are not just acknowledged, but actively protected.

Her approach to leadership is collaborative, grounded in legal nuance, and responsive to the rapid changes reshaping the digital entertainment landscape. From regulatory debates to community engagement, Shivani’s work reflects a broader mission: to craft a more inclusive and balanced digital environment that grows in tandem with its user base.

Digital Entertainment Summit

As home to the largest digital population in the world, India can lead the global agenda on a fast-growing and influential industry, with the power to generate billions in revenue while engaging millions across the world. The Digital Entertainment Summit will help surface the stories and the winning strategies that will unlock the next level of exponential growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong vision for developing the AVGC sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) has significantly boosted the gaming industry. The central government has opened numerous opportunities, accelerating the industry's growth.

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit will focus on the online gaming industry and the policies aimed at supporting the gaming ecosystem. With Artificial Intelligence at the forefront, many gaming companies are leveraging smart technology to enhance the gaming experience. Discussions will center on monetizing gaming apps and expanding revenue models, which are key to driving industry growth. The industry has long advocated for favorable conditions to operate within the country.

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/digital-entertainment-summit-2025-to-debut-in-delhi-as-india-stakes-its-claim-on-the-future-of-global-media-69595.htm">DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT</a>

Shivani Jha set to attend Storyboard18's Digital Entertainment Summit 2025

As the media and entertainment industry undergoes rapid transformation in India, all eyes are on key policymakers who will shape its future. 

At the upcoming Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit (DES) on June 27, 2025, in New Delhi, one of the most anticipated addition to the lineup is that of Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.

Sanjay Jaju

A seasoned officer from the 1992 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Jaju took charge as Secretary of the I&B Ministry of February 5, 2024. 

With a deep understanding of policy and reform, Jaju brings a wealth of cross-sectional experience to the ministry at a crucial moment when India's digital media economy is on the cusp of exponential growth.

Jaju is a postgraduate mechanical engineer, a Cost & Management Accountant, and also holds and MBA in Finance. Over the years, he has left his mark on diverse sectors including defence, education, urban development, tribal welfare, and information technology.

Before taking over at the I&B Ministry, Jaju served as Additional Secretary in the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. There, he played a pivotal role in propelling India's defence and aerospace manufacturing through policies aimed at increasing investments under the "Make in India" initiative.

His instrumental work in founding the Defence Innovation Organisation and iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) helped create a thriving startup ecosystem for defence needs. For his contributions, he was conferred the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2021.

His track record in infrastructure is equally formidable. He was the founding Director of NHIDCL (National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd), accelerating border connectivity in strategic and high-altitude regions under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Earlier in his career, he served as Secretary in the Information Technology & Communications and Food and Civil Supplies Departments in the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Notably, he led the full-cycle execution of the Aadhaar registration drive across the undivided state - a foundational project that transformed welfare deilvery and identity verification.

Digital Entertainment Summit

As home to the largest digital population in the world, India can lead the global agenda on a fast-growing and influential industry, with the power to generate billions in revenue while engaging millions across the world. The Digital Entertainment Summit will help surface the stories and the winning strategies that will unlock the next level of exponential growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong vision for developing the AVGC sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) has significantly boosted the gaming industry. The central government has opened numerous opportunities, accelerating the industry's growth.

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit will focus on the online gaming industry and the policies aimed at supporting the gaming ecosystem. With Artificial Intelligence at the forefront, many gaming companies are leveraging smart technology to enhance the gaming experience. Discussions will center on monetizing gaming apps and expanding revenue models, which are key to driving industry growth. The industry has long advocated for favorable conditions to operate within the country.

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/digital-entertainment-summit-2025-to-debut-in-delhi-as-india-stakes-its-claim-on-the-future-of-global-media-69595.htm">DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT</a>

MIB Secretary Sanjay Jaju to attend Storyboard18's Digital Entertainment Summit 2025

As India gears up to shape the next frontier in the global digital entertainment revolution, the Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit (DES) promises to be a powerful platform driving conversation, policy, and innovation in the space.

