•In line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar-Ghar Swadeshi’, the grand inauguration of Khadi Fest 2025 was held at the KVIC headquarters in Mumbai.
•The festival, running until 31st October 2025, was inaugurated by KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar.
•A total of 38 Khadi institutions, 41 PMEGP units, 4 SFURTI clusters, and 3 Village industry units are showcasing their products at the event.
•Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar emphasized that inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Swadeshi mantra, Khadi has become a symbol of a self-reliant and developed India.
Mumbai, October 8, 2025: Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, Shri Manoj Kumar, today inaugurated Khadi Fest 2025 at the KVIC Central Office, Mumbai. On this occasion, a special 20% discount on Khadi products and 10% discount on village industry products was announced. This event will continue until October 31, 2025. In line with fulfilling Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision, Khadi Fest 2025 will promote the message of "Har Ghar Swadeshi , Ghar-Ghar Swadeshi“ and "Garv Se Kaho Yeh Swadeshi Hai", with various exhibitions, workshops, and live demos of Khadi and Village Industries products to encourage the public to adopt Swadeshi products. The event was attended by senior KVIC officials, including CEO Ms. Roop Rashi, Joint CEOs, CVO, and Deputy Chief Executive Officers, Khadi entrepreneurs, artisans, and dignitaries from across the country.
This year’s exhibition features 75 stalls with 86 participants, including 38 Khadi institutions, 41 PMEGP units, 4 SFURTI clusters, and 3 Village Industries units. Visitors can explore a wide array of handcrafted products, including Khadi Silk Sarees of West Bengal, Patola Sarees of Gujarat, Silk Khadi fabrics of Karnataka, Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra, Kanchivaram Silks of Tamil Nadu, Muslin from West Bengal, and cotton fabrics from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Beyond textiles, the exhibition also features V.I. Pottery from Rajasthan, honey from Pune, leather products from Mumbai, soaps, cosmetics, and agarbatti from Bengaluru and Delhi, and Ayurvedic and wellness products, offering a holistic showcase of India’s rural enterprise and innovation.
During the program, Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar, while paying tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, stated that while revered Bapu had made Khadi a symbol of self-reliance and self-dependence, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, through 'Mann Ki Baat', has made Khadi a medium of 'Swadeshi se Samrudhi’ by taking it to every household. He further opined that under the leadership of Prime Minister, campaigns like "Vocal for Local”, "Make in India”, and "Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar-Ghar Swadeshi“ have given Khadi national pride and global recognition. Highlighting the sector’s growth, Shri Manoj Kumar noted that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, Khadi and Village Industries have witnessed significant progress over the last decade. Production increased from ₹27,000 crore to ₹1,16,000 crore and sales have increased from ₹33,000 crore to ₹1,70,000 crore.
Shri Manoj Kumar said, "Seva and Swadeshi are the strength of New India, the foundation of a developed India at 2047. Under the Prime Minister's leadership, Khadi is no longer just a fabric, but a symbol of India's soul and identity." He appealed to all countrymen to adopt Swadeshi clothing and products in their lives and to make the Swadeshi campaign a mass movement. He wished all participants the best in making this event a historic success.
The new international airport and underground metro are set to transform travel and connectivity in Mumbai: PM
A Viksit Bharat is one where there is both momentum and progress, where public welfare is paramount and government schemes make life easier for every citizen: PM
Thanks to the UDAN Yojana, lakhs of people have taken to the skies for the first time in the past decade, fulfilling their dreams: PM
New airports and the UDAN Yojana have made air travel easier while making India the world's third-largest domestic aviation market: PM
Today, India is the youngest country in the world, Our strength lies in our youth: PM
For us, nothing is more important than the safety and security of our nation and its citizens: PM
Posted On: 08 OCT 2025 5:44PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport and also launched and dedicated various developmental projects in Mumbai, Maharashtra today. Welcoming all the dignitaries, Shri Modi extended warm greetings to all attendees. He noted the recent celebration of Vijayadashami and Kojagari Purnima, and conveyed his best wishes for the upcoming Diwali festival
Underscoring that Mumbai’s long wait has ended with the city now receiving its second international airport, the Prime Minister highlighted that this airport will play a major role in establishing the region as one of Asia’s largest connectivity hubs. He also remarked that Mumbai has now received a fully underground metro, which will make travel easier and save time for commuters. Shri Modi described the underground metro as a living symbol of a developing India and noted that in a bustling city like Mumbai, this remarkable metro has been constructed underground while preserving historic buildings. He extended his congratulations to the workers and engineers involved in the project.
