Paving the Way for Integrative Healthcare: Key Meeting Held on Establishing Integrative Medicine Department at TATA IISc Medical School Ayush and IISc collaborate to institutionalise integrative healthcare for a healthier, holistic India
Posted On: 24 APR 2025 6:18PM by PIB Delhi
In a significant step towards strengthening India’s traditional healthcare infrastructure through an integrative approach, a virtual meeting was convened today to discuss the establishment of a Department of Integrative Medicine at the TATA IISc Medical School, Bengaluru.
The meeting brought together top health and academic leaders, including Dr. B.N. Gangadhar, Chairman, National Medical Commission (NMC); Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; Vaidya Jayant Deopujari, Chairman, National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM); and Prof. Swaminathan, Inaugural Chair and Professor, Department of Nephrology, IISc Bengaluru.
Deliberations centred around the urgent need to blend the strengths of contemporary medicine with the time-tested practices of traditional systems like Ayurveda to enhance healthcare delivery, medical education, and research. The participants unanimously agreed on developing a White Paper on Integrative Medicine, outlining its scope and strategic applications in clinical practice, academics, and scientific inquiry. The document will serve as a roadmap for nationwide implementation, following expert consultation and policy-level approvals.
This initiative follows the momentum built during the ‘RISE for Healthy Ageing’ International Conference at IISc, where top scientists and Ayush leaders discussed the future of Integrative Medicine. Today’s meeting marks a concrete development in institutionalising integrative healthcare, reaffirming India’s commitment to evidence-based, patient-centric health systems.
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes takes suo motu cognizance of the incident of Barkani village in Sundargarh district of Odisha Commission has sought action taken report from the District Collector and Superintendent of Police, Sundargarh and the concerned officials of Steel Authority of India
Posted On: 24 APR 2025 5:39PM by PIB Delhi
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has taken suomotu cognizance of a tragic incident that occurred on April 19, 2025, in Barkani village, Sundargarh district, Odisha. The incident took place during a protest by the local tribal community against the proposed construction of a railway line by Rourkela Steel Plant, extending up to Dumertha. During the protest, an unfortunate event led to the death of a tribal villager who was run over by a JCB machine. Subsequent unrest was also reported in the area.
Taking serious note of the matter, the Commission has issued notices to the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and concerned officials of the Steel Authority of India, seeking a detailed factual report and an account of the action taken in response to the incident.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the World Intellectual Property (IP) Day Reception 2025 today (April 24):
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Turning to arbitration, Hong Kong’s status as an international arbitration centre is beyond doubt. According to the 2025 International Arbitration Survey published recently by the White & Case and School of International Arbitration, Queen Mary University of London, Hong Kong and Singapore both rank as the second most preferred seat of arbitration in the world after London.
In respect of resolving IP disputes by arbitration, the Arbitration (Amendment) Ordinance 2017 amended the Arbitration Ordinance (Cap. 609) by, among other things, clarifying that all disputes over IP rights, whether arising within or outside Hong Kong, may be resolved by arbitration, and that IP arbitral awards are enforceable in Hong Kong as it is not contrary to the public policy of Hong Kong to do so.
Ministry of Food Processing Industries, in collaboration with NIFTEM Kundli, is pleased to announce the second edition of SUFALAM (Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors), scheduled for April 25–26, 2025, at NIFTEM-K campus. Building on the success of its inaugural edition, this year’s conclave reinforces the Government of India’s commitment to fostering a vibrant start-up ecosystem in line with the vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The event aims to strengthen the food processing sector by promoting innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship through targeted initiatives.
The two-day program will feature a series of activities designed to empower startups, facilitate knowledge sharing and create networking opportunities. Union Cabinet Minister, MoFPIShri Chirag Paswan will inaugurate the conclave with a focus on enhancing ease of doing business for young entrepreneurs through government schemes and subsidies. NIFTEM-K will play a key role by providing mentorship, consultancy services and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure to support emerging startups.
