Month: April 2025

Posted on

Northern Metropolis task force meets

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy held its sixth meeting in Hong Kong today.

 

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong and Shenzhen Vice Mayor Tao Yongxin led delegations of the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Shenzhen respectively.

 

In the morning, both delegations visited the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.

 

In addition to receiving a briefing by representatives of the Civil Engineering & Development Department and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Park on the planning, design and construction work of the park, they toured the newly completed talent accommodation building therein.

 

During the afternoon meeting, the Hong Kong SAR Government presented the achievements made in taking forward the development of the Northern Metropolis in the past year, including the development proposals for Ngau Tam Mei, the New Territories North New Town and Ma Tso Lung announced at the end of last year; and an earlier invitation for submissions of expressions of interest on three large-scale land disposal pilot areas.

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government also introduced the Development Outline for the Hetao Hong Kong Park promulgated in November last year, which clearly sets out the park’s major development directions, strategy and targets.

 

Both sides also exchanged views on the planning progress for the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai), the implementation of the Wutong Mountain-Robin’s Nest Ecological Corridor and the planning and development of Hong Kong-Shenzhen control points.

 

Mr Wong said that the large-scale development of the Northern Metropolis brings myriad opportunities for Hong Kong.

 

“We will continue to leverage our unique advantages under the ‘one country two systems’ principle and give full play to our roles as a super-connector and super value-adder. We will work closely with Shenzhen to promote the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and contribute to the high-quality development of our country.”

 

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan, Under Secretary for Environment & Ecology Diane Wong and Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Lillian Cheong also attended today’s meeting.

Posted on

PM lauds Delhi Government for implementing Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 11 APR 2025 8:56AM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today lauded the Delhi Government for implementing the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and for starting the distribution of Ayushman Bharat cards under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

https://t.co/8QjzdBqcNe

***

MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2120810) Visitor Counter : 106

Posted on

Statement by the Judiciary

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

     In response to media enquiries, the Judiciary confirmed today (April 11) that Mr Justice Robert French, a non-permanent judge from other common law jurisdictions (CLNPJ) of the Court of Final Appeal (CFA), had tendered his resignation to the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In his resignation, Mr Justice French reaffirmed his continued respect for the independence and integrity of all of the Judges on the CFA.

     The Judiciary is grateful to Mr Justice French for his valuable contributions to the work of the CFA and his support for the rule of law in Hong Kong during his tenure.

     Upon the departure of Mr Justice French, there are nine non-permanent judges comprising four non-permanent Hong Kong judges and five CLNPJs from the United Kingdom and Australia in the CFA. In light of its steady caseload, the operation of the CFA will not be affected by the recent change in membership of the Court.

     The Judiciary will continue to identify suitable local and overseas candidates for appointment as non-permanent judges.

Posted on

Streamlining procedures to encourage effective use of public spaces in commercial developments

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Streamlining procedures to encourage effective use of public spaces in commercial developments 
The Lands Department will implement several new measures under the pilot scheme, including:
 
(i) Streamlining the application procedure for waivers: The waivers, once approved, will remain valid for one year, thus allowing “one application for multiple uses” within the validity period. This means that within a year, events (regardless of their nature or content) can be hosted in the same location without a need for separate applications for each event.
 
(ii) Adopting a simplified and concessionary fee arrangement: A concessionary fixed fee of about $17,000 will be charged for each application, which includes the administrative fee and waiver fee for the first month.  If the activity is to be held in other months within the year, an additional HK$5,000 will be charged per month. Compared to the current practice where each event requires an individual application and incurs a fee of HK$60,000 or more, the fee has been significantly reduced. The fixed fee also obviates the need for case-by-case fee assessment, offering greater transparency and certainty. Non-commercial activities will continue to be exempt from application fees.
 
(iii) Relaxation of area restriction: The permissible area for the use of “Public Open Spaces in Private Development” for commercial activities has been doubled from the original 10 per cent to 20 per cent of the open space, provided that the activities do not affect pedestrian access or safety. Activities that are organised or co-organised by the Government with commercial elements will be considered as non-commercial activities and will not be subject to this restriction.
 
