Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of India

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitates First Commercial Sea shipment of Indian pomegranates from Maharashtra to USA

14 Tons of Indian pomegranates exported from Ahilyanagar in Maharashtra to New York, USA

Posted On: 19 APR 2025 9:39AM by PIB Delhi

In a historic initiative towards introducing Indian Pomegranates to distant markets, a landmark commercial sea shipment of the prized Indian Bhagwa variety of Pomegranate has successfully arrived in New York, marking a significant milestone for India’s Fresh Fruits exports. With growing international demand for premium quality of Fresh Fruits, the arrival of this shipment heralds the potential of Indian Pomegranates becoming a preferred choice in the competitive U.S. market.

The Pomegranate season, which traditionally saw air freight as the primary mode of transportation, shifted gears in recent weeks to embrace the cost-effective and sustainable sea freight mode.

After India had been granted market access by USA for Pomegranates, during the season in 2023, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS), National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO – India) and National Research Centre for Pomegranate, Solapur (NRCP) successfully conducted the trial shipment of Pomegranate to USA by air.  

Owing to the success of the static trial to enhance the shelf life of Pomegranates for up to 60 days by APEDA in collaboration with ICAR-National Research Centre for Pomegranate, India had successfully flagged off its first trial commercial sea shipment of Pomegranates comprising of 4200 boxes i.e. 12.6 tons to the U.S. in collaboration with InI Farms from Irradiation Facility Center (IFC), Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), Vashi, Navi Mumbai in February, 2024.

APEDA facilitated the USDA pre-clearance program for Pomegranates in December, 2024 which played a pivotal role in easing the logistical and regulatory hurdles for Indian agriculture exporters and enabled them to enter the U.S. market. APEDA’s proactive approach in inviting the USDA inspectors for the pre-clearance process three months in advance ensured the smooth and timely arrival of the shipment

The inaugural sea shipment of 4,620 boxes of Indian Pomegranates, weighing approximately 14 tons reached the U.S. East Coast in the second week of March, well within five weeks of the point of departure. The shipment was met with exceptional enthusiasm in New York. The arrival quality was reported as “excellent” and customers were captivated by the remarkable visual appeal and the superior eating quality of the Indian Bhagwa variety of Pomegranates.

Chairman, APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev remarked, “Government of India has been at the forefront in promoting Indian fresh fruits for the global market. APEDA has been supporting the export of Indian fruits like Mangoes and Pomegranates to USA by funding the pre-clearance program. Indian farmers will achieve better realisation when their fruit gets exported to premium international markets like USA. Indian mangoes have already reached annual exports of around 3500 tons and we hope that Pomegranates will also reach such strong numbers in the years to come”.

This consignment was sent by Kay Bee Exports, a leading exporter of fruits and vegetables from Mumbai and a registered exporter with APEDA. The Pomegranates in this consignment were directly sourced from the farms of Kay Bee Exports, ensuring that the benefits of this export reach Indian farmers at the grassroots level.

“We are thankful to APEDA for facilitating exports of Indian Pomegranates to USA. APEDA’s efforts have ranged from securing market access to setting up export protocols, co-ordinating with multiple stake-holders and organising the pre-clearance program in conjunction with USDA. Kay Bee is specialised in Pomegranates and hope to offer the best fruit that India has to offer. Our customers expect the best fruit quality and we always strive to do so” said Mr. Kaushal Khakhar, CEO, Kay Bee Exports on the successful shipment.

“While Indian Pomegranates have always been recognized for their taste, this shipment has proven that with the right quality and consistency, Indian fresh fruits can meet the discerning tastes of the American consumer,” said a representative from the Indian export consortium. “We are delighted with the reception in the market and are confident that this successful arrival will pave the way for an increase in volumes in the coming seasons.”

