Month: April 2025

Source: Government of India

Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh Takes Charge as Director General & CEO of Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs(IICA), bringing Over 30 Years of Expertise in Finance, Law, and Governance

Shri Singh has served in key positions in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs including IEPFA, IBBI, and other important institutions

Posted On: 30 APR 2025 7:51PM by PIB Delhi

 Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, a distinguished officer of the Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS), 1992 batch, has assumed charge as the new Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), which is a think tank under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Shri Singh brings with him a wealth of experience in Finance, Corporate law, Insolvency, Corporate Social Responsibility, ESG Reporting, Public Policy, E-Governance, and Capacity Building.

 

He has previously served in various key roles including Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, CEO of the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), and as Member of the Governing Body of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).  He was also Government nominee to the Central Council of the Indian Institute of Company Secretaries and Indian Institute of Chartered Accountants of India from 2019 -2021. Notably, he also held the position of DG & CEO of IICA during 2017–18, when he led a remarkable turnaround of the institute, making it financially self-sustaining.

He was Member Secretary of the Insolvency Law Committee (ILC) from 2018 to 2021.He played an important role in implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and subsequent amendments to the code up including amendment Act on Pre-packaged insolvency resolution, thereby making the Code more responsive to the needs of the economy. He also made significant contribution in establishment and strengtheningof many new institutions in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs such as NCLT, NCLAT, IEPFA and IBBI.

 He possesses core competency in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and played a pivotal role in assisting the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in launching the National CSR Awards Scheme, which aims to benchmark best CSR practices across the country. He also served as the Member & Convener of the High-Level Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility, contributing significantly to the finalization and submission of the committee’s report in 2019. Furthermore, he played a critical role in overhauling the CSR Rules, 2014, including revamping reporting formats and development of transparent systems for CSR disclosures, enhancing ease of doing business and minimising discretion.

A thought leader in sustainable corporate governance, Shri Singh chaired the Committee on Business Responsibility Reporting (BRR) and submitted a comprehensive report in August 2020. This landmark work laid the foundation for SEBI’s mandate on Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) for the top 1000 listed companies on a voluntary basis from FY 2021–22.

Shri Singh holds academic degrees from prestigious institutions including JNU (MA &M.Phil in Sociology), FMS Delhi (MBA in Finance), and Delhi University (LLB and BA Hons in History). His international stint as Capacity Development Advisor with UNDP Afghanistan adds a global dimension to his profile.

His return to IICA signals a promising new chapter for the institute as it continues to serve as a think tank, policy laboratory, and capacity development hub under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Shri Singh’s visionary leadership is expected to further IICA’s mission of promoting responsible corporate governance, sustainability, and innovation in India’s dynamic business environment.

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NB/AD

(Release ID: 2125595) Visitor Counter : 91

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 30 APR 2025 7:46PM by PIB Delhi

To enhance connectivity between the tourism hubs of Agra and Gwalior, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will develop 88 km long 6-lane access controlled Agra-Gwalior Greenfield Expressway (NH-719D). NHAI, today signed a concession agreement for the implementation of project with M/s G.R. Infraprojects Ltd., in presence of NHAI Chairman, Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav and senior officials of NHAI and the Concessionaire. The Agra-Gwalior Greenfield Expressway will start from Deori village in Agra and terminate at Susera village in Gwalior. The project shall be developed at a Total Capital Cost  of Rs. 4613 crore (including LA cost) on Build Operate Transfer (Toll) Mode.

The concession period of the contract is 20 years, including construction period of 30 months. The authority will provide construction support of Rs. 820 crore to the Concessionaire during the construction period, which will be linked to the project progress. Overlay/strengthening, road safety and improvement measures for the existing National Highway on NH-44 have also been included in the Agra-Gwalior project agreement.

The project has been awarded on quoted @17 .170 % premium in the form of revenue shares of the realisable fee against expected premium @2.42%. The premium shall be payable from Second year post project completion which will be increased by 1% of the realisable free every year in subsequent years for remaining concession period.

