Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Correctional officers stopped a 38-year-old male remand person in custody from committing suicide by hanging in Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre today (April 12).
At 12.03pm today, a correctional officer found the remand person in custody attempting suicide in the toilet of a dayroom by hanging with a pair of trousers tied to a window grille. The officer immediately rescued him and called for reinforcements. The remand person in custody was found unconscious and was subsequently sent to a public hospital for further treatment. The case has been reported to the Police.
A spokesman for the Correctional Services Department said, “The department uses all possible measures to prevent persons in custody from attempting suicide or self-harm. These measures include administrative arrangements, improvement of institution facilities, staff training and first-aid services.”
The person in custody was remanded for the offence of conspiracy to defraud in April 2024.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The reprovisioned On Lok Mun Street Playground in Fanling opened today (April 12), providing the public with a variety of extreme sports facilities that meet international standards.
The new On Lok Mun Street Playground covers an area of over 3 800 square metres, containing a skatepark of some 1 600 sq m that features extreme sports facilities, including a bowl course and a street course, suitable for players of different skill levels to practise tricks. As certified by World Skate, the bowl and street facilities are of international standards. The playground is designed and constructed by the Civil Engineering and Development Department, and is managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Michael Fong, said that the reprovisioning and upgrading of the On Lok Mun Street Playground was undertaken in active response to the growing popularity of skateboarding following the Tokyo Olympics and the community’s aspirations for facilities meeting international standards. He noted that the new venue was designed and constructed to align with international standards and has successfully obtained certification from World Skate.
Mr Fong added that the project team overcame challenges during implementation, including adjustment of works sequence to accommodate the construction of the Fanling Bypass Eastern Section and the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Adhering to a ‘people-first’ principle, the team maintained close communication with community stakeholders, provided a temporary practice venue, and employed innovative construction methods and meticulous craftsmanship to successfully complete the skatepark.
At the opening ceremony, a total of 12 professional extreme sports athletes from different regions gave impressive demonstrations. Amongst them are the World Skate Asia Scooter Technical Committee member, Ma Xiangyu, who is from Mainland China; Cheng Tze-wang, who has represented Hong Kong to participate in many overseas aggressive inline skating competitions; and Soichiro Kanashima, who is a Japanese professional aggressive inline skater.
The original On Lok Mun Street Playground was demolished in February 2023 to facilitate the implementation of the Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section) project. It has been reprovisioned at a site about 150 metres north of the original site, with the entrance on the Lung Yeuk Tau section of Sha Tau Kok Road, near the North District Temporary Wholesale Market for Agricultural Products. In addition to its extreme sports facilities, the playground is also equipped with toilets and changing rooms, arbours and garden benches.
The opening hours of the playground are from 8am to 10pm daily, while the opening hours of the skatepark may be adjusted due to weather conditions. The skatepark will be closed from 8am to noon on the first and third Mondays of each month for regular maintenance. Those who plan to visit the playground can take a minibus to the Wo Mun Street Minibus Terminus at Luen Wo Hui, followed by a roughly 10-minute walk through Luen Wo Hui Community Hall, or take a bus or minibus to Lung Yeuk Tau and then walk for about five minutes to the venue.
For any enquiries, please contact the North District Leisure Services Office of the LCSD at 2679 2819 or visit the LCSD website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/index.html).
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to Lead ‘Jai Bhim Padyatra’ in Patna, Bihar Tomorrow Similar Padyatras Honouring Dr. Ambedkar’s Legacy to Take Place Simultaneously Across All Major State Capitals in India on 13th April
Posted On: 12 APR 2025 3:56PM by PIB Delhi
To commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will lead ‘Jai Bhim Padyatra’ in Patna, Bihar on 13th April 2025 where over 10,000 MY Bharat volunteers are expected to participate.
संविधान के शिल्पकार बाबा साहेब डॉ. भीमराव अंबेडकर के मूल्यों और शिक्षाओं को नई पीढ़ी तक पहुँचाने के उद्देश्य से MY Bharat के युवा साथियों द्वारा 13 अप्रैल 2025 को पूरे देश में ‘जय भीम पदयात्रा’ का आयोजन किया जाएगा।
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) April 12, 2025
Similar padyatras will take place simultaneously across all major state capitals in India. This marks the first time a nationwide padyatra is being conducted across state capitals, uniting thousands of youth in a collective tribute to Babasaheb’s vision of equality, justice, and fraternity.
