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- At the first-ever Global Media & Creative Industries Forum 2025 in Mumbai, the Prime Minister underscored India's creative sector as a key engine for future economic growth, innovation, and inclusive progress.
- The Forum sets a bold goal: to catalyze a $50 billion creative economy by 2029, positioning India as a global entertainment and content powerhouse. A major announcement was the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Innovation (IICI), backed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with FICCI and CII, designed to be a national hub of excellence for creative talent.
- The creative economy—encompassing media, entertainment, gaming, animation, marketing, and XR—is gaining global attention. Recognized by the UN in 2021 as vital for sustainable development, it contributes $30 billion to India’s GDP and supports 8% of the workforce.
- Key initiatives include a $1 billion Creative Economy Fund, AIICE by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, and the National Creators Award.
- The Centre has introduced the Sugar (Control) Order, 2025, replacing the 1966 regulations to modernize and streamline the sugar sector.
- Key Features of the Order:
- Real-time Data Exchange: API integration between sugar mills and the Food Department portal for better monitoring and transparency.
- Expanded Scope: The order now includes khandsari (traditional unrefined sugar) and raw sugar, aligning with global standards and ensuring fair pricing for farmers.
- Inclusion of By-products: Molasses and ethanol are now regulated to secure domestic sugar availability.
- Uniform Definitions: The order adopts FSSAI-approved definitions for sugar products, promoting consistency and clarity across the industry.
- Eleven newly discovered inscriptions in Telangana’s Gundaram Reserve Forest are offering valuable insights into the cultural and political history of the early Deccan, particularly during the Satavahana period (1st century BCE – 6th century CE).
- Key Highlights:
- One notable inscription, attributed to Hāritiputra and written in early Brahmi script, points to a political alliance between the Satavahanas and the Chutu dynasty—both powerful contemporaries. Another inscription featuring a trident and damaru represents the earliest known example of religious iconography in South India, hinting at the fusion of political power and spiritual symbolism.
- About the Satavahanas (2nd century BCE – 2nd century CE):
- Also called the Andhras, they rose after the Mauryas and ruled parts of modern-day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. Key rulers include Simuka (the founder), Gautamiputra Satakarni (military strategist), and Hala (author of Gathasaptasati). Notably, they popularized matronymic naming and were pioneers in issuing coins with royal portraits.