Dr. Jitendra Singh Calls for a dynamic curriculum in view of changing governance landscape:

Source: Government of India

Dr. Jitendra Singh Calls for a dynamic curriculum in view of changing governance landscape:

Also continuous evolution in public administration training modules to meet the rapidly changing requirements driven by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing

Delivers Convocation Address of the 50th “Advanced Professional Programme in Public Administration” (APPPA) at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA)

“What We Learn Today May Be Obsolete Tomorrow”: Union Minister Urges APPPA Officers to Stay Ahead of the Curve

From Generals to Grassroots: IIPA Expands Reach as APPPA Marks Golden Jubilee

Posted On: 30 APR 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Wednesday called for a dynamic curriculum in view of changing governance landscape  and continuous evolution in public administration training modules to meet the rapidly changing requirements driven by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing.

Delivering the Convocation Address of the 50th “Advanced Professional Programme in Public Administration” (APPPA) at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), Dr. Jitendra Singh, who is also the Chairman of the IIPA Executive Council, said, “What is relevant today may not be tomorrow. We need to learn every day to stay relevant.”

Highlighting the government’s focus on Mission Karmayogi and Viksit Bharat, the Minister said the APPPA programme has grown beyond its traditional curriculum to include exposure to aspirational districts, defence institutions, rural and urban development schemes, and India’s rich traditional knowledge systems. “I am happy that the course has evolved with time, integrating themes like Atmanirbhar Bharat and governance reforms,” he said.

In a candid and wide-ranging address, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for continuous learning and adaptive policy making in the face of exponential technological advancements. “We could very well see participants of the 50th APPPA returning for refresher courses by the 55th,” he quipped, stressing the need to keep administrative knowledge up to date.

Lauding IIPA’s initiative to organize APPPA’s golden jubilee programme, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the importance of civil-military synergy. “Today’s army officers don’t just stay in isolation; they are expected to brief the media, interact with civilians and respond jointly in disaster-affected regions,” he noted, calling for greater focus on communication skills in future iterations of the course.

The Minister urged participants to assist in visualizing “India@2047” by contributing their domain-specific knowledge to the vision document being prepared by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances. “We mustn’t view 2047 through the prism of 2025. Change is unfolding too quickly. We need to project forward with a futuristic mindset,” he said.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also appreciated IIPA’s recent grassroots initiative, which began training programmes for elected Sarpanches and Panchayati Raj representatives, saying this marks a significant step in democratizing capacity building. “IIPA has now spread its wings from training senior civil servants to empowering grassroot representatives,” he said.

Acknowledging the contributions of course directors Prof. Neetu Jain and Dr. Saket Bihari, he also appreciated the participants of the 50th APPPA batch for their resilience in completing the course during challenging times.

The Minister announced that the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has approved a fee enhancement from the 51st APPPA batch onwards, giving IIPA more room to strengthen the programme through additional exposure visits and new modules.

Concluding his address on a hopeful note, Dr. Jitendra Singh encouraged participants to stay connected and continue contributing to nation-building. “Though the course culminates today, the bond built over these ten months is forever,” he said.

Director General, IIPA, S.N. Tripathi, in his introductory address, highlighted the salient features of various training programmes undertaken by IIPA.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2125481) Visitor Counter : 74

SCST continues visit to UAE

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, continued her visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
 
Miss Law met with the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture of the UAE, HE Mubarak Al Nakhi, today (April 30, Abu Dhabi time). She highlighted Hong Kong’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international cultural exchanges, expressing strong interest in collaborations with the UAE, a key partner under the Belt and Road Initiative. Miss Law looked forward to establishing closer cultural links and was glad to have identified new opportunities for cooperation on performing arts with the country.
 
