UK, Japan and Russia to Join Global Media Dialogue Along with Delegates from Over 60 Countries at WAVES 2025 WAVES Declaration to be made as part of the Global Media Dialogue
Global Media Dialogue Set to Be Centerpiece of WAVES 2025 with Global Ministerial Participation
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 7:02PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 1 May 2025
India is set to host the Global Media Dialogue (GMD) for the first time as part of WAVES tomorrow in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in the country’s engagement with the global media and entertainment landscape. The Dialogue is being organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, with support from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
Over 60 countries are expected to participate in the event, with delegations from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Nations such as Russia, Japan, UK, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and several others will be represented at the ministerial and senior official levels. The Dialogue aims to encourage international collaboration, promote best practices, and explore avenues for policy alignment, talent exchange, and capacity building in the global media space.
The outcome of the Dialogue is expected to be a ‘WAVES Declaration’ by participating countries reaffirming the importance of international cooperation in the media and entertainment sector and laying the groundwork for future engagements and partnerships. India, with its vibrant media ecosystem and rapidly growing entertainment industry, is uniquely positioned to host such a dialogue. The GMD marks a pivotal moment in placing India at the center of global conversations on media’s role in shaping the world.
The Global Media Dialogue will bring together key stakeholders from around the world to discuss the evolving role of media and entertainment in shaping societies, economies, and international cooperation. The Dialogue will offer a platform for open conversations on the evolving landscape of the media and entertainment sector. With rapid technological changes, shifting content trends, and growing global interconnectedness, the Dialogue aims to encourage the exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives on the role of media in shaping societies, fostering innovation, and promoting international cooperation.
On the sidelines of WAVES, India is also holding bilateral meetings with more than 10 countries, including the United Kingdom, Russia, Indonesia, Kenya, Bhutan, and Egypt, as well as international organizations like the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). These engagements reflect India’s commitment to strengthening global cooperation and fostering partnerships across key areas of mutual interest.
The event will be graced by senior Indian leadership, including the Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs Dr. S Jaishankar, the Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting and Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Minister of State for I&B and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L Murugan. The presence of high level dignitaries will underscore India’s commitment to fostering a robust, inclusive, and forward-looking global media environment.
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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ AthiraThampi/ Darshana | 128
WAVES 2025 witnesses exchange of ideas on the future of Indian Media & Entertainment Industry Indian M&E @100: Reimagining the Future of Media and Entertainment at WAVES 2025
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 7:15PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 1 May 2025
The inaugural day of WAVES 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, featured a compelling panel discussion titled “Indian M&E @100: Reimagining the Future of Media and Entertainment.” The session brought together leading voices from the industry to reflect on its growth and the road ahead as India moves towards 2047. The discussion was moderated by Vanita Kohli Khandekar, Contributing Editor, Business Standard.
Opening the session, Vanita Kohli Khandekar recalled how the media and entertainment sector, valued at just ₹500 crore around the year 2000, has now grown into a ₹70,000 crore industry. She pointed to two policy decisions that played a critical role in fuelling this growth—the granting of industry status to filmmaking and the initial tax exemptions granted to multiplexes. She also posed an important question on the ability of AI not just to improve content quality, but also to aid in its monetisation. Emphasizing the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity, she underlined that scaling must be inclusive and sensitive to India’s varied audience.
Vinit Karnik, Managing Director, GroupM, noted that 60% of the advertising revenue in the M&E sector today comes from digital platforms. He observed that the sector has undergone significant disruptions over the last few years, which have fundamentally reshaped how content is consumed and marketed. While acknowledging AI as a strong enabler, he emphasised that content must remain humanised—especially at a time when culture itself is being shaped by mobile technology. He highlighted the need to use technology constructively to enhance storytelling and informed the audience about Mumbai University’s new course on prompt engineering aimed at equipping future professionals.