Underlining that India offers countless opportunities for its youth, the Prime Minister highlighted the recent launch of the ₹60,000 crore PM Setu scheme aimed at linking numerous ITIs across the country with industry. He noted that starting today, the Maharashtra government has introduced new programs in hundreds of ITIs and technical schools. Through these initiatives, Shri Modi said, students will receive training in emerging technologies such as drones, robotics, electric vehicles, solar energy, and green hydrogen. He extended his best wishes to the youth of Maharashtra.
Shri Modi paid tribute to Maharashtra’s son, Lokneta Shri D. B. Patil, recalling his dedicated service to society and farmers. He remarked that Shri Patil’s spirit of service is an inspiration to all, and his life will continue to motivate those working in public life.
“Today, the entire nation is committed to fulfilling the resolve of a Viksit Bharat—an India defined by both speed and progress, where public welfare is paramount and government schemes simplify citizens’ lives”, emphasised Shri Modi remarking that over the past eleven years, this spirit has guided development efforts across every corner of the country. The Prime Minister highlighted that when Vande Bharat semi high-speed trains run on the tracks, when bullet train projects gain momentum, when wide highways and expressways connect new cities, when long tunnels are carved through mountains, and when tall sea bridges link distant shores, India’s speed and progress become visible. He affirmed that such advancements give new wings to the aspirations of India’s youth.
Shri Modi stated that today’s event continues the momentum of India’s development journey. He highlighted that the Navi Mumbai International Airport is a project that reflects the vision of a developed India. Built on the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the airport is shaped like a lotus flower, symbolizing culture and prosperity. The Prime Minister remarked that this new airport will connect Maharashtra’s farmers to supermarkets in Europe and the Middle East, enabling fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, and fishery products to reach global markets swiftly. He noted that the airport will reduce export costs for nearby small and medium industries, boost investment, and lead to the establishment of new enterprises. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the people of Maharashtra and Mumbai for the new airport.
Underlining that when there is a resolve to fulfill dreams and a strong will to deliver rapid development to citizens, results are inevitable, the Prime Minister highlighted that India’s aviation sector stands as a major testament to this progress. Recalling his 2014 address upon assuming office, Shri Modi reiterated his vision that even those wearing hawaii chappals should be able to travel by air. To realize this dream, it was essential to build new airports across the country. He affirmed that the government took this mission seriously and, over the past eleven years, new airports have been constructed one after another. In 2014, India had only 74 airports; today, the number has crossed 160.
Prime Minister stated that the construction of airports in smaller cities has provided residents with new options for air travel. To address financial constraints, the government launched the UDAN scheme, aimed at making air tickets affordable for the common citizen. He highlighted that over the past decade, millions of people have flown for the first time under this scheme, fulfilling their long-held dreams.
Emphasising that the construction of new airports and the UDAN scheme have provided convenience to citizens, Shri Modi highlighted that India has now become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. He remarked that Indian airlines are continuously expanding and placing orders for hundreds of new aircraft. This growth is creating new opportunities for pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground workers.
Pointing out that as the number of aircraft increases, the demand for maintenance and repair operations also rises, the PM highlighted that India is developing new facilities domestically to meet this need. He affirmed that the goal is to establish India as a major MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) hub by the end of this decade. He noted that this initiative is also creating numerous new employment opportunities for India’s youth.
“India is the youngest country in the world, and its strength lies in its youth”, exclaimed the Prime Minister, emphasising that every government policy is focused on creating maximum employment opportunities for young people. He remarked that increased investment in infrastructure leads to job creation, citing the ₹76,000 crore Vadhavan Port project as an example. He added that when trade expands and the logistics sector gains momentum, employment is generated.
Shri Modi affirmed that India is nurtured in values where national policy forms the basis of politics. For the government, every rupee spent on infrastructure is a means to enhance citizens’ convenience and capability. He contrasted this with a political stream in the country that prioritizes power over public welfare. He stated that such individuals obstruct development work and derail projects through scams and corruption, and that the nation has witnessed such misgovernance for decades.
