MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 5:46PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 3 May 2025

 

Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L Murugan unveiled “India’s Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative”—a first-of-its-kind White Paper commissioned by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and prepared by EventFAQs Media, one of the knowledge partners of WAVES 2025.

The launch event was attended by Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri R.K. Jena, Senior Economic Advisor; Smt. Meenu Batra, Joint Secretary; and Shri Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary (Broadcasting). Shri Deepak Choudhary, Managing Director, EVA Live and EventFAQs was also present.

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.

This momentum is also mirrored in the sector’s rising influence on jobs and talent development. Live entertainment is not a side note to India’s creative economy anymore; it is a strategic lever that stimulates employment and drives skill development. Large-scale events in the current landscape typically generate approximately 2,000 to 5,000 temporary jobs each, underscoring the sector’s growing role in supporting livelihoods and fostering a dynamic workforce.

The event also saw the launch of key reports, including the Statistical Handbook on Media & Entertainment Sector 2024–25 by Ministry of Information Broadcasting, ‘From Content to Commerce: Mapping India’s Creator Economy’ by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), ‘A Studio Called India’ by Ernst & Young, and ‘Legal Currents: A Regulatory Handbook on India’s Media & Entertainment Sector 2025’ by Khaitan & Co.

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/ Ritu/ Darshana | 165

(Release ID: 2126506) Visitor Counter : 69

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 5:30PM by PIB Delhi

1. MoUs/Agreements:
   i. MoU between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Angola on cooperation in the field of Ayurveda and other Traditional Systems of Medicine
   ii. MoU between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Angola on Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture
   iii. Cooperation Programme between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Angola in the Domain of Culture for the period 2025 -29
2. Angola signed the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement and became the 123rd member of the ISA.
3. The Government of India has approved the Angolan request of LOC of US$ 200 Million for defence procurement.

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MJPS/SR/SKS

(Release ID: 2126496) Visitor Counter : 45

Source: Government of India

10th National Community Radio Awards presented

Union Minister of State Dr. L Murugan honours 12 Community Radio Stations for their outstanding contributions

Community Radio is a tool to reach out to citizens in all corners of the country; they take important development initiatives to all: Dr. L. Murugan

8th National Community Radio Conference held at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 4:26PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, May 3, 2025

The 8^th National Community Radio Conference was organized by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, on the sidelines of the World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), in Mumbai today. Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan honoured 12 outstanding community radio stations with the 10th National Community Radio Awards at the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr L. Murugan congratulated the winners and said that the national conference is aimed to strengthen the community media landscape in India through innovation, inclusiveness, and impact. The Union Minister of State said that Community Radio is a tool to reach out to citizens in all corners of the country. The Community Radios around the country are serving some or the other welfare purpose and supporting good causes, including promotion of Indian tradition and culture, he added. The community radio stations are also taking PM Shri Narendra Modi’s vision and important development initiatives of the central government to all parts of the country. These stations are adding a new dimension of welfare activities for various communities and groups, like women and tribal community among others.

Speaking about the first edition of WAVES 2025, Dr. L. Murugan stated that new ideas will evolve from it and that creative economy is a sunrise sector that will play a major role in the coming days. 

List of Community Radio Stations which were awarded under four different themes

Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Prithul Kumar Joint Secretary (Broadcasting) and MD, NFDC, and IIMC Vice Chancellor Dr. Anupama Bhatnagar were present amongst the dignitaries on the occasion.

The conference brought together representatives from more than 400 Community Radio (CR) Stations across the country on one platform to provide an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration. At present, there are 531 CR Stations across the country. The conference emphasized the seminal role of Community Radio in public communication and  awareness generation and also their potential in social development.

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PIB Team WAVES 2025 Rajith/LekshmiPriya/Sriyanka/CShekhar | 164

(Release ID: 2126478) Visitor Counter : 97

Source: Government of India

Streaming platforms enabled democratization of filmmaking in India, says Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos in conversation with actor Saif Ali Khan

Post-COVID, we saw a 2 billion dollar investment into India, showing dynamic shift in content creation and consumption: Sarandos

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 3:56PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai | May 3, 2025

Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix, while talking to actor Saif Ali Khan in an engaging conversation on the third day of the inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) at Jio World Centre in Mumbai today, said that the streaming platforms had enabled democratization of film making in India. 

