Month: April 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The 15th National Games (NG) Basketball (Men’s U22) test event will be held at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom on April 26 and 27 (Saturday and Sunday), with an aim to prepare for the official events of the NG to be staged in November this year.
 
     The test event will be held from 2pm to 6.30pm on both days, with the participation of four basketball teams, namely Hong Kong A1 Division Championship basketball teams Hong Kong Eastern, Winling and Tycoon, as well as the Hong Kong Men’s U22 representative team. Admission tickets have been distributed through the Basketball Association of Hong Kong, China and the Eastern Sports Club. Those who possess a ticket may enter the venue for the event upon completion of a security check starting from 12.30pm on the event days.
 
     The test event is organised by the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) and co-organised by the Basketball Association of Hong Kong, China and the Eastern Sports Club, with the Chinese Basketball Association as advisor.
 
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) will provide a live webcast of the two-day event (RTHK weblink: www.rthk.hk/nationalgames and RTHK YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/RTHK).
 
     For information on the 15th NG, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games in Hong Kong, please visit the thematic website (www.2025nationalgames.gov.hk/en/index.html), as well as the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/2025nationalgames.hk) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/2025nationalgames.hk).

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 9:00PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, today, in the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

The Prime Minister posted on X :

“In the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, chaired a meeting of the CCS at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.”

 

 

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MJPS/VJ

(Release ID: 2123981) Visitor Counter : 82

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs today (April 24) arrested a manager of a beauty parlour who was suspected of engaging in unfair trade practices involving aggressive commercial practices, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO). 

Customs earlier received information alleging that a manager of a beauty parlour in Causeway Bay imposed undue influence on a customer, causing her to subsequently cancel some purchased beauty treatments and pay an additional $90,000 as an application fee for the refund. The manager promised that a full refund for the treatments and application fee would be made within a specified period. However, despite repeated requests, the customer did not receive any refund. 

After an investigation, Customs officers today arrested a 37-year-old female manager. 

The investigation is ongoing, and the arrested person has been released on bail pending further investigation.

Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure services at reputable shops.

Under the TDO, any trader commits an offence of engaging in aggressive commercial practices if harassment, coercion or undue influence is used to impair the consumer’s freedom of choice or conduct, causing the consumer to make a transactional decision. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the TDO to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, today (April 24) presented certificates to awardees under the HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund (GSF) and the Self-financing Post-secondary Education Fund (SPEF) for the 2024/25 academic year at the GSF and SPEF Joint Scholarship Presentation Ceremony 2025.

Over 6 400 meritorious post-secondary students received scholarships and awards, amounting to about $196 million in total. Both the GSF and the SPEF also give recognition to meritorious post-secondary students with special educational needs (SEN) through the Endeavour Merit Award and the Endeavour Scholarship. This year, a total of around 600 SEN students were given the awards/scholarships.

Dr Choi said that the two scholarship schemes have successfully attracted outstanding non-local students to pursue their studies in Hong Kong by commending those with excellent performance in various aspects, thereby enhancing the city’s position as an international hub for post-secondary education. To tie in with the overall national development, the Education Bureau will adhere to the principle of integrity and innovation, and seize the development opportunities arising from the country’s Belt and Road initiatives, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, etc, to deepen Hong Kong’s role as a cluster of talent, and to consolidate and develop Hong Kong’s advantages in education. 

The GSF was established in 2008 to attract outstanding local students to advance their studies at home, and meritorious non-local students to pursue higher education opportunities in Hong Kong. There are five types of scholarships and awards under the GSF, namely Scholarships for Outstanding Performance, Belt and Road (B&R) Scholarship, Talent Development Scholarship, Reaching Out Award and Endeavour Merit Award. Scholarships and awards are offered to students studying full-time publicly funded sub-degree, undergraduate-level and above programmes in Hong Kong. In the 2024/25 academic year, about 2 000 students received the scholarships/awards, including about 1 200 local students and about 800 non-local students. In terms of levels of study, about 1 400 students were at the undergraduate level and above, while about 600 students were at the sub-degree level.

​In addition, the B&R Scholarship was introduced to encourage students from B&R countries/regions to pursue studies in Hong Kong. In the 2024/25 academic year, 150 students from 31 B&R countries/regions have been awarded this scholarship for the first time.

The Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme (SPSS) was established under the SPEF in 2011 to promote the quality and sustainable development of the self-financing post-secondary sector. There are five types of scholarships and awards under the scheme, namely Outstanding Performance Scholarship, Best Progress Award, Talent Development Scholarship, Reaching Out Award and Endeavour Scholarship. These scholarships and awards are offered to students pursuing full-time locally accredited self-financing sub-degree or undergraduate programmes. In the 2024/25 academic year, the SPEF offered scholarships and awards to about 4 000 local and about 400 non-local students. In terms of levels of study, about 2 400 of them pursued undergraduate studies, while about 2 000 students were at the sub-degree level.

A list of participating institutions is in Annex I. A broad distribution of the scholarship recipients is set out in Annex II. Details of the scholarships and awards under the GSF are available on the Education Bureau’s website (www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/postsecondary/local-higher-edu/publicly-funded-programmes/scholarship.html). Those under the SPSS as well as the SPEF are available on the Committee on Self-financing Post-secondary Education’s website (www.cspe.edu.hk/en/index.html).

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses the India Steel 2025 programme

Steel has played skeleton like role in the modern economies of the world, steel is the power behind every success story: PM

We are proud that today India has become the second largest steel producer in the world: PM

We have set a target of producing 300 million tonnes of steel by 2030 under the National Steel Policy: PM

Government policies for the steel industry are playing an important role in making many other Indian industries globally competitive: PM

For all our Infrastructure projects the goal should be ‘Zero Import’ and ‘Net Export’: PM

Our steel sector has to be ready for new processes, new grades and new scale: PM

We have to expand and upgrade keeping the future in mind, We have to become future ready from now itself: PM

In the last 10 years, many mining reforms have been implemented, availability of iron ore has become easier: PM

Now is the time to make proper use of allotted mines and the resources of the country, Green-field mining needs to be accelerated: PM

Together, let us build a Resilient, Revolutionary and Steel-Strong India: PM

Posted On: 24 APR 2025 2:49PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered his remarks during the India Steel 2025 programme at Mumbai, via video message today. Addressing the gathering, he said that over the next two days, discussions will focus on the potential and opportunities of India’s sunrise sector—the steel industry. He remarked that this sector forms the foundation of India’s progress, strengthens the base of a developed India, and is scripting a new chapter of transformation in the country. The Prime Minister welcomed everyone to India Steel 2025 and expressed confidence that the event will serve as a launchpad for sharing new ideas, forging new partnerships, and promoting innovation. He emphasized that this event will lay the groundwork for a new chapter in the steel sector.

“Steel has played a pivotal role in modern economies, akin to a skeleton”, emphasised Shri Modi, remarking that whether it is skyscrapers, shipping, highways, high-speed rail, smart cities, or industrial corridors, steel is the strength behind every success story. “India is striving to achieve the goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy, with the steel sector playing a significant role in this mission”, he added, expressing pride in India being the world’s second-largest steel producer. He noted that under the National Steel Policy, India has set a target of producing 300 million tons of steel by 2030. He remarked that the current per capita steel consumption in India is approximately 98 kilograms and is expected to rise to 160 kilograms by 2030. Shri Modi emphasized that this increasing steel consumption serves as a golden standard for the country’s infrastructure and economy, adding that it is also a benchmark for the nation’s direction, as well as the government’s efficiency and effectiveness.

Underlining that the steel industry is brimming with renewed confidence about its future due to the foundation of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the Prime Minister remarked that this initiative integrates various utility services and logistics modes. He emphasized that mine areas and steel units are being mapped for improved multi-modal connectivity. He noted that new projects are being introduced to upgrade critical infrastructure in eastern India, where most of the steel sector is concentrated. He further highlighted that the $1.3 trillion National Infrastructure Pipeline is being advanced. He remarked that large-scale efforts to transform cities into smart cities, along with unprecedented pace in the development of roads, railways, airports, ports, and pipelines, are creating fresh opportunities for the steel sector. The Prime Minister pointed out that crores of houses are being constructed under the PM Awas Yojana, and significant infrastructure is being built in villages through the Jal Jeevan Mission. He remarked that welfare initiatives like these are also providing new strength to the steel industry. He highlighted the government’s decision to use only ‘Made in India’ steel in government projects and noted that government-driven initiatives account for the highest consumption of steel in building construction and infrastructure.