Noting that the metro line inaugurated today serves as a reminder of the actions of certain previous administrations, Shri Modi recalled participating in its foundation stone ceremony, which had raised hopes among lakhs of Mumbai families for reduced hardships. However, he remarked that a subsequent government halted the project, causing the nation a loss of thousands of crores and prolonged inconvenience for several years. The Prime Minister highlighted that with the completion of this metro line, a journey of two to two-and-a-half hours will now take only 30 to 40 minutes. In a city like Mumbai, where every minute counts, he noted that citizens were deprived of this facility for three to four years, calling it nothing short of a grave injustice.
“For the past eleven years, the government has placed strong emphasis on improving ease of living for citizens”, said the Prime Minister, underscoring that unprecedented investment is being made in facilities such as railways, roads, airports, metros, and electric buses. He cited projects like Atal Setu and the Coastal Road as examples of this development.
Shri Modi further remarked that efforts are underway to integrate all modes of transport to ensure seamless travel, eliminating the need for commuters to switch modes with difficulty. He affirmed that India is progressing towards the vision of One Nation, One Mobility. He noted that the Mumbai One App is another step in this direction, enabling citizens to avoid long queues for tickets. With this app, a single ticket can be used across local trains, buses, metros, and taxis.
Prime Minister stated that Mumbai, being India’s financial capital and one of its most vibrant cities, was targeted by terrorists in the 2008 attacks. He remarked that the government in power at the time sent a message of weakness and appeared to surrender before terrorism. Shri Modi referred to a recent revelation by a senior opposition party leader and former Home Minister, who claimed that after the Mumbai attacks, India’s armed forces were ready to strike Pakistan. He noted that the entire nation supported such action. However, according to the opposition leader, the government halted the military response due to pressure from a foreign country. The Prime Minister demanded that the opposition party clarify who influenced this decision, which he said undermined the sentiments of Mumbai and the nation. He asserted that the opposition party’s weakness emboldened terrorists and compromised national security, a cost the country paid with innocent lives.
“For our government, nothing is more important than the security of the nation and its citizens”, affirmed the Prime Minister, stating that today’s India responds with strength and strikes back within enemy territory, as witnessed and acknowledged globally during Operation Sindoor.
Shri Modi emphasized that empowering the poor, neo-middle class, and middle class is a national priority. He remarked that when these families receive access to facilities and respect, their capabilities grow, and the collective strength of citizens makes the nation stronger. He highlighted that recent next-generation reforms in GST have made several goods more affordable, further enhancing the purchasing power of the people. Citing market data, he noted that this Navratri season broke multi-year sales records, with record numbers of people purchasing scooters, bikes, televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines.
Affirming that the government will continue to take steps that improve citizens’ lives and strengthen the nation, Shri Modi urged everyone to embrace swadeshi and proudly say, “This is swadeshi”—a mantra that should resonate in every home and marketplace. He emphasized that when every citizen buys swadeshi clothes and shoes, brings home swadeshi products, and gives swadeshi gifts, the nation’s wealth remains within the country. This, he said, will generate employment for Indian workers and create jobs for the youth. The Prime Minister encouraged people to imagine the immense strength India will gain when the entire nation adopts swadeshi.
The Prime Minister concluded by stating that Maharashtra has always been at the forefront of accelerating India’s development. He affirmed that their governments at Union and State will continue working tirelessly to enhance the capabilities of every town and village in Maharashtra and extended his congratulations and best wishes to all for the development initiatives.
Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Union Ministers, Shri Ramdas Athawale, Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Japan’s Ambassador to India, Mr. Keiichi Ono were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
In line with his vision of transforming India into a global aviation hub, Prime Minister inaugurated the Phase 1 of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) built at a cost of around Rs. 19,650 crores.
The Navi Mumbai International Airport is India’s largest Greenfield airport project, developed under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP). As the second international airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, NMIA will work in tandem with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to ease congestion and elevate Mumbai into the league of global multi-airport systems. The airport, designed to be among the most efficient in the world with 1160 Ha area, will eventually handle 90 million passengers annually (MPPA) and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo.
Among its unique offerings is an Automated People Mover (APM), a transit system planned to connect all four passenger terminals for smooth inter-terminal transfers, as well as a landside APM linking the city-side infrastructure. In line with sustainable practices, the airport will feature dedicated storage for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), solar power generation of approximately 47 MW, and EV bus services for public connectivity across the city. NMIA will also be the first airport in the country to be connected by Water Taxi.
