Nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards-2026 to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2026 have started on 15thMarch, 2025. The last date for nominations for Padma Awards is 31stJuly, 2025. Thenominations/recommendations for Padma Awards will only be received online on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal (https://awards.gov.in).
The Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country. Instituted in 1954, these Awards are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year. The Award seeks to recognize ‘work of distinction’ and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields/disciplines, such as Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry etc. All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards. Government servants including those working with PSUs, except Doctors and Scientists, are not eligible for Padma Awards.
The Government is committed to transform Padma Awards into “People’s Padma”. All citizens are, therefore, requested to make nominations/recommendations, including self-nomination. Concerted efforts may be made to identify talented persons whose excellence and achievements really deserve to be recognized from amongst women, weaker sections of the society, SCs & STs, divyang persons and who are doing selfless service to the society.
The nominations/recommendations should contain all relevant details specified in the format available on the above said Portal, including a citation in narrative form (maximum 800 words), clearly bringing out the distinguished and exceptional achievements/service of the person recommended in her/his respective field/discipline.
The Government announced today that it will launch the Pilot Scheme on Wading Line System at five low-lying road sections with a higher flooding risk to tackle flooding as early as possible and alert drivers on the road ahead, thereby reducing the possibility of vehicles stalling due to water damage.
The system is being introduced in view of the increasing likelihood of flooding at low-lying road sections caused by heavy rain under extreme weather. Five pilot road sections have been selected as they experienced serious flooding in September 2023, causing damage to vehicles and rendering them inoperable.
The road sections are at Chai Wan Road, Lung Cheung Road, Tsui Ping Road, Chatham Road North and Nam Wan Road in Tai Po Market.
Traffic arrangements will be implemented in phases from later this month at the relevant road sections to facilitate the installation of the system’s warning signs. The installation is expected to be completed in mid-May.
Under the system, warning signs will be placed at low-lying road sections, including a red wavy line and the words “Wading Line” painted on the road surface, with a water meter gauge placed next to it and a sign erected next to the carriageway.
When the water level has reached or submerged the wading line, it indicates the depth of the water at the lowest point of the road ahead has reached 0.3m or above.
The Drainage Services Department (DSD) will install water level sensors called Flood Monitoring Devices at the lowest point of the road sections to collect real-time water level data.
When the devices detect the water level on the road has reached the warning level, the monitoring system will immediately alert relevant government departments. The DSD and the Highways Department will promptly deploy emergency response teams to inspect and clear blocked drains to reduce the risk of flooding.
When the depth of the water has reached 0.3m, there will be temporary traffic guidance on-site to prevent vehicles from entering the flooded road sections. The Transport Department will disseminate information on traffic arrangements accordingly and Police will give assistance as necessary.
If vehicles have entered low-lying road sections before the temporary traffic guidance is in place, drivers should stop their vehicles before reaching the wading line and avoid entering the flooded area. They should also turn on their hazard warning lights and follow the on-site directions to leave the temporarily closed road sections.
Adolphe Digoué, membre du gouvernement chargé de l’agriculture, de l’élevage et de la pêche, a organisé vendredi 11 avril, une visite du laboratoire de Nouvelle-Calédonie à Païta, en présence d’Annelise Young et de Mary Thurston, respectivement consules générales d’Australie et de Nouvelle-Zélande. L’objectif était de présenter les installations du laboratoire officiel de Nouvelle-Calédonie (LNC) et d’évoquer multiples coopérations régionales en cours dans les domaines de la sécurité alimentaire et de la protection zoo et phytosanitaire.
Parmi les nombreux sujets d’échanges avec nos voisins australiens et néozélandais, la coopération sanitaire est l’un de ceux qu’il faut continuer à développer. Des partenariats existent déjà entre les services de la direction des Affaires vétérinaires, alimentaires et rurales (DAVAR) de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et des organismes de ces deux pays et doivent pouvoir être renforcés.
« Ce sont deux grands voisins avec lesquels il nous faut maintenir des relations dans des domaines cruciaux tels que le commerce de nos produits. Pour cela, nous devons continuer d’échanger avec eux, bénéficier de leur expertise, mais aussi montrer que nous sommes à la hauteur des enjeux de biosécurité par exemple », a indiqué le membre du gouvernement Adolphe Digoué.
