The city of dreams shimmered a little brighter this Thursday as Icon Star Allu Arjun took centre stage at the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, held at Jio World Centre, Mumbai. The much-anticipated ‘In Conversation’ session titled ‘Talent Beyond Borders’, moderated by TV9 Network’s MD & CEO Barun Das, became a heartfelt masterclass in stardom, survival, and soul.
Allu Arjun praised the summit as a beacon for India’s rising global narrative in storytelling. “India has always had the soul. Now, we have the stage,” he said, beaming. “I believe WAVES will be a launching pad for India to lead the world in creative content.”
The conversation turned intimate as the Pushpa actor reflected on a life-altering accident that forced a six-month hiatus. “That pause was a blessing in disguise,” he revealed. “It made me shift my gaze inward, from stunts to substance. I realized, as the muscles fade, the mastery must rise. Acting became my new frontier.”
The actor confirmed his upcoming project with director Atlee, calling it “a visual spectacle rooted in Indian emotion.” “We’re blending international technology with Desi soul — a film for India, and from India, to the world,” he said, eyes gleaming with passion.
The conversation also delved into the challenges of surviving in an ever-evolving industry. “There are extraordinary young actors emerging in every language. You must stay authentic, stay hungry, and be versatile,” he advised. “This is not just an industry, it’s a battlefield of creativity, resilience, and evolution.”
But it was when he spoke of his roots that the hall collectively held its breath. With emotion lacing every word, Arjun paid tribute to his illustrious family: hisgrandfather Allu Ramalingaiah, father and producer Allu Aravind, and Chiranjeevi, his uncle and lifelong inspiration. “I’m not a self-made man,” he confessed. “I’ve grown with the guidance, support, and greatness of those around me. I’m blessed.”
When asked about his strength, he said it was all for the fans. “When the lights dim and the applause fades, it is you who lift me. It is you who remind me why I do this. My energy… is you.”
Inaugurated by Minister Narendra Modi, WAVES 2025 is being looked upon as a historic milestone in India’s creative odyssey.
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Team PIB WAVES 2025 | Rajith/Poushali/Riyas/CShekhar |139
Anime Ascending: Experts Decode Global Storytelling Strategies and Industry Growth at WAVES 2025 India has a unique ability to scale bold models that have not worked elsewhere: Jeremy Lim, GFR Fund Visionaries Behind the Screen: Fireside Chat Explores the Future of VFX in Cinematic Universes at WAVES 2025
India to become a superpower in the VFX industry and WAVES is a great initiative to take it forward
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 9:39PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 1 May 2025
The inaugural day at the maiden WAVES 2025 Summit at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai witnessed insightful breakout sessions delving deep into the vibrant AVGC sector of India.
A dynamic breakout session titled “Anime Ascending: Unlocking Global Potential in Storytelling, Fandom & Industry Growth” brought together leading figures from the Japanese and Indian animation industries for a high-powered conversation on the evolution, emotional core, and global trajectory of anime, with key focus on India’s growing potential.
Moderated by Shri Munjal Shroff, Chair, FICCI AVGC-XR Forum, the session featured a distinguished panel: Mr. Makoto Tezka, Director & CEO, Nontetra; Mr. Hideo Katsumata, President, The Anime Times Company, Japan; Mr. Makoto Kimura, CEO, Blue Rights, Japan; Mr. Atsuo Nakayama, CEO & President, Re Entertainment Co. Ltd.; and Ms. Anu Sikka, Business Head – Kids Entertainment and Infotainment, Jiostar.
Mr. Hideo Katsumata spoke about the increasing focus on Indian audiences and languages. He underscored the importance of societal engagement and cultural integration, stating, “We are exploring ways to blend Japanese animation with Indian traditions to connect with local audiences.”
Mr. Atsuo Nakayama offered valuable insights into the economic impact of anime in Japan and noted the vital role of the consumer. He expressed optimism about India as a promising market for Japanese animation and stressed the potential of the entertainment business in bridging cultural and commercial ties between the two nations.
In a detailed presentation, Mr. Makoto Tezka traced the origin of anime, emphasizing that the roots of Japanese animation lie deeply embedded in manga culture.
Ms. Anu Sikka highlighted the extensive research undertaken in India to better understand what resonates with young viewers. “The cultural relatability and emotional connect with Japanese content have contributed to anime’s growing popularity among Indian children,” she said, adding that behavioral analysis of viewership trends has significantly guided programming decisions
Mr. Makoto Kimura emphasized on the growing global footprint of anime and its visible impact across countries.