The greenfield access controlled expressway will traverse through the states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. It will not only provide high-speed connectivity between Agra and Gwalior but also will help to decongest various cities and industrial areas on the existing Agra-Gwalior Section of NH-44. The expressway will cut travel time, reduce carbon footprint and enhance logistics efficiency of commercial and freight movement between Agra, Dholpur, Morena and Gwalior.

The greenfield expressway will feature eight major bridges, 23 minor bridges, six flyovers, one Rail-Over-Bridge and 192 culverts. The project will also pass through the National Chambal wildlife sanctuary. As part of wildlife mitigation measures, a cable stayed bridge on river Chambal has been planned for the conservation of ‘Gadiyal’ in the river waters. Apart from this, other wildlife mitigation measures such as sound barriers and light cutters will also be provided on the bridge.

The Government of India has been encouraging Public-Private Partnership for Build-Operate-Transfer (Toll) projects. Recently, NHAI signed a concession agreement to develop 121 km long Guwahati Ring Road on Build Operate Transfer (Toll) mode. Robust Public-Private Partnership in the road sector will contribute towards the development as well as operations and maintenance of world class National Highway Network in the country.

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GDH/HR

(Release ID: 2125590) Visitor Counter : 34

Source: Government of India

WAVES 2025 CreatoSphere – Showcasing the Ingenuity of ‘Create in India Challenges’

‘WAVES Creator Awards’ to celebrate and foster creative talents and potential in India and the world

Posted On: 30 APR 2025 7:28PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 30 April 2025

 

The Create in India Challenge (CIC) Season 1, launched as a flagship initiative under the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), is gearing up for a spectacular finale starting tomorrow at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai. Notably, CIC Season 1 has achieved a major milestone, crossing 1 lakh registrations, with the total number now standing at an impressive 1,01,349. The initiative has drawn participants from over 60 countries, underlining its global appeal and reach. From this exceptional pool of talent, 750 finalists will get the opportunity to showcase their creative skills and outcomes at CreatoSphere—a specially curated platform featuring innovation across animation, comics, AI, XR, gaming, music, and more, as part of WAVES 2025.

What is CreatoSphere?
CreatoSphere is an immersive universe of innovation and ingenuity, curated as the ultimate destination for transforming ideas into experiences. A space where creators take center stage, it celebrates the spirit of imagination, experimentation, and artistic excellence across a wide spectrum of media and entertainment sectors—from virtual reality to films, VFX to comics, animation to gaming, and from music to broadcasting and digital media. Here, the top creative minds from around the world—the finalists of the ‘Create in India Challenges’—come together to spark dialogue, ignite innovation, build partnerships, and showcase their work while connecting India’s creative energy with global audiences.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision and mission of “Create in India, Create for the World” lies at the heart of the ‘Create in India Challenges’ and is encapsulated in its motto ‘Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries’. This initiative, a core component of WAVES, has emerged as a powerful expression of India’s creative ambition, reaffirming the nation’s rising leadership in the global media and entertainment industry and shaping the future of the sector. It truly embodies the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—an ancient Indian philosophy that sees the world as one family.

The scale and impact of Create in India Challenge Season 1 are unprecedented, transforming the initiative into a global creative movement. With over 1,100 international entries, these challenges have become truly global in their very first season. The top-class jury, with its keen insights and robust selection criteria, has shortlisted the best finalists across all challenges to showcase their ingenuity at CreatoSphere—including participants from all 28 States and 8 Union Territories of India, as well as from over 20 countries. These achievements underscore the diversity, excellence, and global resonance of the Create in India Challenge and CreatoSphere.