Rajan Navani, Founder and CEO of JetSynthesys, focused on the future of content delivery, which he believes will evolve into cross-platform interactive experiences. He stated that India holds just 2–3% of the global M&E market, and to further increase this share by 2047, it is imperative to invest in talent and enhance the country’s investment capacity. He noted that entertainment is becoming increasingly dynamic and will require different technologies for different formats. Addressing Vanita’s concerns on monetization, he pointed out the relatively low disposable income in India compared to developed markets, but expressed optimism that sustained economic growth will boost consumer spending. He cited the example of the Global e-Cricket Premier League, where audiences are already engaging in individualized consumption and payments.
Vikram Tanna, CEO of Eros Now, called for India to aspire to become a global hub for AI innovation in media. He argued that AI would transform both the creation and delivery of content, enabling new ways for users to become creators. According to him, the digital age will present numerous inflection points, and strategic interventions are required to ensure that India remains competitive. He emphasized that simplifying new technologies—making them as accessible as the internet—will naturally expand the business. He concluded the session by noting that, in this evolving environment, it is crucial for the industry to understand how to engage with machines and harness the vast content landscape for advertising and audience engagement.
The session offered a forward-looking view of India’s M&E sector, underscoring the interplay of policy, technology, talent, and cultural relevance in shaping its future. WAVES 2025 continues at Jio World Centre till May 4, with sessions highlighting global trends in audio-visual and entertainment industries.
The Business of Influence: A Symphony of Stories, Passion, and Purpose at WAVES 2025 WAVES 2025 celebrates creators shaping culture, community, and conversation through stories that matter
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 7:21PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 1 May 2025
In a world awash with content, where voices rise above algorithms and passion trumps performance, the breakout session “The Business of Influence: Creators Shaping Global Culture” at WAVES 2025 unfolded like a vibrant tapestry threaded with authenticity, curiosity, and community. Moderated by Gautam Anand, Vice President, YouTube APAC, the session brought together four extraordinary creators whose journeys, rooted in passion and purpose, have quietly transformed corners of the digital world.
Gautam Anand began by echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision from the inaugural ceremony of a billion voices rising from India. He called creators the very heart of YouTube, beating with diversity and depth, capable of shaping narratives that ripple across borders.
The session opened with a moment that stunned the audience, Japanese creator Mayo Murasaki, of the popular channel Mayo Japan, began speaking fluently
Shri. Rakesh Verma, assumes charge as Director General, India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi here today. Shri Verma is a 1993 batch IAS Officer from Punjab Cadre. He holds a degree in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Delhi.
2. Prior to this, he was serving as Additional Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. Earlier he also served as Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism.
3. Shri. Ashish Goyal, assumed charge as Director General, Media in the Election Commission of India (ECI) today. Shri Goyal is a 1996 batch IIS officer. He holds a Masters in Business Administration from Panjab University and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh.
4. Prior to this, he was serving as the Director General of National Museum, Ministry of Culture with additional charge of Director, Salar Jung Museum.
To enhance road safety, enable proactive measures and bring behavioural change among road users, a day-long ‘National Brainstorming Seminar on Road Safety Policy 2025’ was organised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in New Delhi.
The day-long deliberations and insightful panel discussions were held with various stakeholders to suggest, highlight and reconcile measures pertaining to various aspects of road safety that can be implemented in the National Road Safety Policy to save precious lives.
The seminar focused on eight thematic areas, which will provide action plan for road safety. Panel discussions with stakeholders and industry experts were held on various topics which included Accident Spot Rectification and Proactive Hazard Mitigation, Improving Effectiveness of District Road Safety Committees, School Zone Road Safety, Behavioural Change and Effective Communication, Evidence Driven Enforcement, Implementation of Driver Training, Licensing and Policies, Strengthening Vehicular Safety Standards, Post Crash Response, Highway Rescue and Cashless Treatment.
Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport and Highways; Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Ajay Tamta; Senior officials from Ministry, NHAI, Secretary PWD, Secretary Transport, ADG (Traffic) of States, Education Ministry from Government of India, World Bank, WHO, UNICEF, SaveLIFE Foundation, Road Safety Experts, DPR Consultants, Consultants, Contractors, Research institutions and NGOs were present on the occasion.