Earlier, on April 29 (Dubai time), Miss Law met the Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Future Foundation (the Foundation) and Vice Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, HE Khalfan Belhoul. She was impressed by Dubai’s visionary initiatives, such as the Foundation’s projects in artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainability, as well as the government’s forward-thinking approach in shaping a sustainable and better future for the world. On the sports development front, discussions focused on integrating creativity, innovation, and technology into youth education, with both parties noted the shared aspirations of Hong Kong and Dubai. Miss Law highlighted the similarities in both regions’ sports landscapes, emphasising opportunities for collaboration.
 
In that afternoon, Miss Law met with the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, HE Issam Kazim. The discussions underscored shared goals of enhancing tourism through innovative collaboration. Miss Law also noted how Hong Kong is actively promoting tailor-made, high-end travel packages to attract the Middle East tourists.
 
Miss Law also paid a courtesy call on and attended a dinner hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the UAE, Mr Zhang Yiming last night (April 29, Abu Dhabi time). Ambassador Zhang highlighted Hong Kong’s unique strengths as a global hub for business, culture, and tourism. He also underlined the importance of and expressed optimism about the city’s promising future in engaging the Middle East. Miss Law remarked that through the visit, she gained a deeper understanding of the UAE’s proactive and ambitious vision, affirming that Hong Kong and the UAE share many parallels in their development strategies. She emphasised the importance of leveraging these synergies to foster stronger ties between the two regions and expressed her gratitude to the Embassy for its strong support to Hong Kong.
 
While in the UAE, Miss Law visited a number of iconic historical and tourist attractions, taking herself in the country’s vibrant cultural and architectural marvels. These included the Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future in Dubai (April 29, Dubai time), as well as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the national and cultural landmark; the Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace; and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, in Abu Dhabi (April 30, Abu Dhabi time) to gain insights into their operations, tourism appeal and the possible collaboration of cultural exchanges.
 
Miss Law will conclude her visit to the UAE and depart for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia tonight (April 30, Abu Dhabi time).

PM chairs 46th PRAGATI Interaction

Source: Government of India

PM chairs 46th PRAGATI Interaction

PM reviews eight significant projects worth over Rs 90,000 crore

PM directs that all Ministries and Departments should ensure that identification of beneficiaries is done strictly through biometrics-based Aadhaar authentication or verification

Ring Road should be integrated as a key component of broader urban planning efforts that aligns with city’s growth trajectory: PM

PM reviews Jal Marg Vikas Project and directs that efforts should be made to establish a strong community connect along the stretches for boosting cruise tourism

PM reiterates the importance of leveraging tools such as PM Gati Shakti and other integrated platforms to enable holistic and forward-looking planning

Posted On: 30 APR 2025 8:41PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi earlier today chaired a meeting of the 46th edition of PRAGATI, an ICT-based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, involving Centre and State governments.

In the meeting, eight significant projects were reviewed, which included three Road Projects, two projects each of Railways and Port, Shipping & Waterways. The combined cost of these projects, spread across different States/UTs, is around Rs 90,000 crore.

While reviewing grievance redressal related to Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Prime Minister directed that all Ministries and Departments should ensure that the identification of beneficiaries is done strictly through biometrics-based Aadhaar authentication or verification. Prime Minister also directed to explore the potential for integrating additional programmes into the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, specifically those aimed at promoting child care, improving health and hygiene practices, ensuring cleanliness, and addressing other related aspects that contribute to the overall well-being of the mother and newly born child.

During the review of infrastructure project concerning the development of a Ring Road, Prime Minister emphasized that the development of Ring Road should be integrated as a key component of broader urban planning efforts. The development must be approached holistically, ensuring that it aligns with and supports the city’s growth trajectory over the next 25 to 30 years. Prime Minister also directed that various planning models be studied, with particular focus on those that promote self-sustainability, especially in the context of long-term viability and efficient management of the Ring Road. He also urged to explore the possibility of integrating a Circular Rail Network within the city’s transport infrastructure as a complementary and sustainable alternative for public transportation.

