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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joint Statement of the 28th ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting

    Source: ASEAN

    1. The 28th ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM+3) took place on 4 May 2025 in Milan, Italy under the co-chairmanship of H.E. Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Minister of Finance II of Malaysia, H.E. Dato’ Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, H.E. Lan Fo’an, Minister of Finance of the People’s Republic of China, and H.E. Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People’s Bank of China. The Director of the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), the President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN Secretariat, and the Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were also present at the meeting.
     
    2. We express our deepest condolences to the people of Myanmar and Thailand for the tragic loss caused by the devastating earthquake on 28 March. Our thoughts are with the affected communities during this difficult time, and we stand in solidarity with them as they recover and rebuild.
     
    Download the full statement here.
    The post Joint Statement of the 28th ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese peacekeepers to Lebanon help South Korean counterparts neutralize expired high explosive ammunition

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      By Yang Yuan, Zhang Boyu and Zeng Xuetong

      BEIJING, Apr. 8 — Recently, the 23rd Chinese peacekeeping multi-role engineering company to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) dispatched an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team to help the South Korean peacekeeping troops neutralize expired high explosive ammunition, thereby eliminating security risks in the UNIFIL camps.

      The continuing tension in southern Lebanon exacerbates the already acute challenge faced by the UNIFIL troop-contributing countries in the disposal of expired ammunition. Recently, the Chinese EOD team was assigned by the Combat Engineering Division of the UNIFIL Operations Department to destroy 277.2 kilograms of expired COMP-C4 explosives.

      Prior to the operation, the Chinese peacekeepers conducted an overall security assessment of the blasting site under the control of the UNIFIL. During the process, all steps, including the movement, placement and detonation of the explosives, were conducted in strict accordance with the UN standard operating procedures. After the successful destruction of the expired high explosive ammunition, the South Korean peacekeeping troops expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Chinese EOD team.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: PLA conducts routine patrols in South China Sea 2025-04-30 16:56:00 The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command conducted routine patrols in the South China Sea on Tuesday, a spokesperson said.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) — The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command conducted routine patrols in the South China Sea on Tuesday, a spokesperson said.

      Tian Junli, the command’s spokesperson, said the Philippines has repeatedly provoked incidents at sea and colluded with non-regional countries to stage so-called “joint patrols.”

      He stated that the Southern Theater Command’s naval and air forces maintained close tracking and monitoring of these activities throughout the process.

      Tian emphasized that troops of the Southern Theater Command remain on high alert, vowing to resolutely safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese PLA Guard of Honor attends Vietnam’s 50th anniversary of south liberation parade 2025-05-01 00:23:21 The Guard of Honor of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) participated in a military parade here on Wednesday, celebrating Vietnam’s 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, April 30 (Xinhua) — At the invitation of Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense, the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) participated in a military parade here on Wednesday, celebrating Vietnam’s 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification.

      As the Chinese formation entered the parade ground, the Vietnamese audience rose to their feet and greeted them with enthusiastic applause.

      “I was deeply impressed by the Chinese soldiers’ dignified appearance and movements. I feel proud of the comradeship and brotherhood between Vietnam and China,” said a Vietnamese audience Pham Thi Hue after the parade.

      This marks the first time for the PLA’s Guard of Honor to be invited to participate in a military parade in Vietnam. Troops from the Vietnamese army, navy and air force, police forces, as well as foreign military formations participated in the parade. 

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese defense spokesperson urges Japan to stop provocative acts that complicate situation in the sea and airspace of China’s Diaoyu Dao 2025-05-04 18:38:05 “China urges the Japanese side to strictly restrain its citizens’ activities and stop provocative acts that complicate the situation in the sea and airspace of China’s Diaoyu Dao,” said a Chinese defense spokesperson on Sunday.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, May 4 — “China urges the Japanese side to strictly restrain its citizens’ activities and stop provocative acts that complicate the situation in the sea and airspace of China’s Diaoyu Dao,” said a Chinese defense spokesperson on Sunday.

      It is reported that China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels recently drove away the Japanese civilian aircraft that illegally entered the airspace of China’s Diaoyu Dao. The Japanese Defense Ministry claimed that the CCG ship-borne helicopters violated the Japan’s “airspace”.

      In response to that, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, said that the relevant remarks made by the Japanese side distort right and wrong and are irresponsible. The Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China’s inherent territory.

      “The Japanese civilian aircraft illegally entered the airspace of China’s Diaoyu Dao, seriously infringing upon China’s territorial sovereignty,” said the spokesperson, adding that it is completely legitimate and legal for the CCG to take necessary measures to issue warnings to the Japanese aircraft and drive it away.

      “We urge the Japanese side to strictly restrain the activities of its citizens, stop provocative acts that complicate the situation in the sea and airspace of China’s Diaoyu Dao, so as to avoid bringing unstable and unsafe factors and affecting the overall development of China-Japan relations,” said the spokesperson.

      The spokesperson also stressed that China will continue to take effective measures to firmly safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi to pay state visit to Russia, attend Great Patriotic War Victory celebrations on May 7-10 2025-05-04 17:29:39 Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Russia from May 7 to 10 and attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow, at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Sunday.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

    BEIJING, May 4 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Russia from May 7 to 10 and attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow, at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Sunday.

    With a historic vision and from a strategic height, President Xi and President Putin have guided China-Russia relations in the new era to always forge ahead despite a complex external environment and demonstrate the relations’ defining features of everlasting good-neighborliness and friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination and mutual benefit, cooperation and win-win, the spokesperson said.

    The spokesperson introduced that during the upcoming state visit, President Xi will have strategic communication with President Putin on China-Russia relations under new circumstances and on a series of major international and regional issues.

    “We believe the important common understandings between the two presidents will further deepen political mutual trust between the two countries, add new substance to strategic coordination, promote practical cooperation in various fields, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and contribute more stability and positive energy to the international community,” the spokesperson said.

    Noting this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War, the spokesperson said that as the two main theaters of Asia and Europe in World War II, China and Russia made immense sacrifice and major, historic contributions to secure the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, save their respective nations from demise, and also save the future of mankind.

    President Xi and President Putin previously agreed that the two sides will jointly remember history, honor the martyrs, foster a right view of the World War II history, defend the outcomes of the victory in the war and the post-war international order, and uphold international fairness and justice, the spokesperson said.

    At this special historic juncture, President Xi’s attendance at the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow upon invitation is an important part of his visit, the spokesperson said, adding that it is also reflective of support by China and Russia to each other’s commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

    This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, the spokesperson said, noting that China and Russia, as founding members of the UN and permanent members of the UN Security Council, shoulder special and important responsibility in safeguarding the international system with the UN at its core.

    “The two countries will further strengthen their close coordination in the UN, SCO, BRICS and other multilateral platforms, rally the Global South, shape global governance in the right direction, unequivocally oppose acts of unilateralism and bullying, and jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization,” the spokesperson said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is a ‘smart city’ and why should we care? It’s not just a buzzword

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Associate Professor & Principal Fellow in Urban Risk & Resilience, The University of Melbourne

    guitar photographer/Shutterstock

    More than half of the world’s population currently lives in cities and this share is expected to rise to nearly 70% by 2050.

    It’s no wonder “smart cities” have become a buzzword in urban planning, politics and tech circles, and even media.

    The phrase conjures images of self-driving buses, traffic lights controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) and buildings that manage their own energy use.

    But for all the attention the term receives, it’s not clear what actually makes a city smart. Is it about the number of sensors installed? The speed of the internet? The presence of a digital dashboard at the town hall?

    Governments regularly speak of future-ready cities and the promise of “digital transformation”. But when the term “smart city” is used in policy documents or on the campaign trail, it often lacks clarity.

    Over the past two decades, governments around the world have poured billions into smart city initiatives, often with more ambition than clarity. The result has been a patchwork of projects: some genuinely transformative, others flashy but shallow.

    So, what does it really mean for a city to be smart? And how can technology solve real urban problems, not just create new ones?

    What is a smart city, then?

    The term “smart city” has been applied to a wide range of urban technologies and initiatives – from traffic sensors and smart meters to autonomous vehicles and energy-efficient building systems.

    But a consistent, working definition remains elusive.

    In academic and policy circles, one widely accepted view is that a smart city is one where technology is used to enhance key urban outcomes: liveability, sustainability, social equity and, ultimately, people’s quality of life.

    What matters here is whether the application of technology leads to measurable improvements in the way people live, move and interact with the city around them.

    By that standard, many “smart city” initiatives fall short, not because the tools don’t exist, but because the focus is often on visibility and symbolic infrastructure rather than impact.

    This could be features like high-tech digital kiosks in public spaces that are visibly modern and offer some use and value, but do little to address core urban challenges.

    The reality of urban governance – messy, decentralised, often constrained – is a long way from the seamless dashboards and simulations often promised in promotional material.

    But there is a way to help join together the various aspects of city living, with the help of “digital twins”.

    Slick digital dashboards that show the stats of a city at a glance are a far cry from the messy reality of city governance.
    thinkhubstudio/Shutterstock

    Digital twin (of?) cities

    Much of the early focus on smart cities revolved around individual technologies: installing sensors, launching apps or creating control centres. But these tools often worked in isolation and offered limited insight into how the city functioned as a whole.

    City digital twins represent a shift in approach.

    Instead of layering technology onto existing systems, a city digital twin creates a virtual replica of those systems. It links real-time data across transport, energy, infrastructure and the environment. It’s a kind of living, evolving model of the city that changes as the real city changes.

    This enables planners and policymakers to test decisions before making them. They can simulate the impact of a new road, assess the risk of flooding in a changing climate or compare the outcomes of different zoning options.

    Used in this way, digital twins support decisions that are better informed, more responsive, and more in tune with how cities actually work.

    Not all digital twins operate at the same level. Some offer little more than 3D visualisations, while others bring in real-time data and support complex scenario testing.

    The most advanced ones don’t just simulate the city, but interact with it.

    Where it’s working

    To manage urban change, some cities are already using digital twins to support long-term planning and day-to-day decision-making – and not just as add-ons.

    In Singapore, the Virtual Singapore project is one of the most advanced city-scale digital twins in the world.

    It integrates high-resolution 3D models of Singapore with real-time and historical data from across the city. The platform has been used by government agencies to model energy consumption, assess climate and air flow impacts of new buildings, manage underground infrastructure, and explore zoning options based on risks like flooding in a highly constrained urban environment.

    In Helsinki, the Kalasatama digital twin has been used to evaluate solar energy potential, conduct wind simulations and plan building orientations. It has also been integrated into public engagement processes: the OpenCities Planner platform lets residents explore proposed developments and offer feedback before construction begins.

    Urban planners in Helsinki have been using a digital twin to help plan building orientations.
    Mistervlad/Shutterstock

    We need a smarter conversation about smart cities

    If smart cities are going to matter, they must do more than sound and look good. They need to solve real problems, improve people’s lives and protect the privacy and integrity of the data they collect.

    That includes being built with strong safeguards against cyber threats. A connected city should not be a more vulnerable city.

    The term smart city has always been slippery – more aspiration than definition. That ambiguity makes it hard to measure whether, or how, a city becomes smart. But one thing is clear: being smart doesn’t mean flooding citizens with apps and screens, or wrapping public life in flashy tech.

    The smartest cities might not even feel digital on the surface. They would work quietly in the background, gather only the data they need, coordinate it well and use it to make citizens’ life safer, fairer and more efficient.

    Milad Haghani receives funding from The Australian Research Council & The Australian Government.

    Abbas Rajabifard receives funding from Victorian Government via Land Use Department.

    Benny Chen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. What is a ‘smart city’ and why should we care? It’s not just a buzzword – https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-smart-city-and-why-should-we-care-its-not-just-a-buzzword-255419

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 3D-Printed Railway Station & 6 Manufacturing Myths | WEF | Top Stories Week

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    This week’s top stories of the week include:

    0:15 Platform boots workplace inclusivity — Inclusively rounds up what potential employers can offer them from reasonable adjustments to assistive technologies. Employees can log in anonymously and state their disabilities and needs for support or resources.

    3:40 Japan 3D-printed this railway station — Hatsushima’s old wooden station was built in 1948 and needed replacing but building a new one would have taken 2 months. Serendix printed the new station’s parts in a week before transporting them to Hatsushima for assembly.