Taking place on June 27, 2025, at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, the summit arrives at a moment when India's digital economy is accelerating at breakneck speed, and its entertainment and gaming sectors are stepping into a new era of scale, responsibility, and global relevance.

Dilsher Malhi

Among the exciting voices at the event will be Dilsher Malhi, Founder & CEO of Zupee, who is helping define the contours of India's booming online gaming industry.

A firm believer in responsible innovation, Malhi has built Zupee into a powerhouse of culture-driven, tech-first casual gaming - earning the trust of over 100 million users across the country.

At just 23, the IIT Kanpur alumnus founded Zupee in 2018 with a mission to reimagine traditional Indian games for a modern audience. From Ludo to Snakes & Ladders, he revived familiar formats and brought them into the digital age, fusing nostalgia with innovation.

His work integrates frontier technologies like AI-based anti-cheat systems and blockchain to promote fair play and transparency - principles that are core to Zupee's rapid ascent and reputation.

Malhi has played a vital role in collaborating with regulatory bodies such as MeitY, advocating for clear distinctions between skill-based and chance-based gaming, helping the industry earn legitimacy and regulatory clarity.

A recipient of multiple accolades - including Forbes Asia's 30 Under 30 in Consumer Technology and IDFC First-Hurun India Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs - Malhi stands at the intersection of innovation and influence.

Digital Entertainment Summit

As home to the largest digital population in the world, India can lead the global agenda on a fast-growing and influential industry, with the power to generate billions in revenue while engaging millions across the world. The Digital Entertainment Summit will help surface the stories and the winning strategies that will unlock the next level of exponential growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong vision for developing the AVGC sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) has significantly boosted the gaming industry. The central government has opened numerous opportunities, accelerating the industry's growth.

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit will focus on the online gaming industry and the policies aimed at supporting the gaming ecosystem. With Artificial Intelligence at the forefront, many gaming companies are leveraging smart technology to enhance the gaming experience. Discussions will center on monetizing gaming apps and expanding revenue models, which are key to driving industry growth. The industry has long advocated for favorable conditions to operate within the country.

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/digital-entertainment-summit-2025-to-debut-in-delhi-as-india-stakes-its-claim-on-the-future-of-global-media-69595.htm">DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT</a>

Zupee CEO Dilsher Malhi to join industry changemakers at Storyboard18's Digital Entertainment Summit 2025

Axana Estates LLP has acquired a 5.4% stake in online gaming company Nazara Technologies through a preferential issue of equity shares, according to a regulatory filing.

The disclosure, filed with stock exchanges, outlines that Axana Estates, along with its Persons Acting in Concert (PACs)—which include Plutus Wealth Management LLP, Junomoneta Finsol Private Limited, and individual investors Arpit Khandelwal, Mithun Padam Sacheti, and Siddhartha Sacheti, collectively hold 27.15% of Nazara’s total diluted share capital. 

Notably, Plutus Wealth Management LLP has acquired 10.91% in Nazara, followed by Arpit Khandelwal at 7.44%, Junomoneta Finsol at 1.7%, and Sachetis at 0.85% each, respectively.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/nazara-debuts-in-metaverse-gaming-launches-pokerverse-vr-70415.htm">Nazara debuts in Metaverse gaming, launches Pokerverse VR</a>

Prior to this acquisition, the PACs already held around 23% of the company’s shareholding.

The preferential allotment involves the issue of 50,00,000 equity shares of face value Rs 4 each.

Post-acquisition, the total equity share capital of Nazara Technologies has increased from Rs 35.04 crore to Rs 37.04 crore, consisting of 9.26 crore shares, including ESOPs.

Nazara is known for its presence in esports, interactive gaming, and gamified learning. Recently, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has granted approval for the acquisition of a majority stake or control in Nazara Technologies Limited by Axana Estates LLP, and other six.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/nclt-approves-nazaras-resolution-plan-for-smaaash-entertainment-for-rs-126-crore-69345.htm">NCLT approves Nazara’s resolution plan for Smaaash Entertainment for Rs 126 crore</a>

Axana's business activities include real estate and investment-related operations, such as acquiring, holding, and dealing in shares, securities, and financial instruments.

