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World Environment Council and Surakshit Movement Announce Strategic Collaboration to Advance ESG Leadership in Safety and Security

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

Mumbai / Pune, 24, December 2025: The World Environment Council (WEC) and the Surakshit Movement have entered into a strategic collaboration to strengthen the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles within India’s safety, security, and resilience ecosystem. The partnership formalises WEC as the Sustainability Partner for the Surakshit Movement, including the Surakshit Awards platform.

This collaboration brings together WEC’s global expertise in sustainability governance, climate education, and ESG capacity-building with the Surakshit Movement’s industry-led focus on safety, security, governance, and community resilience. The objective is to ensure that ESG considerations are embedded meaningfully into safety leadership frameworks rather than being treated as standalone or compliance-driven initiatives.

Under the partnership, WEC will play a key role in shaping and governing the ESG Award Category within the Surakshit Awards, including contribution to evaluation frameworks, jury expertise, and knowledge inputs. Beyond the awards, the collaboration will extend to ESG-focused workshops, dialogues, whitepapers, training programmes, and community initiatives conducted under the Surakshit Movement umbrella.

The partnership is deliberately structured to remain restricted to ESG-related domains, preserving the independence and integrity of the core Surakshit Awards and non-ESG categories. Both organisations have agreed on clear governance mechanisms, including the formation of a dedicated ESG Working Group, to jointly oversee frameworks, content, and ESG initiatives.

Speaking on the collaboration, Prof. Ganesh Prakash Channa, Founder and President of the World Environment Council, said that the partnership represents an important step toward aligning sustainability thinking with real-world safety and governance challenges. He noted that ESG outcomes are strongest when environmental responsibility, social impact, and governance discipline are integrated into operational decision-making and leadership behaviour.

PSP core team, the driving force behind Surakshit, said the collaboration with WEC adds depth and credibility to the ESG dimension of the platform. They emphasised that the Surakshit Movement aims to recognise organisations and leaders who demonstrate intent, execution, and measurable impact, and that ESG must be evaluated with the same rigour as safety and security outcomes.

The collaboration was formally acknowledged during Surakshit Pune Awards 2025, where sustainability and ESG leadership featured as an integral part of the recognition framework. The tie-up reinforces the shared belief that safety, security, sustainability, and governance are interconnected responsibilities, and that future-ready organisations must address them together.

Through this partnership, WEC and the Surakshit Movement aim to create a credible, practitioner-driven ESG platform that supports responsible governance, strengthens community resilience, and contributes to safer and more sustainable institutions across India.

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BlogFeaturedIndia

Another Winter, Another Warning: Delhi NCR’s Smog Problem Explained

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
Delhi Smog

Every winter, people across Noida and the wider Delhi-NCR region expect the air to worsen. But this year, the visuals have been especially unsettling. Videos circulating on social media show high-rise buildings fading into a grey blur, as if the city itself is slowly vanishing. To some viewers, the scenes seem unreal, almost cinematic, prompting doubts about whether camera angles or filters are exaggerating the situation.

The truth, however, is far more troubling. What the videos capture is not distortion, but a stark reflection of the air people are breathing every day.

What the AQI Numbers Actually Mean

The severity of the situation becomes clearer when viewed through the lens of the Air Quality Index, or AQI. An AQI below 100 is considered acceptable. Once it crosses 300, it enters the “severe” category, posing serious health risks to everyone, not just vulnerable groups.

In recent weeks, several parts of Delhi-NCR, including Noida, have recorded AQI levels consistently between 400 and 500. At these levels, the concentration of fine particulate matter, especially PM2.5, becomes dangerously high. These microscopic particles are small enough to bypass the body’s natural defenses and lodge deep inside the lungs, and even enter the bloodstream.

Why Visibility Has Dropped So Drastically

The dramatic loss of visibility seen in viral clips has a scientific explanation. Fine particles suspended in polluted air scatter light, creating a dense haze that resembles fog but is far more toxic. During winter mornings and evenings, moisture in the air combines with pollution, intensifying the smog and making it appear darker and thicker.

This is why skylines blur, distant buildings disappear, and familiar cityscapes feel eerily unfamiliar. What looks like fog is, in reality, a cloud of harmful pollutants.