    5:13 How to identify and fight online harms — Making the digital world safe while protecting freedom of expression is an ongoing challenge. Nearly half of US teens say they’re online almost constantly but how safe is their digital world?

    8:41 6 myths about modern manufacturing — We sat down with 4 manufacturing leaders based in Switzerland, Morocco, Belgium and the US to discuss common mistakes people have about the industry.

    _____________________________________________

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/ 
    Twitter ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #WorldEconomicForum

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PTbZ8cdk0Y

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Prime Minister congratulates Albanese and Wong

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has congratulated Anthony Albanese on winning the Australian Federal Election, and Lawrence Wong on winning the Singaporean election.
    “I have been in touch with both Mr Albanese and Mr Wong to offer my congratulations on retaining office,” Mr Luxon says.
    “When we spoke, Mr Albanese and I affirmed our strong working relationship. New Zealand has no better friend and no greater ally than Australia. Working together is even more important now as we both face the most challenging global environment in decades. We are stronger on the world stage together. 
    “I look forward to continuing to work with Mr Albanese on a range of issues including our shared security, partnering in the Pacific, and making the trans-Tasman business environment ever more seamless.”
    Mr Luxon has also congratulated Lawrence Wong on his recent election victory in Singapore.
    “Singapore is a key partner for New Zealand in Southeast Asia, and I am eager to continue to strengthen our bilateral relations and collaborate on regional and global challenges.
    “Both Australia and Singapore are indispensable partners for New Zealand. I am committed to enhancing our cooperation with both countries as we navigate the complexities of the current global landscape.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM Narendra Modi Virtually Inaugurates Khelo India Youth Games at Patna’s Patliputra Sports Complex

    Source: Government of India

    PM Narendra Modi Virtually Inaugurates Khelo India Youth Games at Patna’s Patliputra Sports Complex

    By hosting Khelo India Youth Games, Bihar has taken PM Modi’s sports vision a step ahead: Dr Mansukh Mandaviya

    Dr Mandaviya says Khelo India will be a year-round activity with additional Games being added to the sports calendar

    Union sports minister highlights the necessity for talent spotting and grooming to produce champions for the 2036 Olympics

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 8:50PM by PIB Delhi

    Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar today. The Games, featuring 27 medal disciplines and one demonstration sport, will end on May 15.

    Present alongside PM Modi was Hon’ble Chief Minister of Bihar Shri Nitish Kumar, Hon’ble Union sports and youth affairs minister, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister of State Srimati Rakhsha Khadse and several dignitaries from the Bihar government and the Bihar State Sports Authority.

    This is the first major multi-discipline sporting event hosted by Bihar. The 27 medal sports are spread over five cities – Patna, Rajgir, Bhagalpur, Gaya and Begusarai – and New Delhi. For the first time in the KIYG program, sepaktakraw has been included as a medal sport and esports will be a demonstration event. More than 10,000 participants, including over 6,000 athletes, will take part in KIYG 2025.

    It may be pertinent to mention that in March this year the Indian men’s regu (three-player) team secured its first-ever gold medal at the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) World Cup in Patna.

    The victory sparked nationwide celebrations, with the Hon’ble Prime Minister extending his congratulations. This triumph at the Pataliputra Sports Complex marked India’s best-ever performance at the ISTAF World Cup, where 21 countries from four continents competed across seven events.

    “This is a very important time for Bihar. History tells us how Nalanda and Vikramshila were eminent knowledge centres. Now the same land will give us new sports development centres. It’s a matter of great pride for Bihar,” said Dr Mandaviya.

    “These Games are an opportunity to change Bihar’s image as a state capable of hosting big events. A Viksit Bihar is part of Viksit Bharat and now every sports talent in Bihar will get a stage and an opportunity to showcase their skills,” said Dr Mandaviya, adding that proper talent development was key to doing well in the 2026 Summer Olympics that India aspire to host.

    Bihar has been an integral part of Khelo India’s robust programme.  Out of the 1048 Khelo India Centres across the country, 38 Khelo India Centres have been established in Bihar across all districts. Led by past champion athletes, the centres have strengthened grassroots engagement.

    These Khelo India centres offer a range of disciplines such as table tennis, athletics, wrestling, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, boxing, kabaddi and wushu. A total of 939 athletes (473 Males; 466 Female) are currently training in these centres. Additionally, 34 Khelo India State Centres of Excellence have been established across the country in collaboration with the state government.

    An indication of Bihar’s gradual improvement in sports was seen at the National Games in Uttarakhand. Bihar won 12 medals, including a gold, to record their best ever performance at the National Games.

    “The good times in Bihar sports have started and PM Modi believes that this is the time and it is the right time. And all this has been possible due to structured training, athlete-centric approach and local support system. We just have to be patient and let talent shine in due course,” said Dr Mandaviya.

    Dr Mandaviya added that the Sundays on Cycle program was gaining momentum across the country as he reiterated that “awareness for fitness was mandatory to keep lifestyle issues like obesity at bay.” The sports minister also said that the Khelo India calendar will see new events that will be more inclusive in nature.

    Dr Mandaviya said in future there will be a Khelo India School Games, a Beach Games in Diu, Khelo India indigenous Games in south India and a Tribal Games in Chattisgarh, among others. “Like this we will keep organizing events under the Khelo India umbrella,” said the minister.

    For More on Khelo India Youth Games, click: https://youth.kheloindia.gov.in/

    For Medal Tally of KIYG 2025, click: https://youth.kheloindia.gov.in/medal-tally

    ABOUT KHELO INDIA YOUTH GAMES

    Khelo India Youth Games are part of the Khelo India program that was launched on October 14, 2017. Khelo India aims to achieve the twin objective of mass participation and promotion of excellence in sports. The program has contributed immensely to India’s sporting success with several Khelo India athletes representing the nation at global events, including the Olympics and the Asian Games.  Bihar is hosting the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games from May 4-15 in five different cities of the state and Delhi. KIYG 2025 will feature 27 sports and for the first time, esports has been included as a demonstration sport.

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    Manish Gautam/Divyanshu Kumar

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: VP to visit Dharwad and Uttar Kannada (Karnataka) on 5th May

    Source: Government of India

    VP to visit Dharwad and Uttar Kannada (Karnataka) on 5th May

    VP will visit College of Forestry, Sirsi

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 5:18PM by PIB Delhi

    Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar and Dr. (Smt.) Sudesh Dhankhar, will be on a one-day tour to Karnataka. During this visit, the Vice-President will also visit College of Forestry in Sirsi, Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. 

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    JK/RC/SM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES 2025: A People’s Movement that Empowers Every Creator to be a Star

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES 2025: A People’s Movement that Empowers Every Creator to be a Star

    WAVES Bazaar a resounding success; records business transactions worth more than Rs. 1328 crores with 3000+ B2B Meetings in 3 days; Govt of Maharashtra signs MoUs worth Rs 8000 crores in M&E Sector

    Member Nations adopt WAVES Declaration at Global Media Dialogue

    Investment worth Rs 50 crores in pipeline as part of WAVEX Startup Accelerator

    Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) poised to be a milestone in capacity building for Creative Economy

    Create in India Challenge promises to foster Creative Economy in India

    Knowledge Reports unveiled at WAVES project India’s giant leaps in Creative Economy

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 7:48PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 4 May 2025

     

    The premier edition of World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) concluded on a high note today in Mumbai, registering an overwhelming response from exhibitors, industry leaders, startups, policymakers, academia, and the general public. The summit emerged as a key convergence point for the media and entertainment ecosystem, drawing participation from every segment of the industry — from celebrated artists and influential content creators to tech innovators and corporate leaders. With a vibrant mix of exhibitions, panel discussions, and B2B collaborations, the event witnessed a remarkable turnout and reaffirmed India’s position as a rising global Powerhouse of media and entertainment.

    The celebration of creativity, technology, and storytelling began with the inauguration of its maiden edition by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in a star-studded event held in Jio World Convention Centre. In his inaugural address, Prime Minister Modi remarked that WAVES is not just an acronym, it is a wave of culture, creativity and universal connectivity. The Prime Minister said that India is emerging as a global hub for film production, digital content, gaming, fashion, music and live concerts. He called upon the creators of the world to dream big and tell their stories; to the investors to invest not just in platforms, but in people; and to the Indian youth – to tell their one billion untold stories to the world. Declaring WAVES as the dawn of India’s Orange Economy, he urged the youth to lead this creative surge and make India a global creative hub.

    High-impact Knowledge Sessions

    Taking forward the vision of the Prime Minister, WAVES 2025, over the last four days, acted as a platform for high-level exchange of ideas, skills, and sectoral insights. The Conference Track of WAVES 2025 served as a vital forum for dialogue and collaboration, bringing together thought leaders, industry pioneers, policymakers, and professionals from across the globe. Through a carefully curated series of plenary sessions, breakout discussions, and master classes, the summit explored the latest innovations and emerging strategies shaping the future of the Media & Entertainment industry. The sessions enabled meaningful exchange of ideas, cutting across domains and specialisations.

    The maiden edition of WAVES will be known for the high impact knowledge sessions and the discourse covering a broad spectrum of topics, including Broadcasting and Infotainment, AVGC-XR, Digital Media, and Films. With more than 140 sessions featuring more than 100 international speakers, spread across three main halls (each accommodating over 1,000 participants) and five additional halls with capacities ranging from 75 to 150, the Summit maintained overwhelming attendance levels — with many sessions recording full occupancy.

    The plenary Sessions featured over 50 keynote addresses by eminent personalities such as Mukesh Ambani, Ted Sarandos, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Neal Mohan, Shantanu Narayen, Mark Read, Adam Mosseri, and Nita Ambani. Their insights offered compelling perspectives on the evolving entertainment industry, advertising landscape, and digital transformation. Film icons including Chiranjeevi, Mohanlal, Hema Malini, Akshay Kumar, Nagarjuna, Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Allu Arjun, and Shekhar Kapur, many of whom were also members of the WAVES Advisory Board, engaged in thought-provoking conversations on the future of cinema and content creation in the age of virtual production and artificial intelligence.

    The 40 masterclasses at WAVES 2025 were designed to offer practical learning and creative exploration. Participants gained direct exposure to industry techniques through sessions such as The Art of Acting by Aamir Khan, Craft of Direction by Farhan Akhtar, and Insights into Filmmaking by Michael Lehmann. Other sessions explored behind-the-scenes narratives like the making of Panchayat by Amazon Prime, designing AR lenses, creating AI avatars, and developing games using generative AI. These sessions provided professionals and aspiring creators with actionable knowledge and tools to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving creative economy.

    WAVES also featured 55 breakout sessions, which provided a platform for in-depth discussions on specialised themes such as broadcasting, digital media, OTT, AI, Music, News, Live events, Animation, Gaming, Virtual production, Comics, and Filmmaking. These interactive sessions brought together senior professionals from leading companies including Meta, Google, Amazon, X, Snap, Spotify, DNEG, Netflix, and NVIDIA, along with representatives from industry bodies such as FICCI, CII, and IMI. Designed to encourage sector-specific insights and collaboration, the discussions addressed critical challenges and charted new directions for growth and innovation.

    WAVES Bazaar garners Rs 1328 crores in Business Deals; Govt of Maharashtra signs MoUs worth Rs 8000 crores in M&E Sector

    The inaugural edition of WAVES Bazaar, organized under the umbrella of WAVES, was a resounding success as it has established itself as a premier platform for international business collaboration in the creative industries. The marketplace recorded business deals or transactions worth Rs. 1328 crores across the film, music, radio, VFX, and animation sectors. Out of the total estimated outcome, Rs. 971 cr has been from B2B meetings alone. A key highlight of the Bazaar was the Buyer-Seller Market which witnessed over 3,000 B2B meetings. In a major achievement under international collaboration, Film India Screen Collective and Screen Canterbury NZ from New Zealand announced a collaborative proposal to launch the first-ever Indian Film Festival in New Zealand. Only Much Louder CEO Tushar Kumar and Alexander Zharov, CEO of Russian firm Gazprom Media CEO announcing early talks on a MoU to collaborate on cross-cultural festivals and co-produce comedy and music shows in Russia and India was another achievement. The announcement of the Prime Video & CJ ENM Multi-Year Collaboration was another highlight of the Bazaar as the strategic partnership was unveiled to distribute premium Korean content globally. The other milestones include the announcement of the film ‘Devi Chowdhurani,’ which became the India’s first official Indo-UK co-production, and the film ‘Violated’ which will be a co-production of Fusion Flicks from the UK and JVD Films.