The event will commence with keynote address by Prof. Harpal Singh from IIT Delhi, who will share insights from his entrepreneurial journey. Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi will join as the special guest for the occasion. Dr. Subrata Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), will grace the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
The events on first day will feature experience-sharing sessions where industry leaders and startups will share their entrepreneurial journeys and insights. A series of expert-led sessions will cover critical themes such as sustainable growthin food sector, branding, digital outreach, and government support. Highlights include a panel discussion on scaling businesses responsibly, featuring industry leaders like Mr. Abhishek Kakkar, Indian Angel Network and Mr. Durlabh Rawat, Barosi Foods. Another session on digital marketing strategies for food startups will be led by senior officials from MeitY and marketing experts such as Ms. Yashna Garg fromZeon Life Sciences.
Onthe second day, young entrepreneurs will share their experiences in a session titled “Pep Talk by Budding Startups.” Speakers include Ms. Isha Jhawar of Reipeat Gud Pvt Ltd. known for her work in healthy, preservative free tomato ketchup and mayonnaise and Mr. Romi Kulthia of Atpata, who combines traditional knowledge with modern technology. Other participants, such as Mr. Priyanshu Raj of Aromaé and Ms. Palak Arora of SatGuru Superfoods, will discuss challenges in scaling and rural-urban market linkages. Sustainability-focused innovators like Mr. Anagh Goyal of 1.5 Degree will also share insights on climate-resilient business models.
Over 250 startups from 23 states across the country including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Manipur, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand have already registered, showcasing the diverse innovation landscape of India. Some of the startups are likely to exhibit innovative technologies, such as cell cultured meat, plant-based foods, functional foods and rapid detection kits for contaminants and adulterants required for strengthening food processing and safety eco system in the country. Around 35 startups have registered to pitch their ground-breaking ideas to esteemed evaluators from leading organizations such as Nestlé, Bühler Group, Eureka Analytical Systems Pvt. Ltd. and the Indian Angel Network. A dedicated session on sustainable food solutions, moderated by Dr. Siddharth Manvati of Clear Meat, will feature perspectives from industry veterans like Mr. Sanjay Khajuria, Former Director, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Nestle Indiaand Mr. Hemendra Mathur, Bharat Innovation Fund.
Beyond formal sessions, the event will include networking opportunities through a Mentor Lounge and an exhibition showcasing innovations by startups and MSMEs. Reflecting on the conclave’s importance, Union Cabinet Minister, MoFPI Shri Chirag Paswan remarked, “SUFALAM 2025 underscores our commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship in the food sector. By equipping startups with the right tools and networks, we are paving the way for a more self-reliant India.” With over 300 participants,over 65 exhibitors representing 20 states across the countryincluding entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers, the conclave aims to drive collaboration and accelerate growth in India’s food processing industry.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CE: Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism advances mutual benefits to new levels (with photos/videos) In the morning, Mr Lee and the Secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, Mr Wang Hao, jointly attended the High-Level Meeting cum the First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference, witnessing the establishment of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism, symbolising a new stage of comprehensive exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Zhejiang. The Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhou Ji, also attended the meeting.
Officials of the HKSAR Government that attended the meeting included the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip.
During the meeting, Mr Wang, Mr Lee, and the Governor of Zhejiang Province, Mr Liu Jie, witnessed the signing of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism and the Co-operation Memorandum of the High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference, as well as four co-operation agreements signed by representatives of government departments and institutions of the two places, covering areas of innovation and technology (I&T), housing, economic and trade co-operation, and youth development. Hong Kong and Zhejiang established the new Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism and reached consensus on 13 co-operation areas.
Mr Lee noted that the new co-operation conference mechanism symbolises a new stage of comprehensive exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Zhejiang, which is of great significance. He expressed gratitude to Zhejiang Province and the Zhejiang Provincial Government for its importance and support attached to the new co-operation conference mechanism. He said he looks forward to Hong Kong and Zhejiang continuing to work together and deepen co-operation on all fronts for mutual benefits. He added that Hong Kong and Zhejiang will seize national opportunities and leverage their respective strengths to make new and greater contributions to the further reform and opening up of the country, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Mr Lee said that Hong Kong has long been the largest source of external investment in Zhejiang, as well as a favourable platform for Zhejiang enterprises to expand into overseas markets. Hong Kong will give full play to its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to continue serving Zhejiang in expanding international markets.
