Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Police today (April 29) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Tseung Kwan O.
Chau Kwai-lun Allen, aged 45, went missing after he was last seen on Tong Ming Street in July, 2024. His family then made a report to Police.
He is about 1.67 metres tall, 59 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a round face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen in unknown clothing.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon East on 3661 0316 or 5632 5537 or email to rmpu-ke-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
TRAI releases Pre-Consultation Paper on “Review of Tariff for Domestic Leased Circuits (DLCs)”
Posted On: 29 APR 2025 2:51PM by PIB Delhi
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today released a Pre-Consultation Paper on “Review of Tariff for Domestic Leased Circuits (DLCs)” seeking inputs from stakeholders.
To facilitate this review, the Authority invites all stakeholders to participate in the present pre-consultation process by submitting relevant issues, concerns and suggestions pertaining to the existing ceiling tariff of Domestic Leased Circuits.
Written comments on the Pre-Consultation Paper are invited from stakeholders by 19th May 2025. Inputs/Comments received from stakeholders would be analysed and considered by the Authority to examine the need for a review of DLC tariffs.
The comments may be sent, preferably in electronic form at advfea2@trai.gov.in. For any clarification / information Shri Vijay Kumar, Advisor (Financial & Economic Analysis), TRAI, may be contacted at Telephone No. +91-11-20907773.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Two men and two women were each sentenced to four to six months’ imprisonment and fined $500 at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts yesterday (April 28) and today (April 29) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare to Customs officers, as well as for importing alternative smoking products, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO).
Customs officers intercepted two incoming male passengers and two incoming female passengers, aged between 28 and 37, at Hong Kong International Airport on February 28 and March 3. About 138 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes and about 7 400 alternative smoking products, with an estimated market value of about $588,000 and a duty potential of about $456,000 in total, were seized from their personal baggage. They were subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
Under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Ms. Kamla Persad-Bissessar on her victory in the elections. He emphasized the historically close and familial ties between India and Trinidad and Tobago.
In a post on X, he wrote:
“Heartiest congratulations @MPKamla on your victory in the elections. We cherish our historically close and familial ties with Trinidad and Tobago. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our partnership for shared prosperity and well-being of our people.”
Heartiest congratulations @MPKamla on your victory in the elections. We cherish our historically close and familial ties with Trinidad and Tobago. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our partnership for shared prosperity and well-being of our people.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Health Bureau (HHB), together with the Hospital Authority (HA), organised the first District Council (DC) briefing on fees and charges reform for public healthcare today (April 29) to explain the details of the fees and charges reform for public healthcare, particularly the measures for enhancing patient protection, to over 200 DC members and local community members.
The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, “The fees and charges reform for public healthcare aims to enhance healthcare protection for ‘poor, acute, serious, critical’ patients, rationalise the subsidy levels of public hospital services, and reduce wastage and abuse, while enhancing the sustainability of the public healthcare system. Through this briefing, we hope to elaborate details of the reform to DC members, and leverage the role of DC as a bridge to help members of the public better understand that the reform is pursued for their benefits.”
The Deputising Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Simon Tang, highlighted the three key measures for strengthening healthcare protection, namely, enhancing the medical fee waiver mechanism, introducing an annual cap of $10,000 for public healthcare fees and charges, and optimising the application and subsidisation of innovative drugs and medical devices. He said, “The HA will streamline the application procedures for the medical fee waiver and safety net to ensure the smooth implementation of the reform.”
Since the announcement of the fees and charges reform for public healthcare, the HHB and the HA have been explaining the reform to the Legislative Council, members of the public, and stakeholders of various sectors, and have produced various information packs, short videos and promotional materials to help the public understand the new healthcare protection measures. In particular, the HA website and the HA mobile app “HA Go” have launched a means test calculator, where users only need to input their information, such as household income and assets, for a preliminary assessment of their eligibility for the enhanced medical fee waiver and the Samaritan Fund.
The new fees and charges for public healthcare will take effect on January 1 next year. The HHB and the HA will organise another DC briefing next week and will continue to actively explain the details to members of the public.
Findings of the Forward-Looking Survey on Private Sector CAPEX Investment Intentions (Survey period: November 2024 to January 2025)
Private Corporate Sector CAPEX: Three-Year Trends and Future Outlook:
Posted On: 29 APR 2025 4:16PM by PIB Delhi
Key findings:
The average Gross Fixed Assets per enterprise in the private corporate sector increased from ₹3,151.9 crore in 2021–22 to ₹3,279.4 crore in 2022–23 (4% growth), and further to ₹4,183.3 crore in 2023–24, reflecting a significant 27.5% growth.
