Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

“Beyond Nostalgia: The Business of Restored Classics” – Insightful Discussions at WAVES 2025

Classic films are more than entertainment—they are a reflection of our collective cultural identity and heritage: Prakash Magdum

Restoration demands significant investment of money, time, and skilled resources: Shehzad Sippy

Despite the deluge of new content, the industry must work to preserve its foundational works: Kamal Gianchandani

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 6:18PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 3 May 2025

 

Indian cinema took center stage at WAVES 2025 with an insightful panel discussion titled “Beyond Nostalgia: The Business of Restored Classics.” Curated under the expert moderation of renowned film trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the session brought together industry stalwarts to deliberate on the significance, challenges, and future of restoring cinematic gems for contemporary audiences.

The conversation opened with Kamal Gianchandani, a key voice in the film exhibition and distribution space, who emphasized the urgent need to make classics accessible on digital platforms. “So many of our films disappear from public memory because they aren’t readily available. Audiences constantly tell us they want to revisit the classics,” he noted, adding that despite the deluge of new content, the industry must work to preserve its foundational works.

Shehzad Sippy, representing the legacy of iconic cinema, reflected on the evolution of filmmaking and the unique storytelling methods of earlier decades. “Filmmaking was a different art then, and audiences today are curious to experience that era. But restoration demands significant investment of money, time, and skilled resources,” he said.

Film producer and actor Jackky Bhagnani highlighted the unpredictable nature of audience preferences. “People’s time is precious—they want quality content. What resonates is often subjective, seasonal, or driven by mood. But regardless of the era, we always strive to give our best,” he stated.

Bringing a policy and heritage perspective, Prakash Magdum, Additional Director General, PIB & CBC, Ahmedabad, shed light on government’s efforts to preserve India’s cinematic legacy. “Indians are deeply nostalgic. While the older generation seeks to relive the magic of their youth, the younger generation is eager to experience the classics they’ve heard so much about. Film restoration is a meticulous process involving multiple stakeholders, but with cutting-edge technology, we’re able to stay true to the original vision,” he explained.

He further elaborated on the ambitious National Film Heritage Mission, an initiative led by the Government of India aimed at preserving, digitizing, and restoring cinematic treasures. “Classic films are more than entertainment—they are a reflection of our collective cultural identity and heritage. The challenge is enormous, especially with factors like temperature and humidity affecting film reels, and the growing complexities of digital data preservation. Yet, this responsibility must be met with urgency and dedication”, flagged Shri Magdum.

The panel served as a powerful reminder that restored classics are not merely relics of the past, but vibrant carriers of culture, emotion, and legacy. As the business of restoration gains momentum, it is clear that the fusion of technology, passion, and policy will be key to ensuring that India’s cinematic heritage continues to inspire generations to come.

 

* * *

PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Lekshmipriya/ Swadhin/ Darshana | 167

(Release ID: 2126525) Visitor Counter : 12

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah reviews the progress of National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) and Indian Seed Cooperative Society Limited (BBSSL)

Formed in 2023 under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, these institutions are working as umbrella organizations with a “Whole of Government” approach

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation directs NCEL to explore new opportunities for export of sugar, aromatic rice of Tripura, organic cotton, and coarse grains from cooperative sugar mills

Shri Amit Shah suggests partnership with big companies for export of fresh vegetables to Gulf countries and special potato varieties

NCEL should work on the ambitious target of exporting three specific products worth ₹ 2 lakh crore which have never been exported before

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says NCOL should work with the target of turnover of more than ₹ 300 crore in the financial year 2025-26

BBSSL plays a vital role in strengthening India’s seed ecosystem – Shri Amit Shah

Home Minister also stressed upon the need to work on sugarcane varieties with high sugar content and low water requirement

BBSSL Centre set up at Kalol, Gujarat will develop high yielding, short maturity and low water requirement varieties of crops like pigeon pea, black gram, maize

Setting up of tissue culture facility is imperative to ensure availability of plants of high genetic potential for top 10 banana producing states

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 9:53PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting in New Delhi to review the progress of National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) and Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Ltd (BBSSL). The meeting was attended by Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, senior officials of the Ministry, and Shri Anupam Kaushik, Shri Vipul Mittal and Shri Chetan Joshi (Managing Directors of NCEL, NCOL and BBSSL respectively).

Addressing the meeting, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, these three national cooperative institutions were created by the Ministry of Cooperation with the approval of the Union Cabinet in 2023, with the aim to act as umbrella organizations for cooperative exports, organic production and promotion of quality seeds. He said that these are being operated under the ‘Whole of the Government’ approach in collaboration with the concerned Ministries/Departments/Agencies.

