National

India Unveils $1 Billion Fund for Creators and Announces Global WAVES Summit in Mumbai

Published

1 year ago

March 16, 2025

The Indian government has announced a substantial USD 1 billion fund designed to boost the emerging creators’ economy within the country. To kick off this initiative, they have invited ambassadors from over 100 countries to participate in the inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), scheduled to be held in Mumbai from May 1 to 4. This event aims to establish WAVES as a leading convergence platform for the media and entertainment sector, similar to the World Economic Forum in Davos, which brings together global leaders in governance and business. The WAVES Bazaar will function as a marketplace to showcase content and facilitate meetings between buyers and sellers, creating fresh business opportunities.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the ambassadors to a Roundtable with top media CEOs, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the summit.

Fadnavis highlighted that Mumbai, often referred to as India’s entertainment capital, is the perfect host city for the WAVES summit, much like Davos for the World Economic Forum and Cannes for its film festival.

Jaishankar remarked on the current global economic and political rebalancing, which is now spilling over into technology and culture. He stated, “True globalization is not confined to a single narrative or truth; it reflects the diverse tapestry of our global society.”

Vaishnaw talked about the establishment of the USD 1 billion fund to support creators, declaring that “This fund will empower dynamic creators using cutting-edge technologies to access capital, improve their skills, enhance production capabilities, and penetrate global markets.”

He also announced plans for the first Indian Institute of Creative Technology to be constructed in Mumbai, with the state government already reserving land at Film City in Goregaon. Vaishnaw noted the success of the ‘Create in India Challenge’—a precursor to WAVES—that received over 2.5 million entries, with over 80,000 advancing to the next stage. Out of these, 1,000 finalists will compete in various challenges during the WAVES summit. This initiative aims to merge the creative sector with modern technology to generate unique content.

Vaishnaw emphasized the involvement of over 100 countries, showcasing the intersection of technology, media, and entertainment. Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju mentioned that Jaishankar and Vaishnaw will spearhead the Global Media Dialogue, while the Thought Leaders Track will feature plenary sessions and panel discussions with industry pioneers.

Jaju further added that the Creatosphere at WAVES would offer young creators a platform to connect, learn, and collaborate through masterclasses, workshops, and networking opportunities.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

2 days ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.

National

Man Killed by Wife’s Lover in Andhra Pradesh, Son Raises Alarm

Published

3 days ago

April 8, 2026

Namma Kudla

Andhra Pradesh: A 45-year-old man was killed by his wife’s lover in Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh. The incident happened on Monday night in a forest area near Chowdepalli.

The victim, Gandhi from Tamil Nadu, had come with his five-year-old son to search for his wife. Police said the wife was in a relationship with another man named Narasimhulu.

Narasimhulu allegedly took Gandhi and the child into the forest. He and his aides then attacked Gandhi with a stone and killed him in front of the boy.

The frightened child hid in nearby bushes. After the attackers left, he stayed beside his father’s body the whole night.

At sunrise, the boy walked to a nearby village and informed locals. The police were alerted and started an investigation.

Police have taken the accused and his two aides into custody. The child has been placed in a care centre.

National

Woman Delivers Baby Girl on Train in Andhra Pradesh

Published

4 days ago

April 8, 2026

Namma Kudla

Andhra Pradesh : A pregnant woman gave birth to a baby girl on a moving train in Andhra Pradesh. The incident ended safely with the help of railway staff.

The woman was eight months pregnant. She boarded the train with her family, believing she still had one month left for delivery. She was travelling from Chennai to Dhanbad on Train No. 13352.

After the train crossed Annavaram station, she began to feel labour pain. Her family members became worried and immediately informed the ticket examiner.

Railway staff member G. Jyothi responded quickly and helped the woman. Understanding the emergency, the train was given a special halt at Elamanchili station. An ambulance was also arranged.

The woman delivered a healthy baby girl on the train. After the delivery, both the mother and the newborn were shifted to Elamanchili Government Hospital in a 108 ambulance.

Officials confirmed that both the mother and baby are safe and healthy. The train was halted at the station for about 40 minutes to manage the situation.

Railway staff ensured privacy by asking male passengers to leave the coach. Their timely action helped ensure a safe delivery.

This incident highlights the importance of quick response and human support during emergencies.