Mr Lee then met with the Mayor of the Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government, Mr Yao Gaoyuan, and attended a luncheon hosted by Mr Yao. Mr Lee said that Hangzhou has made rapid achievements in the fields of the digital economy and AI in recent years, while the HKSAR Government is also developing the AI industry proactively and has been implementing a series of measures to support AI development. Mr Lee expressed his confidence in the huge potential for co-operation between Hong Kong and Hangzhou in I&T, adding that under the new co-operation mechanism established between Hong Kong and Zhejiang, exchanges and collaboration between Hong Kong and cities in Zhejiang, including Hangzhou, will be even closer.
In the afternoon, Mr Lee arrived in Ningbo to continue his visit. He first visited a local high-end scientific instrument manufacturing enterprise to learn more about its business development and projects in the manufacturing and research of optical instruments.
Mr Lee then met with entrepreneurs of Ningbo descent. Mr Lee commended Ningbo entrepreneurs for their significant contributions to Hong Kong’s economic and social development over the years, as well as acting as a bridge to promote economic and trade co-operation and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Ningbo.
In the evening, Mr Lee met with the Secretary of the CPC Ningbo Municipal Committee, Mr Peng Jiaxue, and attended a dinner hosted by Mr Peng. Mr Lee highlighted that Ningbo is a major city in the Yangtze River Delta region, while Hong Kong, the world’s freest economy and the third-largest international financial centre which possesses the advantages of the “one country, two systems” principle, is proactively developing into an international I&T hub. He said he believes that entrepreneurs in Hong Kong and Ningbo will continue to scale new heights and forge closer ties and co-operation, and that Hong Kong and Ningbo can achieve complementarity to make greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development.
Mr Lee will continue his visit tomorrow (April 25). He will attend the Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference – Zhejiang (Ningbo) Forum cum Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Forum. Issued at HKT 19:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
InvestHK, HKETO Singapore and HKTDC jointly hold seminar in India to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages and opportunities During the duty visit to Mumbai and Delhi, Mr Ng had fruitful discussions with a number of large family businesses, large enterprises, family offices, business founders and entrepreneurs from across different sectors to explain the unique benefits of the “one country, two systems” framework, conveying the advantages and business and investment opportunities available to them in Hong Kong and the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
The Director of Trade and Investment Promotion, World Trade Center Mumbai, Ms Priya Pansare, said, “At World Trade Center Mumbai, we are delighted to explore synergies with InvestHK to foster stronger economic linkages between India and Hong Kong. This collaboration presents a valuable opportunity to bridge markets, promote cross-border investments, and enable businesses from both economies to grow through shared knowledge, innovation, and trade facilitation.”
The seminar cohosted by InvestHK, the HKETO Singapore and the HKTDC in Mumbai yesterday, entitled Gateway to Growth: Exploring Business & Investment Opportunities in and via Hong Kong, brought together local senior executives, entrepreneurs, and partners to discuss the benefits of using Hong Kong as a gateway for expansion into Mainland China and across Asia. It commenced with opening remarks by the Director of the HKETO Singapore, Mr Owin Fung, and the Regional Director of South East Asia and South Asia of the HKTDC, Mr Ronald Ho, followed by a presentation on Hong Kong’s dynamic capital market and the abundant investment opportunities it offers, delivered by Mr Ng.
During his opening speech, Mr Fung emphasised Hong Kong’s benefits to Indian businesses. He said, “As an international financial, trade and shipping centre, Hong Kong has long thrived under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. This enables Hong Kong to play the pivotal role as a ‘super connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’ to facilitate Indian businesses expanding into the GBA and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations markets.”