Participating in the discussions Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari shared his valuable insights to enable thought provoking and impactful deliberations on different topics. He emphasised the need to intervene at the DPR stage of road building itself, whether it is broad engineering issues or school zones. Imploring the audience to find solutions grounded in data and evidence, he highlighted how small and low-cost interventions can play a significant role in saving lives.
Shri Ajay Tamta, Hon’ble Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways encouraged all stakeholders to actively participate and make roads safer for every commuter and road user.
Setting the context of the seminar, Shri V Umashankar, Secretary, MoRTH said, “Road safety is a cause that touches every citizen. This brainstorming session is an important step toward shaping the National Road Safety Policy 2025. Our goal is to have concrete, evidence-based, and implementable recommendations across all aspects of road safety. We have a clear objective to drastically reduce fatalities by 2030. With the collective participation from all stakeholders, we can make India a global model for road safety. This daylong seminar is a platform for collaborative action, and I am sure this will lead to building a safer, smarter road ecosystem across the country.”
Addressing the audience, Shri Vishal Chauhan, Member (Administration), NHAI emphasised that Road safety needs to be addressed on a larger scale in a very holistic manner. Today’s seminar brings together all key stakeholders on a single platform for a focused, action-driven dialogue.
In pursuance of the Government of India’s mission of reducing road accident casualties by 50% by the end of 2030, the day-long brainstorming seminar not only addressed the vital issues in ensuring road safety for all, but also helped in outlining key aspects that will help in shaping the policy for safety of road users across the country.
IPPB introduced Antyodaya Shramik Suraksha Yojana in 2023, an affordable insurance scheme aimed at providing comprehensive coverage and protection to the unorganized sector workers.
On the occasion of Labour Day, India Post Payments Bank reiterates its commitment to the welfare of Shramiks or labourers. IPPB launched the Antyodaya Shramik Suraksha Yojana (ASSY) for unorganised sector workers, a visionary and affordable insurance scheme aimed at providing comprehensive coverage and protection to the unorganized sector workers. The scheme was launched by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat on 8th July 2023 at Kheda, Gujarat.
Since the inception of ASSY, a total of 6,97,531 policies have been issued to labourers or Shramiks. A total of 355 claims have been settled and claim amount of Rs. 5,41,17,754 has been disbursed. The scheme is being offered through IPPB & issued by its six insurance partners including New India Assurance, Bajaj Allianz general Insurance, TATA AIG General Insurance, Niva Bupa Health Insurance, Aditya Birla Health Insurance and Start Health.
Sharing his thoughts on Labour Day, Mr. R. Viswesvaran, MD & CEO, India Post Payments Bank said “We are committed to the welfare and upliftment of labourers. For this reason, we had implemented the Antyodaya Shramik Suranksha Yojana for the labourers which has helped lakhs of Shramiks improve their quality of life and well-being”.
With such initiatives IPPB strives to bring life changing experience and access to digital banking at the doorstep of every household of India. IPPB has been set up with the vision to build the most accessible, affordable and trusted bank for the common man in India. The fundamental mandate of India Post Payments Bank is to remove barriers for the unbanked & underbanked and reach the last mile leveraging the Postal network comprising ~1,65,000 Post Offices (~140,000 in rural areas) and ~3,00,000 Postal employees.
About India Post Payments Bank
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has been established under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication with 100% equity owned by Government of India. IPPB was launched on September 1, 2018. The bank has been set up with the vision to build the most accessible, affordable and trusted bank for the common man in India. The fundamental mandate of India Post Payments Bank is to remove barriers for the unbanked & underbanked and reach the last mile leveraging the Postal network comprising ~1,65,000 Post Offices (~140,000 in rural areas) and ~3,00,000 Postal employees.
