Business

WAVES Initiative to Link Indian Creators and Technologists with Global Talent: Government

Published

11 months ago

March 11, 2025

The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) is set to be a significant platform for connecting Indian creators and technologists with global industry leaders, as announced by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) on Sunday. The inaugural WAVES event is scheduled to take place in Mumbai from May 1 to May 4.

As per government sources, WAVES will unite professionals from the media and entertainment (M&E) sector to showcase India’s vast talent and capabilities. The summit will center on four primary areas: broadcasting & infotainment, AVGC-XR (covering animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality), digital media & innovation, and films. Its objective is to foster new collaborative opportunities between Indian and international industry stakeholders.

Among the highlights of WAVES is the animation filmmakers competition, launched in collaboration with Dancing Atoms, a prominent animation firm. This initiative aims to uncover and promote India’s most talented storytellers in animation. The competition is open to students, amateurs, and professionals, requiring participants to submit a logline, a two-page summary of their film concept, and a poster.

Selected participants will benefit from mentorship sessions and masterclasses led by industry experts. Winners will be announced in April 2025, with alluring prizes and global exposure awaiting the most outstanding submissions. Films can be in any language; however, submission forms should be completed in English to suit the international jury panel.

The competition has attracted entries from across India and beyond, reflecting the rising interest in animation. Chosen participants will undergo a rigorous mentorship program to help them refine their concepts through masterclasses. Entries will be evaluated based on originality, entertainment value, market appeal, audience engagement, and presentation.

With an impressive turnout, the competition garnered 1,290 entries, including 19 from various countries, providing winners with the chance to pitch their projects to industry leaders and compete for exciting prizes.

Business

India May Buy More Oil From Venezuela Instead of Russia

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business : The United States has told India that it can soon resume buying oil from Venezuela.The suggestion is part of a U.S. effort to reduce India’s dependence on Russian crude oil.

This pitch comes as India plans to cut Russian oil imports by several hundred thousand barrels per day in the coming months. Under the Trump administration, the United States had imposed a 25 % tariff on countries that bought Venezuelan oil, including India.

Now, the U.S. wants India to resume Venezuelan oil purchases to help diversify India’s energy sources. The United States is also trying to reshape energy ties with India as part of broader diplomatic engagement.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez said she agreed with India on energy cooperation in a recent phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi said both sides agreed to deepen their partnership and expand cooperation in all areas.

Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Recently, Venezuela opened its oil sector to private investment to attract foreign capital and boost production.

India was one of the major buyers of Russian crude after the Ukraine war began in 2022. But India is now seeking alternative suppliers as part of its energy strategy.

Business

Chicken Prices Remain Stable in Local Markets

Published

2 weeks ago

January 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chicken prices remained stable in local markets today.Traders said there was no major change in rates.Consumers continued to make regular purchases.

Boneless chicken is priced at ₹210 per kilogram.Regular chicken is available at ₹160 per kilogram.Chicken liver is being sold at ₹120 per kilogram.

Country chicken is priced higher due to demand.It is selling at ₹360 per kilogram.Live chicken is available at ₹130 per kilogram.

Skinless chicken is priced at ₹200 per kilogram.Vendors said supply is sufficient in the market.They expect prices to remain steady in the coming days.

Customers expressed satisfaction with the current rates.Market officials said there is no shortage of chicken.

Business

Gold Prices Edge Up in India on January 19, 2026

Published

3 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gold prices in India recorded a slight increase on January 19, 2026, supported by global market trends, local demand, and movements in the rupee-dollar exchange rate.

As per market estimates, 24-carat gold, which is considered pure gold, is priced at ₹14,569 per gram, or ₹1,45,690 per 10 grams. 22-carat gold, commonly used for jewellery, is trading at around ₹13,355 per gram, or ₹1,33,550 per 10 grams.

The prices have risen marginally compared to the previous day. The increase is mainly linked to a weaker Indian rupee against the US dollar, which makes imported gold more expensive.

Gold rates vary slightly across cities such as Mangalore and other parts of the country. These differences depend on local taxes, transportation costs, jeweller margins, and regional demand.

Demand for gold remains strong due to the wedding season and festive buying, which continues to support higher prices. Investors also turn to gold during uncertain economic conditions, as it is seen as a safe-haven asset.

Experts say that global geopolitical developments, inflation concerns, and central bank policies are also influencing international gold prices, which in turn affect domestic rates.

Market participants expect gold prices to remain firm in the near term if the rupee stays weak and demand continues at current levels.