MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 6:27PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed combination involving (i) acquisition of 40% shareholding of HCCH by Jubilant Beverages Limited (JBL) and (ii) proposed subscription to CCPS in JBL by Jubilant BevCo Limited and the Investors.

Jubilant Beverages Limited (JBL) and Jubilant BevCo Limited (BevCo) are newly incorporated entities that have recently commenced the business of trading of ready to cook-eat food items on purchase order basis. JBL and BevCo belong to the Jubilant Bhartia Group. The Jubilant Bhartia Group is present in diverse sectors in India such as pharmaceuticals, contract research and development services, proprietary novel drugs, life science ingredients, agri products etc.

WSSS Investments Aggregator 1 Pte. Ltd. (Investor 1) and WSSS Investments Aggregator 2 Pte. Ltd. (Investor 2) are collectively referred to as ‘Investors’. The Investors are companies incorporated in Singapore and are owned by funds managed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (GSAM), an investment manager. GSAM is indirectly wholly owned by Goldman Sachs Group, Inc (USA) (GS). GS, a Delaware corporation, is a global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a range of banking, securities and investment services worldwide. GS together with its group entities comprise the GS Group (JBL, BevCo and the Investors are collectively referred to as the ‘Acquirers’).

Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings Private Limited (HCCH/ Target) is a holding company having no independent activities in India and belongs to The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) group.  Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Private Limited (HCCB) is a subsidiary of the Target. HCCB is engaged in the preparing, packaging, supply and distribution of a variety of Coca-Cola beverages in India. It is also engaged in the preparation and distribution of beverages under the ‘Monster’ brand owned by Monster Inc.

The proposed combination relates to inter alia: (i) JBL’s proposed acquisition of 40% of the shareholding of HCCH from Hindustan Coca-Cola Overseas Holdings Pte. Ltd., and Bharat Coca-Cola Overseas Holdings Pte. Ltd.; and (ii) BevCo’s and the Investors’ proposed subscription to compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) in JBL. [step (i) and (ii) together comprise the Proposed Combination].

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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NB/AD

(Release ID: 2125860) Visitor Counter : 35

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 6:25PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed combination involving acquisition in HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited by KKR through Hector Asia Holdings and KIA EBT II Scheme.

Hector Asia Holdings II Pte. Ltd. (Hector) is private company incorporated in Singapore. It is an indirectly wholly-owned by investment funds, vehicles and / or accounts advised and managed by various subsidiaries of KKR and Co. Inc (“KKR & Co.” and together with its subsidiaries, “KKR”).

KIA EBT II Scheme 1, an employee benefit scheme of KIA EBT Trust II (EBT) is an employee benefit scheme of KIA EBT Trust II, a trust settled under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. Its beneficiaries are employees of KKR.

KKR is a global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds.

HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited (Target) is a publicly listed company. It is active in the business of (a) operating multi-specialty hospitals at Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Hubli and comprehensive cancer care centres; (b) providing cancer care services, diagnosis and treatment; (c) operating day care clinics, fertility centres, radiology and PET-CT facilities; (d) providing reproductive medicine services; and (e) conducting life sciences, academic research and clinical testing, and diagnostics providing precision medicine solutions.

Hector along with EBT propose to acquire up to 54% of the diluted voting share capital of the Target from Aceso Company Pte. Ltd. in two tranches. Pursuant to the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011, a mandatory tender offer in India will be triggered, requiring Hector to make an open offer to the public shareholders of the Target for acquisition of up to 26% of the expanded voting share capital of the Target. Depending on tendering of shares in the open offer, the Acquirers are expected to hold an eventual stake of between 54% of the expanded voting share capital to 77% of the expanded voting share capital of the Target (Proposed Combination)

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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NB/AD

(Release ID: 2125856) Visitor Counter : 28

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 6:23PM by PIB Delhi

Today, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) of the day clocked 184 as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In view of significant improvement in the daily average AQI of Delhi and also considering the meteorological/ weather forecasts by IITM/ IMD, the Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met today to review the current air quality scenario in the region and accordingly take an appropriate decision on the actions under Stage-I of GRAP in place in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) since 02.04.2025. While comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality parameters of Delhi-NCR and other aspects, the Sub-Committee observed as under:

• Owing to strong winds and favourable meteorological conditions, the AQI of Delhi has shown improvement and has been recorded as 184 for 01.05.2025 (in ‘Moderate’ category). Further, the forecast by IMD/ IITM also predicts AQI to remain in ‘Moderate’ category in coming days.