Une meilleure inclusion du SIVAP dans les initiatives régionales
Leur insularité, leur emplacement géographique et leurs statuts sanitaires de qualité font de l’Australie et de la Nouvelle-Zélande des sources d’inspiration pour la Nouvelle-Calédonie et notamment pour le service d’inspection vétérinaire, alimentaire et phytosanitaire (SIVAP) de la DAVAR.
Depuis 1949, la Nouvelle-Calédonie est membre à part entière de l’Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (OMSA). C’est notamment au travers de cette organisation qu’elle peut, aux côtés de l’Australie et de la Nouvelle-Zélande, participer à la définition de stratégies régionales.
À l’instar de la santé animale, la DAVAR entend développer les collaborations régionales sur les thématiques de la protection des végétaux et de la biosécurité aux frontières. Ce type de coopération doit permettre aux agents du SIVAP de partager leurs expériences avec leurs homologues de la région et ainsi participer à la préservation des statuts zoo et phytosanitaires des îles du Pacifique.
PaNDaS : un projet qui fait rayonner la Nouvelle-Calédonie dans la région
Depuis 2018, la Nouvelle-Calédonie est dotée d’un laboratoire de pointe répondant aux missions de la DAVAR dans les domaines de la santé publique, de la sécurité alimentaire et de la protection zoo et phytosanitaire. Le laboratoire est également ouvert aux autres collectivités et professionnels de l’agroalimentaire et du secteur vétérinaire.
Le LNC exerce des activités d’analyses, de diagnostic et d’expertise dans le domaine de la santé animale et végétale, ainsi que de l’agroalimentaire. Il réunit une trentaine d’agents scientifiques et techniques spécialisés en biologie, pathologie et nutrition animale, en microbiologie, chimie et contaminants alimentaires. La structure dispose de plus de 800 appareils et petits matériels parmi lesquels des équipements de haute technologie tels que la spectrométrie de masse, la chromatographie ou la PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Un niveau d’équipement et d’expertise qui, en dehors de l’Australie et de la Nouvelle-Zélande, n’est disponible nulle part ailleurs dans la région Pacifique.
Pour cette raison, depuis 2024, le LNC participe au projet PaNDaS (Pacific Networked Diagnostics and Support) en tant que laboratoire prestataire de diagnostic vétérinaire pour les pays de la sous-région. Dans ce cadre, il a récemment traité près de 1 400 sérums pour sept pathologies différentes (animaux de type bovins, ovins, caprins et porcins), à l’occasion d’une surveillance sérologique au Vanuatu. Actuellement, 2 300 sérologies sont en cours d’analyse pour 30 pathologies (soit environ 700 animaux de type bovins, ovins, caprins, porcins, équins et oiseaux) dans le cadre d’une surveillance sérologique pour les îles Cook, Tonga, Samoa et Niue.
Par ailleurs, le LNC collabore régulièrement avec des laboratoires australiens et néozélandais pour le développement et la mise à jour des techniques diagnostiques. En effet, face à l’émergence de pathologies touchant des filières animales très diverses et à l’évolution rapide des technologies, il est indispensable de pouvoir bénéficier des conseils et du soutien de laboratoires experts sur ces différentes maladies qui peuvent atteindre notre région.
Une réunion d’information et d’échanges sur la mission d’audit des protections de marché lancé par le gouvernement s’est tenue ce 11 avril, à l’initiative de Christopher Gygès, membre chargé de l’économie. L’ensemble des acteurs concernés était invité à définir le cahier des charges de cette étude. Objectif : déterminer la pertinence et l’efficience des protections de marché appliquées en Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Dans le contexte de crise financière, économique et sociale que traverse la Nouvelle-Calédonie depuis les évènements de mai 2024, le gouvernement a démontré la nécessité de réformer le modèle économique actuel.
À cet effet, une mission d’audit sur les mesures de régulation de marché sera lancée dès la semaine prochaine. Elle s’inscrit dans une démarche d’évolution de notre système économique, dans le but de le rendre plus efficient et compétitif.
