Month: May 2025

Source: Government of India

India all set to emerge as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) capital of the world- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

About 700 leading industry players and decision maker from the exhibition sector attend

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 4:19PM by PIB Delhi

With the construction of the state-of-the art exhibition and conference complexes in the country, India is all set to become MICE ((Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) capital of the world.

“The new segments of tourism are getting developed, in which MICE tourism is the most important and is the fastest growing segment in the country. The exhibition and conference infrastructure we see across the nation including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Jaipur and even small cities post G20 meet indicates that India is standing at the threshold of strong possibilities for this sector,” said Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union minister of Culture and Tourism, while inaugurating a Two-day Seminar on India: The land of Exponential Growth organised by the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) , the apex national body of exhibition industry in the country.

“The government and the private exhibition industry has to work together to make India a centre of MICE tourism. Several events which are happening globally can be calendarized and brought here in India. Besides being a destination India, the country is also becoming a big Exhibition and conference hub with planned expansion in road, aviation and railway sectors along with expansion of the conference and exhibition sector, the country has a great future for economic growth,” Shekhawat said.

“After 2014, India has shown a tremendous growth curve in infrastructure given the boom in infrastructure, be it the construction of roads over 1,50,000 km, new railway stations, semi high-speed trains, inland waterways and more than 150 operational airports. All of these have contributed to India’s prowess with regards to the MICE events (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). The confidence also built following India’s hosting of G20 nations, the entire world is looking at India in awe and curiosity. In times to come, India will emerge as the MICE capital of the world.” Said Mr Shekhawat.

“The IEIA Open Seminar and Exhibition Services Expo is the annual international conclave of the Indian Exhibition Industry attended by the captains of the industry from all regions of the country and overseas. The event acts as one of its kind meaningful platforms for business networking, knowledge exchange, and discussions on the emerging trends shaping our industry’s future.” Said Mr Sooraj Dhawan, President. Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA).

“The 14^th edition, the IEIA Open Seminar is expected to attract over 700 leading industry players at decision maker levels including leading Exhibition/ Event Organisers, heads of various trade bodies, sectoral associations and key govt. bodies. India is the fastest growing exhibition market in the world and has grown at 40% post Covid. The Exhibition Industry’s contribution to the Indian economy is Rs. 50,000 crores. Business generated through exhibitions is Rs. 300,000 crores.” Said Mr Dhawan.

“The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).  refers to a specialized segment of the tourism and hospitality industry focused on organizing and hosting business events. We urge the govt to announce October 1 as the National MICE Day as further boosting the morale of the industry.” Said Mr Dhawan.

MICE is also known as the event industry. Over the past decades, the MICE industry has been recognized as a significant market segment and an important contributor to national economies. It not only gives a boost to the economy in the form of income generation, but creates huge employment opportunities in related hospitality services providing sectors like accommodation, food and beverage, convention services, transportation, tourism and entertainment.

Those present on the occasion included Mr Premjeet Lal ED, ITPO, Mr Rakesh Kumar, MD, India Expo mart, Mr Jagdish Patanakar Hon Secretary IEIA, and Mr Ravinder Sethi, vice president, IEIA 

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2126161) Visitor Counter : 97

Source: Government of India

Yoga Sangam embodies global solidarity for health — a powerful movement uniting humanity through Yoga and beyond: Shri Prataprao Jadhav

Yoga Sangam Portal Launched

Nashik celebrates Grand Yoga Mahotsav, more than 6000 practice common yoga protocol in unison

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 12:51PM by PIB Mumbai

Nashik/Mumbai, 2 May 2025

 

Nashik, the land of Mahakumbh, witnessed a grand celebration of Yoga as over 6000 enthusiasts came together to mark the 50-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 at the Yoga Mahotsav organised by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush. Held at the spiritually significant Gauri Maidan in Panchavati, the event not only celebrated India’s rich Yoga tradition but also marked the launch of the Yoga Sangam Portal — a digital platform for online registration towards facilitating the synchronized nationwide celebration of IDY 2025 on 21st June at more than 1,00,000 locations across India.

The programme was inaugurated by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare. Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister emphasised the importance of Yoga and said that, “Nashik is a sacred city blessed by the presence of great souls, and visiting it filled me with pride and joy. Yoga, once an integral part of Indian tradition, is now flourishing within the international community.”

