iWorld
Indian government wants streamers to develop a social conscience
MUMBAI: Most creators have been singing hosannas about how streaming platforms have allowed them to express themselves freely. But how freely? That’s a question that the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) is posing. Especially in light of its observation that “certain streaming content available on OTT platforms is inadvertently promoting, glamorising or glorifying the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances through such portrayal by the main protagonist and other actors. Such a portrayal has serious repercussion, particularly regarding the potential influence on young and impressionable viewers.”
In advisory to the industry, the MIB has advised OTTs to stop portraying drug use or abuse as fashionable or acceptable to society especially when it is part of the narrative of a series or film. And it has also cautioned them that should the streamer or content creator choose to portray misuse of psychotropic substances, liquor, smoking, tobacco or any behavior that is likely to incite the commission of any offence, including infliction of self-harm, and that children and young people may potentially copy, then they should place the film or series in a higher classification of self-certification.
The ministry has directed the platforms to put in place measures like carrying public health messages and disclaimers about the dangers of drug abuse, especially in programs in which it is part of the story line. Then it has requested them to arouse their corporate social responsibility conscience and make and popularise content and documentaries which highlight how substance abuse is health-harming in the long term. Accepting that OTT content is beginning to impact public opinion and behaviour, it has reminded them of their social responsibility and how their content helps shape culture and society.
The advisory also warns that in case they find any streamer crossing the red line, strict regulatory scrutiny will follow under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 read with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), 1985. And if evidence is found conclusive, then strict penalties will apply.
Are the writers and creators and commissioning editors in streaming platforms listening? As well as the standards and practices guys?
Gaming
Sony raises PS5 prices for second time in under a year
US disc edition jumps $100 to $649.99 as memory costs surge.
MUMBAI: Sony just hit the pause button on affordable gaming because when memory prices skyrocket, even the Playstation has to pay the premium. Sony has announced its second price increase for the Playstation 5 range in less than a year, citing pressures in the global economic landscape and a sharp rise in memory component costs driven by AI demand.
In the US, the PS5 disc edition will rise from $549.99 to $649.99, a $100 hike while the digital edition increases to $599.99. The more powerful PS5 Pro will jump $150 to $899.99. The Playstation Portal remote player will also rise by $50 to $249.99. The new prices take effect on 2 April 2026.
Similar increases have been applied in the UK (£90 per model), Europe and Japan. Sony last raised PS5 prices in the US in August 2025.
“We know that price changes impact our community, and after careful evaluation, we found this was a necessary step to ensure we can continue delivering innovative, high-quality gaming experiences to players worldwide,” Sony said in a blog post.
The hikes come amid an unprecedented surge in memory prices, as manufacturers prioritise supply for AI data centres. Analysts say Sony had likely secured price protections for components that have now expired, forcing the company to protect its hardware margins.
Ampere Analysis research director of games Piers Harding-Rolls told CNBC that further increases from Microsoft and Nintendo would not be surprising, though Nintendo may hesitate to raise the price of its recently launched Switch 2 while establishing the new platform.
The increases arrive eight months before the highly anticipated release of GTA 6, which is expected to drive strong console sales. However, early reactions online have been a mix of disappointment and resignation, with growing concern that premium gaming is increasingly becoming a hobby for higher-income players.
In a sector already grappling with tariffs, inflation and component shortages, Sony’s move underscores a tough reality: even the most popular consoles are not immune to the rising cost of keeping up with the latest technology.