(iv) Streamlining the consultation process: Through streamlined arrangement, the processing time for application approvals will be reduced from about two to three months in the past to about one month. For activities planned for the upcoming Easter holiday and the Labour Day Golden Week, the Lands Department will expedite processing of applications.
 
A spokesperson from the Development Bureau said, “Through the pilot scheme, we aim to remove barriers and restrictions, enabling various sectors to make full use of indoor and outdoor spaces in shopping malls or other commercial developments to host a wide range of activities. This will enhance visitor experience, attract patronage, boost consumption, and inject more vitality into Hong Kong’s economy.”
 
Details of the scheme have been uploaded to the website of the Lands Department (www.landsd.gov.hk/doc/en/practice-note/info-notes/Information_Note-Streamlining_Arrangements(POSPD).pdfIssued at HKT 18:45

NNNN

Posted on

HKSAR Government expresses regret at resignation of non-permanent judge of Court of Final Appeal

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government spokesman today (April 11) expressed regret at the resignation of Mr Justice Robert French as a non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal of the HKSAR, and extended gratitude for his contribution over the years.
 
The HKSAR Government was grateful that Mr Justice French, in his resignation letter to the Chief Executive, expressed great respect for the judicial officers of the HKSAR as well as for their independence and integrity, and that he felt honoured to have worked with them.
 
The spokesman said that the long-time presence of esteemed judges from overseas as non-permanent judges of the Court of Final Appeal participating in hearings of the Court has been conducive to the international legal environment and the development of the jurisprudence of common law in Hong Kong. Their continued participation, alongside permanent judges, speaks to the enduring strength and resilience of the Court. The judicial system of the HKSAR is protected by the Basic Law. The HKSAR shall be vested with independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication; the courts shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. The presence or absence of individual judges will not undermine the integrity of the system, nor impair the HKSAR Government’s determination in upholding the rule of law.
 
The HKSAR Government fully supports the Judiciary in its continuous efforts to appoint and retain foreign non-permanent judges in the future, and will endeavor to capitalise on the HKSAR’s common law system, upholding the rule of law in Hong Kong.

Posted on

QUICK ESTIMATE OF INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION AND USE-BASED INDEX FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025

Source: Government of India

Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation

QUICK ESTIMATE OF INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION AND USE-BASED INDEX FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025

(BASE 2011-12=100)

Posted On: 11 APR 2025 4:00PM by PIB Delhi

The Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) are released on 12th of every month (or previous working day if 12th is a holiday) with a six weeks lag and compiled with data received from source agencies, which in turn receive the data from the producing factories/ establishments. These Quick Estimates will undergo revision in subsequent releases as per the revision policy of IIP.

2.        Key Highlights:

  1.  The IIP growth rate for the month of February 2025 is 2.9 percent which was 5.0 percent (Quick Estimate) in the month of January 2025.
  2.  The growth rates of the three sectors, Mining, Manufacturing and Electricity for the month of February 2025 are 1.6 percent, 2.9 percent and 3.6 percent respectively.
  3.  The Quick Estimates of IIP stands at 151.3 against 147.1 in February 2024. The Indices of Industrial Production for the Mining, Manufacturing and Electricity sectors for the month of February 2025 stand at 141.9, 148.6 and 194.0 respectively.
  4.  Within the manufacturing sector, 14 out of 23 industry groups at NIC 2 digit-level have recorded a positive growth in February 2025 over February 2024. The top three positive contributors for the month of February 2025 are – “Manufacture of basic metals” (5.8%), “Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers” (8.9%) and “Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products” (8.0%).
  5.  In the industry group “Manufacture of basic metals”, item groups “Flat products of Alloy Steel “, “Pipes and tubes of Steel”, “Bars and Rods of Mild steel” have shown significant contribution in growth.
  6. In the industry group “Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers”, item groups “Auto components/ spares and accessories”, “Axle”, “Commercial Vehicles, have shown significant contribution in growth.
  7. In the industry group “Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products” item groups “Cement- all types”, “Cement Clinkers”, “Pre-fabricated Concrete blocks (including RMC)” have shown significant contribution in growth.
  8.  As per the use base classification, the indices stand at 152.3 for Primary Goods, 115.5 for Capital Goods, 159.9 for Intermediate Goods and 191.3 for Infrastructure/ Construction Goods for the month of February 2025. Further, the indices for Consumer durables and Consumer non-durables stand at 126.5 and 146.7 respectively.
  9.  The corresponding growth rates of IIP as per Use-based classification in February 2025 over February 2024 are 2.8 percent in Primary goods, 8.2 percent in Capital goods, 1.5 percent in Intermediate goods, 6.6 percent in Infrastructure/ Construction Goods, 3.8 percent in Consumer durables and (-)2.1 percent in Consumer non-durables (Statement III).  Based on use-based classification, top three positive contributors to the growth of IIP for the month of February 2025 are – Infrastructure/ construction goods, Primary goods, and Capital goods.
  10.   Monthly Indices and Growth Rate (in %) of IIP for the last 13 months

