<ul><li>PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) Corporation is breaking ties with Tencent to develop the mobile version of its battle royale game in-house after Indian banned the game and 117 other mobile apps last week.</li><li><keyword id="9900533" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="pubg-corporation">PUBG Corporation</keyword> is based out of South Korea and holds the intellectual property rights for PUBG Mobile.</li><li>Lawyers point out that since the order by the Government was not specifically against any state, the decision is unlikely to have a bearing on the ban.</li></ul>The battle royale game with more than 50 million active players in India, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), will no longer be associated with the Chinese game developing mammoth Tencent. PUBG Corporation, the company which holds the intellectual property rights (IPR) for the mobile version of the game, issued a statement relaying their decision to take over the development responsibilities going forward. “It (PUBG Corporation) hopes to work hand-in-hand with the Indian government to find a solution that will allow gamers to once again drop into the battlegrounds while being fully compliant with Indian laws and regulations.,” <a href="https://www.pubg.com/en-us/2020/09/07/pubg-corporation-responds-to-pubg-mobiles-india-ban/">it said in response</a> to the ban against the mobile gaming app in India. The company claims is closely monitoring the situation and has seen an overwhelming amount of support from its local fan base. India’s ban on mobile apps isn’t against China on paper While India's ban on mobile apps only included apps of Chinese origin, the government press release was not specific to China. “These applications were blocked by the Government on the grounds of prejudice to sovereignty and integrity of India and security of state and public order,” Tanu Banerjee, a partner at IndusLaw told Business Insider, According to her, disengagement with Tencent may not be of any particular benefit for PUBG Mobile. "National security considerations make overturning of the ban under 69A of the IT Act rather difficult. However, with a change of ownership, the South Korean owner will have a better chance of convincing the committee set up by the government to look into the ban that they comply with government-mandated data safety laws and data of Indians is not at risk anymore," added Siddharth Mahajan, a partner at Athena Legal. India is PUBG Mobile's largest market, accounting for nearly one-fourth of the game's users. In the aftermath of India announcing its ban, Tencent's stock lost <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/pubg-ban-india-makes-chinese-company-tencent-loses-34-billion-in-2-days/articleshow/77924912.cms">nearly $34 billion of its value in two days.</a> SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/professional-pubg-gamers-left-in-the-lurch-as-indian-government-bans-tencents-iconic-battle-royale-game/articleshow/77905215.cms">Professional PUBG gamers left in the lurch as Indian government bans Tencent’s iconic battle royale game</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/pubg-ban-india-makes-chinese-company-tencent-loses-34-billion-in-2-days/articleshow/77924912.cms">Tencent loses nearly $34 billion since the PUBG Mobile ban in India — its second-largest valuation dip this year</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/india-bans-pubg-wechat-and-118-other-mobile-applications/articleshow/77890776.cms">India bans PUBG, Ludo World, and 116 other Chinese mobile applications</a>

PUBG Mobile will no longer be developed by Tencent in India but experts say that may not be enough

<keyword id="6409600" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="PUBG-MOBILE">PUBG Mobile</keyword> developer Krafton has invested $22.4 million in the homegrown esports <keyword id="10894401" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="company-nodwin-gaming">company Nodwin Gaming</keyword>, the media reported on Tuesday. According to <keyword id="179988" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="TechCrunch">TechCrunch</keyword>, the aim is to "maintain some presence in what was once its key overseas market" after the ban on <keyword id="4998506" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="pubg">PUBG</keyword> along with several other Chinese apps last year (although Krafton is a South Korea-based firm). "With Krafton coming on board, we have an endorsement from the mecca of <keyword id="6357332" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gaming">gaming</keyword> and esports -- South Korea -- on what we are building from India for the world based on our competence in mobile first markets," Akshat Rathee, co-founder and managing director of <keyword id="3492146" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nodwin-Gaming">Nodwin Gaming</keyword>, said in a statement. In a bid to re-enter the India market, <keyword id="9900533" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="pubg-corporation">PUBG Corporation</keyword> in November said it is making a comeback with the creation of an Indian subsidiary and a new game. With its South Korean parent company Krafton, PUBG Corp said it plans to make investments worth $100 million in India to cultivate the local video game, esports, entertainment, and IT industries. Changhan Kim, CEO of Krafton, said that the company is excited to partner with Gurugram-based Nodwin Gaming to help foster the promising esports ecosystem and engage with our fans and players in India. The immensely popular PUBG Mobile app was among the 118 Chinese apps that the Indian government banned in September over national security concerns. To get the ban lifted, PUBG Corp made the decision to no longer authorise the PUBG Mobile franchise to China-based <keyword id="6151051" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tencent-Games">Tencent Games</keyword> in India. The Indian subsidiary will hire over 100 employees specialising in business, esports, and game development, PUBG Corp had said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/ola-loses-another-founding-member-as-pranay-jivrajka-leaves-the-ride-hailing-giant/articleshow/81404690.cms">Ola loses another founding member as Pranay Jivrajka leaves the ride-hailing giant</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/europes-tallest-active-volcano-has-been-spewing-lava-for-three-weeks-and-now-its-raining-stones-and-ash-on-the-villages-below/articleshow/81389837.cms">Europe’s tallest active volcano has been spewing lava for three weeks — and now its raining stones and ash on the villages below</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/tata-dials-up-another-acquisition-talk-with-indias-discovery-platform-just-dial-whose-stock-is-up-by-7/articleshow/81390468.cms">Tata dials up another acquisition talk – with India’s discovery platform Just Dial, whose stock is up by 7%</a>