« C’est un audit qui est extrêmement important parce qu’il permet d’apporter de la transparence sur les protections de marché, a souligné Christopher Gygès. Tous les acteurs sont représentés aujourd’hui : la grande distribution, les importateurs, le syndicat des commerçants, les syndicats de salariés, les industries locales, les chambres consulaires, les associations de consommateurs ».
Cette démarche de concertation a pour objectif d’établir un cahier des charges partagé par l’ensemble des acteurs et de recueillir une adhésion la plus large possible à cet audit.
Financée par l’État via l’AFD et menée par un prestataire indépendant, cette étude vise à déterminer précisément les impacts des protections de marché sur l’économie calédonienne.
Définition des mesures de régulation de marché
Les mesures de régulation de marché sont des mesures règlementaires permettant à des produits fabriqués ou transformés localement de se trouver protégés de la concurrence des produits importés.
Ces mesures prennent la forme de :
restrictions quantitatives à l’importation (suspension toutes origines provenances – STOP – et quotas) ;
taxes de régulation de marché (TRM) sur les produits importés concurrents des produits fabriqués ou transformés localement.
Aujourd’hui, la direction des Affaires économiques (DAE) compte 388 marchandises concernées par une mesure de régulation de marché. Environ 80 % de ces marchandises sont frappées de mesures quantitatives (STOP et quotas) et 20 % de mesures tarifaires.
Objectifs de l’audit
L’audit vise à évaluer le dispositif actuel de régulation de marché, ainsi que ses effets sur l’économie, les échanges avec les pays partenaires, la concurrence, les finances publiques et les consommateurs.
« Le gouvernement maintient bien sûr son soutien à l’industrie locale, mais il faut que la Nouvelle-Calédonie soit en capacité de s’ouvrir et de ne pas pénaliser le consommateur sur un certain nombre de produits, a précisé le membre du gouvernement. D’autres leviers que les régulations de marché existent pour soutenir l’industrie locale, comme le soutien à l’énergie ou aux charges sociales, a-t-il ajouté.
L’audit doit permettre de mesurer l’efficacité et l’efficience des mesures en place d’un point de vue global, afin d’évaluer les coûts et les gains du système pour l’économie calédonienne sur une longue période. Cela permettra d’estimer s’il atteint les objectifs fixés en termes de production, d’emploi ou de nombre d’opérateurs sur l’ensemble du territoire.
Mais au-delà d’une évaluation du système en place, « la démarche de cette étude s’inscrit également dans le soutien au pouvoir d’achat des Calédoniens et à l’emploi », a affirmé le membre du gouvernement.
La mission s’étendra sur une durée de cinq mois et permettra d’émettre des recommandations d’ici la fin de l’année 2025.
L’impact de ces recommandations devra ensuite être évalué sur la production, les prix, la consommation des ménages, l’investissement, les importations, les exportations, la consommation des administrations publiques et le chômage.
Historique de la réglementation sur les mesures de régulation de marché
Les premières mesures de régulation de marché ont été créées dans les années 80 afin de favoriser l’émergence de quelques projets industriels et de diversifier l’économie calédonienne. Adoptées sans cadre législatif, ce n’est qu’en 2006 que le Congrès de la Nouvelle-Calédonie encadre pour la première fois ces mesures par voie de délibération. Le texte vise alors à faciliter l’écoulement des produits fabriqués en Nouvelle-Calédonie en restreignant l’importation de produits concurrents.
Le dispositif actuel de mesures de régulation de marché est encadré par la loi du pays adoptée le 6 février 2019 par le Congrès. Elle instaure plusieurs dispositions parmi lesquelles :
l’instauration d’engagements en contrepartie de l’attribution de mesures de régulation de marché ;
l’instauration de sanctions administratives ;
l’instauration d’une durée maximale de dix ans pour toute demande de renouvellement ou initiale d’une mesure de régulation de marché ;
le remplacement de la Taxe conjoncturelle de protection de la production locale (TCPPL) par la Taxe de régulation de marché (TRM) ;
l’instruction et la veille de ce dispositif par la DAE, entraînant la suppression du comité de commerce extérieur (COMEX) ;
l’intégration d’une consultation pour avis de l’Autorité de la Concurrence de la Nouvelle-Calédonie lors d’une demande initiale (de création) de mesure de régulation de marché ;
l’intégration de dispositions particulières pour la production et l’importation des fruits et légumes.