 

3.       Along with the Quick Estimates of IIP for the month of February 2025, the indices for January 2025 have undergone the first revision and those for November 2024 have undergone final revision in the light of the updated data received from the source agencies. The Quick Estimates for February 2025, the first revision for January 2025 and the final revision for November 2024 have been compiled at weighted response rates of 89 percent, 94 percent and 95 percent respectively.

4.     Details of Quick Estimates of the Index of Industrial Production for the month of February 2025 at Sectoral, 2-digit level of National Industrial Classification (NIC-2008) and by Use-based classification are given at Statements I, II and III respectively. Also, for users to appreciate the changes in the industrial sector, Statement IV provides month-wise indices for the last 13 months, by industry groups (as per 2-digit level of NIC-2008) and sectors.

5.     Release of the Index for March 2025 will be on Monday, 28th April 2025.

 

Note: –

  1. This Press release (English and Hindi Version) is also available at the Ministry’s Website –http://www.mospi.gov.in.
  2. Detailed information pertaining to IIP is available at https://mospi.gov.in/iip and https://esankhyiki.mospi.gov.in/

 

STATEMENT I: INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION – SECTORAL

  

(Base: 2011-12=100)

  

Month

Mining

Manufacturing

Electricity

General

(14.372472)

(77.63321)

(7.994318)

(100)

2023-24

2024-25

2023-24

2024-25

2023-24

2024-25

2023-24

2024-25

Apr

122.6

130.9

138.8

144.6

192.3

212.0

140.7

148.0

May

128.1

136.5

143.1

150.4

201.6

229.3

145.6

154.7

Jun

122.3

134.9

141.6

146.6

205.2

222.8

143.9

151.0

Jul

111.9

116.1

142.1

148.8

204.0

220.2

142.7

149.8

Aug

111.9

107.1

144.4

146.1

220.5

212.3

145.8

145.8

Sep

111.5

111.7

141.5

147.2

205.9

206.9

142.3

146.9

Oct

127.4

128.5

142.1

148.4

203.8

207.8

144.9

150.3

Nov

131.3

133.8

139.3

147.0

176.3

184.1

141.1

148.1

Dec

139.5

143.2

151.6

156.8

181.6

192.8

152.3

157.7

Jan

144.3

150.7

150.8

159.5

197.1

201.9

153.6

161.6

Feb*

139.7

141.9

144.4

148.6

187.2

194.0

147.1

151.3

Mar

156.2

 

156.2

 

204.2

 

160.0

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apr-Feb

126.4

130.5

143.6

149.5

197.8

207.6

145.5

151.4

Growth over the corresponding period of previous year

 

 

 

 

Jan

6.0

4.4

3.6

5.8

5.6

2.4

4.2

5.2

Feb*

8.1

1.6

4.9

2.9

7.6

3.6

5.6

2.9

Apr-Feb

8.2

3.2

5.4

4.1

6.9

5.0

6.0

4.1

* Figures for Feb 2025 are Quick Estimates.

NOTE : Indices for the months of Nov’24 and Jan’25 incorporate updated production data.

