Month: March 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government announced today (March 28) that the Financial Secretary, under the authority delegated by the Chief Executive, has reappointed Mr Michael Wong Yick-kam and appointed Mr Tony Tang Xiaodong as Non-Executive Directors of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for a term of two years from April 1, 2025 and April 24, 2025 respectively.
 
     A spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, “Mr Tang has extensive experience in the financial services sector and in-depth knowledge in the operation and regulation of capital markets on the Mainland and in Hong Kong. We are confident that his expertise will be valuable to facilitating the development of the SFC.
 
     “Mr Wong has made significant contributions to the promotion of good corporate governance of the SFC during his tenure. We look forward to his continued support for the work of the SFC.
 
     “We would also like to thank the outgoing Non-Executive Director, Mr Nicky Lo Kar-chun, for his active contribution to the SFC over the past six years. His stewardship has been conducive to fostering the development and regulation of Hong Kong’s securities and futures markets.”
 
     The SFC is chaired by Dr Kelvin Wong Tin-yau. Other serving Non-Executive Directors are Mr Vincent Chan Chun-hung, Mr Chew Fook-aun, Mr Victor Dawes, SC, Mr Johnson Kong Chi-how, Mr Keith Pogson and Mr Dieter Yih Lai-tak. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Dah Sing Bank, Limited relating to a fraudulent website and social media accounts, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
 
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
 
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website or social media accounts concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 28) that all facilities (including the service counter and SmartPLAY Self-service Stations) of the Hong Kong Velodrome will be temporarily closed from April 12 to 23 to tie in with the 2025 Hong Kong International Track Cup and the 15th National Games Track Cycling Test Event staged from April 19 to 21.

     During the closure period, members of the public may use similar facilities at Hang Hau Sports Centre, Tseung Kwan O Sports Centre, Tiu Keng Leng Sports Centre, Tsui Lam Sports Centre and Po Lam Sports Centre in the same district.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 28) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From March 21 to yesterday (March 27), the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had travelled to Indonesia during the incubation period.

As of yesterday, eight imported DF cases were recorded this year. A total of 161 cases of DF were recorded in 2024, including 156 imported and five local cases. In 2023, 62 imported cases of DF were recorded.

     According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2023, ongoing transmissions, combined with an unexpected spike in DF cases, resulted in over 6.5 million cases and more than 7 300 dengue-related deaths reported in over 80 countries/territories. In 2024, the WHO recorded over 14 million cases, which was a record number of cases.

     Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP website.

     Members of the public returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to a doctor.

     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers, and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

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​DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Reapply only when needed and follow the instructions.

* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

     The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam visited the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) today, following a tour of the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) yesterday.

Mr Lam attended a seminar of the National Prosecutors College under the SPP this morning and shared with the participants the work of the Department of Justice in prosecution and safeguarding public interests under the principle of “one country, two systems”.

He then had a working lunch with First Deputy Prosecutor General of the SPP Tong Jianming to learn more about the college’s initiatives in nurturing high-level and high-quality prosecutorial talent in the country.

In the afternoon, Mr Lam met SPP Prosecutor-General Ying Yong to exchange views on the strengthening of legal co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland, and issues of mutual concern.

Yesterday, the Secretary for Justice attended an SPC foreign, Hong Kong and Macau-related seminar series, sharing with the participants the characteristics of Hong Kong’s common law system under the “one country, two systems” principle and ways to leverage the advantages of its common law system in contributing to the country’s high-quality development.

At a meeting with SPC Vice-president Mao Zhonghua, issues including promoting the nurturing of the country’s foreign-related legal talent were discussed.

Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong after a meeting with SPC President Zhang Jun tomorrow.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The opening programme of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2025, Silhouette Resonance x The Banquet (1991), will be held at the Cultural Centre Grand Theatre on April 4.

Blending entertainment with cultural artistry, renowned musician Ng Cheuk-yin will reimagine beloved songs from classic comedy films with fresh arrangements, while pop singer Alfred Hui, the a cappella choral theatre company Yat Po Singers, and beatboxer Heartgrey Eric So will perform together with a live band.

Following the performance, there will be a screening of The Banquet, a comedy produced to raise disaster relief funds for flood relief, directed by Tsui Hark, Clifton Ko, Cheung Tung Joe and Alfred Cheung. 