The Employment (Amendment) Bill 2025, which seeks to revise the working hours threshold of the continuous contract requirement under the Employment Ordinance, was published in the Government Gazette today.
The move also aims to make it easier for employees to meet the revised continuous contract requirement and thus be able to enjoy comprehensive employment benefits.
The weekly working hours threshold of the continuous contract requirement will be lowered from 18 hours to 17 hours. Moreover, a week with less than 17 working hours will still be regarded as a period under the continuous contract of employment once the sum of the working hours of that week and those of the three weeks immediately preceding it reaches 68 hours.
The Labour Department said that the existing eligibility criteria for employees to enjoy various statutory benefits under the ordinance will remain unchanged.
It added that subject to a smooth passage of the bill, the amendment ordinance will come into operation on the first Sunday after six months upon its gazettal.
During this period, the department will widely publicise the salient features of the amendments to employers and employees, facilitating both parties in getting prepared.
The bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first and second readings on April 16.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following are the opening remarks (English translation) by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, on planning and lands policy areas at the special meeting of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee today (April 10):
Chairman,
In 2025-26, the total estimated expenditure of the Development Bureau’s Planning and Lands Branch and the departments under its purview (mainly including the Buildings Department, the Lands Department, and the Planning Department) is approximately $8.037 billion, a decrease of approximately $23 million over the revised estimate for the previous year, and the number of civil service posts will decrease by 168. We will continue to put resources to more effective use through measures such as reprioritisation of work, internal redeployment and streamlining of procedures, and will take forward the following priority tasks under the principle of enhancing quantity, speed, efficiency and quality.
Enhancing speed and efficiency in increasing land supply
On land supply, we will continuously create land to support the development of new industries, and improve citizens’ quality of life. When land creation is completed, we will roll out such land for various types of development in an orderly manner in light of the latest situation.
The Government will continue to accord high priority to devoting resources and spare no effort to take forward the Northern Metropolis (NM) development. It is estimated that 600 hectares of private land will be resumed in the next five years, and at least 570 hectares of land be formed. In the coming five years, it is estimated that a total of 60 000 public and private residential units will be completed and 1 million square metres of economic floor space be provided in the NM. Moreover, we will complete the rezoning procedures for a data park site in Sandy Ridge within this year to facilitate early disposal of the site in the market by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau. During the year, we will also finalise the land use proposals for Ngau Tam Mei, New Territories North New Town and Ma Tso Lung.
We will adopt more diversified development approaches. We are analysing the expressions of interest (EOIs) received for the three pilot areas of large-scale land disposal in the NM, and will commence the tendering work progressively from the second half of this year. We will invite land owners to submit applications for in-situ land exchanges in respect of the San Tin Technopole later this year. Moreover, we have invited tenders under the “two-envelope” approach for two sites in Yuen Long and Hung Shui Kiu for developing multi-storey buildings for modern industries. The Government has recently fine-tuned the tender conditions in response to constructive market feedback and extended the tender closing date to end-July accordingly.
To facilitate market participation and enhance investment incentives, we are exploring land administration work in several areas. Firstly, we will consider allowing land owners to voluntarily surrender land planned to be resumed by the Government in the NM to offset the premium payable for in-situ land exchange or large-scale land disposal in new development areas (NDAs). Secondly, wider application of the “pay for what you build” approach will be explored, including allowing developers to pay premium for lease modifications, which is not based on the maximum floor area but is determined according to the actual construction floor area. Thirdly, consideration will be given to tenancies with a long tenure, which will be longer than the current maximum fixed term of seven years for short-term tenancies.
We will also continue to explore a wide array of other measures to further streamline the approval process, in particular various administrative approval processes at construction stage, to reduce construction costs.
