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The Rajya Sabha on Thursday cleared the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 without discussion, a day after its passage in the Lok Sabha.The said Bill bans all online games played with money, in a bid to curb addiction, money laundering, suicides and financial fraud linked to such platforms. The legislation, passed by voice vote amid opposition protests, prohibits not just the offering of online money games but also their advertisements. It further bars banks and financial institutions from facilitating or transferring funds for these activities. Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw made brief remarks before the Bill’s passage.The government has also highlighted that the Bill aims at the 'greater good' for the society. According to a PTI report, the Centre has estimated that around 45 crore people lose close to Rs 20,000 crore every year in online real money gaming. Meanwhile, the online gaming industry has warned that the proposed Bill banning all real money games could kill over two lakh jobs, shut down 400 companies, and hurt India’s digital innovation. Industry bodies said the sector, valued at ₹2 lakh crore with ₹31,000 crore revenue and ₹20,000 crore in taxes, faces a “death knell” if the law is passed.Also Read: Nazara’s ₹800 crore PokerBaazi bet at risk of being written offS Krishnan, secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), told ET that the government’s approach is to draw a line between innovation and exploitation. “The government is of the view that India has the potential to be the gaming hub of the world with many game developers and creators thriving. For this, the legitimate areas within online gaming need to be delineated, recognised and promoted; that is esports and online social games—both educational and recreational. The other real concern is online money gaming. These games involve staking money with uncertain outcomes, often blurring the line between skill and chance. They carry risks of addiction, money laundering and misuse through cryptocurrency. Regular online gaming, esports and creative gaming are not the problem; we want to encourage those.”He added that the new law aims to separate harmful practices from genuine gaming innovation. “Our position is clear: we are drawing a line between promoting innovation and esports on one side and regulating exploitative money gaming on the other. The aim is to safeguard people while also strengthening India’s gaming ecosystem.”Also Read: Online money gaming has become a bigger issue than drugs: Ashwini VaishnawKrishnan underlined that esports and other recognised formats will continue to receive support. “Esports, like chess and other globally recognised games, fall under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The government has also been actively promoting the animation, visual effects, gaming and comics (AVGC) sector through initiatives like the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies in Mumbai and the Centres of Excellence under Software Technology Parks of India. These will continue. Our restrictions are aimed only at harmful money games.”According to the Bill, any online money game, where users deposit money in expectation of monetary or material reward, will now be outlawed. This includes fantasy sports, card games such as poker and rummy, online lotteries, and other betting or gambling platforms.Once the law is cleared by both Houses of Parliament, offering or facilitating such games will attract imprisonment of up to three years and/or a fine of up to ₹1 crore.

As Indian businesses chart their paths in an increasingly complex global environment, the recent imposition of new tariffs by the United States has prompted a reevaluation of investment strategies. With the aim of maintaining competitiveness, many Indian firms are exploring cross-border acquisitions, establishing manufacturing hubs in low-tariff nations such as the UAE and Mexico, and ramping up their presence in the US market, The Times of India reported on August 21.The strategic decision for these companies now hinges on a fundamental question: should they build, or should they buy? These two stark choices -- none less difficult than the other -- now stare at the Indian companies that seek to Make outside India in order to alleviate Trump's tariff blow.Setting up a new manufacturing facility can be a lengthy and unpredictable process, fraught with various challenges. Conversely, acquiring an existing facility offers a more immediate solution, yet it carries its own set of potential pitfalls, including pre-existing liabilities, outdated equipment and workforce issues.As Indian companies navigate this new terrain marked by rising tariffs and shifting global dynamics, these strategic choices will have a major bearing on their future trajectories.Indian firms will need to weigh these factors carefully, ToI's report (by Reeba Zachariah) said quoting Prem Rajani, managing partner at Rajani Associates. According to Rajani, any decision to establish a manufacturing site overseas will likely be driven by the necessity to serve the US market, particularly given the shifting tariff landscape.For instance, Pearl Global, India's largest listed garment exporter, is already adjusting its production strategy to cater to US demand. The company is relocating some of its output from India to other countries with lower tariffs, including Bangladesh, Vietnam and Guatemala.Similarly, Titan, known for its Tanishq jewellery brand, is considering moving parts of its manufacturing operations to a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nation to retain low-tariff access to the US. The company recently took a significant step by acquiring a majority stake in Damas, enhancing its retail footprint in the GCC.The implications of relocating production are significant. The UAE, for example, has a baseline tax of 10% on imports to the US, whereas India faces a staggering 50% tariff, making it the most heavily taxed trading partner in Asia.This stark contrast underscores the urgency for companies to adapt their operational frameworks to mitigate financial impacts.However, the transition to new production locales is not merely a logistical change; it requires a comprehensive reassessment of various regulatory and tax considerations.Binoy Parikh, a partner at Katalyst Advisors, told ToI that cross-border adjustments introduce complex international tax issues, alongside potential scrutiny regarding profit allocation across different operations. Firms that view this as a chance for long-term restructuring are likely to foster stable access to vital markets.Welspun Corp, a pipe manufacturer, is actively expanding its facility in Arkansas with a $100 million investment, positioning itself advantageously against the backdrop of US tariffs. According to Welspun Corp's Managing Director, Vipul Mathur, while tariffs may be a hurdle for many, they have inadvertently created opportunities for his company.Other sectors are also seizing the moment. For instance, pharmaceutical, electronics, energy products, and critical minerals sectors remain exempt from import tariffs, facilitating increased investments in the US.Aimtron Electronics is eyeing the acquisition of a mid-sized North American company to enhance its capabilities and better serve its customer base; the company already operates a facility in Palatine, Illinois.Meanwhile, Piramal Pharma is set to invest $90 million to expand its operations in two US locations, underscoring the region's significance as its largest market.