PUBG's South Korean parent invests $22.4 million in Indian esports company Nodwin Gaming

<keyword id="6409600" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="PUBG-MOBILE">PUBG Mobile</keyword> and <keyword id="6788542" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="pubg-mobile-lite">PUBG Mobile Lite</keyword> will no longer work for gamers in India starting from Friday, the company has announced. <keyword id="6151051" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tencent-Games">Tencent Games</keyword>, that owns the mobile game, said on <keyword id="6354576" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="facebook">Facebook</keyword> that it "deeply regrets this outcome" and thanked PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite fans for their support in India. The company said on Thursday that "protecting user data has always been a top priority and we have always complied with applicable data protection laws and regulations in India. All users' gameplay information is processed in a transparent manner as disclosed in our privacy policy". The announcement came on the back of the Indian government's decision to ban PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite on September 2. The game was banned under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. <keyword id="9900533" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="pubg-corporation">PUBG Corporation</keyword> recently announced that they are withdrawing their partnership with Tencent, and that they will work with the Indian government to look for a quick resolution. PUBG game, which has more than 600 million downloads and 50 million active players globally, has nearly 33 million users in India. PUBG Mobile saw a global revenue gain of $1.3 billion (roughly Rs 9,731 crore) in the first half of this year, bringing its lifetime collection to $3 billion (nearly Rs 22,457 crore) with the highest number of downloads in India which ranks at the top with 175 million installs as people stayed home owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns. Additionally, the Indian gaming company nCore announced indigenous multiplayer action game FAU-G to fill the void of PUBG Mobile. FAU-G is slated to launch next month. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/kepler-estimates-there-are-at-least-300-million-potentially-habitable-planets-within-the-milky-way-galaxy/articleshow/78946863.cms">Kepler estimates there are at least 300 million potentially habitable planets within the Milky Way galaxy</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/mit-has-a-new-ai-model-that-can-detect-asymptomatic-covid-19-patients-just-by-the-using-the-sound-of-their-coughs-recorded-over-phone-calls/articleshow/78927475.cms">MIT has a new AI model that can detect asymptomatic COVID-19 patients just by the using the sound of their coughs recorded over phone calls</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/tata-communications-executive-explains-how-iot-is-expanding-beyond-manufacturing-and-which-sectors-are-showing-the-fastest-growth/articleshow/78924587.cms">EXCLUSIVE: Tata Communications’ IoT head explains how COVID is driving the next wave of Internet of Things</a>

PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite cease operations in India just ahead of Halloween