Get a sneak peek into ‘CreatoSphere’ 🎮💫

As part of #WAVES2025, Create in India Challenge (CIC) finalists will showcase their talent in this immersive zone featuring animation, AI, XR, gaming, comics, and more#WAVES #WAVESummit #WAVESummitIndia #CreateInIndiaChallenge pic.twitter.com/Wzg25Ht4VO

— PIB India (@PIB_India) April 30, 2025

 

Over four dynamic days, delegates, creators, and participants will experience a vibrant confluence of creativity, learning, and unity in diversity. Through specially curated masterclasses, panel discussions, workshops, presentations, and showcases, CreatoSphere fosters meaningful dialogue and forward-looking ideas in a professional setting. It brings together sectors such as AVGC-XR, broadcasting, films, music, digital, and social media. Nine specialised zones—Virtual Lok, VFX Vault, Film Fiesta, Animation Alley, Comic Kona, Music Mania, AIRWAVES, Digital Domain, and Game On—will showcase the pioneering outcomes of these challenges.

To provide a platform for the young creators of tomorrow, CreatoSphere also features the grand ‘Creators Awards’ ceremony—a red-carpet event honouring the winners of the Create in India Challenges with the prestigious ‘WAVES Creator Awards’. This gala celebration will confer top honours on creative champions in the presence of renowned artists, celebrities, and industry leaders from the M&E sector. The winners of the musical challenges will captivate audiences with their most enchanting compositions. CreatoSphere thus serves both as a hub of innovation and a cultural carnival, celebrating the multiverse of India’s creative prowess.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Lakshmipriya/ Sriyanka/ Darshana | 120

 

सोशल मिडियावर आम्हाला फॉलो करा: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

(Release ID: 2125587) Visitor Counter : 77

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah hails the decision of the CCPA led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to include caste census in the upcoming census as a historic decision of the Modi Government under its commitment to social justice

The Modi government’s decision will empower all economically and socially backward classes and promote inclusion

This decision gives a message of strong commitment towards social equality and the rights of every section

The main opposition party and its allies opposed the caste census for decades while in power and played politics over it while in the opposition

Posted On: 30 APR 2025 6:57PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah hailed the decision of Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to include caste census in the upcoming census as a historic decision of the Modi Government under its commitment to social justice.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation in a post on X platform said, the CCPA meeting held under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji today corrected a historical wrong by deciding in favour of the integration of caste enumeration with the population census, and sent the message of its firm commitment to social equity and rights for every section of the society.

Shri Amit Shah said, the Congress and its allied parties opposed caste enumeration when they wielded power for decades but made it their electoral plank when in opposition. This decision will empower all economically and socially disadvantaged sections, promote inclusion, and pave new paths for the progress of the underprivileged.

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RK/VV/RR/PS

(Release ID: 2125576) Visitor Counter : 65

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 30 APR 2025 6:48PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Navy’s frontline Guided Missile Destroyer, INS Kochi, arrived at Male, Maldives, on 28 Apr 25 with Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) CGS Huravee, which underwent Normal Refit at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai from Dec 24 till Apr 25.

Shri G. Balasubramanian, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, handed over MNDF CGS Huravee to Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force, MNDF, at a ceremony held at the MNDF Coast Guard Jetty.

INS Kochi’s visit highlights the strong maritime links between India and the Maldives and emphasises the Indian Navy’s commitment to security, peace and freedom of navigation in the region. In keeping with the two nations’ friendly relations, Maldivian authorities warmly welcomed the ship.

As part of the ship’s visit, Capt Mahesh C Moudgil, Commanding Officer, INS Kochi, called on Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force, MNDF and Brig Gen Mohammed Saleem, Commandant, Coast Guard MNDF.

During the ship’s stay in harbour, bilateral meetings, cross-deck visits and sports fixtures have been planned between the Indian Navy and the MNDF.

INS Kochi was commissioned on 30 Sept 15 and is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, which is based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command.

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VM/SKS     

(Release ID: 2125571) Visitor Counter : 33

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 30 APR 2025 6:43PM by PIB Delhi

Introduction

Get ready for a landmark celebration of creativity, technology, and storytelling as WAVES 2025 — the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit — takes center stage in Mumbai from May 1st to 4th. Hosted by the Government of India, this first-of-its-kind global event brings the spotlight to India’s vibrant Media & Entertainment sector, transforming the Jio World Convention Centre into a dynamic hub of imagination, innovation, and opportunity.

