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FICCI Frames 2025 Launches Media Revolution

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The 25th edition of FICCI FRAMES, India’s premier Media and Entertainment (M&E) event, commenced on Tuesday at The Fairmont Hotel near Sahar Airport. Bringing together over 3,000 participants from the film, TV, digital, and creative sectors, the event includes government officials, business leaders, and artists.

### Theme and Opening

This year’s theme, **“RISE Together – Reimagine, Innovate, Strengthen, Empower,”** reflects the industry’s commitment to collaboration and growth. The opening day featured a significant dialogue between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and popular Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar. They discussed Maharashtra’s continued pivotal role in shaping India’s film and entertainment landscape. The Chief Minister also outlined the state government’s plans to support and expand this creative sector.

### Government Support and Industry Insights

Union Minister of State L. Murugan and Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, emphasized the government’s dedication to nurturing India’s creative economy. They highlighted the importance of embracing new technologies and policies that empower creators and businesses across media and entertainment.

### Major Highlights: FICCI IICT and Netflix Partnership

One of the day’s standout moments was the announcement of a new partnership between FICCI’s Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICT) and Netflix. The agreement aims to bolster India’s AVGC sector—covering animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality. This collaboration seeks to enhance skill development for students and professionals and foster the creation of superior content through advanced technologies.

### Industry Leaders and Emerging Technologies

Several key sessions featured industry leaders such as TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, who discussed the expansion of broadcasting, and Sandhya Devanathan from Meta, who shared valuable insights on digital platforms. There were also engaging conversations on how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing media and content creation, demonstrating the sector’s rapid adaptation to cutting-edge technology.

### Silver Jubilee Celebrations: Vision, Voices & Creativity

FICCI FRAMES 2025 marks a significant milestone—the silver jubilee edition of the convention. The theme **“Framing 25 Years of Indian M&E: A Silver Jubilee of Vision, Voices & Creativity”** pays tribute to the imagination, innovation, and industry power that have redefined India’s creative economy globally.

The inaugural session included distinguished guests such as Advocate Ashish Shelar, Minister of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra; Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting; Anant Goenka, Senior Vice President of FICCI; Sandhya Devanathan, VP & Head – India and South East Asia, Meta; and Kevin Vaz, Chairman of FICCI M&E Committee and CEO – Entertainment, JioStar.

Sanjay Jaju remarked,
> “The industry creates more than 8 million jobs directly and many more indirectly. When FICCI FRAMES began 25 years ago, the demand was for this sector to be recognized as an industry. Today, it is not just an industry but an entire ecosystem of dreams, bringing together art, technology, and above all, aspirations.”

### Voices from the Industry

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, the official FRAMES Ambassador for this year, added a creative perspective, reflecting on the evolution of India’s cultural narrative and its increasing global influence.

During the fireside chat with Akshay Kumar, CM Fadnavis acknowledged that the Film City project remained unexecuted during his previous tenure between 2014 and 2019 despite extensive planning.
> “This time I have decided that we will convert Film City into a world-class film ecosystem,” he stated, adding that the transformation would commence within a year. Akshay Kumar urged the Chief Minister to prioritize this transformation.

### Film City Redevelopment

The redevelopment plan includes building state-of-the-art studios equipped for emerging technologies such as virtual production, artificial intelligence, and advanced visual effects. The site already hosts the Indian Institute of Creative Technology, a unique institution with 52% ownership by industry bodies like FICCI and the remainder held by the Maharashtra and Indian governments.

### Maharashtra Government’s Vision

Advocate Ashish Shelar, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra, highlighted that the state’s media and entertainment sector contributes over ₹2 lakh crore to the regional GDP. The government is actively rolling out a comprehensive film policy and developing new film cities across Maharashtra to meet growing industry demand.

### Additional Key Sessions

Day 1 also featured several keynote sessions and panel discussions with prominent industry personalities such as Director Shoojit Sirkar, Ashwini Iyer Tiwari, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Kevin Vaz (CEO, Entertainment at JioStar), and Arun Srinivas (Meta India), among others.

### What to Expect on Day 2

The second day promises more power-packed sessions, including a special conversation between Ekta Kapoor and Smriti Irani celebrating 25 years of *Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi* (KSBKBT). Additionally, there will be fireside chats and panel discussions featuring celebrated actors Anil Kapoor and Huma Qureshi, among others.

