The 15th National Games Beach Volleyball test event held at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay between April 18 and 20 concluded successfully, the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO) said today.
The three-day test event, with the participation of nine men’s teams and eight women’s teams, was organised by the NGCO and co-organised by the Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China, with the China Volleyball Association as adviser.
Participating teams in the men’s and women’s tournaments first competed in the group stage before they reached the knockout round. Wong Pui-lam and Chong Kei-loi finally triumphed in the men’s tournament, while Tsang Ngok-ling and Wong Man-ching claimed the championship title in the women’s tournament.
The test event covered a wide array of areas, including the operation and procedures of events, organisation of competition, setup of function rooms, information systems, medical services, security, broadcast arrangements, sports presentation and award presentation, and volunteer services.
Around 1,300 national games volunteers participated in the three-day test event, providing services including assistance at the event, audience services inside and outside the venue, assistance at accreditation and security check counters.
Among the volunteers, around 170 were on duty daily throughout the event and responsible for rendering support at the competition venue, such as levelling sand at the main court and side court, retrieving balls and operating manual scoreboards.
The NGCO and related government departments and units, including the Hospital Authority, the Fire Services Department and the Auxiliary Medical Service as well as the Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China, conducted a simulation exercise on April 19 at the venue to enhance the capabilities of each department and unit in dealing with contingencies during the event.
NGCO Head Yeung Tak-keung said that it will review the event procedures and other details with various related organisations and government departments, with a view to better preparing for the official events to be held in November.
WAVES Film Poster Making Challenge Announces Top 50 Digital Poster Winners Final Awards to Be Revealed at WAVES in Mumbai
10 Selected to Compete at Live Hand-Painted Poster Making Competition at WAVES
Posted On: 19 APR 2025 1:00PM by PIB Mumbai
April 17, 2025
The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) has announced the Top 50 digital poster winners of its Film Poster Making Challenge following an overwhelming response from artists across India. The competition received 542 digital submissions reflecting the passion and innovation of emerging visual storytellers. In the Hand-Painted Poster Making Competition, 10 entries have been chosen from different art institutions across the country. The winners will be selected at the live finale set to take place during the WAVE Summit in Mumbai.
Digital Poster Making Competition
The jury comprising Aditya Arya, Photographer and Founder Director, Museo Camera Gurugram, and Ananda Moy Banerji, Artist Printmaker and Vice Principal, South Delhi Polytechnic for Women, along with co-organisers Imagenation Street Art and National Film Development Corporation-National Film Achieves India conducted a rigorous multi-stage evaluation. From a preliminary shortlist of 197 posters, the jury selected the final top 50 based on creativity, originality and storytelling impact.
Among the top 50, three standout finalists have been identified (in alphabetical order):
Saptosindhu Sengupta
Shivangi Sarmah Kashyap
Suresh D Nair
The final rankings of the top three will be announced at the WAVE Summit scheduled to take place in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, 2025. The 50 winning posters will also be digitally exhibited at the summit offering participants a valuable platform for visibility and recognition.
Hand-Painted Poster Art to Be Celebrated with Live Competition at WAVES
The WAVES will also host a Live Hand-Painted Film Poster Making Competition shining a spotlight on a traditional art form that once defined Indian cinema’s visual identity. Evoking the spirit of legendary artists such as MF Husain and SM Pandit, this segment honors the rich heritage of hand-painted posters.
Out of all entries, 10 student artists have been selected to participate in the live competition at the WAVES. The event will showcase their skills as they create hand-painted film posters in real time. The top three winners will be recognized and awarded for their outstanding contributions to this culturally significant medium.
About Film Poster Making Challenge
The WAVES Film Poster Making Challenge is part of a broader initiative to celebrate cinematic art, foster emerging talent, and bridge traditional and contemporary forms of visual storytelling. For more information and the complete list of winners, visit: 👉 https://www.nfdcindia.com/waves-poster-challenge-2025/
About WAVES
The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit, a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.
Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.
WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Extended Reality.
WAVES 2025 Animation Film makers Challenge announces top 42 finalists WAVES brings to the fore a global showcase of original Animation, VFX, AR/VR & Virtual Productions
Talented finalists of animation film-making competition to pitch their projects in WAVES 2025
Posted On: 19 APR 2025 12:03PM by PIB Mumbai
: Mumbai, April 19, 2025
The finalists of the Animation Film Makers Competition (AFC) being held as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge Season-1’ of WAVES 2025 has been announced. The best 42 projects, focussing on original storytelling across the entire spectrum of animation, encompassing traditional animation, VFX, Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR), and virtual production, have made it to the final round. These talented participants will now have the opportunity to pitch their original projects during the WAVE Summit which will be held in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025. The top 3 winners will each receive a cash prize of up to INR 5 Lakhs.