Therefore, keeping in view this trend of improvement in the AQI of Delhi and also the forecasts by IMD/ IITM indicating the average air quality of Delhi to stay in ‘Moderate’ category in the coming days (for which forecast is available), the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously decided to revoke Stage-I of the extant schedule of GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.

All the agencies of the concerned State Govts./ GNCTD in the NCR, in an effort to sustain the better AQI levels as being experienced currently and not to let the air quality slip to the ‘Poor’ category, however need to ensure that all statutory directions, advisories, orders etc. issued by the Commission are followed and implemented in right earnest, including the rules/ regulations/ guidelines issued by MoEF&CC and the Central Pollution Control Board and related instructions/ guidelines issued by the respective State Govts./ GNCTD and Pollution Control Boards/ DPCC, across all contributing sectors.

In this context, all the agencies concerned are also required to take note of various actions and the targeted timelines as envisaged in the comprehensive policy issued by the Commission to curb air pollution in the NCR and take appropriate actions accordingly in the field, particularly the dust mitigation measures for C&D activities and Roads/Open areas, which becomes a pre-dominant factor in the coming months determining the air quality in Delhi-NCR.

The Sub-Committee, shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/ IITM.

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GS

(Release ID: 2125853) Visitor Counter : 67

Source: Government of India

US Secretary of Defense dials Raksha Mantri; Extends condolences for the loss of innocent lives in Pahalgam terror attack

Pakistan exposed as a rogue state, fuelling global terrorism & destabilising the region; Global community must explicitly and unequivocally condemn & call out such heinous acts: Shri Rajnath Singh

US stands in solidarity with India & supports India’s right to defend itself: Mr Pete Hegseth

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 6:06PM by PIB Delhi

US Secretary of Defense Mr Pete Hegseth, on May 01, 2025, called Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to express his sympathies and condolences for the tragic loss of innocent civilian lives in the recent dastardly attack by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. During the conversation, Raksha Mantri told the US Secretary of Defense that Pakistan has a history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations. 

“Pakistan has been exposed as a rogue state, fuelling global terrorism, and destabilising the region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye to terrorism,” Raksha Mantri said. He added that it is important for the global community to explicitly and unequivocally condemn & call out such heinous acts of terrorism. 

The US Secretary of Defense reiterated full support of the US government in India’s fight against terrorism. US stands in solidarity with India and supports India’s right to defend itself, he said.

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VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2125837) Visitor Counter : 190

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 8:12PM by PIB Delhi

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.

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GDH/HR

(Release ID: 2125908) Visitor Counter : 56

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 7:47PM by PIB Delhi

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.

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PK/GDH/RP

(Release ID: 2125891) Visitor Counter : 44

Source: Government of India

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

Source: Government of India

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.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Santosh V/Lekshmipriya/ Darshana | 129

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(Release ID: 2125886) Visitor Counter : 48

Source: Government of India

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

Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

(Release ID: 2125881) Visitor Counter : 60

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 6:57PM by PIB Delhi

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh took over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Training Command on 01 May 2025. After assumption of his new appointment, the Air Marshal paid homage to the brave hearts by laying wreath at the Training Command War Memorial. 

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Air Marshal Tejinder was commissioned in the fighter stream of the IAF on 13 June 1987. He is a Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor with over 4500 hours of flying, an alumnus of Defence Service Staff College and National Defence College. He has commanded a Fighter Squadron, a Radar Station, a premier Fighter Base and was Air Officer Commanding, Jammu and Kashmir. His varied staff appointments include Operational Staff at a Command HQ, Air Commodore (Personnel Officers-1) at Air HQ, Deputy Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Financial (Planning) at HQ IDS, Air Commodore (Aerospace Safety), Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Offensive) and ACAS Ops (Strategy) and Senior Air Staff Officer, Eastern Air Command at Shillong, Meghalaya. Prior to his present appointment, he was the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff at Air HQ (VB). 

In recognition of his meritorious services he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 2007 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022, by the Hon’ble President of India. 

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JS/AS

(Release ID: 2125877) Visitor Counter : 100