Month: April 2025

Source: Government of India

Union Health Minister Shri J P Nadda launches National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign on the occasion of World Immunization Week

Measles-Rubella elimination campaign 2025-26 marks an opportunity to achieve 100% immunization coverage to provide high quality life to children by administering them with two doses of Measles and Rubella vaccine: Shri J P Nadda

“332 districts across the country have reported zero Measles cases and 487 districts have reported zero Rubella cases during January- March 2025 which underscores the progress achieved in the goal of M-R elimination”

“With the ‘ACT NOW’ policy, we have to target the elimination of M-R in the same way as Polio and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus elimination was achieved, so that no child is left behind”

Currently India’s MR vaccination coverage stands at 93.7% for the first dose and 92.2% for the second dose, as per 2024-25 HMIS data

Posted On: 24 APR 2025 2:26PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda today virtually launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination campaign 2025-26 on the first day of the World Immunization Week (24-30 April), marking a significant step towards India’s goal of eliminating Measles and Rubella by 2026.

On the occasion, Union Health Minister released multi-language M-R IEC materials (posters, radio jingles, MR elimination and official U-WIN launch film) for creating awareness in the communities. These IEC materials were also shared with all States/UTs for adaptation and rollout during the MR Elimination Campaign 2025-26. 

Addressing the occasion, Shri J P Nadda stated that, “today is momentous occasion as the launch of Measles-Rubella elimination campaign 2025-26 marks an opportunity to achieve 100% immunization coverage to provide high quality lifestyle to children by administering them with the two doses of Measles and Rubella vaccine.” Noting that this disease is of a highly contagious nature that hampers not only children’s life but also cause misery to their parents, Shri Nadda underlined the importance of ensuring that not even a single child is left behind.

The Union Health Minister congratulated the Ministry for getting recognition with the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award by the Measles and Rubella Partnership in 2024. He highlighted that “332 districts in the country have reported zero measles cases and 487 districts have reported zero rubella cases during January- March 2025 which underscores the progress achieved in the goal of M-R elimination.”

Shri Nadda highlighted the need for keeping the IDSP activated and strengthening surveillance. “We have to target the elimination of M-R in the same way as Polio and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus elimination was achieved”, he stated. He urged the states and UTs to be attentive, alert, and proactive and work with a ‘ACT NOW’ policy.

Shri Nadda also urged the State Ministers and Chief Medical Officers to hold public and press meetings where people at large can be informed about the vaccination drive through active Jan Bhagidari. He also called upon States for an inclusive participation of all MLAs, MPs, local and Panchayat heads to spread awareness about the vaccination against Measles and Rubella. He also urged the frontline workers to reach out to remote and hard to reach areas, slums, migratory population, areas with frequent outbreaks. “We have to reach out to people in the last mile to ensure that we achieve 100% coverage”, he stated. He also emphasized on the need for coordinating with line ministries. He concluded his address by stating that “if we work and act from today, we will be able to achieve success tomorrow.”

Background:

Measles and Rubella are highly infectious viral diseases that can lead to serious illnesses, lifelong complications, and even death. Due to their high infection rate, India has set a goal to eliminate these diseases by 2026. Under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), two doses of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine are provided free of cost to all eligible children, at 9-12 months and 16-24 months of age, respectively. Currently, India’s MR vaccination coverage stands at 93.7% for the first dose (2024-25 HMIS data) and 92.2% for the second dose.

In 2024, India has recorded a remarkable decline of 73% in Measles cases and a 17% reduction in Rubella cases in comparison with 2023.

India’s plan for eliminating measles and rubella includes a comprehensive framework:

1. Immunization: Achieve and maintain high population immunity with > 95% vaccination coverage with 2 doses of measles and rubella containing vaccines in each district of the country.

2. Surveillance: Sustain a sensitive and timely case-based surveillance system for measles & rubella.
3. Outbreaks: Ensure adequate preparedness and timely response to measles and rubella outbreaks.
4. Linkages: Strengthen support and linkages to achieve the above strategic objectives.
5. Demand Generation for Vaccination: Focused mass awareness campaigns to mitigate the risks of non-vaccination and dispel myths related to MR vaccine for addressing vaccine hesitancy and increasing coverage.