    The Maharashtra government has also added business value to the summit by signing MoUs worth ₹8,000 crore at the WAVES. While MoUs worth ₹1,500 crore were signed each with the University of York and the University of Western Australia, the state’s Industries Department signed MoUs worth ₹3,000 cr and ₹2,000 cr with Prime Focus and Godrej respectively.

    Member Nations adopt ‘WAVES Declaration’ at the Global Media Dialogue 2025

    The Global Media Dialogue 2025, held during the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) in Mumbai, was a landmark event with participation from 77 nations, underscoring India’s pivotal role in the global media and entertainment arena. The dialogue highlighted the power of international collaborations in fostering creativity while respecting cultural sensitivities. The member nations collectively adopted the ‘WAVES Declaration’, emphasizing the urgency of bridging the digital divide and leveraging media to promote global peace and harmony. The discussions underscored the profound role of films in uniting diverse cultures and the growing significance of individual stories in the creator economy, amplified by technological advancements.

    Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union External Affairs Minister, stressed the need for a synergy between technology and tradition, advocating for the empowerment of youth through skill development and innovation. Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, highlighted the transformative impact of technology on content creation and the critical importance of fostering local content, co-production agreements, and joint funding initiatives. India’s “Create in India” challenges, which successfully identified over 700 global creators, were showcased, with plans to expand them to 25 languages in the next edition. This summit laid a robust foundation for future global cooperation in media and entertainment, emphasizing creative excellence and ethical content production.

    WAVEX: An Accelerator for Aspiring Start-ups in M&E Sector

    WAVES Start-Up Accelerator selected 30 M&E Start-Ups to pitch their unique ideas directly to a battery of heavy-weight investors like Lumikai, Jio, CABIL, WarmUp Ventures – among the 45 key angel investors on board. With over 1000 registrations, the initiative germinated investment discussions worth Rs. 50 crore that are in pipeline. Apart from this, over 100 Start-Ups exhibited their ideas and products to potential investors in the dedicated Start-Up pavilion. WAVEX as an initiative aims to create a palpable investment ecosystem for start-ups to thrive and grow by forming an angel investor network specifically focussed on the Media and Entertainment sector. Start-Ups from Tier 1 and Tier 2 shined at WAVEX and their founders took centre-stage. To facilitate such creators better, WAVEX will set up a network of incubators with dedicated mentors for handholding and investors for seed investment. WAVEX is unique as it facilitates ideas that do not have a tangible product yet, but have a solid potential.

    Key Knowledge Reports Released at WAVES 2025

    Dr. L. Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, unveiled five pivotal reports at the WAVES Summit 2025 in Mumbai. These reports provide a comprehensive overview of India’s thriving media and entertainment ecosystem, covering key aspects like content production, policy frameworks, and live events.

    • Statistical Handbook on Media & Entertainment 2024-25:The Statistical Handbook, prepared by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, offers valuable data-driven insights into India’s media landscape. It highlights growth trends in broadcasting, digital media, film certifications, and public media services, providing essential information for future policymaking and industry strategies based on empirical evidence.
    • ‘From Content to Commerce’ by BCG:  Boston Consulting Group’s Report highlights the explosive growth of India’s creator economy, estimating 2 to 2.5 million active digital creators. These creators influence over $350 billion in annual spending, with projections to surpass $1 trillion by 2030. It emphasizes building long-term, authentic partnerships over transactional engagements with creators.
    • ‘A Studio Called India’ by Ernst & Young: Ernst & Young’s Report envisions India as a global content hub, leveraging its linguistic diversity, rich culture, and technological expertise. It highlights India’s 40%-60% cost advantage in animation and VFX services and growing international demand for Indian OTT content, strengthening India’s role in global cultural diplomacy.
    • Legal Currents and Live Events Industry Reports: Khaitan & Co.’s Legal Handbook covers vital issues such as influencer marketing and compliance norms, helping media stakeholders navigate India’s regulatory landscape. Additionally, the White paper on India’s live events industry outlines the sector’s 15% growth rate, advocating for upgraded infrastructure and streamlined licensing processes to support the booming sector.

    Indian Institute of Creative Technology: A National Centre of Excellence

    Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT)— a National Centre of Excellence being set up in Mumbai is poised to be a milestone in capacity building for Creative Economy. Dedicated exclusively to the AVGC-XR sector, the establishment of the Institute was formalized on Day-3 of WAVES 2025. WAVES also witnessed the signing of strategic MoUs with Industry Associations to transform IICT as a world-class institution in the M&E Sector. Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, who ceremonially flagged off these strategic associations, emphasized India’s potential to become a global leader in media and entertainment, stating that IICT is on track to evolve into a premier institution in its field, much like how IITs and IIMs have become benchmarks in technology and management education. Some companies who have extended their hands for long-term collaborations are JioStar, Adobe, Google & YouTube, Meta, Wacom, Microsoft and NVIDIA.

    Create in India Challenge & CreatoSphere: A Global Celebration of Creative Talent

    One of the standout highlights of WAVES 2025 was the grand culmination of the Create in India Challenge (CIC) Season 1, which drew nearly one lakh registrations from over 60 countries. Launched as a flagship initiative under WAVES, CIC brought together creators across age, geography, and disciplines, spanning animation, XR, gaming, AI, filmmaking, digital music, and more. The initiative has transformed every creator who participated to be a star.

    From 32 imaginative and future-forward challenges emerged 750+ finalists, including 1100+ international participants. These talented individuals showcased their work at Creatosphere, a dedicated innovation zone at WAVES, where they presented their projects, could network with industry leaders for potential associations.

    Beyond just a competition, the Create in India Challenge evolved into a movement celebrating diversity, youth energy, and storytelling rooted in both tradition and technology. With finalists ranging from 12 to 66 years of age, and strong participation from all Indian states and UTs, the initiative embodied inclusivity and aspiration. The Creatosphere was also a launchpad for themes like grassroots innovation, drone storytelling, and future-ready content offering a glimpse into the creative India of tomorrow. As Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw aptly said during the award ceremony of CIC, “The journey has just begun.” And with initiatives like the Indian Institute of Creative Technology on the horizon, the momentum is only growing stronger.

    8th National Community Radio Sammelan and National Awards for CRs

    Organized as part of the WAVES, the 8th National Community Radio Conference in which Union Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan honored 12 outstanding community radio stations with National Community Radio Awards at the event. Dr L. Murugan congratulated the winners and said that the national conference is aimed to strengthen the community media landscape in India through innovation, inclusiveness, and impact. The conference brought together representatives from more than 400 Community Radio (CR) Stations across the country on one platform to provide an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration. At present, there are 531 CR Stations across the country.

    Bharat Pavilion – India’s Journey from Kala to Code

    The Bharat Pavilion, an immersive viewing zone that took visitors through the continuum of India’s storytelling traditions at WAVES 2025, has received an overwhelming reception and response from the public. The Pavilion, under the theme “From Kala to Code”, offered a compelling narrative of India’s evolution in media and entertainment—from oral and visual traditions to cutting-edge digital innovations.

    The Pavillion presented the soul of India, balancing our rich cultural heritage with the new waves of technical advancements that are already underway. On the inaugural day of WAVES 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited the Pavilion. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, External Affairs Minister Shri S. Jaishankar, Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and many other dignitaries visited the pavilion and appreciated its role in telling the story of Bharat. The pavilion also garnered huge footfall, leaving people in awe and wonder on discovering the many treasures of our nation.

    Celebrating India’s creative journey, the Bharat Pavilion was not just an exhibition of content but a powerful expression of India as a creator. It projected India’s cultural depth, artistic excellence, and emerging dominance in global storytelling.

    WAVES concludes with the promise of bright future for Creative Economy

    WAVES 2025 has set a benchmark as a global platform that seamlessly brought together creativity, commerce, and collaboration. From visionary policy announcements and landmark international agreements to robust business deals and groundbreaking startup investments, the summit underscored India’s growing stature as a global leader in the creative economy. The adoption of the WAVES Declaration by 77 participating nations and the success of the WAVES Bazaar and WAVEX Accelerator collectively signal a future anchored in innovation, inclusivity, and international partnerships. As the curtains fall on this historic first edition, WAVES has not only showcased India’s creative prowess but has also catalysed a sustained global movement — one that will continue to inspire, invest in, and elevate the voices of creators worldwide.

     

    For official updates on realtime, please follow us: 

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    https://x.com/WAVESummitIndia

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice-President’s address at the inauguration ceremony of BRONCOCON 2025 in New Delhi (Exceprts)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 5:16PM by PIB Delhi

    Good evening, all of you.

    Distinguished audience, this conference, BRONCOCON 2025, has come not a day too soon because it addresses issues that are writing on the wall. Issues of huge contemporaneous relevance. It gives me immense pleasure. I take it as an absolute honour to inaugurate the 27th Annual Conference of the Indian Association for Bronchology. The Institute is known for its hallmark excellence in respiratory medicine and innovation.

    I’m sure the deliberations will be extremely fruitful. There will be ideation, exchange of ideas and interaction amongst people who are dealing with this menace to humanity that is ballooning by the day. BRONCOCON, according to me, is bound to be a crucible of ideas, redefining the future of pulmonary care in India and beyond, and this is gaining urgency, this is gaining paramountcy, this is gaining absolute attention. 

    With over hundreds of brilliant minds dedicated to respiratory care, I’m reminded that each breath, that fundamental act of living that defines that we are living, is what your profession protects. You are protecting our lives. Your theme, very well thought out. Beyond the scope, evolving frontiers in pulmonary procedures. This demonstrates remarkable foresight because the issues are known to one and all.

    Everyone is concerned and we live in a city where this dominates our mindset for months together. We know the evil consequences of this issue not being addressed. It is cancerous for society. Much beyond COVID, if we analyse the loss for our children, for our elderly citizens and for our youth, apart from those far before me.

    The future of pulmonary care lies at the intersections of medicine, technology, environmental science, public policy and community engagement. All are vital to address this problem. Gone are the days when either education or solutions could be by stand-alone institutions. There has to be concerted effort. There has to be convergence of all stakeholders. They have to be on the same page to find resolution of a problem which is diagnosed by everyone in a city like Delhi and beyond.  Pulmonologists and bronchologists have been silent sentinels of public health, moving to the frontline during, and who knows better than me, as Governor of the State of West Bengal. COVID-19, what a challenge it was.

    I salute your tireless efforts across clinics, ICUs, labs, classrooms and policy-making arenas. When the challenge was so huge, humanity in a non-discriminatory fashion came to face this menace, home to one-sixth of humanity in the land of Atharva Ved, showed the way. We could easily find light at the end of a tunnel and also show light to about hundred other countries that are ever beholden to us. Indian pulmonology has transformed through growing clinical expertise, public awareness and technological adoption.

    India, distinguished audience is a land which is witnessing at the moment accessibility to technology, adaptability to technology and technology delivering for the people at large, but in this field also much has to be negotiated. As I just indicated a while ago, our ancient texts, particularly Atharva Ved and envisions, health as a perfect balance of body, mind and spirit. It recognises breath as ‘pran’. If it goes, ‘pran’ doesn’t exist in us.

    The vital life force connecting individual wellness with environmental harmony. The importance of health can be visualised. A talented person, a person with passion, mission, ability for execution, for public causes, can be severely handicapped on account of health not being in order.

    So such a well-meaning person whose commitment is not in doubt, passion is on the right path, mission is for people at large, execution ability is recognised, he himself becomes a person in need and therefore health is all-important. Our traditional wisdom teaches that respiratory health is inseparable from nature’s equilibrium, reckless exploitation of nature. We are its trustees and we have become its owners and we are exploiting not for optimal need but for our greed.

    A time for all of us to think. Our physical prowess, our financial power cannot determine how we use these resources which are meant not only for individual serving having means but have to be utilised equitably for one and all. It is time for us to go back to our wisdom and knowledge that is our treasure recognised by the globe. We have to see indigenous practices of seasonal living. Our elderly people always say to use vegetables which are being grown around the same time. Use fruits which are there around the same time.