Moderated by Aditya Mani, CEO of Yologram Style, an insightful breakout session titled The New Arcade: VC’s Perspective on Gaming’s New Frontier, provided an in-depth look at the exciting opportunities and innovations within India’s gaming sector. The session featured a distinguished panel of venture capitalists (VCs) who discussed key trends, challenges, and opportunities within the gaming industry. The panel included Anuj Tandon, Partner at Bitkraft Venture, Sharan Tulsiani, Founder of Jetapult, Vinay Bansal, Founder & CEO of Inflection Point Ventures, Nihansh Bhat, Corporate Development Lead at KRAFTON India, and Jeremy Lim, Principal at GFR Fund.
The panel emphasised India’s unique position as a country of storytellers. India’s rich cultural narrative tradition is increasingly being woven into interactive media. Gaming, they pointed out, is converging not only with films and digital fashion but also with mainstream media with Indian gaming studios emerging as significant contributors.
Jeremy Lim pointed out that India has a unique ability to scale bold models that have not worked elsewhere.
A key focus of the session was the role of localisation in driving success within emerging markets. While global models serve as inspiration, the panel underscored the necessity of adapting gaming experiences to local insights and consumer behaviours.
Looking ahead to 2025, the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) was underscored. AI is set to play a key role in personalising gameplay, enhancing user interaction, and driving immersive storytelling.
The breakout session on VFX provided a unique opportunity to explore the pivotal role of visual effects in modern cinema and its future in shaping storytelling. Moderated by Sh. Akhauri P. Sinha, Managing Director, Framestore India, the session featured distinguished panelists Sh. Jaykar Arudra, VFX Supervisor, DNEG; Sh. Sandeep Kamal, Independent VFX Supervisor; and Sh. Srinivas Mohan, acclaimed for his work on Baahubali and 2.0. The panelists provided insights into how VFX is revolutionizing cinematic narratives.
Sh. Jaykar Arudra stressed the importance of research and design in meeting the creative demands of VFX-intensive productions. “It’s not just about spectacle—it’s about story integrity,” he noted. He further stated, “India is poised to become a superpower in the VFX industry, and WAVES is a great initiative to take this vision forward.”
“Technology is a game-changer,” noted Sh. Srinivas Mohan. He said, “When applied wisely, it allows us to break limitations and create world-class visuals.”.
Sh. Sandeep Kamal discussed the increasing accessibility of high-quality VFX tools and how affordability is no longer a barrier to excellence. “A clear vision is what guides us in achieving both quality and deadlines,” he noted.
The breakout sessions embodied deep sentiments of optimism and collaboration, as Anime, VFX and Gaming continue to evolve as powerful cultural and commercial forces worldwide. These sectors hold unprecedented potential for India. True to the spirit of WAVES, the breakout sessions were a celebration of innovation and storytelling.
Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav Participates in Ministerial Round table on “Means of Implementation” at BRS COP Shri Yadav Presents Summary of Key Deliberations Among Participating Ministers in the Ministerial Interactive Panel discussion
Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 2:23PM by PIB Delhi
On the second day of the High-Level Segment of the meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS COPs), Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav participated in the Ministerial Interactive Panel discussion on the theme “Means of Implementation.”
During the Ministerial Interactive Panel discussion, Shri Yadav presented a summary of key points emerging from the round table discussions with other countries held on 30th April, 2025. The summary of the round table discussions included emphasis on the importance of predictable international financing mechanisms and the mobilization of domestic resources through tools such as progressive taxation, carbon levies, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
The roundtable also discussed the need for innovative financing solutions, including green bonds, debt-for-nature swaps, chemical certificates, and green loans, as critical tools to attract private investment—particularly in countries with constrained fiscal capacity or those emerging from crises.
The necessity of coherent and transparent regulatory frameworks that incentivize private sector engagement through supportive policies such as bans on single-use plastics and tax incentives for green technologies was suggested. The importance of cross-sectoral alignment of environmental goals to drive transformative outcomes was also highlighted.
The roundtable discussion highlighted the role of strong institutional mechanisms, with participating ministers emphasizing inter-agency coordination, capacity building, and empowerment of environment ministries to effectively lead the implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). The need for robust data infrastructure and transparent monitoring systems was recognized as essential for evidence-based decision-making and building public confidence.
Ministers also agreed on the importance of regional cooperation, including the strengthening of regional centers to enable technical exchange, shared infrastructure, and capacity development. Special attention was drawn to the needs of conflict-affected nations and countries with limited institutional capacities. Proposals included direct access to international financing, conflict-sensitive programming, and tailored technical partnerships to ensure inclusive and equitable implementation.
On the sidelines of the BRS COPs in Geneva, Shri Yadav also engaged in key bilateral meetings: Union Minister Shri Yadav met with Ms. Inger Andersen, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to discuss issues related to the upcoming Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) for developing a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution, including its impact on the marine environment.
