Month: April 2025

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 2:32PM by PIB Delhi

Business

* Establishment of BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce.

* Organization of BIMSTEC Business Summit every year.

* Feasibility study on the possibilities of trade in local currency in the BIMSTEC region.

IT

* Pilot study to understand the needs of BIMSTEC countries to share the experience of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

* Connectivity between UPI and payment systems in the BIMSTEC region.

Mitigation and Disaster Management

* Establishing the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India to cooperate in disaster management, relief and rehabilitation.

* Fourth joint exercises between BIMSTEC Disaster Management Authorities to be held in India this year.

Security

* Holding the first meeting of the Home Ministers’ Mechanism in India

Space

* Setting up ground stations for manpower training for BIMSTEC countries, manufacturing and launching of Nano Satellites, and use of remote sensing data.

Capacity Building and Training

* “BODHI”, i.e., “BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human resource Infrastructure” initiative. Under this, 300 youth from BIMSTEC countries will be trained in India every year.

* Scholarships to BIMSTEC students in the Forestry Research Institute of India and expansion of the scholarship scheme at Nalanda University.

* Taining programme every year for young diplomats from BIMSTEC countries.

* Tata Memorial Centre to support training and capacity building in cancer care in BIMSTEC countries.

* Establishment of Centre of Excellence for research and dissemination in traditional medicine

* Centre of Excellence in India for exchange of knowledge and best practices, research and capacity building for the benefit of farmers.

Energy

* BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru has started working.

* Faster work on electric grid interconnection.

Youth engagement

* BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit to be held this year.

* The BIMSTEC Hackathon and Young Professional Visitors programme will be launched.

Sports

* Holding ‘BIMSTEC Athletics Meet’ in India this year.

* Hosting the first BIMSTEC Games in 2027

Culture

* BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival to be held in India this year

Connectivity

* Establishment of Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India to work to enhance coordination in capacity building, research, innovation and maritime policies.

 

***

MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118698) Visitor Counter : 81

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 2:29PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today participated in the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit hosted by Thailand, the current chair. The theme of the Summit was – “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”. It reflected the priorities of the leaders and the aspirations of the peoples of the BIMSTEC region, as well as the efforts of BIMSTEC in ensuring shared growth in times of global uncertainties.

Prime Minister began his address by offering condolences on the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. He thanked Prime Minister Shinawatra for successfully steering the Group. Highlighting BIMSTEC as a vital bridge between South Asia and South-East Asia, Prime Minister underlined that the Group had become an impactful platform for regional cooperation, coordination and progress. In this regard, he called for further strengthening the agenda and capacity of BIMSTEC.

Prime Minister announced several India-led initiatives towards institution and capacity building in BIMSTEC. These include setting up of BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence in India on Disaster Management, Sustainable Maritime Transport, Traditional Medicine, and Research and Training in Agriculture. He also announced a new programme for skilling the youth – BODHI [BIMSTEC for Organized Development of Human Resource Infrastructure] under which training and scholarships would be provided to professionals, students, researchers, diplomats and others. He also offered a pilot study by India to assess regional needs in Digital Public Infrastructure and a capacity building programme for cancer care in the region. Calling for greater regional economic integration, Prime Minister offered to establish BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and to organize BIMSTEC Business Summit every year in India.

Emphasizing on the need to build upon the historic and cultural ties that bring the region together, Prime Minister announced several initiatives to further strengthen people-to-people linkages. India would be hosting a BIMSTEC Athletics Meet this year and the first BIMSTEC Games in 2027 when the group celebrates its 30th anniversary. It would also host a BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival. To bring the youths of the region closer, Prime Minister announced a Young Leaders’ Summit, a Hackathon and a Young Professional Visitors programme. The full list of initiatives announced by the Prime Minister may be seen here.

The Summit adopted the following:

i. Summit Declaration

ii. BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030 document, which lays out the road map for the collective prosperity of the region.

iii. Signing of the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Agreement, which provides for – National Treatment and assistance to vessels, crew and cargo; mutual recognition of certificates/ documents; Joint Shipping Coordination Committee; and dispute settlement mechanism.

ⅳ. Report of the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons Group constituted to make recommendations for future direction for the BIMSTEC.

 

***

MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118696) Visitor Counter : 96

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 1:30PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met the Prime Minister of Bhutan, H.E. Mr. Tshering Tobgay on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, Thailand today.