He further added that the Government of India is leaving no stone unturned to make IDY a success and stated, “Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today, Yoga forms the foundation of life for millions around the world. As part of efforts to take its benefits to every individual, the International Day of Yoga 2025 is being celebrated as a decade-long global festival.”

While launching the Yoga Sangam Portal, he said, “Today, on Nashik’s sacred soil, we’ve launched the ‘Yoga Sangam Portal’ for online registration, marking a significant step towards International Day of Yoga 2025. Yoga Sangam embodies global solidarity for health, and through initiatives like these, International Day of Yoga is becoming a powerful global movement that unites humanity, promoting Yoga and beyond.”

“Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and the Ministry of Ayush deserve heartfelt congratulations for their contributions to this decade-long journey of Yoga.” ” he added.

It is to be noted that Yoga Sangam, one of the ten Signature Events of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, is a groundbreaking initiative unfolding a decentralised, yet synchronised mass Yoga performance at 1,00,000 locations across India. It will take place on 21st June 2025, the International Day of Yoga. This event will weave a harmonious tapestry of well-being nationwide, as hundreds of thousands of individuals unite under Yoga’s enabling shield. The sheer scale of participation in the event will create a powerful ripple effect of positive energy nationwide.

Yog Mahostav at Nashik also witnessed the esteemed presence of  Shri Bhaskar Murlidhar Bhagare, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Nashik; Smt. Devyani Suhas Pharande, MLA, Nashik Central; Smt. Seema Hiray, MLA, Nashik West;  Shri Rahul Uttamrao Dhikale, MLA, Nashik East; Lieutenant General Dr. Madhuri Kanitkar, Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS); Dr. Vishwas Mandlik, Head, Yoga Vidya Gurukul, Nashik; and Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush as distinguished guests.

Ms. Monalisa Das, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Ayush, delivered the welcome address at the event. While extending her greetings to all the distinguished guests, she remarked that “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family — is one of India’s greatest guiding principles and a true symbol of global brotherhood and harmony.”

A special emphasis was laid on the Common Yoga Protocol during today’s Yoga Mahotsav. Developed with inputs from leading Yoga experts, the CYP is designed to help individuals integrate day-to-day Yoga practices such as Pranayama and Dhyana into their lives enhancing flexibility, strength, balance, and overall harmony. The Government of India’s Yoga Portal serves as a valuable platform encouraging citizens to embrace, practice, and enjoy Yoga daily.

Following the addresses, demonstrators from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, led by Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director, MDNIY, performed a live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol. The session saw the active participation of more than 6000 Yoga enthusiasts, creating a vibrant atmosphere of collective energy and discipline. The event was streamed live across various social media platforms of the Ministry of Ayush, MDNIY, and other prominent Yoga institutions.

The Yoga Mahotsav at Nashik marks a significant step in the run-up to IDY-2025, reaffirming the Government of India’s commitment to promoting holistic health, wellness, and environmental sustainability through Yoga.

Before this, MDNIY and the Ministry of Ayush had organised a Yoga Mahotsav on March 13, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, marking the 100-day countdown to IDY-2025. Similarly, a grand event was organised on April 7, 2025, on the occasion of the 75-day countdown at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.

10 unique signature events to guide events to the International Day of Yoga 2025. This year, IDY activities will revolve around 10 unique signature events to mark the 11th edition of the global event, which makes it the most expansive and inclusive:

• Yoga Sangam – A synchronised Yoga demonstration at 1,00,000 locations.
• Yoga Bandhan – Global partnerships with 10 countries to host Yoga sessions at iconic landmarks.
• Yoga Parks– Development of 1,000 Yoga Parks for long-term community engagement.
• Yoga Samavesh – Special Yoga programs for Divyangjan, senior citizens, children, and marginalised groups.
• Yoga Prabhav – A decadal impact assessment on Yoga’s role in public health.
• Yoga Connect – A Virtual Global Yoga Summit featuring renowned Yoga experts and healthcare professionals.
• Harit Yoga – A sustainability-driven initiative combining Yoga with tree planting and clean-up drives.
• Yoga Unplugged- An event to attract young people to Yoga.
• Yoga Maha Kumbh – A week-long festival across 10 locations, culminating in a central celebration led by the Prime Minister.
• SamYogam – A 100-day initiative integrating Yoga with modern healthcare for holistic wellness.