We announced the Government’s 2025-26 Land Sale List in end-February. Taking into account the eight residential sites available for sale and other sources, the potential private housing land supply in 2025-26 is estimated to have a capacity to produce about 13 700 flats, similar to the target for annual supply of the Long Term Housing Strategy. The Government has indicated that it will not roll out any commercial sites for sale in the current financial year, and will consider rezoning some of the commercial sites expected to be ready and available for sale in the next few years into residential use or allowing greater flexibility of land use.
In line with the “industry-led” planning approach, we invited the market to submit EOIs for three island and coastal tourism projects last week. This is the first time in recent years that the Government takes forward the creation of new land parcels for tourism and recreation purposes, and intends to make the best use of participation of enterprises and the market force for developments to be realised. As regards the marina development at the expansion area of Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, we are inviting the market to submit EOIs. The exercise will conclude by the end of this month. In addition, we will announce in around mid-2025 the land use proposals for Lung Kwu Tan and Tuen Mun West, including the River Trade Terminal, which will provide sites for developing key industries including new energy, modern logistics, advanced construction and circular economy.
Work on enhancing quality
In respect of “enhancing quality”, urban renewal and building safety are among our key priorities. With the amended Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance in force since December last year, the Support Service Centre for Minority Owners under Compulsory Sale commenced operation in August last year. We are working with the Urban Renewal Authority to conduct district planning studies on Tsuen Wan and Sham Shui Po, with renewal master plans to be released within this year. We are also exploring the use of land in NDAs to create more favourable conditions for future urban redevelopment projects by the public and private sectors, with a view to driving redevelopment. Preliminary proposals will be put forward within this year.
In respect of amending the Buildings Ordinance to strengthen building safety, tackle unauthorised building works and enhance safety of construction works, we are consolidating public views, and a bill is expected to be introduced in the first half of next year.
On leveraging harbourfront resources, we will set up refreshment stalls at harbourfront locations with higher visitor flow in Central, Wan Chai, North Point and Tsim Sha Tsui this year to enrich visitors’ experiences. We will consult stakeholders, including the Legislative Council Panel on Development, on the proposals for residential and commercial developments and a marina in the waterfront site in the vicinity of Hung Hom Station this month. Separately, we have just completed the scrutiny of the Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Bill, and the second reading will resume next month. We will make good use of the streamlined mechanism to take forward works conducive to public enjoyment of the Victoria Harbourfront.
The above is a brief report. My colleagues and I will be happy to respond to any further questions that Members may wish to raise.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Lands Department (LandsD) announced today (April 10) that new standard rates will apply with retrospective effect from April 1, 2025, for charging land premiums for lease modifications (including land exchanges) with regard to the redevelopment of pre-1987 industrial buildings (IBs) on industrial lots into new developments for modern industrial uses.
The standard rates arrangement for charging land premium in the redevelopment of IBs was first launched in 2021 as an alternative to the conventional premium assessment mechanism. The arrangement aims to provide certainty regarding the premium chargeable for lease modifications and streamline development procedures to expedite the redevelopment of pre-1987 IBs, which were constructed under a set of lower fire service installation requirements before the Code of Practice for Minimum Fire Service Installations and Equipment was revised by the Fire Services Department in 1987.
Under the previous arrangement, differential standard rates were set for: (i) five broad regions in Hong Kong, and (ii) within each region, four uses, namely: “industrial/godown (except special industrial)” use and “special industrial” use before lease modification, as well as “commercial/modern industrial” use and “residential” use to be permitted under the modified lease, for the calculation of the premium chargeable.
The level of the standard rates applicable to the redevelopment of IBs is reviewed annually by the LandsD to ensure that the rates are in line with prevailing market conditions. In its Practice Note No. 5/2025 issued today, the LandsD promulgates the updated standard rates applicable to the redevelopment of IBs as of April 1, 2025. At the same time, the LandsD promulgates, for the first time, separate standard rates for “commercial” and “modern industrial” uses after lease modification. The separation of the standard rates for “modern industrial” use from “commercial” use is to better reflect the land value of redeveloped IBs intended for modern industrial use.
