CM: Govt settled site debate by setting up 3 nat'l law univs
Devendra Fadnavis
on Sunday said the Maharashtra govt under him took the historic decision of setting up three national law universities (NLUs)—at Mumbai, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar—to settle the debate over its location nearly a decade ago.
He pointed out that no state in the country has such an arrangement,
Fadnavis highlighted the role played by then CJI Sharad Bobde as well as CJI Bhushan Gavai, then with the Nagpur bench of Bombay HC, Union minister Nitin Gadkari, and himself in chalking out a plan for bringing Maharashtra NLU to Nagpur.
In a lighter vein, Fadnavis said he witnessed the growth of MNLU in different capacities—as CM, leader of opposition, deputy CM and then CM again.
You Can Also Check:
Mumbai AQI
|
Weather in Mumbai
|
Bank Holidays in Mumbai
|
Public Holidays in Mumbai
The university began functioning in July 2016. Fadnavis said it is equipped with all facilities for quality education. "The surrounding environment enhances the natural beauty of the campus. Funds have been allocated for the university in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and land has been selected for the Mumbai campus. In the coming years, all three universities will operate at full capacity," he said at the inauguration of the new administrative block of MNLU in Nagpur on Sunday.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Nuova CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID
CUPRA
Configura Auto
Undo
"Students [from the three universities] should achieve success on a global stage. Three significant pre-Independence laws have been amended; not merely renamed but Indianised. These changes will enable the use of new technology, speed up judicial processes and increase conviction rates," said Fadnavis.
As India becomes the world's fourth largest economy, the CM said, swift resolution of commercial and investment-related cases is essential to attract investment.
"India's Constitution is the finest, establishing an ideal as a sustainable value. To face the challenges of a changing world, students have no better platform than this university. Challenges like cybercrime and cyber breaches exist, but artificial intelligence offers opportunities.
Students must take responsibility for bringing positive changes to the legal field through technology."
Putting the onus on teachers, he said the university should now provide education in innovation, creativity and modern processes, alongside academics.
"Govt will fully support all initiatives to make this university the best and self-sufficient."
Acknowledging Fadnavis's efforts in establishing the university and its modern facilities, Union minister Gadkari said this will lead to the institution's qualitative growth. "Updating knowledge is crucial, and this university will set an excellent example. Knowledge is a great power that must be transformed into wealth. By leveraging modern technologies like digital advancements, the university should achieve commendable performance globally," he said.
Gadkari praised the institution's innovative policy and design, highlighting its vision and the potential of its bright, upcoming students.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
27 minutes ago
- India Today
Why Modi govt drew the line with online gaming bill
On August 19, when the Union cabinet cleared the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, the sense of urgency was unmistakable. Within 24 hours, the draft was tabled in Parliament, underscoring how swiftly the Narendra Modi government wanted to push through one of the most ambitious regulatory overhauls in India's digital the language of consumer protection and youth welfare lies a story of political calculation, social pressure and economic disruption that could reverberate across industries far removed from consider this to be step down from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day announcement last year, wherein he aspired for India to become the leader in the global gaming market. Modi had then said that India must leverage its rich ancient legacy and literature to come up with Made in India gaming products. He added that Indian professionals must lead the global gaming market, not just in playing but also in producing the red line has been drawn to keep real-money games out of the ambit, argue those in the government. For months, the government had been under pressure to respond to a surge of distress stories linked to real-money gaming. Parents complained of teenagers running up debts on borrowed digital wallets; young professionals saw their salaries wiped out in a few nights of high-stakes play; and across small towns, reports of suicides tied to online gambling losses began to appear with disturbing regularity. The public perception that gaming platforms were becoming a social menace—akin to alcohol or narcotics in their addictive pull—was gaining ground. State governments, particularly in the South, had tried to legislate bans, only to have them struck down by courts. The Centre's reluctance to intervene had begun to look like vacuum was filled by the Sangh Parivar's affiliates, who brought ideological pressure to bear on the government. The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), in particular, made online gaming a moral economy issue, portraying it as a threat to household savings and traditional argument resonated within the BJP ecosystem: speculative play was not creating productive capital but draining families, and worse, it was ensnaring India's youth. In closed-door consultations, Sangh functionaries invoked parallels with colonial-era opium and liquor trades, which