Another highlight of the festival is an outdoor music carnival ImagineLand 2025 to be held on April 5 and 6 at the Cultural Centre Piazza, the Central Lawn & Event Trellis of Salisbury Garden, the Avenue of Stars with free admission.

The two-day carnival features both daytime and evening programmes. “Go Beyond Concert”, “Comics Fun Experience Gallery” and “Funarts Corner” will be available during the day, whereas film programme “Movie Under the Stars” will be held at night. 

The “Go Beyond Concert” will showcase three stages featuring over 35 musicians and artists from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Japan, Korea, the US, Australia, France, the UK and Ukraine.

Major line-ups of local artists include Ivana Wong, Joey Tang, Yatfung, Cloud, Ashley Lin, Pandora, Chu Wan-pin and more, performing mesmerising popular songs and original works.

“Comics Fun Experience Gallery” will display Hong Kong comics and animation from different eras to highlight the creativity of local artists.

“Funarts Corner” will offer workshops on art, music and crafts for public participation.

In the evenings, “Movie Under the Stars” will screen local comedies Table For Six and Forbidden City Cop on April 5 and 6 respectively, allowing audiences to enjoy outdoor films while relaxing on the lawn.

The Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival is being held for the third year with “More Than Joy” as its theme and over 20 programmes will offer audiences an insight into the development paths of Hong Kong’s pop culture along the line of “happiness”. 

Source: Government of India

A taxi service based on Cooperative model to start soon

Cooperative Taxi Service will allow registration of two wheelers, taxis, rickshaws and four wheelers

Based on principles of Sahakar se Samriddhi, a cooperative taxi service will be formed by willing taxi drivers and the management will rest with the members of such society

The objective is to ensure that maximum profit earned by such cooperative taxi society is distributed equitably among the taxi drivers who will be members of that society

Posted On: 28 MAR 2025 9:30PM by PIB Delhi

While replying to the discussion on Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah on Wednesday said that in near future, a cooperative taxi service will be started, in which registration of two wheelers, taxis, rickshaws and four wheelers will be possible and the profit will go directly to the driver.

Based on principles of “Sahakar se Samriddhi”, a taxi-service cooperative will be formed by willing taxi drivers and the management will rest with the members of such society. The objective of this initiative is to ensure democratic management by active participation of all members and to ensure that maximum profit earned by such cooperative taxi society is distributed equitably among the taxi drivers who will be members of that society. Such an initiative will lead to overall prosperity and improving the income, working conditions, and standard of living for such taxi drivers/members of the cooperative society while providing better services to the consumers.

Sahkar or Cooperation is a concept where a group of people voluntarily come together and form a cooperative society or Sahkari society based on mutual benefit and common economic interest. Sahkari models of economic cooperation have been found to be more fruitful for its members, being more equitable and resulting in inclusive growth for all, like in the case of Amul.

Government has promoted and assisted Startups and other enterprises in the past for equitable & inclusive growth of the nation. India is home to over 8 lakh cooperative societies, serving nearly 30 crore members across 30 different sectors.

These cooperatives play a crucial role in promoting self-reliance, financial inclusion, and rural development, particularly in agriculture, dairy, fisheries, banking, housing, consumer services, labour, sugar etc. These cooperatives compete in the market alongside other players including private enterprises. The cooperatives are registered under the cooperative laws of the respective state/UT and societies which work in multiple states/UTs and are registered under the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act.

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RK/VV/PR/PS

(Release ID: 2116479) Visitor Counter : 433

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 28 MAR 2025 8:58PM by PIB Delhi

The Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) successfully organized the Shastri Bilateral Education Forum (SBEF) 2025, themed “Bridging Borders with Sustainable Academic Collaborations”, on March 27-28, 2025. Funded by Global Affairs- Canada, the event was hosted in the premises of the National Museum, Janpath, New Delhi with co-operation of the Indian Institute of Heritage & a valued member of SICI’s Members’ Council.

SBEF 2025 brought together representatives from 22 Canadian and 55 Indian universities and institutions, primarily from SICI’s esteemed Members’ Council. The forum served as a dynamic platform for fostering transformative academic partnerships, strengthening Indo-Canadian collaborations, and shaping the future of bilateral academic synergies under the under the mandate of India’s National Education Policy 2020.