In recognition of country’s exceptional efforts in prevention of Measles and Rubella, India was awarded the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award by the Measles and Rubella Partnership at the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington D.C. on March 6, 2024. 

Under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), India runs world’s largest vaccination programme for pregnant women and children – reaching out to 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore newborns annually. This provides protection against 12 vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) such as Polio, Measles, Rubella, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Rotavirus diarrhoea, Hepatitis B among others. U-WIN digital platform for vaccination, launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister is being utilized extensively to record vaccination events, generate vaccination certificate and book appointment for vaccination across the country.

India’s Universal Immunization Programme, has been instrumental in reducing mortality rates and controlling infectious diseases among children under five years of age. From 2014 to 2020, under-5 mortality rates dropped from 45 to 32 per 1,000 live births (Sample Registration System – 2020).  Since 2014, under UIP, over 6 new vaccines have been introduced including MR vaccine.

Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary; Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Dept. of Health Research and DG, ICMR; Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Addl. Secretary and Mission Director (NHM), Union Health Ministry; Smt. Meera Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry, Additional Commissioner (Immunization), Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries (Health), Mission Directors (NHM) and State Immunization Officers from States/UTs had joined the virtual launch event.

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HFW/HFM MR Elimination Campaign Launch/24 April 2025/1

(Release ID: 2124032) Visitor Counter : 19

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches development works worth over Rs 13,480 crore in Madhubani, Bihar marking National Panchayati Raj Day

In the last decade, several measures have been taken to empower Panchayats, Panchayats have been strengthened through technology: PM

The rural economy has gained new momentum in the last decade: PM

The past decade has been the decade of India’s infrastructure: PM

Makhana is a superfood for the country and the world today, but in Mithila it is a part of the culture,source for prosperity here: PM

The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the back of the perpetrators of terror: PM

Terrorism will not go unpunished, Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done, The entire nation is firm in this resolve: PM

Posted On: 24 APR 2025 2:11PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 13,480 crore in Madhubani, Bihar today on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day. The Prime Minister appealed to everyone at the event to observe silence and pray for the departed souls in the Pahalgam attacks on 22 April 2025. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he said that on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day, the entire nation is connected with Mithila and Bihar. He remarked that projects worth thousands of crores of rupees, aimed at Bihar’s development, have been inaugurated and foundations laid for, emphasising that these initiatives in electricity, railways, and infrastructure will create new employment opportunities in Bihar. He paid tributes to the great poet and national icon, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar Ji, on his death anniversary. 

Remarking that Bihar is the land where Mahatma Gandhi expanded the mantra of Satyagraha, Shri Modi highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s firm belief that India’s rapid development is only possible when its villages are strong. He emphasized that the concept of Panchayati Raj was rooted in this sentiment. “Over the past decade, continuous steps have been taken to empower Panchayats. Technology has played a significant role in strengthening Panchayats, with over 2 lakh Gram Panchayats connected to the internet in the last decade”, he added. Shri Modi pointed out that more than 5.5 lakh Common Service Centers have been established in villages, underlining that the digitalization of Panchayats has brought additional benefits, such as easy access to documents like birth and death certificates, and landholding certificates. He remarked that while the nation received a new Parliament building after decades of independence, 30,000 new Panchayat Bhawans have also been constructed across the country. He also highlighted that ensuring adequate funds for Panchayats has been a priority for the government. “Over the past decade, Panchayats have received more than ₹2 lakh crore, all of which has been utilized for the development of villages”, he said.

Highlighting that one of the major issues faced by Gram Panchayats has been related to land disputes, the Prime Minister mentioned the frequent disagreements over which land is residential, agricultural, Panchayat-owned, or government-owned. He emphasized that to address this issue, the digitization of land records is being undertaken, which has helped resolve unnecessary disputes effectively.

