Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

“Stories that touch hearts Around the World” – WAVES 2025 propels a global Dialogue on the Future of Storytelling

Streaming, Cinema and Literature intersect at WAVES 2025

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 7:40PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 2 May 2025

 

The second day of the maiden WAVES 2025 Summit featured an exceptional lineup of speakers in the Panel discussion on “Stories that touch hearts around the World”: Kaitlin Yarnall, Chief Storytelling Officer at National Geographic Society; Justin Warbrooke, EVP and Head of Corporate Development at The Walt Disney Company; Kelly Day, Vice President of International at Amazon Prime Video; Phil Hardman, Executive Vice President & General Manager of BBC Studios Asia; Rajkumar Hirani, one of India’s most celebrated film directors; and Amish Tripathi, bestselling author and diplomat, serving as the moderator.

This session brought together visionary leaders and master storytellers from across the global media, entertainment, and literary landscapes to explore the transformative power of storytelling. From streaming platforms and broadcasting giants to cinema and literature, the panelists shared insights into how compelling narratives can transcend borders, shape cultures, and connect people worldwide. The discussion highlighted the strategic, creative, and emotional forces that drive global storytelling and its profound impact on perceptions, cultures, and social change.

Kaitlin Yarnall (National Geographic) leads the strategic vision for creating powerful narratives that intertwine science, exploration, and visual storytelling to engage audiences worldwide. In the discussion, she emphasized the importance of authenticity and excellence in storytelling, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities involved in crafting content that truly resonates.

Justin Warbrooke (Walt Disney) highlighted the Indian market as a top priority describing it as the world’s most populous and one of the fastest-growing media and entertainment markets. He also spoke about Disney’s collaborations with Indian companies, emphasizing how such partnerships are helping to bridge cultures and bring global audiences closer together through storytelling.

Kelly Day (Amazon Prime Video) oversees global expansion and content strategy, working to bring diverse and locally resonant stories to audiences across continents. When asked how the platform determines which stories succeed financially in domestic and international markets, she clarified that there’s no set algorithm—success is rooted in strong storytelling, understanding local audiences, and choosing the right formats and genres.

Phil Hardman (BBC Studio, Asia) leads the delivery of premium British content tailored for Asian audiences. He spoke about the enduring power of quality content, emphasizing the BBC’s core mission to educate and inform. He noted that their focus remains firmly on finding and sharing meaningful stories that align with that mission.

Rajkumar Hirani, one of India’s most acclaimed film directors, Rajkumar Hirani is known for creating emotionally powerful and socially impactful films that resonate with audiences both in India and around the world. In the discussion, he highlighted that storytelling is inherently subjective—what resonates varies from person to person. He also shared his optimism about the potential of AI, calling it a valuable tool for filmmakers to enhance creativity and storytelling.

Amish Tripathi, bestselling author and diplomat brings a unique fusion of mythological narrative and cultural depth to his storytelling. As moderator, he expertly guided the panel discussion, bridging diverse perspectives and emphasizing the universal power of stories to connect people across borders.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/Aparajita/ Darshana | 151

(Release ID: 2126300) Visitor Counter : 58

Source: Government of India

Pan-Indian Cinema is Not a Myth; Film Industry Veterans Emphasize Unity in Indian Cinema

Anupam Kher Highlights Shifting Cinema Consumption Trends Post-COVID

When you honour our shared heritage, our songs, our stories, our soil, your film becomes Indian cinema: Khushboo Sundar

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:57PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 2 May 2025

 

The World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit, WAVES 2025, being held at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai, hosted an inspiring panel discussion titled “Pan-Indian Cinema: Myth or Momentum.” Moderated by Sh. Naman Ramachandran, the session brought together four distinguished personalities from the Indian film industry, Sh. Nagarjuna, Sh. Anupam Kher, Sh. Karthi, and Ms. Khushboo Sundar, for an engaging conversation.

Ms. Khushboo Sundar reminded the audience that cinema’s power lies in its emotional resonance. She emphasized that there should be no perceived divide between Bollywood and regional film industries, as Indian films are created with the intent of resonating with all Indians. “When you honour our shared heritage, our songs, our stories, our soil, your film stops being regional or national, it becomes Indian cinema and that is what makes everything fall into place,” she observed.