they said had weakened communities from within. By the time the Cabinet note circulated, the push from the ideological right had become impossible to bill itself is sweeping. It bans real-money games outright and criminalises their endorsement by celebrities, athletes and social media influencers. It arms regulators with extraordinary powers, including warrantless search and seizure, allowing officials to enter premises, seize servers and freeze accounts without prior judicial oversight. Penalties run into crores, with provisions for jail time for repeat offenders. For a sector that had operated in regulatory grey zones for years, the shift is nothing short of impact on India's celebrity economy is immediate. Over the past three years, endorsements for gaming platforms had become a major source of income for cricketers, Bollywood stars and digital influencers. That revenue stream vanishes overnight, leaving talent agencies scrambling. For venture-backed firms, many with global capital riding on India as one of the largest growth markets, the bill is potentially built around fantasy sports, poker, rummy and other real-money formats face outright extinction. Investors had poured billions into the sector, confident that India's courts would protect skill-based gaming from outright bans. That bet has now in one of those paradoxes that define India's markets, several listed tech and gaming-related stocks rallied after the Cabinet decision. Investors seemed to calculate that the elimination of grey-zone competition would consolidate opportunity in segments the government deems permissible—casual, skill-based or educational gaming. Some even speculated that global studios, wary of the unpredictability, would step back, leaving domestic firms to dominate what remains of the field. In that sense, capital was already reorienting to profit from the regulation even as hundreds of start-ups faced an existential the Modi government, the calculus is clear: the political dividend outweighs the economic cost. Positioning itself as a guardian of family welfare against predatory industries has appeal across caste, class and geography. In semi-urban and rural constituencies, stories of young men pawning jewellery or defaulting on loans after online gaming binges have spread the southern states, where courts had overturned state-level bans, the Centre's decisive intervention allows the BJP to claim ownership of a cause that regional parties had fumbled. By centralising regulation, the government not only resolves a messy federal dispute but also asserts Delhi's primacy over a digital sector once seen as beyond traditional symbolism goes further. Around the world, governments are moving against online gaming excesses. China has imposed strict limits on youth play, Europe is tightening gambling-related regulations, and the US has seen state-level crackdowns. India's permissive stance had begun to look tabling the bill, the government aligned itself with this global wave, signalling that its digital economy is not a laissez-faire frontier but one subject to moral and political oversight. As one economist who has tracked the sector for years put it, 'This is a blunt instrument, but perhaps a necessary one. When markets fail to self-regulate and the social costs pile up, the state asserts itself.'advertisementStill, the long-term consequences remain uncertain. India's digital economy has thrived on global investor confidence, and sudden, sweeping prohibitions risk undermining that perception of predictability. Venture capital funds have already begun reassessing their appetite for Indian start-ups, worried that other high-growth sectors could face similar crackdowns. Even firms in permissible categories will find themselves grappling with compliance costs and the chilling effect of regulators armed with warrantless powers. For entrepreneurs, the bill is a reminder that in India's political economy, social stability can trump for the ruling BJP, the political upside is too attractive to ignore. The legislation dovetails neatly with the party's broader narrative of moral guardianship: protecting the young, safeguarding families and curbing what it portrays as corrosive modern temptations. In campaign rallies, expect to hear references to the bill as proof that the Modi government will not allow 'digital addiction' to destroy households. The fact that it was tabled in Parliament so swiftly after Cabinet approval underscores its role as a political project, not just a regulatory the clash between capital and culture, the government has chosen culture. In the tug of war between states and courts, it has reasserted central authority. In the balance between innovation and morality, it has sided firmly with morality. Whether the online gaming bill becomes a model for future digital regulation or a cautionary tale of overreach will depend on its implementation. For now, what it represents is unmistakable: the assertion of the state's right to police not just the economy but the moral fabric of Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill is, therefore, more than a piece of legislation. It is a statement of intent from a government that thrives on decisive gestures. The message to investors is blunt: profits cannot come at the cost of social order. The message to voters is sharper still: the state will intervene, aggressively if necessary, to protect families from what it sees as corrosive forces. In a season of high political stakes, the bill has become both policy and politics, an emblem of how the Modi government views the trade-offs between growth, morality and to India Today Magazine- Ends
NDTV
27 minutes ago
- NDTV