<ul><li><keyword id="212412" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tencent">Tencent</keyword> is reportedly looking to set up a new regional hub in Singapore. </li><li>The Chinese company’s hiring site has over 70 open positions for its operations in the island-nation as it follows in the footsteps of <keyword id="3749909" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bytedance">Bytedance</keyword> and <keyword id="302749" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Alibaba">Alibaba</keyword>. </li><li>The appeal of shifting to Singapore has increased for Chinese technology giants as China tightens its grip on Hong Kong. </li></ul>The Chinese app developer behemoth Tencent Holdings has had a rough month. But, it hopes to turn things around by setting up a new headquarters in Singapore, following in the footsteps of TikTok-parent Bytedance and e-commerce giant Alibaba. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="77890776" title="India bans PUBG, Ludo World, and 116 other Chinese mobile applications" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <a href="https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/tencent-picks-singapore-as-asia-hub-after-india-u-s-bans">Bloomberg</a> reports that the island nation will be the company’s new regional hub and geopolitical tensions continue to bear down on its operations. The appeal of Singapore for Chinese companies has increased in recent months as Beijing tightens its grip on Hong Kong. On Tencent’s <a href="https://careers.tencent.com/en-us/search.html?query=co_11&amp;sc=11">hiring site</a>, there has been a surge in the number of postings in Singapore — over 70 different vacancies — covering sales, technology development, human resources, product development, legal and policy affairs, and finance. Tencent is yet to respond to Business Insider’s request for comment. Tencent joins other Chinese technology giants Tencent isn’t the only Chinese company looking to Singapore to undercut the anti-China narrative. <keyword id="6762469" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="TikTok">TikTok</keyword>’s owner <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/tiktok-parent-plans-to-invest-billions-in-spore-add-hundreds-of-jobs">Bytedance</a> is also planning to set up in Singapore along with <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/alibaba-in-talks-to-invest-us3-billion-in-grab">Alibaba</a>. Bytedance is <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/ajimpact/bytedance-faces-exit-tiktok-singapore-beckons-report-200911083458622.html">reportedly</a> leading the consortium of Chinese companies that have applied for a digital bank license from Singapore apex banking institution, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). It comes as it looks to invest billions and add hundreds of jobs in the country over the next three years. Alibaba has already invested $4 billion to take control over Singapore’s homegrown e-commerce platform Lazada in 2016. And now, <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/alibaba-in-talks-to-invest-us3-billion-in-grab">another investment of $4 billion</a> is reportedly in the works for Grab — a ride-hailing, food delivery and payment solution platform backed by Uber Technologies. The e-commerce giant’s Singapore ambitions are only highlighted by its <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/alibaba-50-percent-stake-axa-tower-perennial-12709398">$1.2 billion deal</a> in May to buy out half of the 50-storey AXA Tower. Tencent looks to get back on top The compounded effect of India taking Tencent’s apps off its shelves — including the battle royale game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) Mobile in India — and US President Trump’s executive order to prohibit WeChat led to the company <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/pubg-ban-india-makes-chinese-company-tencent-loses-34-billion-in-2-days/articleshow/77924912.cms">losing $34 billion within two days.</a> Even South Korea’s PUBG Corporation announced that it would be <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pubg-mobile-will-no-longer-be-developed-by-tencent-in-india/articleshow/77993013.cms">ending its publishing partnership with Tencent</a>. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="77993013" title="PUBG Mobile will no longer be developed by Tencent in India but experts say that may not be enough" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> Lawyers <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pubg-mobile-will-no-longer-be-developed-by-tencent-in-india/articleshow/77993013.cms">point out</a> that even though India’s ban on mobile apps exclusively targets Chinese companies, the order itself doesn’t say anything about China. It instead points to issues in data sharing that violate the rights of Indian users and the sovereignty of the country. Just disengagement from Tencent may not be of any particular benefit to PUBG Mobile, and Tencent shifting its base to Singapore may not solve the problem of Section 69 (A) of the Information Technology (IT) Act. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/society/news/for-facebook-and-twitter-the-changes-to-indias-it-amendment-act-is-what-the-doctor-ordered-or-not/articleshow/78121530.cms">For Facebook and Twitter, the changes to India's IT (Amendment) Act is just what the doctor ordered — or not</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/the-border-issue-with-china-remains-unresolved-indias-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-tells-parliament/articleshow/78124549.cms">The border issue with China remains unresolved, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tells Parliament</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/snapdeal-says-it-has-just-tested-deliveries-using-robots-and-it-was-successful/articleshow/78120511.cms">Snapdeal says it has just tested deliveries using robots and it was successful</a>

Tencent joins Alibaba and Bytedance in making Singapore its new headquarters after India ban and tensions in the US

<ul><li><keyword id="6409600" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="PUBG-MOBILE">PUBG Mobile</keyword>, a popular battle royale game, was banned by the Indian government in September last year, along with dozens of other Chinese apps and games.</li><li>The game’s relaunch could be imminent as Battlegrounds Mobile India.</li><li><keyword id="9900533" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="pubg-corporation">PUBG Corporation</keyword>, the company behind the game, has also announced plans to hire 100 employees and invest $100 million in India.</li></ul>Popular battle royale game PUBG Mobile could be returning to India soon, but with a new name. According to teasers published by the game’s developers, it could be called Battlegrounds Mobile India, an India-exclusive version of the game. PUBG Mobile India’s Facebook and YouTube pages have already changed the name to Battlegrounds Mobile India, making the name change more likely. The company had posted a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fATF7mRApR0">short teaser</a> on its YouTube channel but has since made it private. A Twitter user managed to take screenshots of the video before it was made private. <div type="twitter" handle="Rahulprasad0123" handlename="Rahul Prasad" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1283736304321060864/VqXBXDVT_normal.jpg" favoritecount="5" retweetcount="1" status="#PUBG_MOBILE_INDIA TESAR🇮🇳 https://t.co/4sJoU4d91Q" createdat="1619698088000" id="1387740483741384707"></div> However, the Battlegrounds Mobile India rebranding is still live on the company’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/BattlegroundsMobileIN/posts">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtMHB-XUADU">YouTube pages</a>. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The PUBG Mobile India ban timeline" comment="subhead" text="The PUBG Mobile India ban timeline">The PUBG Mobile India ban timeline</cmsannotation> PUBG Mobile was banned in September last year since Tencent, a Chinese company, held the license for the game. The ban was a result of heightened tensions between India and China. The Indian government <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/india-bans-pubg-wechat-and-118-other-mobile-applications/articleshow/77890776.cms">banned PUBG Mobile</a> along with over a hundred other Chinese apps and games with concern over 'prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order', by the Indian government. Since then, PUBG’s developers Krafton Inc., have revoked Tencent’s licence. The game will launch under PUBG Corporation’s own name instead. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="PUBG Mobile India not approved by the Indian government, yet – but it might not need any permission" comment="subhead" text="PUBG Mobile India not approved by the Indian government, yet – but it might not need any permission">PUBG Mobile India not approved by the Indian government, yet – but it might not need any permission</cmsannotation> However, it is worth noting that the Indian government has not approved the game’s launch in India yet. In a reply to a right to information (RTI) query by information technology policy portal Medianama, the Indian government said it “does not grant permission for starting of any websites/mobile apps/service”. While this means that PUBG Mobile India does not have the permission to launch again, it could also mean that the game does not actually need approval before launch from the Indian government – going by the Indian government’s response. This could be the case especially if the game is launched under a new entity – in this case, PUBG Corporation – instead of Tencent Games. None of this has deterred the company, though. It <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pubg-set-for-a-comeback-in-india-to-set-up-a-local-office-hire-100-employees-and-invest-100-million-in-the-indian-market/articleshow/79188814.cms">announced</a> plans to set up an Indian subsidiary with a local office, 100 employees and an investment of $100 million. Watch out this space for updates about the launch of Battlegrounds Mobile India. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pubg-set-for-a-comeback-in-india-to-set-up-a-local-office-hire-100-employees-and-invest-100-million-in-the-indian-market/articleshow/79188814.cms">PUBG set for a comeback in India – to set up a local office, hire 100 employees and invest $100 million in the Indian market</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/india-bans-pubg-wechat-and-118-other-mobile-applications/articleshow/77890776.cms">India bans PUBG, Ludo World, and 116 other Chinese mobile applications</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/checkout-the-name-of-the-chinese-banned-apps-in-india/articleshow/76696132.cms">List of 59 Chinese apps banned in India by Indian government</a>