Shri Modi underscored that Panchayats have strengthened social participation, remarking that Bihar was the first state in the country to provide 50% reservation for women in Panchayats. He emphasized that today, a significant number of women from economically weaker sections, Dalits, Mahadalits, backward, and extremely backward communities are serving as public representatives in Bihar, describing it as true social justice and genuine social participation. He underlined that democracy thrives and becomes stronger with greater participation. Reflecting this vision, Shri Modi noted that a law providing 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies has also been enacted. He remarked that this will benefit women across all states, giving our sisters and daughters greater representation.

Emphasising that the government is working in mission mode to increase women’s income and create new opportunities for employment and self-employment, Shri Modi highlighted the transformative impact of the ‘Jeevika Didi’ program in Bihar, which has changed the lives of many women. He remarked that today, self-help groups of women in Bihar have been provided financial assistance of approximately ₹1,000 crore, noting that this will further strengthen the economic empowerment of women and contribute to the goal of creating 3 crore Lakhpati Didis across the country. He highlighted that the rural economy has gained new momentum over the past decade. He pointed out that villages have seen the construction of houses for the poor, roads, gas connections, water connections, and toilets, bringing lakhs of crores of rupees to rural areas. The Prime Minister remarked that new employment opportunities have been created, benefiting laborers, farmers, vehicle operators, and shopkeepers, providing them with new avenues for income. He emphasized that this has particularly benefited communities that have been deprived for generations. He cited the example of the PM Awas Yojana, which aims to ensure that no family in the country remains homeless and that everyone has a permanent roof over their heads. He noted that over the past decade, more than 4 crore permanent houses have been constructed under this scheme. He highlighted that in Bihar alone, 57 lakh poor families have received permanent houses. He remarked that these houses have been provided to families from economically weaker sections, Dalits, and backward and extremely backward communities like Pasmanda families. Shri Modi announced that in the coming years, 3 crore more permanent houses will be provided to the poor. He noted that today, approximately 1.5 lakh families in Bihar are moving into their new permanent homes. He said that across the country, 15 lakh poor families have been issued approval letters for the construction of new houses, including 3.5 lakh beneficiaries from Bihar. He highlighted that today, financial assistance has been sent to approximately 10 lakh poor families for their permanent houses, including 80,000 rural families and 1 lakh urban families from Bihar.

“The past decade has been a decade of infrastructure development for India”, said the Prime Minister, highlighting that this modern infrastructure is strengthening the foundation of a developed India. He noted that for the first time, over 12 crore rural families have received tap water connections in their homes, underlining that more than 2.5 crore households have been electrified, and those who never imagined cooking on gas stoves have now received gas cylinders. “Even in challenging regions like Ladakh and Siachen, where providing basic facilities is difficult, 4G and 5G mobile connections have now been established, reflecting the nation’s current priorities”, he pointed out. The Prime Minister highlighted advancements in healthcare, noting that institutions like AIIMS were once limited to major cities like Delhi. He announced that AIIMS is now being established in Darbhanga, and the number of medical colleges in the country has nearly doubled in the past decade and mentioned the construction of a new medical college in Jhanjharpur. He emphasized that to ensure quality healthcare in villages, over 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across the country, including more than 10,000 in Bihar. He remarked that Jan Aushadhi Kendras have become a significant relief for the poor and middle class, offering medicines at an 80% discount. He noted that Bihar now has over 800 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, saving its people ₹2,000 crore in medical expenses. The Prime Minister highlighted that under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, lakhs of families in Bihar have received free treatment, resulting in savings of thousands of crores of rupees for these families.