IPPB’s reach and its operating model is built on the key pillars of India Stack – enabling Paperless, Cashless and Presence-less banking in a simple and secure manner at the customers’ doorstep, through a CBS-integrated smartphone and biometric device. Leveraging frugal innovation and with a high focus on ease of banking for the masses, IPPB delivers simple and affordable banking solutions through intuitive interfaces available in 13 languages to 11 Crore customers across 5.57 lakh villages & towns in India.
IPPB is committed to provide a fillip to a less cash economy and contribute to the vision of Digital India. India will prosper when every citizen will have equal opportunity to become financially secure and empowered. Our motto stands true – Every customer is important, every transaction is significant and every deposit is valuable.
Day One of National Ayush Mission Conclave Witnesses Dynamic Participation from State & UT Ayush/Health Ministers, Paving Way for Strengthened Ayush Collaboration Our Goal is ‘Illness to Wellness’ leading to Happiness: Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush Prataprao Jadhav
11.56 crore benefit from Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) in 2024: Union Ayush Minister
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 8:24PM by PIB Delhi
Reaffirming its commitment and highlighting the strides taken by various States and Union Territories in the Ayush sector, the National Ayush Mission (NAM) Conclave 2025 commenced today at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala (Maharashtra). The event sets the stage for a future roadmap to consolidate and expand the outreach of Ayush services across the nation.
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Union Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare inaugurated the two-day conclave, along with Ayush/Health Ministers and senior officials from various State and UT governments including Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-charge of Ayush, Government of Rajasthan; Shri Y. Satya Kumar Yadav, Minister of Health, Family Welfare, and Medical Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Dr. Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Food Safety, and Drug Administration, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education, Government of Chhattisgarh; Shri Yadvinder Goma, Minister of Ayush, Youth Services & Sports, and Law, Government of Himachal Pradesh; Shri G.T. Dhungel, Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Culture, Government of Sikkim; and Smt. Pi Lalrinpuii, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Mizoram.
Organised by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, the conclave has brought together Ayush experts, policymakers, health professionals, researchers, and innovators. It aims to strengthen the integration of traditional Indian systems of medicine into mainstream healthcare—making wellness more accessible, affordable, and evidence-based for the common citizen.
Setting the tone of the conclave, the Union Ayush Minister said, “It is noteworthy that the Ministry had organised a NAM Conclave in 2023, where the Ministers and senior officials from various States and UTs shared valuable insights for the effective implementation of the NAM scheme. That dialogue resulted in the formulation of an action plan to improve the execution and outcomes of the National Ayush Mission. The initiative of establishment of 12,500 Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) has significantly enhanced healthcare availability, with the number of beneficiaries rising from 1.5 crore in 2021 to more than 11.5 crore in 2025. As a result, there has been a remarkable improvement in the accessibility of Ayush healthcare services, driven by improved infrastructure, availability of medicines, trained manpower, and strengthened educational institutions.”
Encouraged by the previous success, the Union Minister added, “I am confident that this second edition of the National Ayush Mission Conclave will serve as a robust platform for both States/UTs and the Central Government to jointly review the Mission’s progress, strengthen governance systems, promote innovation, streamline financial processes, and ensure rapid and effective implementation of programmes at the grassroots level. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt best wishes for the success of the Conclave to the teams working tirelessly at both the State/UT and Central levels. I also express my sincere gratitude to the dedicated and committed team of Kaivalyadhama for their tireless efforts.”
Delivering the welcome address, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Union Ministry of Ayush, emphasized the growing significance of the Ayush sector through NAM, and stated, “Since its inception in 2014 with an initial budget of ₹78 crore, the National Ayush Mission has witnessed a remarkable increase in allocation, reaching ₹1275 crore in 2025–26—reflecting the immense success of the scheme and the unwavering commitment of the Government of India towards strengthening Ayush healthcare across the country. Ayush systems are gaining prominence due to their holistic approach, personalized care, and increasing global interest, backed by strong government support. According to NSSO (2022–23), nearly 95% of rural and 96% of urban Indians are aware of Ayush, with millions regularly practicing Yoga—signifying growing trust and nationwide acceptance”, the Secretary further added.