With over 100,000 registrations, including 1,100+ international participants, WAVES 2025 is where filmmakers, tech pioneers, creators, investors, and industry leaders come together to shape the future of entertainment. From the legendary voices of Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to the tech leadership of Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai, the summit unites visionaries across sectors in a powerful showcase of talent and ambition.

This is more than a summit — it’s a movement to position India as a global creative and digital powerhouse. With exciting highlights like the Create in India Challenge, cutting-edge exhibitions, startup pitches, cultural performances, and high-level dialogues, WAVES 2025 marks a bold step into the future—where culture meets code, and tradition meets transformation.

Create in India Challenge Season 1

The Create in India Challenge (CIC) is a strategic initiative aimed at empowering India’s content creators. By providing a platform for innovation and creative expression, CIC seeks to strengthen India’s creators’ economy, enhance soft power, and position emerging talent for global recognition. The initiative supports monetization of skills and contributes to the growth of the media and entertainment industry.

CIC brings an exciting lineup of 32 unique challenges across creative, tech and cultural fields. Launched on August 22, 2024, it attracted massive participation from across India and around the world! The challenges have attracted entries from over 60 countries, reflecting the global appeal and reach of this pioneering initiative. From this exceptional pool of talent, 750 finalists will be given the opportunity to showcase their creative skills and outcomes at Creatosphere, a specially curated platform featuring innovation across animation, comics, AI, XR, gaming, music, and more, as part of WAVES 2025. The winners of these challenges will be conferred the prestigious ‘WAVES Creator Awards’ in a grand red carpet ceremony on Day 2 of the event.

1. WAVES Promo Video Challenge: A unique contest designed to discover powerful and inspiring audiovisual content that captures and showcases the spirit and ambition of the WAVES 2025, through a video.

Total Registrations	164
Finalists	3

2. Truth Tell Hackathon: Tech innovators, data experts, and media professionals were called to develop AI solutions that tackle misinformation and promote credible journalism.

Total Registrations	5650
International Registrations	186
Finalists	5

3. Community Radio Content Challenge: This exciting competition aims to celebrate and showcase the creativity, innovation, and impact of community radio stations across India.

Total Registrations	246
International Registrations	14

4. WAVES Hackathon Ad spend Optimizer: Participants worked on using data science, machine learning, and statistical modeling to create solutions that help advertisers make smarter, data-driven decisions. The goal was to maximize ROI and support marketing objectives.

Total Registrations	115
International Registrations	1

5. Make The World Wear Khadi: Aims to blend India’s rich textile heritage with global fashion trends, offering an exciting challenge to advertising professionals and freelancers.

Total Registrations	770
Finalists	5

6. Wah Ustad: It aims to nurture exceptional talent in Hindustani, Carnatic, and soulful Sufi music while preserving and promoting India’s rich musical legacy.

Total Registrations	300
International Registrations	3

7. Battle Of the Bands: Designed to push the limits of creativity and music, while promoting a sense of community, innovation and growth within the industry

Total Registrations

200

8. Symphony Of India: The event featured a diverse range of musical performances across various genres, celebrating the broad tastes of music lovers.

Total Registrations

212

9. Theme Music Competition: Songwriters, singers, performers and music creators were invited to create and share a piece of music that resembles Indian classical music or a fusion of classical and contemporary music instruments and styles.

Total Registrations	212
Runner-ups	4
Winner	1

10. Resonate EDM Challenge: Aims to spotlight and celebrate global talent in production of Electronic Dance Music (EDM), fostering collaboration, innovation, and creativity in music production and live performance. This initiative aligns with the “Create in India” mission, showcasing India as a hub for global creativity and entertainment.

Total Registrations	394
International Registrations	10
Finalists	10

11. India A Bird’s Eye View: Passionate drone pilots and filmmakers were invited to capture the breathtaking beauty and diversity of India in a 2-3 minute video, showcasing the country from the unique perspective of aerial drone cinematography.