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FICCI FRAMES 2025 continues to be a landmark event, underscoring India’s growing strength and innovation in the global media and entertainment industry. Stay tuned for more insights and developments from the event.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/ficci-frames-2025-launches-media-revolution

Mixed-use project proposed for former Hanson’s site in Platt Park

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Doug McKinnon plans to revamp the gateway to South Pearl Street’s shops and restaurants in Platt Park. The real estate investor, through his firm McKinnon & Associates, submitted redevelopment plans last week to the city of Denver for his 0.29-acre lot at 1301 S. Pearl St., located adjacent to the iconic South Pearl sign that welcomes visitors to the neighborhood.

The property formerly housed Hansons, a burger joint that closed in 2020 and was demolished within the past year. McKinnon purchased the lot for $2.9 million in cash last December.

His proposed three-story building aims to offer a mixed-use space. The ground-floor corner is intended for a restaurant, with additional retail spaces facing Pearl Street and residential units along Louisiana Avenue. The second and third floors are planned to include both residential and office spaces. The development would also feature underground parking. Local design firm OZ Architecture drew up the plans.

“Given the preliminary nature of the plan, it is a little premature for us to get too deep into specific details of the project,” McKinnon wrote in an email to BusinessDen.

McKinnon is the second owner to explore redevelopment of the site. Before his purchase, the property was owned by Greenwood Village-based Cadence Capital Investments. Cadence acquired the two-story building in September 2020 for $2.6 million and submitted plans to convert the existing structure into an office building. However, no work on the site ultimately took place.
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/10/07/denver-platt-park-hansons-site/

To attract more funds, Philippines told to bolster sustainability rules

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MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines needs to strengthen sustainability standards in major infrastructure projects to attract discerning foreign investors and donors, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said.

In a report released on Tuesday, the OECD noted that the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 had already laid out specific strategies and measurable actions that signal a commitment to sustainable development.

https://business.inquirer.net/551311/to-attract-more-funds-ph-told-to-bolster-sustainability-rules

Should you be worried about WeWork India’s ₹3,000cr IPO?

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**Should You Be Worried About WeWork India’s ₹3,000 Crore IPO?**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 7, 2025 | 8:02 PM*

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WeWork India’s ₹3,000 crore initial public offering (IPO) has come under scrutiny, with proxy advisory firm InGovern raising significant concerns over its structure and pre-listing conditions. Shriram Subramanian, the founder of InGovern, highlighted issues that cast doubt on the promoters’ intent, the company’s financial sustainability, and governance oversight.

### IPO Structure: No Fresh Capital Infusion

The IPO is structured as a full offer for sale (OFS), meaning that no new capital will be infused into the company through this process. Instead, existing shareholders are offloading shares, which raises questions about the use of proceeds and the company’s future funding needs.

### Major Concerns Raised by InGovern

**Temporary Release of Pledged Promoter Shares**

A key concern flagged by InGovern is the temporary release of promoter shares that were pledged before the IPO. Over 53% of WeWork India’s pre-IPO shares, held by Embassy Buildcon, had been pledged against borrowings amounting to approximately ₹2,065 crore. These pledges were revoked mainly to facilitate the IPO. According to Subramanian, if the listing did not occur, the shares would have to be re-pledged within 45 days. This arrangement raises questions about the promoters’ commitment and the stability of their holdings.

**Ongoing Financial Challenges**

WeWork India continues to face operating cash losses, a challenge complicated by lease agreements treated as debt obligations. Nearly 43% of the company’s FY25 revenue went toward lease payouts. Subramanian expressed concern over the promoters’ use of a pure OFS to deleverage, noting that the company’s brief profit in FY25 was largely due to a deferred-tax gain rather than operational performance.

**Governance and Compliance Red Flags**

Repeated audit qualifications have been highlighted as a potential red flag. From FY22 to FY24, WeWork India reported material weaknesses in internal controls, including poor vendor documentation and issues with related-party transparency. Moreover, the promoters face several pending enforcement proceedings under the aegis of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Prevention of Corruption Act, spotlighting serious governance concerns.