“India is rapidly advancing its connectivity through infrastructure like railways, roads, and airports”, highlighted Shri Modi, noting that metro projects are underway in Patna, and over two dozen cities across the country are now connected with metro facilities. He announced the launch of the ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail’ service between Patna and Jaynagar, which will significantly reduce travel time between the two locations, and emphasized that this development will benefit lakhs of people from Samastipur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Begusarai.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the inauguration and launch of multiple new railway lines in Bihar, highlighting the commencement of the modern Amrit Bharat train service between Saharsa and Mumbai, which will greatly benefit the labor families. He remarked that the government is modernizing several railway stations in Bihar, including Madhubani and Jhanjharpur. He emphasized that air connectivity in Mithila and Bihar has improved significantly with Darbhanga Airport, and the expansion of Patna Airport is underway. “These development projects are creating new employment opportunities in Bihar”, he added.

“Farmers are the backbone of the rural economy, the stronger this backbone, the stronger the villages, and consequently, the nation”, said Shri Modi. He highlighted the persistent challenges of floods in the Mithila and Kosi regions, noting that the government is set to invest ₹11,000 crore to mitigate the impact of floods in Bihar. He said that this investment will facilitate the construction of dams on rivers such as Bagmati, Dhar, Budhi Gandak, and Kosi, adding that canals will be developed, ensuring irrigation arrangements through river water. “This initiative will not only reduce flood-related issues but will also ensure adequate water supply reaches every farmer’s field”, he added.

“Makhana, a cultural staple of Mithila, has now gained global recognition as a superfood”, highlighted Shri Modi, mentioning that makhana has been granted a GI tag, officially certifying it as a product of this region. He added that the Makhana Research Centre has been accorded national status. He also highlighted the Budget announcement of the Makhana Board, which is expected to transform the fortunes of makhana farmers, emphasising that Bihar’s makhana will now reach international markets as a superfood. He noted that the National Institute of Food Technology and Management is being established in Bihar, which will support the youth in setting up small enterprises related to food processing. He further emphasized that Bihar is making consistent progress in fisheries along with agriculture, highlighting that fishermen now have access to the benefits of the Kisan Credit Card, providing advantages to numerous families involved in fisheries. He remarked that under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, projects worth hundreds of crores have been executed in Bihar.

Expressing deep sorrow over the brutal killing of innocent civilians by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, Shri Modi remarked that the entire nation is distressed and stands in solidarity with the grieving families. He assured that every effort is being made by the government to ensure the speedy recovery of those undergoing treatment. He highlighted the profound loss suffered by families, where some lost their sons, brothers, or life partners, noting that the victims came from diverse linguistic and regional backgrounds—some spoke Bengali, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Gujarati, and some were from Bihar. Underlining that from Kargil to Kanyakumari, the grief and outrage over this attack are shared equally across the nation, Shri Modi remarked that this attack was not just on unarmed tourists but was a brazen assault on the soul of India. “The terrorists responsible for this attack, along with those who conspired it, will face punishment beyond their imagination”, he declared in unequivocal terms, asserting that the time has come to eliminate the remaining strongholds of terrorism. “The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the backbone of the perpetrators of terror”, he stressed.

The Prime Minister declared from the soil of Bihar that India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist, their handlers, and their backers, emphasising that India will pursue them to the ends of the earth. “India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism and terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure justice is served and the entire nation is firm in this resolve against terrorism”, he stressed. He further stated that everyone who believes in humanity stands with India during these times. He expressed his gratitude to the people and leaders of various countries who have supported India in these moments.

“Peace and security are the most critical prerequisites for rapid development”, said Shri Modi, remarking that a developed Bihar is essential for a developed India. He concluded by highlighting that efforts are being made to ensure development in Bihar and to extend the benefits of progress to every section and every region of the state. He expressed gratitude to everyone for joining the program on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day.

The Governor of Bihar, Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar, Union Ministers Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Shri Jitan Ram Manji, Shri Giriraj Singh, Shri Chirag Paswan, Shri Nityanand Rai, Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background 

Prime Minister participated in the National Panchayati Raj Day programme in Madhubani, Bihar. He also presented National Panchayat Awards, recognizing and incentivizing best-performing Panchayats on the occasion. 

Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of an LPG bottling plant with rail unloading facility at Hathua in Gopalganj District of Bihar worth around Rs 340 crore. This will help in streamlining the supply chain and improving efficiency of bulk LPG transportation.