Looking ahead, the industry is optimistic that with continued marketing efforts and strategic promotional campaigns, Indian Pomegranates can carve a niche for themselves in the premium U.S. market. In light of the growing success, industry stakeholders sought APEDA’s continued support in launching promotional campaigns for the Indian Pomegranate in the coming year, with the aim of educating U.S. consumers on the fruit’s exceptional eating quality and diverse culinary applications.

India, being the second-largest producer of horticulture crops, sees major Pomegranate production in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. APEDA has established Export Promotion Forums (EPF) specifically for Pomegranates, aimed at boosting exports and removing supply chain bottlenecks. These EPF forums include representatives from the Department of Commerce, Department of Agriculture, state governments, national referral laboratories and the top ten leading exporters, ensuring a collaborative effort in promoting Pomegranate exports.

In the financial year 2023-24, India exported 72,011 metric tons of Pomegranates worth USD 69.08 million. This year, there has been a significant growth in Pomegranate exports from India registering a growth of 21% with a value of USD 59.76 million in the period April – January, 2024-2025. Key export destinations include the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bangladesh, Nepal, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bahrain, Oman and USA.

Indian Pomegranates, particularly the Bhagwa variety, are renowned for their rich flavour, deep red colour and high nutritional value. These Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants and vital nutrients, making them a popular choice among health-conscious consumers worldwide.

The Government of India’s commitment to promoting the export of fresh fruits and vegetables, despite their perishable nature, is evident in their development of sea protocols to retain product attributes when exporting to long-distance destinations. This initiative not only reinforces India’s position in global markets but also directly supports Indian farmers by creating sustainable export opportunities.

The steady supply of high-quality fruit, coupled with continued marketing initiatives, will undoubtedly position Indian Pomegranates as a desirable choice for American consumers, ensuring their place on the U.S. retail shelves in years to come.

 

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Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

(Release ID: 2122827) Visitor Counter : 38

Source: Government of India

Since 2014, India has begun discussing its culture with pride – Shri Harivansh

India’s cultural environment has transformed since 2014 – Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri

Posted On: 18 APR 2025 9:45PM by PIB Delhi

On the occasion of World Heritage Day (18 April), a compilation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches and thoughts on culture, titled ‘Sanskriti ka Panchva Adhyay’, was released at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). The book was released  by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Pujya Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, the head of the Juna Akhara. The event was chaired by Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh, with IGNCA Chairman Shri Ram Bahadur Rai present as the Guest of Honour. IGNCA Member Secretary Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi also graced the occasion.

The book ‘Sanskriti ka Panchva Adhyay’ compiles Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s addresses on Indian culture, traditions, spiritual values, and cultural heritage delivered on various occasions. The foreword has been penned by Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, and the compilation has been curated by Dr. Prabhat Ojha. Published by Prabhat Prakashan, the book represents Prime Minister Modi’s vision of cultural resurgence as a central objective of his government.

On the occasion, Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj remarked that since 2014, innovation has been witnessed in every direction across the country and that a transformation in the atmosphere is evident. He lauded Prime Minister Modi’s cultural contributions, saying, “Since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, a definite change has occurred. People now discuss cultural subjects with greater depth and pride.” Citing an example, he said, “In 2008, an Indian guru residing in Europe made great efforts to establish an International Yoga Day and sought help from the Indian government. In 2016, Narendra Modi made it a reality. Today, 21st June is celebrated worldwide as International Yoga Day-a proof to his commitment to India’s cultural heritage.”

Shri Harivansh referred to Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s seminal work ‘Sanskriti ke Chaar Adhyay’, whose foreword was written by Jawaharlal Nehru. He said that had Dinkar been alive today, he would have revisited and revised parts of his work to enrich it further. Shri Harivansh added that after 1952, discussions around culture faded, but since 2014, they have re-emerged. “Post-2014, India has begun to speak about its culture and ancient heritage with pride, and this credit goes to the Prime Minister.” He concluded his speech by quoting a famous lines from Shri Raghubeer Narayan’s ‘Batojhiya’ song: “Sundar su bhoomi bhaiya Bharat ke deshwa mein, mor praan base him khoh re Batojhiya.”