The padyatra in Patna will begin from the iconic Gandhi Maidan, proceeding along a vibrant, culturally rich route that will feature Tribute Corners with Ambedkar’s quotes, live art and street performances on social reform, pledge points for youth, and musical-theatrical acts inspired by his legacy.
The key highlights of the ‘Jai Bhim Padyatra’ include a nationwide Preamble reading by MY Bharat volunteers and statue cleaning drives at Ambedkar memorials across all districts, symbolizing a united commitment to constitutional values and civic responsibility.
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse will lead the padyatra in Mumbai, Maharashtra, with thousands of MY Bharat volunteers and citizens participating.
To amplify youth participation and foster civic awareness, pre-padyatra activities are underway in every district of India, including statue cleaning and floral tributes, along with essay writing, debate, painting, and slogan competitions in schools and colleges.
The ‘Jai Bhim Padyatra’ is the ninth in a series of 24 padyatras to be organized as part of the celebration of 75 years of the Indian Constitution. Each padyatra under this campaign is a symbolic journey, connecting today’s youth to the values of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity.
The Ministry invites all youth across India to be part of this transformative movement by registering on the MY Bharat Portal (www.mybharat.gov.in) and participating in this proud march for democracy, dignity, and unity.
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today condoled the passing of Kumudini Lakhia. He hailed her as an outstanding cultural icon, whose passion towards Kathak and Indian classical dances was reflected in her remarkable work.
He wrote in a post on X:
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Kumudini Lakhia ji, who made a mark as an outstanding cultural icon. Her passion towards Kathak and Indian classical dances was reflected in her remarkable work over the years. A true pioneer, she also nurtured generations of dancers. Her contributions will continue to be cherished. Condolences to her family, students and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Deeply saddened by the passing of Kumudini Lakhia ji, who made a mark as an outstanding cultural icon. Her passion towards Kathak and Indian classical dances was reflected in her remarkable work over the years. A true pioneer, she also nurtured generations of dancers. Her…
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SLW attends GBA Talent Development Showcase in Kuala Lumpur to promote Hong Kong’s opportunities and unique advantages Delivering his opening remarks at the symposium of the showcase, Mr Sun said that Hong Kong is uniquely positioned in the GBA area to serve dual roles as Mainland China’s gateway to Southeast Asia and as Malaysia’s springboard to the vast opportunities in Mainland China’s domestic markets. He stressed that the multilingual nature of the two places, being fluent in Cantonese, English and Putonghua, ensures the smooth integration of Malaysian talent in Hong Kong. Mr Sun added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government had earlier established the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, which builds on Hong Kong’s strategic positioning of “eight centres”, with a view to flexibly attracting and gathering specialised talent in various sectors to build an international hub for high-calibre talent to contribute to the high-quality development of Hong Kong and the country.
Following the symposium, Mr Sun and the delegation toured the career fair concurrently held at the showcase and visited multiple booths to learn more about the jobs offered by exhibitors as well as different companies’ demand for international talent. Numerous students studying at Malaysian universities as well as professionals attended the fair to explore career prospects in Hong Kong and Mainland cities of the GBA.
The showcase, organised by the Labour and Welfare Bureau and HKTE to be held today and tomorrow (April 13) in JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur, is expected to attract a combined attendance of over 4 000. It consists of two main components: a symposium and a career fair. The symposium featured experts from various fields discussing the GBA’s latest developments and opportunities, while the career fair attracted nearly 40 leading GBA enterprises from industries including technology, I&T, engineering, finance, accounting, legal services, insurance and real estate, providing international talent from Southeast Asia with a wide range of career options and opportunities for professional growth.
Mr Sun said, “Hosting the showcase in Malaysia, a dynamic emerging economy with strategic development potential, the LWB and HKTE aimed at implementing the strategy of joining hands to attract international high-calibre talent under the Memorandum of Understanding on promoting talent services co-operation in the GBA signed last year by nine municipalities in Guangdong Province as well as the Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR. HKTE will continue to intensify global promotion efforts with a view to attracting more outstanding talent worldwide to pursue their careers in Hong Kong.”