The estimated CAPEX per enterprise for the years 2021–22, 2022–23, and 2023–24 was ₹109.2 crore, ₹148.8 crore and ₹107.6 crore respectively.
The estimated provisional capital expenditure per enterprise for purchasing new assets in 2024–25 is ₹172.2 crore.
Overall increase of 66.3% in aggregate CAPEX (unweighted) over the four-year period from 2021-22 to 2024-25.
The strategy of 40.3% of enterprises is to undertake CAPEX on core assets during 2024–25, followed by 28.4% to invest in value addition to existing assets
Survey Background:
In 2022–23, the Parliamentary Standing Committee recommended that the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) develop a comprehensive methodology to capture capital expenditure (CAPEX) data from the private sector. Survey instruments designed to capture data on past investments, projected CAPEX for the next two years, and the breakdown of investments by asset type were developed in alignment with the specifications of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance.
Responding to this recommendation, the National Statistical Office (NSO) conducted the inaugural Forward-Looking Survey on Private Sector CAPEX Investment Intentions between November 2024 and January 2025. This marked the first initiative of MoSPI to engage the corporate sector through a self-administered, web-based survey platform, supported by chatbot assistance, to collect structured CAPEX data. MoSPI has released the findings of the survey in the form of a comprehensive booklet. A brief overview of key aspects, such as survey coverage, sampling methodology, and data collection process, is included in the Endnote.
The primary objective of the CAPEX survey is to estimate the CAPEX trends of private corporate sector enterprises from the past three financial years (2021-22, 2022-23 & 2023-24) along with anticipated capital expenditure for the current year (2024-25) and upcoming financial years (2025-26).
Key advantages of the Survey:
Capital expenditure (CAPEX) plays a crucial role in contributing to national investment and enhancing the stock of physical assets within the economy. It leads to the creation of long-term assets, which not only generate revenue for many years but also improve the overall operational efficiency of economic activities. CAPEX is fundamental to expanding production capacity, thereby serving as a catalyst for accelerated economic growth. This growth, in turn, supports job creation and enhances labour productivity.
Comprehensive data on CAPEX will be a valuable asset for a wide range of stakeholders, including government departments, private enterprises, trade associations, researchers, and other relevant entities. It will enable evidence-based policy formulation through the analysis of trends in future investments. Furthermore, a clear understanding of CAPEX patterns and scale can assist enterprises in making strategic, data-driven investment decisions, guided by the insights derived from survey findings.
Important Caveat:
In this inaugural edition of the survey, industry participation varied, with an overall response rate of 58.3% (58.6% in the census sector and 57.2% in the sample sector). Respondents appeared cautious in disclosing CAPEX plans, often pending management approvals. Certain entities, such as Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) involved in infrastructure projects, were excluded from the survey frame as they report no turnover despite high CAPEX. Meanwhile, some included SPVs had no future investment plans due to project completion. As this is the first round of the survey, the findings may be seen as indicative and subject to refinement in future iterations. It is also important to note that the results reflect responses from larger enterprises above specified turnover thresholds and may not represent the entire private corporate sector. Users are advised to interpret the results keeping these limitations in mind.
Insights and Way Forward for Future Survey Conduct
The Forward-Looking Survey on Private Sector Capex Investment Intentions, the first of its kind by the NSO, was conducted under the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008. Notices were issued to selected enterprises, explaining the survey’s objectives and assuring confidentiality. However, some enterprises questioned the legitimacy of notices containing portal credentials, leading to multiple cyber risk concerns. Explaining portal usage and submission procedures over the phone was challenging. Data analysis revealed issues such as incorrect unit entries (e.g., Rupees instead of Rupees thousands) and non-responses to follow-up queries. Enterprises also faced difficulties in selecting correct NIC codes and estimating future investments when official data was unavailable.
CAPEX tends to rise when enterprises pursue growth strategies rather than maintain current operations. Despite challenges like weak demand, geopolitical tensions, and high borrowing costs, about 30% of firms plan to invest in upgradation in 2024–25, supporting the sharp increase in CAPEX for that year. The slightly lower intended CAPEX for 2025–26, though still above 2023–24 levels, reflects cautious planning after a strong 2024–25. Overall, the trend indicates growing corporate confidence and a judicious approach to investment amid improving economic certainty.