### Market Risks: Dependence on the WeWork Brand

InGovern also flagged WeWork India’s dependence on the WeWork Global brand as a critical risk factor. The company operates under a 99-year license, which is contingent on promoter control and regulatory compliance. Any conviction or significant change in promoters could jeopardize these brand rights, posing an existential threat to the business model.

### Despite Concerns, Strong Anchor Participation

Despite these multiple concerns, the IPO attracted strong anchor investor interest, raising ₹1,348 crore from 67 investors including well-known names like ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund and HDFC Mutual Fund.

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**Takeaway:** While WeWork India’s IPO garnered a solid market response, investors should carefully weigh the significant financial, governance, and structural risks highlighted by InGovern before making investment decisions.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/wework-india-s-3-000cr-ipo-under-ingovern-s-scanner-here-s-why/story

British PM Keir Starmer Joins His Business Delegation For Photo At London’s Heathrow Airport Ahead Of India Visit – VIDEO

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London: In a special gesture, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stood with his business delegation for a photo at London’s Heathrow Airport before departing for India on a two-day visit. Economic ties will be a key focus area during this trip, which marks Prime Minister Starmer’s first official visit to India.

On October 9 in Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart will review progress in various aspects of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This review aligns with ‘Vision 2035’, a focused and time-bound 10-year roadmap of programs and initiatives across key pillars including trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, health, education, and people-to-people relations.

Both leaders will engage with businesses and industry leaders to explore opportunities presented by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a central pillar of the future India-UK economic partnership. They will also exchange views on regional and global issues of importance.

As part of the visit, the two Prime Ministers will attend the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, where they will deliver keynote addresses. Additionally, they will engage with industry experts, policymakers, and innovators to further foster collaboration.

This visit builds on the momentum and substance generated by Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UK in July this year. It offers a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the shared vision of India and the United Kingdom to build a forward-looking partnership.

In July, India and the United Kingdom signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a bilateral free trade agreement considered a major milestone in their longstanding partnership. The agreement was signed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds in the presence of PM Modi and PM Starmer. It reflects the shared ambition of two major economies to deepen economic ties.

Bilateral trade between the two nations has already reached USD 56 billion, with a target to double this by 2030.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/british-pm-keir-starmer-joins-his-business-delegation-for-photo-at-londons-heathrow-airport-ahead-of-india-visit-video

British PM Keir Starmer Joins His Business Delegation For Photo At London’s Heathrow Airport Ahead Of India Visit – VIDEO

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**London:** In a special gesture, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stood with his business delegation for a photo at London’s Heathrow Airport before departing for India on a two-day visit, with economic ties as a key focus area. This will be Prime Minister Starmer’s first official visit to India.

During the visit, on October 9 in Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart will take stock of progress in diverse aspects of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in line with ‘Vision 2035’. This vision is a focused and time-bound 10-year roadmap of programmes and initiatives covering key pillars such as trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, health, education, and people-to-people relations.

Both leaders will engage with businesses and industry leaders to explore opportunities presented by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a central pillar of the future India-UK economic partnership. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance.

The two Prime Ministers are scheduled to attend the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, where they will deliver keynote addresses and engage with industry experts, policymakers, and innovators.

This visit aims to build on the momentum generated by Prime Minister Modi’s trip to the UK in July. It provides a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the shared vision of India and the United Kingdom to build a forward-looking partnership.

In July this year, India and the United Kingdom signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a bilateral free trade agreement marking a major milestone in their longstanding partnership. The agreement was signed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds in the presence of PM Modi and PM Starmer. It reflects the shared ambition of two major economies to deepen economic ties.

Bilateral trade between India and the UK has already reached USD 56 billion, with a target to double this figure by 2030.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/british-pm-keir-starmer-joins-his-business-delegation-for-photo-at-londons-heathrow-airport-ahead-of-india-visit-video

Paytm launches AI Soundbox for small businesses: How it works

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**Paytm Launches AI Soundbox for Small Businesses: How It Works**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 07, 2025, 08:03 PM*

Paytm has introduced the AI Soundbox, a revolutionary device designed to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) streamline their daily operations and payments more efficiently. The new product was unveiled at the Global Fintech Festival 2025, marking a significant step forward in bringing advanced technology to India’s business landscape.

### What Is the AI Soundbox?
The AI Soundbox is an enhanced version of Paytm’s popular payment Soundbox series. What sets this device apart is its conversational AI capability, allowing merchants to interact in 11 Indian languages. This feature makes business transactions and management more accessible for a diverse range of users across the country.