During the review of the Jal Marg Vikas Project, Prime Minister said that efforts should be made to establish a strong community connect along the stretches for boosting cruise tourism. It will foster a vibrant local ecosystem by creating opportunities for business development, particularly for artisans and entrepreneurs associated with the ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) initiative and other local crafts. The approach is intended to not only enhance community engagement but also stimulate economic activity and livelihood generation in the regions adjoining the waterway. Prime Minister stressed that such inland waterways should be drivers for tourism also.

During the interaction, Prime Minister reiterated the importance of leveraging tools such as PM GatiShakti and other integrated platforms to enable holistic and forward-looking planning. He emphasized that the use of such tools is crucial for achieving synergy across sectors and ensuring efficient infrastructure development.

Prime Minister further directed all stakeholders to ensure that their respective databases are regularly updated and accurately maintained, as reliable and current data is essential for informed decision-making and effective planning.

Up to the 46th edition of PRAGATI meetings, 370 projects having a total cost of around Rs 20 lakh crore have been reviewed.

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2125611) Visitor Counter : 84

Governor of Telangana inaugurated Babuji Vanam, the world’s first energy transmission garden at Kanha Shanti Vanam, supported by the Ministry of Culture

Source: Government of India

Governor of Telangana inaugurated Babuji Vanam, the world’s first energy transmission garden at Kanha Shanti Vanam, supported by the Ministry of Culture

Closing ceremony of the 15th birthday anniversary of Pujya Babuji Maharaj held at Kanha Shanti Vanam

Special Exhibition and Projection Mapping Show dedicated to the life and legacy of Pujya Babuji Maharaj showcased

Posted On: 30 APR 2025 8:34PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Heartfulness organised the closing ceremony of the commemoration of the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Pujya Babuji Maharaj. The year long commemorative activities which included Ektam Abhiyan, meditation and lifestyle improvemrent programs, skill building, etc., across multiple states in India such as Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh targeted to reach the lives of 12 crores of people in 65,000 villages have taken the message of Pujya Babuji Maharaj and the transformative impact of his work to all parts of India and the world.

Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Telangana, graced this commemorative event, which was attended by over 50,000 participants in person with millions from 165 countries joining virtually worldwide. 

The  Governor of Telangana inaugurated “Babuji Vanam,” the world’s first energy transmission garden created in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, as a special commemorative legacy project. 

The thematic garden is the first of its kind in the world, featuring forty species of trees that will absorb and radiate Pranahuti, the yogic transmission that nourishes the soul. A central water body in the garden depicts the origin of creation. The garden is meticulously designed to ensure that every drop of water is harvested. The gravel pathways serve as acupressure pathways. The percolation pits and gentle slopes are designed to guide water to a holding pond and hence tap surface water runoff. The trees in the garden have medicinal value as well and include Neem, Red Sandalwood, Tulsi, and Tropical Almond. The biodiversity patch attracts a variety of fauna and birds. A cow pen is also integrated in the garden, not only because they were dear to Babuji but also to enable children to pet them and get closer to nature. The garden is eco-friendly with consciously chosen materials, with stone trails, hedgerows for acoustic calm, and signage with quotes from Babuji and Sahaj Marg literature.

Visitors are encouraged to sit and lean against these trees to experience the subtle energy and deepen their inner stillness. The mandatory practice of silence in the garden helps one come closer to the Divine and guides the heart to deep silence that sustains. 

A special exhibition showcased the life of Babuji Maharaj through a curated display of rare artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia. A digital version of the  exhibition is available for download and this experience is also being shared across 165 countries for their viewing. 

Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “We are the product of the past – what we do now decides our future. What creates the bondage is not only from the past, but also the tendencies from the past give rise to desires. The past and future keep us bound. Move your attention to the Source. The solution is to transcend both the tendencies and the futuristic desires. To arrive at a clean state free from samskaras, Babuji designed the system of Sahaj Marg. He made meditation easier through Pranahuti or yogic Transmission.”