Total Registrations	1324
Finalists	5

12. Anti-Piracy Challenge: This competition focuses on encouraging and supporting innovative solutions created by local companies in fingerprinting and watermarking technologies.

Total Registrations	1600
Finalists	7

13. Comics Creator Championship: Comic Making Competition for amateur and professional artists.

Total Registrations	1560
Finalists – Professional Category	5
Finalists – Amateur Category	5

14. WAVES Anime and Manga Challenge: An innovative initiative aimed at harnessing the growing interest in manga and anime in India.

Total Registrations	2400
International Registrations	7
Runner-Ups	3 (5 Different Categories)
Winners	7 (5 Different Categories)

15. Animation Filmmakers Competition: Aimed at uncovering and empowering India’s storytellers in the field of animation.

Total Registrations	1290
International Registrations	19
Finalists	42

16. Game Jam: An exciting opportunity for India’s game developers to showcase their creativity and innovation.

Total Registrations	5569
Finalists	10

17. Esports Tournament: The eFootball and World Cricket Championship (WCC) competitions are held in batches, each offering thrilling matchups, with the champions being crowned at WAVES.

Total Registrations	35008
Finalists (All Phases)	10

18. City Quest: Shades of Bharat: An educational game to celebrate Bharat’s urban development.

Total Registrations	2594
International Registrations	15

19. XR Creator Hackathon: Challenge that invites developers from across India to push the boundaries of augmented and virtual reality.

Total Registrations	2205
Winners (All Themes)	5

20. Innovate2educate Handheld Device Challenge: Academia, designers, engineers, and innovators were invited to develop a prototype of an educational handheld device that makes learning math, solving puzzles, and boosting cognitive skills fun and interactive.

Total Registrations	1826
International Registrations	513
Finalists	10

21. AI Avatar Creator Challenge: The challenge focused on creating AI avatars: personalized, interactive digital personas that engage with users like human influencers in virtual spaces.

Total Registrations	1324
International Registrations	100

22. WAVES Awards Of Excellence: A prestigious competition recognizing outstanding showreels and AdFilms in animation, VFX, gaming, and related fields, celebrating creativity and innovation.

Total Registrations	1331
International Registrations	63

23. Bharat Tech Triumph Program: A contest to identify and empower the top gaming and interactive entertainment innovators.

Total Registrations	1078
International Registrations	12
Winners	20

 

24. WAVES VFX Competition: Participants were tasked with creating a visual effects sequence or short film featuring a superhero with extraordinary powers, but using them in the context of everyday, mundane life.

Total Registrations	1367
Finalists	14

25. WAVES Comic Chronicles: This competition invited comic submissions on any chosen theme, requiring a minimum of 60 panels, with each image or scene representing a single panel.

Total Registrations	1145
International Registrations	62
Finalists	50 (Both in General and Student Track)

 

26. WAVES Explorer: Invited participants on a captivating journey to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and creativity. Participants created YouTube videos (up to 1 minute) or vlogs (up to 7 minutes) highlighting their favorite aspects of India.

Total Registrations	6932
International Registrations	30

 

27. Reel Making Competition: Participants were invited to create engaging reels on themes such as food, travel, fashion, dance, music, gaming, yoga & wellness and tech.

Total Registrations	7812
International Registrations	55

28. Young Filmmakers Challenge: The competition aimed to foster innovation, storytelling skills, and digital literacy among young participants through a concise 60-second film format.

Total Registrations	905
International Registrations	2

 

29. Film Poster Making Competition: A unique opportunity to create innovative and visually compelling reimagined film posters to celebrate and promote the rich film poster heritage of India.

Total Registrations	543
International Registrations	29
Finalists	50
Winners	3

30. Trailer Making Competition: Filmmakers, both seasoned and emerging, were invited to craft compelling trailers using Netflix content, offering a chance to reimagine iconic scenes or highlight fresh perspectives.