The selection of the top-42 finalists was the result of a rigorous nine-month evaluation process led by the Dancing Atoms team, in collaboration with the WAVES team. The dedicated efforts of the participants were complemented by the discerning expertise of an esteemed panel of national and international jury members, including:
● Anu Singh
● Farrukh Dhondy
● Dan Sarto
● James Knight
● Jan Nagel
● Gianmarco Serra
● Indu Ramchandani
The talented finalists, who will now have the opportunity to pitch their original projects in Mumbai, are: Abhijeet Saxena, Anika Rajesh, Anirban Majumder, Anuj Kumar Choudhary, Arundhati Sarkar, Atreyee Poddar, Bhagat Singh Saini, Bhagyashree Satapathy, Bimal Poddar, Catharina Dian Wiraswati S, Gadam Jagadish Prasad Yadav, Gargi Gawthe, Harish Narayan Iyer, Harshita Das, Hirak Jyoti Nath, Isha Chandna, Jacqueline C Ching, Jyothi Kalyan Sura, Khambor Batei Kharjana, Kishore Kumar Kedari, Kiruthika Ramasubramanian, Makam Neha, Martand Anand Ugalmugle, Nandan Balakrishnan, Piyush Kumar, Prasanth Kumar Nagadasi, Prasenjit Singha, Richa Bhutani, Rishav Mohanty, Rohit Sankhla, Sandhra Mary, Sangeeta Poddar, Segun Samson, Shreeyaa Vinayak Pore, Shreya Sachdev, Shrikant S Menon, Srikanth Bhogi, Shubham Tomar, Shweta Subhash Marathe, Sundar Mahalingam, Sukankan Roy, Triparna Maiti, Tuhin Chanda, Vamsi Bandaru, Vetriveare.
The potential economic impact of their projects is significant, with each animated VFX feature film capable of generating employment for 100-300 individuals. WAVES AFC 2025 represents a crucial investment in creative talents of India, fostering job creation and global opportunities. The competition’s ambition extends to fostering international co-productions.
This groundbreaking global initiative, supported by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and spearheaded by Dancing Atoms, marks the first time all four verticals of the AVGC sector are represented under one umbrella in such a competition.
WAVES AFC 2025 garnered an overwhelming response, receiving approximately 1900 registrations and 419 diverse entries from amateur enthusiasts, talented students, and seasoned professionals worldwide. This enthusiastic participation underscores the competition’s vital role in identifying and nurturing fresh creative voices within the animation industry.
Beyond showcasing talent, the initiative has prioritized mentorship at all stages. All contestants, regardless of their final selection, benefited from invaluable masterclasses led by renowned industry leaders such as Academy Award winner Guneet Monga, acclaimed producer Shobu Yarlagadda, and Saraswathi Buyyala. These sessions focused on refining pitching skills and navigating the complexities of the industry. These projects will be pitched to various OTT platforms and key industry players. Dancing Atoms Studios founder Saraswathi Buyyala is actively engaging with embassies from 17 countries (Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Korea, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom) to facilitate collaborations for these top- 42 projects. In order to promote these projects, meetings are also being scheduled with prominent distributors. The top 42 projects represent a diverse spectrum, including 12 feature films, 9 TV series, 3 AR/VR experiences, and 18 short films, offering a rich variety for potential viewers and collaborators.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s crucial support has been instrumental in elevating AFC WAVES 2025 to its current stature. The dedication to fostering original storytelling within the animation, VFX, AR/VR, and virtual production sectors has provided invaluable resources and recognition, empowering emerging talent on a significant platform. This competition and its rigorous screening processes and enriching learning opportunities, underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing India’s creative potential in the dynamic world of animation. Each selected entry offers a unique narrative and showcases diverse creative approaches, including compelling international submissions. Going forward, the future of animation, VFX, AR/VR, and virtual production storytelling will unfold at WAVES AFC 2025.
The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.
Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.
WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).
PM to address programme marking Civil Services Day on 21st April PM to confer Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration
Posted On: 19 APR 2025 1:16PM by PIB Delhi
On the occasion of 17th Civil Services Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will address Civil Servants on 21st April, at around 11 AM, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. He will also confer the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration.
Prime Minister has always encouraged Civil Servants across India to dedicate themselves to the cause of citizens, be committed to public service and strive towards excellence in their work. This year, 16 awards will be given by the Prime Minister in the categories of Holistic Development of Districts, Aspirational Blocks Programme and Innovation to civil servants. They will be recognised for work done for the welfare of common citizens through this.