Boosting power infrastructure in the region, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 1,170 crore and also inaugurated multiple projects worth over Rs 5,030 crore in the power sector in Bihar under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. 

In line with his commitment to boost rail connectivity across the nation, Prime Minister flagged off Amrit Bharat express between Saharsa and Mumbai, Namo Bharat Rapid rail between Jaynagar and Patna and trains between Pipra and Saharsa and Saharsa and Samastipur. He also inaugurated the Supaul Pipra rail line, Hasanpur Bithan Rail line and two 2-lane Rail over bridges at Chapra and Bagaha. He dedicated to the nation the Khagaria-Alauli Rail line. These projects will improve connectivity and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region.

Prime Minister distributed benefits of around Rs 930 crore under Community Investment Fund to over 2 lakh SHGs from Bihar under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY- NRLM).

Prime Minister handed over sanction letters to 15 lakh new beneficiaries of PMAY-Gramin and released instalments to 10 lakh PMAY-G beneficiaries from across the country. He also handed over keys to some beneficiaries marking the Grih Pravesh of 1 lakh PMAY-G and 54,000 PMAY-U houses in Bihar.

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2124029) Visitor Counter : 85

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Acting Chief Executive, Mr Paul Lam, SC, today (April 24) met with members of a visiting ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee delegation to exchange views on deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, as well as discuss issues of mutual concern.

Mr Lam welcomed the delegation’s visit to Hong Kong and expressed his gratitude for the thoughtful arrangements made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for fostering exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and ASEAN member states.

Noting that Hong Kong has maintained close trade and economic ties with ASEAN, Mr Lam said that ASEAN has long been Hong Kong’s second-largest trading partner. Last month, the HKSAR Government launched the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons to promote economic and trade exchanges and cultural co-operation between Hong Kong and ASEAN by providing more convenient immigration arrangements for invited persons from ASEAN countries, furthering deepening ties between Hong Kong and ASEAN.

During the meeting, Mr Lam introduced the advantages and development opportunities of Hong Kong to the delegation members. He said that Hong Kong has the distinctive advantage of enjoying the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and has long played the important role of a “super connector” and “super value-adder”. As the only common law jurisdiction in China, Hong Kong has the unique advantage of having a well-established legal system alongside top-tier legal and dispute resolution services. Mr Lam encouraged enterprises from ASEAN member states to leverage Hong Kong as a platform to explore overseas and Mainland markets through its professional services, thereby achieving mutual benefits.

Mr Lam also thanked ASEAN member states for their continued support for Hong Kong’s accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. He said that he looks forward to strengthening collaborations with various places to help businesses explore more opportunities.

The delegation is visiting Hong Kong April 23 and 24, during which they will meet with Principal Officials of the HKSAR Government, the Legislative Council President, and representatives of other major institutions. The delegation will also visit Super Terminal 1 and the Legislative Council to learn about the latest developments in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

 The Transport Department (TD) today (April 24) announced that the auction of vehicle registration marks will be held on May 10 (Saturday) at Meeting Room S421, L4, Old Wing, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.

“A total of 200 traditional vehicle registration marks (TVRMs) will be put up for public auction in the morning session, and 120 personalised vehicle registration marks (PVRMs) will be put up for auction in the afternoon session. The list of marks has been uploaded to the department’s website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/index.html(i) the identity document of the successful bidder;
(ii) the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;
(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and
(iv) a crossed cheque payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. Any bidder who wishes to bid for both TVRMs and PVRMs on the same day, should bring along at least two crossed cheques for payment of auction prices (for an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed). Successful bidders may also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS), but are reminded to note the maximum transfer amount in the same day of the payment card. Payment by post-dated cheque, cash, credit card or other methods will not be accepted.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) unveiled 18 breakthrough R&D achievements today at the “TARC Pavilion” during 2025 E-Mobility Taiwan Exhibition. In collaboration with 28 industry partners, the showcased technologies spotlight Taiwan’s advancements in AI integration and electrification for smart mobility. The initiative emphasizes not only research excellence but also real-world industrial applications-demonstrating Taiwan’s growing influence in the global smart vehicle ecosystem.