On the other hand, Plutus is engaged in stock and commodity broking, along with trading and investment activities across those segments. Junomoneta operates as a proprietary stockbroking firm.

Shares of Nazara Tech were down by 0.22%, trading at Rs 1,316 at 10.46 am on Thursday.

Axana Estates, Plutus, others snap up 27% stake in Nazara Tech

As India prepares to chart its next chapter in the global digital entertainment revolution, the Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit (DES) will welcome Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting; and Parliamentary Affairs, as a key government voice helping shape the country's media and content landscape.

The summit, to be held on June 27, 2025, at The Leela Palace in New Delhi, arrives at a pivotal moment when the nation's digital economy and creative sectors are poised for transformative growth.

Dr. L. Murugan

Dr. Loganathan Murugan brings with him a unique blend of legal expertise, grassroots political experience, and a deep understanding of public communication in the digital area.

A Rajya Sabha MP representing Madhya Pradesh, he has served in various capacities, most notably as Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting; and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying from 2021 to 2024. 

His current portfolio reinforces his critical role in overseeing the evolving intersection of media, governance, and public discourse.

Born on May 29, 1977, in Konur, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Murugan hails from the Arunthathiyar community and made history as the first person from the community to head the BJP Tamil Nadu unit.

His legal acumen - shaped by a law degree from Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law College and a doctorate from the University of Madras - has been central to his public life. Before entering politics full-time, he practiced law for over 15 years and served as Standing Counsel to the Government of India at the Madras High Court.

Early in his career, he was inspired by the Hindutva movement and joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1997.

He held leadership positions in both organizations, including as National General Secretary of the Scheduled Caste Morcha, reflecting his longstanding commitment to community empowerment and social justice.

Digital Entertainment Summit

As home to the largest digital population in the world, India can lead the global agenda on a fast-growing and influential industry, with the power to generate billions in revenue while engaging millions across the world. The Digital Entertainment Summit will help surface the stories and the winning strategies that will unlock the next level of exponential growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong vision for developing the AVGC sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) has significantly boosted the gaming industry. The central government has opened numerous opportunities, accelerating the industry's growth.

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit will focus on the online gaming industry and the policies aimed at supporting the gaming ecosystem. With Artificial Intelligence at the forefront, many gaming companies are leveraging smart technology to enhance the gaming experience. Discussions will center on monetizing gaming apps and expanding revenue models, which are key to driving industry growth. The industry has long advocated for favorable conditions to operate within the country.

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/digital-entertainment-summit-2025-to-debut-in-delhi-as-india-stakes-its-claim-on-the-future-of-global-media-69595.htm">DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT</a>

Dr. L. Murugan set to take the stage at Storyboard18's Digital Entertainment Summit 2025

With the world's largest digital population and a media economy evolving at warp speed, India is asserting itself as a global force in the digital entertainment revolution. The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit (DES), scheduled for June 27 at The Leela Palace in New Delhi, signals and celebrates this transformation. Backed by Network18 Group - with flagship platforms like CNBC-TV18, CNN-News18, Moneycontrol, and Forbes India - the summit comes at a time when the global digital power structure is being redefined, and India is in pole position.

Set against the backdrop of the government's landmark World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), DES 2025 aims to spotlight policy innovations, new frontiers in gaming, and the tech ecosystem's next growth wave. The event is expected to unpack India's strategy for leading the digital entertainment economy, with top policymakers outlining how talent, technology, and governance will fuel future-ready growth.

Powering India's Next Entertainment Boom

India's digital momentum is backed by numbers. The country's gaming market alone clocked $3.8 billion in FY24 — a 23% YoY surge. Artificial intelligence, emerging tech, and digital skilling are converging to create an ecosystem ripe for innovation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for advancing the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sector has already catalysed this surge.

At DES 2025, top policymakers will come together to chart the next course for India's entertainment and creative economy - especially in gaming, monetization, regulation, and skilling.