Yoga Sangam Portal can be accessed through the following link: https://yoga.ayush.gov.in/yoga-sangam

 

Annexure

The International Day of Yoga (IDY) has become a global wellness movement, uniting millions across countries. Here’s a brief look at its key milestones:

• IDY 2015 – New Delhi: The first IDY at Rajpath saw 35,985 participants, setting two Guinness World Records.
• IDY 2016 – Chandigarh: 30,000+ participants gathered at the Capitol Complex, including 150 Divyangjan performing Yoga Protocol for the first time. The Prime Minister emphasised Yoga’s role in treating ailments like diabetes.
• IDY 2017 – Lucknow: 51,000 participants joined at Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan, with Yoga highlighted as affordable ‘health insurance’.
• IDY 2018 – Dehradun: 50,000+ participants at Forest Research Institute, with the theme “Yoga for Public Health”. ISRO launched the BHUVAN-Yoga and Yoga Locator apps.
• IDY 2019 – Ranchi: Focused on ‘Yoga for Heart Care’, with eco-friendly Yoga accessories benefiting Khadi artisans.
• IDY 2020 – Virtual: Amid the pandemic, 12.06 crore people joined online. The “My Life, My Yoga” contest attracted entries from 130 countries.
• IDY 2021 – Virtual: Themed “Yoga for Wellness”, reaching 496.1 million people globally. Iconic celebrations occurred at Times Square, the Eiffel Tower, and Tokyo Skytree.
• IDY 2022 – Mysuru: 15,000 participants at Mysore Palace, with a ‘Guardian Ring’ global Yoga relay and VR-powered digital exhibition.
• IDY 2023 – Jabalpur & UN HQ, New York: With 23.44 crore participants, this IDY set two Guinness World Records, including the most significant Yoga session (1.53 lakh participants in Surat). The ‘Ocean Ring of Yoga’ covered 35,000 km.
• IDY 2024 – Srinagar: Held at SKICC, Srinagar, with 7,000 participants braving the rain. The ‘Yoga for Space’ initiative saw ISRO scientists join in. A Guinness World Record was set in Uttar Pradesh, with 25.93 lakh people pledging to Yoga. 24.53 crore global participants marked this as a historic celebration.

 

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PIB Mumbai | A.Chavan/D.Rane

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(Release ID: 2126073) Visitor Counter : 45

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Four men and a woman were each sentenced to four to eight months’ imprisonment and fined between $500 to $1,000 at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on April 30 and today (May 2) for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare to Customs Officers, as well as for importing alternative smoking products, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO).

Customs officers intercepted four incoming male passengers, aged between 27 and 43, and a 44-year-old female passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on March 4 and 5. About 128 400 duty-not-paid cigarettes and about 205 200 alternative smoking products, with an estimated market value of about $1.18 million and a duty potential of about $420,000 in total, were seized from their personal baggage. They were subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. 

Under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven 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).
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:

     The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) today (May 2) released for public consultation its provisional recommendations on the boundaries and names of geographical constituencies (GCs) for the 2025 Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election. The public consultation period will last for 30 days until May 31.

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah says, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Bharat is axing down drug cartels with ruthless aggression

Amritsar Zonal Unit of the NCB axed a drug diversion cartel through a 4-month-long operation across 4 states, seizing drugs worth ₹547 crore and arresting 15

It is a giant stride towards building a drug-free Bharat under the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Congratulations to Team NCB

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 9:14PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah has said that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Bharat is axing down drug cartels with ruthless aggression.

In a post on X platform, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah said that “The Amritsar Zonal Unit of the NCB axed a drug diversion cartel through a 4-month-long operation across 4 states, seizing drugs worth ₹547 crore and arresting 15. It is a giant stride towards building a drug-free Bharat under the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji. Congratulations to Team NCB.”

In a major step towards Government’s zero tolerance approach against drugs under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized 1.36 crore psychotropic tablets from a distributor in Himachal Pradesh and Delhi. NCB has also seized 11,693 CBCS bottles & 2.9 kg of Tramadol powder from a manufacture in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The total value of seized drugs is around Rs. 547 crores.

In pursuance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Nasha Mukt Bharat, Amritsar Zonal Unit of NCB has busted major networks involved in illegal diversion and distribution of pharmaceutical medicines for non-medical use across Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi.

Under the guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, a sustained intelligence-driven operation and Top to Bottom and Bottom to Top approach in investigation of cases from December 2024 to April 2025 led to significant seizures and arrests, exposing a complex nexus between manufacturers, stockist, and front operators.