### Enhanced Features for Business Intelligence
Beyond handling payments, the AI assistant embedded in the Soundbox can answer queries related to payments, sales trends, and overall business performance. Paytm describes the device as a “business intelligence assistant,” providing real-time insights that help merchants make informed decisions without needing complex software.

The Android-based device features dual screens—one displays payment updates, while the other facilitates easy interaction with the AI assistant. It supports dynamic QR codes alongside tap and insert card transactions, ensuring versatile payment options for customers.

### Transforming Small Businesses with AI
The AI Soundbox is aimed at empowering India’s extensive network of small businesses, from local kirana stores to cafes and retail chains. By integrating artificial intelligence into everyday business interactions, Paytm hopes to simplify operations and enhance business intelligence at the grassroots level.

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder and CEO of Paytm, highlighted that this launch signals a new era of intelligent devices tailored for businesses across India.

### Reliable Connectivity for Smooth Operations
Equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, the AI Soundbox assures stable performance for indoor settings such as restaurants and supermarkets. Additionally, 4G support is built-in to maintain seamless transaction processing in outdoor or high-traffic areas.

With this launch, Paytm continues to innovate in the fintech space by providing accessible and smart technology solutions that cater specifically to the needs of India’s small and medium enterprises.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/paytm-introduces-ai-soundbox-for-smes-here-s-what-it-offers/story

Passenger Vehicle Retail Sales Shoot Up 35% During Navratri ,Registrations Grow 6%: FADA

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New Delhi: Passenger vehicle retail sales surged 35 per cent year-on-year during the nine-day Navratri period this year, boosting overall registrations for September by 6 per cent. The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) attributed this growth to a muted performance in the first 21 days of the month, followed by a sharp pickup after the rollout of new GST rates on September 22.

During the Navratri period, passenger vehicle retails reached 2,17,744 units, compared to 1,61,443 units in the same period last year. This robust festive demand contributed to a total of 2,99,369 passenger vehicle sales in September, marking a modest 6 per cent increase over 2,82,945 units in September 2024.

“September 2025 was an exceptionally unique month for India’s automobile retail industry. The first three weeks were largely muted, with customers holding back in anticipation of the GST 2.0 reforms. However, the dynamics changed dramatically in the final week as Navratri festivities coincided with the implementation of lower GST rates, reviving customer sentiment and accelerating deliveries across most vehicle categories,” said FADA Vice President Sai Giridhar.

As a result, September ended with an overall 5 per cent year-on-year growth, with all segments except three-wheelers and construction equipment showing positive momentum. The Navratri period witnessed record-breaking footfalls at dealerships and subsequent deliveries, driven by a combination of GST rate reductions and festive demand.

FADA noted that renewed enquiries and bookings surged following the GST cuts, although limited billing days in the month restricted the full rebound potential. The momentum gained in the closing days of September is expected to carry forward into Deepawali, marking a promising end to the 42-day festive season.

**Two-Wheeler Sales**

Two-wheeler retail sales also recorded solid growth, standing at 12,87,735 units in September—a 7 per cent increase compared to 12,08,996 units in the same month last year. During the Navratri period, two-wheeler sales rose 36 per cent to 8,35,364 units against 6,14,460 units in the prior-year period. This growth was powered by affordability improvements, festive offers, and pent-up demand translating into strong retail performance.

**Three-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Sales**

Three-wheeler retail sales declined 7 per cent year-on-year to 98,866 units in September, down from 1,06,534 units in September 2024. However, Navratri sales saw a 25 per cent jump to 46,204 units, compared with 37,097 units a year ago.

Commercial vehicle sales rose 3 per cent to 72,124 units last month versus 70,254 units in September 2024. The segment’s performance during the Navratri period also reflected growth, with a 15 per cent increase to 33,856 units.

**Tractor Sales**

Tractor retail sales increased 4 per cent year-on-year to 64,785 units in September. During the Navratri period, tractor sales witnessed a 19 per cent jump to 21,604 units compared to 18,203 units in the same period last year.

**Overall Performance**

Overall automotive sales last month across all segments stood at 18,27,337 units, a 5 per cent rise over 17,36,760 units in September 2024. Likewise, overall Navratri sales climbed 34 per cent to 11,56,935 units against 8,63,327 units in the previous year.