"Can't Take Anymore": Omar Abdullah's Viral Post Amid J&K Statehood Demand
New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday shared a Harry Potter-inspired meme amid renewed speculation over the status of the region's statehood. The meme, featuring the character Severus Snape, read, "Please I can't take anymore of this." ???? — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 19, 2025 The post came shortly after media reports suggested that the Centre could table a Bill on J&K statehood in Parliament on Wednesday. Home Minister Amit Shah is also introducing the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha. It reportedly seeks to reorganise the Jammu and Kashmir administration. The debate over statehood has remained since August 5, 2019, when the Union government revoked Article 370, ending the region's special status. Article 370 granted the territory its constitution, flag, and autonomy over most internal matters, besides defence, foreign affairs, and communications. With the state under President's Rule at the time, Parliament issued Constitutional Orders 272 and 273, stripping the provision of its force. This was followed by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which bifurcated the state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, with an assembly, and Ladakh, without one. While the Centre has repeatedly said that statehood will be restored "at an appropriate time," no timeline has been given. In December 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370 but directed the Election Commission to conduct assembly elections in J&K by September 2024. It also urged the Union government to restore statehood at the earliest. Several parties and activists in the Valley have been pressing for statehood and, in some cases, even the rollback of the 2019 decision. Last year's assembly elections, the first in a decade, saw the National Conference-Congress alliance come to power, renewing calls for early statehood. Omar Abdullah has been vocal on the issue. In his Independence Day address earlier, he said he had taken a political risk by placing trust in India's democracy and the Centre for restoring J&K's rights, including statehood. "I had no expectations, but I was being constantly told that the documents are ready, and now just the announcement is to be made. But the announcement never came. The ray of hope is fading, but we will not give up," he said, as per PTI.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
27 minutes ago
- First Post
Why India wants to ban online real-money games like fantasy sports, lotteries
The Centre introduced the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The proposed legislation seeks to ban online games played with money and impose stricter penalties on celebrity promoters. On the other hand, the government wants to promote e-sports and online social games India is planning to ban online games played with money, in a major setback for an industry that has attracted billions in investment but remains controversial. On Wednesday (August 20), Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced the Online Gaming Bill in the Lok Sabha. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, seeks to prohibit real-money online gaming, imposing stricter penalties on such platforms and their celebrity promoters. It also aims to encourage e-sports and online social games. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let's take a closer look. What's in the Online Gaming Bill? The Online Gaming Bill seeks to ban online gaming platforms, citing psychological and national security concerns. It defines 'online money game' as 'an online game, irrespective of whether such game is based on skill, chance, or both, played by a user by paying fees, depositing money or other stakes in expectation of winning which entails monetary and other enrichment in return of money or other stakes; but shall not include any e-sports'. If passed, the bill would outlaw all online betting and gambling, including fantasy sports and Poker, Rummy and other card games, as well as online lotteries, the Ministry of Electronics and IT said in a statement, as per ANI. Section 2(h) of the bill defines 'online money gaming service' as a service offered by a person for entering or playing an online money game. The proposed ban applies to all money-based online games, whether based on skill or chance, and advertisements for such platforms. The draft bill also prohibits banks and financial institutions from facilitating financial transactions on these gaming platforms. Violators can face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for offering or facilitating online money gaming. The Centre's bill proposes to ban all money-based online games, whether based on skill or chance. Representational Image/Pixabay The bill also proposes punishing those promoting these platforms, such as social media influencers, who can be imprisoned for two years and face a penalty of Rs 50 lakh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Major gaming platforms, such as Dream11, Games24x7, Winzo, GamesKraft, 99Games, MPL, KheloFantasy, and My11Circle will be directly hit by the proposed ban. E-sports to be promoted The Online Gaming Bill exempts e-sports from the ban. The government wants to recognise e-sports as a legitimate form of competitive sport in the country. To encourage e-sports, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will set up a dedicated framework. The government could also mull promoting and recognising 'online social games' for educational and recreational purposes. While these could include a subscription fee for entry, there will be nothing in the form of a stake or wager. Notably, the Online