Dr. Dayashankar Mishra, Minister of Ayush, Uttar Pradesh, lauded the efforts of the Union Government to boost the integrative healthcare infrastructure of the state through progressive schemes such as the National Ayush Mission. The Minister also mentioned, “Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in the world, has made remarkable progress in the Ayush sector. Currently, the state has 3,959 operational Ayush hospitals, offering facilities with capacities of 4 beds, 15 beds, 25 beds, and 30 beds.”
Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Chhattisgarh mentioned, “Integrated Medicine offers a meaningful solution by combining Ayush and modern medical systems, providing dual benefits to patients.”
Shri Prem Chand Bairwa, Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan, mentioned, “Through the joint efforts of Hon’ble Union Ayush Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Ayush Secretary, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, and the State Government, Ayurveda is being brought to the grassroots level. The two-day Conclave is expected to be a milestone in the development of Ayurveda. The State Government is preparing a comprehensive Ayush policy aimed at the integrated growth of all Ayush systems.
Shri Yadvinder Goma, Minister of Ayush, Himachal Pradesh highlighted how with the support through National Ayush Mission the healthcare infrastructure continues to grow. He also stated, “Himachal Pradesh has developed an integrated model in the Ayush sector, combining traditional knowledge with modern technology, ensuring outreach to rural areas, focusing on women’s health, and enhancing transparency through digital solutions. This progress is a meaningful step towards realising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ayushman Bharat’.
Smt. Pi Lalrinpuii, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Mizoram, stated “I am pleased to note that since the establishment of our Ayush Wellness Centers, various Ayush systems have gained considerable popularity in just a few years. This progress is largely due to the unwavering support we receive from the Ministry and the relentless efforts of our dedicated teams at state and central level.”
Shri G.T. Dhungel, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Sikkim, appreciated the assistance of the Union Government through the National Ayush Mission and said, “The Government of Sikkim has been constantly working to ensure delivery of healthcare in all areas of the state and the NAM scheme has helped developing the integrative healthcare infrastructure in the state to greatly complement these efforts.”
Speaking on the themes of the Conclave, Ms. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, shared key milestones: “Additionally, 5.6 crore beneficiaries have availed services at Ayush tertiary care institutions. NABH entry-level certification for 1,372 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres, and the establishment of 189 Integrated Ayush Hospitals reflect our commitment to quality and accessibility. ”
A key highlight of the inaugural session was the release of the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) on Metabolic Disorders in Ayush Systems of Medicine by the Hon’ble Union Minister and other dignitaries. Developed by the Ayush Vertical in collaboration with various Research Councils, these guidelines cover five major metabolic disorders—Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, Gout, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), and Dyslipidemia. Vetted by Allopathic experts, the STGs integrate Yoga, disease-specific dietary protocols, and standardized clinical procedures to serve as a comprehensive reference for practitioners, educators, and primary healthcare providers across the country.
The inaugural session was followed by a roundtable discussion among the participating Ayush/Health ministers from various states/UTs focused on the way forward for strengthening Ayush services in the country through NAM activities in their respective states. The session was chaired by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush wherein the ministers and concerned officials from states and UTs exchanged their experiential wisdom while pointing out respective future strategies to address the challenges and negotiate the opportunities.
During the program a special Y-Break session was also organised with enthusiastic participation from all led by Honourable Ministers and senior officials.
About the National Ayush Mission (NAM):
The flagship program National Ayush Mission launched in 2014 and it has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting India’s traditional systems of medicine and their integration into the mainstream healthcare system. It aims to enhance the availability, accessibility, and quality of Ayush healthcare services across the country through Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) as part of Government of India’s Ayushman Bharat scheme.