To realize the vision of “Prosperity through Cooperation” of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, many initiatives and historic schemes have been started under the guidance of the Ministry of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, which is promoting the cooperative sector at a fast pace.

NCEL (National Cooperative Exports Limited):

Shri Amit Shah directed NCEL to explore new opportunities for export of sugar from cooperative sugar mills, aromatic rice of Tripura, organic cotton, and coarse grains. Shri Amit Shah also suggested possibilities of partnership with big companies for export of fresh vegetables to Gulf countries and special potato varieties.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation set an ambitious target of ₹2 lakh crore exports by NCEL of three new and specific products which are not currently being exported from India. Along with this, Shri Shah directed to route all exports of cooperative institutions through NCEL so that about ₹20,000-30,000 crore turnover and net profit after taxes and operating costs can go back to the cooperatives.

Shri Amit Shah also suggested setting up of NCEL offices in Africa and Myanmar for pulses import and developing a dedicated website to enable cooperative members to understand the global demand and share their supply capacity.

NCEL was set up under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act and has made remarkable progress in its first year. In FY 2024-25, it gave membership to more than 10,000 cooperative institutions and achieved a turnover of ₹4,283 crore, with a net profit of ₹122 crore.

NCEL has expanded its exports to 28 countries, with key products being: basmati and non-basmati rice, marine products (especially shrimp), coarse cereals, wheat, fruits and vegetables, animal products, spices and plantation products. It has also signed strategic agreements (MoUs) with 61 importers from Senegal, Indonesia and Nepal.

NCOL (National Cooperative Organics Limited):

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that the organic products procured by NCOL are also being supplied to big brands like Amul, Bigbasket, thereby providing more volume and cost advantage to the ‘Bharat Organics’ brand. Shri Amit Shah said that soon its products will be available in Reliance stores across India.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, 22 products under the ‘Bharat Organics’ brand are currently available in Delhi-NCR and there are plans to launch it in major metros. The products include cereals, pulses, spices and sweets products.

Shri Amit Shah appreciated the efforts of NCOL and set a target of turnover of more than ₹300 crore in the financial year 2025-26. He has also directed to form groups of certified organic farmers at the state level and integrate them at a higher level.

In the zero year of commercial operation in the financial year 2025-26 itself, NCOL has given membership to more than 7000 cooperatives in various categories and transacted a quantity of more than 1200 metric tonnes, which was procured from more than 2000 farmers. Its turnover so far has been ₹ 10.26 crores.

The uniqueness of the brand lies in its ‘Authenticity & Sustainability’ approach, every product batch is being tested for pesticide residues as per ‘Organic India’ standards and the report is being shared with the consumers in the form of a QR code and this customer oriented initiative is being implemented for the first time in the industry.

BBSSL (Indian Seeds Co-operative Society Limited):

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah underlined the important role of BBSSL in strengthening the seed ecosystem of India and said that it is imperative to establish tissue culture facility to ensure availability of plants of high genetic potential for top 10 banana producing states. He said that the recently established state-of-the-art BBSSL Centre at Kalol in Gujarat will work towards development of high yielding, low maturity and low water requirement varieties of crops like tur, urad, maize. He also emphasized the need to work on sugarcane variety with high sugar content and low water requirement. Shri Amit Shah has urged BBSSL to develop seeds of Lachka fodder crops for sale through NDDB and Amul network. Shri Amit Shah also emphasized on promoting seed production for processing varieties like potato especially for French fries under the Seed Production Programme for Processing Varieties. To ensure timely availability of breeder seeds, the Union Minister of Cooperation directed the Ministry of Cooperation to coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure timely supply of required breeder seeds.

The Minister appreciated the efforts of BBSSL and reiterated the Government’s commitment to empower agricultural cooperatives through innovation, quality inputs and institutional support.

———

RK/VV/RR/PR/PS

(Release ID: 2126629) Visitor Counter : 77

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 6:26PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today extended his congratulations to Mr. Anthony Albanese on his election as the Prime Minister of Australia.

In a post on X, he wrote:

“Congratulations @AlboMP on your resounding victory and re-election as Prime Minister of Australia! This emphatic mandate indicates the enduring faith of the Australian people in your leadership. I look forward to working together to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance our shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”

Congratulations @AlboMP on your resounding victory and re-election as Prime Minister of Australia! This emphatic mandate indicates the enduring faith of the Australian people in your leadership. I look forward to working together to further deepen the India-Australia…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 3, 2025

***

MJPS/SR/SKS

(Release ID: 2126526) Visitor Counter : 85

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 10:47PM by PIB Delhi

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out maiden flight-trials of Stratospheric Airship Platform from Sheopur Trial site in Madhya Pradesh on May 03, 2025. Developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, the airship was launched carrying an instrumental payload to an altitude of around 17 kms.