FADA highlighted that India is poised for what could be its most spectacular 42-day festive season in history. The GST 2.0 rate cuts have significantly improved affordability and boosted consumer confidence across income groups, ushering in an unprecedented growth phase for the auto retail sector.

“The combination of above-normal monsoon rains, a strong kharif harvest, and stable policy rates have boosted both rural and urban purchasing power. This unique alignment of favorable economic, climatic, and policy factors is set to propel sentiment to record levels,” FADA stated.

Affordable prices post-GST 2.0, alongside aggressive OEM offers and easy finance options, have attracted a fresh wave of first-time buyers, while upgraders are opting for premium variants. Provided the logistics and transport ecosystem operates smoothly, this could be the best festive retail season India has ever experienced, with supply chains meeting the nation’s celebratory demand.

Representing over 15,000 automobile dealerships with more than 30,000 outlets, FADA remains highly optimistic about the near-term outlook for October 2025. Economic resilience, festive enthusiasm, and GST 2.0 reforms combine to herald a golden phase for Indian auto retail.

*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. No changes have been made except for the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/passenger-vehicle-retail-sales-shoot-up-35-during-navratri-registrations-grow-6-fada

Navi Mumbai’s ‘Fully Digital’ International Airport Set For October 8 Inauguration By PM Modi; Flights To Commence In December

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**Navi Mumbai to Host India’s First Fully Digital Airport**

India is set to welcome its first fully digital airport with the upcoming inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). Scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8, the airport is expected to commence commercial flights by December 2025, following necessary security clearances and system testing.

**Advanced Automated Features for Travelers**

In a recent media interaction, Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airports Holdings Ltd, showcased an array of automated, passenger-friendly features designed to enhance the travel experience. Passengers will have the convenience of pre-booking parking slots, completing online check-in, baggage drop, and even immigration processing digitally.

Innovative services like virtual queuing and real-time wait-time monitors will allow travelers to track queues and head directly to security checkpoints when their slot arrives, minimizing wait times and streamlining movement through the airport.

**Operational Details and Future Expansion Plans**

Phase I of NMIA’s operations will run daily from 8 am to 8 pm, initially supporting 8 to 10 aircraft movements per hour. As demand grows, officials plan to increase both the number of flights and potentially extend operating hours.

Bansal also revealed that the airport aims for approximately 40% international traffic at launch, with plans to scale up to nearly 75% to meet global hub standards over time.

**Future-Proof Design and Sustainability Initiatives**

The airport has been developed as a resilient and future-ready project. Key features include:

– Elevated 8.5 meters above flood levels to mitigate flooding risks
– Robust design to withstand extreme weather conditions and bird strikes
– Partial power generation via a 47 MW solar plant
– Use of electric vehicles across the airport campus
– Rainwater harvesting and wastewater reuse systems
– Automated people movers connecting the four terminals

Currently, only Terminal 1 will be operational at launch. Mumbai’s existing Terminal 1 will continue functioning until at least 2029, with its demolition planned to coincide with the completion of NMIA’s second terminal.

**Infrastructure Enhancements and Connectivity**

To manage expected passenger traffic and ease congestion, supporting infrastructure is already being prepared. Notably, there will be a ban on heavy vehicles in Navi Mumbai on October 8 from 6 am to 10 pm to facilitate smooth traffic flow during the inauguration.

Connectivity to the airport is also set to improve, with the Targhar railway station—located adjacent to NMIA—nearing completion. Services from Belapur, Seawoods, and Nerul stations are anticipated to commence soon.

**Economic Impact**

The new airport is expected to generate over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting the economic growth prospects of the Navi Mumbai region.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbais-fully-digital-international-airport-set-for-october-8-inauguration-by-pm-modi-flights-to-commence-in-december

NBA won’t move All-Star Game out of LA amid Clippers probe

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STAMFORD, Connecticut — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Monday there is “no contemplation” of moving the All-Star Game out of the Los Angeles Clippers’ home arena as it investigates whether the team circumvented salary cap rules in regards to Kawhi Leonard.

The league said it was opening the investigation last month after a report by [source].

https://sports.inquirer.net/643227/nba-wont-move-all-star-game-out-of-la-amid-clippers-probe