In the last edition of NAM Conclave held in 2023, several key resolutions were adopted, including expansion of Ayush Health and Wellness Centres (now AAM-Ayush), integration of Ayush services with National Health Programs, and capacity building of Ayush practitioners. The 2025 edition aims to build upon these achievements, with renewed focus on innovation, standardisation, and international outreach.
India Advocates Global Action on Chemicals and Waste at BRS COPs 2025 Union Minister for Environment Forest & Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav leads Indian Delegation at high-level Segment in Geneva
Shri Yadav emphasizes India’s Regulatory Framework and Global Leadership on Plastic Pollution
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 8:27PM by PIB Delhi
An Inter-Ministerial delegation from India, led by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, is participating in the Conference of the Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions, taking place in Geneva from 30th April to 1st May, 2025. The theme of this year’s high-level segment is “Make visible the invisible: Sound management of chemicals and wastes.”
During his address in opening ceremony, Shri Bhupender Yadav emphasized that the theme reflects the global imperative of addressing the often-unseen threats of chemical and waste mismanagement. He reiterated India’s commitment to environmentally sound policies, underpinned by a robust legal and institutional framework.
Key Interventions and Bilateral Engagements
At the ministerial roundtable on ‘Means of Implementation’, Shri Yadav highlighted that the effective execution of the BRS Conventions relies significantly on access to finance, technology transfer, capacity-building, technical assistance, and strengthened international cooperation. He outlined India’s integrated approach to implementing the conventions through national legislation such as the Environment (Protection) Act, the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, and the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016, which are supported by sustained investments in institutional and technical infrastructure.
On the sidelines of the COPs, the Union Minister Shri Yadav participated in a consultation meeting organized by Norway on the work of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution. He apprised participants of India’s domestic initiatives such as the ban on identified single-use plastic items and the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging.
Shri Yadav further underlined India’s pioneering role in international environmental governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, highlighting that India introduced a resolution on single use plastics at UNEA-4, bringing the issue to the center of global discourse.
During the bilateral meeting with Ms. Katrin Schneeberger, Director of the Federal Office for the Environment, Switzerland, Shri Yadav discussed matters related to the development of a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution, and India’s support for the establishment of a Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals and Waste, as mandated by UNEA resolutions.
Forward-Looking Engagement
The High-Level Segment of the BRS COPs features ministerial roundtables and interactive dialogues focused on collaborative global action.
India remains steadfast in its commitment to multilateral environmental cooperation and will continue to advocate for the interests of developing countries while ensuring equitable, science-based, and sustainable solutions for the planet.
Day One of NAM Conclave Witnesses Dynamic Participation from State & UT Ayush/Health Ministers, Paving Way for Strengthened Ayush Collaboration Our Goal is Illness to Wellness leading to Happiness: Hon’ble Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush Prataprao Jadhav
11.56 crore benefit from Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) in 2024: Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush Prataprao Jadhav
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 8:16PM by PIB Mumbai
Reaffirming its commitment and highlighting the strides taken by various States and Union Territories in the Ayush sector, the National Ayush Mission (NAM) Conclave 2025 commenced today at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala (Maharashtra). The event sets the stage for a future roadmap to consolidate and expand the outreach of Ayush services across the nation.
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Union Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare inaugurated the two-day conclave, along with Ayush/Health Ministers and senior officials from various State and UT governments including Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-charge of Ayush, Government of Rajasthan; Shri Y. Satya Kumar Yadav, Minister of Health, Family Welfare, and Medical Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Dr. Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Food Safety, and Drug Administration, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education, Government of Chhattisgarh; Shri Yadvinder Goma, Minister of Ayush, Youth Services & Sports, and Law, Government of Himachal Pradesh; Shri G.T. Dhungel, Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Culture, Government of Sikkim; and Smt. Pi Lalrinpuii, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Mizoram.
Organised by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, the conclave has brought together Ayush experts, policymakers, health professionals, researchers, and innovators. It aims to strengthen the integration of traditional Indian systems of medicine into mainstream healthcare—making wellness more accessible, affordable, and evidence-based for the common citizen.