On April 20-21, 2025, the raids were conducted in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi. The search in Uttarakhand resulted in seizure of 11,693 CBCS bottles and 2.9 kg of Tramadol powder from J R Pharmaceuticals. The search at the premises of key distributor, Embit Bio Medix, Himachal Pradesh, resulted in the seizure of 19,25,200 tablets and the search at the premise of Aashi pharmaceutical, Bawana, Delhi resulted in the seizure of 1.17 crore tablets of Tramadol and Alprazolam indicating massive unauthorized possession and illegal distribution of pharmaceuticals medicine. The proprietor of Embit Bio Medix was arrested earlier, while attempting to flee to Vietnam on 18th April at Indira Gandhi Airport, Delhi.

The investigation revealed that proprietor of Embit Bio Medix, Himachal Pradesh had previously operated in Delhi, where his drug license was cancelled in December 2022. Concealing this, he obtained a new license in Himachal Pradesh and also launched another firm in Delhi, registered under an associate’s Aashi Pharmaceutical.

The investigation started four months ago when a person impersonating a medical professional was intercepted at Amritsar with 2,280 Alprazolam and 1,220 Tramadol tablets. Further investigation uncovered a local distribution chain, leading to several arrests and follow-up searches that resulted in the recovery of 21,400 more Tramadol tablets and 43,000 Alprazolam tablets.    

In another case in February 2025, a separate seizure of 5,000 Tramadol Hydrochloride (Trekm-100) tablets in Amritsar led investigators to a chain extending into Tarn Taran, Dehradun, and Manawala. The source trail pointed toward the illegal supply of pharmaceutical medicines by individuals operating without valid licenses, supported by dummy medical setups.      

Investigations in both cases revealed involvement of same pharmaceutical manufacturing company that is J R pharmaceutical based in Haridwar, Uttarakhand which led to suspicion and through investigation conducted so far, has disclosed large-scale diversion of pharmaceuticals medicine by M/s J R Pharmaceuticals, Haridwar and others.

The follow up raids conducted in the month of February, 2025 at J R Pharmaceuticals led to seizures of 16,860 Tramadol tablets, 327 bottles of Codeine-based cough syrup, and 2.55 lakh loose Tramadol tablets (80.7 kg) hidden in drums. Further raids in the same month, based on information provided during interrogation, led to the seizure of 8,89,064 CBCS bottles held without valid documentation purportedly for diversion.

Investigation further revealed that several front stockist firms were found to be fake or non-operational and diversions of the drugs were carried out using them. One such firm, M/s Tiwari Medical Agency, Dehradun was found upon verification to be a sweet/tailor shop and proprietor of firm was found to be working as a maid, while other firms, M/s Kavati Health Care Pvt Ltd, Dehradun, and M/s Life Care Pharma, Kolkata found to be non-existent at declared address. The mastermind behind the dummy stockist M/s Tiwari Medical Agency was arrested, leading to the seizure of 1.24 lakh Alprazolam tablets from a roadside dhaba in Dehradun. The investigation revealed that he was getting the pharmaceutical drugs from other firms as well.      

The NCB is actively coordinating with the GST Department, State Drug Controllers, Income Tax Authorities, CBN, and financial institutions to uncover the full extent of the drug diversion network.

Investigation conducted so far led to cumulative seizure of over 1.42 crore of Tramadol & Alprazolam tablets, 2.9 kg tramadol powder, & 9,01,084 CBCS bottles (approx. 135 tons), and arrest of 15 accused from 04 different states in last four months. Leads about involement of others, have also been revealed during investigation and more siezure  are expeted in next few weeks .

The seizure exemplifies the NCB’s commitment to successfully dismantle drug networks. To fight against drug trafficking, NCB seeks support of the citizens. Any person can share information related to sale of narcotics by calling on MANAS- National Narcotics Helpline Toll Free Number-1933.

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RK/VV/RR/PS

(Release ID: 2126353) Visitor Counter : 34

Source: Government of India

WAVES 2025 brings together industry stalwarts to discuss Indian cinema’s international expansion

This is the first time I’ve seen a government taking such interest in our industry: Aamir Khan

WAVES is not just a dialogue—it’s a bridge to policy. It’s a promising start: Aamir Khan

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 8:42PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 2 May 2025

 

Indian movie-makers and producers need to focus on creating distribution channels in different countries to facilitate expansion of Indian film viewership, said renowned Actor Aamir Khan at a panel discussion titled ‘Studios of the Future: Putting India on World Studio Map’. The discussion was held at Jio World centre on Friday, on the second day of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025.