While the response rate and results were generally promising, this initial round of the survey can be considered as an experimental phase, providing valuable insights to refine the questionnaire, methodology, estimation processes, and overall implementation. The lessons learned will guide improvements for future surveys, with necessary adjustments to various aspects of the survey process. Moving forward, responding enterprises will be engaged more proactively before the survey, with concerns about the authenticity of the online survey being addressed, assistance provided in understanding the questionnaire, confidentiality of individual responses ensured, and field personnel deployed to support enterprises in overcoming technical and conceptual challenges in completing future-oriented surveys. Additionally, the survey will incorporate qualitative inputs, such as reasons for year-on-year changes in investment, to gain deeper insights into enterprise-level CAPEX intentions and trends. The next round of the CAPEX survey is expected to be conducted during October to December 2025.
Key highlights from the CAPEX results:
Aggregated (Unweighted, i.e. without applying any multiplier) CAPEX during (2021-22 to 2025-26)
A total of 2,172 enterprises submitted complete information for all five years of the reference period, forming a fixed panel. The aggregated (unweighted) CAPEX data from this panel of enterprises serves as a reliable basis for analyzing capital expenditure trends over the five-year period, as presented below. The results show an overall increase of 66.3% in aggregate CAPEX (unweighted) over the four-year period from 2021-22 to 2024-25.:
(in ₹ Crore)
Actual CAPEX in 2021-22
Actual CAPEX 2022-23
Actual CAPEX 2023-24
Intended CAPEX in 2024-25
Intended CAPEX in 2025-26
394,681.5
572,199.7
422,183.3
656,492.7
488,865.5
Out of the 3,064 responding enterprises, 2,172 reported their Capex intentions for 2025–26. The data indicates a cautious approach by respondents in declaring their capital expenditure plans. Therefore, the Capex data for 2025–26 should be interpreted with caution, considering the conservative approach and apprehension shown by the responding enterprises in reporting these figures. However, the results show an overall increase of 23.9% in aggregate CAPEX (unweighted) during 2021-22 to 2025-26 for this fixed panel of 2,172 enterprises.
Estimated Key Indicators for past years (2021-22 to 2023-24) by Industry of Activity as per National Industry of Classification (Activity Categories)
The average Gross Fixed Asset (GFA) per enterprise in the private corporate sector was estimated at ₹3,151.9 crore in 2021–22. It increased by 4.0% to ₹3,279.4 crores in 2022–23, and further grew by 27.5% to reach ₹4,183.3 crore in 2023–24.
The highest GFA per enterprise, exceeding ₹14,000 crore, was observed in the industry category ‘Electricity, Gas, Steam, and Air Conditioning Supply’, followed by ‘Manufacturing” enterprises (₹7,000 crore to ₹10,000 crore). Enterprises principally engaged in manufacturing activities accounted for more than 65% of the total Gross fixed asset[1] in private corporate sector over the past three years from 2021-22 to 2023-24 followed by enterprises engaged in ‘Electricity, Gas, Steam, and Air Conditioning Supply’ (8%-10%).
In 2021–22, the estimated actual CAPEX per enterprise was ₹109.3 crore, compared to the proposed value of ₹102.7 crore, resulting in a realisation ratio of 106.41 %. A similar trend was observed in 2022–23, where the estimated value of actual CAPEX per enterprise reached ₹148.8 crore against a proposed value of ₹133.3 crore, also yielding a realisation ratio exceeding 100%. For 2023–24, the realisation ratio stands at 99.7%, with the estimated actual CAPEX per enterprise at ₹107.6 and the proposed CAPEX at ₹107.9.
The estimated provisional capital expenditure per enterprise for acquiring new assets in 2024–25 stands at ₹172.2 crore. Among the sectors, manufacturing enterprises account for the largest share at 43.8%, followed by those in ‘Information and Communication Activities’ (15.6%) and ‘Transportation and Storage Activities’ (14.0%).
Estimated Key Indicators for 2023-24 by Asset Groups
The estimated provisional capital expenditure per enterprise for acquiring new assets in 2024–25 stands at ₹172.2 crore. Out of the total capital expenditure provisionally incurred in the year 2024-25, nearly 53.1% were utilized for purchasing machinery & equipment. The amount allocated for ‘capital work in progress’ (22.0%) and purchasing ‘dwellings, other buildings and structures’ (9.7%) had the next highest share of allocation.