With H.E. Dr. Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Qatar, Shri Yadav held a productive discussion focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. Qatar was invited to participate in the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
In addition, Shri Yadav met with Mr. Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions; Ms. Ivonne Higuero, Secretary General of CITES; Ms. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention; Prof. Celeste Saulo, Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization; and Ms. Monika Stankiewicz, Executive Secretary of the Minamata Convention during a dinner hosted at India House in Geneva. There was wide acknowledgment of the positive impact India is making in climate action and wildlife conservation under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The leaders expressed keen interest in deepening their engagement with India, recognizing its proactive role in advancing global environmental priorities.
India’s participation in the 2025 BRS High-Level Segment reaffirms its unwavering commitment to “Viksit Bharat by 2047”, with environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste as a cornerstone of its sustainable development strategy.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites or login screens concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012. Issued at HKT 17:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Incoming driver convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes Through risk assessment and intelligence analysis, Hong Kong Customs intercepted an inbound private car, declared to be empty, at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port on December 11, 2024. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized 86 000 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes at the boot, rear seats and under the front passenger’s seat of the vehicle. The driver was subsequently arrested, and the private car was also seized. The estimated market value of the duty-not-paid cigarettes seized in the case was about $430,000, and the duty potential was about $280,000.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Customs reminds members of the public that 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.
Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action.Issued at HKT 16:53
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Inland Revenue Department issues tax returns for individuals??? Mr Chan said that the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions) Bill 2025 was passed by the Legislative Council on April 30, 2025, which gives effect to the proposal in the 2025-26 Budget to reduce salaries tax, tax under personal assessment and profits tax for the year of assessment 2024/25 by 100 per cent, subject to a ceiling of $1,500 per case. Taxpayers only need to complete the tax returns for the year of assessment 2024/25 as usual. The tax concessions will be reflected in their final tax payable. He said, “The IRD is committed to promoting tax digitalisation and has been upgrading the functions of electronic tax filing to facilitate taxpayers and enhance the efficiency, reliability and accuracy of return filing. The IRD will launch three portals under eTAX this July, namely Individual Tax Portal, Business Tax Portal and Tax Representative Portal. Existing individual tax services provided by eTAX will be migrated to the Individual Tax Portal with a new design and enhanced functions. A mobile application for the portal will also be launched. The Business Tax Portal and the Tax Representative Portal enable businesses and service agents respectively to handle tax and business affairs electronically.”
He reminded taxpayers that when filing profits tax returns online, they may submit at the same time supporting documents in a specified electronic format. Details on electronic filing of profits tax returns are available on the IRD’s website Taxpayers may visit the IRD’s “e-Seminars—————————————————————
Tax TypeRevenue (Provisional Figures) ($million)Revenue (Actual Figures) ($million)Personal AssessmentProfits TaxPlease see Annex 1 for details of the IRD’s tax revenue collection in the financial year 2024-25. Issued at HKT 16:50
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 2) said that one new melioidosis case had been recorded in the past week (April 25 to May 1).
The case involved a 64-year-old male with underlying illnesses who lives in Sham Shui Po. He developed dysuria on March 10. He attended Kwong Wah Hospital on April 14, and was admitted for treatment on the same day. His clinical sample was confirmed to be positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei upon testing.
The CHP is investigating the infection source of the case. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
So far, four melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. In 2024, 23 melioidosis cases were recorded.
Person-to-person transmission and animal-to-human transmission are rare, but the bacteria causing melioidosis can survive in the local environment. Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong, and melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong each year.
According to literature, melioidosis cases are more common after typhoons or rainstorms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei in soil and muddy water may become exposed to the ground after typhoons or rainstorms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or rainstorms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase.
With this in mind, where practicable, members of the public should stay indoors during typhoons and rainstorms, avoid travelling to areas with potential flooding, and do not wade in or have contact with muddy water and soil. In addition, high-risk individuals should avoid paths near stormwater drains where aerosols may be generated from contaminated water.
Members of the public should also take the following preventive measures against infection:
Avoid contact with contaminated soil;
Wear appropriate protective clothing or footwear when participating in activities with possible contact with soil or water, e.g. using gloves and wearing boots. High-risk individuals may also consider wearing a surgical mask;
Wash or shower after exposure to contaminated water or soil;
Always clean any wounds as soon as possible and cover them with waterproof dressings;
Wash hands with liquid soap and water after handling soil or gardening;
Observe food hygiene and avoid drinking raw water; and
Travellers can contract the disease through outdoor water sports. Risk of infection can be minimised by avoiding exposure to water sources (such as rivers, ponds or lakes) that might be contaminated.
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​The CHP appealed to members of the public to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, in particular people with diabetes or other immunocompromising conditions, in order to receive an appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment. For more information on melioidosis, please visit the website of the CHP at www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/101110.html.
Ms. Anuradha Prasad, former Secretary to the Government of India, Inter State Council Secretariat, Ministry of Home Affairs, took the Oath of the Office and Secrecy as Member, Union Public Service Commission today. The Oath was administered by Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Retd.), the seniormost Member of the Commission.