 

 

STATEMENT II:  INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION – (2-DIGIT LEVEL)

(Base: 2011-12=100)

Industry

Description

Weight

Index

Cumulative Index

Percentage growth

 

code

 

  

Feb’24

Feb’25*

Apr-Feb*

Feb’25*

Apr-Feb*

 

 

 

  

 

 

2023-24

2024-25

 

2024-25

 

10

Manufacture of food products

5.302

151.9

142.6

133.8

130.8

-6.1

-2.2

 

11

Manufacture of beverages

1.035

120.0

114.8

109.7

112.5

-4.3

2.6

 

12

Manufacture of tobacco products

0.798

77.3

76.1

81.3

83.6

-1.6

2.8

 

13

Manufacture of textiles

3.291

104.1

106.6

107.6

108.9

2.4

1.2

 

14

Manufacture of wearing apparel

1.322

125.6

120.1

106.8

113.9

-4.4

6.6

 

15

Manufacture of leather and related products

0.502

96.8

87.7

94.9

91.9

-9.4

-3.2

 

16

Manufacture of wood and products of wood and cork, except furniture; manufacture of articles of straw and plaiting materials

0.193

101.7

106.6

97.1

102.7

4.8

5.8

 

17

Manufacture of paper and paper products

0.872

79.2

72.0

79.1

78.3

-9.1

-1.0

 

18

Printing and reproduction of recorded media

0.680

88.8

81.2

89.1

84.3

-8.6

-5.4

 

19

Manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products

11.775

131.2

131.8

132.1

136.6

0.5

3.4

 

20

Manufacture of chemicals and chemical products

7.873

125.4

121.8

126.9

129.3

-2.9

1.9

 

21

Manufacture of pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemical and botanical products

4.981

205.6

212.0

234.1

232.0

3.1

-0.9

 

22

Manufacture of rubber and plastics products

2.422

110.3

115.2

108.4

113.4

4.4

4.6

 

23

Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products

4.085

147.7

159.5

142.2

147.3

8.0

3.6

 

24

Manufacture of basic metals

12.804

213.2

225.6

212.4

226.3

5.8

6.5

 

25

Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment

2.655

95.7

102.1

90.3

97.0

6.7

7.4

 

26

Manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products

1.570

125.8

139.1

120.5

130.0

10.6

7.9

 

27

Manufacture of electrical equipment

2.998

111.5

121.9

105.1

129.2

9.3

22.9

 

28

Manufacture of machinery and equipment n.e.c.

4.765

121.0

124.7

118.7

122.2

3.1

2.9

 

29

Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers

4.857

130.4

142.0

127.5

132.7

8.9

4.1

 

30

Manufacture of other transport equipment

1.776

145.8

157.8

141.9

161.0

8.2

13.5

 

31

Manufacture of furniture

0.131

227.7

240.8

183.5

226.5

5.8

23.4

 

32

Other manufacturing

0.941

76.4

71.6

84.9

80.7

-6.3

-4.9

 

 

 

              

 

05

Mining

14.372

139.7

141.9

126.4

130.5

1.6

3.2

 

10-32

Manufacturing

77.633

144.4

148.6

143.6

149.5

2.9

4.1

 

35

Electricity

7.994

187.2

194.0

197.8

207.6

3.6

5.0

 

 

 

              

 

 

General Index

100.00

147.1

151.3

145.5

151.4

2.9

4.1

 

* Figures for Feb 2025 are Quick Estimates.

              

 

 

STATEMENT III: INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION – USE-BASED

(Base :2011-12=100)

 

Primary goods

Capital goods

Intermediate goods

Infrastructure/ construction goods

Consumer durables

Consumer non-durables

Month

(34.048612)

(8.223043)

(17.221487)

(12.338363)

(12.839296)

(15.329199)

 