The event also witnessed the release of two special publications, the first of which is a book titled “Holy Tirthankars“, where Rev Daaji captures the essence of the lives of the 24 Jain Tirthankars, illuminating the deep spiritual heritage shared between Jainism and Heartfulness. The book unveils profound insights into the origins and legacy of both traditions, offering timeless wisdom for modern life. More than a historical or philosophical treatise, it is an inspiring call for the common man to embrace a life of spiritual awareness and ecological responsibility, something that is at the core of Babuji’s life philosophy.

The second book, “A Symphony of Love” is a luminous collection of messages received by Mother Hélène Peyret, the devoted scribe of Babuji Maharaj, during her Monday meditation sessions with Rev. Daaji between 2012 and 2015. These intimate and revelatory conversations explore hidden dimensions of human existence, gently expanding the reader’s consciousness.

Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Telangana said, “It is a moment of deep joy celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Babuji Maharaj on the holy day of Akshay Tritiya. In this world of cacophony, silence is a rare luxury. Silence is meditative and regenerative. Inaugurating Babuji Vanam today, which celebrates the great heritage of silence – I understand how to look within, how to regenerate through silence. Kanha has a spiritual atmosphere which says that truth is uncomplicated which what ‘Sahaj Marg’ is. It actually means truth is uncomplicated. Bliss is not an explanation, it should come from experience. This is what Sahaj Marg’s truth is. Swami Vivekananda once said that it is not following a dogma, but that our culture teaches of being and becoming. This holy land is the birthplace of many divine scriptures. Babuji Maharaj’s mission was to teach the world that truth is uncomplicated. Our rishis has always taught us to experience the truth.”

As part of the program, a captivating projection mapping created with support from the MInistry of Culture brought to life the journey of Babuji Maharaj, tracing his early years, spiritual awakening, and transformative impact on humanity. The visual narrative, set against the backdrop of Kanha Shanti Vanam, mesmerized the audience and offered a heartfelt tribute to his timeless legacy.

The closing ceremony of the commemoration of 125th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of beloved Babuji in 2025 concluded with the musical performance by Ms Sniti Mishra. The spiritually uplifting music resonated with lakhs of participants worldwide, inspiring them to imbibe the noble qualities of Babuji Maharaj.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

 pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2125609) Visitor Counter : 68

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah thanks Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the Cabinet decision to fix the FRP of sugarcane at ₹355 per quintal for year 2025-26 and approve 4-lane Greenfield National Highway from Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya to Panchgram in Assam

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah thanks Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the Cabinet decision to fix the FRP of sugarcane at ₹355 per quintal for year 2025-26 and approve 4-lane Greenfield National Highway from Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya to Panchgram in Assam

This decision of the Modi Government will benefit about 5 crore sugarcane farmers and their families as well as about 5 lakh workers employed in sugar mills

Committed to the prosperity of sugarcane farmers and increasing their income, this decision by Modiji will make the lives of farmers even better and easier

Home Minister says, development of the Northeast has always been a top priority of the Modi government

This decision will open a new fast lane of development for the Ashtalakshmi of Bharat by making transportation safer and seamless

Posted On: 30 APR 2025 8:21PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the Cabinet decision to fix the FRP of sugarcane at ₹355 per quintal for year 2025-26 and approve 4-lane Greenfield National Highway from Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya to Panchgram in Assam.

On a post on X platform, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that Modi Government’s gift to sugarcane farmers, this decision will benefit about 5 crore sugarcane farmers and their families as well as about 5 lakh workers employed in sugar mills

Shri Amit Shah said that committed to the prosperity of sugarcane farmers and increasing their income, this decision by Modiji will make the lives of farmers even better and easier.

In another post, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that development of the Northeast has always been a top priority of the Modi government. He congratulated our sisters and brothers of the Northeast on the approval of the 4-lane Greenfield National Highway from Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya to Panchgram in Assam. Shri Shah said that this decision will open a new fast lane of development for the Ashtalakshmi of Bharat by making transportation safer and seamless. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for this game-changing decision.