The session, moderated by film critic Mayank Shekhar brought together a stellar lineup of film industry stalwarts, including producer Ritesh Sidhwani, Namit Malhotra of Prime Focus Limited, Film Producer Dinesh Vijan, PVR Cinemas’ Ajay Bijli, and renowned American producer Charles Roven.

Talking about the rich potential of Indian films, Aamir Khan emphasised on the crucial need to think global from the beginning.

On the OTT debate, Aamir pointed how the narrow window between theatrical and OTT releases discourages theatre viewership.

Charles Roven, the producer of global blockbuster, Oppenheimer, emphasized on the enduring strength of theatrical cinema. He stated, “Despite the rise of TV and OTT platforms, the theatrical experience remains irreplaceable.”

Charles Roven advised Indian studios to shift from a domestic-only focus and to approach projects with international reach in mind.

Dinesh Vijan talked about the importance of authentic storytelling and collaborations with international studios. “It’s not just about budgets,” he said. “Smaller cities are more cinema-friendly. But to go global, we must focus on quality content and cross-border partnerships.”

Namit Malhotra spoke about the pivotal role of technology, particularly the use of AI, in enhancing storytelling and helping Indian talent reach global audiences.

Ritesh Sidhwani pointed out the expanding opportunities through OTT platforms. “OTT has given Indian content global visibility,” he noted. “It allows us to experiment with format and narrative.”

Ajay Bijli raised concerns about declining theatre footfalls post-COVID. He stressed the importance of managing release windows wisely to ensure monetization through both theatrical and digital platforms.

Dinesh Vijan also emphasized that technology could help overcome language barriers through authentic lip-sync translations, enabling cultural specificity while reaching wider audiences.

The panel concluded with a discussion on how the government can support this transition. On WAVE summit, Aamir Khan said: “This is the first time I’ve seen a government taking such interest in our industry. WAVES is not just a dialogue—it’s a bridge to policy. It’s a promising start. I am sure our discussions will transform into policies,” the actor said.

 

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(Release ID: 2126341) Visitor Counter : 61

Source: Government of India

WAVES 2025 Sessions Explore Innovations in Sports and Technology

Saudi Arabia’s Esports Ambitions Spotlighted at WAVES 2025

Vision, Investment and Innovation Drive Saudi Gaming Growth

“Media and tech today are like a helmet in your kit—essential:” Ravi Shastri at WAVES 2025

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 8:27PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 2 May 2025

 

Day 2 of WAVES 2025 in Mumbai featured two forward-looking discussions on the future of sports and esports, with particular focus on how media, technology, and storytelling are reshaping global engagement.

Gaming Revolution: A Bold Vision for the Future

In a high-impact fireside chat titled “Building a Global Powerhouse: Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Gaming & Esports”, HE Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, presented the Kingdom’s sweeping plans to redefine the global esports landscape. The session, moderated by Girish Menon, Chief Strategy Officer at Jetsynthesys, explored how the Kingdom’s youth-driven policies, strategic investments, and global partnerships are transforming Saudi Arabia into an emerging hub for gaming and esports innovation.

With over 67% of its population identifying as gamers, Saudi Arabia is cultivating an ecosystem designed for long-term sustainability. From landmark events such as Gamers Without Borders to the hosting of the Esports World Cup, the country is positioning itself at the forefront of international competition.

The cornerstone of this vision is the Saudi Esports Academy which provides training across a range of fields—coaching, event production, game development—creating meaningful career pathways for young professionals. The Federation’s efforts are also supporting the rise of content creators, fostering an inclusive and scalable industry built on community engagement and cross-border collaboration.

HE Faisal emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s goal extends beyond tournaments. “This is about opportunity creation, ecosystem development, and showcasing what’s possible when a country aligns resources, vision, and talent,” he said. As the discussion revealed, the Kingdom’s approach could well shape global gaming trends over the coming decade.

The Changing Face of Sports: Media, Technology and Human Connection

Earlier in the day, a dynamic panel on “Sports, Technology, Entrepreneurship & Media – The REAL STEM” brought together voices from across the sports ecosystem. The session was moderated by producer and entrepreneur Dheer Momaya and featured cricketing icon Ravi Shastri alongside Prashant Khanna (Jiostar), Nullah Sarker (Kosmos), Vikrant Mudaliar (Dream Sports), and Dhaval Ponda (Tata Communications).