Prime Minister inaugurated Phase 2B of the Mumbai Metro Line-3, stretching from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade, constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs. 12,200 crore. With this, he will dedicate the entire Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) — to the nation with a total cost of over Rs. 37,270 crore, marking a major milestone in the city’s urban transport transformation.
As Mumbai’s first and only fully underground metro line, this project is set to redefine commuting across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), offering a faster, more efficient, and modern transit solution for millions of residents.
The Mumbai Metro Line–3, spanning 33.5 km from Cuffe Parade to Aarey JVLR with 27 stations, will cater to 13 lakh passengers daily. The final Phase 2B of the project will provide seamless connectivity to South Mumbai’s heritage and cultural districts such as Fort, Kala Ghoda, and Marine Drive, along with direct access to key administrative and financial hubs including the Bombay High Court, Mantralaya, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), and Nariman Point.
The Metro Line-3 has been designed to ensure efficient integration with other modes of transport, including railways, airports, other metro lines, and monorail services, thereby enhancing last-mile connectivity and reducing congestion across the metropolitan region.
Prime Minister also launched “Mumbai One” – Integrated Common Mobility App for 11 Public transport Operators (PTO) across Metro, Monorail, Suburban railways and Bus PTOs. These include Mumbai Metro Line 2A & 7, Mumbai Metro Line 3, Mumbai Metro Line 1, Mumbai Monorail, Navi Mumbai Metro, Mumbai Suburban Railway, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), Thane Municipal Transport, Mira Bhayander Municipal Transport, Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Transport and Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport .
Mumbai One App offers commuters a range of benefits, including integrated mobile ticketing across multiple Public Transport Operators, elimination of queueing by promoting digital transactions, and seamless multimodal connectivity through a single dynamic ticket for trips involving multiple transport modes. It also provides real-time journey updates on delays, alternative routes, and estimated arrival times, along with map-based information on nearby stations, attractions, and points of interest, and an SOS feature to ensure commuter safety. Together, these features enhance convenience, efficiency, and security, transforming the public transportation experience across Mumbai.
Prime Minister also inaugurated the Short-Term Employability Program (STEP), a pioneering initiative by the Department of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation in Maharashtra. The program will be rolled out across 400 Government ITIs and 150 Government Technical High Schools, marking a major step in aligning skill development with industry requirements to enhance employability. STEP will establish 2,500 new training batches, including 364 exclusive batches for women and 408 batches in emerging technology courses such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Electric Vehicles (EV), Solar, and Additive Manufacturing etc.
The inauguration of Phase 1 of Navi Mumbai International Airport and other connectivity projects will strengthen the city's position as a global hub of growth and opportunity. https://t.co/lYUzp3noBX
A Viksit Bharat is one where there is both momentum and progress, where public welfare is paramount and government schemes make life easier for every citizen. pic.twitter.com/neV1TEsjSP
Thanks to the UDAN Yojana, lakhs of people have taken to the skies for the first time in the past decade, fulfilling their dreams. pic.twitter.com/isYS1aHz7u
New airports and the UDAN Yojana have made air travel easier while making India the world's third-largest domestic aviation market. pic.twitter.com/sMM789Ib82
Highlights need for collaborative growth, digital radio rollout, and a simplified policy regime to strengthen India’s media ecosystem
Mumbai, October 8, 2025: At the 25th edition of FICCI FRAMES, Mr. Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), emphasized the need for balanced regulation and innovation to drive the next phase of growth in India’s broadcasting and media industry.
Mr. Lahoti noted that India’s Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector contributed ₹2.5 trillion to the economy in 2024 and is projected to cross ₹3 trillion by 2027. The television and broadcasting segment alone generated nearly ₹680 billion last year.
He highlighted the sector’s transformation from analog to digital and now 4K broadcasting, complemented by the growth of Smart TVs, 5G, and OTT platforms serving over 600 million users. Despite this surge, linear television remains the primary medium across 190 million TV households.
“TRAI’s approach is to enable orderly growth through innovation and fair competition while ensuring transparency for consumers and protection for smaller players,” said Mr. Lahoti.
