The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to Bhagwan Mahavir on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti today. Shri Modi said that Bhagwan Mahavir always emphasised on non-violence, truth and compassion, and that his ideals give strength to countless people all around the world. The Prime Minister also noted that last year, the Government conferred the status of Classical Language on Prakrit, a decision which received a lot of appreciation.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said;
“We all bow to Bhagwan Mahavir, who always emphasised on non-violence, truth and compassion. His ideals give strength to countless people all around the world. His teachings have been beautifully preserved and popularised by the Jain community. Inspired by Bhagwan Mahavir, they have excelled in different walks of life and contributed to societal well-being.
Our Government will always work to fulfil the vision of Bhagwan Mahavir. Last year, we conferred the status of Classical Language on Prakrit, a decision which received a lot of appreciation.”
We all bow to Bhagwan Mahavir, who always emphasised on non-violence, truth and compassion. His ideals give strength to countless people all around the world. His teachings have been beautifully preserved and popularised by the Jain community. Inspired by Bhagwan Mahavir, they… pic.twitter.com/BRXIFNm9PW
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
“Tan Dun WE-Festival” returns to promote innovation and exchanges of Chinese culture with ancient tea-inspired music Brief introductions of the programmes in June are as follows:
“Xiangxi Tujia Women’s Daliuzi & Hong Kong Women’s Percussion Ensemble” (“TEA-liuzi” World Premiere) ——————————————————————————————————- Date and time: June 4 and 5 (Wednesday and Thursday), 8pm Venue: Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Ticket prices: $380 and $480
Enlightened by an impressionable field trip in Xiangxi (western Hunan), Tan explores the possibility of merging the “daliuzi” (percussion of Tujia) with tea culture. Drawing from tea-making techniques of leaf-whistling, tea-picking and grinding, he creates a world premiere performance of the composition “TEA-liuzi”. The Hong Kong Women’s Percussion Ensemble, comprising local young percussionists, will make its debut with Xiangxi Tujia Women’s Daliuzi to engage in an East-West percussion dialogue that bridges the past and the future.
Lost Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Manuscripts: “The Vanishing Mogao Caves” —————————————————————————————————— Date and time: June 7 (Saturday), 8.45pm Venue: Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Ticket prices: $380 and $480
Tan has been immersed for years in the ancient music manuscripts of Dunhuang scores located overseas, and has recreated and produced a number of ancient musical instruments of the Tang dynasty from the murals of Dunhuang. In this programme, Tan, together with his self-founded Dunhuang Ancient Music Consort, will present an immersive and time-transcending production that revives last year’s Paris premiere of “The Vanishing Mogao Caves” through ancient music and dance, vocal performances and mini operas. This edition will also feature ancient Tang music pieces.
[PRESS RELEASE – Wednesday 2 April 2025] – His Excellency Mr. George Azer Saleeb Tadros presented his Letter of Credence to the Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II at a presentation of credential ceremony held this morning accrediting him as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Samoa.
Samoa and Egypt have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in September 1978. During the ceremony, H.E Tadros underscored the partnership between Egypt and Samoa in addressing the common challenge of climate change, noting our collaborative efforts, particularly during the 2022 Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), hosted by Egypt.
In his responding remarks, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II commends Egypt for its leadership and commitment to climate change action and to working together with global partners to find solutions to assist Small Islands Developing states including Samoa and the Pacific region. The Head of State expressed confidence that the appointment of His Excellency will further strengthen the existing relations between our two nations and will yield productive and beneficial collaborations.
His Excellency Mr. George Azer Saleeb Tadros holds a Master (first part) of Cardiology and Intensive Care, and a Bachelor degree of Medicine and surgery. He also attended the Institute of diplomatic studies of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1998. Mr. George is a career diplomat who served in various positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt. He also served in Egypt’s diplomatic missions including as a Diplomatic attaché in Japan and Korea, as Third Secretary at the Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique, as Second Secretary in Athens, Greece, Counselor in Ankara, Turkey and as Deputy Chief of Mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. . Mr. George Azer Saleeb Tadros was appointed as the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to New Zealand in November 2023. Mr. Tadros is married and has one daughter.
END
Photo by the Government of Samoa (Jasmine Netzler-Iose)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following are the opening remarks (English translation) by the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, on housing at the special meeting of the Legislative Council Finance Committee today (April 10):
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and The Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) jointly announced today (April 10) a series of new measures to prevent, detect and disrupt financial crime, including fraud and associated mule account networks.
