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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
* * *
PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ AthiraThampi/ Darshana | 128
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.
A high-level Brainstorming Session on “Pumped Storage Projects: Powering India’s Renewable Future” was successfully organized today at the SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi, by THDC India Ltd. and Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in association with NTPC, with the support of CBIP & INCOLD.
The session witnessed the participation of over 300 distinguished delegates including top government officials, policymakers, developers, environmental experts, regulators, and senior representatives from the public and private sectors from near about 95 organisations and institutions from all around the country. The day-long event focused on the growing role of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in supporting India’s renewable energy transition and achieving the national target of net zero emissions by 2070.
The event was graced by Sh. Pankaj Agarwal (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Power, GoI, as the Chief Guest, along with Sh. Akash Tripathi (IAS), Additional Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power, GoI, as the Guest of Honour. Shri M.G. Gokhale, Member (Hydro), CEA; Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC; Shri R.K. Vishnoi, CMD, THDCIL; Shri Mohmmad Afzal, Joint Secretary (Hydro), MoP; Shri Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical), THDCIL, Sh. A. K. Dhinkar, Secretary, CBIP along with other senior officers of Power Sector in India were among the dignitaries present at the ceremony.
The event featured four focused panel discussions that covered critical themes, including the “Policy, Planning, and Regulatory Framework for Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs)”, “Geological, Civil, and Material Considerations in PSP Development”, “Environmental and Forest Clearance Framework- Challenges & Streamlining”, and “Implementation Challenges & Way Forward for PSPs in India”. These discussions provided valuable insights into the complexities and opportunities within each area, fostering a productive dialogue among policymakers, developers, technical experts, and environmental professionals.
Shri Pankaj Agarwal, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India during his address, emphasized that ensuring grid stability is a matter of urgent national priority and every state must actively contribute to this effort. He further underlined the need for Sub-regions within states to become self-sufficient from a grid management perspective, with a strong focus on flexible generation and load shifting. He added that there is a need of brainstorming and policy dialogue to fast-track PSP development, with a focus on reviewing procedural delays and streamlining processes and platforms like these are vital for building consensus and enabling coordinated sectoral action.
Shri Akash Tripathi, (IAS), Additional Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power, GoI in his address, highlighted that the genesis of this workshop lies in the need to bring together relevant stakeholders to collaborate on accelerating the development of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). He noted that the workshop aims to foster brainstorming and exchange of key policy perspectives on how to fast-track PSP implementation
Shri M.G. Gokhale, Member (Hydro), CEA highlighted the vast potential of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in India, emphasizing their critical role in achieving the country’s Net Zero targets through reliable energy storage. He noted that, around 3 GW of PSP capacity is expected to be added in 2025-26, including the commissioning of the 1000 MW Tehri PSP in the coming months.
Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC stressed the urgent need for large-scale deployment of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs), stating that the energy transition cannot succeed without robust storage solutions. Given the intermittent nature of renewables, he emphasized the need of storage capabilities for a stable shift to renewable energy and reliable grid management.
Shri R.K. Vishnoi, CMD, THDCIL welcomed the imminent dignitaries and emphasized that the workshop is aimed at deliberating on the development of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). He noted that the focus will be on identifying roadblocks and exploring ways to ensure faster and more efficient execution of projects on the ground. Sh. Vishnoi also addressed the scope of automation in various aspects of operations and how it can ensure seamless operations, and enhance efficiency.
Sh. A. K. Dhinkar, Secretary, CBIP delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the eminent panellist for their participation and contributions. He highlighted the importance of accelerating the development of Pumped Storage Projects as a key player in building a resilient and sustainable future.
The first panel discussion was focused on the topic “Policy, Planning & Regulatory Framework for PSPs,” moderated by Shri Mohammad Afzal, Joint Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power. The panel included Sh. Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical), who deliberated on the developer’s perspective on PSP development under the current policy regime.
Expert speakers from organizations such as Ministry of Power, GoI; MoEF &CC, GoI; CEA, NTPC, THDC, NHPC, REC/PFC, SJVN, NEEPCO, CWC, UPJVNL, Greenko Group, GSI, CSMRS, MAHAGENCO, JSW Energy, APGENCO, Adani Group, OHPC, TATA Power, Karnataka Power Corporation, and premier academic institutions like IIT Roorkee shared case studies, best practices, and innovative strategies to overcome challenges in PSP planning and execution.
Deliberations highlighted the urgent need for streamlined policy support, faster clearance mechanisms, robust financing options, and strengthened collaboration between central and state agencies to scale up PSP deployment across India. The session concluded with a comprehensive summary by CEA and a vote of thanks by THDC.
Notably, THDC India Ltd., a subsidiary of NTPC, is also in the final stages of commissioning India’s first Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant of 1000 MW capacity at Tehri, Uttarakhand, having successfully completed critical tests—marking a significant milestone in India’s energy storage journey.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SCST commences her visit to Riyadh Miss Law paid a courtesy call on and attended a lunch hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr Chang Hua. She briefed Ambassador Chang on her visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the last three days, from which she gained enriching and insightful experience. The trip combined cultural exploration and artistic exchange, fostering a deeper understanding of the country’s inclusive values. She remarked that the visit marked a promising beginning for strengthening mutual ties between Hong Kong and the UAE, particularly in enhancing cultural dialogue. Ambassador Chang noted Saudi Arabia’s gradual openness to embrace the coexistence of diverse cultures. He said that Hong Kong needs to capitalise on and leverage its advantages as a cosmopolitan city, especially its rich tourism resources. Miss Law shared the latest initiatives aimed at boosting tourism in Hong Kong, emphasising tlhe notable interest of the UAE and Saudi Arabia in horse racing tourism, which has long been one of Hong Kong’s most popular attractions.