Jayant Chaudhary

Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary will be a key voice at the summit. A third-generation politician and a modern reformer, Chaudhary has transitioned from farmer advocacy to shaping India's youth and startup-focused policy frameworks. With degrees from Delhi University and London School of Economics, his global perspective and grassroots grounding position him uniquely to scale India's talent pipeline for the entertainment and gaming sectors.

Chaudhary's ministry is a cornerstone for enabling India's creative and digital workforce - one that the summit will position as central to the next phase of the global media economy.

Jayesh Ranjan

Another pivotal speaker, Jayesh Ranjan, serves as Principal Secretary, I&C and IT Departments, Telangana Government. An IAS topper of the 1992 batch, Ranjan has been instrumental in transforming Telangana into a tech-forward state. With educational stints at IIM Calcutta, LSE, Harvard, and the National University of Singapore, his career blends governance and global insight.

Ranjan's efforts have made Hyderabad a magnet for AVGC investments and innovation. His leadership in setting up frameworks for industrial growth, startup incubation, and digital empowerment reflects the scale of opportunity that states like Telangana can unlock through policy alignment and tech adoption.

Abhishek Singh

Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and CEO of the India AI Mission, joins the line-up of impact-makers and influential voices at DES 2025.

A 1995 batch IAS officer and IIT Kanpur graduate with further credentials from Harvard Kennedy School, Singh brings a technology-first, people-centric approach to policy.

Singh has led transformative initiatives through roles at Digital India Corporation, MyGov, and National e-Governance Division. His current focus areas - Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital skilling - are at the heart of India's tech-forward entertainment landscape. Under his watch, the India AI Mission is laying the groundwork for responsible AI innovation.

Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu

Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, born in 1983, is a second-time MP known for his sharp focus on education, innovation, and development. An alumnus of La Trobe University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he studied media, Devarayalu brings academic and international perspective to the evolving digital ecosystem.

He began his parliamentary journey in 2019 with the YSR Congress Party and later made a strategic shift, winning the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His new political role positions him as a key advocate for regional and national digital growth.

Outside Parliament, Devarayalu serves as the Vice Chairman of the Vignan Group of Institutions, a Guntur-based educational powerhouse with a student base of over 45,000 across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Dr. M.C. Sarangan

Dr. M.C. Sarangan, a recipient of the prestigious President's Police Medal for distinguished and meritorious service, has seamlessly transitioned from law enforcement to policymaking in the digital realm.

He currently serves as the member of the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA), where he plays a key role in framing guidelines and preventive measures around online gaming addiction, especially among students and young users.

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit will not only bring together government officials and policy thinkers, but also industry leaders, gaming innovators, and content creators. As India moves from being the world's largest consumer of digital content to one of its most influential creators, forums like DES are central to shaping policy, strategy, and collaboration.

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/digital-entertainment-summit-2025-to-debut-in-delhi-as-india-stakes-its-claim-on-the-future-of-global-media-69595.htm">DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/tags/digital-entertainment-summit">See more: Digital Entertainment Summit 2025 to debut in Delhi as India stakes its claim on the future of global media</a>

Top policymakers to take center stage at Storyboard18’s Digital Entertainment Summit 2025

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), has significantly altered its whitepaper on opinion trading in India—removing all references to opinion trading platforms like Probo, SportsBaazi and TradeX. The move, widely viewed as a capitulation to mounting pressure from controversial platforms and corporate legal threats, has drawn sharp criticism from within the advertising and media regulation ecosystem.

The revised whitepaper, released on June 17, comes shortly after Galactus Funware Technology—parent company of Mobile Premier League (MPL)—slapped a ₹50 crore defamation notice on ASCI. In the updated document, ASCI now states: “This is the updated final version of the Whitepaper. This version supersedes all previous versions of this publication. The contents of this paper have been updated to remove references to any entity and in order to maintain focus on the broader subject matter.”

In addition to scrubbing the names of opinion trading entities, ASCI has also withdrawn sample advertisements flagged in its earlier version, some of which pertained to platforms currently banned or are under scrutiny across several Indian states.