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RK / VV / RR / PS

(Release ID: 2125604) Visitor Counter : 79

Read this release in: Hindi

Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh Takes Charge as Director General & CEO of Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs(IICA), bringing Over 30 Years of Expertise in Finance, Law, and Governance

Source: Government of India

Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh Takes Charge as Director General & CEO of Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs(IICA), bringing Over 30 Years of Expertise in Finance, Law, and Governance

Shri Singh has served in key positions in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs including IEPFA, IBBI, and other important institutions

Posted On: 30 APR 2025 7:51PM by PIB Delhi

 Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, a distinguished officer of the Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS), 1992 batch, has assumed charge as the new Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), which is a think tank under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Shri Singh brings with him a wealth of experience in Finance, Corporate law, Insolvency, Corporate Social Responsibility, ESG Reporting, Public Policy, E-Governance, and Capacity Building.

 

He has previously served in various key roles including Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, CEO of the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), and as Member of the Governing Body of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).  He was also Government nominee to the Central Council of the Indian Institute of Company Secretaries and Indian Institute of Chartered Accountants of India from 2019 -2021. Notably, he also held the position of DG & CEO of IICA during 2017–18, when he led a remarkable turnaround of the institute, making it financially self-sustaining.

He was Member Secretary of the Insolvency Law Committee (ILC) from 2018 to 2021.He played an important role in implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and subsequent amendments to the code up including amendment Act on Pre-packaged insolvency resolution, thereby making the Code more responsive to the needs of the economy. He also made significant contribution in establishment and strengtheningof many new institutions in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs such as NCLT, NCLAT, IEPFA and IBBI.

 He possesses core competency in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and played a pivotal role in assisting the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in launching the National CSR Awards Scheme, which aims to benchmark best CSR practices across the country. He also served as the Member & Convener of the High-Level Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility, contributing significantly to the finalization and submission of the committee’s report in 2019. Furthermore, he played a critical role in overhauling the CSR Rules, 2014, including revamping reporting formats and development of transparent systems for CSR disclosures, enhancing ease of doing business and minimising discretion.

A thought leader in sustainable corporate governance, Shri Singh chaired the Committee on Business Responsibility Reporting (BRR) and submitted a comprehensive report in August 2020. This landmark work laid the foundation for SEBI’s mandate on Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) for the top 1000 listed companies on a voluntary basis from FY 2021–22.

Shri Singh holds academic degrees from prestigious institutions including JNU (MA &M.Phil in Sociology), FMS Delhi (MBA in Finance), and Delhi University (LLB and BA Hons in History). His international stint as Capacity Development Advisor with UNDP Afghanistan adds a global dimension to his profile.

His return to IICA signals a promising new chapter for the institute as it continues to serve as a think tank, policy laboratory, and capacity development hub under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Shri Singh’s visionary leadership is expected to further IICA’s mission of promoting responsible corporate governance, sustainability, and innovation in India’s dynamic business environment.

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NB/AD

(Release ID: 2125595) Visitor Counter : 91

NHAI to develop 6-lane Access Controlled Agra-Gwalior Greenfield Expressway on BOT (Toll) Mode

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 30 APR 2025 7:46PM by PIB Delhi

To enhance connectivity between the tourism hubs of Agra and Gwalior, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will develop 88 km long 6-lane access controlled Agra-Gwalior Greenfield Expressway (NH-719D). NHAI, today signed a concession agreement for the implementation of project with M/s G.R. Infraprojects Ltd., in presence of NHAI Chairman, Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav and senior officials of NHAI and the Concessionaire. The Agra-Gwalior Greenfield Expressway will start from Deori village in Agra and terminate at Susera village in Gwalior. The project shall be developed at a Total Capital Cost  of Rs. 4613 crore (including LA cost) on Build Operate Transfer (Toll) Mode.

The concession period of the contract is 20 years, including construction period of 30 months. The authority will provide construction support of Rs. 820 crore to the Concessionaire during the construction period, which will be linked to the project progress. Overlay/strengthening, road safety and improvement measures for the existing National Highway on NH-44 have also been included in the Agra-Gwalior project agreement.