Shri Ram Bahadur Rai highlighted two dimensions of Narendra Modi’s persona – that of a statesman and an administrator, and that of a spiritually inclined leader. Light-heartedly addressing the Prime Minister’s critics, he said, “Narendra Modi’s personality evokes chemical reactions in people -those with a positive outlook see his virtues, while the negative-minded remain entangled in criticism.” He added that various narratives are woven around Modi, but this book presents a distinct portrayal- that of a saint-hearted Prime Minister. “Among the vast repository of books written on the Prime Minister, this one stands out. It contains that brilliant Kohinoor which a saint offers to King Vikramaditya in the ‘Vetal Pachisi’ . That Kohinoor is India’s culture.”

Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi highlighted the significance of the Prime Minister’s motto “Virasat bhi, Vikas bhi” (Heritage as well as Development). He noted the special importance of launching this book on World Heritage Day, stating that it presents the vision of a new India. Dr. Prabhat Ojha, the compiler of the book, introduced it, stating that it features 34 of the Prime Minister’s speeches, along with an appendix containing the reflections of two spiritual leaders, both of whom appear to endorse the Prime Minister’s cultural perspective. The programme was anchored by Shri Prabhat Kumar of Prabhat Prakashan, who also delivered the vote of thanks.

About the Book

Towards the end of his detailed foreword, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai writes: “If we are searching for the keyboard to the supercomputer of Indian culture, that quest begins and ends with this book. In this sense, this chapter is inspired by culture in the Modi era. It is also an invitation to a cultural journey.” This thought clearly articulates the objective behind publishing Prime Minister Modi’s cultural addresses in the form of a book.

This journey includes various milestones that the reader can interpret through these speeches. The speeches are arranged chronologically, beginning with the 2015 Independence Day address and concluding with one delivered on 20 October 2024 at the inauguration of the R.J. Shankar Eye Hospital in Varanasi. The first speech, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, discusses national issues, welfare schemes, and government achievements. The final one, naturally, touches on public health, but also includes the Prime Minister’s tribute to three Shankaracharyas of the Kanchi Kamakoti tradition.

Together, these 34 speeches cover a wide range of cultural contexts – from sacred shrines like Kedarnath, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, Kashi Vishwanath Mandapam, and Omkareshwar, to occasions such as the launch of various editions of the ‘Bhagavad Gita’, Guru Nanak Jayanti, the Global Buddhist Conference, the birth anniversary of Acharya Vijay Vallabh Surishwar Ji Maharaj, and the World Sufi Conference.

An excerpt from the Prime Minister’s address at the World Sufi Conference reads:  ‘Rooted in the sacred Quran and Hadith, Sufism became the face of Islam in India. It flourished in India’s openness and pluralism, and by connecting with its ancient spiritual traditions, it evolved a uniquely Indian identity. Sufism helped shape a distinctive Islamic legacy in India.”

These speeches reflect a quest to identify the Indianness in various religious traditions. The appendix contains reflections by Acharya Shri Pragya Sagar Ji Maharaj and Shankaracharya Shri Shankar Vijayendra Saraswati Swami Ji of Kanchi Kamakoti. Both appear to affirm the cultural vision espoused by the Prime Minister.

 

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2122825) Visitor Counter : 62

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 19 APR 2025 1:03PM by PIB Delhi

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla has greeted the people on the eve of Easter.

In his message, Shri Birla said, “Wishing everyone a blessed and joyful Easter.  May this day of resurrection bring love, faith, and renewed hope into your lives. Let’s celebrate the spirit of renewal and new beginnings.”