In a post on X, he stated:

“Had a great conversation with my good friend, PM Tobgay. India’s friendship with Bhutan is robust. We are cooperating extensively in several sectors.

@tsheringtobgay”

 

 

***

MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118682) Visitor Counter : 26

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 12:53PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi proposed a 21-point Action Plan covering different aspects of cooperation among the BIMSTEC nations at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand today. He remarked to boost business across BIMSTEC nations and harness the rich potential of the IT sector. He also urged the need to work together in the field of disaster management in the wake of recent earthquake affecting Myanmar and Thailand. Shri Modi emphasised to work in the world of space and strengthen the security apparatus. Urging to collectively energise BIMSTEC and underlining the role of  youth who will take the lead, he expressed hope that the cultural linkages will further bring the BIMSTEC nations closer.

In a thread post on X, he wrote:

“BIMSTEC is an important forum to further global good. It is imperative we strengthen it and deepen our engagement. In this context, I proposed a 21-point Action Plan covering different aspects of our cooperation.”

“It’s time to boost business across BIMSTEC nations!”

“Let’s harness the rich potential of the IT sector and make BIMSTEC technologically stronger.”

“The recent earthquake affecting Myanmar and Thailand underscores the need to work together in the field of disaster management.”

“Let’s take our cooperation to the world of space. Let’s also make our security apparatus stronger.”

“BIMSTEC has the potential to be a shining example of capacity building frameworks. We will all learn from each other and grow!”

“We will collectively energise BIMSTEC and it’s our youth who will take the lead.”

“Few things connect like culture! May cultural linkages bring BIMSTEC even closer.”

 

 

***

MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118661) Visitor Counter : 84

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 12:01PM by PIB Delhi

The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is organizing a “Conference of State Government Ministers on Strengthening of Statistical Systems” on 5^th April, 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.    

The main objective of the conference is to highlight the importance of producing relevant, accurate, and timely statistics at both the national and sub-national levels, with a particular emphasis on the need for sub-national estimates for various socio-economic indicators. The discussion will also focus on emphasizing the key areas where deeper collaboration and partnership between the Centre and the States are not only desirable but crucial for strengthening both national and state statistical systems.  The conference aims to gain a thorough understanding of the specific needs and requirements of the States/Union Territories (UTs) to improve their statistical systems, as well as to ascertain their expectations.

The Conference will serve as a platform for establishing a regular and sustained framework to strengthen statistical collaboration between States/UTs and MoSPI across a range of critical areas.  These inter-alia, include the implementation of the Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) Scheme in States/UTs, the participation of States/UTs in National Sample Surveys to generate district-level estimates, the compilation of GDP, IIP, and CPI at the sub-national level, as well as some of the innovation initiatives of MoSPI to address the challenges in generating official statistics, technical support to States/UTs in development, greater use of administrative statistics and alternative datasets, refinement of sub-national level monitoring frameworks for SDGs and implementation of MPLAD Scheme.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Rao Inderjit Singh, Chief Minister/Dy. Chief Minister/State Government Ministers of Planning & Senior Officers from States/UT Governments, Officers from MoSPI and other distinguished officials are expected to participate in the meeting.

***

Samrat/Allen: pibmospi[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2118634) Visitor Counter : 15

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 11:52AM by PIB Delhi

The Annual Report of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India for the year 2023-24 detailing activities of the Authority, certified accounts and the audit report thereupon has been laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 12^th March 2025 and Rajya Sabha on 20^th March 2025.

The Annual Report of TRAI details the policies and programmes, review of General environment in the telecom sector and broadcasting sector, review of working and operation of TRAI, functions of TRAI in respect of matters specified in Section 11 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act 1997 and its organizational matters including financial performance.

A copy of the Annual Report of TRAI for the year 2023-24 has been placed on the website of TRAI (www.trai.gov.in) for information of the general public.

In case of any further clarification, Shri Yatinder Agrohi, Advisor (Administration and IR) TRAI, may be contacted at 011-26769602, email id: advadmn@trai.gov.in.
 

******

Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2118631) Visitor Counter : 107

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE]- The Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa met for the first time with the new Governor of American Samoa, Hon. Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Lieutenant Governor, Hon. Pulu Ae Ae Jr at 3pm the 3rd January 2025 following the Inauguration Ceremony in the morning.