    Forest conservation and dietary wisdom align remarkably with modern preventive medicine. We therefore have to go back to our roots. No time is better than this because the might of Bharat is being realised, reckoned and recognised by the global powers, by the global fraternity. And it is in this context I remind the distinguished audience the time-tested science of ‘Yoga and Pranayama’. These offer profound solutions but imagine the Indian Prime Minister takes this vision to the global community, makes an appeal to the United Nations. The shortest time the largest number of nations converge to support it and we are now celebrating International Yoga Day.

    The population on the planet is uniformly benefiting thereby. Then we have techniques like Anulom Vilom, Bhastrika, Kapalbhati and when I see these being demonstrated on television. I find many people instantly want to take to these, but I will appeal particularly to our youth, impressionable minds to learn it once for all. If you learn the technique once your approach will be stable, sustained, not tentative. These afford not solutions but are recipes for longevity. They enhance immunity, they generate us stress-free, our vitality goes up, the quotient of happiness is enhanced. This will obviously lead to higher productivity.

    Modern research has validated that our ancient practices are scientific. Our ancient practices are extremely potent. They afford precautionary, preventive solutions. The integration of traditional wisdom into modern scientific research is the need of the time and I am sure those dealing with contemporary medicine research will address this issue. The surge in interventional pulmonology enables targeted life enhancing interventions. Deploying these at district level health care centres could accelerate our national tuberculosis elimination programme. If metros are fully equipped that is not a solution. We have to reach out up to district level, both in terms of availability and affordability. While lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer mortality, early detection technologies not only offer hope but confidence that the problem can be addressed.

    We must expand from the practice of medicine to the reach of medicine ensuring, as I said earlier, affordability and accessibility. Fortunately the government by affirmative policies has done much in this direction but it is the health and mindset of people of a nation that define the nation and health defines the mindset. If we believe and want everyone to believe that our mindset must be nationalistic, we must always keep nation first. No interest whatsoever personal, partisan or fiscal can have overriding impact or national interest but then that requires the first aspect.

    Consider the lived realities and now I seek your attention. Look at the plight of children who are close to industrial areas. Look at those tender souls. The elderly exposed to biomass smoke. The farmer faces parali or crop burning issues. The factory worker inhales chemicals, dust. Invisible citizens whose lives are shaped by the air we breathe.

    I still recall a person in another country handling the health department in another country saying a sick child is an assurance to the doctors for their work and pharmaceutical companies for survival. We don’t want that scenario. It will be too much for us to go for air purifiers. Selective solutions in democracy do not reflect well on democracy. Solutions have to be for one and all because equality is the hallmark of democracy and we have equality when iniquitous situations are contained in a systemic manner.

    As indicated in one report just a year ago in February 2024, respiratory diseases continue India’s largest disease category and account for one-sixth of our population. Just imagine what a staggering figure it is. Asthma arises among children. COPD robs adults of productivity. Tuberculosis persists and tuberculosis is a situation that affects the entire family. Fortunately now the treatment is there. There was a time when there was no treatment. So what is more fundamental is diagnosis. Early diagnosis your treatments emanate easily. The psychological toll, just imagine someone suffering from TB, someone suffering from cancer, the psychological toll not on the only patient but on the family’s huge.

    Fortunately now there is hand-holding for the physical part of it but then also much needs to be done. Then there is stigmatisation. Rather than hand-holding we keep to distance ourselves out of ignorance. Environmental factors include and who doesn’t know it, air pollution.

    Just reflect today. Air pollution index in this city, you’ll be amazed.  When you look at the desirable index and we’re getting away from it. But what is concerning is we are not serious about it. Like climate change, existential challenges, we don’t have another planet to live, but everyone thinks it is anybody else’s job. The job is of one and all. We are cliff hanging. We need to be awake. Then apart from air pollution, vehicular emissions. We don’t pool our resources. We would like to show our wealth by having as many cars as we can have. We have to find a systemic solution. Thankfully our public transport system is being strengthened. We are falling back on alternative automobile culture, but let’s do it while there is time.

    Human behaviour, what we use, our level of nutrition and suddenly a new term has emerged in last few decades. Lifestyle disease is something which is correctionable at the level of an individual, at the level of the family, at the level of the society. The problems are compounded because they get in a stream making life of individuals difficult. But I am not in despair. I am full of hope, optimism and confidence. That when there is convergence of mind like yours, the mind that will ideate, the mind that will engage in research.

    Let me caution you, research has to be authentic, research must be connected with ground results. Research is not meant for oneself or self, research is not to be for the self. Research is not assimilation. Research has to be real research that not only the nation but countries beyond us can take benefit of it.

    Fortunately in our country there is a revolution of green energy, redotting our rural landscape massively but we need to do more on this. We need accelerated phasing out of old vehicles. People have to understand that an old vehicle has to be discarded for reasons that concern our health. Merely because an old vehicle is functional on the road, does not reflect on its road worthiness, that has to be done.

    I said public transportation. We must take pride in using public transportation. Our ego should not come in between. In many countries this is done and here also the safest, fastest, surest way to reach an airport is through a metro. But that is something we need to make a habit of.

    Look at our urban lungs – water bodies, forests and tree cover. In our Vedic culture we reward them, we worship them. Now we are using it for our own gain. We are destroying our respiratory system that nature has given to us. People go for indoor plants, air purifiers out of necessity. Not recognising that this is indicative of a deep malice that is permeating in the society. Your miniscule solution is temporary for you. You have to find a systemic solution. Systemic solution is one that improves the world.

    I deeply appreciate the medical community in our country. Your role transcends healing, encompassing innovation, advocacy, education and inspiration. When we faced pandemic, this was demonstrated. People came with their own ideas and they were safe from Covid.

    I therefore appeal to all of you that we must bridge medicine with data science, environmental studies, engineering and artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence or let us put it in a broad term, disruptive technologies, these have entered our home, our way of life, our workplace, our research centres.

    Disruptive technologies are much beyond the impact of industrial revolutions but the challenges have to be converted into opportunities. According to me, distinguished audience, it is a myth that this technology, when employed, will cut into human resource employability – No. You have to tame the technology, you have to use it for our advantage, and I’m sure you’ll work it out. You are working for a robust environment for us all. Your deliberations are bound to be absolutely wholesome for all of us.

    Let us resolve on this day to build a future where every citizen breathes easily, breathes clean air, lives longer, and dreams bigger. Health is the first factor that deprives happiness. May your deliberations be fruitful and transformative.

    ‘सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः’ is something we have got from our scriptures to be practised.

    I am grateful for the Vice-President here, who is also chairman of BRONCOCON 2025, Dr. Vivek Nangia, also Dr. R.P. Meena, the president, and the secretary, Dr. Amita Nene, for affording me this opportunity to interact with brilliant minds, minds that have passion without personal interest, a mission that is not selective, and execution that is uniform, that is helping one and all — ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.’

    Thank you.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses the inaugural ceremony of 7th Khelo India Youth Games

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses the inaugural ceremony of 7th Khelo India Youth Games

    Best wishes to the athletes participating in the Khelo India Youth Games being held in Bihar, May this platform bring out your best and promote true sporting excellence: PM

    Today India is making efforts to bring Olympics in our country in the year 2036: PM

    The government is focusing on modernizing the sports infrastructure in the country: PM

    The sports budget has been increased more than three times in the last decade, this year the sports budget is about Rs 4,000 crores: PM

    We have made sports a part of mainstream education in the new National Education Policy with the aim of producing good sportspersons as well as excellent sports professionals in the country: PM

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 8:02PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural ceremony of 7th Khelo India Youth Games via videoconferencing today. Addressing the athletes, coaches, and staff members present at the event, he remarked that players from across the country had gathered, showcasing exceptional talent and determination. He highlighted their dedication and hard work, acknowledging their contribution to the sporting spirit of the nation. Emphasizing the remarkable skills and commitment of the athletes, the Prime Minister affirmed that their passion for sports and continuous pursuit of excellence bring pride to the nation. He extended his best wishes to them for their future endeavors.

    Highlighting the extensive competitions to be held across multiple cities in Bihar during the Khelo India Youth Games, including Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai, Shri Modi noted that in the coming days, over six thousand young athletes would participate, carrying their dreams and aspirations with them. He extended his best wishes to all the players, emphasizing that sports in India is now evolving into a distinct cultural identity. “As India’s sporting culture grows, so will the country’s soft power on the global stage”, said Shri Modi, underscoring the significance of the Khelo India Youth Games in providing a major platform for the nation’s youth.

    Underscoring the importance of continuous improvement for athletes, emphasizing the necessity of playing more matches and participating in more competitions to refine their skills, the Prime Minister reiterated that their government has always given top priority to this aspect in its policies. He highlighted that various sporting events under Khelo India—University Games, Youth Games, Winter Games, and Para Games—are held throughout the year at multiple levels nationwide. These consistent competitions, he remarked, boost athletes’ confidence and bring their talent to the forefront. Citing an example from cricket, the Prime Minister lauded Bihar’s own Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his outstanding performance in the IPL at such a young age. He emphasized that while Vaibhav’s hard work was crucial, the exposure to multiple competitions also played a key role in shaping his talent. The Prime Minister asserted that the more an athlete plays, the more they thrive. He remarked that the Khelo India Youth Games provide young athletes with an opportunity to understand the nuances of national-level sports and gain valuable experience.

    Stressing that hosting the Olympics in India has been a long-cherished dream of every citizen, Shri Modi underlined India’s efforts to bring the Olympics to the country in 2036, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to strengthening its presence in international sports. He underscored the government’s focus on identifying sporting talent at the school level and providing them with structured training. He remarked that initiatives like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme have contributed to building a robust sports ecosystem, benefiting thousands of athletes across Bihar and the rest of the country. He stressed the importance of giving athletes opportunities to explore diverse sports. He noted that Khelo India Youth Games has incorporated traditional and indigenous games like Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Kho-Kho, Mallakhamb, and even Yogasana to promote India’s rich sporting heritage. Shri Modi also acknowledged the growing presence of Indian athletes in new and emerging sports. He highlighted recent commendable performances in disciplines such as Wushu, Sepak Takraw, Pencak Silat, Lawn Bowls, and Roller Skating. He recalled the historic moment when India’s women’s team secured a medal in Lawn Bowls at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, bringing global recognition to the sport in India.

    The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s focus on modernizing India’s sports infrastructure, noting that in the past decade, the sports budget has increased more than threefold, reaching approximately ₹4,000 crore this year, with a significant portion allocated to infrastructure development. He remarked that over 1,000 Khelo India Centers are operational across the country, including more than three dozen in Bihar. He emphasized that Bihar is benefiting from the Union and State governments, with the state government expanding several initiatives at its level. The Prime Minister acknowledged the establishment of the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Rajgir and institutions like Bihar Sports University and the State Sports Academy. He highlighted the ongoing construction of a Sports City along the Patna-Gaya Highway and the development of sports facilities in Bihar’s villages. He affirmed that the Khelo India Youth Games will further strengthen Bihar’s presence on the national sports map.

    “The world of sports and its associated economy extend far beyond the playing field, sports are creating new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship for young individuals”, said Shri Modi. He noted various emerging fields such as physiotherapy, data analytics, sports technology, broadcasting, e-sports, and management, which offer diverse career opportunities. He remarked that young professionals could explore roles as coaches, fitness trainers, recruitment agents, event managers, sports lawyers, and media experts. “Today, a stadium is no longer just a venue for matches but has become a source of thousands of jobs”, stated Shri Modi, underlining the growing possibilities in sports entrepreneurship, with initiatives like the establishment of National Sports Universities and the integration of sports into mainstream education through the new National Education Policy. Shri Modi stressed the importance of sportsmanship in every aspect of life, highlighting how sports instill teamwork, collaboration, and perseverance. Encouraging the athletes, he urged them to perform at their best and represent the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ as brand ambassadors. He expressed confidence that the athletes would carry fond memories from Bihar. He also encouraged those visiting from outside the state to savor the taste of Litti Chokha and Bihar’s famous Makhana.

    Expressing hope that the Khelo India Youth Games would elevate both the spirit of sportsmanship and patriotism among the participants, the Prime Minister officially announced the commencement of the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games.

    The Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar, Union Ministers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Smt Raksha Khadse, Shri Ram Nath Thakur were present among other dignitaries at the event.

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri to hold bilateral talks with his Japanese counterpart in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 5:11PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will hold a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Minister of Defense Mr Gen Nakatani in New Delhi on May 05, 2025. Both sides will exchange views and ideas on the current regional & international security situation and discuss ways to further deepen the bilateral defence cooperation.

