News Headline
India M&E industry projected to reach $100 billion by 2030: Apurva Chandra
Mumbai: The Indian media and entertainment industry is valued at $28 billion and is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030 growing at a cumulative growth rate of 12 per cent, said the ministry of information and broadcasting secretary Apurva Chandra. Chandra was addressing a roundtable organised by the India Pavilion at the Dubai Expo.
Chandra mentioned that the MIB will set up an AVGC (animation, visual effects, gaming and comics) task force by the end of March 2022 “with the purpose of formulating the AVGC policy to further facilitate the companies in the sector.”
Chandra was leading a delegation of the ministry comprising actor R Madhavan, Doordarshan director-general Mayank Agarwal, I&B ministry joint secretary Vikram Sahay, Central Board of Film Certification CEO and National Film Development Corp of India managing director Ravinder Bhakar.
The I&B secretary also met with Channel 2 Group Corp chairman Ajay Sethi on the matter of starting a live radio channel in India dedicated to sports. “The current broadcasting of live cricket in India on radio lacks quality and content and there is a delay of around 11 seconds as well,” said Chandra.
Channel 2 Group is ready to invest in infrastructure, marketing, and content and sought the support of the government of India in terms of the channel. The company is in a 60:40 revenue sharing model Prasar Bharati but is not producing content. Channel 2 Group operates FM channels in Dubai, a TV channel in Kenya, Media City, cricket teams in the Caribbean and South Africa among other key activities. The company also owns ICC global cricket radio rights.
SS Rajamouli’s film “RRR” was launched globally at the Dubai Expo in the presence of the I&B secretary, global media houses, and key delegates from India and UAE. The director and actors Ram Charan and NT Rama Rao Jr were also present at the event.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
