India is nearing the commercial launch of Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology, pending final regulatory approvals. This technology, utilizing terrestrial broadcast infrastructure, aims to deliver content directly to mobile devices without a SIM, reducing data costs and network congestion. With successful pilot projects and the development of compatible devices like the SL3000 chip, the rollout awaits policy clearance, expected sometime next year.

Dream Sports and Microsoft have partnered to enhance India's gaming market, leveraging Dream Sports' extensive user base and Microsoft's AI expertise. The collaboration, announced at WAVES 2025, aims to publish Microsoft's gaming titles locally and develop AI-driven gaming experiences tailored for Indian gamers. This initiative taps into India's booming $3.8 billion gaming market, which boasts 600 million gamers.

IPL franchises are evolving beyond seasonal cricket teams, aiming for year-round engagement through licensing, merchandising, and original content. Teams are focusing on active fan participation, loyalty programs, and digital-first approaches to attract younger audiences. This shift is driven by rising franchise valuations, robust media rights, and evolving sponsorship models, transforming IPL into a media-tech-sport hybrid.

Donald Trump's tariff threat looms over Indian cinema. A 100% tariff on foreign films entering the US could drastically affect the Indian film industry's earnings. Ticket prices may surge, impacting viewership in America. Producers fear reduced revenue from theatrical releases and digital deals. Some believe the impact will be minimal, with alternative markets available.

India's burgeoning online video sector faces a significant threat from digital piracy, potentially leading to billions in losses and hindering growth. A recent report highlights the urgent need for effective anti-piracy measures to recover revenue, boost content creation, and generate jobs. Industry leaders are advocating for proactive strategies, technological tools, and stronger enforcement to combat this growing issue.

India's media and entertainment sector is experiencing substantial growth, driven by content creation and digital media services, contributing significantly to the economy and employment. However, online video piracy poses a major threat, causing significant revenue losses. Implementing robust anti-piracy measures could recover substantial revenue and create numerous jobs within the video ecosystem.

India is emerging as a key battleground for streaming giants like Netflix, Prime Video, and JioHotstar, attracting significant investment due to its rapidly growing digital audience. These platforms are doubling down on original content and innovation to capture viewer attention. JioHotstar has challenged market perceptions by achieving 280 million paid subscribers, driven by affordability and accessibility.

WAVES Bazaar, as part of WAVES 2025 in Mumbai, concluded with over Rs 1,328 crore in business transactions and 3,000 B2B meetings. The Maharashtra government signed MoUs worth Rs 8,000 crore to boost the M&E sector. WAVEX also selected 30 M&E startups for investment opportunities, fostering innovation and growth within the industry.

India is rapidly becoming a global creative powerhouse, fueled by its talent pool, cultural richness, and technological advancements. The country's media infrastructure is expanding, supporting global programming with cost-effective VFX and animation. Indian studios are increasingly adopting AI and virtual production, creating immersive content and earning international recognition through films and music.

JioStar's Uday Shankar has warned that a one-size-fits-all regulatory approach could harm both sectors. TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, however, has advocated for regulatory parity, highlighting disparities in content regulation, consumer protection, and fairness, prompting calls for a unified framework.

Prime Video and CJ ENM have partnered to distribute Korean content globally, excluding Korea and China. Starting in late June with 'Head Over Heels,' Prime Video will launch exclusive titles through 2026, enhancing its Korean content with subtitles in 28 languages and dubbing in 11.

Indias creator economy is reshaping the digital and consumer space, with creators now influencing over $350 billion in annual spendinga figure expected to cross $1 trillion by 2030, according to a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report titled From Content to Commerce: Mapping Indias Creator Economy.

At the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai, 77 countries adopted the 13-point WAVES Declaration, committing to preserving cultural heritage and promoting creative collaboration in the digital age.

WAVES Bazaar 2025, a market initiative, has generated over Rs 250 crore in its initial 36 hours, with projections exceeding Rs 400 crore. The event, featuring participants from 22 countries, facilitated key deals and partnerships, including agreements for post-production, co-production of animated films, and development of a series exploring India's colonial past.

Prime Focus Group, in collaboration with the Maharashtra government, is set to develop a global entertainment destination in Mumbai with a proposed investment of Rs 3000 crore. This ambitious project aims to establish a technologically advanced content creation ecosystem, positioning Mumbai as a hub for content creators and boosting tourism.

At the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai, tech leaders emphasized that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful ally for human creativity rather than a threat. Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen highlighted AIs role in enhancing Indian creators capabilities, noting its impact on media, design, and regional language storytelling.