Yesterday morning (April 11), Mr Sun first visited Universiti Malaya and met with Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Hasniza Zaman Huri and other senior management of the university. Mr Sun said that as the top-notch institution of Malaysia, Universiti Malaya is an eligible university under the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS). He said he was pleased to note that since the implementation of the TTPS, over 60 applications from graduates of Universiti Malaya have been approved, adding that he looked forward to more outstanding graduates of the university to pursue their careers in Hong Kong. Mr Sun then led the delegation to pay a courtesy call on the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, Mr Zheng Xuefang, in the afternoon and briefed him on the efforts made by Hong Kong in building the GBA into an international hub for high-calibre talent.
Afterwards, Mr Sun called on the Minister of Human Resources of Malaysia, YB Steven Sim during which they exchanged views on strengthening regional collaboration. Mr Sun stressed that the two-way flow of talent fosters enhanced co-operation between the two places, thereby achieving beneficial all-win situations. At the meeting, Mr Sun also elaborated on Hong Kong’s work done on improving occupational safety and health, as well as boosting manpower skills through engaging the Employees Retraining Board.
While in Kuala Lumpur, Mr Sun also met with representatives of the Hong Kong-Malaysia Business Association and the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia to understand more on the local business environment and manpower situation. Mr Sun invited them to visit Hong Kong more often to explore development opportunities.
Mr Sun concluded his three-day visit this afternoon and will arrive in Hong Kong tonight. Issued at HKT 18:15
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
    Owing to the thunderstorm warning, the flag-lowering ceremony to be conducted at Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai at 6pm today (April 12) will be cancelled.
    If the thunderstorm warning is cancelled and weather conditions permit by then, the flag-lowering ceremony may be resumed without further notice.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by SCMA at Equal Opportunities Commission’s 15th Anniversary Celebration on Implementation of Race Discrimination Ordinance cum Celebration of International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination – Appreciation Event with Community Stakeholders (English only) To effectively perform our roles and functions as “super connector” and “super value-adder”, we always seek to ensure people of all ethnicities enjoy equal opportunities in different aspects of life. First and foremost, the Government leads by example. As the largest employer in Hong Kong, the civil service has strived to enhance employment opportunities for ethnic minorities; over fifty civil service grades have reviewed and adjusted their Chinese-language proficiency requirements to give more opportunities to non-ethnic Chinese applicants to join the civil service.
The Government also strives to promote equal opportunities in the private sectors and the community. To name a few, the Labour Department’s Racial Diversity Employment Programme provide customised employment support services to ethnic minority job seekers. The Education Bureau works with educational establishments at all levels to step up learning support for non-Chinese speaking students, to enhance their proficiency in Chinese, to provide them with a better learning experience, and to smoothen their transition from school to the workplace.??? In addition, ten Ethnic Minority Care Teams and two new support service centres were set up under the Home Affairs Department’s new Care Teams programme. They enhance support and provide holistic services to ethnic minorities, including language tutorials and community integration workshops. All these underline the Government’s commitment to building an equal, inclusive, and harmonious society.Issued at HKT 17:13
Central Electricity Authority concurred a record number of Detailed Project Reports of Hydro Pumped Storage Projects during 2024-25. CEA has ambitious plan to concur minimum 13 PSP of 22 GW for 2025-26.
A great investment opportunity ahead in Hydro PSP as so far identified potential crosses 200 GW
Posted On: 12 APR 2025 2:18PM by PIB Delhi
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, has concurred Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of following 6 Hydro Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) of about 7.5 GW in record time during 2024-25, marking a key milestone in India’s ongoing commitment to developing advanced long term energy storage solutions:
Upper Indravati (600 MW) in Odisha
Sharavathy (2,000 MW) in Karnataka
Bhivpuri (1,000 MW) in Maharashtra
Bhavali (1,500 MW) in Maharashtra
MP-30 (1,920 MW) in Madhya Pradesh
Chitravathi (500 MW) in Andhra Pradesh
This is the outcome of the collaborative efforts of the PSP developers, appraising organisations (CWC, GSI and CSMRS).
