The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) as a sub-scheme of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for the period 2025-2026 with an initial total outlay of Rs.1600 crore.
The scheme aims for modernization of the irrigation water supply network to supply of irrigation water from existing canals or other sources in a designated cluster. It will make robust backend infrastructure for micro-irrigation by farmers from established source to the Farm gate upto 1 Ha with underground pressurized piped irrigation. The use of SCADA, Internet of things technology will be used for water accounting and water management. This will increase the Water Use Efficiency (WUE) at the farm level, increase agriculture production & productivity; and thereby increase the income of farmers.
The projects will be made sustainable by Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) to the Water User Society (WUS) for management of irrigation assets. The Water User Societies will be given handholding support for linking them with existing Economic Entities like FPO or PACS for five years. The youth will also be attracted to farming, to adopt the modern method of irrigation.
The initial approval is for taking up pilot projects across various agroclimatic zones in the country by challenge funding to the states. Based on the learning’s in design and structuring of these projects, National Plan for Command Area Development and Water Management will be launched starting from April 2026 for the 16th Finance Commission period.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Construction of 6 lane Zirakpur Bypass starting from Junction with NH-7 (Zirakpur-Patiala) and ending at Junction with NH-5 (Zirakpur-Parwanoo) with a total length 19.2 Km in State of Punjab and Haryana under NH(O) on Hybrid Annuity Mode with a significant step to facilitate integrated transport infrastructure development under the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan principle.
The total capital cost of the project is Rs.1878.31 crore.
The Zirakpur Bypass starts from the junction with NH-7 (Chandigarh-Bathinda) in Zirakpur and follows the Punjab Government Master Plan in Punjab and terminates at the junction with NH-5 (Zirakpur-Parwanoo) in Panchkula of Haryana, thus avoiding the highly urbanized and congested stretch of Zirakpur in Punjab and Panchkula in Haryana.
The primary purpose of the project is to ease up congestion in Zirakpur, Panchkula and surrounding areas by diverting traffic from Patiala, Delhi, Mohali Aerocity and providing direct connectivity to Himachal Pradesh. The current proposal aims at reducing the travel time and ensuring hassle-free traffic movement in the congested urban section of NH-7, NH-5 and NH-152.
Government has taken up decongestion of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali urban agglomeration with development of road network which would take shape of ring road as indicated in the map. The Zirakpur bypass is an important component of this plan.
Cabinet approves doubling of Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi single railway line Section (104 km) in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with total cost of Rs.1332 crore Initiative will improve travel convenience, reduce logistic cost, decrease oil imports and contribute to lower CO2 emissions, supporting sustainable and efficient rail operations
Multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approx.400 villages and about 14 lakh population
The project aims to enhance connectivity to Tirupati which is home to the revered Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The temple receives about 75,000 pilgrims daily, and during auspicious occasions, footfall reaches 1.5 lakh per day
The project will also generate direct employment for about 35 lakh human-days during construction
Posted On: 09 APR 2025 3:06PM by PIB Delhi
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the doubling of Tirupati – Pakala – Katpadi single railway line Section (104 km) in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with total cost of Rs.1332 crore (approx.).
The enhanced line capacity will improve mobility, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. The multi-tracking proposal will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections across Indian Railways. The project is in line with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji’s Vision of a New India which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.
The project is result of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity which have been possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services.
The project covering three Districts in two States i.e., Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 113 Kms.
Along with connectivity to Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, project section also provides rail connectivity to other prominent destinations such as Sri Kalahasti Shiva Temple, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, Chandragiri Fort, etc. attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the country.
Multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approx. 400 villages and about 14 lakh population.
This is an essential route for transportation of commodities such as coal, agricultural commodities, cement and other minerals etc. The capacity augmentation work will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 4 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). The Railways being environment friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimizing logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import (4 Crore Litres) and lower CO2 emissions (20 Crore Kg) which is equivalent to plantation of one Crore trees.
PRESIDENT MEETS THE PRIME MINISTER OF PORTUGAL AND THE PRESIDENT OF ASSEMBLEIA DA REPUBLICA ADDRESSES THE MEMBERS OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY IN PORTUGAL AT A COMMUNITY RECEPTION
PRESIDENT LEAVES FOR SLOVAKIA
Posted On: 09 APR 2025 1:31PM by PIB Delhi
On the concluding day (April 8, 2025) of her visit to Portugal, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu met the President of Assembleia Da Republica (Portuguese Parliament), H.E. José Pedro Aguiar-Branco at Lisbon. They were in accord that regular exchanges between the Parliaments of India and Portugal would boost the people-to-people ties between the two countries. The President also met and held talks with the Prime Minister of Portugal, H.E. Mr Luis Montenegro at Lisbon. During the meeting, both leaders discussed the way forward for further strengthening bilateral relations. They agreed that there are greater opportunities for cooperation in many areas, such as trade and commerce, defence, science and technology, and energy.