The conversation on the theme “Streaming the New India: Culture, Connectivity, and Creative Capital” explored the evolving landscape of storytelling in the digital era, the impact of streaming on creative freedom, and India’s growing presence on the global entertainment map.

When asked about the future of storytelling, Sarandos said, “It’s very difficult to predict where storytelling is headed. But what remains constant is the intent to connect with audiences. Post-COVID, we saw a 2 billion dollar investment into India, which is a clear sign of the country’s dynamic shift in content creation and consumption.”

Saif Ali Khan, reflecting on his collaboration with Netflix in the popular series Sacred Games, emphasized the transformative power of streaming platforms. “Earlier, we had to conform to rigid formats. Streaming has liberated actors and filmmakers from those constraints. Now, people across the globe can watch our stories, which they might have missed in traditional cinema,” he said.

Elaborating on the democratization of filmmaking in India, he said, “audiences can access diverse stories anytime, and creators have more freedom to tell them. It’s a continuous cycle of watching and making.”

Addressing the coexistence of cinema and streaming, Sarandos reaffirmed that theatrical releases still hold value. “Cinemas are not outdated. Streaming and theaters are not competitors. They can move ahead coexisting each other as the market before us is huge,” he said.

Saif echoed the sentiment, adding that the most meaningful projects for him are those rooted in Indian culture. “If someone abroad asks me about my films, I talk about Omkaara or Parineeta — films deeply connected to our culture. There’s something incredibly thrilling about telling our own stories to the world,” he said.

Both Sarandos and Saif praised WAVES as a platform that amplifies the creative synergy between global and Indian storytellers. Sarandos praised the initiative, saying, “If the ideas presented here work, they’ll succeed beyond imagination. WAVES is a fantastic platform for that momentum.”

The WAVES summit continues to bring together visionaries and industry experts from across the globe to shape the future of the entertainment industry through dialogue, innovation, and cultural exchange.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES | Rajith/LekshmiPriya/Riyas/CShekhar |163

(Release ID: 2126467) Visitor Counter : 18

Source: Government of India

WAVES 2025: Spotify House Session Highlights Folk as a Living Tradition

Panellists Advocate Preserving the Soul of Folk while Adapting it to Contemporary Cultural Landscapes

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 3:34PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 3 May 2025

 

The Day 3 of the inaugural WAVES Summit 2025 witnessed an insightful session titled Spotify House: Evolution of Folk Music in India at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Hosted under the ‘WAVES Culturals and Concerts’ segment, the session brought together leading voices from India’s folk music and cultural space for a conversation on the living tradition of folk.

Renowned storyteller and host Roshan Abbas moderated the discussion. The panel featured celebrated lyricist and CBFC Chairperson Prasoon Joshi, folk singer Malini Awasthi, music composer Nandesh Umap, singer and composer Papon, and acclaimed performer Ila Arun.

Panellists discussed how Indian folk music continues to thrive as a living, collective tradition. They agreed that folk is not a relic of the past but a force deeply embedded in daily life and passed down across generations. Prasoon Joshi described folk as a “tactile feel of life” and a dynamic expression of shared human experience.

The conversation revolved around efforts to bring folk music into the mainstream. The panellists appreciated platforms like Spotify and initiatives like WAVES for including folk in larger cultural narratives. Nandesh Umap called folk “an open university,” stressing its inclusive and democratic nature.

Papon recounted his journey with folk music, including a memorable moment in Serbia when Assamese folk songs received a standing ovation. He highlighted how Indian folk resonates globally when presented with authenticity. Ila Arun and Malini Awasthi echoed the sentiment, stressing that the roots of folk music lie in community and emotion.

Prasoon Joshi noted, “When you seek yourself, you write poetry. When you subsume yourself, you write folk.” This statement captured the essence of the discussion as a genre rooted in collective identity and constantly reshaped by those who live it.

The panel underscored the vast diversity within Indian folk traditions, with each state offering a unique musical idiom. They called for systemic support to nurture this diversity and credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for enabling platforms like WAVES that bring traditional art forms to the forefront.

The discussion also addressed the need for innovation. The panellists emphasised that while the essence of folk must be preserved, its form should evolve to speak to new generations. They encouraged creative reinterpretations that remain true to cultural roots yet appeal to contemporary audiences.