PUBG Mobile India to relaunch as Battlegrounds Mobile India – here’s what we know so far

<ul><li><keyword id="6409600" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="PUBG-MOBILE">PUBG Mobile</keyword> is reportedly not going to make its comeback in India before March 2021. </li><li>The company’s executives have reportedly been trying to get a meeting with the Indian government for over a month, but their requests have not been entertained. </li><li>This means that fans will have to go Christmas, and even Valentine’s Day next year without their favourite battle-royale game. </li></ul><keyword id="4998506" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="pubg">PUBG</keyword> Mobile fans and gamers in India will have to wait out the festive season, with the launch of the game unlikely before March next year. That means no snowballs, no Christmas-themed goodies, and no matching outfits even on Valentine’s Day in February next year for those waiting on the PUBG Mobile to back a come-back in India. “We don’t see the game making a comeback in India for the next few months, at least not before March 2021. It’s unfortunate but everyone has to live with it,” sources told <a href="https://www.insidesport.co/big-breaking-on-pubg-mobile-game-comeback-not-possible-even-in-new-year/">InsideSport. </a> PUBG Mobile officials have reportedly been vying for a meeting with officials at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) over the past one month but to no avail. The game was <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/india-bans-pubg-wechat-and-118-other-mobile-applications/articleshow/77890776.cms">banned across the country</a> in September amid the second tranche of ‘Chinese’ mobile apps accused of threatening India’s sovereignty and national security by sharing data across borders. Since then, PUBG Corporation <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pubg-mobile-will-no-longer-be-developed-by-tencent-in-india/articleshow/77993013.cms">took away the rights of PUBG Mobile</a> from the Chinese technology giant, Tencent. Krafton, the parent company, has since established PUBG Mobile as an independent company in India, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pubg-mobile-could-return-to-india-riding-on-microsofts-azure-cloud-service/articleshow/79127963.cms">signed up with Microsoft Azure</a> to host the game and even teased the game’s release on its official website. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="77924912" title="Tencent loses nearly $34 billion since the PUBG Mobile ban in India — its second-largest valuation dip this year" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> PUBG gamer, Kronten, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pubg-mobile-india-was-supposed-to-launch-today/articleshow/79315462.cms">had initially teased</a> that the game was likely to launch on November 14. But one month later, PUBG Mobile has not been reinstated onto the shelves of the Play Store or the App Store in India. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-and-reliance-industries-mukesh-ambani-spoke-but-had-no-chemistry/articleshow/79739547.cms">Zuckerberg spoke to Ambani but there was no chemistry — even with a multi-million dollar partnership between them</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/hdfc-bank-ceo-aditya-puri-says-banks-must-change-every-3-4-years/articleshow/79734617.cms">"Banks must change every 3-4 years," says Aditya Puri, the recently retired chairman of HDFC Bank, dubbed as 'the world's best banker'</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/pornhub-adult-video-streaming-website-deletes-over-9-million-videos-to-remove-child-porn/articleshow/79732612.cms">Two in every three Pornhub videos are gone after a purge to remove child porn</a>

PUBG Mobile India may not launch until March next year, says a report citing sources