Strategy of CAPEX in 2024-25
According to survey estimates, nearly 40.3% of enterprises plan to undertake CAPEX on core assets during 2024–25. Additionally, 28.4% intend to invest in value addition to existing assets, while around 11.5% focus on opportunistic assets, and 2.7% on debt strategies. The strategy of investing in distressed assets and non-performing loans was adopted by less than one-half of a percent of enterprises. Meanwhile, about 16.9% allocated their CAPEX towards other diverse investment strategies.
Objectives of CAPEX in 2024-25
The survey estimates indicate that nearly 49.6% of private corporate sector enterprises undertook CAPEX in 2024–25 primarily for income generation. An additional 30.1% directed their investments toward upgradation, while around 2.8% focused on diversification. Remaining 17.5% of enterprises reported using their CAPEX for other reasons.
The results of CAPEX survey are provided in the booklet which is available in the website of the Ministry (https://www.mospi.gov.in). To protect the confidentiality of CAPEX investment plans of individual enterprises, the Steering Committee of NSS Surveys recommended that unit-level data of CAPEX survey would not be disseminated.
Endnote: A brief about the coverage, sampling scheme, sample size and data collection mechanism in the Forward-Looking Survey on Private Sector CAPEX Investment Intentions:
A. Coverage:
The survey covered large private corporate sector enterprises that play a significant role in their respective sectors. The sampling frame was madeusing data from active enterprises registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), filtered based on annual turnover thresholds achieved in at least one of the last three financial years. The eligibility criteria were as follows:
Manufacturing enterprises with an annual turnover of ₹400 crore or more
Trade enterprises with an annual turnover of ₹300 crore or more
Other enterprises with an annual turnover of ₹100 crore or more
Based on these criteria, the final survey frame consisted of 16,025 enterprises.
B. Sampling Scheme:
Eligible enterprises were initially categorized into seventeen (17) strata based on their Principal Business Activity as reported in the MGT-7 Form of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). In strata with 100 or fewer enterprises, all units were included in the Census Sector for complete enumeration.
For strata with more than 100 enterprises, the selection process involved identifying Census Sector Enterprises and Sample Sector Enterprises. To determine the Census Sector, enterprises were ranked in descending order based on (i) the highest fixed asset value in the past three years and (ii) the fixed asset value of latest reported year. The top enterprises accounting for 90% of asset value (or 80% for Construction and Trade) from either list were classified as Census Sector Enterprises. The remaining units formed the Sample Sector, from which 10% were randomly selected using Simple Random Sampling without Replacement (SRSWOR), with allocation proportional to each stratum’s size and variation.
C. Sample Size:
The sample size for the survey was of 5,380 enterprises: 4,145 enterprises in the Census Sector and 1,235 enterprises in sample sector.
D. Data Collection Mechanism:
The survey was conducted under the provisions of the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, with prior notices sent to all selected enterprises outlining the survey’s objective and intended use of the data. Confidentiality of individual responses was strictly maintained, and no unit-level data would be disseminated. A secure, dedicated web portal was developed to enable selected enterprises to complete and submit the survey questionnaire online. The portal included background information on the survey, reasons for a unit’s selection, and chatbot support to assist respondents in understanding key concepts and definitions.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs combats unfair trade practices at medicine shop Customs earlier received information alleging that a salesperson of a medicine shop in Jordan was suspected of providing material information about the total price of a proprietary Chinese medicine in an untimely manner. The total price, which was 10 times higher than what was expected, was only revealed after the medicine was ground into powder.
After an extensive investigation, Customs officers today arrested a 32-year-old salesman of the medicine shop concerned.
An investigation is ongoing and the arrested man was held for questioning.
Customs has long been concerned about visitors being misled into making purchases by unfair trade practices, and has established a Quick Response Team to handle urgent complaints lodged by short-term visitors. The complaints will be promptly referred to investigators to handle with priority.
With the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland approaching, Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement activities to vigorously combat unfair trade practices.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO, and consumers to purchase products from reputable shops. Consumers should also be cautious about the unit price for a commodity and ask for more information, including the total price of the goods selected, before making a purchase decision.
Under the TDO, any trader who engages in a commercial practice that omits or hides material information or provides material information in a manner that is unclear, unintelligible, ambiguous or untimely, and as a result causes, or is likely to cause, an average consumer to make a transactional decision, commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/enIssued at HKT 18:35
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 29) is investigating a case of Group A Streptococcal infection with necrotising fasciitis (NF).