Sh. Nagarjuna echoed this sentiment by celebrating the rich cultural tapestry that weaves together India’s filmmaking traditions. He spoke of the myriad languages, customs and landscapes that inspire storytellers, and he reminded attendees that pride in one’s roots does not constrain creativity, it liberates it and that is the true essence of Indian cinema.

Sh. Anupam Kher spoke about how COVID-19 pandemic changed the behavior of cinema consumption. He recounted how audiences started consuming films from different sources and it is not about cinema from different regions, but cinema from India alone. He also stressed about one must be true and honest in their craftsmanship, “Whether you are broadcasting a mythic saga on the big screen or streaming a slice-of-life drama, honesty in storytelling is your greatest ally. Audiences may crave spectacle, but they will always applaud sincerity and that is what works in films.”

Further adding to this, Sh. Karthi reflected on the enduring appetite for larger-than-life experiences. He expressed that while audiences today have access to diverse content, they still flock to theatres for the magic of song-and-dance extravaganzas and heroic epics.

Throughout the discussion, the panelists spoke about the importance of evolving beyond the notion of “regional” films and embracing the idea of Indian films. They emphasized on the importance of emotions, sincerity and that Indian cinema’s true strength lies not in divisions, but in unity, rooted in our soil, and it is that momentum that will carry Indian cinema forward.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ LekshmiPriya/ Lumpem/ Darshana | 150

(Release ID: 2126230) Visitor Counter : 47

Source: Government of India

Create in India Challenge Season 1: Shaping India’s Creative Future

WAVES 2025 honours winners of 32 creative challenges under Create in India Challenge; over 750 finalists from 60+ countries converge to celebrate innovation and talent

“The journey has just begun, and we are committed to empowering India’s creative minds with initiatives like the Indian Institute of Creative Technology:” Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

“This platform is a beautiful example of how young minds are fusing creativity with technology:” MoS Dr. L. Murugan

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 8:08PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 2 May 2025

 

The much-anticipated Create in India Challenge (CIC) Season 1, an initiative that has captured the imagination of creators across the globe, culminated in a spectacular ceremony at WAVES 2025, marking a significant milestone for India’s creative landscape. This monumental event honoured the winners of 32 distinct challenges, spanning every domain of the media and entertainment industry, from animation, gaming, and filmmaking to AI, music, and digital art.

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the young creators and visionaries, calling this a historic moment. “For the first time, an award is being given purely for creativity. This journey has only just begun. With this initiative, you are stepping into a world of new opportunities. We are also launching the Indian Institute of Creative Technology like an IIT, but for training in creativity, to build a strong foundation for innovation and expression.”

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, congratulated the participants, highlighting the dynamic energy and technological prowess of the youth. “Best wishes to all of you. This platform is a beautiful example of how young minds are fusing creativity with technology. It also reflects the strength of Nari Shakti and the future of Indian content creation,” he remarked.

Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju, reflected on CIC’s evolution. “When we began in August, there were 25 challenges across the M&E spectrum.  After Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke about CIC in Mann Ki Baat in September, the participation surged. The number of challenges grew to 32. We received nearly one lakh registration. Today, 750 finalists are here and each of them is a winner,” said Shri Jaju.

The Create in India Challenge (CIC) was launched to provide a global platform for emerging talent and to showcase the vibrant creativity of young minds. The challenges spanned a wide range of categories, giving creators the opportunity to explore and push boundaries across various forms of media. From the Anime Challenge to the AI Film Making Competition, XR Creator Hackathon, each category encouraged innovative expression, bringing together creators, technologists, and storytellers from around the world.

CIC has garnered significant attention, both domestically and internationally. With entries pouring in from over 60 countries, including more than 1,100 international participants, CIC has proven to be a global success. The response underlined the ever-growing demand for opportunities to engage with creative technologies and develop new forms of media that are both innovative and influential.

The prestigious awards were presented by a stellar lineup of industry legends, including Aamir Khan, Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Akkineni Nagarjuna, Vikrant Massey, Prasoon Joshi, and Aroon Purie, alongside other dignitaries and officials.