Underscoring that steel is a primary component driving the growth of multiple sectors, Shri Modi remarked that government policies for the steel industry are playing a crucial role in making many other industries in India globally competitive. He highlighted that sectors such as manufacturing, construction, machinery, and automotive are gaining strength from the Indian steel industry. He mentioned that the government has introduced the National Manufacturing Mission in this year’s Budget to accelerate the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The mission caters to small, medium, and large industries and will open new opportunities for the steel sector, he added.

Noting that India was long dependent on imports for high-grade steel, which was critical for defense and strategic sectors, the Prime Minister expressed pride in the fact that the steel used in India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier was produced domestically. He also noted that Indian steel contributed to the success of the historic Chandrayaan mission, symbolizing India’s capability and confidence. The Prime Minister remarked that this transformation was made possible through initiatives such as the PLI scheme, which has allocated thousands of crores to support the production of high-grade steel. He emphasized that this is just the beginning and that there is a long road ahead. He pointed out the growing demand for high-grade steel due to mega-projects being initiated across the country. He mentioned that in this year’s Budget, shipbuilding has been classified as infrastructure, adding “India aims to manufacture modern and large ships domestically and export them to other countries”. The Prime Minister highlighted the rising demand for pipeline-grade steel and corrosion-resistant alloys in India. He remarked that the country’s rail infrastructure is expanding at an unprecedented pace. He stressed the need for a goal of “zero imports” and a focus on net exports. “India is currently working towards a target of exporting 25 million tons of steel and aims to increase production capacity to 500 million tons by 2047”, he noted emphasizing the importance of preparing the steel sector for new processes, grades, and scales, urging the industry to expand and upgrade with a future-ready mindset. The Prime Minister underlined the vast employment generation potential of the steel industry’s growth. He called upon both the private and public sectors to develop, nurture, and share new ideas. He emphasized collaboration in manufacturing, R&D, and technology upgrades to create more job opportunities for the country’s youth.

Shri Modi acknowledged that the steel industry faces certain challenges that need resolution for further growth, highlighting that raw material security remains a significant concern, with India still dependent on imports for nickel, coking coal, and manganese. He emphasized the need to strengthen global partnerships, secure supply chains, and focus on technology upgrades. He underlined the importance of moving swiftly towards energy-efficient, low-emission, and digitally advanced technologies. “The future of the steel industry will be shaped by AI, automation, recycling, and by-product utilization”, he remarked, stressing the need to enhance efforts in these areas through innovation. He expressed optimism that collaboration between global partners and Indian companies will help address these challenges more effectively and at a faster pace.

The Prime Minister remarked on the significant impact of coal imports, particularly coking coal, on both costs and the economy. He emphasized the importance of exploring alternatives to reduce this dependence. He highlighted the availability of technologies such as the DRI route and stressed efforts to promote them further. Pointing out that coal gasification can be effectively utilized to make better use of the country’s coal resources and decrease reliance on imports, he urged all stakeholders in the steel industry to actively participate in this endeavor and take the necessary steps to move forward in this direction.

Underlining the importance of addressing the issue of unused greenfield mines, Shri Modi noted that significant mining reforms have been introduced in the last decade, making iron ore availability easier. He stressed that it is now time to utilize the allotted mines effectively to ensure optimal use of the country’s resources. Cautioning that delays in this process would adversely impact the industry, Shri Modi urged for the acceleration of greenfield mining efforts to overcome this challenge.

The Prime Minister emphasized that India is no longer focused solely on domestic growth but is preparing for global leadership. He remarked that the world now views India as a trusted supplier of high-quality steel. He reiterated the importance of maintaining world-class standards in steel production and continually upgrading capabilities. He emphasized that improving logistics, developing multi-modal transport networks, and reducing costs will help India become a Global Steel Hub. The Prime Minister highlighted that India Steel provides a platform to expand capabilities and turn ideas into actionable solutions. He concluded by  expressing best wishes to all participants and called for collective efforts to build a resilient, revolutionary, and steel-strong India.