    India and Japan share a long-term friendship, which has further gained qualitative momentum after the elevation of this collaboration to Special Strategic & Global Partnership in 2014. Defence and security are important pillars of the ties between the two countries.

    Defence exchanges between India and Japan have gained strength in recent years due to the growing convergence on strategic matters. Its significance is increasing from the common outlook on issues of peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific Region.

    This will be the second meeting between the two Defence Ministers within six months after their maiden interaction in November 2024 on the sidelines of ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus at Lao PDR.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Strengthening India-Belgium Partnership: Shri Piyush Goyal Meets Belgian Minister of Foreign Trade Mr. Theo Francken and Minister-President of Flanders Mr. Matthias Diependaele

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 7:55PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, held a productive meeting in Brussels on 2nd May 2025 with Belgian Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade Mr. Theo Francken and Minister-President of the Flanders region Mr. Matthias Diependaele to strengthen the Indo-Belgian partnership across trade, technology, investment, and innovation. This engagement follows the March 2025 visit of HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium to India, where her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the shared ambition to unlock new avenues for collaboration in trade, technology, defence, agriculture, life sciences, innovation, skilling and academic exchanges. The over 300-member Belgian Economic Mission, led by Princess Astrid, infused fresh momentum into this dynamic bilateral relationship. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to building on this momentum to forge resilient, future-focused ties that enhance mutual growth and contribute to a more integrated global economic framework.

    The discussions highlighted growing economic synergies and focused on scaling bilateral trade, fostering industrial collaboration, and deepening investments in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, clean energy, defence production, and pharmaceuticals.The Flanders region, recognized as Belgium’s economic engine, was highlighted as a critical partner with its advanced manufacturing ecosystem, R&D infrastructure, and its strategic role as a European gateway. With India already the world’s fastest-growing major economy and widely expected to remain so over the next two decades ahead—driven by a young, aspirational population and a dynamic reform-oriented environment—the growth story presents an unprecedented opportunity for India and Belgium.

    The two sides reaffirmed their shared vision of mutual prosperity and resilient economic cooperation amidst evolving global challenges. Minister Goyal reflected on India’s transformative economic journey over the past decade, emphasizing reforms that have empowered citizens and entrepreneurs alike. “The last eleven years have not only been about economic upliftment, but about enabling aspirations,” he stated.

    The meeting also reviewed progress in EU–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, with both parties recognizing the need to address tariff and non-tariff barriers to enhance market access. Minister Goyal reiterated India’s position as a trusted and long-term economic partner for Europe’s growth, remarking, “India is not just a market of the future—it is a collaborator of trust.”

    Belgium remains one of India’s most significant economic partners in Europe. It is India’s 5th largest trading partner within the EU, with bilateral trade reaching USD 15.07 billion in 2023–24. Belgian FDI in India has totaled USD 3.94 billion from April 2000 to September 2024, including a remarkable 39% growth—USD 1.1 billion—in the past year alone. Bilateral cooperation spans a wide array of sectors including defence manufacturing, green hydrogen, nano-electronics, nuclear medicine, and pharmaceutical R&D, reflecting the expanding depth and strategic nature of the Indo-Belgian economic relationship. Both sides agreed to strengthen high-level engagements and facilitate regular visits by business delegations to accelerate trade and investment outcomes.

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    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayana

    (Release ID: 2126845) Visitor Counter : 56

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs raids two suspected illicit cigarette storage centres in Sheung Shui (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​Hong Kong Customs today (May 4) conducted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Sheung Shui, successfully dismantling two storage and distribution centres primarily operated by foreign domestic helpers. Two female foreign domestic helpers aged 40 and 48 were arrested, and around 200,000 suspected illicit cigarettes were seized, with an estimated market value of about $900,000 and a duty potential of approximately $660,000.
     
    Early this morning, Customs officers spotted two women carrying suspicious nylon bags in Choi Yuen Estate, Sheung Shui. Upon interception, about 90,000 suspected illicit cigarettes were found inside the bags. The two helpers were then escorted back to their employers’ public rental housing units respectively for further investigation, where an additional 110,000 illicit cigarettes were uncovered.
     
    Based on preliminary investigation, the two arrested domestic helpers were suspected to use their co-living employers’ public housing units as storage centres for illicit cigarettes. They used the flats as delivery addresses and collected the illicit cigarettes on “piecemeal basis” to avoid detection by their employers and distributed them during early hours on holidays. Customs will continue investigating the source and distribution channels of the illicit cigarettes, and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
     
    Customs will also continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source as well as through its multi-pronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities.
     
    Customs stresses that it is an offence to buy or sell illicit cigarettes. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
     
    Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOIL records best-ever April production in FY’26

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 6:34PM by PIB Delhi

    In a strong start to FY’26, MOIL has reported its highest ever April performance, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence, in terms of,

    • Record April production of 1.62 lakh tonnes of Manganese (Mn) ore, registering a growth of 1.5% over CPLY.
    • Exploratory core drilling of 11,453 meters – a 58% increase over CPLY.

    Shri Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD, MOIL, remarked, “MOIL’s April performance sets a positive tone for the year ahead. The organization remains committed to sustained growth and value creation.”

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    TPJ/NJ

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    Read this release in: Hindi

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, attends the grand closing ceremony of 1008 Sanskrit Sambhashan Shivirs in New Delhi as the Chief Guest

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, attends the grand closing ceremony of 1008 Sanskrit Sambhashan Shivirs in New Delhi as the Chief Guest

    Since 1981, Sanskrit Bharati has been working to present the vast knowledge available in Sanskrit to the world and to train and enable millions of people to speak and learn Sanskrit

    Due to the efforts of Sanskrit Bharati, the interest in Sanskrit and acceptance of Sanskrit among the people of the country, both are increasing

    Sanskrit is one of the most scientific languages of the world

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, now a favorable environment for the promotion of Sanskrit is available in the country

    It is now time to work for the revival of Sanskrit instead of merely remembering its decline

    PM Modi launched the ‘Gyan Bhartam Mission’ with a fund of ₹500 crore for the preservation of manuscripts

    Sanskrit is the mother of most Indian languages, and therefore, the rise of Sanskrit is intrinsically linked to the rise of India

    The richer and more powerful Sanskrit becomes, it will strengthen more every language and dialect of the country

    By compiling and presenting the knowledge available in Sanskrit, solutions to all of the world’s problems can be found

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 5:31PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today attended the grand closing ceremony of 1008 Sanskrit Sambhashan Shivirs in New Delhi as the Chief Guest. The event was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta.

    In his address at the event, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation praised Sanskrit Bharati for its remarkable and courageous initiative in organizing 1008 Sanskrit Sambhashan Shivirs. He noted that the decline of Sanskrit began even before the era of colonial rule, and its revival will require time and sustained effort. He emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a favorable atmosphere has emerged across the country for the resurgence of Sanskrit. He added that the government, the public, and the collective mindset are all firmly dedicated and committed to the revival and promotion of Sanskrit.

    Shri Amit Shah said that since 1981, Sanskrit Bharati has been working to present the vast knowledge available in Sanskrit to the world and to train and enable millions of people to speak and learn Sanskrit. He highlighted that many renowned global scholars have acknowledged Sanskrit as the most scientific language. Emphasizing a forward-looking approach, he said that rather than dwelling on the history of Sanskrit’s decline, efforts should now focus on its resurgence. Shri Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has launched various initiatives to promote Sanskrit. He mentioned that around 18 projects have been implemented under the Ashtadashi scheme, and the Government of India provides financial support for the publication, bulk purchase, and reprinting of rare Sanskrit texts. Moreover, the honorarium for distinguished Sanskrit scholars has been increased.

    Union Home Minister highlighted that the Modi government’s new National Education Policy (NEP) places strong emphasis on the Indian Knowledge System, with Sanskrit as its core pillar. He noted that the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan has been elevated to the status of a Central Sanskrit University. He also mentioned that under the Sahasra Chudamani Yojana, the government has facilitated the appointment of retired eminent Sanskrit scholars as educators. Shri Shah emphasized that one of the most significant initiatives of the Modi government is a nationwide campaign with a budget of approximately Rs 500 crore aimed at collecting scattered manuscripts in Sanskrit and Prakrit. He said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has launched the Gyan Bharatam Mission with a foundational corpus of Rs 500 crore dedicated to manuscript preservation, with allocations planned in every budget going forward. He further informed that over 52 lakh manuscripts have already been documented, around 3.5 lakh digitized, and 1,37,000 made available online at namami.gov.in. To support this massive effort, a team comprising scholars from various disciplines and languages has been constituted to translate and preserve these rare manuscripts.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the work undertaken by Sanskrit Bharati since 1981 is truly unparalleled. He emphasized that the solutions to many of the world’s challenges can be found through the revival, propagation, and simplification of the profound knowledge contained in Sanskrit. He highlighted that since its inception, Sanskrit Bharati has introduced over one crore people to spoken Sanskrit, trained more than one lakh Sanskrit teachers, and nurtured 6,000 families who converse exclusively in Sanskrit. Moreover, there are now 4,000 villages in India where all communication is conducted entirely in Sanskrit. Shri Shah noted that Sanskrit Bharati has established 4,500 centers across 26 countries and, in 2011, organized the world’s first World Sanskrit Book Fair. It also hosted the Sahitya Utsav in Ujjain in 2013. He stated that these efforts have significantly increased public interest in Sanskrit and its acceptance is steadily growing. The Home Minister affirmed that while there is no opposition to any language, no one can be distanced from their mother tongue — and Sanskrit is the mother of nearly all Indian languages. He concluded by saying that as Sanskrit becomes richer and stronger, it will, in turn, empower every language and dialect across the country.

    Union Home Minister said that 1008 Sanskrit Sambhashan Shivirs have concluded here today.  He shared that, through these Shivirs (camps), over 17,000 participants were introduced to Sanskrit over a 10-day period starting from April 23. During this time, they also engaged in spoken Sanskrit practice, which will help foster greater interest and enthusiasm for the language among the public.

    Shri Amit Shah said that Sanskrit represents India’s faith, tradition, truth, and timeless essence. He emphasized that the light of knowledge and wisdom is deeply embedded in the Sanskrit language. As the mother of most Indian languages, Sanskrit’s promotion is not just about its revival, but also about advancing the nation’s overall progress. He noted that for thousands of years, the churning of ideas across various disciplines has produced a wealth of knowledge preserved in Sanskrit. He said that this vast treasure spans every field and should be made accessible to the entire world. Shri Shah stressed that the profound wisdom contained in the Vedas, Upanishads, and countless Sanskrit manuscripts must reach a global audience. He added that the ongoing efforts by Sanskrit Bharati are a significant first step toward achieving this goal.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that Sanskrit is not only the most scientific language in the world, but also possesses an unparalleled grammatical structure. He noted that Sanskrit was the first language to refine the use of meter and syllables, which has contributed to its continued vitality and relevance even today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Minister of State for Coal and Mines Reviews Performance of CMPDI

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 6:32PM by PIB Delhi

    The Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, chaired a meeting to review the performance of Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDI) today at Ranchi. The review meeting was attended by Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD), CMPDI, Shri Shankar Nagachari, Director (Tech./CRD); Shri Ajay Kumar, Director (Tech./P&D/RD&T), GM/HoDs and other Sr.officials of CMPDI.

    During the review meeting, CMPDI’s performance in various areas of operation like Exploration, Report Preparation, Capex, R&D projects, Solar Projects, CSR initiatives during 2024-25 was presented, along with targets for 2025-26.

    The Minister appreciated CMPDI’s performance and emphasized the importance of introducing new technologies in coal washing, exploration of critical minerals and increasing the use of solar energy in Coal India Limited (CIL).

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: APEDA mulls Export Growth Strategy for Agri and Processed Foods, calls stakeholders for a Chintan Shivir

    Source: Government of India

    APEDA mulls Export Growth Strategy for Agri and Processed Foods, calls stakeholders for a Chintan Shivir

    Govt committed to reducing logistical barriers and enhancing market access for Indian agri and processed food products: Shri Sunil Barthwal, Secretary Department of Commerce

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 1:20PM by PIB Delhi

    Government is committed to reducing logistical barriers and enhancing market access for Indian agri and processed food products. This was stated by Shri Sunil Barthwal, Secretary Department of Commerce, in his address at a high-level Chintan Shivir organized by Agricultural & Processed Food Products Authority(APEDA) in New Delhi.