Data from onboard sensors was received and would be utilised for development of high-quality fidelity simulation models for future high-altitude airship flights. Envelop pressure control and emergency deflation systems were deployed in flight for their performance evaluation. Trial team recovered the system for further investigation. The total duration of the flight was about 62 minutes.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO for the successful maiden flight-trial of the system. He stated that this system will uniquely enhance India’s earth observation and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance capabilities, making the country one of the few countries in the world having such indigenous capabilities.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated the DRDO team involved in design, development and trial of the system. He said the prototype flight is a milestone towards realisation of lighter-than-air high-altitude platform systems that can remain airborne for very long endurance at stratospheric heights.

****

SR/Savvy

(Release ID: 2126640) Visitor Counter : 17

Source: Government of India

PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES THE LAUNCH OF THE MEDIATION ASSOCIATION OF INDIA AND ADDRESSES THE FIRST NATIONAL MEDIATION CONFERENCE

THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISM UNDER THE MEDIATION ACT SHOULD BE EFFECTIVELY EXTENDED TO RURAL AREAS SO THAT THE PANCHAYATS ARE LEGALLY EMPOWERED TO MEDIATE AND RESOLVE THE CONFLICTS IN VILLAGES: PRESIDENT DROUPADI MURMU

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 6:31PM by PIB Delhi

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the launch of the Mediation Association of India and addressed the First National Mediation Conference 2025 in New Delhi today (May 3, 2025). 

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the Mediation Act, 2023 was the first step in consolidating the civilisational legacy. Now we need to add momentum to it and strengthen its practice. She emphasised that the dispute resolution mechanism under the Mediation Act should be effectively extended to rural areas so that the Panchayats are legally empowered to mediate and resolve the conflicts in villages. Social harmony in villages is an essential prerequisite of making the nation strong, she said. 

The President said that mediation is an essential part of the delivery of justice, which is at the heart of the Constitution of India – our founding text. Mediation can speed up the delivery of justice not only in the specific case under consideration, but also in other cases, by reducing the burden on courts of a large number of litigations. It can make the overall judicial system much more efficient. It can thus open up the developmental pathways that might have been blocked up. It can enhance both the ease of doing business and the ease of living. Mediation, when we see it this way, becomes a key instrument to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. 

The President said that India has a long and rich tradition of judicial mechanisms in which out-of-court settlements were more of a norm than exception. The institution of Panchayat is legendary for fostering amicable resolutions. The Panchayat’s endeavour was not only to resolve the dispute but also to remove any bitterness among the parties about it. It was a pillar of social harmony for us. Unfortunately, the colonial rulers ignored this exemplary legacy when they imposed an alien legal system on us. While the new system did have a provision for mediation and out-of-court resolution, and the old tradition of alternative mechanisms did continue, there was no institutional framework for it. The Mediation Act, 2023 plugs that loophole and has a number of provisions that will form the foundation of a vibrant and effective mediation ecosystem in India. 

The President said that the First National Mediation Conference is not a mere ceremonial event; it is a call to action. It calls upon us to collectively shape the future of mediation in India — by nurturing trust, building professional capabilities, and making mediation accessible to every citizen, across all sections of society. The establishment of the Mediation Association of India is a significant step forward in carrying this legacy into the future. It institutionalizes and promotes mediation as a preferred, structured, and widely accessible mode of dispute resolution — an approach that is timely and much needed in today’s dynamic and complex world. 

The President said that we should see effective dispute and conflict resolution as not merely a legal necessity but a societal imperative. Mediation fosters dialogue, understanding and collaboration. These values are essential for building a harmonious and progressive nation. It will lead to the emergence of a conflict-resilient, inclusive and harmonious society. 

Click here to see the President’s address.

***

MJPS/SR/SKS

(Release ID: 2126534) Visitor Counter : 14

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Police reclassified an assault occasioning actual bodily harm (AOABH) case in Mong Kok yesterday (May 2) as murder.

     At 6.33am yesterday, Police received a report from a staff member of a hotel on Prince Edward Road West that a woman collapsed in a room.

     Police officers sped to the scene and found the 46-year-old woman lying on a chair. Sustaining injuries to her face, she was rushed to Kwong Wah Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 5.23pm on the same day.

     Initial investigation revealed that the deceased was allegedly assaulted by a man with a hard object. The assailant then fled away.

     Police arrested the 42-year-old man in Mong Kok for AOABH yesterday. He is being detained for enquiries.

     Upon further investigation, Police reclassified the case as murder. Post-mortem examinations will be conducted later to ascertain the cause of death.