The project has been awarded on quoted @17 .170 % premium in the form of revenue shares of the realisable fee against expected premium @2.42%. The premium shall be payable from Second year post project completion which will be increased by 1% of the realisable free every year in subsequent years for remaining concession period.

The greenfield access controlled expressway will traverse through the states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. It will not only provide high-speed connectivity between Agra and Gwalior but also will help to decongest various cities and industrial areas on the existing Agra-Gwalior Section of NH-44. The expressway will cut travel time, reduce carbon footprint and enhance logistics efficiency of commercial and freight movement between Agra, Dholpur, Morena and Gwalior.

The greenfield expressway will feature eight major bridges, 23 minor bridges, six flyovers, one Rail-Over-Bridge and 192 culverts. The project will also pass through the National Chambal wildlife sanctuary. As part of wildlife mitigation measures, a cable stayed bridge on river Chambal has been planned for the conservation of ‘Gadiyal’ in the river waters. Apart from this, other wildlife mitigation measures such as sound barriers and light cutters will also be provided on the bridge.

The Government of India has been encouraging Public-Private Partnership for Build-Operate-Transfer (Toll) projects. Recently, NHAI signed a concession agreement to develop 121 km long Guwahati Ring Road on Build Operate Transfer (Toll) mode. Robust Public-Private Partnership in the road sector will contribute towards the development as well as operations and maintenance of world class National Highway Network in the country.

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GDH/HR

(Release ID: 2125590) Visitor Counter : 34

WAVES 2025 CreatoSphere – Showcasing the Ingenuity of ‘Create in India Challenges’

Source: Government of India

WAVES 2025 CreatoSphere – Showcasing the Ingenuity of ‘Create in India Challenges’

‘WAVES Creator Awards’ to celebrate and foster creative talents and potential in India and the world

Posted On: 30 APR 2025 7:28PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 30 April 2025

 

The Create in India Challenge (CIC) Season 1, launched as a flagship initiative under the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), is gearing up for a spectacular finale starting tomorrow at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai. Notably, CIC Season 1 has achieved a major milestone, crossing 1 lakh registrations, with the total number now standing at an impressive 1,01,349. The initiative has drawn participants from over 60 countries, underlining its global appeal and reach. From this exceptional pool of talent, 750 finalists will get the opportunity to showcase their creative skills and outcomes at CreatoSphere—a specially curated platform featuring innovation across animation, comics, AI, XR, gaming, music, and more, as part of WAVES 2025.

What is CreatoSphere?
CreatoSphere is an immersive universe of innovation and ingenuity, curated as the ultimate destination for transforming ideas into experiences. A space where creators take center stage, it celebrates the spirit of imagination, experimentation, and artistic excellence across a wide spectrum of media and entertainment sectors—from virtual reality to films, VFX to comics, animation to gaming, and from music to broadcasting and digital media. Here, the top creative minds from around the world—the finalists of the ‘Create in India Challenges’—come together to spark dialogue, ignite innovation, build partnerships, and showcase their work while connecting India’s creative energy with global audiences.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision and mission of “Create in India, Create for the World” lies at the heart of the ‘Create in India Challenges’ and is encapsulated in its motto ‘Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries’. This initiative, a core component of WAVES, has emerged as a powerful expression of India’s creative ambition, reaffirming the nation’s rising leadership in the global media and entertainment industry and shaping the future of the sector. It truly embodies the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—an ancient Indian philosophy that sees the world as one family.

The scale and impact of Create in India Challenge Season 1 are unprecedented, transforming the initiative into a global creative movement. With over 1,100 international entries, these challenges have become truly global in their very first season. The top-class jury, with its keen insights and robust selection criteria, has shortlisted the best finalists across all challenges to showcase their ingenuity at CreatoSphere—including participants from all 28 States and 8 Union Territories of India, as well as from over 20 countries. These achievements underscore the diversity, excellence, and global resonance of the Create in India Challenge and CreatoSphere.