On the occasion of World Liver Day, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi urged all citizens to adopt mindful eating practices and prioritize healthier living. Stressing the importance of small yet impactful changes, the Prime Minister highlighted that measures such as reducing oil intake can significantly contribute to improving overall health and well-being.
Responding to a post by Union Minister, Shri JP Nadda on X, Shri Modi said:
“Commendable effort to mark #WorldLiverDay with a call for mindful eating and healthier living. Small steps like reducing oil intake can make a big difference. Together, let’s build a fitter, healthier India by raising awareness about obesity. #StopObesity”
Commendable effort to mark #WorldLiverDay with a call for mindful eating and healthier living. Small steps like reducing oil intake can make a big difference. Together, let’s build a fitter, healthier India by raising awareness about obesity. #StopObesityhttps://t.co/CNnlonFHhW
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Director of the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC), Mr Gao Zhidan, at Government House today (April 19) to exchange views on Hong Kong’s preparations for the 15th National Games. The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, also attended the meeting.
Mr Lee welcomed Mr Gao and his delegation to Hong Kong and expressed gratitude for Mr Gao’s opinions and guidance on the preparation work for the 15th National Games in Hong Kong. Mr Lee said he is pleased to meet Mr Gao again since they last met during his visit to Harbin in February. He thanked the GASC for its continued support for Hong Kong’s sports development and noted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will maintain close co-operation with the GASC to further enhance sports exchanges and co-operation, as well as integrated development between Hong Kong and other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Mr Lee said that the HKSAR Government will press ahead with the preparation work for the 15th National Games in Hong Kong and continue to conduct test events to ensure readiness for the official events. The HKSAR Government is committed to working closely with the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Macao Special Administrative Region Government to conduct a simple, safe and wonderful 15th National Games.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The launching ceremony of Hong Kong Reading Week 2025 and 2025 Hong Kong Reading+ at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin was held today (April 19), marking the start of diverse reading activities of the second Hong Kong Reading Week (HKRW) from today until April 27. The event was held by the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Hong Kong Publishing Federation (HKPF).
The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, addressed the ceremony in a video message. The officiating guests at the ceremony included the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the CPC, Mr Su Rongcai; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; the Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Mrs Lowell Cho; and the President of the HKPF, Dr Elvin Lee.
Under the theme “Zoom/LIBRARY”, the HKRW offers an array of activities suitable for people of all ages. To tie in with the HKRW, the HKPF is holding the 2025 Hong Kong Reading+ at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin from April 18 to 27, with activities including author sharing sessions, an exhibition, music performances, and workshops. The HKPL will also introduce its electronic resources to the public and hold handicraft workshops at the venue.
To foster a reading habit among the public, the HKRW will hold about 450 online and on-site events, including “Reading Together for Half an Hour” activities on the Hong Kong Reading for All Day on April 23, an array of fun day activities at the Hong Kong Central Library on April 26 and 27, and a Pop-up Library@Hong Kong Reading Week at D·PARK in Tsuen Wan on April 27.
The HKPL, in collaboration with Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 5, has invited celebrities from various sectors, including artiste Alex Fong and Cantonese opera performer Law Kar-ying to share their reading experiences in short videos and audio clips.
Collaborating with the Art Promotion Office, the HKPL has selected a number of e-books and displayed a series of artistic and creative images with QR codes at various government venues. Members of the public can scan the QR codes and instantly read the e-books, and are encouraged to utilise the HKPL’s electronic resources.
During the HKRW, patrons borrowing physical library materials will receive a bookmark, and children aged 9 or below applying for library cards will receive a height metre.
All activities of the HKRW are free of charge, while seat reservations are required for some events. For details, please visit the website: www.hkpl.gov.hk/hkrw.
The 2025 Hong Kong Reading+ is one of the programmes of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2025. This year, the LCSD presents the third Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, themed “More Than Joy”. For more information, please visit www.pcf.gov.hk/en.
Data Users Conference on insights of latest survey results and key initiatives in macro-economic indicators: Fostering Dialogue Between Data Producers and Data Users
Posted On: 19 APR 2025 11:12AM by PIB Delhi
The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, in line with its continued efforts to strengthen engagement with data users and other stakeholders, is organizing a Data Users Conference in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai, on the 21st April 2025 at the IGIDR campus, Goregaon (East), Mumbai.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) conducts large-scale sample surveys to generate key economic indicators in critical areas such as employment and unemployment, consumption expenditure, and industrial statistics. It also produces essential macroeconomic indicators, including National Accounts and Price Indices. These data sets form the foundation for evidence-based policy formulation and effective governance in India.