    Shri Barthwal pointed out that “Academia and Research institutions must be a part of multisectoral consultations so that Research and Development can be a major focus for innovation and sustainability in agri exports.” He emphasised that, agricultural production and productivity both are the need of the hour. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to further deliberate on the ideas and strategies discussed during the sessions.

    The consultative dialogue brought together senior officials from the Union Government, Central Ministries, representatives from State Governments, policy experts, industry leaders from Agri trade and Processed Foods sector to deliberate on strategies for enhancing the export of Agricultural And Processed Food Products from India.

    The inaugural session of the Chintan Shivir was co- chaired by Shri Sunil Barthwal, Secretary of Department of Commerce, and Shri Subrata Gupta, Secretary of Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI). The session was also graced by the Special Secretary, Department of Commerce Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Smt. Varsha Joshi, and other senior officers of the Union and State governments, policymakers and industry leaders.

    In his opening remarks, Secretary of Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Shri Subrata Gupta highlighted the importance of infrastructure development and value addition to ensure sustainable export growth. He emphasised that there is a need to develop infrastructure, Sanitary and Phytosanitary standards at par with international norms, tariff plans and more synergy between Union Government, State Government, various departments and Industry stakeholders. He identified key potential products and sectors for processed foods exports like Alcoholic Beverages, Nutraceuticals and Value-Added Products.

    The Special Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Shri Rajesh Agrawal, emphasized the critical role of synergistic efforts among Union government, State Government, industry stakeholders and farming communities in realizing India’s agri-export potential. He emphasised on the need to have a more synergetic approach amongst various stakeholders to take new agriculture, processed food and Value Added Products to new geographies.

    This Chintan Shivir is a first, one of its kind collaborative dialogue facilitated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and APEDA with over 70 stakeholders from the Union Government, State Governments, Industry Leaders and Line Ministries at Vanijya Bhawan. 14 States from across the country namely Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal participated in the inaugural session. Industry Leaders of Agri and Processed Food sectors were represented by LT Foods, KRBL, Amul, Organic India, ITC, Meatzza, Suguna Foods, Kaybee, TPCI, Organic India, Allanasons, Fair exports, HMA exports, amongst others participated in the dialogue.  

    The Shivir was divided into five parallel technical breakout sessions focusing on specific Agri-Trade Commodities and Processed Food sector, as under:

    • Basmati and Non-Basmati Rice: engaged states such as Punjab, Haryana and Telangana as well as industry giants like LT Foods and KRBL. The discussion addressed export barriers, financial and policy support and branding strategies for Indian rice.
    • Animal Products: brought together key exporters and state representatives to identify value chain improvements and international compliance strategies.
    • Horticulture with participation from states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh as well as companies such as Kaybee, explored ways to enhance quality, improve logistics, and strengthen industry-academia linkages.
    • Processed Foods: involved stakeholders like Britannia and Haldiram’s focusing on value addition, regulatory streamlining and branding of Indian products globally.
    • Organic Products: discussed opportunities in expanding India’s footprint in global organic markets with contributions from Organic India, AMUL, ITC, and regulatory bodies like FSSAI.

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    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijit Narayanan

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Announces Two Genome-Edited Rice Varieties Developed in India

    Source: Government of India

    Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Announces Two Genome-Edited Rice Varieties Developed in India
    India Becomes the First Country in the World to Develop Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

    The new genome varieties hold the potential for revolutionary changes in higher production, climate adaptability, and water conservation

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 5:58PM by PIB Delhi

    Key Highlights:

    • “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has achieved a historic milestone in scientific research,” said Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
    • “Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, agricultural research has been given a new direction,” added Shri Chouhan.
    • “This is a golden opportunity for the agriculture sector,” stated Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
    • “These new varieties will play a leading role in heralding the second Green Revolution,” emphasized Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

    Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today announced the development of two genome-edited rice varieties, in India, at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi. This marks a new beginning in the field of scientific research and innovation. A large number of scientists and farmers attended the event.

    Addressing the gathering, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India’s vision for a developed nation is being realized, and farmers are moving towards prosperity. Today’s achievement will be written in golden letters. During the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Prime Minister Modi had called upon farmers to adopt modern techniques to overcome agricultural challenges. Inspired by his words, ICAR scientists have made exceptional achievements in the field of agriculture with the creation of these new varieties.”

    He further said that the development of these new crops will not only enhance production but will also yield positive results in environmental terms. It will save irrigation water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby lowering environmental pressure. This is a classic example of getting both benefits – increased production and environmental conservation.

    Shri Chouhan emphasized that in the coming times, there is a need for ensuring food security, increasing nutritious production, and providing food for both India and the world, while making India the food basket of the world. He stated, “We are proud that our efforts have led to the export of 48,000 crore worth of Basmati rice annually.”

    The Minister also urged the need to take further steps to increase production of soybean, arhar, tur, lentils, urad, oilseeds, and pulses.

    Shri Chouhan also introduced the “Minus 5 and Plus 10” formula, explaining that it involves reducing the area of rice cultivation by 5 million hectares while increasing rice production by 10 million tons in the same area. This would free up space for the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds.

    He urged the farmers, especially the young farmers, to adopt advanced farming techniques. Shri Chouhan said, “We need to take agricultural research to the farmers. When agricultural scientists and farmers come together, miracles will happen.”

    Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, virtually congratulated the scientists.

    Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, DA&FW, MoEF&CC, highlighted that the new varieties announced by ICAR today could be a game-changer for Indian agriculture:

    Dr. M.L Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), emphasized the importance of demand-driven research, highlighting the need to gather feedback from farmers about their specific requirements. This approach will ensure that research outcomes are tailored to meet the needs of farmers and effectively reach them with the right solutions.

    On this occasion, the Minister honored the scientists who contributed to the research of the two varieties. Dr. Vishwanathan C, Dr. Gopal Krishnan S, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Dr. Shivani Nagar, Dr. Archana Vats, Dr. Soham Ray, Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh and Dr. Pranjal Yadav, were honored for their work on Pusa DST Rice 1. Dr. Satyendra Kumar Mangruthia, Dr. R.M. Sundaram, Dr. R. Abdul Fiyaz, Dr. C.N. Neerja, and Dr. S.V. Sai Prasad were honored for their contribution to the development of of DRR Rice 100 (Kamla).

    Dr. Devendra Kumar Yadava, Deputy Director General, (Crop Science) ICAR, Dr. R.M. Sundaram, Director, ICAR-Indian Rice Research Institute, Hyderabad, Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Former Director, ICAR, and Dr. C.H. Srinivas Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI also addressed the event.

    Background:

    ICAR has developed India’s first genome-edited rice varieties – DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1. These varieties have the potential to bring about revolutionary changes in terms of higher production, climate adaptability, and water conservation.

    These new varieties were developed using genome-editing technology based on CRISPR-Cas, which makes precise changes in the organism’s genetic material without adding foreign DNA. Genome editing of SDN 1 and SDN 2 types of genes has been approved under India’s biosafety regulations for general crops.

    In 2018, ICAR initiated genome-editing research to improve two major rice varieties – Samba Mahsuri and MTU 1010 – under the National Agricultural Science Fund. The outcome of this research is the two advanced varieties that offer the following benefits:

    • A 19% increase in yield.
    • A 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
    • A saving of 7,500 million cubic meters of irrigation water.
    • Improved tolerance to drought, salinity, and climate stresses.

    The DRR Rice 100 (Kamala) variety was developed by ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad, based on Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204). Its objective is to increase the number of grains per panicle and it matures 20 days earlier (~130 days). Due to its shorter duration, it helps save water and fertilizers and reduces methane gas emissions. Its stalk is strong and does not fall. The rice quality is similar to the original variety, Samba Mahsuri.

    The second variety, Pusa DST Rice 1, was developed by ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, based on MTU 1010. This variety can increase yields by 9.66% to 30.4% in saline and alkaline soils, with the potential for up to 20% increase in production.

    These varieties have been developed for states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala (Zone VII), Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh (Zone V), Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal (Zone III).

    The development of these varieties is a significant step toward India’s goal of becoming a developed nation and promoting sustainable agriculture. In the 2023-24 budget, the Government of India allocated ₹500 crores for genome editing in agricultural crops. ICAR has already initiated genome-editing research for several crops, including oilseeds and pulses.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to attend ADB’s Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy, from 4th to 7th May 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to attend ADB’s Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy, from 4th to 7th May 2025

    The Union Finance Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with Finance Ministers of Italy, Japan, and Bhutan as well as heads of other international organisations, besides meeting global think-tanks, business leaders and CEOs in Milan

    Smt. Sitharaman will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Milan and also address a plenary session in at the Bocconi University on “Balancing Economic and Climate Resilience”

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 4:04PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will lead the Indian delegation of officials from the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, to attend the 58th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Development Bank (ADB), scheduled to take place in Milan, Italy, from May 4 to 7, 2025.

    The meetings will be attended by official delegations of Board of Governors of ADB, official delegations of ADB members and international financial institutions. The Union Finance Minister will participate in the Annual Meeting’s focal events like the Governors’ Business session, Governor’s Plenary Session and as a panelist in the ADB Governors’ Seminar on “Cross-Border Collaboration for Future Resilience”.

    On the sidelines of the ADB’s 58th Annual Meeting, Smt. Sitharaman will also hold bilateral meetings with Finance Ministers of Italy, Japan, and Bhutan, in addition to meetings with President of ADB, the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

    The Union Finance Minister will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Milan, besides meeting global think-tanks, business leaders and CEOs, and participating in a Plenary Session of the NEXT Milan Forum at the Bocconi University on “Balancing Economic and Climate Resilience”.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES is a powerful platform for collaborators and content creators: Himesh Reshammiya

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES is a powerful platform for collaborators and content creators: Himesh Reshammiya

    WAVES 2025 Shines a Spotlight on Indian Music – “Taking Indian Music to New Heights”

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 5:46PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 4 May 2025

     

    The third day of the WAVES 2025 Summit delivered a landmark session titled “Taking Indian Music to New Heights,” featuring a high-powered panel of industry visionaries and changemakers who gathered to discuss the global rise of Indian music and the opportunities ahead.

    This compelling session brought together some of the most respected names from both Indian and international music industries, who shared insights on artist development, music publishing, digital growth, international collaborations, and industry innovation.

    Himesh Reshammiya, the renowned Bollywood music composer and singer, described WAVES 2025 as a powerful platform for collaborators and content creators. He emphasized the importance of preparation for newcomers, advising them to always keep their music portfolio ready and polished. Reflecting on his own journey, he acknowledged that while there were limited opportunities in the past, today’s aspiring artists can leverage independent platforms and social media to showcase their talent. However, he stressed that the most critical factor remains the quality of the music – it must be appealing and melodious to truly connect with audiences and make a mark in the industry.

    Kwee Tiang, Vice President at Universal Music, shared insightful perspectives on the evolving dynamics of the Asian and global music markets. He reaffirmed Universal Music’s commitment to nurturing Indian talent and building global pathways for their success, while underlining the need for a more sustainable and value-driven music consumption culture in India.

    A leader in music technology and copyright protection, Dr. Richard Gooch, Chief Technology Officer, IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry), emphasized the role of data-driven strategies and global standards in safeguarding and promoting Indian music on international platforms.

    Representing one of the world’s largest music publishing entities, Dinraj Shetty, Executive, Sony Music Publishing shared insights on music rights management and how Indian songwriters and composers can better monetize their work in the streaming age.

    Vikram Mehra, Managing Director of Saregama, emphasized the symbiotic relationship between artists and music labels, stressing that both deserve respect for the industry to grow. He noted that artists must be valued for their creativity, while labels should be acknowledged for their financial investments in music. Mehra also highlighted the need for a robust subscription-based market, smoother government policies, and stricter action against piracy, which has significantly harmed the music industry.

    Jay Mehta, Managing Director of Warner Music India, shared his vision for the future of the Indian music industry, highlighting the contrast between the country’s rapidly growing GDP and the relatively stagnant growth of its music sector. He pointed out that despite the economic expansion, the music industry hasn’t kept pace, primarily due to challenges in monetization and consumer behavior. However, Mehta expressed optimism, stating that Indian consumers are willing to pay but only when the content is truly compelling and high-quality. He emphasized the importance of discovering fresh talent, promoting genre diversity, and building strong connections between Indian and global music scenes to unlock the industry’s full potential.