Fraud has been growing in scale and complexity, and the use of technologies has enabled criminals to take advantage of people at speed and scale, amplifying the threat. A total of 44 480 deception cases were reported in 2024, representing an increase of 11.7 per cent compared with 2023. A total of 10 496 persons were arrested for involvement in various types of deception and money laundering offences last year, including about 7 700 persons for selling or allowing their accounts to be used for money laundering, representing an increase of 13.6 per cent compared with 2023.
To keep pace with the evolving nature of fraud as well as international good practices, the HKMA, the HKPF and the banking industry are introducing the following measures:
(1) Expanded use of Scameter data
​To enable banks to identify more suspicious accounts and to alert more potentially at-risk customers so that they can take action to mitigate risks, the HKMA and the HKPF have expanded the use of Scameter data, and expect banks to combine this with network analytics capabilities to identify and share data on additional mule account networks identified in order to increase levels of disruption.
(2) Bank-to-bank information sharing
​To strengthen protection for customers, the HKMA have introduced legislative amendments to enable bank-to-bank information sharing when banks become aware of activity that may indicate possible prohibited conduct (including money laundering and terrorist financing). While 10 banks are already sharing information on the Financial Intelligence Evaluation Sharing Tool (FINEST) platform operated by the HKPF, an updated platform capable of accommodating increased information exchanges is intended to be operational by the end of this year.
(3) Sharing of good anti-fraud practices with banks
To enhance the effectiveness of banks’ systems to prevent, detect and disrupt fraud and scam-related money laundering activities, the HKMA have shared good practices in banks’ anti-fraud and anti-money laundering systems.
(4) Thematic reviews to support banks in building effective anti-fraud controls
​To support banks’ effective implementation of anti-fraud measures, the HKMA will work collaboratively with banks to review system performance through thematic reviews, and establish a regular communication platform with the industry to continuously strengthen the banking sector’s ability to detect mule account networks.
(5) Enhanced publicity and education efforts on “Don’t Lend/Sell Your Account”
The HKMA, the HKPF and the banking industry will strengthen publicity and education efforts to disseminate messages to customers regarding “Don’t Lend/Sell Your Account”, including outreach activities to targeted segments, and enhance industry coordination through the formation of the Anti-fraud Education Taskforce by the HKAB comprising 18 major banks.
The public are reminded not to lend or sell their bank accounts to others as this may carry the risk of prosecution and conviction for criminal offences, including money laundering. In 2024, there was a 2.3-fold increase in the number of persons prosecuted for the offence of money laundering compared with 2023. Given the serious nature of these offences, the HKPF applies to the Court for enhanced sentencing where appropriate. By early April 2025, the sentences of 95 mule account holders had been increased by 13 per cent to 33 per cent, with sentences ranging from 21 to 75 months of imprisonment.
The HKMA and the HKPF will continue to work closely with banks and other stakeholders to strengthen the detection and prevention of financial crime.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (April 10) the results of the Monthly Survey on Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) for March 2025.
The current diffusion index (DI) on business receipts amongst SMEs increased from 42.1 in February 2025 in the contractionary zone to 43.5 in March 2025, whereas the one-month’s ahead (i.e. April 2025) outlook DI on business receipts was 46.5. Analysed by sector, the current DIs on business receipts for all surveyed sectors rose in March 2025 as compared with previous month, particularly for the business services (from 45.1 to 48.4) and logistics (from 36.3 to 39.0).
The current DI on new orders for the import and export trades increased from 45.9 in February 2025 to 46.6 in March 2025, whereas the outlook DI on new orders in one month’s time (i.e. April 2025) was 46.9.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that overall business sentiment among SMEs and their expectations on the business situation in one month’s time improved in March compared with the preceding month. The overall employment situation also turned better.
Looking ahead, as the United States increased its import tariffs significantly on almost all its trading partners in April, the downside risk to the global economy and the degree of uncertainty in the external environment have risen notably. This is likely to pose pressure on business sentiment. The Government has been providing support to local enterprises (in particular the SMEs) through various measures, and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Further information
The Monthly Survey on Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises aims to provide a quick reference, with minimum time lag, for assessing the short-term business situation faced by SMEs. SMEs covered in this survey refer to establishments with fewer than 50 persons engaged. Respondents were asked to exclude seasonal fluctuations in reporting their views. Based on the views collected from the survey, a set of diffusion indices (including current and outlook diffusion indices) is compiled. A reading above 50 indicates that the business condition is generally favourable, whereas that below 50 indicates otherwise. As for statistics on the business prospects of prominent establishments in Hong Kong, users may refer to the publication entitled “Report on Quarterly Business Tendency Survey” released by the C&SD.