The event facilitated face-to-face engagements between Indian and Canadian institutions, fostering rich exchanges of ideas, expertise, and innovative solutions for academic collaborations. Discussions focused on enhancing institutional global partnerships, developing joint academic programs, advancing collaborative research, and creating sustainable, actionable initiatives. SBEF 2025 also provided strategic insights and frameworks for building impactful and long-term international academic collaborations. Through its interactive sessions, the forum empowered institutions to expand their global academic footprint, strengthen international networks, and explore new opportunities for faculty and student exchanges.

About the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI)

Established in 1968 through a joint declaration by the Governments of India and Canada, the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) is a bi-national organization dedicated to fostering international academic and research collaborations. SICI facilitates faculty and student exchanges, research fellowships, skills development programs, and institutional partnerships. With a unique network of 196 leading academic institutions from both countries-including IITs, IIMS, NITS, AIIMS, NLUs, and prominent universities across India and Canada SICI continues to be a pivotal force in strengthening Indo-Canadian academic ties.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2116465) Visitor Counter : 217

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 28 MAR 2025 8:05PM by PIB Delhi

Towards India’s commitment on emission intensity reduction, Government of India has already notified The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023 in June 2023, and laid the foundation for the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) by establishing the institutional framework, including the National Steering Committee for Indian Carbon Market (NSCICM). In December 2023, the scheme was amended to introduce the Offset Mechanism, enabling participation from non-obligated entities through voluntary climate mitigation projects.

Moving the journey of carbon market forward, the Government of India has now approved the Detailed Procedure for the Offset Mechanism and eight different methodologies under Offset Mechanism. This marks a major step forward in the operationalization of the Offset Mechanism under ICM.

The Offset Mechanism will encourage voluntary participation by entities for developing projects that reduce, remove, or avoid greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This framework enables businesses, industries, and organizations—particularly those not covered under the compliance mechanism—to participate in climate action and receive carbon credits for verified emission reductions. This mechanism will enable our country to tap climate change mitigation from sectors not covered under the compliance mechanism and can incentivize actions in such sectors.

Eight methodologies under Offset Mechanism, approved by Central Government, include methodologies for renewable energy (including Hydro and Pumped storage), green hydrogen production, industrial energy efficiency, landfill methane recovery, and mangrove afforestation & reforestation. These methodologies are expected to support a wide range of climate-friendly projects for voluntary carbon credit generation.

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SK 

(Release ID: 2116421) Visitor Counter : 344

Source: Government of India

MoD inks two contracts worth Rs 62,700 crore with HAL for supply of 156 LCH, Prachand to the Armed Forces

Out of 156 LCHs, 66 LCHs will be supplied to the Indian Air Force and 90 to the Indian Army

MOD also signs a contract with Metrea Management for Wet Leasing of one Flight Refuelling Aircraft; To provide Air to Air refuelling training to pilots of Indian Air Force and Indian Navy

Posted On: 28 MAR 2025 7:46PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Defence on March 28, 2025, signed two contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for supply of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), Prachand, along with training and other associated equipment worth Rs. 62,700 crore, excluding taxes. The first contract is for supply of 66 LCHs to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and second is for supply of 90 LCHs to the Indian Army. 

The supply of these Helicopters shall commence from the third year and will be spread over the next five years. The contracts will enhance the combat capability of Armed Forces at high altitudes. LCH is India’s first indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter having a capability of operating at an altitude of over 5000 meters. This helicopter has a large number of components designed & manufactured in India and it is planned to achieve an overall indigenous content of over 65% during the execution of this procurement.  This will involve over 250 domestic companies mostly MSMEs and will generate over 8,500 direct & indirect jobs. 

Ministry of Defence also signed a contract with Metrea Management for Wet Leasing of one Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA) for providing Air to Air refuelling training to pilots of IAF and Indian Navy. Metrea will provide FRA (KC135 Aircraft) within six months which will be the first FRA to be wet leased by IAF. 

With signing of these three contracts, the total number of contracts signed by Ministry of Defence during 2024-25 reaches to 193 with overall contract value exceeding Rs 2,09,050 crore, which is the highest ever and nearly double the previous highest figure. Out of these, the contracts to domestic industry are 177 (92%) with contract value Rs 1,68,922 Crore (81%).

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VK/KB

(Release ID: 2116411) Visitor Counter : 4618