Author: Neel Achary

India’s M&E Sector Surges to Rs.2.78 Trillion in 2025, Digital Takes Lead

New Delhi: India’s media and entertainment (M&E) industry recorded a strong growth trajectory in 2025, expanding by 9% to reach ₹2.78 trillion (approximately $32 billion), according to the latest FICCI–EY report.

The report highlights a significant structural shift within the sector, with digital media emerging as the largest segment, overtaking traditional television. Digital platforms, driven by advertising and subscription growth, have become the backbone of the industry’s expansion.

Advertising revenues rose sharply by 13.5% to ₹1.5 trillion, with digital accounting for 63% of total ad spends. Meanwhile, digital subscriptions witnessed robust growth, with video subscriptions reaching over 216 million users across 143 million households.

The report attributes much of the industry’s growth to experiential segments, particularly live events, which surged by 44% in 2025. Large-scale gatherings, weddings, government events, and religious congregations played a crucial role in boosting revenues.

India’s film industry also delivered record-breaking performance, with more than 1,900 releases and 37 films crossing the ₹1 billion mark at the box office. However, television revenues declined as audiences increasingly shifted toward digital consumption.

Looking ahead, the sector is projected to grow to ₹3 trillion by 2027 and ₹3.3 trillion by 2028, reinforcing India’s position as a global content powerhouse.

Middle East conflict to have limited near-term impact on Southeast Asia power markets, but raises long-term energy security risks

LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, 24 March 2026 – Southeast Asia’s power markets are showing resilience to the ongoing Middle East conflict, but the crisis is reinforcing energy security as a central pillar of long-term power planning across the region. While regulated pricing and long-term LNG contracts are expected to shield most markets from severe near-term price shocks, the disruption is likely to accelerate a reassessment of generation strategies, according to the latest analysis from Wood Mackenzie. 

Imported LNG demand for power sector in Southeast Aisa and exposure to spot LNG in 2025 

“While Southeast Asia is relatively insulated from immediate price shocks, the current crisis is a clear reminder of the region’s structural exposure to global fuel markets,” said Yanqi Cao, senior analyst, Asia Pacific power and renewable research at Wood Mackenzie. “Energy security is moving back to the top of the agenda, and this will have lasting implications for how power systems evolve in the region.” 

Short-term impacts manageable, with uneven exposure 

Rising gas and LNG prices are expected to feed into Southeast Asian power prices through Q2 2026, though impacts will remain manageable and vary significantly across markets. 

Singapore and the Philippines are likely to experience the earliest effects. Singapore’s wholesale electricity prices have increased by around 20% in the third week of March compared to pre-conflict levels, while prices in the Philippines are following similar trend over the same period. In both markets, price caps are expected to limit the impact on end consumers. 

Elsewhere, regulatory mechanisms and subsidies will delay or dampen price increases. According to Wood Mackenzie, Thailand’s fuel tariff adjustment is not expected until May, while in Peninsular Malaysia, the impact is estimated at around a 1% increase in total power bills. Vietnam’s exposure remains limited, with gas accounting for just 9% of its power mix, and Indonesia’s fully subsidised tariff structure is expected to shield consumers from near-term changes. 

Limited flexibility constrains fuel switching 

If elevated fuel prices persist, most Southeast Asian markets will have limited ability to switch away from gas and LNG. 

Vietnam and Indonesia may partially offset higher gas costs through increased coal generation and power imports. However, Singapore and Thailand where gas and LNG account for approximately 85% and 65% of generation capacity, respectively have more limited short-term alternatives. Malaysia and the Philippines also retain coal capacity, but plants are already operating near maximum utilisation levels. 

Energy security concerns to accelerate structural shifts 

Prolonged market disruption is likely to accelerate policy and investment shifts across the region, particularly in nuclear power and firmed renewable energy. 

All six markets analysed have announced nuclear ambitions for 2030 – 2037, ranging from 1.2 GW in the Philippines to 4.0 – 6.4 GW in Vietnam. While these targets face execution challenges, heightened energy security concerns could drive renewed policy focus. 

Firmed renewables combining wind and solar with battery storage are also emerging as a more scalable near-term solution. Policy momentum is building across the region, including higher tariff caps for hybrid projects in Vietnam, battery requirements for new renewables in the Philippines, storage auctions in Malaysia, and ambitious solar-plus-storage targets in Indonesia. Singapore is also advancing plans to import up to 6 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035. 

“Southeast Asia’s power markets are relatively well insulated from immediate shocks due to existing contractual and regulatory structures,” concluded Cao. “However, sustained volatility in global energy markets is likely to sharpen the region’s focus on energy security, accelerating investment in nuclear and firmed renewable capacity as alternatives to gas-fired generation.” 

MSM Unify Appoints Dr. Nalin Jha as Head Academics to Drive E-Learning Growth

New Delhi, Mar 24: MSM Unify, a leading global education company and part of Laul Global, has announced the appointment of Dr. Nalin Jha as Head Academics. In his new role, Dr. Jha will lead the organization’s online and e-learning strategy, focusing on scaling digital education ecosystems and strengthening institutional partnerships.

 Dr. Jha brings extensive experience in academic operations, content innovation, program delivery, and faculty development. He has a strong track record of conceptualizing and scaling EdTech verticals, leading large-scale government-funded skilling initiatives, and building impactful collaborations across industry and academia.

Over the years, he has designed industry-aligned curricula, managed cross-functional teams, and delivered outcome-driven training programs across sectors including BFSI, AEC, logistics, IT, and healthcare. He has also forged strong B2B and B2G partnerships, working closely with organizations such as National Skill Development Corporation and various Sector Skill Councils to drive employability-focused skilling initiatives.

Commenting on the appointment, Sanjay Laul, Founder of MSM Unify, said,

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Nalin Jha to MSM Unify. His deep understanding of the education ecosystem and ability to scale impactful learning solutions align perfectly with our vision. As we expand globally, his leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our digital learning capabilities.”

Sharing his thoughts, Dr. Nalin Jha said,

“I am excited to join MSM Unify at a time when digital education is transforming the global learning landscape. I look forward to building scalable, industry-relevant learning solutions and contributing to the mission of enabling access to quality education worldwide.”

With this strategic appointment, MSM Unify aims to accelerate its growth in the EdTech space, enhance its digital-first offerings, and expand its presence across global education markets.

India Restores Tax Relief for Exporters as West Asia Crisis Disrupts Trade Routes

Responding to growing disruptions in global trade, the Indian government has reinstated tax incentives for exporters to help them cope with the fallout of the ongoing tensions in West Asia.

The crisis has begun to strain key shipping corridors, forcing rerouting of vessels, increasing transit time, and driving up freight and insurance costs. Exporters across sectors are feeling the pressure, particularly those dependent on time-sensitive deliveries and cost efficiency.

By restoring tax relief measures, the government aims to ease financial stress on exporters and maintain the competitiveness of Indian goods in international markets. The move is expected to improve cash flow for businesses at a time when margins are being squeezed by rising logistics expenses.

Sectors such as textiles, engineering goods, and marine exports are likely to benefit significantly, as they rely heavily on stable and cost-effective supply chains. Smaller exporters, who are more vulnerable to sudden cost spikes, may find the relief especially crucial.

Industry representatives have welcomed the decision, calling it timely and necessary. They note that without such support, prolonged geopolitical instability could slow export momentum and affect order volumes.

Officials indicated that the situation remains under close watch, with the possibility of additional measures if global conditions worsen. The government’s immediate focus, however, is to ensure that exporters remain resilient and trade flows continue despite external challenges.