The results of the survey should be interpreted with care. The survey solicits feedback from a panel sample of about 600 SMEs each month and the survey findings are thus subject to sample size constraint. Views collected from the survey refer only to those of respondents on their own establishments rather than those on the respective sectors they are engaged in. Besides, in this type of opinion survey on expected business situation, the views collected in the survey are affected by the events in the community occurring around the time of enumeration, and it is difficult to establish precisely the extent to which respondents’ perception of the business situation accords with the underlying trends. For this survey, main bulk of the data were collected around the last week of the reference month.
More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Monthly Survey on the Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises”. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080015&scode=300).
Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact Industrial Production Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7246; email: sme-survey@censtatd.gov.hk).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government announced today (April 10) the following senior appointments:
(a) Mr Kevin Choi, Permanent Secretary, Chief Executive’s Office, will take up the post of Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics on April 14, 2025;
(b) Ms Hinny Lam Shuk-yee, Deputy Head, Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, will take up the post of Permanent Secretary, Chief Executive’s Office, on April 14, 2025; and
(c) Mr Ho Chun-hung, Deputy Director of Buildings, will take up the post of Director of Buildings on April 13, 2025, succeeding Ms Clarice Yu Po-mei who will proceed on pre-retirement leave on the same day.
Commenting on the appointment of Mr Choi and Ms Lam, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said, “The appointees are seasoned Administrative Officers with proven leadership and management skills. I have every confidence that they will continue to serve the community with professionalism in their new capacity.”
Commenting on the appointment of Mr Ho, Mrs Yeung said, “Mr Ho has proven leadership skills, profound professional knowledge in building safety and extensive operational experience. I am confident that he will lead the Buildings Department to meet the challenges ahead and continue to deliver quality service to the community.”
On the retirement of Ms Yu, Mrs Yeung said, “Ms Yu has served with zeal and commitment in the civil service over the past 29 years. As Director of Buildings, Ms Yu has made remarkable contributions and led the department in setting and enforcing safety, health and environmental standards for private buildings. I wish her a most fulfilling and happy retirement.”
Brief biographical notes of the four officers are set out below:
Mr Kevin Choi
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Mr Choi joined the Administrative Service in October 1997 and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A in April 2024. He has served in various bureaux and departments, including the former Planning, Environment and Lands Bureau, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the former Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau (later reorganised as the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau), the Chief Executive’s Office, the Development Bureau, the Civil Aviation Department and the former Transport and Housing Bureau. He was Deputy Secretary in the former Food and Health Bureau (later reorganised as the Health Bureau) from December 2020 to February 2023, Private Secretary to the Chief Executive from February 2023 to May 2024, and has been serving as Permanent Secretary, Chief Executive’s Office, since May 2024.
Ms Hinny Lam Shuk-yee
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Ms Lam joined the Administrative Service in August 1997 and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1 in April 2024. She has served in various bureaux and departments, including the former Financial Services Bureau, the former Trade and Industry Bureau, the former Constitutional Affairs Bureau, the former Health, Welfare and Food Bureau, the Labour and Welfare Bureau, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels and the former Food and Health Bureau. She was Assistant Director (Waste Management Policy) of the Environmental Protection Department from June 2017 to March 2019, Deputy Secretary for Security from March 2019 to January 2023, and has been serving as Deputy Head to the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit since January 2023.
Ms Clarice Yu Po-mei
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Ms Yu joined the Government as Building Surveyor in April 1996. She was promoted to Chief Building Surveyor in September 2011, to Government Building Surveyor in January 2017, and to Deputy Director of Buildings in August 2020 before being appointed as Director of Buildings in November 2021.
Mr Ho Chun-hung
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Mr Ho joined the Government as Assistant Building Surveyor in September 1993. He was promoted to Chief Building Surveyor in January 2013, to Government Building Surveyor in July 2017 and to Deputy Director of Buildings in September 2022.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Mox Bank Limited relating to phishing instant messages, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the instant messages concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Armed Forces must operate jointly & remain future-ready in today’s ever-evolving multi-domain environment: Raksha Mantri at DSSC, Wellington “Govt transforming the military into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force”
“Building an indigenous future-ready defence ecosystem is a strategic necessity”
Posted On: 10 APR 2025 12:52PM by PIB Delhi
“Armed Forces must operate jointly and remain future-ready in today’s ever-evolving multi-domain environment where cyber, space & information warfare etc. are as potent as conventional operations,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing the Armed Forces officers of India and friendly countries during the Convocation Ceremony of the 80th Staff Course of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, Tamil Nadu on April 10, 2025.