<ul><li>PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) Mobile hopes to make a return in India, piggy-backing on <keyword id="10246535" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="microsofts-cloud-service-azure">Microsoft's cloud service Azure</keyword>'s goodwill. </li><li>The new deal between PUBG's parent company Krafton and Microsoft plans to introduce a new feature that will bolster data privacy and security by adhering to local laws.</li><li>Unlike TikTok, users who already have <keyword id="6409600" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="PUBG-MOBILE">PUBG Mobile</keyword> installed on their devices can still engage in gameplay.</li></ul>PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) isn’t ready to give up on India just yet. After <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pubg-mobile-will-no-longer-be-developed-by-tencent-in-india/articleshow/77993013.cms">revoking the intellectual property rights for PUBG Mobile from Tencent</a>, PUBG Corporation’s parent company Krafton Inc has now signed a new deal that will allow it to host the battle royale game on Microsoft’s Azure cloud service. The company’s statement to bring PUBG to the cloud focuses on data privacy and security, the two tenets that India used to block the game in the country. “The collaboration will ensure that privacy rights are respected, and relevant software will be in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.,” <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pubg-mobile-will-no-longer-be-developed-by-tencent-in-india/articleshow/77993013.cms">it said. </a> The company will also be working with Microsoft’s cloud service to introduce a new verification process to ensure that personal data of PUBG players — on Mobile, PC, and Console — “follow all appropriate requirements in the territories where KRAFTON and its subsidiaries operate gaming services.” PUBG isn't quite inaccessible in India The Indian government announced the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/india-bans-pubg-wechat-and-118-other-mobile-applications/articleshow/77890776.cms">ban on PUBG Mobile back in September</a> under Article 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act. Two months down the line, Tencent announced that it would be unable to bring the game back onto the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store in India — <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pubg-mobile-and-pubg-mobile-lite-cease-operations-in-india-just-ahead-of-halloween/articleshow/78947382.cms">just ahead of Halloween</a>. However, those who already had the game installed before it disappeared off the shelves still have access to the gameplay. While Tencent's valuation dipped by nearly $34 billion because of this, the ban hasn't had much of an impact on the app's revenue. Even though one-third of its customers were in India, they weren't much for loosening the purse strings. However, the opportunity cost continues to mount with India's rapid download growth topping the charts in the third quarter, July through to September, according to Sensor Tower. Downloads hit a new record-high of 7.8 billion across the App Store and Google Play amid the pandemic. India is responsible for nearly 30% percent of all downloads on Google Play right now. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/hyperloop-pod-carries-two-humans-through-a-tube-at-over-160-kmph-for-the-first-time-ever/articleshow/79121765.cms">Hyperloop pod carries two humans through a tube at over 160 kmph for the first time ever</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/top-cyber-espionage-groups-that-have-india-in-their-crosshairs/slidelist/79120867.cms">Top cyber espionage groups that have India in their crosshairs</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/bigbasket-the-e-grocery-startup-which-tata-group-is-eyeing-admits-a-data-breach-of-over-20-million-users/articleshow/79122791.cms">BigBasket, the e-grocery startup which Tata Group is eyeing, admits a data breach of over 20 million users</a>

PUBG Mobile could return to India riding on Microsoft’s Azure cloud service

The low-end version of the <keyword id="6972359" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Battle-royale-game">battle royale game</keyword> PUBG called Lite is officially closing down on April 29. <keyword id="6788541" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="pubg-lite">PUBG Lite</keyword> was introduced in 2019 for entry-level mobile devices. The Indian government banned both <keyword id="6409600" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="PUBG-MOBILE">PUBG Mobile</keyword> and PUBG Mobile Lite on September 2 last year. The news of PUBG Lite's shut down was confirmed by the developers <keyword id="10155974" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="krafton">Krafton</keyword> via a message on its official website. "We are deeply grateful for the passion and support from the astounding number of PUBG Lite fans that have been with us. During the strenuous times of the Covid-19 pandemic, we hope that PUBG Lite was able to provide our fans a fun way to stay safe," the developer said. "Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to close service after much deliberation and the time has come for our journey to end. We regretfully inform you that service of PUBG Lite is scheduled to end on April 29th, 2021 (UTC)," the company added. PUBG Lite Facebook will be open even after the game service termination until further notice. "We would like to convey our sincerest apology as well as our deepest appreciation to everyone. We truly hope you have enjoyed your time with us and please look forward to our future endeavours," the developers said. PUBG Lite was among one of the most popular games of the early pandemic months. The game was banned under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act in India. PUBG Corporation later announced that they were withdrawing their partnership with Tencent, and will work with the Indian government to look for a quick resolution. PUBG, which has more than 600 million downloads and 50 million active players <keyword id="50255" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Globally">globally</keyword>, had nearly 33 million users in India. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/paytm-money-set-to-hire-250-engineers-for-its-new-technology-centre-in-pune/articleshow/81813092.cms">Paytm Money set to hire 250 engineers for its new technology centre in Pune</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/government-withdraws-interest-rate-cut-on-small-savings-schemes-in-a-bizarre-u-turn/articleshow/81813361.cms">Government withdraws interest rate cut on small savings schemes in a bizarre u-turn</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/coursera-soars-23-in-trading-debut-following-4-3-billion-ipo/articleshow/81785440.cms">Coursera soars 23% in trading debut following $4.3 billion IPO</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/indian-actor-rajinikanth-will-receive-the-51st-dadasaheb-phalke-award/articleshow/81818360.cms">Rajinikanth to receive the 51st Dadasaheb Phalke award</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/wipro-share-price-jumps-over-1-after-117-million-acquisition-of-australian-cybersecurity-firm-ampion/articleshow/81817928.cms">Wipro's share price jumps over 1% after $117 million acquisition of Australian cybersecurity firm Ampion</a>