The case involves a 47-year-old male with underlying illnesses. He developed a fever and left thigh pain on April 11 and sought medical treatment from a private hospital on Hong Kong Island on the same day. Due to the clinical diagnosis of NF complicated by septic shock, he was transferred to Queen Mary Hospital for treatment on the following day. He underwent amputation of his left lower limb on April 13. The patient is still hospitalised and is in stable condition. His clinical specimens tested positive for Group A Streptococcus.• Perform hand hygiene frequently. Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds; then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel or hand dryer. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, they may be cleaned with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub; • Clean wounds immediately and cover properly with waterproof adhesive dressings until healed; • Treat wounds immediately even for minor or non-infected wounds; • Perform hand hygiene before and after touching wounds; • Avoid going to swimming pools, other water facilities or natural bodies of water, e.g. rivers, lakes and oceans if you have an open wound; and • Consult a doctor promptly if symptoms of infection develop, such as increasing redness, swelling and pain on the skin.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Entries invited for State Technological Invention Award and State Scientific and Technological Progress Award The STIA and SSTPA are two award categories under the State Science and Technology Awards. The Commission has been entrusted by the National Office for Science and Technology Awards to co-ordinate nominations from Hong Kong for the two awards since 2002.
“The State Science and Technology Awards are highly prestigious in the national science and technology sector. They aim to recognise outstanding contributions to the advancement of science and technology by individuals and organisations, as well as to stimulate the enthusiasm and creativity of persons working in the fields of science and technology, and to build an innovative and world-leading scientific and technological country. We encourage eligible local scientists and technologists to submit entries for the Awards,” a spokesman for the Commission said.
On the basis of the results of the COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICES EXAMINATION (I), 2025 held by the Union Public Service Commission on 13th April, 2025, 8516 candidates with the following Roll Numbers have qualified for being interviewed by the Service Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence, for admission to (i) Indian Military Academy, Dehradun 160th (DE) Course commencing in January, 2026 (ii) Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala, Course commencing in January, 2026 (iii) Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying) Training Course (219 F(P)) commencing in January, 2026 (iv) Officers Training Academy, Chennai123rd SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in April, 2026 and (v) Officers Training Academy, Chennai, 37th SSC Women (Non-Technical) (UPSC) Course commencing in April, 2026.
The candidature of all the candidates, whose Roll Numbers are shown in the lists below, is provisional. In accordance with the conditions of the admission to the examination, they are required to submit the original certificates in support of age (Date of Birth), educational qualifications, NCC (C) (Army Wing/Senior Division Air Wing/Naval Wing) etc. claimed by them to IHQ of MoD (Army) / Dte Gen of Rtg (Rtg A) CDSE Entry for SSC male candidates and SSC women entry for female candidates West Block III, R. K. Puram, New Delhi-110066 in case of IMA/SSC first choice candidates and IHQ of MoD (Navy DMPR (OI & R Section), Room No. 204,‘C’ Wing, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi-110011 in case of Navy first choice candidates and PO3 (A)/Air Headquarters ‘J’ Block, Room No. 17, Opp. Vayu Bhawan, Motilal Nehru Marg, New Delhi-110 106 in case of Air Force first choice candidates by the following dates failing which their candidature will stand cancelled.The original Certificates are to be submitted not later than 01stJanuary, 2026 for IMA & INA, not later than 13thNovember, 2025 for AFA and not later than 1stApril, 2026 in case of SSC course only. The candidates must not send the original Certificates to the Union Public Service Commission.
Candidates who qualified in the written exam and given their first choice as Army (IMA/OTA) are required to register themselves on the recruiting directorate website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in in order to enable them to receive call up information for SSB interview. Those candidates who have already registered on the recruiting directorate website are advised not to register again.
In case, there is any change of address, the candidates are advised to promptly intimate directly to the Army Headquarters/Naval Headquarters/Air Headquarters as the case may be.
For any further information, the candidates may contact Facilitation Counter near Gate “C” of the Commission, either in person or on telephone numbers 011-23385271, 011- 23381125 and 011-23098543 between 10:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs on any working day. In addition for SSB/interview related matter the candidates may contact over telephone no. 011-26175473 or joinindianarmy.nic.infor Army as first choice, 011-23010097 /Email:officer-navy[at]nic[dot]inor joinindiannavy.gov.in for Navy/Naval Academy as first choice and 011-23010231 Extn. 7645 / 7646 / 7610or www.careerindianairforce.cdac.in for Air Force as first choice. Candidates can also obtain information regarding their result by accessing UPSC website http://www.upsc.gov.in
The marks-sheet of candidates who have not qualified, will be available on the Commission’s website within 15 days from the date of publication of the final result of OTA (after conducting SSB Interview) and will remain available on the website for a period of 30 days.