Total Registrations	3500
International Registrations	36
Finalists	20

31. Unreal Cinematics Challenge: The Unreal Cinematics Challenge by TVAGA provided a platform for artists, animators, and content creators to showcase their storytelling and technical skills using Unreal Engine.

Total Registrations	700
International Registrations	1

32. WAVES Cosplay Championship: A grand celebration of pop culture, creativity, and craftsmanship, bringing together participants showcasing their talents on the final day. It highlights genres such as Indian history, manga, anime, comics and games.

Total Registrations	513
International Registrations	3
Finalists	29

 

Conclusion

As WAVES 2025 nears its grand finale, thousands of participants from across the globe will come together to showcase their creativity, innovation, and talent. With a diverse range of challenges and an unparalleled platform for collaboration, WAVES is set to make a lasting impact on the future of India’s media and entertainment landscape.

References

https://cic.wavesindia.org/cic-dashboard/

https://wavesindia.org/challenges-2025

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2122688

Kindly find the pdf file

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Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Kamna Lakaria/ Priya Nagar

(Release ID: 2125564) Visitor Counter : 58

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 30) received a report of a case of severe paediatric COVID-19 and rhinovirus/ enterovirus infection and reminded the public to observe personal, hand and environmental hygiene at all times. High-risk individuals should receive a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible and receive booster doses at appropriate times to minimise the risk of serious complications and death after infection.
      
The case involves a 16-month-old boy with good past health, who developed fever, shortness of breath and wheezing since April 29 and sought medical attention from two private doctors on the same day. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) today. His respiratory specimen was tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus and rhinovirus/ enterovirus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was COVID-19 and rhinovirus/ enterovirus co-infection complicated with croup. He is still hospitalised at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of KWH and is in critical condition.
      
A preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had not received COVID-19 vaccine and had travelled to Taipei during the incubation period. Two of his household contacts were tested positive for COVID-19 by rapid antigen test. One of them had respiratory symptoms.
      
    The overall activity of COVID-19 in the local community has continued to rise since mid-March of this year. According to the latest surveillance data as of the week ending April 19, the viral load of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from sewage surveillance, the test positivity rate and the average consultation rate of COVID-19 cases in general out-patient clinics have continued to rise over the past four weeks. In particular, the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus increased to 8.21 per cent from 1.71 per cent four weeks ago (the week of March 16 to 22), a record high in the past six months. The viral load per capita of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was around 440 000 copy/litre, significantly increased from 260 000 copy/litre four weeks ago. Furthermore, sewage surveillance data showed that the local prevalence of XDV was on the rise. As XDV is a JN.1-related variant, the COVID-19 vaccines currently used in Hong Kong are still effective in preventing it.
      
    The CHP reminded the public who have not received the initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (including infants and children) should get vaccinated as soon as possible. Those at high risk (particularly the elderly and persons with underlying comorbidities) should receive a booster dose as soon as possible for effective prevention against COVID-19 to minimise the risk of serious complications and death after infection.
          
Apart from vaccination, in order to prevent COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses as well as transmission in the community, the public should maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times and note the following:
      

• Patients can wear surgical masks to prevent transmission of respiratory viruses. Therefore, it is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• High-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised) should wear surgical masks when visiting public places. The general public should also wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
• Practise hand hygiene frequently, wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Avoid sharing personal items;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, consider to refrain from going to work or school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

 
For more information on the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme and the latest recommendations on vaccine use, please refer to the CHP’s website.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 30 APR 2025 5:59PM by PIB Delhi

Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census. This demonstrates that the present government is committed to the holistic interests and values of the nation and society.

As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, Census is a union subject listed at 69 in the Union List in the Seventh Schedule. While some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes, these surveys have varied in transparency and intent, with some conducted purely from a political angle, creating doubts in society. Considering all these circumstances, and to ensure that our social fabric does not come under political pressure, it has been decided that caste enumeration should be included in the main census instead of being conducted as a separate survey.

This will ensure that society becomes stronger economically and socially, and the country’s progress continues without hindrance. It is noteworthy that when a provision of 10 percent reservation was made for the economically weaker sections of society, it did not create tension in any section of society.