    A key voice in the policy and regulatory space, Fernandes provided a macroeconomic overview of India’s music industry and advocated for stronger frameworks, rights protection and digital innovation.

    The Session was skillfully moderated by Scott De Mercado, a respected music entrepreneur and global consultant, with insightful questions that drew out the distinctive viewpoints and forward-looking ideas of each speaker. Emphasizing the central role of creators, he remarked that artists are the true heroes of the industry, and the ecosystem must be built to support and empower them.

     

    For official updates on realtime, please follow us: 

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    https://x.com/WAVESummitIndia

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Set to Lead Global Land Reform Talks during 5th to 8th May, 2025 at World Bank Headquarters in Washington, DC

    Source: Government of India

    India Set to Lead Global Land Reform Talks during 5th to 8th May, 2025 at World Bank Headquarters in Washington, DC

    SVAMITVA and Gram Manchitra to be showcased at the World Bank Land Conference themed ‘Securing Land Tenure and Access for Climate Action’

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 12:35PM by PIB Delhi

    A high level Indian delegation is set to present its transformative SVAMITVA Scheme and Gram Manchitra platform at the World Bank Land Conference 2025, taking place from 5th to 8th May at the World Bank Headquarters,  Washington, D.C. in the United States of America. Led by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), and comprising of Joint Secretary, MoPR Shri Alok Prem Nagar, Additional Surveyor General, Survey of India Shri Shailesh Kumar Sinha, along with senior officials from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, the delegation will present its flagship SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme at two key sessions during the upcoming international forum on land governance.

    This year’s World Bank Land Conference, themed “Securing Land Tenure and Access for Climate Action: Moving from Awareness to Action”, will bring together global leaders, policymakers, experts and development partners to explore strategies for securing land tenure, modernizing land administration for sustainable development and climate-responsive governance. Under India’s flagship SVAMITVA Scheme that provides legal ownership of rural properties using drones and geospatial technology, property cards to over 24.4 million households across 1.6 lakh villages have been issued, mapping over 100 million property parcels and unlocking an estimated $1.162 trillion (Approx. 100 crores) in land value. India will play a key role at the World Bank Land Conference 2025, wherein SVAMITVA Scheme will be spotlighted as a transformative model of rural empowerment through drone mapping, high-accuracy geospatial data, and platforms like Gram Manchitra for climate-aligned planning. With applications in tax administration, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness, SVAMITVA exemplifies inclusive, tech-driven governance. India’s leadership in digital land reforms and its commitment to South-South collaboration will be central to the global dialogue on scalable and people-centric land solutions. The conference agenda includes high-level plenary sessions, regional workshops, thematic exchanges, and an innovation expo, all focused on accelerating secure land access, modernizing land administration systems, and driving climate-responsive governance. Sessions will highlight best practices, operational strategies, and cutting-edge research to scale up reforms in land tenure, promote the use of geospatial technologies, and build resilience in the face of climate challenges.

    Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, will represent India as a Country Champion in the Plenary Session on “Good Practices and Challenges in Land Tenure and Governance Reform” wherein SVAMITVA Scheme’s impact on rural property rights, women’s empowerment, and dispute resolution, contributing to global discussions on SDG Target 1.4.2 (Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, (a) with legally recognized documentation, and (b) who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and type of tenure) will be discussed. Shri Alok Prem Nagar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, will lead a Technical Session on “Establishing the Land Foundation for Climate Action and Disaster Risk Management” wherein India’s Gram Manchitra platform, which utilizes SVAMITVA’s high-resolution spatial data to support village-level planning, solar energy site selection, disaster mitigation and rural development will be showcased.

    India’s participation in the 2025 World Bank Land Conference marks a significant milestone in global rural land governance. Earlier, in March 2025, India hosted a six-day International Workshop on Land Governance with delegates from 22 countries, where SVAMITVA drew strong interest for its digital mapping and geospatial approach, with several nations expressing intent to collaborate.

    For more information, click below for speech excerpts of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on SVAMITVA Scheme:

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2094008

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bharat Pavilion: From Kala to Code – receives overwhelming response at WAVES 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 5:10PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 4 May 2025

     

    The Bharat Pavilion, an immersive viewing zone that took visitors through the continuum of India’s storytelling traditions at WAVES 2025, has received an overwhelming reception and response from the public. The Pavilion, under the theme “From Kala to Code”, offered a compelling narrative of India’s evolution in media and entertainment—from oral and visual traditions to cutting-edge digital innovations.

       

    The Bharat Pavillion presented the soul of India, balancing our rich cultural heritage with the new waves of technical advancements that are already underway. On the inaugural day of WAVES 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited the Pavilion. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, External Affairs Minister Shri S. Jaishankar, Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and many other dignitaries visited the pavilion and appreciated its role in telling the story of Bharat. The pavilion also garnered huge footfall, leaving people in awe and wonder on discovering the many treasures of our nation.

      

    Celebrating India’s creative journey, the Bharat Pavilion was not just an exhibition of content but a powerful expression of India as a creator. It projected India’s cultural depth, artistic excellence, and emerging dominance in global storytelling. The Pavilion was structured into four thematic zones, each reflecting a different dimension of India’s creative legacy:

    Shruti – On Oral Traditions: Honouring India’s ancient oral narrative heritage, this zone explored how rhythm and melody preserved collective memory.

    Key highlights:

    • Guru-Shishya Parampara: Tribute to oral knowledge systems.
    • Mystical Whispers: Vedic chants and spiritual traditions.
    • Dhun: Museum of Melodies: Display of classical Indian instruments.
    • Echoes of the Land: Immersive folk soundscapes.
    • Making Waves with Music: From Gauhar Jaan to global maestros.
    • Spotify Stage: Live classical performance by Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash, and younger family members.
    • India on Air: Legacy of All India Radio.
    • Playback Nation: 100 years of iconic playback singing.
    • Cassette to Cloud: Evolution of music formats.
    • Podcast Central: Rise of spoken word audio.
    • Whispers of Wisdom: Growth of audiobooks in India.

    Kriti – Inscriptions and written tradition: This zone highlighted the written word’s role in preserving India’s civilizational memory.

    Key highlights:

    • First Signs: Early cave paintings and communication.
    • Imprints of Indus: Interactive Indus Valley experience.
    • Ramayana Across Civilizations: Epic’s journey through Asia.
    • Edicts of Bharat: Ashoka’s inscriptions.
    • Wisdom Preserved: Manuscripts from ancient libraries.
    • Memoirs of Metal: Copperplate documentation.
    • The Power of Print: Rise of Indian journalism.
    • The Indian Shelf: Interactive digital library of iconic books.
    • Cover Story: Celebrating Indian magazines.
    • The Comics Corner: From classic comics to graphic novels.

    Drishti – Visual Traditions

    Focusing on visual storytelling, this zone spanned from cave art to modern cinema.

    Key highlights:

    • Kala Yatra: LED tunnel showcasing India’s visual art evolution.
    • The Eternal Rhythm: Holographic display of Harappa’s Dancing Girl.
    • The Essence of Emotion: Interactive exploration of Navarasa.
    • Nataraja Display: Visual homage to Shiva as the cosmic dancer.
    • Folk Chronicles: Folk dances, puppetry, and tribal expressions.
    • Frames of the Past: Film evolution screenings.
    • Wall of Fame: Celebrating icons of Indian cinema.
    • Lights Camera Legacy: Tributes to film creators and technicians.
    • TV through the Years: Display from Doordarshan to the streaming era.

    Creator’s Leap

    This zone showcased India’s innovation in future-facing storytelling technologies.

    Key highlights:

    • Displays of Indian advances in AI, XR, gaming, metaverse, and animation.
    • Showcasing emerging Indian intellectual properties.
    • Interactive demos reflecting the future of storytelling.

    The Bharat Pavilion at WAVES 2025 offered a multi-sensory celebration of India’s storytelling traditions and innovations. It reaffirmed India’s identity as a creative powerhouse, rooted in heritage and looking to the future.

       

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of State Dr. L Murugan Launches Key Knowledge Reports on Media and Entertainment Sector at WAVES 2025; highlights India’s Rise as a Global Creative Powerhouse

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 1:50PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 4 May 2025

     

    Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L Murugan released five significant Reports that collectively present a comprehensive overview of India’s dynamic and rapidly evolving media and entertainment ecosystem, at the ongoing WAVE Summit in Mumbai, yesterday.

    Prepared by reputed national and international Agencies, these Reports provide valuable insights into the creator economy, content production, legal frameworks, live events industry, and data-backed policy support.

    Statistical Handbook on Media & Entertainment 2024-25

    The Statistical Handbook prepared by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting serves as an essential resource for data-driven policy and decision-making. It captures sectoral trends, audience behaviour, revenue growth patterns, and regional and national trajectories. The handbook is designed to inform and guide future policymaking and industry strategies, ensuring that they remain grounded in empirical evidence and practical realities. Highlights of the Handbook include:

    • Publications registered with PRGI: increased from 5,932 in 1957 to 154,523 in 2024–25, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.99%.
    • Books brought out by Publications Division: 130 books published in 2024–25 on themes such as children’s literature, history, freedom struggle, science, environment, and biographies.
    • Doordarshan Free Dish: Expanded from 33 channels in 2004 to 381 in 2025.
    • DTH Service: Achieved 100% geographical coverage by March 2025.
    • All India Radio (AIR):
      • Now reaches 98% of India’s population (as of March 2025).
      • Number of AIR stations grew from 198 in 2000 to 591 in 2025.
    • Private Satellite TV Channels: Increased from 130 in 2004–05 to 908 in 2024–25.
    • Private FM stations rose from 4 in 2001 to 388 by 2024; the report provides a state-wise breakup as of March 31, 2025.
    • Community Radio Stations (CRS): Expanded from 15 in 2005 to 531 in 2025, with state/district/location-wise details included.
    • Film Certification: The number of Indian feature films certified grew from 741 in 1983 to 3,455 in 2024–25, with a cumulative total of 69,113 films certified by 2024–25.
    • Film Sector Developments: Includes data on awards, international film festivals, and documentaries produced by NFDC.
    • Digital Media and Creator Economy: Covers achievements under WAVES OTT, establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), and the Create in India Challenge (CIC).
    • Landmark Chronology: Features significant milestones in the Information and Broadcasting sector including the establishment of PRGI, Akashvani, Doordarshan, INSAT-based TV services, and private FM radio.
    • Skilling Initiatives: Information on training and capacity-building programmes under the Ministry.
    • Ease of Doing Business: Measures implemented to facilitate simplified and transparent processes for media and content creators.

    ‘From Content to Commerce: Mapping India’s Creator Economy’ – Report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

    The Report  highlights the unprecedented scale and impact of India’s creator economy in the digital era. With 2 to 2.5 million active digital creators, India is home to one of the world’s fastest-growing creator ecosystems. These creators already influence more than $350 billion in annual consumer spending—a figure projected to triple and exceed $1 trillion by 2030.

    The report urges stakeholders to look beyond numerical metrics and acknowledge the evolving role of creators as storytellers, culture-shapers, and economic drivers. For businesses, this shift implies moving away from transactional influencer engagements and building long-term partnerships rooted in authenticity, trust, and creative agility.

    ‘A Studio Called India’ by Ernst & Young – Envisions India as a Global Content Hub

    The Report presents India not just as a content-consuming nation but as a studio to the world. It underlines India’s strengths — linguistic diversity, cultural richness, and a technologically adept talent pool — which position the country to create narratives that transcend borders.

    India offers a 40% to 60% cost advantage in animation and VFX services, supported by a large, skilled workforce. The report also notes the increasing international appeal of Indian storytelling, with up to 25% of views on Indian OTT content now originating from overseas audiences. This phenomenon is not merely commercial—it represents a moment of cultural diplomacy, wherein India’s stories are forging emotional and cultural connections across continents.

    ‘Legal Currents: A Regulatory Handbook on India’s Media & Entertainment Sector 2025’ by Khaitan & Co

    Recognizing that creativity must be complemented by regulatory clarity, Khaitan & Co. has prepared a detailed legal and regulatory handbook for the media and entertainment sector. Designed as a practical guide for producers, studios, influencers, and platforms, the handbook covers a range of key legal issues such as:

    • Compliance norms for both domestic and foreign entities
    • Incentive schemes for international productions
    • Legal frameworks around influencer marketing and digital content
    • Definitions and taxation implications in the gaming sector, including GST
    • Protection of celebrity rights
    • Ethical considerations and regulatory treatment of AI-generated content

    This handbook is intended to equip stakeholders with tools for confident, compliant, and responsible engagement in the creative economy.