 

Over four dynamic days, delegates, creators, and participants will experience a vibrant confluence of creativity, learning, and unity in diversity. Through specially curated masterclasses, panel discussions, workshops, presentations, and showcases, CreatoSphere fosters meaningful dialogue and forward-looking ideas in a professional setting. It brings together sectors such as AVGC-XR, broadcasting, films, music, digital, and social media. Nine specialised zones—Virtual Lok, VFX Vault, Film Fiesta, Animation Alley, Comic Kona, Music Mania, AIRWAVES, Digital Domain, and Game On—will showcase the pioneering outcomes of these challenges.

To provide a platform for the young creators of tomorrow, CreatoSphere also features the grand ‘Creators Awards’ ceremony—a red-carpet event honouring the winners of the Create in India Challenges with the prestigious ‘WAVES Creator Awards’. This gala celebration will confer top honours on creative champions in the presence of renowned artists, celebrities, and industry leaders from the M&E sector. The winners of the musical challenges will captivate audiences with their most enchanting compositions. CreatoSphere thus serves both as a hub of innovation and a cultural carnival, celebrating the multiverse of India’s creative prowess.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Lakshmipriya/ Sriyanka/ Darshana | 120

 

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(Release ID: 2125587) Visitor Counter : 77

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah hails the decision of the CCPA led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to include caste census in the upcoming census as a historic decision of the Modi Government under its commitment to social justice

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah hails the decision of the CCPA led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to include caste census in the upcoming census as a historic decision of the Modi Government under its commitment to social justice

The Modi government’s decision will empower all economically and socially backward classes and promote inclusion

This decision gives a message of strong commitment towards social equality and the rights of every section

The main opposition party and its allies opposed the caste census for decades while in power and played politics over it while in the opposition

Posted On: 30 APR 2025 6:57PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah hailed the decision of Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to include caste census in the upcoming census as a historic decision of the Modi Government under its commitment to social justice.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation in a post on X platform said, the CCPA meeting held under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji today corrected a historical wrong by deciding in favour of the integration of caste enumeration with the population census, and sent the message of its firm commitment to social equity and rights for every section of the society.

Shri Amit Shah said, the Congress and its allied parties opposed caste enumeration when they wielded power for decades but made it their electoral plank when in opposition. This decision will empower all economically and socially disadvantaged sections, promote inclusion, and pave new paths for the progress of the underprivileged.

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RK/VV/RR/PS

(Release ID: 2125576) Visitor Counter : 65

Read this release in: Hindi

INS KOCHI ARRIVES AT MALE, MALDIVES FOR HANDING OVER MNDF CGS HURAVEE

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 30 APR 2025 6:48PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Navy’s frontline Guided Missile Destroyer, INS Kochi, arrived at Male, Maldives, on 28 Apr 25 with Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) CGS Huravee, which underwent Normal Refit at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai from Dec 24 till Apr 25.

Shri G. Balasubramanian, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, handed over MNDF CGS Huravee to Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force, MNDF, at a ceremony held at the MNDF Coast Guard Jetty.

INS Kochi’s visit highlights the strong maritime links between India and the Maldives and emphasises the Indian Navy’s commitment to security, peace and freedom of navigation in the region. In keeping with the two nations’ friendly relations, Maldivian authorities warmly welcomed the ship.

As part of the ship’s visit, Capt Mahesh C Moudgil, Commanding Officer, INS Kochi, called on Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force, MNDF and Brig Gen Mohammed Saleem, Commandant, Coast Guard MNDF.

During the ship’s stay in harbour, bilateral meetings, cross-deck visits and sports fixtures have been planned between the Indian Navy and the MNDF.

INS Kochi was commissioned on 30 Sept 15 and is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, which is based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command.

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VM/SKS     

(Release ID: 2125571) Visitor Counter : 33