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AM

(Release ID: 2123012) Visitor Counter : 22

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to address the Nation’s Civil Servants on 17th Civil Services Day 2025 on April 21, 2025

On this occasion, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will confer the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration on 17th Civil Services Day 2025

Civil Services Day is an occasion for the Civil Servants across India to rededicate themselves to the cause of citizens and renew their commitment to public service and excellence in their work

Posted On: 20 APR 2025 12:39PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will address the Nation’s Civil Servants on the 17^th Civil Services Day on April 21, 2025.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will confer the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration for effective implementation of identified Priority Programmes and Innovation to Districts and Central/ State Governments. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will release e-books on Holistic Development and on Innovations comprising of the successes stories on the implementation of the identified priority programmes and Innovations. A film on the Award-winning initiatives will also be screened before the presentation of Awards. This will mark the 7^th occasion when Prime Minister Modi will be addressing the National Civil Services Day ceremonies.

Civil Services Day is an occasion for the Civil Servants across India to rededicate themselves to the cause of citizens and renew their commitment to public service and excellence in their work. This date was chosen to commemorate the day when Sardar Vallabhai Patel addressed the probationers of Administrative Service Officers in 1947 at Metcalfe House Delhi. To mark the Civil Services day, Government is organizing a day-long Civil Services Day conference at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

The Scheme for Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration has been instituted to recognize the extraordinary and innovative work done by Districts & Organizations of the Central and State Governments for the welfare of common citizen. For the Prime Minister’s Awards Scheme 2024, the following priority programmes have been identified for the awards to be presented on Civil Services Day 2025: (a) Category 1 – Holistic Development of Districts (b) Category 2- Aspirational Blocks Programme (c) Category 3 – Innovation. 14 Awardees have been shortlisted from 1588 nominations after a comprehensive evaluation. The Prime Minister’s Awards consist of: (i) Trophy, (ii) Scroll and (iii) an incentive of Rs. 20 lakh to the awarded District/organization to be utilized for implementation of project/programme or bridging resources gaps in any area of public welfare. *The Awards ceremony will be followed by a plenary session on “Civil Services Reforms- Challenges and Opportunities”, chaired by Dr.T.V. Somanathan, Cabinet Secretary. Four Breakaway Sessions on Strengthening Urban Transportation, Promoting Swasth Bharat through Ayushman Bharat PM – Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Arogya Mandir, Promoting Nutrition for Women and Children through Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, Aspirational Blocks Programme will be conducted to mark the occasion.

Shri Manohar Lal, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Minister of Power, will chair the Session on Strengthening Urban Transportation, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers will chair the session on Promoting Swasth Bharat through Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Arogya Mandir, while Smt. Annpurna Devi, Union Minister of Women and Child Development will chair the session on Promoting Nutrition for Women and Children through Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog, will chair the session on Aspirational Blocks Programme.

Senior Officials of Government of India including Secretaries, Additional Secretaries, Joint Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries and Senior Officials of State Governments including Chief Secretaries, Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and Heads of Central Training Institutions, Resident commissioners, Officials of Central Services and District Collectors will participate in the day-long event.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2123011) Visitor Counter : 51

Source: Government of India

WAVES Cosplay Championship Wildcard Showdown in Mumbai a Massive Hit as Over 50 Cosplayers Set the Stage on Fire

30 Finalists Selected for Grand Finale at Jio World Centre

Posted On: 19 APR 2025 9:02PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 19 April 2025:

The city of dreams turned into a galaxy of fandoms as Mumbai hosted the explosive WAVES Cosplay Championship Wildcard Showdown, presented by Creators Street, the Indian Comics Association (ICA), and the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), and powered by Epiko Con, India’s next big pop culture festival, at Thakur Collage of Science and Commerce today, April 19^th, 2025.

Held as a spectacular prelude to the WAVES Cosplay Championship grand finale, this blockbuster pre-event saw over 50 top-tier cosplayers from across the region lighting up the stage with high-octane performances, screen-accurate costumes, and electrifying fandom energy.

Out of the cosplayers participated, the Jury comprising Mr Venkatesh, Founder and CEO of Wharf Street Studios, Ajay Krishna of Forbidden Verse, and Anadi Abhilash, Secretary, Indian Comics Association, selected 30 wild card entries who will now meet at the grand finale which will be held at WAVES at Jio World Centre, Mumbai during May 1^st to 4th, 2025.