Advertising veteran Sandeep Goyal, Managing Director of Rediffusion, minced no words in his criticism. “ASCI has never really understood the gravitas of its mandate. They have always approached their task with scant understanding, and commitment,” he said, calling the revisions emblematic of institutional weakness. “Their lack of expertise, and application is what results in the tweaks—changing stances due to pressures or inaccuracies which do not behove their professional pedestal as a self-regulator.”

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/mpl-vs-asci-defamation-notice-to-asci-more-about-optics-than-legal-merit-say-experts-68741.htm">Read More: MPL vs ASCI: Defamation notice to ASCI more about optics than legal merit, say experts</a>

A senior executive from the real-money gaming (RMG) industry went further, accusing ASCI of yielding to entities he described as “notorious.” “ASCI has been forced to bow down to the notorious opinion trading platforms who are clearly trying to build their narratives before a major regulatory body steps in,” he said. “If such regulatory action continues, multiple opinion trading platforms will fall apart before the end of this year.”

The regulatory climate surrounding opinion trading platforms has grown increasingly hostile. Platforms like Probo, TradeX, and SportsBaazi have already been banned in Chhattisgarh and have ceased operations in Haryana under pressure. Tamil Nadu has issued notices, and legal challenges are pending in the Bombay and Gujarat High Courts, as well as in the Supreme Court.

MPL’s own product, ‘Opinio,’ had to halt services in Haryana in light of legal challenges and a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a nationwide ban on such apps.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/mpl-shuts-operations-of-opinio-in-haryana-amid-legal-crackdown-on-opinion-trading-66420.htm">Read More: MPL shuts operations of 'Opinio' in Haryana amid legal crackdown on Opinion Trading</a>

Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a strongly worded public advisory, warning investors about the risks of opinion trading. According to SEBI, these platforms lure users with financial market terminology—like “profits,” “stop loss,” and “trading”—to simulate legitimacy, while functioning more like betting operations with zero investor protection.

ASCI has refused to provide a detailed statement on the revisions. A spokesperson said, “As per our policy, we do not comment on legal matters.” However, a source within the council confirmed that the revision was driven by legal developments and the need to avoid prejudicing ongoing proceedings against opinion trading platforms in the High Courts and Supreme Court.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/opinion-trading-platforms-sportsbaazi-probo-shut-operations-in-haryana-amid-legal-heat-67749.htm">Read More: Opinion Trading platforms SportsBaazi, Probo shut operations in Haryana amid legal heat</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/asci-flags-risks-of-opinion-trading-warns-of-misleading-advertisements-66490.htm">Read More: ASCI flags risks of Opinion Trading, warns of misleading advertisements</a>

ASCI alters whitepaper on Opinion Trading; removes Probo, SportsBaazi and TradeX references

As India cements its position as a global digital powerhouse, conversations around entertainment, regulation, and online safety are more relevant than ever. The upcoming Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit (DES), taking place on June 27, 2025, at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, promises to be a landmark event in shaping the future of the country's digital and creative economy. 

Among the notable participants this year is Dr. M.C. Sarangan, retired IPS officer, is a member of Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) and a leading authority on cyber law and online gaming regulation.

Dr. M.C. Sarangan 

Dr. M.C. Sarangan, a recipient of the prestigious President's Police Medal for distinguished and meritorious service, has seamlessly transitioned from law enforcement to policymaking in the digital realm.

He currently serves as the member of the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA), where he plays a key role in framing guidelines and preventive measures around online gaming addiction, especially among students and young users.

With academic credentials including a B.Com., MBA, PGDIT, and a Ph.D., Dr. Sarangan combines on-ground policing experience with a deep understanding of cybercrime and digital behavior. 

His previous post as Additional Commissioner of Police, Law & Order (North), Greater Chennai Police saw him spearheading several high-stakes operations and public safety initiatives.

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit, backed by Network18 Group with flagship coverage from CNBC-TV18, CNN-News18, Moneycontrol, and Forbes India, builds on the momentum from the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), continuing to chart India's course in the global entertainment landscape. 