The session featured spontaneous musical moments. Several panellists broke into impromptu singing, bringing the spirit of folk to life. The audience enjoyed an authentic and immersive experience.

The session ended with a unified call to listeners, institutions, and creators to support India’s folk heritage. The panellists urged that folk must not only be preserved but also celebrated and shared widely.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Lekshmipriya/ Darshana | 162

(Release ID: 2126464) Visitor Counter : 77

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 3:25PM by PIB Delhi

To commemorate World Intellectual Property (IP) Day 2025, the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, organized a national workshop titled “Driving Innovation with IP: Strategic Approaches to Commercialization” at the historic Faculty Hall, IISc.

Jointly supported by key institutions including IIIT Bangalore, CMTI, C-DOT, Central Silk Board, BeST Cluster, IPTel, and IISc, the event brought together over 250 in-person and 500 virtual participants from academia, research, startups, industry, PSUs, and government to deliberate on IP management and commercialization strategies.

Commodore Amit Rastogi (Retd.), CMD, NRDC, delivered the keynote, emphasizing NRDC’s role in scaling academic innovations via initiatives like NETRA, Design Clinic, and blended financing to Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 7–9. He announced upcoming projects including a Technology Exchange Portal, IP Fairs, and a National Tech Translation Organization (NTTO), reinforcing the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

 

Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Director, IISc, underlined the need for structured IP protection in academia and acknowledged efforts to address cultural barriers to patenting.

Key dignitaries included Ms. Manjushree N, IAS, Commissioner, DCTE GoK, Prof. Suryasarathi Bose (IISc), Dr. U T Vijay (KSCST), Prof. Debabrata Das (IIIT-B), Dr. S Manthira Moorthy (CSB), and Shri Prakash Vinod (CMTI)—all advocating for deeper academia-industry collaboration and robust IP ecosystems.

A MoA was signed between NRDC and IIIT Bangalore to facilitate tech commercialization.

Along with it a Tripartite Licensing Agreement signed between NRDC, CSIR-CFTRI, and M/s Varre Corporate Solutions for CSIR-CFTRI’s Spirulina Cereal and Choco Bar technology.

Dr. Dilip Krishnaswamy (C-DOT) and Dr. Vishal Rao (Innaumation Medical Devices) shared insights on embedding IP into business strategy.
Dr. B. K. Sahu (NRDC) presented strategies for overcoming commercialization barriers.

Two major panel discussions featured leaders from Biocon Academy, BeST, CSIR-CFTRI, IIIT Innovation Centre, and IPTeL, focusing on bridging gaps between research and market, effective licensing strategies, and the critical role of policy and institutional mindset shifts.

The workshop concluded with a unified call to action for scaling India’s innovation ecosystem through strategic IP commercialization, fostering national development and global competitiveness.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2126460) Visitor Counter : 65

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 3:20PM by PIB Delhi

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has issued a notification prohibiting import of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan to India.

This will prohibit import of goods from Pakistan directly or through any other trade route.

The directive, issued via Notification No. 06/2025-26 dated 2nd May 2025, has come into effect immediately.  A new paragraph, Para 2.20A, has been inserted in the FTP 2023:

  “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders. This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy.”

The detailed notification is available on the DGFT website at https://dgft.gov.in.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2126458) Visitor Counter : 30

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 3:10PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 3 May 2025

 

A high-profile breakout session titled “Digital Dreams & Cinematic Visions: Madhya Pradesh as the Next Creative Hub” was held today at Waves 2025. The session was moderated by Naman Ramachandran, International Correspondent of Variety.

Renowned producer and director Ekta Kapoor officially launched the Film Tourism Policy 2025 of the Madhya Pradesh government. The session also witnessed the launch of the AVGC XR Policy 2025 and the Second Phase of the Madhya Pradesh Film Cell Portal.

Speaking on the occasion, Ekta Kapoor emphasized that while choosing a film destination, factors like rebate, ease of obtaining permissions, visual scenery, and ease of shooting are paramount.

Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, highlighted that MP is the heart of Incredible India and is fast becoming the heart of filmmakers as well. He noted the state’s shooting-friendly environment, rich history and heritage, and ready talent pool. The state has one of the best benchmark financial incentive policies and a simplified single portal system for permissions, ensuring ease of shooting. He mentioned that the 2.0 policy marks an improvement with increased incentives and special provisions for repeat shooting. Extra incentives will be extended to films using local languages and local talent as well as films made in other Indian languages that shoot in MP. He added that Madhya Pradesh is aiming to give Mumbai a run for its money by branding the state through facilitating filmmaking.

Shri Sanjay Dubey, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of IT and DST, Government of Madhya Pradesh, said the new AVGC policy will support pre and post-production and also promote related sectors like animation, gaming, and VFX. He emphasized the government’s proactive and risk-taking approach in supporting filmmakers.

Shobha Sant, CEO of Creativeland Studios and a seasoned producer, shared her experiences from the film Stree 2, shot in MP using local talent and technicians. She cited international productions like Lion and A Suitable Boy, also shot in the state. An upcoming Australian co-production has also chosen MP as its location. Remarking that no complaints have ever been reported by film teams located in Madhya Pradesh added that “People who come once to Madhya Pradesh, want to keep coming back”.

Other dignitaries in the panel, Jyotirmoy Saha, CEO of August Media Group, stated that the new policies will catalyze the formation of creative hubs across the state while Ashish Kulkarni, Chairman, FICCI AVGC sector, spoke on the other attractions of Madhya Pradesh, including its cuisine, the Tribal Museum, and the Global Skills Park.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Athira/ Darshana | 161

(Release ID: 2126457) Visitor Counter : 17

Source: Government of India

At WAVES 2025, experts call for unified action against piracy, blending technology, law, and awareness

Panel discussion highlights economic losses, cybercrime risks, and solutions combining enforcement and education

“Effective anti-piracy enforcement could drive a 25% increase in legal video service users”

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 2:51PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 3 May 2025

 

At WAVES 2025, a panel discussion on “Piracy: Safeguarding Content through Technology” brought together global leaders in media, law, and cybersecurity to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the digital content economy. Moderated by Neil Gane, Vice President and Head of Asia Pacific at IP House, the conversation reflected the growing consensus that piracy is no longer a fringe concern but a mainstream threat demanding coordinated, multi-dimensional responses.

Vivek Couto, Managing & Executive Director of Media Partners Asia, underlined the economic cost of unchecked piracy. “Online piracy is expected to cost the industry over 10% in lost revenue between 2025 and 2029,” he said. “But effective anti-piracy enforcement could drive a 25% increase in legal video service users and unlock a US$ 0.5 billion boost in content investment, raising the total value to US$ 3.8 billion by 2029.” He urged stakeholders to reframe the piracy discussion from protection to potential, especially as India’s digital video economy scales.

Dr. Shruti Mantri, Associate Director at ISB Institute of Data Science, highlighted the intersection of digital piracy and cybercrime. “Piracy often involves malicious tools like trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Users between 18–24 years old are particularly vulnerable,” she said. She called for comprehensive public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, noting that prevention must begin with informed consumers. She also announced a Digital Piracy Summit being organized by ISB in collaboration with CBI and Interpol on July 9–10.

Speaking on anti-piracy operations in the sports sector, Anurag Kashyap, Head of Anti-Piracy Operations at DAZN, explained the preventive approach. “Our strategy is built around the three Ds: detection, disruption, and deterrence. We start enforcement even before the event goes live,” he said. Invisible watermarking, he added, plays a pivotal role in tracking leaks.

Legal expert Anil Lale, Head-Legal at Jio Hotstar, stressed the importance of strong enforcement. “The biggest deterrent is prosecuting the pirates. Law enforcement must identify the source of leaks and stop playing catch-up,” he said. Prevention, he asserted, should be proactive rather than reactive.

Praveen Anand of Anand and Anand Associates emphasized that the solution lies in both technology and judicial reform. “Tools like AI, blockchain, and watermarking are crucial. But we must also make camcording difficult with measures like metal detectors. Timely legal action is essential to create deterrence,” he noted.

The panel converged on the need for a united front, where technology, legislation, enforcement agencies, and public awareness work in tandem to protect the future of digital content. WAVES 2025, through such discussions, continues to spotlight actionable strategies for the Media and Entertainment industry’s most pressing concerns.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Lekshmipriya/ Nikhitha/ Darshana | 160

(Release ID: 2126455) Visitor Counter : 69