The 32 challenges were conducted in collaboration with leading industry bodies, allowing the CIC to reach its full potential by bringing together a wide array of creative disciplines, technology-driven projects, and future-ready content.

This initiative served as a launchpad for the next generation of creators who are redefining India’s position in the global entertainment and technology ecosystem. It stands as a testament to the importance of fostering homegrown talent and celebrating innovative content creation across various media formats.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/Lekshmipriya/Nikhitha/ Darshana | 152

(Release ID: 2126318) Visitor Counter : 43

Source: Government of India

India and Denmark signs renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today.

India and Denmark Strengthen Energy Sector Cooperation Through Renewed Partnership

The renewed MoU supports India’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 6:08PM by PIB Delhi

India and Denmark have reinforced their long-standing energy cooperation by signing a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today.

The MoU was signed by Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India, and H.E. Mr. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of Denmark to India, in the presence of Shri Manohar Lal, Hon’ble Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs. This agreement reflects both countries’ continued commitment to accelerating clean energy transitions.

The renewed MoU supports India’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. It aims to foster knowledge exchange and technological collaboration between the two countries, particularly in the area of clean and sustainable energy solutions.  This agreement follows five years of successful collaboration under the original MoU, signed on June 5, 2020, and initially set to expire on June 5, 2025. The proactive renewal ensures continuity in dialogue and cooperation, allowing for a seamless extension of joint efforts in energy sector development.

The renewed agreement broadens the partnership to cover advanced areas such as power system modeling, integration of variable renewable energy, cross-border electricity trading, and development of EV charging infrastructure. It also emphasizes increased knowledge exchange through expert interactions, joint training sessions, and study tours.  Shri Manohar Lal, Hon’ble Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs said that the renewed energy cooperation expresses the mutual commitment of India and Denmark to foster sustainable development.

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SK

(Release ID: 2126235) Visitor Counter : 82

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

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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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ LekshmiPriya/ Riyas/ Darshana | 153

(Release ID: 2126329) Visitor Counter : 82

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

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 6:43PM by PIB Delhi

A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Home Secretary, Government of India at New Delhi today to discuss the issue of implementation of decision of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for release of extra 4500 cusecs of water to Haryana for 08 days for meeting urgent water needs of Haryana and some parts of Rajasthan. The meeting was attended by senior officers of Government of India, the partner states of BBMB viz. Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana and BBMB.

The matter was discussed/deliberated and it was advised to carry out the decision of BBMB to release 4500 cusecs of extra water from Bhakra Dams to Haryana for next 08 days to meet their urgent water requirements. It was also agreed that during the filling period of Dams, BBMB will provide this excess water to Punjab to fulfil their any additional requirements. The BBMB will immediately convene a meeting of the Board to work out the modalities of implementing the release of extra water to Haryana.

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RK/VV/PR/PS

(Release ID: 2126247) Visitor Counter : 129

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government has set up an inter-departmental team to ensure cases concerning the recent suspected closure of a private healthcare facility are handled as soon as possible and people affected by it are provided with assistance.

The dedicated team comprises representatives from the Security Bureau, the Commerce & Economic Development Bureau, the Customs & Excise Department, Police, the Department of Health and the Consumer Council.

The Department of Health said that the parents of children affected by the incident that have been registered with Maternal & Child Health Centres (MCHCs) may make an appointment by calling the registered MCHCs for advice on the vaccinations the children need to receive.

For a small number of children who have not been registered with MCHCs, parents may call 2125 1188, which will operate from tomorrow from 9am to 5pm daily until further notice. Parents can also send emails or messages to 6170 8006 for enquiries.

Meanwhile, the Customs & Excise Department is conducting investigations into offences under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance regarding unfair trade practices. If there is any violation of the ordinance, Customs will take enforcement action.

As at 4pm today, Customs and Police received 312 reports and the Consumer Council received 157 complaints on the incident. The Consumer Council urges those responsible for the private healthcare facilities to provide an explanation as soon as possible to address consumers’ concerns. Consumers can call the council’s hotline at 2929 2222 if in doubt.

Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the ordinance to Customs on the 24-hour hotline 182 8080, email its crime-reporting account or fill out an online form.