Yesterday (April 8, 2025), President Droupadi Murmu, accompanied by President Marcelo Rebelo De Sousa, visited Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon and witnessed various research and development initiatives, including in the fields of neuroscience, oncology, experimental clinical research, and automated medicine delivery. The President also had a lively interaction with Indian researchers and scholars working at the Foundation and at other institutions across Portugal. She commended the Indian scholars for their role in deepening India-Portugal collaboration in emerging technologies and scientific research.
The Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown is a state-of-the-art medical, scientific and technological institution where interdisciplinary clinical care is being developed alongside applied research activities and advanced education programmes.
Later, the President paid floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi in Lisbon. She also visited the Radha-Krishna Temple and offered her prayers.
In the final engagement in Lisbon, the President addressed the members of the Indian Community at a Reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Portugal. The accompanying Minister of State, Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya as well as Members of Parliament, Shri Dhaval Patel and Smt. Sandhya Ray were present on the occasion.
Addressing the enthusiastic gathering of Indian community members who had travelled to Lisbon for the occasion from all parts of Portugal, the President said that representing many parts of India and different communities, they not only reflect the diversity of India but also represent the shared values that bind our countries – democracy, pluralism, the spirit of fraternity.
The President said that their contributions to Portugal, and their efforts to promote Indian culture, make them true ambassadors of our country. She was happy to note that they are achieving success and accomplishments through their hard work and making India proud. She thanked the Government and people of Portugal for welcoming the Indian diaspora and ensuring their safety and well-being.
The President said that the Government of India is committed to strengthening the bond with its diaspora and ensuring their welfare. The Government has taken several initiatives to support the diaspora in times of crisis. She told members of the Indian diaspora that the Indian Missions abroad are ready to assist every Indian because wherever they are, their motherland is always with them!
Following the reception, the President departed for the Slovak Republic.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
First batch of non-locally trained dentists join DH to provide public service Following the passage of the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024 by the Legislative Council in July last year, new pathways were to be introduced to admit qualified non-locally trained dentists. The DH launched a global recruitment drive in the same month. Apart from posting the information on its website, the DH collaborated with the offices outside Hong Kong to organise a series of online briefings and disseminated information to dental institutions and dental associations around the world.
The DH received over 90 applications from non-locally trained dentists and issued 12 letters of appointment after a rigorous selection process. The Dental Council of Hong Kong (DCHK) is actively processing the relevant registration matters. Three of them, after obtaining the DCHK’s approval for limited registration in February this year, took up their appointments with the DH on March 10 this year.
“The DH welcomes non-locally trained dentists to join the team. The three new colleagues have practical experience of practising in the Mainland, the United Kingdom and Australia after obtaining their professional qualifications in dentistry from Mainland and overseas institutions respectively,” said the Consultant in-charge, Dental Services of the DH, Dr Kitty Hse.
“A one-week induction training was provided to these non-locally trained dentists to help them better understand the scope of public dental services in Hong Kong and the duties of government dentists. The three new colleagues, who are proficient in Cantonese, have been assigned to work in government dental clinics with general public sessions to serve the public,” she added.
Dr Hse stressed that the DH will continue to adopt a multipronged approach to the recruitment and retention of dentists, and will maintain close contact with the DCHK to complete the vetting and approval of registration applications from non-locally trained dentists as soon as possible in order to meet the demand for local dental services.
The three newly recruited dentists expressed their honour in being able to utilise their professional knowledge and experience to serve the citizens of Hong Kong. They were particularly pleased to be able to contribute to the place where they grew up and have more time to spend with their families. They noted that the DH’s induction training was comprehensive and practical, covering topics such as infection control, operation of the medical record system and consultation procedures, adding that it has helped them quickly adapt to the work environment. The professional support and teamwork from their colleagues have enabled them to start their work smoothly. Looking ahead, they are eager to develop their careers in Hong Kong on a long-term basis and continue to serve the community with their professionalism.
With the commencement of the amended provisions of the Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap. 156), new pathways for qualified non-locally trained dentists to come to Hong Kong have been introduced with effect from January 1 this year, including limited registration which is open to all dentists and special registration targeting specialist dentists. Non-locally trained dentists who are selected for full-time employment in specified institutions, including the DH, the Hospital Authority, the University of Hong Kong and Prince Philip Dental Hospital, subject to the approval of the DCHK, can directly practise in specified institutions to better meet the demand for public or subsidised dental services in Hong Kong. Issued at HKT 15:45
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Institute for Monetary and Financial Research (HKIMR), the research arm of the Hong Kong Academy of Finance (AoF), today (April 9) released a new Applied Research report, titled “Financial Services in the Era of Generative AI: Facilitating Responsible Adoption”.