2023-24

2024-25

2023-24

2024-25

2023-24

2024-25

2023-24

2024-25

2023-24

2024-25

2023-24

2024-25

Apr

142.2

152.2

92.4

95.0

152.0

157.8

169.8

184.2

108.1

119.5

154.7

150.9

May

149.9

160.9

102.6

105.3

156.9

162.4

173.2

186.3

115.6

130.2

149.8

154.0

Jun

146.7

156.0

107.4

111.3

154.2

159.1

170.9

184.9

116.8

127.1

146.7

145.2

Jul

141.8

150.1

102.1

114.0

153.8

164.6

170.3

179.7

117.0

126.6

153.5

147.1

Aug

145.4

141.6

107.4

107.4

157.4

162.3

176.8

181.5

123.2

129.8

148.3

141.8

Sep

138.8

141.3

112.6

116.5

154.2

160.8

172.8

178.8

125.0

132.9

142.6

145.7

Oct

146.1

149.8

106.1

109.2

157.5

165.0

175.9

184.2

123.0

129.8

142.4

146.4

Nov

143.8

147.7

98.0

106.7

151.3

158.5

164.2

177.3

106.5

121.5

157.2

158.1

Dec

151.9

157.7

103.8

114.6

159.8

170.0

180.3

193.6

114.5

124.0

179.7

166.3

Jan

154.3

162.8

108.3

119.5

163.8

172.5

186.6

200.4

121.4

130.2

164.9

164.4

Feb*

148.2

152.3

106.7

115.5

157.6

159.9

179.5

191.3

121.9

126.5

149.9

146.7

Mar

163.1

  

131.6

  

169.2

  

195.2

  

129.9

  

155.2

  

Average

                        

Apr-Feb

146.3

152.0

104.3

110.5

156.2

163.0

174.6

185.7

117.5

127.1

153.6

151.5

Growth over the corresponding period of previous year

              

Jan

2.9

5.5

3.2

10.3

5.3

5.3

5.5

7.4

11.6

7.2

0.3

-0.3

Feb*

5.9

2.8

1.7

8.2

8.6

1.5

8.3

6.6

12.6

3.8

-3.2

-2.1

Apr-Feb

6.5

3.9

6.2

5.9

5.2

4.4

10.0

6.4

3.0

8.2

4.0

-1.4

* Figures for Feb 2025 are Quick Estimates.

NOTE: Indices for the months of Nov’24 and Jan’25 incorporate updated production data.

 

STATEMENT IV:  MONTHLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION – (2-DIGIT LEVEL)

(Base: 2011-12=100)

Industry code

Description

Weight

Feb-24

Mar-24

Apr-24

May-24

Jun-24

Jul-24

Aug-24

Sep-24

Oct-24

Nov-24

Dec-24

Jan-25

Feb-25

10

Manufacture of food products

5.3025

151.9

142.4

119.8

116.4

118.3

119.9

122.3

120.5

130.5

136.5

152.8

159.0

142.6

11

Manufacture of beverages

1.0354

120.0

124.2

123.8

136.4

125.2

112.9

100.3

101.8

102.7

99.4

104.3

115.4

114.8

12

Manufacture of tobacco products

0.7985

77.3

78.3

61.1

88.1

83.2

81.3

78.5

91.2

92.3

80.3

89.0

98.4

76.1

13

Manufacture of textiles

3.2913

104.1

106.9

105.3

107.0

106.2

109.1

109.4

109.3

111.1

106.2

113.9

113.7

106.6

14

Manufacture of wearing apparel

1.3225

125.6

143.0

105.1

123.6

122.6

111.7

112.5

103.7

104.0

110.3

119.1

120.2

120.1

15

Manufacture of leather and related products

0.5021

96.8

95.9

89.3

102.6

99.2

102.0

94.3

89.5

87.0

76.3

89.2

93.9

87.7

16

Manufacture of wood and products of wood and cork, except furniture; manufacture of articles of straw and plaiting materials

0.1930

101.7

111.4

84.3

100.3

103.8

99.1

108.1

106.7

103.2

98.2

115.0

104.4

106.6

17

Manufacture of paper and paper products

0.8724

79.2

83.0

75.6

81.0

79.8

81.7

83.0

81.2

78.3

75.0

76.7

76.7

72.0

18

Printing and reproduction of recorded media

0.6798

88.8

91.6

82.1

91.9

85.3

84.4

83.3

84.7

78.0

82.6

90.0

83.3

81.2

19

Manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products

11.7749

131.2

142.4

135.4

140.7

132.2

140.9

130.8

128.8

132.8

135.6

147.4

146.3

131.8

20

Manufacture of chemicals and chemical products

7.8730

125.4

132.3

127.0

133.2

131.7

135.2

129.5

129.4

129.4

123.2

131.0

130.9

121.8

21

Manufacture of pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemical and botanical products