PUBG Lite to officially close down globally on April 29

Player Unknowns Battlegrounds, PUBG, is a popular videogame that has children addicted across the world. However, the violent character of the game has been a huge point of debate. Introduced in early 2018, <keyword id="6409600" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="PUBG-MOBILE">PUBG Mobile</keyword> has become a pop culture phenomenon. The game had hit <a href="https://www.timesnownews.com/technology-science/article/pubg-mobile-india-series-2019-how-to-register-last-date-for-registration-rs-1-crore-prize-money-and-more/352103" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">200 million downloads</a> mark in December last year. The concern has now been escalated to the highest level in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a jibe at the online multiplayer battle game developed and published by PUBG Corporation, a subsidiary of South Korean video game company Bluehole, funded by Chinese technology investor, Tencent. Speaking to children and parents on a scheduled annual conversation-- called Parisksha pe charcha or discussion over exams-- preceding the exam season in India, PM Modi had words of caution. “We need to ask ourselves — is technology turning children into robots or making them more human?” Modi said. The prime minister’s rhetoric was in response to a question from the mother of a ninth grader. Madhumita Sen Gupta from Assam, who lives in Delhi, said, “Earlier he (son) was good in studies but now he is too distracted by online games.” The reference to PUBG was one that the prime minister initiated. “I hold technology in very high regard. But every thing has two sides,” the PM said, adding, “If technology is narrowing us and our thoughts, it will be a big setback. Technology should expand our horizons. To laugh and play in open grounds is very important.” He had advice for the parents too, “Parents and teachers must take interest in the evolution of technology and ask children. It will make children feel comfortable in seeking help.” PUBG was <a href="https://www.digit.in/gaming/china-approves-release-of-80-new-games-but-leaves-out-pubg-mobile-developer-tencent-report-45561.html" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">banned</a> in China in December 2018. And in India, education institutes have already started to take steps to stop children from playing the game. Vellore Institute of Technology, primary schools in Gujarat are some examples. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has also <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pubg-adversely-affecting-students-ban-it-gujarat-government-to-schools-1981810" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">reportedly</a> recommended a ban on the game across the country. With the latest caution coming from none other than the prime minister himself, should PUBG expect a crackdown in India too?

India’s prime minister has an advice for PUBG addicts

China claims to have successfully tested a secret "reusable" spacecraft amid crisis along the <keyword id="49399" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Actual-Control">Line of Actual Control</keyword> (LAC) with India in Ladakh and confrontation with multiple nations in South China Sea. The Xinhua news agency on Sunday said that the vehicle returned to its "scheduled landing site" following a two-day mission in orbit after it was launched on a <keyword id="1705112" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Long-March-2F-rocket">Long March 2F rocket</keyword> on Friday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi desert. Beijing claimed that the "successful flight marked the country's important breakthrough in reusable spacecraft research and is expected to offer convenient and low-cost round trip transport for the peaceful use of the space". An astronomer at Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Jonathan McDowell, using his Twitter handle speculated that the landing site may have been Taklamakan desert in northwest China. On Monday, India's DRDO successfully carried out the second test flight of its Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) using the indigenously developed scramjet propulsion system. It is a carrier vehicle for hypersonic and long-range cruise missiles, and will have multiple civilian applications, including the launching of small satellites at low cost. The previous flight in 2019 boosted to altitude on an Agni I first stage from Kalam Island, McDowell said. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="77971186" title="India successfully tests its hypersonic missile carrier than can also launch satellites into orbit" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> The Chinese mission, which is shrouded in mystery comes at a time when Beijing and New Delhi are locked in a violent face-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. Last week, the Indian Army captured key ridges on the south bank of the Pangong Tso, in a tit-for-tat move, effectively taking control of all the strategic heights in the area along the LoC in Ladakh. Incidentally, Chinese President Xi Jinping canceled his trip to Pakistan in a last-minute decision. Meanwhile, two Australian journalists facing security threat from the Chinese authorities, were evacuated from China in a diplomatic standoff. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Bill Birtles and the Australian Financial Review's Mike Smith landed in Sydney on Tuesday. As the US-China relationship has entered a Cold-War like situation, the Xi Jinping regime has deployed PLA Navy, China Coast Guard and maritime militia to claim its sovereignty over South China Sea. Since the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic which originated in the Wuhan city of its Hubei province, Beijing has sent fishing boats into the waters adjacent to Indonesia's Natuna Islands and deployed survey vessels into the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime has also created two new administrative districts in the disputed islands of the Paracels and Spratlys and carried out missile tests in the disputed area. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/indias-successfully-tested-its-indigenously-developed-hypersonic-technology-demonstrator-vehicle/articleshow/77971186.cms">India successfully tests its hypersonic missile carrier than can also launch satellites into orbit</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pubg-mobile-will-no-longer-be-developed-by-tencent-in-india/articleshow/77993013.cms">PUBG Mobile will no longer be developed by Tencent in India but experts say that may not be enough</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/china-accuses-india-of-gunshot-threats-ahead-of-jaishankars-likely-meet-with-beijings-foreign-minister-in-moscow/articleshow/77990856.cms">Indian Army denies China's claims of 'gunshot threats' along the LAC</a>