A majestic portrayal of Lord Narasimha, bringing to life the power and divinity of India’s rich cultural heritage and appearances from celebrity guests, creators, and influencers within India’s growing cosplay community were the highlights of the event. A fan-fueled celebration packed with photo ops, spontaneous performances, and viral social media moments also added colour to the event.

The high-energy meetup wasn’t just a qualifier—it was a cultural phenomenon. Every moment at the venue captured the sheer power of community, creativity, and youth expression in India’s rising cosplay revolution. The Wildcard Showdown was a breakout success, setting the tone for what is being called India’s biggest cosplay movement to date. From incredible craftsmanship to compelling performances, the Mumbai showdown was a reminder that cosplay in India is not just growing—it’s booming.

“This event just proves how powerful the cosplay movement is becoming in India,” said one jury member. “The energy, the effort, the love for characters—it’s all real, and it’s growing bigger every year,” he said.

The grand finale will feature top cosplayers from across India and the winners will be awarded with cash prizes and exclusive showcases. The jury will have members top studios in animation, film, and gaming. The highlight of the championship is the collaborations with ICA, Forbidden Verse, TVAGA, MEAI, Creator Street, and the powerhouse of pop culture – Epiko Con.

 

About WAVES

The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

Have questions? Find answers here  

Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Riyas/Parshuram| 98

 

सोशल मिडियावर आम्हाला फॉलो करा:  @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2122976) Visitor Counter : 128

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 20 APR 2025 8:58AM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today wished everyone a blessed and joyous Easter.

In a post on X, he said:

“Wishing everyone a blessed and joyous Easter. This Easter is special because world over, the Jubilee Year is being observed with immense fervour. May this sacred occasion inspire hope, renewal and compassion in every person. May there be joy and harmony all around.”

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2122999) Visitor Counter : 32

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a delegation to visit Zhejiang on April 22 (Tuesday) to attend the High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference in Hangzhou, and the Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference – Zhejiang (Ningbo) Forum cum Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Forum in Ningbo. He will return to Hong Kong on April 25.

Mr Lee said that Hong Kong and Zhejiang have long maintained frequent exchanges, keeping close ties in economic affairs and trade, cultural exchanges and youth engagement. Under the overall blueprint of the country, both places play important and unique roles. A specific co-operation mechanism between the two places will be established through this visit, further strengthening collaboration, achieving complementarity and mutual benefits, and making greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development.

Officials including the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, will join parts of the trip. The Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip, will also accompany Mr Lee on the trip.

During the visit, Mr Lee and the delegation will meet with leaders from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou and Ningbo, and will visit local facilities and projects in areas including innovation and technology, and healthcare.

Mr Chan will depart on April 23 and return to Hong Kong on April 24. He will be the Acting Chief Executive from the afternoon of April 22 to noon on April 23, and from the evening of April 24 to April 25. The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will be the Acting Chief Executive during Mr Chan’s absence.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     ​Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) Mr Charles Ng will commence his duty visit to Mumbai and New Delhi in India today (April 20), highlighting Hong Kong’s unrivalled role as a gateway for Indian companies to expand into Mainland China and across North Asia and Southeast Asia.

     A highlight of the visit is the event Gateway to Growth: Exploring Business & Investment Opportunities in and via Hong Kong, jointly organised by InvestHK, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. As a keynote speaker, Mr Ng will update the participants on the latest developments in Hong Kong’s business landscape, as well as the strategic advantages of establishing operations in Hong Kong for Indian companies.

     Mr Ng said, “As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India is not only a major start-up base but also is home to numerous high-net-worth individuals and wealthy families seeking diversified investment opportunities. Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to meet these needs. Our vibrant start-up ecosystem, boasting nearly 4 700 ventures in AI, healthtech, fintech, Web3 and other cutting-edge fields offers exceptional opportunities for Indian start-ups and investors alike. Moreover, our New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme offers an attractive pathway for Indian wealthy families looking to combine investment with the option of living in the city.”