The Truth About “AQI Crossing 1000”

Amid the panic, some claims have surfaced suggesting that Delhi’s AQI crossed 1000. While these figures sound alarming, it’s important to understand how air quality is officially measured. Government monitoring systems cap AQI readings at 500, as anything beyond that is already classified as extremely hazardous.

Claims of AQI touching four digits usually come from short-term spikes, localized sensors, or alternative calculations during peak pollution episodes. Whether the number is 450, 500, or momentarily higher, the takeaway remains unchanged: the air is unsafe to breathe.

Why This Happens Every Winter

The causes of Delhi-NCR’s winter smog are well known, yet stubbornly persistent. Cooler temperatures and low wind speeds trap pollutants close to the ground. Emissions from vehicles, dust from construction sites, industrial output, and smoke from crop residue burning in nearby states all converge into a toxic mix.

Instead of dispersing, these pollutants accumulate over days, forming the thick blanket of smog that returns year after year.

Daily Life Under a Grey Sky

The consequences are visible beyond viral videos. Schools have shifted younger students to online classes, construction activities have been curtailed, and health advisories urge residents to stay indoors as much as possible. Simple routines like commuting, exercising outdoors, or stepping out without a mask now carry health risks.

For many residents, winter has become a season of restricted movement and constant concern about long-term health.

More Than Just a Visual Shock

The scenes from Noida are not exaggerations or isolated moments. They are visual proof of a recurring environmental crisis that has become normalised. Until long-term, structural solutions address emissions, urban planning, and regional coordination, winter in Delhi-NCR will continue to bring not just cold air, but air that is increasingly unfit to breathe.

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BlogFeaturedIndiaParliament

A New Blueprint for Higher Education Takes Shape in Parliament

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
Parliament Winter session 2025

On December 15, 2025, the Winter Session of Parliament marked a significant milestone for India’s education landscape. Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan introduced the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, signalling the government’s intent to fundamentally reshape how higher education is governed and regulated in the country.

The Bill’s introduction stood out amid a session dominated by political sparring, positioning education reform as a central pillar of India’s long-term development agenda.

Moving Away From a Fragmented System

For decades, India’s higher education sector has operated under multiple regulatory bodies, often leading to overlapping mandates, slow approvals, and policy inconsistency. The proposed legislation seeks to end this fragmentation by establishing a single apex authority called the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan.

If enacted, the new body will absorb the roles of existing regulators such as the University Grants Commission, the All India Council for Technical Education, and the National Council for Teacher Education. The objective is clear: streamline governance, cut red tape, and ensure that institutions deal with one coherent regulatory system instead of many.

Three Councils, One Unified Vision

Rather than concentrating power in a single vertical, the proposed framework introduces a structured approach through three independent councils. Each council will focus on a distinct area—academic standards, regulation, and accreditation.

This separation is intended to strengthen transparency and accountability, ensuring that quality assurance, compliance, and benchmarking are handled with clarity and independence. Supporters of the Bill argue that such a structure could reduce arbitrary decision-making while raising institutional trust in the regulatory process.

Technology at the Core of Reform

One of the most notable features of the Bill is its emphasis on a technology-driven, faceless approval system. The proposed single-window digital mechanism aims to simplify permissions, reduce delays, and limit human discretion in decision-making.

By relying on transparent digital processes, the government hopes to make compliance easier for institutions, encourage faster approvals, and create a more predictable regulatory environment. This shift is also seen as a move toward aligning Indian higher education governance with global best practices.

Autonomy, Innovation, and Global Aspirations

The Bill places strong emphasis on granting greater autonomy to high-performing institutions. By reducing excessive regulatory controls, it seeks to encourage innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and research excellence.

At the same time, the framework aims to ensure that autonomy does not come at the cost of equity. The legislation underscores the importance of expanding access to quality education, particularly as India works to position itself as a global education hub.

In Step With NEP 2020

The proposed law closely aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which called for systemic reforms, institutional autonomy, and a simplified regulatory architecture. In that sense, the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill can be seen as a legislative bridge between policy vision and on-ground implementation.

By embedding NEP principles into law, the government is signalling its intent to move from reform rhetoric to structural change.

Why This Bill Matters

The introduction of the Bill represents more than administrative restructuring. It reflects a broader vision of preparing India’s higher education system for the demands of a rapidly changing global economy—one that values flexibility, innovation, and international competitiveness.