A spokesperson for the LandsD said, “Hong Kong is now on its strategic path of planning innovative and technological developments. In view of the increasing number of IB-related transactions in the market and to cope with the growing demand for modern industries under the era of new quality productive forces, it is now an opportune time to set two independent categories of standard rates for ‘commercial’ and ‘modern industrial’ for the redevelopment of IBs. The promulgation of a separate standard rate for ‘modern industrial’ use will provide enhanced certainty to applicants who wish to redevelop their IBs for such use, and is supported by industry and professional organisations.”
With the coming into effect of Practice Note No. 5/2025, differential standard rates will apply for five uses, namely: “industrial/godown (except special industrial)” and “special industrial” uses before lease modification, and “commercial”, “modern industrial” and “residential” uses after lease modification.
PRESIDENT OF INDIA ADDRESSES SLOVAKIA-INDIA BUSINESS FORUM CONSTANTINE THE PHILOSOPHER UNIVERSITY CONFERS HONORIS CAUSA DOCTORATE DEGREE ON THE PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT INVITES SLOVAK COMPANIES TO JOIN ‘MAKE IN INDIA’ INITIATIVE
Posted On: 10 APR 2025 8:54PM by PIB Delhi
On the second day (April 10, 2025) of her visit to Slovakia, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu addressed the Slovakia-India Business Forum in Bratislava.
Addressing the gathering, the President said that India and Slovakia have historically shared close and friendly relations. Over the years, our countries have collaborated in various sectors. It is now time to explore the diversification of our trade basket.
The President said that India is undergoing a remarkable transformation, emerging as a global leader in technology, innovation, and sustainable development. We have seen significant success in renewable energy, digital technology, information technology, telecom, auto and auto-components, pharma and biotechnology, space and fintech. She stated that India is expected to become a 5 trillion dollar economy in the coming years, and we hope to do it in partnership with our friends such as Slovakia.
The President said that India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and Slovakia, with its strong industrial base and strategic location in Europe, presents great opportunities for deeper trade and investment ties. As a key member of the European Union and a hub for automotive, defence, and high-tech industries, Slovakia stands to benefit from India’s vast consumer market, skilled workforce, and thriving start-up ecosystem. She invited Slovak companies to join our ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The President said that Slovakia-India Business Forum serves as an excellent platform to explore synergies and build mutually beneficial partnerships. She urged business leaders to seize the opportunities and convert these into concrete results. She expressed confidence that the deliberations at the Forum would lead to lasting partnerships.
In the subsequent engagement, the President visited the Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra where she was conferred with Honoris Causa Doctorate degree in recognition of her distinguished career in public service and governance, advocacy for social justice and inclusion, and contribution towards education, women empowerment and promotion of cultural and linguistic diversity.
In her acceptance speech, the President said that this is an honour, which is being bestowed upon a country, and civilization that has been a beacon of peace and learning since time immemorial. Receiving this degree from an institution named after the philosopher Saint Constantine Cyril, is especially meaningful.
The President said that education is a means not only for individual empowerment but for national development as well. Recognizing this, India has placed education at the heart of its national development strategy. With half of its population below the age of 25, India is investing in its youth to drive the knowledge economy of tomorrow.
The President said that even as India embraces modernity and technology, our progress remains deeply rooted in the wisdom of our ancient philosophical traditions. She stated that just as Saint Constantine Cyril’s work laid the foundation for Slavic linguistic and cultural identity, Indian philosophical traditions have long shaped the intellectual and spiritual fabric of our society. Indian classical philosophy offers a rich and diverse exploration of reality, emphasizing introspection and ethical conduct. It highlights multiple perspectives, and the importance of self-knowledge and inner experience. She was happy to note that the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads resonates in Slovakia too.
In the next engagement, the President, along with President Peter Pellegrini, visited the Jaguar Land Rover Factory in Bratislava and watched themanufacturing facilities of the plant.
Earlier in the morning, the President visited an exhibition of paintings by Slovak children. The Slovak-Indian Friendship Society, in collaboration with the Indian Embassy, has been organizing the painting competition ‘Beauty Hidden in Fairy Tales – India through the Eyes of Slovak Children, since 2015. She also witnessed a puppet show on Ramayan conducted by Ms. Lenka Mukova. Ms. Lenka is part of the Babadlo Puppet Theater in Presov, which has been educating children through puppetry for 30 years.