     Active investigation by the District Crime Squad of Mong Kok District is under way. Anyone who witnessed the case or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 8741.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

As drone technology continues to advance, its application is expanding across various sectors, including logistics, aerial photography, industrial inspections and more.

In response to the growing potential of the low-altitude economy (LAE), the Government has established the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy to formulate development strategies and inter-departmental action plans regarding the trend.

The Government announced the first batch of 38 low-altitude economy Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects earlier and some of them are commencing progressively. They cover various fields and application scenarios such as emergency and rescue, drone delivery, inspection and safety maintenance, surveillance and low-altitude infrastructure.

Business springboard

Kun Li’s company is one of the participants in the first batch of pilot projects. It set up a branch in Hong Kong last year, focusing primarily on the application of drone technology in areas such as urban management and inspection. Their flagship product is a self-docking and charging drone station. The company hopes it can be used by all kinds of drones in the future.

As part of the pilot project, the company joined forces with a construction company to apply drone inspections for site safety.

Mr Li pointed out that Hong Kong, with its unique combination of rich natural landscapes and high-density urban development, offers diverse scenarios for testing drone technology. He also believes Hong Kong’s status and function as an international financial centre, provides exceptional avenues for financing and a springboard for promoting their products to overseas markets.

Nonetheless, Mr Li acknowledged there are challenges for drone technology development in the city, including relevant policies and regulations.

Industry facilitation

Invest Hong Kong Head of Innovation & Technology Andy Wong believes that developing a low-altitude economy will bring significant benefits to Hong Kong’s society and economy, including enhanced smart city management, and promoting innovation and technology development. He also noted that as an emerging industry, low-altitude economy-related business will create employment opportunities, such as for drone operators in the city.

In addition, Mr Wong highlighted that Hong Kong has a rich talent pool and a robust and efficient financial market which are the key advantages that attract low-altitude economy firms to set up operations in the city. Moreover, Invest Hong Kong has been providing platforms for companies to explore business opportunities.

Invest Hong Kong will hold a low-altitude economy seminar on June 27, inviting industry representatives and professionals to share their latest insights.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Justice is presenting a drama titled “Rule of Law Academy – Adventure to the Stars”, aimed at promoting rule of law education to senior primary students and their parents, at the Cultural Centre’s Grand Theatre today and tomorrow.

The drama is part of the “Rule of Law through Drama” project and the two performances, marking Rule of Law Drama Day, are expected to attract about 2,000 attendees.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will play the roles of the Principal and Vice-principal of the Rule of Law Academy respectively.

In the drama, they lead students on a thrilling adventure to learn about respect, integrity, justice and abiding by the law, conveying the message of “uphold justice, uphold the rule of law”.

By integrating knowledge and creativity with rich interactive elements, the drama aims to encourage students and parents to embody integrity, mutual respect, equality and law-abiding awareness in their daily choices and actions, and to make rule of law education an integral part of family education.

Since its launch in 2021, the “Rule of Law through Drama” project has involved over 300 drama performances for primary schools in various districts across the territory.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

​​The “Task Group on New Medical School” today met the three universities that have submitted proposals for the establishment of a third medical school.

Co-chaired by Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau and Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-Lin, the discussions were focused on proposals from the Baptist University, the Polytechnic University and the University of Science & Technology.

Prof Lo said that during the exercise the task group’s expert advisers and representatives from various bureaus conducted fruitful exchanges with the university representatives on matters including strategic positioning, curriculum structure and assessment methodologies, and financial sustainability.

The task group also took the opportunity to better understand the preparatory work and resource plans underpinning each proposal. This includes collaboration models involving local and non-local partners, the allocation of resources for curriculum software and hardware, teaching manpower, and student recruitment and training.

Prof Lo added that the task group will increase speed and efficiency in the next phase, adopting a holistic and integrated approach to assessing the proposals, with a view to completing the assessments within the current year and recommending to the Government the option that best supports Hong Kong’s development into an international medical training, research and innovation hub.

Ms Choi highlighted that the 2024-2035 master plan for building China into a leading country in education strives to accelerate the development of world-class universities and advanced disciplines. To tie in with this important blueprint, she added, Hong Kong is preparing to establish a third medical school to further enhance its status as an international post-secondary education hub.

Strategically located in the Northern Metropolis University Town, the new medical school will have immense potential to foster synergy among academia, the research community and industry within the vicinity and the wider Greater Bay Area, Ms Choi added.     

The task group issued a letter of invitation on December 2 last year to all University Grants Committee-funded universities. The letter invited local universities interested in taking the new medical school project forward to submit proposals by March 17 this year. Three proposals were received by the deadline.