MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

WAVES 2025 Opens with discussion on “Legends & Legacies: The Stories That Shaped India’s Soul”

“WAVES is a beautiful initiative by the Government of India. I’m glad to be part of it:” Hema Malini

“I don’t differentiate between art and commercial cinema – it’s storytelling that moves people:” Mohanlal

“Acting has been my first love since childhood:” Chiranjeevi

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 4:32PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 1 May 2025

 

The first-ever World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) commenced in grand style at the iconic Jio World Centre, Mumbai, with a power-packed panel discussion titled “Legends & Legacies: The Stories That Shaped India’s Soul.” The session brought together some of India’s most revered cinematic icons in a captivating discussion on storytelling, creativity, and cultural legacy.

The inaugural panel featured acclaimed luminaries – Hema Malini, Mohanlal, and Chiranjeevi, and was moderated by superstar Akshay Kumar.

Speaking on the occasion, dream girl, Hema Malini expressed heartfelt admiration for the initiative, stating, “it’s a beautiful initiative by the Government of India. I’m glad to be part of it. Thanks to Prime Minister Modi – his vision and leadership have made WAVES a remarkable platform for creators and innovators.”

Celebrated Malayalam Actor Mohanlal shared insights on the evolving nature of cinema. He said that the line is very thin between art cinema and entertainment cinema as art films have also entertainment value. “I don’t differentiate between art and commercial cinema – it’s storytelling that moves people”, flagged the ace actor.

Veteran actor Chiranjeevi shared a heartfelt reflection on his cinematic journey, marked by unwavering passion and relentless pursuit of excellence. Recounting his early aspirations, he said, “Acting has been my first love since childhood. I was always driven by the desire to hit the bull’s eye. I constantly asked myself—what unique element can I bring to become a better actor?”

Emphasizing his commitment to authenticity, Chiranjeevi expressed a deep desire to stay grounded and relatable. “I’ve always wanted audiences to see me as the boy next door. That’s why I strive to keep my performances as natural and genuine as possible,” he affirmed. He also paid tribute to the legends who shaped his craft, acknowledging the profound influence of cinematic icons like Mithun Chakraborty, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan on his evolution as an artist.

The discussion was a poignant blend of personal reflections and shared legacies, offering the audience a rare glimpse into the minds and hearts of India’s cinematic greats.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Swadhin/ Lekshmipriya/ Darshana | 124

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(Release ID: 2125782) Visitor Counter : 88

Source: Government of India

Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates ‘Corporate Bhavan’ in Kolkata; New Multi-Office Facility brings MCA Departments Under One Roof

New Seven-Storey Corporate Bhavan Features Smart Design and Green Infrastructure

Country’s First Facilitation Centre of Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) also Launched at Corporate Bhavan, Kolkata; aims to Connect Youth with Corporate Internship Opportunities

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 4:30PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the ‘Corporate Bhavan’ in New Town, Kolkata today. This new facility will house different offices of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, including Regional Directorate (East), Registrar of Companies, Official Liquidator, SFIO, NCLT (Kolkata Bench) and IBBI under one roof.

Speaking on the Occasion, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said that Corporate Bhawan will become a true single-window interface for companies, insolvency professionals, auditors, startups, and investors seeking timely corporate regulatory services.

The consolidation of services at the Corporate Bhawan will help significantly cut costs, accelerate approval process, and improve operational efficiency – all of which will help enhance Ease of Doing Business, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman added.

Addressing officers of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman also stated that our regulatory frameworks must not only safeguard good governance but also enable enterprise, encourage formalisation, and build trust in our systems.

The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said that the first ever ‘Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) Facilitation Centre’ is also located in the Corporate Bhavan, Kolkata. It will help the aspiring Interns in getting the information and issues related to their application.

The seven stories building has a built-up area of about 13,239 square meters and the total project costed around Rs. 150.43 crores. It is designed with a focus on energy efficiency, waste recycling, smart parking, and the well-being of its occupants. Equipped with CO2 sensors in the AHU, the building ensures proper indoor air quality.

The event celebrated the launch of the first ever ‘Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) Facilitation Centre’ on the 7th floor of the Corporate Bhawan.

 

The MCA CII PMIS Centre, a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and  Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), aims to connect eligible youth (aged 21-24) with internship opportunities offered by participating companies. Through a dedicated three-member team, the centre will focus on identifying eligible candidates who are not in full-time education or employment, providing comprehensive guidance, and facilitating their registration and application in the PM Internship Scheme.