Citing recent regulatory reforms, he referred to TRAI’s amendments to the Cable and TV Broadcasting Framework and the proposed authorization-based regime under the Telecommunication Act, 2023, aimed at improving ease of doing business and simplifying compliance.
Mr. Lahoti also highlighted TRAI’s recommendations for the launch of digital radio broadcasting in major Indian cities to strengthen the FM ecosystem and modernize India’s audio landscape.
He concluded by reaffirming TRAI’s commitment to working with industry stakeholders to realize the Prime Minister’s vision of an “Orange Economy” powered by content, creativity, and culture.
MUMBAI, October 8, 2025:The second day of the prestigious FICCI Frames Silver Jubilee Edition turned the spotlight on the national capital as it hosted a high-impact roundtable titled “Made in Delhi: A Creative Capital Rising.” This dynamic session brought together policymakers and creative industry stalwarts to explore Delhi’s growing role as a cinematic and storytelling hub.
Chaired by Kapil Mishra, Minister for Art & Culture, Tourism, Government of NCT of Delhi, the roundtable marked a significant moment in Delhi’s journey toward becoming a creative powerhouse. Attendees included filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Actress Divya Dutta, actor Rajat Kapoor, Mahima Kaul, Director, Public Policy, Netflix India, of Sabbas Joseph, CEO, Wizcraft, Aravamudhan K, Head of Public Policy, Jiostar, Ashish Kulkarni, Shilangi Mukherjee, Director, head of SVOD, Business, Amazon Prime, Uday Singh, MD, MPA and Prasoon Garg, CBO, Applause Entertainment to name a new.
At the heart of the discussion were three key themes: Film Policy, Festivals, and the Future of Storytelling. The session served as a strategic platform for dialogue between representatives of the Delhi Government and leaders from the film, OTT, and media sectors. It aimed to unlock collaborative opportunities in content creation, production, and storytelling rooted in Delhi’s unique cultural identity. Actor Pratik Gandhi and Anil Kapoor dropped in to meet Kapil Mishra and discussed their experiences shooting in the capital.
Minister Kapil Mishra emphasized the city’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation. “Delhi is not just a city; it’s a canvas of stories waiting to be told. With our Film Policy, diverse talent pool, modern and historical richness, we are ready to welcome storytellers from across the globe,” he stated.
A major highlight was the announcement of the upcoming Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF) as a flagship platform to showcase talent, build global partnerships, and catalyze the capital’s creative economy.
The session concluded with a shared vision to transform Delhi into not just a filming location, but a global storytelling capital. As FICCI Frames continues to provide a fertile ground for dialogue and innovation, this roundtable marked a pivotal step in scripting Delhi’s next cinematic chapter.
As part of the ongoing National Postal Week 2025 celebrations (6th–10th October 2025), the Maharashtra Postal Circle Celebrated Philately Day today with a special function held at the Mumbai GPO Heritage Building (East Wing, Ground Floor) at 11:00 AM.
The event was presided over by Shri Amitabh Singh, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle.
To mark the occasion, a Special Cancellation on Philately Day was released by the Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle.
This was followed by the release of a book titled “India Post Cards 1949–2025” authored by eminent philatelist Shri Pratisad Neurgaonkar. The book chronicles the evolution of Indian postcards over the decades and serves as a valuable reference for philatelists and collectors.
Thereafter, Ranisaheb Shubhadadevi Bhonsle from the Sawantwadi Royal Family enlightened the gathering about the history and cultural significance of Sawantwadi Ganjifa cards, an ancient Indian art form known for its intricate hand-painted designs and mythological themes.
Following this, a set of 10 Picture Postcards on “Sawantwadi Ganjifa Cards”, depicting beautiful images of the Dashavatara (Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu), was formally released by the Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle, accompanied by a Special Cancellation.
After the releases, Shri Amitabh Singh, CPMG Maharashtra Circle, addressed the gathering, highlighting the Department of Posts’ enduring commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich artistic and cultural traditions through philatelic materials. He also emphasized that philately continues to play a vital role in connecting people, promoting heritage, and nurturing creativity among youth.