Ravi Shastri shared his insights on cricket’s transformation through media and technology. “Media and tech today are like a helmet in your kit—essential,” he remarked, reflecting on how fan engagement and athlete branding have grown. He described his own journey as “a wave”—symbolic of both personal highs and the broader evolution of the sport.

Panelists pointed to technological advances such as immersive feeds, fantasy gaming, and AI-driven content personalization as tools reshaping how fans connect with sports. Vikrant Mudaliar underlined how fantasy platforms have turned audiences from passive viewers into active participants. Prashant Khanna highlighted inclusivity tools like sign language commentary and custom visual feeds.

Nullah Sarker stressed the importance of storytelling: “Fans don’t just follow stats—they follow people.” Echoing this, Dhaval Ponda noted how live sports remain the soul of global content consumption, with technology now enabling custom viewing experiences.

The session concluded with Shastri expressing optimism: “The future of sports, tech and media is limitless. We’re only just getting started.”

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ LekshmiPriya/ Kamna/ Darshana | 155

(Release ID: 2126337) Visitor Counter : 57

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 8:23PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 2 May 2025

 

The second day of the WAVES Summit 2025 witnessed a spectacular showcase of cultural heritage with the presentation of Amritasya: Madhya Pradesh at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), Mumbai. This grand showcase paid a vibrant tribute to the artistic spirit of Madhya Pradesh, enthralling audiences with a dazzling display of the state’s diverse dance traditions.

The showcase featured an engaging fusion of Indian classical dance forms with the folk and tribal traditions of the state. Rich in colour, rhythm, and movement, the performance highlighted the immortal spirit of tradition that defines the state’s cultural identity.

Audiences at the WAVES Summit witnessed a high-energy production that skillfully blended heritage and storytelling through dance. The performance was met with enthusiastic applause and widespread appreciation from cultural delegates, dignitaries, and art lovers from across the country.

Amritasya reaffirmed Madhya Pradesh’s standing as a vibrant hub of India’s diverse artistic heritage and added a resonant cultural dimension to the broader goals of the WAVES Summit 2025.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ LekshmiPriya/ Ritu/ Darshana | 154

(Release ID: 2126334) Visitor Counter : 76

Source: Government of India

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw charts India’s creative future at WAVES, says startups should think beyond films and build brands that create global waves

It’s time for India to create new stories that blend tradition and technology: Shaw

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 8:17PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 2 May 2025

 

Global business leader and Biocon Founder Kiran Mazumdar Shaw on Friday said that the Indian Startups involved in creative content sector should think beyond films and build brands, ecosystems, and intellectual property that create global waves. She was talking at an In Conversation session on the second day of the inaugural edition of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai.

Kicking off the discussion with Maneet Ahuja, Editor-at-Large at Forbes, on the theme “India’s Innovation Renaissance: The Next Decade of Global-First Startups,” Mazumdar Shaw spoke about the global potential of Indian narratives. Referring to the Ramayana, she said, “It’s time for India to create new stories that blend tradition and technology. Just as George Lucas drew inspiration from Indian epics for Star Wars, we can use technology to transform our cultural heritage into global franchises.”

Touching on India’s demographic and digital strengths, she said, “With over a billion smartphones and a tech-savvy Gen Z, India is poised for global innovation. But like any blockbuster, success starts small — with an idea, strategy, and relentless focus.” She drew parallels with her own journey of starting Biocon in a garage and building it into a global biotech force.

Talking about the India’s creative economy, she said that those in the filed should focus on the growth of the so-called Orange Economy which has immense potential. “The media and entertainment sector contributes 20 billion dollar to the GDP today. We must aim for a 100 billion dollar, and eventually, for a 1 Trillion dollar Orange Economy by 2047, which will resonate with the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Shaw said.

Empowering Creators and Startups

Responding to questions on India’s creative edge, Shaw highlighted the convergence of AR, VR, and immersive experiences as key frontiers. “The next unicorns won’t just be apps — they’ll be creators who understand IP, tech, and immersive storytelling,” she noted. Citing examples like Naatu Naatu song in the movie RRR, she said that Indian creativity must go beyond diaspora appeal. “It must become globally relevant,” she added.

She urged startups to embrace originality and persistence: “Every great idea starts small. What matters is how far you take it. Failure is part of the journey.”

 

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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region