China secretly tests 'reusable' spacecraft amid border tensions with India

<ul><li>On Friday the Indian Coast Guard said the crack was two metre long and has been observed near the <keyword id="9880267" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="port-aft-portion">Port aft portion</keyword>, 10 metres above the waterline.</li><li>The fire fighting operations are continuing for second day in succession, the Coast Guard said.</li></ul> Even as fire fighting efforts were underway on the blazing very large crude carrier (VLCC) <keyword id="9877658" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-diamond">New Diamond</keyword> chartered by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), an experienced marine engineer said that the two-metre long crack near Port aft portion 10 metres above the waterline of the oil laden tanker could likely pose a problem if the crack further increases. On Friday the Indian Coast Guard said the crack was two metre long and has been observed near the Port aft portion, 10 metres above the waterline. The fire fighting operations are continuing for second day in succession, the Coast Guard said. "If the crack propagates, and there is every likelihood of that and cannot be predicted, then the stability of the ship could be affected. A ship standstill is still subjected to tremendous stresses and could break and capsize," M. Kalayanaraman, Technical Editor, Riviera Maritime Media told IANS. He said if the fire is still raging then it means the fuel for the fire is still there in whichever space is on fire. "What is not clear is if any of the cargo tanks are affected, or it could be just the ship bunker fuel tanks," Kalyanaraman said. While towing is also a risky proposition, he added that which port can take in such a large ship. Seeing the pictures of the ship on fire, Kalyanaraman said the engine room is gutted. It has to be seen whether the pump room -- where the pumps to pump out the crude oil are located -- too have been damaged. He said if the pump room is damaged then it will be a great challenge to pump out the oil. "We have to hope and pray the fire is extinguished as soon as possible," he said. The oil tanker caught fire on Thursday morning 37 nautical miles off the Sri Lankan coast. As per www.marinetraffic.com, the 20-year-old VLCC 'New Diamond' sailing under the Panama flag departed from Mina Al Ahmadi on August 23 and was heading to <keyword id="56327" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Paradip-port">Paradip port</keyword> in India. The oil tanker was expected to reach Paradip in Odisha on September 5 where IOC has a large refinery. The vessel's deadweight tonnage (DWT) is 2,99,986 t, length is 333 metres and width is 60 metres. The Coast Guard on Thursday said the Sri Lankan Navy had sought assistance to fight the fire and explosion on board New Diamond. So it had diverted three of its ships -- Shaurya, Sarang, Samudra Paheredar and a Dornier aircraft for firefighting operations. However, IOC officials remained silent on the accident. According to reports, another ship Helen M an oil products tanker sailing under the Panama flag on receipt of distress message had gone to the location of New Diamond for rescue. Helen M was sailing from Mangalore to Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/pubg-ban-india-makes-chinese-company-tencent-loses-34-billion-in-2-days/articleshow/77924912.cms">Tencent loses nearly $34 billion since the PUBG ban in India — its second-largest valuation dip this year</a>