     Mr Ng’s visit includes high-level discussions with prominent Indian firms and investors focusing on establishing a presence in Hong Kong to capitalise on its strategic advantages for global growth. Hong Kong’s business-friendly environment, characterised by clear and transparent regulations, a simple and low tax regime, robust capital markets and free capital flows, positions the city as the ideal platform for Indian companies exploring expansion opportunities.

     Mr Ng added, “With its unique position at the heart of Asia, world-class financial infrastructure, and deep connectivity with Mainland China and global markets, Hong Kong can empower Indian businesses to scale regionally and compete globally. This visit underscores InvestHK’s commitment to strengthening Hong Kong–India ties by fostering greater investment and innovation between the two places.”

     The economic synergy between Hong Kong and India is profound. In 2024, India ranked as Hong Kong’s ninth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to approximately US$26 billion. Hong Kong is home to a vibrant and long-standing Indian community of over 42 000 people. Bilateral ties have been further reinforced by the Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, signed in March 2018 and enhanced through a protocol in November 2018, which provides a robust framework for cross-border trade and investment.

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister condoles the loss of lives in a building collapse in Dayalpur area of North East Delhi

PM announces ex-gratia from PMNRF

Posted On: 19 APR 2025 9:02PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today condoled the loss of lives in a building collapse in Dayalpur area of North East Delhi. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.

The PMO India handle in post on X said:

“Saddened by the loss of lives due to a building collapse in Dayalpur area of North East Delhi. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.

An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi”

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2122975) Visitor Counter : 114

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw holds consultations with news media organisations ahead of WAVES 2025

WAVES is driven by the industry; Government is a catalyst- Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw

Massive Response to India’s Creative Economy Push: 1 Lakh+ Registrations, 750 top level creators to showcase their work

WAVES Emerging as a Global Connector Between Creators, Buyers, and Markets for Scalable Creative Solutions : Union Minister

Posted On: 19 APR 2025 7:03PM by PIB Delhi

The world of creators and their economy is going through a fundamental change. Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said this while interacting with the news media today ahead of the maiden World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit scheduled in Mumbai from 1st to 4th May. The interaction was attended by about 20 media houses from the national as well as regional news media. Talking on the challenges faced, the Union Minister said that with the advent of technology, the old model is giving way to the new model, creating opportunities as well as challenges. The shape of the media world  is changing, he said and stressed on the collective need as a country to respond to the new model. Giving an example, he said that gone are the days when a big studio was needed for creating content. Today a creator from a remote village from Jharkhand or Kerala can create good quality and get millions of views.

 

He mentioned that the creator’s economy is growing exponentially. The Minister said that our visionary Prime Minister acknowledged the work of the creators and their contribution in the economy by promoting India’s soft power globally. WAVES seeks to evolve itself as a global platform for media & entertainment, just as Davos serves as a global platform for economic policies, he added. .

India’s creative economy has received an overwhelming boost, with more than 1 lakh registrations for WAVES 2025. The top innovators will be honoured with Awards, celebrating their contributions to the evolving global media and entertainment landscape.  Shri Vaishnaw said, we are finding a way to connect the world with our creators. WAVES is emerging as a global connector between creators, buyers, and markets for scalable creative solutions, the Minister said. Through WAVES, buyers and sellers are getting a platform, where creators can offer their content & firms can source quality creative work.

Participating in the interaction, heads of various media organisations congratulated the Government for conceptualising a novel concept in the form of WAVES to bring policy makers, creators, industry stalwarts, tech giants and start ups in the M&E sector on one platform.

Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju welcomed all the participants and dignitaries, highlighting the significance of collective dialogue in shaping the future of the media landscape. He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to engaging with stakeholders across platforms and appreciated the active participation of media organizations in the lead-up to WAVES 2025.

 

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Dharmendra Tewari/Virat Majboor/Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2122945) Visitor Counter : 116