The function was graced by the Royal Family of Sawantwadi, represented by:
•Rajesaheb Khem Sawant Bhonsle
•Ranisaheb Shubhadadevi Bhonsle
•Yuvraj Lakham Sawant Bhonsle
•Yuvrani Shraddha Lakham Sawant Bhonsle
Senior Postal officers who shared the dais included:
•Ms. Jayati Samaddar, General Manager (Fin), Maharashtra Circle,
•Shri Manoj Kumar, Director Postal Services (Mails & Business Development)
•Smt. Kaiya Arora, Director Postal Services (Mumbai Region)
•Ms. Simran Kaur, Director Postal Services (HeadQuarter)
•Smt Rekha Q.A. Rizvi, Director Mumbai GPO
The event was also attended by other eminent guests from the Royal Family of Sawantwadi, noted philatelists, and members of the public, who appreciated the Department’s efforts to celebrate and revive traditional Indian art forms through philately.
About Ganjifa Cards:
Ganjifa (also spelled Ganjapa, Ganjappa, or Ganjipha) is a traditional Indian card game known for its rich history, artistic detail, and cultural symbolism. Originating in ancient India, these hand-painted circular cards often depict religious and mythological themes, especially the Dashavatara — the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
The art form flourished under royal patronage in regions such as Sawantwadi (Maharashtra), Odisha, and Mysore, each developing distinctive styles. Traditionally made of cloth, palm leaf, or handmade paper, Ganjifa cards are meticulously painted with natural dyes and lacquered finishes.
Today, Ganjifa is a rare and endangered folk art, with only a few artisans continuing the craft. Through this release, the Department of Posts seeks to raise awareness and support the revival of this valuable heritage.
Calling technology a powerful catalyst for innovation in the media and entertainment landscape, Prasar Bharati Chief Executive Officer Shri Gaurav Dwivedi said that artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools are revolutionizing how stories are conceived, created, and consumed — yet human creativity remains the soul of storytelling.
Speaking at FICCI FRAMES 2025 during the panel discussion titled “The Connectivity Catalyst: Impact that New-Age Networks Have Had on Media & Entertainment,” Dwivedi described the current era as one of unprecedented transformation where technology and imagination must work hand in hand.
“Technology has drastically shortened the content creation cycle — what once took months now takes minutes. AI and modern digital tools are empowering creators to deliver faster and more efficiently. But while technology enhances the process, it cannot replace the creative instincts and emotional intelligence of human storytellers,” he said.
Addressing the growing influence of AI in content personalization, Dwivedi noted that advanced algorithms have enabled audiences to experience highly tailored entertainment, but balance is key. “AI-driven personalization is exciting and dynamic, yet it also presents challenges such as fragmented exposure and echo chambers, particularly on social media platforms. The goal must be to use technology responsibly — to inform, not isolate audiences,” he explained.
Highlighting Prasar Bharati’s technological evolution, Dwivedi said that India’s public broadcaster is embracing digital transformation with the launch of its own Over-The-Top (OTT) platform. “Prasar Bharati now operates across broadcasting, digital, and streaming spaces. Through our OTT platform, we’re offering archival and broadcast content directly to audiences and creating new opportunities for collaboration with private broadcasters,” he said.
The panel was moderated by Ms. Shibani Gharat, Senior Anchor and Associate Executive Producer at CNBC TV18 and CNBC Awaaz. The distinguished speakers included Shri Shashi Shekhar Vempati, Co-Founder of DeepTech for Bharat Foundation (AI4India.org) and Former CEO of Prasar Bharati; Mr. Premal Gandhi, Senior Director – Corporate Business, Hughes Communications India Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Sanjay Thakur, Senior Vice President – Network Planning & Engineering, Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited; Mr. Brajendra Bhuwan Urmalia, Vice President – Maritime Business, Nelco Ltd.; and Mr. Suhail Zaidi, Director General, Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT).
The session explored how falling broadband prices, mass mobile adoption, and early smartphone penetration have shaped India’s media ecosystem over the past 25 years. The experts envisioned a future where connectivity, AI, and human ingenuity together drive a more creative, accessible, and inclusive media landscape for India and the world.
Industry has grown from ₹25,000 crore in 2000 to about ₹2.5 lakh crore today: Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Mumbai, 7 October 2025: Speaking during a fireside chat at the 25th edition of FICCI Frames, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, announced an ambitious four-year timeline to transform Mumbai's Film City in Goregaon into a world-class film ecosystem, signalling the state's determination to cement India's position as a global content production hub.