Caste was excluded from all census operations conducted since independence. In 2010, then Prime Minister Late Dr. Manmohan Singh assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of caste census would be considered in the Cabinet. A Group of Ministers was formed to deliberate on this subject, and most political parties recommended conducting a caste census. Despite this, the previous government opted for a survey instead of a caste census, known as the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC).

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MJPS/SS/SR

(Release ID: 2125526) Visitor Counter : 268

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Transport Department today said that the Government is determined to enhance the service quality of personalised point-to-point transport.

It made the statement in response to press enquiries on the taxi service and complaint figures.

The department met the taxi trade today to exchange views on enhancing taxi service quality and promoting the healthy development of the industry, and reiterated that the Government will continue to combat the illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward activities to safeguard the safety and interests of the public.

To improve the taxi service, the Government has implemented the Taxi-Driver-Offence Points system and the two-tier penalty system as well as introduced a taxi fleet regime to provide quality services to passengers by the use of systematic management and technology.

The five selected taxi fleet operators are working intensively to prepare for the service commencement which is anticipated to be in place by end-July 2025.

On the other hand, the Government proposes to mandate the installation of in-vehicle cameras, dash cameras and global navigation satellite systems in all taxi compartments to better protect the rights of passengers. It also proposes to mandate all taxi drivers to provide e-payment means. Follow-up work on the legislative exercise of the relevant proposed provisions is underway.

On the regulation of online hailed car platforms, while the Government is open-minded in respect of the use of different communications technologies, including the use of online or mobile applications for obtaining personalised point-to-point transport services through online hailing services, it is imperative to ensure that the passenger transport services supported by the use of platforms concerned comply with the laws and regulations.

The department is conducting a study on the overall demand and supply of personalised point-to-point transport services.

The Government will, after considering the report of the Working Group for Enhancing Personalised Point-to-Point Transport Services under the Transport Advisory Committee and the views and relevant data collected, formulate legislative proposals on the regulation of online car hailing platforms, vehicles that may provide services complying with the regulations and relevant licensing requirements for the drivers within 2025.

To combat illegal hire car services in accordance with the law, Police have been taking enforcement actions against illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward through gathering intelligence via different channels.

If there is sufficient evidence proving suspected vehicles without a valid hire car permit being used for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward, Police will immediately take appropriate enforcement actions.

People who intend to use a hire car service may enquire with the service operator or make use of the department’s online checking system to ensure the private car concerned has been issued with a valid hire car permit before the journey starts.

The department stressed that using illegal hire car services can put passengers at risk, as the vehicle’s third party insurance may be invalid in case of a traffic accident.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Health’s (DH) Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said today adjusting the number of sampling sites under the Territory-wide Sewage Surveillance Programme does not affect the effectiveness of surveillance.

Responding to a media report that claimed the current number of sampling sites has been substantially reduced under the programme, the CHP clarified and emphasised that the decision to adjust the number of sampling sites was made to align with the programme’s latest objectives and was based on scientific analysis, with a view to enhancing cost-effectiveness while ensuring that the effectiveness in monitoring the activity level of COVID-19 in Hong Kong would not be compromised.

It pointed out that with the resumption of normalcy, COVID-19 has been managed as a general respiratory disease and the objective of sewage surveillance has shifted from source tracing to routine surveillance of virus activity in the community.

The CHP used simulation models to analyse different combinations of sampling sites to optimise the programme while maintaining the effectiveness of the surveillance.

Results showed that by changing the number of sampling sites from three to 14 per district to one per district located further downstream which covered the largest population, the trend of the sewage viral load data and the relevant clinical surveillance indicators were highly correlated.

The CHP further explained that the optimised strategy, implemented since April 2024, continues to monitor the activity of COVID-19 effectively, while significantly reducing operating costs by nearly 80%.

Surveillance results and analyses will be disseminated weekly through “COVID-19 & Flu Express” for public information, it added.