As parliamentary scrutiny and debate unfold in the coming weeks, the Bill is expected to draw wide attention from universities, educators, and students alike.

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BlogFeaturedIndiaIndia Parliament

Government Open to Structured Debate on Air Pollution as Opposition Pushes for Urgent Action

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
Lok Sabha

Amid intensifying concerns about toxic air across several Indian cities, the government has indicated that it is prepared to hold a detailed discussion on air pollution in the Lok Sabha. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that since the Leader of the Opposition raised the matter in the Business Advisory Committee, the government must examine how such a discussion can be formally structured under parliamentary rules. His remarks suggested both willingness and procedural caution, signalling that the stage is being set for a multi-party conversation.

Rijiju reiterated that the government, from day one of the Winter Session, has been open to discussing all major national issues and considering constructive suggestions from the opposition. His comments come at a time when MPs across party lines have repeatedly flagged alarming pollution levels, especially in large urban centres.

Rahul Gandhi Calls for a Non-Ideological, Unified Response

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi emphasised that the worsening air quality is a nationwide challenge, not a political battleground. He expressed hope that the topic would not be reduced to ideological point-scoring, insisting that all parties share common ground on the urgency of clean air.

Gandhi urged the government to prepare a credible national strategy to reduce pollution, and assured that the opposition, including the Congress, would support any serious effort to create actionable solutions. His insistence that the discussion move swiftly reflects the pressure many urban constituencies are feeling as health warnings intensify.

Persistent Demands from the Opposition Bloc

Opposition parties have been calling for the debate since the start of the Winter Session, arguing that air quality has reached a point where legislative intervention is unavoidable. Congress whip Manickam Tagore reiterated the urgency, telling the House that millions of citizens face a “health emergency” that can no longer be brushed aside. With particulate matter levels spiking across northern India, several MPs have echoed similar concerns.

Momentum Builds for a Full-Fledged Parliamentary Discussion

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, acknowledging the seriousness of the matter, has already held initial conversations with both the government and opposition leaders regarding the feasibility of a focused discussion. His involvement indicates that the House is moving closer to dedicating formal time to the subject.

If the discussion proceeds, it may open the door to cross-party collaboration on long-pending reforms in urban planning, industrial regulation, transport policy, and emergency-response preparedness. For now, the tone on both sides appears unusually aligned: the crisis cannot be ignored, and the debate must happen.

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BlogFeaturedIndiaIndia Parliament

Day 2 of the Winter Session: Parliament Halts Amid Deepening Confrontation

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
Parliament Winter Session day 2

The second day of the 2025 Parliament Winter Session unfolded not as a routine legislative day, but as a sharp reminder of how fragile parliamentary functioning can become when political trust erodes. What began as a normal sitting quickly spiralled into disorder as opposition parties pressed aggressively for an immediate and structured debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

In their view, the SIR process risked excluding legitimate voters; in the government’s assessment, the House needed to proceed with its planned business. The collision of these two priorities defined the entire day.

Lok Sabha Gridlocked as Protests Dominate

The Lok Sabha made barely any progress before breaking into full-blown chaos. Opposition MPs marched into the Well, raising slogans that drowned out the Speaker’s attempts to restore order. Their demand was consistent and unyielding: no legislative work until the SIR issue was taken up on priority.

The Speaker attempted to move the House forward, but with the noise escalating and no breakthrough in sight, he was forced to adjourn the session repeatedly. Even when the House reconvened, the disruptions resumed within minutes, leaving the day’s agenda untouched.

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BlogEnvironmentFeaturedIndia

World Environment Council Invites Nominations for the 3rd Environment Civilian Awards 2026 in New Delhi

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

Every year, the global conversation about sustainability grows louder, and with it rises the need to acknowledge those who dedicate their lives to environmental protection. This year, the World Environment Council (WEC) has once again stepped forward to champion this cause. The organization has officially announced the opening of nominations for the 3rd Environment Civilian Awards 2026, a prestigious recognition program honoring individuals who have shaped environmental progress through years of committed service.

This announcement, shared from New Delhi by Prof. Ganesh Channa, Founder and President of WEC, marks the beginning of a new cycle of appreciation for environmental leadership. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 24, 2026, bringing together some of the most influential environmental thinkers, practitioners, and innovators from India and across the world.