With AI technology rapidly reshaping mobility, this year’s TARC Pavilion focuses on autonomous driving innovations. A highlight of the showcase is the “Level 3 AI self-driving and cybersecurity Integration” developed by the Automotive Research & Testing Center (ARTC), which brings together the expertise of local leaders including Elan, oToBrite, ASUS, DFI, Arcadyan, Chimei Automotive, and Rotatech. This system combines AI-enabled smart driving, intelligent cockpit monitoring, and cybersecurity, and has powered the world’s first Level 3 autonomous electric bus certified under UN R157 regulation-marking a significant step toward safer, smarter mobility.

The integrated system enables advanced features such as self-navigation, lane changing, and obstacle avoidance. It also includes real-time driver monitoring using facial and posture recognition. If a driver becomes unresponsive, the vehicle safely pulls over and alerts backend operators. With OTA (over-the-air) update capabilities and robust cybersecurity, the system is positioned to lead Taiwan’s smart vehicle supply chain onto the international stage.

Another highlight is the Industrial Technology Research Institute’s (ITRI) “Smart Charging Management and Dispatch System,”which has revolutionized electric bus charging methods. Representing a global first in applying fleet charging and dispatch to smart city energy management, this AI-powered solution optimizes power usage and spatial efficiency at depots, as successfully demonstrated in collaboration with Chung Hsing Bus Company and applied at Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park Depot, Taiwan’s largest electric bus operation center. It enables flexible charging schedules based on each vehicle’s battery level, route, and timetable-significantly reducing electricity contract demand, saving approximately 30% in manpower and operating costs, and extending battery lifespan. The system also features AI-based remote monitoring to prevent risks like overheating or short circuits, thereby boosting overall fleet efficiency.

Both technologies received 2025 Edison Awards, a testament to Taiwan’s innovation prowess in the global smart mobility arena.

In addition, CMC (China Motor Corporation) presented the ET35, Taiwan’s first mass-produced 3.5-ton intelligent electric commercial vehicle. Designed and manufactured entirely with components sourced from local suppliers-with a localization rate of over 90%-the ET35 features domestically developed ADAS Level 2, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, and cloud-based data integration. This all-in-one solution supports enterprise-level decarbonization and smart logistics, and is slated for mass production in Q3 2025.

The TARC Pavilion will run through April 26 on the 4th floor of Hall 1, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Visitors from industry, government, and academia are welcome to explore the forefront of Taiwan’s smart mobility innovation at E-Mobility Taiwan.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Acting Chief Executive Paul Lam today met members of a visiting ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee delegation.

They discussed deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states as well as issues of mutual concern.

Mr Lam welcomed the delegation, noting that Hong Kong has maintained close trade and economic ties with ASEAN, with ASEAN being the city’s second-largest trading partner for a long time.

He said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government launched the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons last month, providing more convenient immigration arrangements for ASEAN invitees.

The new measure promotes economic and trade exchanges as well as cultural co-operation between Hong Kong and ASEAN, furthering deepening ties between the two places, Mr Lam added.

He also introduced Hong Kong’s advantages and development opportunities to the delegation members.

He highlighted the city’s distinctive advantage of enjoying the motherland’s strong support while being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and has long played the important role of a “super connector” and “super value-adder”.

Furthermore, as the only common law jurisdiction in China, Hong Kong has the unique advantage of having a well-established legal system alongside top-tier legal and dispute resolution services.

Mr Lam encouraged enterprises from ASEAN member states to leverage Hong Kong as a platform to explore overseas and Mainland markets through its professional services, thereby achieving mutual benefits.

During the delegation’s visit to Hong Kong on April 23 and 24, members will meet Principal Officials, the Legislative Council (LegCo) President and representatives of other major institutions as well as visiting Super Terminal 1 and LegCo.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Buildings Department approved five building plans in February – two on Hong Kong Island, two in Kowloon and one in the New Territories.

