President approves Online Gaming Bill and Income Tax Act, now it has become law:

News Topical, Digital Desk : The Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill, 2025 and the Income Tax Act, 2025 have officially become law after receiving President Draupadi Murmu's assent on Friday (August 22). Parliament approved the bill earlier this week, with the Lok Sabha giving its approval on Wednesday (August 20) and the Rajya Sabha on Thursday (August 21). Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who introduced the bill, described it as a "balanced approach" that encourages e-sports and online social games while curbing money-based harmful gaming practices.

What did Ashwini Vaishnav say on the online gaming bill

"This bill seeks to promote the positive aspects of gaming, such as teamwork, strategy and learning, while also focusing on the devastating consequences of online money gaming, which has become a public health concern," Vaishnaw told Parliament. "Just like chit funds once ruined families until laws were brought in to curb them, the menace of money gaming must also be addressed," the minister said. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently prioritised the welfare of the middle class and youth in such policy decisions.

President gave his assent to the new Income Tax Act

Apart from this, President Draupadi Murmu has given her approval to the Income Tax Act, 2025, which replaces the old Income Tax Act. The new Income Tax Act will come into force from the beginning of the next financial year. The new Act will simplify the tax laws and also reduce the number of words in the law, making it easier to understand. The Income Tax Department said in a post on the social media platform 'X', "The Income Tax Act, 2025 has received the approval of the Hon'ble President on 21st August, 2025. This is a historic reform replacing the 1961 Act which introduces a simple, transparent and compliance-friendly direct tax system.''