The PMIS Facilitation Centre shall :

− Facilitate PMIS registration and application process for eligible candidates

− Provide professional career counselling and guidance

− Match candidate qualifications and interests with suitable internship opportunities

− Create awareness about professional opportunities through outreach programmes

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(Release ID: 2125779) Visitor Counter : 140

Source: Government of India

NHRC, India calls for preventive measures by 11 States to protect the lives of vulnerable people from heat waves in this summer

Highlights the NCRB data of 3,798 deaths between 2018 to 2022 due to heat and sun strokes

Emphasizes the risk to the economically weaker sections, outdoor workers, the elderly, children, and particularly the homeless, due to the lack of adequate shelter and resources

Calls for action taken reports to deal with the heat waves as per the existing SOPs in the States, or the NDMA guidelines

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 4:28PM by PIB Delhi

In view of the heatwaves during summer particularly in the northern, central and western parts of the country, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the 11 states to take immediate preemptive measures to protect the vulnerable people especially economically weaker sections, outdoor workers, the elderly, children, and the homeless, who are at risk due to the lack of adequate shelter and resources. Highlighting NCRB data about the reported deaths of 3,798 persons between 2018 to 2022 due to heat and sun strokes, the Commission has emphasized the urgent need for integrated and inclusive measures.

The Commission in a letter to the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, has called for provisioning of shelters, supply of relief materials, amendment of working hours and availability of standard procedures for treating heat-related illnesses.

In its communication to the States, the Commission has reiterated the NDMA guidelines to mitigate the impacts of heat waves, which include:

• Establishing and implementing standard procedures for treating heat-related illnesses and treatment protocols;

• Activate public spaces such as schools, anganwadi centres, and community halls with adequate ventilation, fans, drinking water, and basic medical supplies;

• Supply fans, cool roof materials, and ORS sachets to families in informal settlements and labour colonies; and

• Amend working hours, provide shaded rest zones, hydration support, and encourage the use of protective clothing.

These states have been asked to submit action taken reports to protect the lives of those vulnerable to heat waves as per existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or guidelines issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to States to mitigate the impact of heat waves.

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NSK

(Release ID: 2125777) Visitor Counter : 140

Source: Government of India

Three new initiatives by ECI

Electronic obtaining data of Death registration for updation of electoral rolls BLOs to get standard photo ID

Voter Information Slips to be made more elector friendly

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 4:10PM by PIB Delhi

The Election Commission of India has introduced new initiatives aimed at improving the accuracy of electoral rolls, making the voting process more convenient for citizens. These measures are in line with the initiatives as envisaged by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India Shri Gyanesh Kumar during the Conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), in the presence of Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi in March this year.

The Commission will now obtain death registration data electronically from the Registrar General of India in line with Rule 9 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 and Section 3(5)(b) of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (as amended in 2023). This will ensure that the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) receive timely information about registered deaths. This will also enable Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to re-verify the information through field visits, without waiting for a formal request under Form 7.

To make Voter Information Slips (VIS) more voter friendly, the Commission has also decided to modify its design. The serial number and part number of the voter will now be displayed more prominently, with increased font size, making it easier for voters to identify their polling station and for polling officials to locate their names in the electoral roll efficiently.

The Commission has also directed that all BLOs, who are appointed by the EROs under Section 13B (2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, be issued standard photo identity cards to ensure that citizens can recognise and interact confidently with BLOs during voter verification and registration drives. As the first interface between the voters and the ECI in performing election related duties, it is important that BLOs are easily identifiable to the public while conducting house-to-house visits.

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PK/GDH/RP

(Release ID: 2125769) Visitor Counter : 74

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 3:28PM by PIB Delhi

Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma assumed the appointment of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command today.

A highly decorated officer, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma is an alumnus of NDA, Khadakwasla, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He was commissioned into the MADRAS Regiment in December 1987. He is qualified on Higher Command Course and has also attended course at National Defence College, New Delhi.

The General Officer has a rich operational experience. He commanded an Infantry Battalion, Brigade and Division along the Line of Control and has Commanded a Strike Corps in the Western Sector.

The General Officer has a varied exposure in staff and instructional appointments including being a staff officer in UN Mission. He has held important appointments at Military Operations Directorate and Military Secretary Branch in the Army Headquarters. He was also the Director General of Military Operations and Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), prior to taking over as GOC-in-C, Northern Command.

On assuming the command, the GOC-in-C conveyed his greetings to all ranks and expressed his commitment to take forward the excellent work by his predecessors and all ranks of Northern Command.

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(Release ID: 2125755) Visitor Counter : 56

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 3:27PM by PIB Delhi

Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, relinquished the Command of Indian Army’s Northern Command on 30^th April 2025, after completing an illustrious career of four decades in the Indian Army. In a solemn ceremony on his departure, the GOC-in-C paid homage to the Bravehearts for their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. An alumnus of Sainik School, Bijapur and NDA, Khadakwasla, the General Officer was commissioned into 1 ASSAM Regiment on 8^th June 1985. He has a rich and versatile experience of Conventional and Counter Terrorism/ Insurgency operations in Northern and Eastern Command theatres of the country. His command appointments were all in J&K that includes command of a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, an Infantry Brigade, a Division and a Corps.