The WEC Environment Civilian Awards are designed to spotlight individuals who have not only contributed to environmental advancement but have done so with enduring passion and demonstrable impact. The awards span experience, leadership, public service, scientific contribution, grassroots work, and innovation, reflecting the diverse pathways through which environmental change is created.

For 2026, WEC has categorized the awards into two distinguished levels that represent the highest respect within its global environmental community.

Paryavaran Bhushan – First Degree of Honor

Paryavaran Bhushan stands as the highest civilian environmental honor conferred by WEC. This award is reserved for individuals whose contributions over at least two decades have transformed environmental understanding and strengthened sustainability efforts on a national or global scale.

Recipients of this award have typically influenced fields such as environmental governance, climate science, biodiversity conservation, sustainable technology development, eco-policy frameworks, and long-term climate leadership. Their work often extends far beyond their professional duties, inspiring systemic change and influencing the next generation of environmental champions.

Paryavaran Shri – Second Degree of Honor

Complementing the top honor is the Paryavaran Shri, awarded to individuals with a minimum of fifteen years of dedicated work in environmental protection or sustainability. This category recognizes real-world achievers who have created visible impact in areas such as environmental education, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, public health and climate mitigation, research, sanitation, eco-entrepreneurship, and community-centered conservation efforts.

The award seeks to bring national attention to those who have demonstrated relentless commitment to making everyday life greener and healthier.

Inclusivity at the Heart of the Nominations

One of the defining principles of WEC’s award program is its inclusiveness. The nominations are open to individuals from all regions, sectors, and backgrounds, reflecting the belief that environmental service is not limited to profession or geography. Whether someone is conducting research in a laboratory, leading a community cleanup program, developing clean technology, or teaching sustainability to young minds, their contribution is valued.

As Prof. Ganesh Channa stated during the announcement, these awards are meant to honor “those whose sustained efforts are helping shape a cleaner, greener, and more resilient world.” WEC’s mission is not only to recognize excellence but to encourage others to join the movement toward environmental responsibility.

Nomination Process and Key Dates

Applicants can submit their nominations through the official WEC portal, where all details and submission guidelines are available.

Nomination Deadline: December 20, 2025
Award Ceremony: January 24, 2026, New Delhi
Website: www.wec.org.in
Email: co*****@*****rg.in
Contact Numbers: +91-8130305369 / 9813357716

The Council encourages early submissions so that the evaluation committee has sufficient time to review contributions thoroughly.

About the World Environment Council

The World Environment Council is a Section 8 nonprofit organization committed to advancing sustainability, environmental protection, climate education, ESG development, and global green initiatives. WEC collaborates with governments, industries, academic bodies, and international organizations to promote environmental responsibility and cultivate leadership that aligns with global sustainability goals.

The Council’s award program has steadily become a respected platform where environmental excellence is not only recognized but celebrated at an international level.

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BlogFeaturedIndia

Delhi wakes up to an early winter surprise with temperatures dropping to 9°C.

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
Delhi

Delhi has stepped into November with an unexpected chill that has taken the city by surprise. A sudden drop in temperature to 9°C has marked the coldest November night in nearly three years, signalling that winter has arrived earlier than usual in the national capital.

Why the Sudden Temperature Drop?

Meteorologists attribute this sharp dip to a familiar winter pattern: clear skies and cold north-westerly winds. The absence of cloud cover allows daytime warmth to escape quickly after sunset, while icy winds descending from the Himalayas intensify the cooling process. The combination created perfect conditions for Delhi’s early winter night.

Some local pockets, including the Ridge, hovered close to cold-wave conditions. However, the India Meteorological Department has not yet declared an official cold wave, noting that the required criteria—two stations recording significantly below-normal temperatures for two consecutive days—has not been fully met.

How Cold Is This Compared to Previous Years?

The new low stands out when compared with recent Novembers. In 2022, Delhi experienced a 7.3°C minimum, but the years that followed saw temperatures staying comfortably above 9°C. This makes this year’s sudden drop especially notable, hinting at a potentially colder winter ahead.

Air Quality Adds to the City’s Discomfort

Even as residents pull out their woollens earlier than expected, the air remains thick with pollution. The city continues to battle very poor to severe air quality levels, creating a dense layer that traps cold air and pollutants near the surface.

This stagnant mix of smoke, fog, and dust has made mornings particularly harsh, with many residents reporting burning eyes, reduced visibility, and a biting chill as they step outside.