Yesterday evening (April 9, 2025), the President attended a banquet hosted in her honour by President Peter Pellegrini at the historic Bratislava Castle.
In her banquet remarks, the President thanked the Government and the people of Slovakia for the warm welcome and hospitality. She said that from yoga and ayurveda to Indian cuisine, the love for Indian culture in Slovakia is a testament to our strong people-to-people connections. She reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says, Modi government is mowing down drug cartels with full might Home Minister congratulates NCB, Assam Police and CRPF on seizure of 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 24.32 crore and arrest of 3 persons in Assam, in a massive blow to drug cartels
Modi Government’s offensives against drugs will continue with ruthless force
Posted On: 10 APR 2025 8:12PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah has said that the Modi government is mowing down drug cartels with full might.
In a post on X platform, Shri Amit Shah said that “in our vision to build a drug-free Bharat, our agencies launched massive operations strangling drug cartels and seized 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 24.32 crore while arresting three people in Assam. Our offensives against drugs will continue with ruthless force. Congratulations to the NCB, Assam Police, and the CRPF on this major breakthrough.”
The Modi govt is mowing down drug cartels with full might.
In our vision to build a drug-free Bharat, our agencies launched massive operations strangling drug cartels and seized 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth ₹24.32 crore while arresting three people in Assam. Our…
NCB seizes 30.4 kg Methamphetamine Tablets (YABA) worth Rs 24.32 Crores and arrests three drug traffickers in two cases on April 6, 2025
Pursuant to the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, of a DRUG FREE INDIA and acting upon the directives of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved significant success in dismantling inter-state synthetic drug network in Assam.
In a major breakthrough, the NCB seized a total of 30.4 kg worth Rs 24.32 Crores of methamphetamine tablets popularly known as YABA, along with two vehicles, and arrested three accused during two separate operations in Silchar recently. On 06.04.2025, in an intelligence led operation developed over 3 months, NCB Guwahati, in a joint operation with the Assam police, intercepted a car and recovered 10 packets containing 9.9 kg of methamphetamine tablets. The contraband was concealed in a cavity within the vehicle’s boot. The sole occupant of the car who is a resident of Churachandpur, Manipur, was arrested on the spot. Investigations are on to identify the backward and forward linkages.
Later that night, in another intelligence led operation NCB Guwahati, Assam Police and the CRPF, a Mahindra Thar was intercepted. Authorities recovered 20.5 kg of methamphetamine tablets packed in 21 packets hidden inside the vehicle’s spare tire. Both occupants of the vehicles who also belong to Churachandpur were taken into custody. Investigations are underway to unravel the backward and forward linkages.
NCB had earlier seized around 110 kg of methamphetamine tablets in two operations on March 13, 2025. In the seizure of 7.5 kg at Silchar, Assam one person has been arrested so far who is resident of Moreh, Manipur. In the seizure of 102.5 kg at Lilong, near Imphal, Manipur, 03 accused have been arrested and 03 vehicles have been seized so far. Further investigations in these matters are also underway to dismantle the trans-national drug trafficking syndicate.
(Images of seized Methamphetamine Tablets)
NCB, through its newly created 4 Zonal Units at Siliguri, Itanagar, Agartala and Imphal and a Regional Headquarters in Guwahati, has been persistently working against the drug traffickers operating in the region in collaboration with other agencies. A Field Office of NCB in Aizawl, Mizoram has been operationalised with the help of Mizoram police in March 2025 and there was immediate success in seizure of 10.814 Kg Meth on 24.3.2025 in for which 06 accused have been arrested so far, out of which 02 accused are Myanmarese. 04 vehicles have also been seized in this case. Further investigations in this case are also underway to dismantle the trans-national drug trafficking syndicate.
These 5 seizures of Meth in the North East in the last one month exemplify the NCB’s commitment to successfully disrupt trans-national and interstate drug networks to achieve the vision of DRUG FREE INDIA.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Hong Kong Customs today (April 10) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 20 kilograms of suspected 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $4 million.
A 31-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Vancouver, Canada, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine inside her check-in suitcase. The woman was subsequently arrested.
The investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking 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).