Three of the plans approved were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, one was for factory and industrial development, and one was for community services development.

Consent was given for works to start on 11 building projects. Combined, these will provide 15,150 sq m of gross floor area for domestic, and 24,868 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use.

The department also received notification of commencement in relation to superstructure works for four building projects.

Furthermore, it issued 17 occupation permits – four on Hong Kong Island, five in Kowloon and eight in the New Territories.

The buildings certified for occupation comprise 102,564 sq m of gross floor area for domestic use, involving 1,624 units, and 47,163 sq m for non-domestic use.

Meanwhile, the department received 3,483 reports about unauthorised building works in February and issued 560 removal orders.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Ballots were drawn today to determine the priority ranking of applications under the Housing Authority’s White Form Secondary Market Scheme (WSM) 2024.

The authority’s Subsidised Housing Committee Chairman Cleresa Wong officiated at a ballot ceremony. The results are available on the scheme’s dedicated webpage.

The Subsidised Housing Committee said in January that beginning from WSM 2024 the number of places on offer will be increased by 1,500 to 6,000. All of the additional places will be allocated to applicants aged below 40.

The authority said that of the applications received under WSM 2024, over 80% came from young applicants applying to the newly implemented WSM Youth Scheme.

The authority estimates that approval letters will be issued to successful applicants in the third or fourth quarter of this year, paving the way for them to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Purchase.

The certificates can be used by applicants to purchase a flat within the one-year validity period.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held an inauguration and oath-taking ceremony for BIP’s new Director General on March 26. The ceremony was presided over by MOEA Vice Minister Chien-Hsin Lai, during which outgoing Acting Director General Chi-Chuan Liu handed over the official seal to incoming Director General Chih-Ching Yang. Director General Yang will continue to lead efforts in upgrading and transforming technology industrial parks and industrial parks, with a strong focus on sustainable operations and effective management.
Director General Yang holds a master’s degree in business administration from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. He began his public service career at the grassroots level in industrial services. He has served as Division Director and Deputy Director General of the Industrial Development Bureau, Chief Secretary of the MOEA, and most recently as Director-General of the Industrial Development Administration. Known for his solid academic background, strong execution skills, and proactive leadership, Director General Yang has led the Industrial Development Administration team of MOEA’s renowned “steel battalion” in advancing key initiatives such as amendments to the Industrial Innovation Act, industrial value enhancement, medical supply preparedness during the pandemic, and the dual transformation toward smart and low-carbon development. He is widely recognized in the industry as a key force in promoting sustainable park development.
The Bureau of Industrial Parks oversees 80 parks across Taiwan. Vice Minister Lai encouraged the bureau to continue pursuing three major tasks: providing high-quality industrial spaces to support the “Five Trusted Industries”; advancing the “Extraterritorial Equivalent to Domestic” policy to expand Taiwan’s industrial reach; and implementing the “Balanced Taiwan” strategy to deepen local industrial clusters, thereby accelerating economic policy implementation.
Director General Yang stated that building on existing foundations, he will drive optimization and innovation in park development through three core visions:
Smart – Promoting AI integration across industries
Safe – Creating secure and high-quality investment environments
Sustainable – Developing low-carbon, green, and sustainable parks
He emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration, listening to industry voices, and leveraging government support resources to create industrial bases aligned with the needs of emerging technologies. These efforts aim to accelerate industrial development and ensure the long-term sustainability of the parks.

Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Deputy Director General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw

Contact Person: Hsiao, Yi-Chen (Personnel Office, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3611212 ext. 639
Email: hs0218@bip.gov.tw

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

To prepare for the official events of the 15th National Games (NG) to be staged in November, a basketball test event will be held at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom this Saturday and Sunday.
 

The Basketball (Men’s U22) test event will be held from 2pm to 6.30pm on both days, with the participation of four basketball teams – the 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 will provide a live webcast of the two-day event on its website and YouTube channel.