Ms. Anuradha Prasad did her graduation from the Lady Sriram College for Women and obtained a Masters in History from the University of Delhi. She also has a Masters Degree in Development Administration from the University of Birmingham, U.K.
Ms. Anuradha Prasad belongs to the 1986 batch of the Indian Defence Accounts Service. She has extensive experience in public policy, public finance, and cooperative federalism. In a career spanning over 37 years, she has worked in Union Ministries of Defence, Finance, Food Processing Industries, Labour & Employment and Home, gaining in-depth experience in policy & programme formulation and implementation.
As Finance Manager in the Acquisitions Wing of the Ministryof Defence, she handled acquisition of large platforms.In the Ministry of Finance, she handled finance and accounting for the Defence Services and the Ordnance Factory Board.During her stint in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ms. Anuradha Prasad was instrumental in the development of the food industry through cold chain infrastructure, food testing laboratories and industry-driven R&D. She also has regulatory experience as Member of the Board of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as also the National Council for Vocational Education & Training (NCVET).
As Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Labour & Employment, she contributed to drafting of the Labour Codes and development of e-Shram Portal, a national database of workers in the unorganized sector.As Director General, Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), she spearheaded various initiatives for health & welfare of workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As Secretary, Inter State Council Secretariat, Ministry of Home Affairs, she handled Centre-State and Inter-State relations and built consensus on many complex and sensitive issues resulting in key policy changes and expediting of infrastructure and other projects.
Post-retirement, Ms. Anuradha Prasad served as Member, Police Complaints Authority, Government of NCT Delhi.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Interest rate for sixth interest payment of series of retail green bonds due 2025 According to the Issue Circular dated April 26, 2022 for the Retail Green Bonds, the sixth interest payment of the Retail Green Bonds is scheduled to be made on May 19, 2025, and the relevant interest rate is scheduled to be determined and announced on May 2, 2025 as the higher of the prevailing Floating Rate and Fixed Rate.
On May 2, 2025, the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate are as follows:
Floating Rate: +1.50 per cent (Annex) Fixed Rate: +2.50 per cent
Based on the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate set out above, the relevant interest rate for the sixth interest payment is determined and announced as 2.50 per cent per annum. Issued at HKT 16:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (May 2) the advance estimates on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first quarter of 2025.
According to the advance estimates, GDP increased by 3.1% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 2.5% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Analysed by major GDP component, private consumption expenditure decreased by 1.2% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 from a year earlier, compared with the decrease of 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Government consumption expenditure measured in national accounts terms recorded an increase of 1.2% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 2.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Gross domestic fixed capital formation increased by 2.8% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, as against the decrease of 0.7% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Over the same period, total exports of goods measured in national accounts terms recorded an increase of 8.7% in real terms over a year earlier, much faster than the increase of 1.3% in the fourth quarter of 2024. Imports of goods measured in national accounts terms grew by 7.4% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025, compared with the increase of 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Exports of services rose further by 6.6% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, after the increase of 6.5% in the fourth quarter of 2024. Imports of services increased by 6.2% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025, compared with the increase of 8.3% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison basis, GDP increased by 2.0% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 when compared with the fourth quarter of 2024.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that the Hong Kong economy expanded solidly in the first quarter of 2025. According to the advance estimates, real GDP grew by 3.1% over a year earlier, picking up from the 2.5% growth in the preceding quarter. On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter basis, real GDP grew visibly by 2.0%.
Analysed by major expenditure component, total exports of goods posted accelerated growth amid sustained external demand. Exports of services continued to expand, supported by the increase in visitor arrivals and other cross-boundary economic activities. Overall investment expenditure grew in tandem with the economic expansion. However, private consumption expenditure registered a small decline, reflecting the lingering impact of changes in residents’ consumption patterns.
Looking ahead, as global trade tensions escalated abruptly in early April due to the significant increases in import tariffs imposed by the US, the downside risks surrounding the global economy have heightened visibly. The extremely high levels of trade policy uncertainty will dampen international trade flows and investment sentiment, which in turn overshadow the near-term outlook for the Hong Kong economy. Nonetheless, the sustained steady growth of the Mainland economy, together with the Government’s various measures to promote economic growth and expand into more diversified markets, will lend support to various economic activities in Hong Kong.
The revised figures on GDP and more detailed statistics for the first quarter of 2025, as well as the revised GDP forecast for 2025, will be released on May 16, 2025.
Further information
The year-on-year percentage changes of GDP and selected major expenditure components in real terms from the first quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025 are shown in Table 1.
For enquiries about statistics on GDP by expenditure component, please contact the National Income Branch (1) of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 5077 or email: gdp-e@censtatd.gov.hk).