Setting the tone of the conclave, the Union Ayush Minister said, “It is noteworthy that the Ministry had organised a NAM Conclave in 2023, where Hon’ble Ministers and senior officials from various States and UTs shared valuable insights for the effective implementation of the NAM scheme. That dialogue resulted in the formulation of an action plan to improve the execution and outcomes of the National Ayush Mission. The initiative of establishment of 12,500 Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) has significantly enhanced healthcare availability, with the number of beneficiaries rising from 1.5 crore in 2021 to more than 11.5 crore in 2025. As a result, there has been a remarkable improvement in the accessibility of Ayush healthcare services, driven by improved infrastructure, availability of medicines, trained manpower, and strengthened educational institutions.”
Encouraged by the previous success, the Union Minister added, “I am confident that this second edition of the National Ayush Mission Conclave will serve as a robust platform for both States/UTs and the Central Government to jointly review the Mission’s progress, strengthen governance systems, promote innovation, streamline financial processes, and ensure rapid and effective implementation of programmes at the grassroots level. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt best wishes for the success of the Conclave to the teams working tirelessly at both the State/UT and Central levels. I also express my sincere gratitude to the dedicated and committed team of Kaivalyadhama for their tireless efforts.”
Delivering the welcome address, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Union Ministry of Ayush, emphasized the growing significance of the Ayush sector through NAM, and stated, “Since its inception in 2014 with an initial budget of ₹78 crore, the National Ayush Mission has witnessed a remarkable increase in allocation, reaching ₹1275 crore in 2025–26—reflecting the immense success of the scheme and the unwavering commitment of the Government of India towards strengthening Ayush healthcare across the country. Ayush systems are gaining prominence due to their holistic approach, personalized care, and increasing global interest, backed by strong government support. According to NSSO (2022–23), nearly 95% of rural and 96% of urban Indians are aware of Ayush, with millions regularly practicing Yoga—signifying growing trust and nationwide acceptance”, the Secretary further added.
Dr. Dayashankar Mishra, Minister of Ayush, Uttar Pradesh, lauded the efforts of the Union Government to boost the integrative healthcare infrastructure of the state through progressive schemes such as the National Ayush Mission. The Minister also mentioned, “Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in the world, has made remarkable progress in the Ayush sector. Currently, the state has 3,959 operational Ayush hospitals, offering facilities with capacities of 4 beds, 15 beds, 25 beds, and 30 beds.”
Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Chhattisgarhmentioned, “Integrated Medicine offers a meaningful solution by combining Ayush and modern medical systems, providing dual benefits to patients.”
Shri Prem Chand Bairwa, Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan, mentioned, “Through the joint efforts of Hon’ble Union Ayush Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Ayush Secretary, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, and the State Government, Ayurveda is being brought to the grassroots level. The two-day Conclave is expected to be a milestone in the development of Ayurveda. The State Government is preparing a comprehensive Ayush policy aimed at the integrated growth of all Ayush systems.
Shri Yadvinder Goma, Minister of Ayush, Himachal Pradeshhighlighted how with the support through National Ayush Mission the healthcare infrastructure continues to grow. He also stated, “Himachal Pradesh has developed an integrated model in the Ayush sector, combining traditional knowledge with modern technology, ensuring outreach to rural areas, focusing on women’s health, and enhancing transparency through digital solutions. This progress is a meaningful step towards realising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ayushman Bharat’.
Smt. Pi Lalrinpuii, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Mizoram, stated “I am pleased to note that since the establishment of our Ayush Wellness Centers, various Ayush systems have gained considerable popularity in just a few years. This progress is largely due to the unwavering support we receive from the Ministry and the relentless efforts of our dedicated teams at state and central level.”
Shri G.T. Dhungel, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Sikkim, appreciated the assistance of the Union Government through the National Ayush Mission and said, “The Government of Sikkim has been constantly working to ensure delivery of healthcare in all areas of the state and the NAM scheme has helped developing the integrative healthcare infrastructure in the state to greatly complement these efforts.”