During the presentation, Mr Ng underscored Hong Kong’s status as a premier international financial and business hub, spotlighting the city’s vibrant start-up ecosystem, robust capital markets, and free flow of information, talent, and capital. He also highlighted the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, which offers high-net-worth individuals and their families an attractive pathway to residency in Hong Kong. Mr Ng said, “It has been a genuine privilege to engage with India’s forward-looking business community and showcase the latest developments in Hong Kong. We are keen to support more Indian companies in learning more about Hong Kong’s strategic position, robust capital markets, and diverse talent pool, enabling them to expand across Asia – and ultimately, beyond.” Issued at HKT 19:20
The funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See will be held on Saturday 26th April, 2025. The State Mourning shall be observed on that day. On 26th April, 2025, the National Flag will be flown at Half Mast throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment.
The Government of India had announced three-Day State Mourning, as a mark of respect on the passing away of His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See. Two days’ State Mourning was observed on 22nd April and 23rd April, 2025 and one day’s State Mourning will be observed on the day of the funeral.
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Launches Issuance of Sports Certificates via DigiLocker Inaugurates National Centre for Sports Science and Research at IG Stadium
All sports initiatives undertaken by Modi Government are athlete-centric – Dr. Mandaviya
NCSSR will serve as a hub for high-level research, education, and innovation aimed at enhancing elite athlete performance: Union Minister
Posted On: 24 APR 2025 4:44PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today launched the issuance of sports certificates via DigiLocker at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.
Prior to the launch, he inaugurated the National Centre for Sports Science and Research (NCSSR) at the same venue.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to athlete welfare, stating that all sports initiatives undertaken by Modi Government are athlete-centric. Citing examples of the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024, Draft National Sports Policy 2024, and the Draft National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports (NCAAFS) 2025, the Minister said these reflect the Government’s resolve to ensure transparency, fairness and good governance in the Indian sports ecosystem.
He announced that sports certificates issued via DigiLocker will soon be integrated with the National Sports Repository System (NSRS), enabling automatic disbursal of Government cash rewards directly into athletes’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), eliminating the need for paper applications.
“In the past what used to happen is that a sportsperson had to apply for Government cash rewards after winning medals in international competitions. I don’t want that the athletes have to suffer or face any roadblocks in getting their well-deserved reward. So, these initiatives are meant to make it smooth for them. If everyone has watched him/her win a medal internationally why do they need to apply,” Union Minister said.
Highlighting future plans, Dr. Mandaviya spoke about the comprehensive roadmap being implemented to support India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics. He also reiterated India’s interest in hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030.
Calling on National Sports Federations (NSFs) to prioritize good governance and athlete welfare, Union Minister urged collective efforts from athletes, federations, and the Government to strengthen the sports ecosystem. As a step in this direction, he announced that office space at IG Stadium in Delhi will be made available to interested NSFs.
Dr. Mandaviya also announced the forthcoming launch of a ‘One Sport–One Corporate’ policy aimed at facilitating federation handholding and attracting financial support for sports development. Additionally, Olympic training centres for high-priority sports disciplines will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, he added.
Speaking on the inauguration of the NCSSR, Dr. Mandaviya said the Centre will serve as a hub for high-level research, education, and innovation aimed at enhancing elite athlete performance. He emphasized that such initiatives will be instrumental in fulfilling India’s long-term sporting vision under Viksit Bharat by 2047.
“Let us all work together to build a strong sports culture for a new India,” Dr. Mandaviya concluded.
Praising the initiative by the government, Olympic silver medallist and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna awardee Mirabai Chanu said: “This is a really good scheme for players. The issuance of sports certificates by DigiLocker will take a lot of stress away from all sportspersons like me. Many times sportspersons have to rush back home for certain documents – for government jobs, visa etc. – as we don’t carry them with us always. I want to thank our Sports Minister on behalf of all players for this initiative.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council Panel on Security conducted a duty visit to Guangzhou today (April 24) to learn about the work experience in areas related to enhancing crime prevention and law enforcement efficiency. The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, also led government officials to join the visit.