A two metre-long crack on oil tanker New Diamond can likely pose a problem

India's economy is expected to contract 10.5 per cent in the current fiscal before bouncing back in the next financial year, <keyword id="125045" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Fitch-Ratings">Fitch Ratings</keyword> said on Tuesday. India's gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by a massive 23.9 per cent in April-June and some agencies have predicted negative growth even during the July-September quarter of the current fiscal (April 2020 to March 2021). "GDP should rebound strongly in 3Q20 (October-December) amid a re-opening of the economy, but there are signs that the recovery has been sluggish and uneven," Fitch said in its Global Economic Outlook (GEO). It slashed its GDP forecast for the current fiscal to 10.5 per cent, a huge revision of (-) 5 percentage points compared to the June GEO. The economy, it said, will recover to 11 per cent in 2021-22 largely owing to base effect and grow by 6 per cent in the following year. Separately, <keyword id="1498859" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="India-Ratings-and-Research">India Ratings and Research</keyword>, the domestic arm of rating agency Fitch, projected an 11.8 per cent contraction in the Indian economy in FY21, as against its previous projection of 5.3 per cent contraction in the current fiscal. Indian economy had grown at 4.2 per cent in the 2019-20 fiscal. It projected an 11.9 per cent contraction in the current quarter, followed by a (-) 6.7 per cent growth in the December quarter and 5.4 per cent in the following three months. According to India Ratings, GDP will bounce back to 9.9 per cent growth in FY22 helped mainly by a weak base of FY21. It estimated economic loss in FY21 at Rs 18.44 lakh crore. In another report, <keyword id="48670" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Morgan-Stanley">Morgan Stanley</keyword> projected a contraction of 5 per cent in the Indian economy in calendar year 2020 from 4.9 per cent in 2019. The economy will, however, bounce to 9.5 per cent growth in 2021, it said, predicting that a V-shaped recovery in the global economy was playing out faster than originally thought. "By 2Q21, a global synchronous recovery should take hold, with all engines of the global economy registering strong growth," it said. "Risks to our view include a potential aggressive lockdown in the winter and uncertainty about fiscal policy." India Ratings projected fiscal deficit expanding to 8.2 per cent of GDP in FY21, from 4.6 per cent in the previous fiscal. Fitch Solutions, an affiliate of Fitch Ratings, revised its FY2020-21 central government fiscal deficit forecast to 8.2 per cent of GDP, from 7.2 per cent previously. In the September GEO, Fitch Ratings said India, UK (-21.7 per cent) and Spain (-22.1 per cent) were the nations that saw the deepest recessions in April-June. "GDP destruction was felt far and wide," it said adding the coronavirus pandemic has become more prevalent in emerging market countries excluding China as the year has progressed. "India imposed one of the most stringent lockdowns worldwide in 2Q20 (April-June) and domestic demand fell massively. Limited fiscal support, fragilities in the financial system, and a continued rise in virus cases hamper a rapid normalisation in activity," it noted. "We do not expect GDP to return to pre-virus levels until 1Q22," it said. During April-June, Fitch said India saw all demand components except government consumption fall massively. "Private consumption lost more than 27 per cent quarter-on-quarter (QoQ), investment slumped an eye-watering 43 per cent QoQ." While GDP should rebound strongly in the next quarter, still-depressed levels of imports, two-wheeler sales, and capital goods production indicate a muted recovery in domestic spending, it said. Fitch said, the continued spread of the virus and the imposition of sporadic shutdowns across the country depress sentiment and disrupt economic activity. "The severe fall in activity has also damaged household and corporate incomes and balance sheets, amid limited fiscal support. A looming deterioration in asset quality in the financial sector will hold back credit provision amid weak bank capital buffers," it said. Furthermore, high inflation has added strains to household income. Supply-chain disruptions and excise duties increases have caused prices to rise. "However, we expect inflation to slow amid weak underlying demand, an easing in supply-chain disruptions and a good monsoon," it added. In another report, <keyword id="6361649" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Goldman-Sachs">Goldman Sachs</keyword> cut its FY21 <keyword id="113229" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="India-GDP">India GDP</keyword> forecast to a contraction of 14.8 per cent. It had earlier estimated the economy of the country, which is now home to the second largest number of COVID-19 infections, to contract by 11.8 per cent. "India's GDP hit from COVID-19 the highest across major economies," analysts at the brokerage said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pubg-mobile-will-no-longer-be-developed-by-tencent-in-india/articleshow/77993013.cms">PUBG Mobile will no longer be developed by Tencent in India but experts say that may not be enough</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/china-accuses-india-of-gunshot-threats-ahead-of-jaishankars-likely-meet-with-beijings-foreign-minister-in-moscow/articleshow/77990856.cms">Indian Army denies China's claims of 'gunshot threats' along the LAC</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/china-secretly-tests-reusable-spacecraft-amid-border-tensions-with-india/articleshow/77995925.cms">China secretly tests 'reusable' spacecraft amid border tensions with India</a>

You Searched For "pubg corporation tencent" and got 12 results

PUBG Mobile will no longer be developed by Tencent in India but experts say that may not be enough

Prabhjote Gill

PUBG's South Korean parent invests $22.4 million in Indian esports company Nodwin Gaming

IANS

PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite cease operations in India just ahead of Halloween

IANS

Tencent joins Alibaba and Bytedance in making Singapore its new headquarters after India ban and tensions in the US

Prabhjote Gill

PUBG Mobile India to relaunch as Battlegrounds Mobile India – here’s what we know so far

Rounak Jain

PUBG Mobile India may not launch until March next year, says a report citing sources

BI India Bureau

PUBG Mobile could return to India riding on Microsoft’s Azure cloud service

Prabhjote Gill

PUBG Lite to officially close down globally on April 29

IANS

India’s prime minister has an advice for PUBG addicts

Sriram Iyer

China secretly tests 'reusable' spacecraft amid border tensions with India

IANS

A two metre-long crack on oil tanker New Diamond can likely pose a problem

IANS

Four ratings agencies see double-digit contraction in India's GDP for the whole year

PTI