In the afternoon, Miss Law met with the Chief Marketing Officer of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Mr Kiran Haslam. They exchanged views on cultural heritage preservation and explored potential investment and business opportunities. Miss Law also toured the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was amazed by the Authority’s vision to transform Diriyah into a premier destination—a beautifully preserved mud-brick city, recognised as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, and a global hub for tourism.
Earlier in the day, Miss Law visited the Saudi National Museum, where she learnt more about the rich artistic and historical exhibits that reflect the cultural heritage and history of Saudi Arabia.Issued at HKT 23:59
AI Meets Creativity: Industry Leaders Outline India’s Role in the Future of Digital Expression at WAVES 2025 “AI isn’t here to replace jobs—it’s a means to an end.” — Richard Kerris, NVIDIA
“Creativity has transformed every industry.” — Shantanu Narayen, Adobe
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 8:52PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, May 1, 2025
WAVES 2025 witnessed a convergence of innovation, creativity, and cutting-edge technology with Artificial Intelligence at the heart of the discourse. Three sessions held on the inaugural day of the Summit in Mumbai today, led by global industry figures, mapped the dynamic intersection of AI with media, storytelling, and digital production—reaffirming India’s rising stature in this creative-technological evolution.
“Creativity has transformed every industry.” — Shantanu Narayen, Adobe
In the keynote address on “Design, Media and Creativity in the Age of AI”, Adobe Chairman and CEO Shantanu Narayen offered an expansive perspective on the evolving creative economy. Tracing the digital journey from the internet to mobile and now to artificial intelligence, Narayen pointed to India’s growing role in content creation, with over 500 million Indians consuming online content and a significant shift towards regional languages.
He stressed that AI is not replacing creativity but amplifying it. “Generative AI is enabling Indian creators to transcend traditional mediums,” he said, noting how it supports diverse storytelling across imaging, video, and design. From cinema to real-time mobile storytelling, the creative potential is expanding.
Highlighting India’s unique position in building AI-powered frameworks—from applications to data infrastructure—Narayen outlined a four-fold strategy: supercharge creativity and production, innovate business models, lead an AI-skilled workforce, and foster entrepreneurship. He concluded by thanking the Government of India and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for creating a visionary platform through WAVES.
“AI isn’t here to replace jobs—it’s a means to an end.” — Richard Kerris, NVIDIA
In a thought-provoking fireside chat titled “AI Beyond Work”, Richard Kerris, Vice President at NVIDIA, and Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director, NVIDIA India, explored how AI is redefining personal computing and creative productivity.
Reflecting on the evolution of the PC era, Dhupar remarked, “PCs used to sleep after office hours. But humans don’t.” He explained how NVIDIA’s early vision—imagining PCs as creative companions—now resonates in a world powered by AI.
Kerris provided a historical view, recalling the complexities of mastering 3D animation in the past. “Now, with generative AI, we can go from idea to creation much faster,” he said. Yet, he cautioned against losing touch with fundamentals: “Just because we all have a camera on our phone doesn’t make us all great photographers.”
The speakers agreed that AI enhances human creativity rather than replacing it. “AI puts tools in your hands—but knowing the craft, the basics, that’s still essential,” Kerris stressed. Dhupar concluded: “Creative people live their work. AI doesn’t replace that—it enables it.”
“Bringing Stories to Life with Gen AI” — Anish Mukherjee, NVIDIA
The third session, a masterclass by Anish Mukherjee, Solutions Architect at NVIDIA, focused on the practical applications of generative AI in media. Titled “Bringing Stories to Life with Gen AI”, the session spotlighted NVIDIA’s platform approach, moving beyond hardware to transformative tools.
Mukherjee demonstrated AI-powered solutions including converting static images to digital humans, multilingual voice-overs, and audio-based character animation. Using NVIDIA’s Fugato model, he showcased AI-generated music and realistic lip-syncing for dubbing. He also introduced Cosmos, a suite of foundational models for video generation and simulation-based training via the Omniverse platform.
Explaining the convergence of large language models with AI animation and DLSS, he noted their role in creating immersive storytelling experiences, especially in game development. “AI-powered characters that respond intelligently to players are redefining narrative engagement,” he said.
Mukherjee closed with a call to harness compute power, rich datasets, and algorithmic strength to unlock generative AI’s full potential. NVIDIA’s open-source ecosystem, including Nemostack, empowers creators to develop custom models, furthering innovation across industries.
WAVES 2025: Setting the Stage for AI-Led Creative Transformation
As discussions unfolded across the sessions, a unifying message emerged—AI is a tool for empowerment, not replacement. Whether in design, film, animation, or storytelling, the future belongs to those who understand the basics, harness new tools responsibly, and build systems rooted in ethics, creativity, and inclusion. WAVES 2025 thus stands as a testament to India’s pivotal role in the global creative and technological landscape.
***
TEAM PIB WAVES 2025 Rajith/Lekshmi Priya/Poushali/Edgar/Nikhitha/CShekhar |136