The meeting was held at the Governor’s Office, AP Lutali Executive Office Building.

The Prime Minister congratulated Governor Pula and LT Pulu on this auspicious occasion and further conveyed the best wishes from the Government and people of Samoa towards their tenure in the leadership.

During his inauguration speech, Governor Pula reiterated the importance of the Atoa o Samoa relations given our common ancestry and heritage with the old saying, ‘Blood is thicker than water’.

The dialogue focused on continuing cooperation on mutual development interests such as trade, civil aviation, labor mobility, Pacific Islands Forum and collaboration in the region. Samoa will host the next Atoa o Samoa on May 2025. Honorable Mataafa attended as the Official Guest of Government from Samoa accompanied by CEO, MPMC, Agafili Shem Leo and Consul General, Fata Brian Kaio.

January 8, 2025

Source: Government of Singapore

For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Health Bureau today expressed regret over the inaccurate and misleading content in a report published by Sing Tao Daily on April 3 which quoted individuals’ remarks on alternative smoking products (ASPs) and waterpipe tobacco.

The bureau rebutted the report’s claim that tobacco control policies would negatively impact tourists’ perceptions, saying that it fully considered the tourism sector’s situation when formulating the 10 short-term tobacco control measures which will not affect tourists’ willingness to visit Hong Kong.

Regarding ASPs, it highlighted that Hong Kong has prohibited the import of ASPs, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products as well as any related devices, parts and accessories since April 2022. Both the sale or possession of ASPs for commercial purposes are also illegal, while possession for personal use remains permitted.

Tourists therefore, have been unable to bring ASPs into Hong Kong or purchase them upon arrival for three years. Three years after the implementation of the ban, Hong Kong’s tourism sector has not been adversely affected and the number of passenger arrivals last year has even returned to pre-pandemic levels, with the number of passenger arrivals at land boundary control points exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

Additionally, Thailand and Singapore have also banned ASPs without any noticeable impact on their tourism numbers.

The bureau pointed out that claims that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s plan to further prohibit the possession of ASPs would deter tourists totally disregarded the fact that ASPs have already been banned from import and sale for three years.

It added that the report also omitted to explain the fact that tourists are currently unable to bring ASPs into Hong Kong or purchase them upon arrival, misleading both the public and tourists.

Moreover, ASPs are by no means “harm-reducing” products, as the report suggested. In fact, ASPs have been proven to release various toxic substances that can cause cancer, and damage the nervous and respiratory systems. The World Health Organization has also clearly stated that there is no evidence to suggest that ASPs could help with quitting smoking.

The bureau also pointed out that e-cigarette devices have been recently used as tools for drug abuse by way of inserting psychoactive substances such as etomidate, commonly known as “space oil”, and heating to generate aerosol for smoking. Young people may become addicted to drugs by smoking e-cigarettes containing “poisonous capsules” without realising it.

The bureau has proposed banning the possession of related products to prevent harmful products like ASPs from continuing to circulate locally and to tackle the problem of “poisonous capsules” at its root.

As for flavoured tobacco products, the Government’s proposed legislation to ban the sale of flavoured conventional smoking products, which also applies to waterpipe tobacco, will not affect tourists visiting Hong Kong.

The proposal is to ban the sale of flavoured conventional smoking products, but not their consumption. 

Inbound travellers, including tourists, are still permitted to bring into Hong Kong 19 cigarettes duty-free or declare and pay duty on cigarettes exceeding this quantity under the existing mechanism, regardless of whether the cigarettes are flavoured or not.

The bureau reiterated that tourists and outside talent would consider a variety of factors when deciding to come to Hong Kong, such as overall tourism experience, development opportunities, humanistic literacies, quality of environment. Tobacco control work will not in any way affect the desire of tourists to visit Hong Kong.

On the contrary, the work will enable citizens and tourists to enjoy a fresher environment, in addition to making Hong Kong a healthier and more vibrant city, thereby enhancing the attractiveness to tourists and outside talent, which is also welcomed by most of the general public, it added.

Source: Government of Singapore

Leak from Langsat Terminal, Johor, stopped 

JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN MPA, NEA, NPARKS AND SFA

Singapore, 4 April 2025 – The Johor Port Authority has informed the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) that the oil leak at Langsat Terminal has stopped and that the spill clean-up at Langsat Terminal is ongoing. 

~~ End ~~

For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.