What Lies Ahead for Delhi?

Forecasts suggest that the mercury may fall even further, possibly reaching 8°C in the coming days. Foggy mornings are expected to become a more regular feature as winter settles in.

Whether this early cold marks the beginning of a prolonged winter or a short-lived dip remains to be seen. For now, Delhi’s winter has made a clear and early statement.

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BlogFeaturedIndia

Delhi’s Air Quality Plunges into ‘Severe’ Zone Once Again

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
Delhi AQI

The national capital woke up to a toxic haze on Sunday, November 9, 2025, as the air quality dipped into the ‘severe’ category, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 391 at 7 a.m., according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several parts of Delhi crossed the 400-mark, signalling extremely hazardous conditions that could impact the health of residents across age groups.

City Chokes as AQI Crosses 400 in Multiple Areas

Pollution levels in the capital reached alarming heights, with major monitoring stations reporting AQI levels between 410 and 436. Among the most affected areas were Bawana (436), Patparganj (425), RK Puram (422), Chandni Chowk (409), and Anand Vihar (412). Localities like Alipur (415) and Sonia Vihar (415) also remained in the ‘severe’ range, underscoring the widespread deterioration in air quality.

Residents reported a visible smog blanket across the city, with reduced visibility and irritation in the eyes and throat. Doctors and environmentalists have warned that prolonged exposure to such levels of pollution could lead to respiratory illnesses, especially among children and the elderly.

A Week of Rising Pollution: From ‘Poor’ to ‘Severe’

The latest spike in pollution follows a steady decline in air quality over the past week. On Saturday, November 8, the city’s AQI stood at 355 (‘very poor’), while on Friday, November 7, it was 312 (‘very poor’). Just two days earlier, on Thursday, November 6, the AQI was 271 (‘poor’). The consistent worsening of air quality paints a grim picture of post-festive pollution in the capital region.

CPCB data shows that multiple stations have reported dangerously high levels throughout the week. Localities such as Ashok Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Punjabi Bagh, and Okhla Phase-II have remained in the ‘very poor’ category for consecutive days, suggesting widespread and persistent air stagnation across Delhi-NCR.

Impact of Post-Festive Pollution and GRAP Measures

Experts attribute this decline to a combination of post-Deepavali firecracker emissions, crop residue burning in neighbouring states, and stagnant wind patterns that trap pollutants near the surface. Despite Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) being in effect, the impact on ground conditions appears limited.

Under GRAP Stage II, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has already doubled parking fees across the capital to discourage vehicular traffic, one of the key contributors to urban air pollution. Additional restrictions on construction and waste-burning have also been imposed, but officials acknowledge that stricter enforcement and meteorological support will be needed for substantial improvement.

Understanding the AQI Scale

The Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a measure of pollutant concentration and health risk. As per CPCB guidelines:

  • 0–50: Good
  • 51–100: Satisfactory
  • 101–200: Moderate
  • 201–300: Poor
  • 301–400: Very Poor
  • 401–500: Severe

With large parts of Delhi crossing the 400 threshold, the current conditions fall into the ‘severe’ category, where even healthy individuals may experience breathing difficulties, and vulnerable groups face serious health risks.

What Lies Ahead for Delhi’s Air

Meteorologists predict that air quality may remain in the ‘severe’ or upper ‘very poor’ range for the next few days due to stagnant winds and temperature inversion. Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely, with the possibility of implementing GRAP Stage III, which includes a ban on certain diesel vehicles and construction activities, if pollution levels remain unchanged.

Environmentalists stress the need for long-term solutions such as cleaner transportation, improved waste management, and reduced stubble burning in nearby states to prevent such recurring crises each winter.

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BlogFeaturedIndiaIndia Parliament

Parliament Winter Session 2025 to Begin on December 1

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
Parliament Winter Session 2025

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the Winter Session of Parliament will take place from December 1 to 19, 2025. The announcement, made via X (formerly Twitter), invited all parties to engage in meaningful discussions aimed at “strengthening democracy and serving the aspirations of the people.”

Traditionally, the Winter Session begins in the third week of November and continues until just before Christmas. However, this year’s schedule—spanning just 19 days—has triggered criticism from opposition parties, who view the delay as an attempt to limit parliamentary scrutiny and debate.