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2124042) Visitor Counter : 130

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender for 3-year HKD institutional Government Bonds (issue number 03GB2804001) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (April 24).

A total of HK$4.5 billion 3-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of HK$11.163 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 2.48. The average price accepted is 100.08, implying an annualised yield of 2.751 per cent.

HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results

Tender results of 3-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:

Tender Date	:	April 24, 2025
Issue Number	:	03GB2804001
Stock Code	:	4291 (HKGB 2.76 2804)
Issue and Settlement Date	:	April 25, 2025
Tenor	:	3 years
Maturity Date	:	April 25, 2028
Coupon Rate	:	2.76 per cent
Amount Applied	:	HK$11.163 billion
Amount Allotted	:	HK$4.5 billion
Bid-to-Cover Ratio*	:	2.48
Average Price Accepted (Yield)	:	100.08 (2.751 per cent)
Lowest Price Accepted (Yield)	:	99.99 (2.783 per cent)
Pro-rata Ratio	:	About 34 per cent
Average Tender Price (Yield)	:	99.88 (2.821 per cent)

* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

In support of World Immunisation Week organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the last week of April every year, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (April 24) reminded the public that timely vaccinations can safeguard individual and community health from serious threats posed by vaccine-preventable diseases.
 
“Immunisation is a safe and effective public health measure. Over the past 50 years, vaccines are effective against diseases that have saved more than 150 million lives worldwide. Hong Kong has long been providing vaccinations for children since the 1950s. Building on the WHO’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation and scientific evidence, the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme has been making continuous progress in terms of vaccine variety, vaccination schedules and service network coverage. With the support of parents, schools and the healthcare sector, Hong Kong maintains a very high vaccination coverage rate, which not only keeps most of the vaccine-preventable diseases under control, but also contributed to the eradication of smallpox and poliomyelitis in Hong Kong in 1980 and 2000 respectively, followed by successful elimination of measles and rubella (German measles) in Hong Kong in 2016 and 2021 respectively. In addition, the DH has been actively adopting a public-private partnership approach in providing vaccination services through private doctors to help parents and children receive the vaccines to increase the overall vaccination coverage. Taking the seasonal influenza vaccine as an example, the uptake rate of the vaccine for most age groups in the current season has increased as compared with the previous one,” the Controller of the CHP of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui said.
 
The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) under the CHP makes recommendations on vaccines for different groups (e.g. children, pregnant women, the elderly etc) based on local epidemiology and the latest scientific evidence from a public health perspective. With reference to the recommendations of the SCVPD, the Government provides different types of vaccines and boosters for children from birth to Primary Six to protect them from 12 communicable diseases, as well as other vaccination services such as seasonal influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and the COVID-19 vaccines for people in high-risk groups to boost their immunity and reduce the risk of infection or severe complications.
 
“Due to a drop in vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a recent resurgence of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases outside Hong Kong. For example, measles cases in Europe, the United States and neighboring countries, such as Japan, Vietnam and Cambodia, are on the rise, where children who have not yet completed their vaccinations or have unknown vaccination status were mainly affected. For pertussis, the number of cases reported in Japan, the United States and New Zealand this year are also higher than that of the same period in previous years, with most of the affected cases being infants and adolescents, underscoring the importance of timely vaccinations for maintaining a high vaccination rate and herd immunity,” Dr Tsui said.
 
He reminded the public to make sure that they have completed their required immunisation if they plan to visit places with outbreaks or high incidences of vaccine-preventable diseases. Anyone who has not completed immunisation or with an unknown vaccination history should consult his/her family doctor at least two weeks before travelling.
 
The incubation period of measles is seven to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. While for pertussis, the infected person may initially be sneezing and have a runny nose, a low-grade fever and a mild cough. The cough gradually becomes more severe and may even lead to seizures and coma in severe cases. If such symptoms appear after returning from places where measles and pertussis are endemic, people should wear surgical masks, stay home from work or school, avoid crowded places and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
 
For more information on the World Immunisation Week 2025, please visit the CHP website.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region