The fireside chat with Renowned Actor & Producer, Padma Shri Akshay Kumar, saw CM Fadnavis acknowledging that the project had remained unexecuted during his previous tenure between 2014 and 2019 despite extensive planning. 'This time I have decided that we will convert Film City into a world-class film ecosystem,' he told Akshay Kumar, who directly requested the chief minister to prioritise the transformation. The chief minister added that the transformation would begin within a year.
The announcement comes as India's creative economy reaches an inflection point, with the media and entertainment sector expanding tenfold over the past quarter century. MrSanjay Jaju, Secretary, Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, revealed that the industry has grown from ₹25,000 crore in 2000 to about ₹2.5 lakh crore today.
Bollywood Star and FICCI Framed Ambassador, Mr Ayushmann Khurrana, said the silver jubilee edition of the event reflects the platform's role in unifying creative professionals and shaping the Indian entertainment industry over a quarter century. 'Indian stories and talents are bringing us global recognition, with FICCI at the forefront acting as a catalyst for change,' the national film award-winning actor said. 'We have more than a billion stories to tell and today is our time.'
Shri Fadnavis also pledged to develop specific strategies to connect younger audiences with Marathi cinema, acknowledging that the state government had not previously made targeted efforts despite the regional industry's creative strength. 'You have given me a new mantra — how to connect Gen Z to Marathi films. Now I will work on this,' he told actor Akshay Kumar.
The Film City redevelopment will incorporate state-of-the-art studios designed to accommodate emerging technologies including virtual production, artificial intelligence and advanced visual effects capabilities. The site already houses the Indian Institute of Creative Technology, a unique institution owned 52 per cent by industry bodies, such as FICCI, with the remainder held by the governments of Maharashtra and India.
Mr Jaju outlined the government's broader vision for the sector, highlighting that digital media is growing at twice the rate of India's GDP, whilst the animation, visual effects, gaming and extended reality segment is expanding at 30 per cent annually. Indian content now travels to over 200 countries, he noted, carried by streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime and JioStar.
The secretary identified several critical challenges facing the industry, including piracy, which has implications for national security and money laundering, misinformation eroding public trust, and the need for fair revenue distribution to content creators. 'It's important that this growth comes with great responsibility,' he said, emphasising the government's commitment to balancing expansion with ethical standards.
Mr Anant Goenka, Senior Vice President, FICCI and Vice Chairman of RPG Group, said the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology represents a milestone for the industry. The institution, conceived as an industry-led platform, addresses critical needs including workforce skilling, research and development, innovation and policy alignment whilst supporting states in framing animation, visual effects, gaming and extended reality policies.
FICCI Frames, marking its silver jubilee, has evolved alongside the industry since the government formally granted media and entertainment industry status in 2001. That designation opened institutional finance channels, enabling capital inflows and risk-taking in content, infrastructure and technology. Goenka described the platform as 'the bridge between government, industry and academia', noting that media and entertainment serves as a pillar of India's soft power and cultural diversity.
Mr Kevin Vaz, Chairman, FICCI's Media and Entertainment Committee and CEO, Entertainment at JioStar,noted that over the past 25 years, FRAMES has mirrored the extraordinary journey of India’s media and entertainment sector, from being granted industry status to emerging as a global creative force. As we enter a new era, our collective focus must be on enabling sustainable growth through innovation, collaboration and light-touch regulation that empowers creativity. With business, technology and storytelling moving together, India’s M&E industry will not just grow, it will lead the world.
Adv. Shri Ashish Babaji Shelar, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra, said the state's media and entertainment sector contributes over ₹2 lakh crore to the regional GDP. The government is rolling out a comprehensive film policy and developing new film cities across Maharashtra to accommodate growing demand.
The inaugural session also featured a session titled Media Masterminds: Keynotes by Industry Stalwarts,bringing together leaders from across the media and entertainment spectrum to examine the forces shaping their respective ecosystems and the intersections between their industries. Speakers included MrAroon Purie, founding chairman and editor-in-chief of India Today Group; MrAnil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, TRAI; Ms Sandhya Devanathan, co-chair of FICCI's Media and Entertainment Committee and vice president for India and South-East Asia at Meta; and MrSam Balsara, Chairman, Madison World.
Mr Ashish Kulkarni, Chief Mentor, FICCI FRAMES & Frame Your Idea; Founder, Punnaryug Artvision, delivered the Vote of Thanks.
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