4.9810

205.6

228.0

244.4

245.0

218.8

224.7

212.6

222.9

216.9

251.4

258.6

244.3

212.0

22

Manufacture of rubber and plastics products

2.4222

110.3

116.3

108.9

112.4

114.5

116.9

115.5

117.6

116.6

103.6

107.0

118.7

115.2

23

Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products

4.0853

147.7

165.4

148.7

149.1

154.1

136.3

139.8

137.6

144.3

136.7

151.9

162.7

159.5

24

Manufacture of basic metals

12.8043

213.2

232.1

220.7

225.9

219.2

223.7

225.6

219.7

228.2

222.0

237.0

242.2

225.6

25

Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment

2.6549

95.7

115.0

85.0

97.8

89.5

93.7

92.8

99.5

100.2

95.2

106.9

104.2

102.1

26

Manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products

1.5704

125.8

134.7

114.2

136.5

134.8

130.9

146.6

146.7

124.2

115.9

115.1

126.2

139.1

27

Manufacture of electrical equipment

2.9983

111.5

124.7

110.4

122.7

136.8

131.8

127.7

128.1

125.9

121.1

163.8

131.4

121.9

28

Manufacture of machinery and equipment n.e.c.

4.7653

121.0

145.4

108.0

118.1

125.3

126.2

122.9

131.7

120.2

117.7

127.7

122.0

124.7

29

Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers

4.8573

130.4

130.5

126.5

134.4

128.9

133.5

129.2

132.6

133.4

134.4

116.3

148.3

142.0

30

Manufacture of other transport equipment

1.7763

145.8

175.7

140.3

153.2

153.4

155.0

156.4

189.0

184.5

159.4

142.2

180.0

157.8

31

Manufacture of furniture

0.1311

227.7

296.4

220.8

246.0

217.0

209.2

226.2

246.6

211.4

201.7

239.1

232.9

240.8

32

Other manufacturing

0.9415

76.4

90.0

96.5

72.5

74.6

83.3

86.9

99.5

91.8

57.0

77.8

76.7

71.6

 

 

 

                          

5

Mining

14.3725

139.7

156.2

130.9

136.5

134.9

116.1

107.1

111.7

128.5

133.8

143.2

150.7

141.9

10-32

Manufacturing

77.6332

144.4

156.2

144.6

150.4

146.6

148.8

146.1

147.2

148.4

147.0

156.8

159.5

148.6

35

Electricity

7.9943

187.2

204.2

212.0

229.3

222.8

220.2

212.3

206.9

207.8

184.1

192.8

201.9

194.0

 

 

 

                          

 

General Index

100

147.1

160.0

148.0

154.7

151.0

149.8

145.8

146.9

150.3

148.1

157.7

161.6

151.3

Note: The figures December 2024, January 2025 and February 2025 are provisional

 

****

Samrat

(Release ID: 2120934)

Posted on

Parliamentary Estimates Committee Reviews PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana at Agrivoltaics Site in Issapur, Delhi

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 11 APR 2025 4:00PM by PIB Delhi

The Parliamentary Committee on Estimates, chaired by Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, Member of Parliament, undertook a field visit to the Sunmaster Agrivoltaics Plant at Issapur, Najafgarh, Delhi. Organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), the visit focused on reviewing the implementation of two key schemes – PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

The visit offered Members of Parliament and officials an on-ground perspective of agrivoltaics technology, which allows dual use of land for both solar energy generation and agricultural cultivation—maximizing land productivity and supporting farmer income.

The delegation was welcomed by Shri Sudeep Jain, Additional Secretary, MNRE, who provided a comprehensive briefing on the objectives and impact of PM-KUSUM in promoting clean, sustainable energy for agriculture. He emphasized how the scheme empowers farmers by enhancing energy access while ensuring both food and energy security.