Speaking on the themes of the Conclave, Ms. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, shared key milestones: “Additionally, 5.6 crore beneficiaries have availed services at Ayush tertiary care institutions. NABH entry-level certification for 1,372 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres, and the establishment of 189 Integrated Ayush Hospitals reflect our commitment to quality and accessibility. ”
A key highlight of the inaugural session was the release of the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) on Metabolic Disorders in Ayush Systems of Medicine by the Hon’ble Union Minister and other dignitaries. Developed by the Ayush Vertical in collaboration with various Research Councils, these guidelines cover five major metabolic disorders—Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, Gout, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), and Dyslipidemia. Vetted by Allopathic experts, the STGs integrate Yoga, disease-specific dietary protocols, and standardized clinical procedures to serve as a comprehensive reference for practitioners, educators, and primary healthcare providers across the country.
The inaugural session was followed by a roundtable discussion among the participating Ayush/Health ministers from various states/UTs focused on the way forward for strengthening Ayush services in the country through NAM activities in their respective states. The session was chaired by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush wherein the ministers and concerned officials from states and UTs exchanged their experiential wisdom while pointing out respective future strategies to address the challenges and negotiate the opportunities.
During the program a special Y-Break session was also organised with enthusiastic participation from all led by Honourable Ministers and senior officials.
About the National Ayush Mission (NAM):
The flagship program National Ayush Mission launched in 2014 and it has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting India’s traditional systems of medicine and their integration into the mainstream healthcare system. It aims to enhance the availability, accessibility, and quality of Ayush healthcare services across the country through Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) as part of Government of India’s Ayushman Bharat scheme.
In the last edition of NAM Conclave held in 2023, several key resolutions were adopted, including expansion of Ayush Health and Wellness Centres (now AAM-Ayush), integration of Ayush services with National Health Programs, and capacity building of Ayush practitioners. The 2025 edition aims to build upon these achievements, with renewed focus on innovation, standardisation, and international outreach.
Mukesh Ambani Unveils Vision for India-Led Global Entertainment Revolution at WAVES 2025 Let ‘WAVES’ be the message of hope from a resurgent new India to the world: Mukesh Ambani
Media & Entertainment is not just India’s soft power—It’s India’s real power: Ambani
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 8:32PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 1 May 2025
“India is not just a nation—it is a civilization of stories, where story-telling is a way of life”, said Shri Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, as he delivered the keynote address at WAVES 2025, the pioneering global media and entertainment summit started in Mumbai today.
In a rousing and forward-looking address titled “Building the Next Global Entertainment Revolution from India,” Ambani envisioned a future where India becomes the epicentre of the world’s entertainment industry. He credited the bold vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for inspiring this transformation and hailed the WAVE Summit as a historic step in that direction. “People say Media & Entertainment is India’s soft power—I call it India’s real power,” said Ambani, affirming the country’s rising influence in global culture and creativity.
He identified two tectonic shifts reshaping the creative landscape: geo-economics and technology. As the economic might of the Global South surges—home to 85% of the world’s population—so does its role in content creation and consumption. At the same time, cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence are revolutionizing every stage of the entertainment value chain, from content creation to distribution. “AI is dissolving the boundaries between imagination and execution. What AI is doing for entertainment today is a million times more transformative than what the silent camera did for cinema a century ago”, he flagged.
Highlighting India’s unique strengths, Ambani said that the country is poised to lead the entertainment revolution, powered by three pillars; Compelling Content, Dynamic Demography and Technological Leadership. “India’s digital revolution is not just a story of scale—it is a story of aspiration, ambition, and transformation,” he declared.
Concluding his keynote, Ambani offered a message of optimism: “In a polarized and uncertain world, people seek joy, connection, and inspiration. India will answer this global hunger for entertainment. Let WAVES be the message of hope from a resurgent new India to the world.”
PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Poushali/Swadhin/ C.Shekhar |133