Gaming Bill empowers authorised officials to conduct search operations at physical and virtual places, even without a warrant. '…any (authorised) officer…may enter any place, whether physical or digital, and search and arrest without warrant any person found therein who is reasonably suspected of having committed or of committing or of being about to commit any offence under this Act,' the Bill states. Why ban on online money gaming The government says it wants to ban such online games as they cause financial harm and are addictive. As per the Bill, the unregulated expansion of online money gaming services has been associated with 'unlawful activities including financial fraud, money-laundering, tax evasion, and in some cases, the financing of terrorism, thereby posing threats to national security, public order and the integrity of the State'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It said the law was needed due to the 'deleterious and negative impact of online money games on the individuals, families, society and the nation and given the technical aspects including the very nature of the electronic medium used for online money games, the algorithms applied and the national and transnational networks.' Reflecting the Government's commitment to a safe, secure, and innovation-driven Digital India, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 strikes a balanced path—encouraging innovation and youth engagement through safe and positive online gaming, while firmly… — Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) August 20, 2025 The Statement of Object and Reasons of the Bill read that 'the unchecked and widespread proliferation of online money games which readily accessible through mobile devices, computers, and the internet, and offering monetary returns in exchange for deposited funds has led to grave social, economic, and psychological consequences across the country'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'These platforms often promote compulsive and addictive behaviour, resulting in financial ruin, mental health disorders, and increasing incidents of fraud and exploitation', the Bill said, adding such games often use 'manipulative design features, addictive algorithms, bots and undisclosed agents, undermining fairness, transparency and user protection, while promoting compulsive behaviour leading to financial ruin'. Reactions to the proposed ban The government's plan to put a blanket ban on online money gaming has sparked criticism from various quarters. The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) has warned of a devastating fallout for the industry if the bill is implemented without changes. Seeking Union Home Minister Amit Shah's intervention, it said there was a need for 'progressive regulation' and not a ban. 'Such a blanket prohibition would strike a death knell for this legitimate, job-creating industry, and would cause serious harm to Indian users and citizens. We firmly believe that progressive regulation and not prohibition is the way forward for the legitimate Indian industry. With your guidance, India can set a global example by building a safe, transparent, and thriving digital gaming ecosystem,' AIGF said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An industry insider told that the government's approach is 'misguided' and could be more harmful than beneficial. 'A blanket ban will not protect Indians, it will harm them. It will kill jobs, drive users to illegal gambling, and violate the Constitution,' the source said, warning that a ban will only boost illegal offshore operators, which they described as 'one of the biggest national security threats to the country today.' India's online gaming industry is valued at $3.7 billion today, depending largely on real-money games (RMG). It is expected to further grow to $9.1 billion by 2029. Industry estimates that it creates Rs 31,000 crores in annual revenue and pays Rs 20,000 crores in direct and indirect taxes. The sector has attracted foreign direct investment of more than Rs 25,000 crore till June 2022. It also supports over two lakh direct and indirect jobs. E-sports stakeholders have hailed the bill, emphasising the need to draw a line between gaming and betting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking to Hindustan Times, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, said: 'The government's intent to recognise and promote e-sports, as highlighted in the recent bill, is an encouraging step towards building a structured and globally competitive ecosystem. However, for this vision to truly materialise, it is critical that the terminology used in the bill, particularly the distinctions between e-sports, online gaming, online social gaming, and online money gaming be clearly defined and uniformly understood.' Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has also criticised the ban on online money gaming, saying it would only push the industry underground and bolster criminal networks. 'I had written a very long article on the argument that by banning online gaming we are simply driving it underground, whereas it could be a useful source of revenue for the government if we legalise it, regulate it and tax it,' he was quoted as saying by PTI. Tharoor also pointed out that several countries have analysed the issue in detail and concluded that regulation and taxation can generate funds for social causes, while prohibition merely enriches 'criminal mafias'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He said on X that the bill should at least have been referred to a parliamentary committee 'to consider all the pros and cons before rushing it into law'. With inputs from agencies