The session featured a comparative analysis between ground-mounted solar systems and stilt-based agrivoltaic models, highlighting key advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and land-use efficiency—critical pillars of the PM-KUSUM vision.

During the visit, the Committee members also engaged in interactions with local farmers, gaining firsthand insight into the transformative role of solar energy in rural livelihoods.

In a symbolic gesture of environmental commitment, Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal and Members of the Committee participated in a tree plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative. The Members also took a tractor ride with farmers, reinforcing their grassroots engagement and commitment to understanding the realities of the agricultural sector.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Jaiswal lauded MNRE and stakeholders for their well-coordinated efforts and the potential of agrivoltaics to synergize energy and agriculture. He recommended further studies to explore its scalability and maximize benefits for farmers across rural India.

This visit reflects the Government of India’s strong push for clean energy solutions that also support inclusive rural development under the leadership of MNRE.

*****

Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2120941) Visitor Counter : 73

Posted on

Hong Kong Science Museum’s new exhibition to introduce current state of local industries and explore future industry prospects (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Science Museum’s new exhibition to introduce current state of local industries and explore future industry prospects  
Addressing the opening ceremony today (April 11), the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan, said Hong Kong, as an international metropolis, not only brings together Eastern and Western cultures but also harmonises innovation with tradition. Following the country’s announcement to accelerate the development of new quality productive forces, Hong Kong is fully co-operating in its efforts and striving to become an international innovation and technology centre. Hong Kong’s industry has gradually transformed from early traditional manufacturing to today’s high-tech industries, embodying the wisdom and efforts of countless scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
 
She added that each innovation achievement in this exhibition is evidence of the new era of the Hong Kong industry, telling a “Hong Kong story” that, relying on technological strength, transforms innovative ideas into practical and sustainable solutions, continuously improving people’s quality of life. With advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics, the Hong Kong industry achieves breakthroughs in environmental technologies that convert waste into energy, cutting-edge applications in smart manufacturing and life sciences, and redefines “Made in Hong Kong”.
 
Ms Chan said this exhibition not only showcases technological innovation achievements but also promotes the culture of scientific research and popular science education. She hopes that the public, especially young people, can experience the myriad possibilities of technological development through the exhibits and interactive experiences, developing a passion for exploring science, learning innovative thinking for the future, and seizing the development opportunities brought about by Hong Kong’s technological innovation.

Other officiating guests today included the Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI), Mr Steve Chuang; the Executive Deputy Chairman of the FHKI and Chairman of the FHKI 65th Anniversary Organising Committee, Mr Anthony Lam; and the Museum Director of the HKScM, Mr Lawrence Lee.

The exhibition comprises five sections, namely “Industry Cornerstone”, “Research and Development”, “Smart Manufacturing”, “Industry 4.0” and “2030 Vision”. Through interactive exhibits and model and object displays, the exhibition introduces innovative designs that cover a wide range of areas, including clothing, food, housing, and transportation in people’s daily lives, and highlights how local teams transfer research outcomes from three key industries, namely life and health technology, artificial intelligence and data sciences, and advanced manufacturing and new energy technology, to contribute to the realisation of Hong Kong’s new industrialisation. Highlight exhibits include an interactive device that showcases a passive radiative cooling material that lowers indoor temperatures without relying on electricity, an injection moulding machine that utilises injection moulding technology to mass-produce plastic products, and an automated multiplex diagnostic system that can detect more than 40 respiratory pathogens simultaneously in about 1.5 hours.
 
The exhibition is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the FHKI, organised by the HKScM and the FHKI, and funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission. The exhibition is held at the Special Exhibition Hall, G/F, HKScM (2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon). Guided tours of the exhibition will be held on weekends and public holidays from May 1 to July 1. The guided tours are free of charge with on-site enrolment. In addition, the HKScM will also organise an array of activities, including off-site guided tours, exhibit demonstrations, children’s programmes, experiments, workshops, and science lectures, with free admission. For details of the exhibition and activities, please visit hk.science.museum/en/web/scm/exhibition/industrial2025.htmlIssued at HKT 18:11

NNNN

Posted on

Red flag hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (April 11) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.