Raksha Mantri pointed out that today’s global geopolitics is being redefined by three key metrics: a major pivot towards prioritising national security, a technological tsunami sweeping the global landscape, and accelerating innovation. He urged the officers to study the nuances of these trends in-depth to stay ahead on strategic-military change curve, adding that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government is leaving no stone unturned to transform the Armed Forces into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations.
Highlighting that Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies are revolutionising deterrence and war-fighting in critical ways, Shri Rajnath Singh termed the power of technological innovation in combat theatres as breathtaking. “In the Ukraine-Russia conflict, drones have virtually emerged as a new arm, if not a transformative science. The majority of losses of soldiers and equipment have been attributed neither to traditional artillery nor to armour but to drones. Similarly, space capacities in the Low Earth Orbit are transforming military intelligence, persistent surveillance, positioning, targeting and communications, thus taking combat to a new high,” he said.
Raksha Mantri stressed that the world is in the age of Grey Zone and Hybrid warfare where cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, and economic warfare have become tools that can achieve politico-military aims without a single shot being fired. He added that India faces persistent threats along its borders, which are further compounded by the challenge of proxy war and terrorism emanating from its neighbourhood.
Shri Rajnath Singh also spoke of the impact of the conflict in West Asia and the geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific on the overall security calculus, in addition to non-traditional security threats such as natural disasters and climate change. He stressed on the need to vigorously pursue the transformation of the Armed Forces to remain capable and relevant for future wars, stating that PM Modi’s vision ofViksit Bharatby 2047 rests firmly on two foundational pillars –Surakshit BharatandSashakt Bharat.
Raksha Mantri pitched for the development and modernisation of the Armed Forces through self-reliance. “Lessons of the ongoing conflicts teach us that building a resilient, indigenous, and future-ready defence technological & manufacturing ecosystem is not an option, but a strategic necessity. There is a need to develop low-cost high-tech solutions and enhance the fighting capability of the Armed Forces. Our forces must not only keep pace with technological changes, but also lead it,” he said.
Shri Rajnath Singh also batted for enhanced synergy among all components to ensure national security. Fostering a ‘Whole of Nation’ approach while undertaking actions in the entire spectrum of diplomatic, informational, military, economic and technological domains is key to ensuring success in this endeavour, he said.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘MAHASAGAR’(Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions)for the Global South, Raksha Mantri stated that achieving a better future and prosperity for the nations will always remain a collective pursuit. “Increasing connectivities and dependencies among countries and people implies that the multitude of challenges are better faced together than individually. Mutual interests and synergies will help us achieve our goal at sub regional, regional and even global levels,” he said.
Shri Rajnath Singh exhorted the officers to focus on five ‘A’s – Awareness, Ability, Adaptability, Agility and Ambassadors – to tackle future challenges. “As warfighters and protectors of national security, you need to remain aware of the environment and its implications. You must acquire the ability and skill set required by future leaders. You must imbibe adaptability and agility as key virtues. The battlefield of tomorrow will require leaders who can adapt to unforeseen circumstances, leverage technology to their advantage and come out with innovative solutions. You must become Ambassadors of your respective Armed Forces. Be an ambassador of change and the perfect role model amongst the society at large,” he added.
Raksha Mantri began his address by expressing solidarity and support of the people of India to Myanmar and Thailand in the wake of the recent massive earthquake. “India has always stood by its friends as a first responder in times of crisis and we consider it as our duty to be able to deliver timely relief to the people of Myanmar,” he said.
The 80thStaff Course comprises 479 student officers, including 38 personnel from 26 friendly countries. Three women officers are also participating in the course.
Ahead of the ceremony, Shri Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the Madras Regiment War Memorial and paid homage to the bravehearts. He also interacted with the veterans, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the nation. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan was among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
Established in 1948, DSSC is a premier Tri-service training institution that imparts professional education to select middle-level officers of the Indian Armed Forces and friendly countries. It aims to enhance their professional competencies for assuming higher responsibilities. Over the years, more than 19,000 Indian officers and 2,000 international officers have graduated from DSSC, many of whom have risen to become heads of states and military forces worldwide.