iWorld
ThuDo Multimedia welcomes Yeeshu Baijal as country director
MUMBAI: Two decades – long enough for a fledgling to become a master.
For Yeeshu Baijal, 20 years have been a journey of mastering the art of broadcast, shaping trends, and redefining industry standards.
Now, this seasoned leader steps into the spotlight as ThuDo Multimedia India appoints him as country director, entrusting him with the helm to steer their growth and innovation in the ever-evolving Indian OTT multimedia landscape.
Baijal’s extensive career includes significant roles at leading firms such as ABV International, where he served as sales head for SAARC countries. In this capacity, he was instrumental in driving business development and establishing strategic partnerships across the region. His leadership was pivotal in expanding ABV International’s footprint and enhancing its market presence.
Prior to his tenure at ABV International, Baijal held key positions at various organisations like TRIAX A/S regional manager; Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd manager- network sales & development; Zee Turner Ltd area sales manager; Disney Star territory manager, contributing to their growth and success through his deep understanding of the broadcast and media landscape. His career trajectory reflects a consistent commitment to innovation and excellence in service delivery.
At ThuDo Multimedia India, Baijal will oversee the deployment of Sigma OTT—a comprehensive solution designed to meet the diverse needs of broadcast and media operators worldwide. Sigma OTT’s suite of products addresses critical challenges, including content protection through Sigma DRM and revenue generation via Sigma Interactive, a value-added portal for broadcasters.
iWorld
Govt pushes live events sector to Rs 196 billion by 2028
LEDC roadmap targets 15–20 million jobs and global hub status by 2030
MUMBAI: India’s live events story is getting louder and this time, it’s policy turning up the volume. The fourth meeting of the Live Events Development Cell (LEDC), chaired by Chanchal Kumar, was held on 30 April 2026 at Vigyan Bhavan, bringing together representatives from nine Central Ministries, six States and 12 industry stakeholders to chart the sector’s next phase of growth. The numbers already tell a compelling story. India’s organised live events industry was valued at Rs 145 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at 10 per cent to Rs 196 billion by 2028 making it one of the fastest-expanding segments within the media and entertainment ecosystem.
Set up in July 2025 by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the LEDC is tasked with turning that momentum into a structured growth engine. Its long-term ambition is ambitious, position India as a global live events hub by 2030 while generating an additional 15–20 million jobs.
At the meeting, officials emphasised the sector’s multiplier effect spanning tourism, employment and allied industries while underlining the need for coordinated execution. A key update was the rollout of a single-window clearance system for live event permissions via the India Cine Hub portal, aimed at simplifying approvals and improving transparency.
States have been urged to adopt the system, alongside implementing the “Model Executive Order for Streamlining Licensing and Permissions for Live Events in India, 2026” by 31 May 2026. The framework seeks to standardise what has long been a fragmented and time-consuming regulatory process.
Beyond permissions, the discussion also turned to infrastructure and talent. A draft concept for greenfield venue development was tabled, alongside plans to build a skilled workforce. The Indian Institute of Mass Communication, in collaboration with industry bodies MESC and EEMA, is set to introduce certificate courses tailored to the live events sector.
Chanchal Kumar stressed that alignment across stakeholders is already in place, with the next challenge being execution at scale. The government, he noted, remains committed to creating a facilitative and transparent ecosystem for organisers.
For an industry once seen as fragmented and event-driven, the message is clear, India’s live events business is no longer just about the show, it’s about building an entire stage for growth.