He assumed the appointment of GOC-in-C, Northern Command on 19^th February 2024. During his command, he provided Strategic guidance and Operational oversight for planning and execution of sustained operations along the northern and western borders, besides orchestrating the dynamic Counter-Terrorism operations in J&K. He ensured a balanced operational situation on the borders and hinterland. Under his leadership, training was evolved to align with the changing operational dynamics, preparing personnel for both current and futuristic challenges.

Under his command, efforts were also made to galvanise resources as per Veterans Engagement programs to assist Veterans, ‘Veer-Matas’ and ‘Veer Naris’ within Northern Command Areas. Other key areas of focus under his leadership were facilitating upliftment of the youth, women empowerment and development of the local communities to include ‘Gujjars’ and ‘Bakkerwals’ through Operation Sadhbhavna. Multiple infrastructure projects were undertaken for upliftment of the local communities.

In his farewell address the General officer complimented all ranks for their selfless service and exhorted them to continue their good work in the finest traditions of the Indian Army. The Indian Army wishes the General Officer and his family very best in their future endeavours.

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(Release ID: 2125754) Visitor Counter : 55

Source: Government of India

Union Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan to Launch White Paper on India’s Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative at WAVES 2025

India poised to emerge among the top five global entertainment destinations by 2030

Live Events to be one of the fastest-growing verticals in India’s M&E ecosystem

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 1:27PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 1 May 2025

 

Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri L. Murugan, will unveil “India’s Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative”—a first-of-its-kind white paper commissioned by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

The White Paper will be formally released on May 3, 2025, during WAVES Summit 2025 in Mumbai. The White Paper presents a comprehensive analysis of India’s rapidly expanding live entertainment industry, highlighting emerging trends, growth trajectories, and strategic recommendations for the sector’s continued evolution.

India’s live events landscape is undergoing a transformation—from a fragmented sector to a structured and influential pillar of the country’s cultural and creative economy. The period from 2024 to 2025 marks a defining inflection point, with international acts such as ‘Coldplay’ performing in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, signaling India’s readiness to host global-scale events.

Key trends in the sector include the rise of event tourism, with nearly half a million attendees traveling specifically for live music events—indicating the emergence of a robust music-tourism economy. Premium ticketing segments—such as VIP experiences, curated access, and luxury hospitality—have witnessed over 100% year-on-year growth, pointing to an increasingly experience-driven audience. Participation from Tier-2 cities has surged, driven by multi-city tours and the growing popularity of regional festivals.

In 2024, the organized live events segment recorded 15% growth, contributing an additional ₹13 billion in revenue—establishing it as one of the fastest-growing verticals within India’s media and entertainment ecosystem. Large-scale events in the current landscape typically generate approximately 2,000 to 5,000 temporary jobs each, underscoring the sector’s growing contribution to employment and skill development.

With focused investments, policy support, and infrastructural upgrades, India is on track to position itself as one of the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030, unlocking new avenues for economic growth, employment generation, tourism, and enhanced global cultural presence.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Darshana | 121

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(Release ID: 2125721) Visitor Counter : 99

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 3:06PM by PIB Delhi

Ms. Sujata Chaturvedi, Former Secretary, Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports took the Oath of Office and Secrecy as Member, Union Public Service Commission today. The Oath was administered by Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Retd.), seniormost Member of the Commission.

Ms. Sujata Chaturvedi did her Graduation in English and Post Graduation in History from Nagpur University. She also has an M.Phil in Public Administration and Diploma in the Russian Language.

Ms. Chaturvedi belongs to the 1989 batch of the Indian Administrative Service and was allotted Bihar Cadre. She has vast administrative experience of more than three decades in the cadre, as well as in the Government of India. In the State, she served as Principal Secretary, D/o Finance, Commercial Tax Commissioner, Secretary, D/o Finance, Vice Chairman, D/o Urban Development. At the Centre, she held the post of Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports, Additional Secretary, DOPT and Regional Deputy Director General in Unique Identification Authority of India. Ms. Chaturvedi, during her tenure as the Secretary, Dept of Sports, contributed significantly to many initiatives for the overall development of sports in the country. To name a few, some of her initiatives are hosting the annual Khelo India Games, the FIDE Chess Olympiad, FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, implementation of a National Sports Repository System, country-wide mapping of standard sports facilities and the enactment of the Anti-Doping bill to strengthen the nation’s fight against doping.

Ms. Chaturvedi hails from the state of Maharashtra. She is conversant

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 9:05AM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi greeted the people of Gujarat on its Statehood day today.

In separate posts on X, he said:

“On the proud occasion of their Statehood Day, my best wishes to the people of Gujarat. The state has distinguished itself for its culture, spirit of enterprise and dynamism. The people of Gujarat have excelled in various fields. May the state keep attaining new heights of progress.”

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MJPS/SR/SKS

(Release ID: 2125647) Visitor Counter : 100