The conference is being organized to promote dialogue between data producers and data users, fostering knowledge exchange and discussions on the latest developments in the field. The conference will focus on the following key areas:
Sampling methodologies adopted in surveys
Insights to the latest results of Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES 2023-24)
Recent changes in Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
GDP compilation and base revision
Key initiatives of CPI base updation
The Data Users Conference will be chaired by Dr. Saurabh Garg, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. Neelkanth Mishra, Member, EAC to PM & Chairman, UIDAI, Prof. Basanta Kumar Pradhan, Director, IGIDR, Ms. Geeta Singh Rathore, Director General, National Sample Survey (NSS) and Shri. N.K. Santoshi, Director General, Central Statistics (CS) will grace the occasion and share their insights.
The event will host approximately 250 participants, comprising researchers, academicians, Economists, industrial associations, policymakers, representatives from international organizations, private survey agencies, as well as esteemed institutions from academia and the media. Experts and members of the National Statistical Commission (NSC) and technical committees will also be present.
The technical sessions on National Sample Surveys will provide an overview of the sampling design, computation of multipliers, and estimation of parameters in NSS household surveys. The sessions will also highlight key lessons from the conduct of the Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys (HCES) for 2022–23 and 2023–24, with insights drawn from the latest data releases. A panel discussion will follow to further explore the same. In addition, recent changes in the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) methodology will be presented to enhance users’ understanding and ensure clarity in interpretation.
In the second half, technical sessions on key Macro-economic indicators will be presented on the following topics and each presentation will be followed by a Panel Discussion:
Measurement of GDP and GDP Base Revision — Data Sources, Methodology for compilation of GDP. Sectoral Databases, Measurement Issues, Methodological Improvements proposed in base revision.
Key initiatives on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) Base updation.
The Panel Discussions organised will be chaired by distinguished experts, providing a platform for critical review and discussion of the presented topics. The panels will include a diverse group of experts from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), National Stock Exchange, private survey agencies and academic institutions including IGIDR, IIPS, among others. Post-panel discussions, the floor will be opened for open discussions, offering participants the opportunity to directly engage with the speakers and panelists, thus facilitating dynamic exchange between data users and data producers. To streamline the interactive sessions, participants will be encouraged to submit questions via the Mentimeter platform, ensuring that discussions remain focused and engaging.
The conference aims to foster dialogue on emerging methodologies, survey practices, and the relevance of official statistics in policymaking and research, reaffirming MoSPI’s commitment to improving the statistical ecosystem of the country.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has alerted the public about online booking frauds, especially those targeting religious pilgrims and tourists across the country. These frauds are being perpetrated through fake websites, deceptive social media pages, Facebook posts, and paid advertisements on search engines like Google.
These scams involve the creation of professional-looking but fake websites and social media profiles and WhatsApp accounts offering services such as:
Helicopter booking for Kedarnath, Chaar Dhaam
Guest house and hotel booking for pilgrims
Online cab/taxi service bookings
Holiday packages and religious tours
Unsuspecting individuals, upon making payments through these portals, often realize they have been duped when no confirmation or service is received, and the contact numbers go unreachable.
People are advised to exercise extreme caution:
Always verify the authenticity of websites before making any payments.
Verify before clicking on “sponsored” or unknown links on Google, Facebook, or WhatsApp.
Cross-check bookings only through official government portals or trusted travel agencies.
Report such websites immediately at the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal:www.cybercrime.gov.inor call 1930 in case of any frauds.
The second edition of the Tri-services Future Warfare Course will be held at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi from April 21 to May 09, 2025. The course is being conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and coordinated by the Tri-services think-tank, Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
Building on the success of the first course held in September 2024, this expanded three-week program continues the vision of Chief of the Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan to prepare officers for the complex challenges of modern warfare. The course maintains its rank-agnostic approach, albeit with an enhanced and diverse participation.
This edition features an enhanced curriculum covering specialised subjects and domain-specific warfare developments in military operations. It focuses on developing an erudite understanding on how war fighting is being impacted by technology, necessitating a relook at the thinking, concepts, doctrines, strategies and Tactics, Techniques and Procedures. It will align operational priorities with the capabilities of the indigenous defence industry and enable a free-flowing discussion on the various facets of modern and futuristic war fighting.
The attendees in the course range from Major Generals to Majors and their equivalent officers from other Services, along with representatives from other Departments under the Ministry of Defence, including DRDO, as well as the defence industry incorporating start-ups, MSMEs, DPSUs and private industry.
This second edition continues the larger mission of making the Armed Forces ‘future ready’ fostering Jointness and Integration among the Services and developing strategic leaders equipped to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of modern warfare.