Can I participate in securities lending and borrowing mechanism using my shares in the demat account. How will it work?

What is the process to dematerialize my physical shares and is it safe to keep shares in DP account? I am worried after the Karvy case.

Can I directly apply for IPO shares in my demat account?

Are the shares in my demat account safe?

I have some shares in my name and some in joint names with my wife and some with parents. Can I demat all these shares in a single demat account?

How will I get my dividends and bonus shares in my demat account?

What is the process of pledging my shares in my demat account if I do not want to sell it?

My sub-broker was suggesting that I leave my shares with the broker instead of transferring into my demat account. Is that fine?

I was having a demat account with a broker who was banned by SEBI a few weeks ago from participating in the markets. I am now worried about my shares in my demat account.

Do I have to have a demat account with a lender to get a loan against securities/shares (LAS) with the same lender?

How do I pay the interest of my loan against security/shares (LAS) accumulating in my account every month?