A number of steps were taken to resolve the issues and fast track the appraisal process. This is a big achievement since inception of new concept of Off-Stream, close loop PSPs. CEA has made the appraisal process transparent through the Portal “Jalvi Store”. The DPR for appraisal has been made shorter, check list has been provided for ease of submission of chapters to appraising agency and many more such initiatives.
Further, CEA has made ambitious plan to concur minimum 13 PSPs of about 22 GW during 2025-26. Most of these PSPs are targeted to be commissioned in 4 years and latest by 2030. Development of these projects shall boost energy storage capacity drastically in the country, making a major contribution to grid reliability and supporting India’s ambitious renewable energy goals. This further underscores the CEA’s ongoing commitment for facilitating the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient power system.
The participation of private sector in this segment is quite encouraging and with the help of self-identified PSP, the PSP potential in the country has crossed 200 GW and it is further increasing almost every month. Thus, from a meagre 3.5 GW of operational hydro PSP capacity in the country, the development needs to be taken up in an accelerated mission mode to harness this potential. This year two PSPs around 3000 MW will get commissioned and by 2032 we expect around 50 GW. At present 8 projects of 10 GW is under construction and DPR has been concurred for 3 projects of around 3 GW. In addition to this, 49 projects of 66 GW are under Survey and investigation. All these DPRs are expected to be finalised by the developers in 2 years.
Hydro PSPs are vital for the energy transition, as they allow excess electricity generated during off-peak hours to be stored in the form of water in elevated reservoirs. This stored energy can then be used back during non-solar hours peak demand periods, ensuring a reliable, consistent, and flexible power supply.
For developers and investors, it is a great investment opportunity to develop and invest in a long term assets of more than 70- 80 years.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
JPC Innovation and Technology Competition 2024-25 Award Presentation Ceremony cum Carnival held today The Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming; the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai; the General Manager of Information Technology Department of Bank of China (Hong Kong), Mr Yung Fai; and the Director of Operations of Police, Mr Chan Tung, officiated at the ceremony.
In his welcome remarks, Mr Chow said that since its establishment in 1974, the JPC has been committed to training young people to become youth leaders and crime-fighting partners through diversified activities, striving to nurture a new generation of law-abiding young people with an affection for the country and Hong Kong, and equipped with positive thinking and an aspiring mindset. He noted that as the Police step up enforcement against “space oil drugs”, the competition introduced the theme of youth drug prevention, encouraging participants to raise anti-drug awareness among young people through creative solutions.
Mr Chow also highlighted the quality of entries received, underscoring the pivotal role of experiential learning in STEAM education, which fosters students’ curiosity while developing their teamwork and problem-solving skills. He added that the JPC will launch more innovative activities to nurture I&T talents for Hong Kong and our country.
The competition aims to encourage primary and secondary school students to utilise their knowledge and skills in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) to construct innovative and feasible “Smart City” solutions. Two “Best Smart City Awards” were introduced to recognise the most innovative entries in artificial intelligence and gerontechnology, while the “Best Safe City Awards” were also presented to acknowledge innovative solutions for fraud prevention and crime fighting, youth drug prevention, and community safety enhancement, ensuring that citizens can continue to thrive in a safe living environment. The competition was divided into four categories, namely junior primary school, senior primary school, junior secondary school and senior secondary school. Over 1700 students from nearly 160 schools participated, and over 1 300 submissions were received. The list of winning teams has been uploaded onto the JPC website.
To further encourage the younger generation to engage with innovation and technology, some winners introduced the creative ideas and stories behind their works at the award presentation ceremony. An I&T carnival was also held and featured a workshop on simulated evidence collection at crime scenes and a number of virtual reality games, allowing participants to learn about the work of the Police, while experiencing the fun of technology.
This is the fourth consecutive year that the JPC has organised the competition which combines experiential learning and policing elements to nurture future young leaders to join hands in preventing and combating crime. The competition was supported by the Education Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, the Digital Policy Office, the Association of I.T. Leaders in Education, the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, the Hong Kong Computer Society, the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Hong Kong Extra-curricular Activities Masters’ Association, the Hong Kong New Emerging Technology Education Association, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Hong Kong STEM Education Alliance and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation. Issued at HKT 16:45