Members went to Tianhe District of Guangzhou in the morning to observe a minimum emergency unit drill in Tianhe City Central Business District. Minimum emergency units are formed by various entities or premises in the city, and under the supervision of local police stations. They are responsible for taking initial actions in response to emergencies that endanger public safety, as well as assisting public security authorities in maintaining daily law and order. Members noted from the drill that minimum emergency units help prevent and curb illegal and criminal acts at an early stage and effectively enhance community safety. Members also exchanged views with representatives of relevant Mainland authorities on, among others, ways to consolidate and leverage community resources and forces to ensure public safety.
Members then visited the Huale Police Station of the Guangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau. The Police Station has received numerous national and provincial honours, including the title of People’s Satisfaction Police Station awarded by the State Council. During the visit, Members exchanged views with representatives of the Police Station on enhancing public satisfaction with police work, leveraging technology to enhance crime prevention and law enforcement efficiency, etc.
Members visited the integrated service hall of the Guangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau in the afternoon to better understand the “one service window” arrangements provided therein and the measures to offer convenient services to the public through the use of technology and self-service facilities, as well as to receive a briefing on the city’s experience in providing facilitation to citizens by streamlining workflows and leveraging technology. Members also toured the police history museum of the Guangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau to gain further insight into the development of public security services.
Through the duty visit, Members obtained first-hand knowledge of Guangzhou’s effort in crime prevention, law enforcement and facilitation measures for citizens, and exchanged views with representatives of the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department on related issues. The experience and information obtained through the duty visit will facilitate the Panel in performing duties pursuant to its terms of reference for building a safer and more liveable community together.
A total of 14 members and non-members of the Panel on Security participated in the duty visit and they returned to Hong Kong in the afternoon.
Chief Executive John Lee, leading a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation, continued his visit to Zhejiang today.
This morning, Mr Lee and Secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee Wang Hao attended the High-Level Meeting and the First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference, witnessing the establishment of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism.
During the meeting, Mr Wang, Mr Lee and Zhejiang Governor Liu Jie saw the signing of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism, the Co-operation Memorandum of the High-Level Meeting & First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference, as well as four co-operation agreements.
By entering into the mechanism, Hong Kong and Zhejiang reached consensus on 13 co-operation areas. Meanwhile, the four co-operation agreements cover areas of innovation and technology (I&T), housing, economic and trade co-operation, and youth development.
Mr Lee noted that the new mechanism symbolises a new stage of comprehensive exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Zhejiang, which is of great significance. He thanked Zhejiang Province and the Zhejiang Provincial Government for its importance and support attached to the mechanism, and said he looks forward to Hong Kong and Zhejiang working together and deepening co-operation on all fronts for mutual benefits.
He added that Hong Kong and Zhejiang will seize national opportunities and leverage their respective strengths to make new and greater contributions to the further reform and opening up of the country, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Furthermore, he stressed that Hong Kong will give full play to its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to continue serving Zhejiang in expanding international markets.
After the meeting, Mr Lee called on Hangzhou Mayor Yao Gaoyuan and attended a luncheon hosted by Mr Yao.
The Chief Executive said that Hangzhou has made rapid achievements in the fields of the digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years, while the Hong Kong SAR Government, also developing the AI industry proactively, has been implementing a series of measures to support AI development. Mr Lee expressed his confidence in the huge potential for co-operation between Hong Kong and Hangzhou in I&T, adding that under the new co-operation mechanism, exchanges and collaboration between Hong Kong and cities in Zhejiang, including Hangzhou, will be even closer.
In the afternoon, Mr Lee arrived in Ningbo, where he visited a local high-end scientific instrument manufacturing enterprise to learn more about its business development and projects in the manufacturing and research of optical instruments.
He also met entrepreneurs of Ningbo descent, and commended Ningbo entrepreneurs for their significant contributions to Hong Kong’s economic and social development over the years.
In the evening, Mr Lee met Secretary of CPC Ningbo Municipal Committee Peng Jiaxue, and attended a dinner hosted by Mr Peng.
Mr Lee said he believes that entrepreneurs in Hong Kong and Ningbo will continue to scale new heights and forge closer ties and co-operation, and that Hong Kong and Ningbo can achieve complementarity to make greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development.
The Chief Executive will attend the Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference – Zhejiang (Ningbo) Forum & Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Forum tomorrow.