Opposition’s Response: “An Unusually Delayed and Truncated Session”

The announcement immediately drew sharp reactions from opposition leaders. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh labelled the move as “unusually delayed” and “truncated,” questioning the government’s intent.
“What message is being sent to the nation?” he wrote on X. “Clearly, the government has no business to transact, no bills to get passed, and no debate to be allowed.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien accused the government of suffering from what he termed “Parliament-ophobia.” He remarked, “PM Narendra Modi and his team continue to suffer from an acute fear of facing Parliament. This short session sets a dubious record.”

Context: A Year of Limited Parliamentary Business

The criticism stems from a broader pattern noted throughout 2025. The Monsoon Session, which ended on August 21, witnessed limited legislative activity amid frequent disruptions and protests.
While 12 bills were passed in the Lok Sabha and 14 in the Rajya Sabha, much of the session was overshadowed by debates on Operation Sindoor and the Special Intensive Revision exercise in Bihar, both of which led to repeated adjournments.

Observers suggest that the Winter Session, being significantly shorter, may not allow adequate time to discuss pressing national issues or pending legislation.

Historical Comparison: Last Year’s Heated Winter Session

Last year’s Winter Session (2024) had been longer and far more eventful. It featured debates marking the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, a no-confidence motion against then Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and an Opposition-led impeachment notice against an Allahabad High Court judge.
The session concluded with a charged debate over the alleged insult of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, reflecting the politically charged atmosphere that often defines India’s parliamentary proceedings.

Government’s Stance: Focus on “Constructive Debate”

Despite the criticism, Minister Rijiju expressed optimism about the upcoming session. His statement emphasized collaboration and purpose: “We look forward to a constructive and meaningful session that strengthens democracy and serves the aspirations of the people.”
Government insiders suggest that the session will prioritize key economic and administrative bills while reviewing progress made under various national schemes before the fiscal year’s end.

What Lies Ahead

With the session scheduled to begin in early December, all eyes will be on how both Houses navigate political tensions and time constraints. Whether the short session will produce substantial legislative outcomes or dissolve into partisan gridlock remains to be seen.

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BlogFeaturedIndiaIndia Parliament

Parliament Considers Online Gaming Bill 2025 to Balance Regulation and Industry Growth

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
Parliament Monsoon Session

The Indian government has tabled the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, in the Parliament with a bold vision—to make India the global capital of game development. The legislation seeks to regulate the booming digital gaming industry, encourage innovation in e-sports and creative gaming, and curb the risks associated with money-based online gambling.

A National Online Gaming Authority in the Works

At the heart of the bill is the proposal for a national-level Online Gaming Authority. This regulatory body will oversee digital gaming platforms across the country, ensuring that safe, skill-based games are nurtured while harmful gambling-like platforms face strict scrutiny.

By providing a framework for classification and compliance, the authority aims to bring consistency to a sector that has long been fragmented by varying state laws.

Differentiating Safe Games From Gambling Platforms

A major highlight of the bill is its attempt to draw a clear line between skill-based e-sports and casual online games versus chance-driven money games.

The government has emphasized support for games rooted in skill, creativity, and competition—like e-sports and gamified social platforms. On the other hand, platforms offering poker, rummy, and other real-money card games are being targeted for stricter oversight, given their association with financial risks, fraud, and addiction.

Officials noted that while operators often blur the line between “skill” and “luck,” this bill seeks to remove ambiguity and protect both players and legitimate developers.

Addressing Addiction, Fraud, and Social Concerns

The government has underscored that the bill is not aimed at punishing players but rather at holding operators accountable. Concerns flagged by political leaders across parties highlight issues like:

  • Addiction and its impact on families.
  • Misleading platforms promising quick financial gains.
  • Fraudulent operators exploiting loopholes in state laws.

Recent investigations revealed that illegal betting apps—often disguised as skill-based games—are part of a market valued at over ₹8.3 lakh crore, growing at nearly 30% annually. The bill’s stricter oversight aims to tackle this rapidly expanding shadow sector.

Driving India’s Game Development Vision

Beyond regulation, the bill reflects the government’s larger ambition: to position India as a global hub for game development. With clarity in classification and active government support for safe gaming, the industry is expected to see greater investment in creative content, e-sports infrastructure, and gamified digital platforms.

As S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, put it, the goal is to encourage the positive, innovative side of gaming, while discouraging exploitative practices that harm users.

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