This report provides an overview of the evolution of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenA.I.) and its broader implications for both the financial services industry and financial regulators. The report draws on the findings from a survey and interviews that gathered the views of market participants on the current state of GenA.I. adoption among local financial institutions, the expected trajectory of GenA.I. development in Hong Kong, and the strategies employed for risk management and talent development.
The report finds that the adoption of GenA.I. is progressing steadily across the financial services industry in Hong Kong, with 75 per cent of the surveyed financial institutions have already implemented at least one GenA.I. use case, or are currently piloting and designing use cases and exploring potential investment areas. This ratio is expected to increase to 87 per cent within the next three to five years. There are challenges hindering adoption, including concerns regarding model accuracy, data privacy and security, as well as constraints related to resources and talent. However, the emergence of less resource-intensive models and maturing technology, coupled with regulatory engagement, are likely to contribute to the broadening of GenA.I. adoption over time. Based on these findings, the report outlines some considerations aimed at facilitating responsible GenA.I. adoption by the financial services industry in Hong Kong.
“We hope that the findings of this report can help inform best practices for addressing GenA.I. adoption challenges in the financial services industry, and contribute to discussions on responsible innovation and adoption, as well as industry-wide capacity building,” said the Chief Executive Officer of the AoF and Executive Director of the HKIMR, Mr Enoch Fung.
The AoF is set up with full collaboration amongst the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission, the Insurance Authority and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority. By bringing together the strengths of the industry, the regulatory community, professional bodies and the academia, it aims to serve as (i) a centre of excellence for developing financial leadership; and (ii) a repository of knowledge in monetary and financial research, including applied research.
About the HKIMR
The HKIMR is the research arm of the AoF. Its main remit is to conduct research in the fields of monetary policy, banking and finance that are of strategic importance to Hong Kong and the Asia region. The Applied Research studies undertaken by the HKIMR are on topics that are highly relevant to the financial industry and regulators in Hong Kong, and they aim to provide insights on the long-term development strategy and direction of Hong Kong’s financial industry.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Online auction of vehicle registration marks to be held from April 24 to 28 (5) A VRM can only be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. Relevant information on the Certificate of Incorporation must be provided by the successful bidder in the Purchaser Information of the Memorandum of Sale if the VRM purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.
(6) Successful bidders will receive a notification email around seven working days after payment has been confirmed and can download the Memorandum of Sale from the E-Auction. The purchaser must apply for the VRM to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser within 12 months from the date of issue of the Memorandum of Sale. If the purchaser fails to do so within the 12-month period, in accordance with the statutory provision, the allocation of the VRM will be cancelled and a new allocation will be arranged by the TD without prior notice to the purchaser.Issued at HKT 15:00
Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, along with Joint Secretary CPS Bakshi arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 8th April 2025.
Their visit aims to thoroughly review the ongoing preparations for this year’s Haj pilgrimage. The visit underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and well-organized pilgrimage for Indian Haj pilgrims.
The Haj pilgrimage for 2025 is set to take place in early June.
Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, along with Joint Secretary Shri CPS Bakshi arrived in Jeddah on April 8th, 2025. Their visit aims at thoroughly reviewing the ongoing Haj preparations. The visit underscores the… https://t.co/GcLug1VkdT
— Ministry of Minority Affairs (@MOMAIndia) April 9, 2025
The Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annapurna Devi, will be visiting Arunachal Pradesh from 10th April to 13th April 2025, to attend various programs under Poshan Pakhwara. During her visit, she will focus on a range of field visits and review meetings aimed at enhancing the implementation of Government of India schemes.
Smt. Annapurna Devi will be visiting the districts of Kra Daadi and Lower Subansiri, where she will participate in activities related to Poshan Pakhwara.
In addition to attending the Poshan Pakhwara programs, the Minister will visit schools, Anganwadi centers, Hospitals, cooperatives, and Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the region to interact with beneficiaries and assess the impact of Government schemes. These visits are aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of key government welfare schemes aimed at women, children, and marginalized communities.
The Minister will also conduct review meetings with the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and district officers to discuss the progress of various schemes of the Government of India, including the flagship initiatives under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The review sessions will focus on enhancing the effectiveness of ongoing programs and identifying areas where further improvements are needed to ensure the welfare of women, children, and vulnerable sections of society.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (April 9) that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Åšrem District of Wielkopolskie Region in Poland, and in Lambton County of Ontario Province in Canada, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.
A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 6 600 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Poland, and about 400 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Canada last year.
“The CFS has contacted the Polish and Canadian authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.