Digital Entertainment Summit

As home to the largest digital population in the world, India can lead the global agenda on a fast-growing and influential industry, with the power to generate billions in revenue while engaging millions across the world. The Digital Entertainment Summit will help surface the stories and the winning strategies that will unlock the next level of exponential growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong vision for developing the AVGC sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) has significantly boosted the gaming industry. The central government has opened numerous opportunities, accelerating the industry's growth.

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit will focus on the online gaming industry and the policies aimed at supporting the gaming ecosystem. With Artificial Intelligence at the forefront, many gaming companies are leveraging smart technology to enhance the gaming experience. Discussions will center on monetizing gaming apps and expanding revenue models, which are key to driving industry growth. The industry has long advocated for favorable conditions to operate within the country.

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/digital-entertainment-summit-2025-to-debut-in-delhi-as-india-stakes-its-claim-on-the-future-of-global-media-69595.htm">DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT</a>

See more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/tags/digital-entertainment-summit">Digital Entertainment Summit 2025 to debut in Delhi as India stakes its claim on the future of global media</a>

Dr. M.C. Sarangan to join Storyboard18's Digital Entertainment Summit 2025

With India rapidly emerging as a global powerhouse in digital media and entertainment, leaders across politics, business, and technology are coming together to shape its next chapter.

At the forefront of this conversation is Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Lok Sabha MP of Andhra Pradesh, who will be one of the key voices at the upcoming Digital Entertainment Summit by Storyboard18, to be held on June 27, 2025, at The Leela Palace in New Delhi.

Backed by the Network18 Group with flagship media platforms such as CNBC-TV18, CNN-News18, Moneycontrol and Forbes India, DES 2025 comes at a time when India is recalibrating its position in the global entertainment economy. The summit builds on momentum from policy-backed initiatives like the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), and brings together stakeholders from across content, commerce, and culture.

Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu

Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, born in 1983, is a second-time MP known for his sharp focus on education, innovation, and development. An alumnus of La Trobe University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he studied media, Devarayalu brings academic and international perspective to the evolving digital ecosystem.

He began his parliamentary journey in 2019 with the YSR Congress Party and later made a strategic shift, winning the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His new political role positions him as a key advocate for regional and national digital growth.

Outside Parliament, Devarayalu serves as the Vice Chairman of the Vignan Group of Institutions, a Guntur-based educational powerhouse with a student base of over 45,000 across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. 

The institution’s legacy of transforming rural lives through education, particularly producing first-generation graduates from agricultural backgrounds, stands as a testament to his long-term vision for societal upliftment through access and learning.

Digital Entertainment Summit

As home to the largest digital population in the world, India can lead the global agenda on a fast-growing and influential industry, with the power to generate billions in revenue while engaging millions across the world. The Digital Entertainment Summit will help surface the stories and the winning strategies that will unlock the next level of exponential growth. Take India's gaming market, which has experienced exponential growth despite facing various challenges. The industry saw a 23% year-over-year (YoY) revenue increase, reaching $3.8 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24). Real-money gaming (RMG) remains the primary revenue driver for the industry, contributing $2.4 billion to the overall revenue pool. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong vision for developing the AVGC sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) has significantly boosted the gaming industry. The central government has opened numerous opportunities, accelerating the industry's growth.

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit will focus on the online gaming industry and the policies aimed at supporting the gaming ecosystem. With Artificial Intelligence at the forefront, many gaming companies are leveraging smart technology to enhance the gaming experience. Discussions will center on monetizing gaming apps and expanding revenue models, which are key to driving industry growth. The industry has long advocated for favorable conditions to operate within the country.

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/digital-entertainment-summit-2025-to-debut-in-delhi-as-india-stakes-its-claim-on-the-future-of-global-media-69595.htm">DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT</a>

See more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/tags/digital-entertainment-summit">Digital Entertainment Summit 2025 to debut in Delhi as India stakes its claim on the future of global media</a>

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