    Whitepaper on India’s Live Events Industry

    The White Paper on India’s Live Events Industry underscores the sector’s robust growth and shifting consumer dynamics. With a 15% year-on-year growth rate, the industry added ₹13 billion in revenue in 2024 alone.

    The report notes that nearly half a million fans are now travelling between cities to attend events, reinforcing the emergence of event-based tourism in India. There is a rising demand for premium and curated experiences, and Tier-2 cities such as Shillong, Vadodara, and Jamshedpur are emerging as cultural centres.

    To support and scale this momentum, the whitepaper highlights the need for:

    • Upgraded event infrastructure
    • Streamlined and simplified licensing processes
    • Stronger and more transparent music rights frameworks
    • Formal recognition of the live events sector under MSME and creative economy policies.

    The Report calls for a strategic reimagining of India as not just a spectator in the global cultural arena, but a key stage in the international spotlight.

    The launch event was attended by Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Shri R.K. Jena, Senior Economic Advisor, MIB; Smt. Meenu Batra, Joint Secretary, MIB; and Shri Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary, MIB and MD, NFDC. Representing the Knowledge Partners, Shri Vipin Gupta, Managing Director & Partner, Boston Consulting Group, Ms. Payal Mehta, Partner, Boston Consulting Group; Shri Ashish Pherwani, Partner, Ernst & Young; Shri Amiya Swarup, Partner, Ernst & Young; Ms.Tanu Banerjee, Partner, Technology and Media, Khaitan & Co; Shri Ishan Johri Partner Khaitan & Co; Shri Vinod Janardhan, Director, EVENTSFAQ Live; Shri Deepak Chaudhury MD, EVENTS FAQ also attended the event in Mumbai

     

    For official updates on realtime, please follow us: 

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Construction Industry Safety Award Scheme enhances awareness of occupational safety and health (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Construction Industry Safety Award Scheme enhances awareness of occupational safety and health  
         This year’s award scheme received an overwhelming response and achieved several breakthroughs. These included surpassing recent enrolment figures with participation from 259 construction sites. Among them, 101 sub-contractors and 172 safety teams competed for awards in two categories, namely “Construction Sites” and “Safety Teams”. Secondly, a new award, Lifting Operation Safety Innovation Award, was introduced in four sub-categories under the “Construction Sites” category, and additional marks were given to construction sites under the sub-category of “Building Sites (Private Sector)” who had joined the Smart Site Safety System Labelling Scheme, encouraging the construction industry to actively apply innovative technologies in OSH. Apart from the award presentation, a fun day was also held today, and a Parent-Child Safety Experience Zone was introduced for the first time, allowing children to operate child-friendly electric construction machinery in a small playground, planting the seeds of OSH in their minds and nurturing future guardians of workplace safety.
     
         Speaking at the ceremony, the Acting Commissioner for Labour, Mr Vincent Fung, said that there was another breakthrough in promoting safety within the scaffolding industry in addition to the aforementioned breakthroughs. After more than a year of efforts, the LD successfully facilitated cross-sectoral collaboration among the scaffolding industry, the insurance industry, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC). This collaboration led to the inclusion of the Truss-out Scaffolding trade as the 21st designated trade under the Registered Specialist Trade Contractors Scheme. Coupled with the support of the OSH Star Enterprise Scheme by the OSHC, scaffolding contractors can now obtain accreditations in their safety levels further, thereby reducing insurance premiums for scaffolding work. This accreditation will encourage property owners to select scaffolding contractors with recognised OSH standards and motivate scaffolding contractors to proactively enhance their safety standards.
     
         In recent years, the construction industry has made significant strides in the application of innovative technologies in OSH. The LD has also been promoting the use of these innovative technologies. The revised and now-effective Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces requires proprietors or contractors to adopt technology to record videos at the entrance and exit of confined spaces throughout the entire work period to monitor and ensure the implementation of safety control measures to prevent accidents.
     
         The LD will also put the use of small unmanned aircraft (SUA) on trial this year, serving as “sky eyes” to safeguard occupational safety. These SUAs will provide comprehensive assistance in OSH inspection, accident investigation and evidence collection, ensuring that non-compliant operations are exposed. In future, the LD will also collaborate with the OSHC to organise the second OSH Innovation and Technology Expo, aiming to help the industry access the latest advancements in innovation technologies for OSH.
     
         Inaugurated in 1999, the Construction Industry Safety Award Scheme is co-organised by the LD with 16 organisations, namely the OSHC, the Development Bureau, the Hong Kong Housing Authority, the Occupational Deafness Compensation Board, the CIC, the Pneumoconiosis Compensation Fund Board, the Hong Kong Housing Society, the Property Management Services Authority, the Hong Kong Construction Association, the Hong Kong General Building Contractors Association, the Hong Kong Construction Sub-Contractors Association, the Hong Kong Federation of Electrical and Mechanical Contractors Limited, the Minor Works Contractor Association, the Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies, the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union, and the Federation of Hong Kong Electrical and Mechanical Industries Trade Unions. The results of the award scheme will be uploaded to the LD homepage later.
    Issued at HKT 18:15

    NNNN

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Safeguard your credibility, define your boundaries, communicate honestly – WAVES Panel Advises the Influencers in Social Media

    Source: Government of India

    Safeguard your credibility, define your boundaries, communicate honestly – WAVES Panel Advises the Influencers in Social Media

    WAVES 2025 Outlines Best Practices for Social Media Advertising for Influencers

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 1:39PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 4 May 2025

     

    A dedicated breakout session on Best Practices for Social Media Advertising for Influencers was held on Day 4 of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai today.

    The panel comprised Ms. Saheli Sinha, Director, ASCII; Ms. Shibani Akhtar, Film Actor and Influencer; Shri Mayank Shekhar, Entertainment Journalist; and Shri Vinay Pillai, Chief Business Officer, Pocket Aces. The session was moderated by Smt. Tanu Banerjee, Partner, Khaitan & Co.

    Deliberations focused on the growing role of influencers in the digital economy, and the ethical, creative, and legal frameworks required to strengthen the credibility of influencer advertising. The panel emphasised that authenticity, transparency, and content responsibility are key pillars for sustainable influencer marketing.

    Ms. Shibani Akhtar highlighted the importance of staying true to one’s voice while creating branded content. She stated that effective influencer marketing requires creators to be involved in the content and branding process and to ensure that campaigns reflect personal belief and purpose. She urged influencers to build their brand organically and maintain authenticity as the foundation of all partnerships.

    Advising creators to adopt platform-specific strategies and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach, Shri Vinay Pillai explained that each digital platform offers a different kind of audience engagement and demands tailored storytelling techniques. He stressed the importance of building a brand consciously, staying credible, and making data-informed content decisions that resonate with target audiences.

    Shri Mayank Shekhar spoke on the evolution of digital influence and the blurring lines between celebrity and creator culture. He pointed out that in the current era, influence is not restricted to film and television but is now platform-led and niche-driven. He cautioned creators to safeguard their credibility and refrain from spreading misinformation or duplicating others’ work. He underscored the importance of integrity and fact-checking in sponsored content.

    Ms. Saheli Sinha stated that influencers must be transparent about their partnerships and disclose whether a post is paid or promotional. She advocated for influencers to develop content that is ethical, informative, and reflective of their audience’s trust. She also shared that ASCII runs educational programmes to guide emerging creators on legal obligations, advertising standards, and content responsibility.

    The panel collectively recommended that content creators should define their boundaries, communicate honestly with their followers, and stay aligned with advertising guidelines and platform regulations. Building a long-term relationship with audiences, they said, relies heavily on trust and clarity in advertising intent.

    The session concluded with a strong endorsement of formalised best practices for influencer advertising and a call for continued industry efforts to promote transparency and professionalism in the digital advertising ecosystem.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ECI to soon launch a single-point App for stakeholders; to subsume over existing 40 IT Apps with enhanced UI/UX

    Source: Government of India

    ECI to soon launch a single-point App for stakeholders; to subsume over existing 40 IT Apps with enhanced UI/UX

    New ECINET to facilitate electoral services for citizens; seamless and convenient data handling for electoral officials

    Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 11:30AM by PIB Delhi

    In a major initiative, the Election Commission of India is developing a new user-friendly digital interface for the electors and its other stakeholders such as the election officials, political parties and the civil society. The new one-stop platform, ECINET, will integrate and reorient over 40 of ECI’s existing mobile and web applications.

    ECINET will have an aesthetic User Interface (UI) and a simplified User Experience (UX) by providing a singular platform for all electoral-related activities. This move is also designed to alleviate the burden of the users for downloading and navigating multiple Apps and remembering different logins.

    The platform was envisaged by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India Shri Gyanesh Kumar during the Conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) held in March 2025, in the presence of Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi.

    ECINET will also enable users to access relevant electoral data on their desktops or smartphones. To ensure that data is as accurate as possible, the data on ECINET will be entered solely by the authorized ECI official. Entry by the concerned official would ensure that the data made available to the stakeholders is as accurate as possible. However, in case of any conflict, the primary data as duly filled in statutory forms will prevail.

    ECINET will subsume existing Apps like the Voter Helpline App, Voter Turnout App, cVIGIL, Suvidha 2.0, ESMS, Saksham and KYC App which together have clocked over 5.5 crore downloads (complete list of Apps enclosed). ECINET is expected to benefit nearly 100 crore electors and the entire electoral machinery comprising over 10.5 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs), around 15 Lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by Political Parties, nearly 45 Lakh Polling Officials, 15,597 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), 4,123 EROs and 767 District Election Officers (DEOs) across the country.

    ECINET has already reached an advanced stage of development and rigorous trials are being conducted to ensure smooth functionality, ease of use, and robust cybersecurity measures. It is being developed after an elaborate consultative exercise involving 36 CEOs of all the States/UTs, 767 DEOs and 4,123 EROs of their States/UTs and after reviewing 76 publications comprising 9,000 pages of the electoral framework, instructions and handbooks issued by ECI from time to time.

    The data provided through ECINET will be strictly aligned within the legal framework established by the Representation of People Act 1950, 1951, Registration of Electoral Rules, 1960 Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 and instructions issued by ECI from time to time.

    ******

    PK/GDH/RP

    List of 40 existing ECI Applications

    Sl. No.

    Application

    Type
    1.  

    Affidavit Portal

    Web
    1.  

    India A Web

    Web
    1.  

    Results Website

    Web
    1.  

    Election24 (Archive)

    Web
    1.  

    ECI SVEEP

    Web
    1.  

    ECI Website

    Web
    1.  

    Fembosa

    Web
    1.  

    Voicenet

    Web
    1.  

    Myth Vs Reality

    Web
    1.  

    Election Trends TV

    Web
    1.  

    cVigil Portal

    Web
    1.  

    EMS

    Web
    1.  

    RTI Portal

    Web
    1.  

    ENCORE

    Web
    1.  

    Media Voucher

    Web
    1.  

    Suvidha Portal

    Web
    1.  

    Observer Portal

    Web
    1.  

    Election Planning

    Web
    1.  

    IEMS

    Web
    1.  

    PPRTMS

    Web

    Sl. No.

    Application

    Type
    1.  

    ERONET2.0

    Web
    1.  

    Voters Service Portal

    Web
    1.  

    Service Voters Portal

    Web
    1.  

    ETPBMS

    Web
    1.  

    NGSP

    Web
    1.  

    Electoral Search

    Web
    1.  

    ERONET App

    Mobile
    1.  

    BLO App

    Mobile
    1.  

    cVigil App

    Mobile
    1.  

    Decider App

    Mobile
    1.  

    ENCORE Nodal App

    Mobile App
    1.  

    ESMS App

    Mobile
    1.  

    Investigator App

    Mobile
    1.  

    KYC App

    Mobile
    1.  

    Monitor App

    Mobile
    1.  

    Observer App

    Mobile
    1.  

    Saksham App

    Mobile
    1.  

    Suvidha App

    Mobile
    1.  

    Voter Helpline App

    Mobile
    1.  

    Voter Turnout App

    Mobile

                                                           

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