Month: April 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Swordfish”, for eight consecutive days from April 7 to April 14, targeting foreign domestic helpers (the helper) who breached their conditions of stay. A total of 43 persons, including 35 suspected illegal workers and eight suspected employers were arrested.
 
During the operation, ImmD’s investigators raided 58 target locations including restaurants, retail stores, commercial and residential buildings. The suspected 35 illegal workers comprised eight men and 27 women, aged 20 to 60. Among them, seven persons were the current helpers, 14 persons were overstaying ex-helpers, nine persons were permitted to stay in Hong Kong on visitor status, two persons were found to be holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit them from taking any employment in Hong Kong, two persons were the imported workers and one person was the holder of an employment visa. ImmD investigators found most of the suspected illegal workers at restaurants performing various jobs, including dish washing, food processing and cleaning etc. A forged Hong Kong identity card was also found during the operation. Meanwhile, eight suspected employers, comprising three men and five women, aged 44 to 64, were in charge of the involved companies or restaurants and suspected of employing the suspected illegal workers. 
 
Among the illegal workers arrested, 21 of them were charged respectively at the Shatin Magistrates’ Courts with offences including taking employment while being a person who, having been given permission to land in Hong Kong, had remained in Hong Kong in breach of their limit of stay imposed in relation to the permission, breaching of their conditions of stay in Hong Kong and possessing a forged Hong Kong identity card. The concerned illegal workers pleaded guilty to their respective charges and were sentenced to imprisonment ranging from 16 days suspended for one year to 14 months and three weeks. The cases are still under investigation, and the ImmD does not rule out the possibility of further arrests or prosecutions.
 
“The helper should only perform domestic duties for the employer specified in the contract. The helper should not take up any other employment, including part-time domestic duties, with any other person. The employer should not require or allow the helper to carry out any work for any other person.” an ImmD spokesman said.
 
The spokesman also said, “any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him/her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”
 
Under the laws of Hong Kong, any person who makes false representation to an Immigration officer commits an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, subject to the maximum penalty of a fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for fourteen years. It is also an offence to use or possess a forged Hong Kong identity card or a Hong Kong identity card related to another person. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $100,000 and up to ten years’ imprisonment.
 
The spokesman warned that, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment.
 
The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and ten years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
 
According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
 
Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter, temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:
 
Launched today (April 15) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the National Security Education Day activities were hosted by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Hong Kong National Security Committee) and supported by the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) and the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS). The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Mr Xia Baolong officiated at the opening ceremony of the National Security Education Day via video. Officiating guests attending the opening ceremony were the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Chairman of the Hong Kong National Security Committee, Mr John Lee; Director of LOCPG and National Security Advisor of the Hong Kong National Security Committee, Mr Zheng Yanxiong; Head of OSNS, Mr Dong Jingwei; Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, Mr Cui Jianchun; and Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Navy Rear Admiral Lai Ruxin.
 
In his keynote speech delivered via video at the opening ceremony, Director Xia Baolong said that over the past decade, China had achieved historic successes in national security work, and Hong Kong had gone through an extraordinary journey from chaos to governance and then from governance to greater prosperity. History and reality tell us that external forces’ attempts to destabilise Hong Kong and use it to contain China will not change and can never succeed; the Chinese people will never accept bullying, and all Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots, cannot be intimidated or overwhelmed; Hong Kong compatriots have a long-standing tradition of patriotism and love for Hong Kong, and those who betray the Motherland and Hong Kong will never have a good ending.
 
Director Xia pointed out that currently, the practice of “one country, two systems” has entered a new stage. The good situation in Hong Kong today has come at a great cost and should be treasured. We must consolidate and develop this good situation. We must face the problems related to the development and security in Hong Kong, be vigilant and stay united. Every individual, group, enterprise and organisation needs to work together with Hong Kong compatriots and all Chinese people to defend Hong Kong and the country, ensure high-quality development with high-level security, and promote the steady and sustained practice of “one country, two systems”.
 
     Director Xia mentioned three “beliefs”. It is believed that the national security institutions of the HKSAR will resolutely shoulder the sacred mission of maintaining national security and further strengthen the solid barrier for national security. It is believed that all sectors of Hong Kong society can actively fulfil their obligation to maintain national security and jointly protect their beautiful home – Hong Kong. It is believed that the business community and entrepreneurs can make Hong Kong their home, build their businesses, and contribute to both Hong Kong and the country with more practical actions.
 
Director Xia pointed out, “Many public officials in Hong Kong have been unreasonably sanctioned by the United States for their work in maintaining national security, but they are not afraid, are working steadfastly to fulfil their duties, and are willing to sacrifice their own interests for the benefit of the country. They take concrete actions to love and protect the country and Hong Kong, and I am proud of them,”
 
     “It is hoped that Hong Kong’s business community and entrepreneurs will continue to play a leading role in driving economic development, carry forward the fine tradition of patriotism and love for Hong Kong, correctly understand the relationship between their own enterprises and the development of both Hong Kong and the nation, and always uphold righteousness and never forget national interests.”
 
     Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to Director Xia Baolong for his care, guidance and support for Hong Kong all along. Mr Lee said, “The inspiring speech by Director Xia reminds us to not forget the past and to be vigilant about national security risks. We must also resolutely uphold national security and ensure the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong further.”
 
     At the opening ceremony, Mr Lee said, “The world is undergoing unprecedented changes at an accelerating pace. Hong Kong will face increasingly turbulent risks to national security in the future. We must remain vigilant, as the aftermath of the 2019 ‘black-clad’ violence has not yet ended. Anti-China subversive forces in Hong Kong continue to attempt a resurgence, engaging in ‘soft resistance’ and inciting hatred and resentment,”
 
     “Moreover, the United States’ wanton suppression of China and the HKSAR has become increasingly fanatical. In the face of the United States’ unbridled hegemonism, the HKSAR fully supports our country’s efforts to respond to the United States’ challenges, to defend China’s legitimate rights and interests, and to uphold international fairness and justice. At the same time, Hong Kong is committed to maintaining its status as a free port with virtually zero tariffs and pursuing open and free trade. With the resilience, adaptability, and indomitable spirit of the Hong Kong people, the city will once again navigate through adversity and emerge stronger, proving its worth as like pure gold standing the test of fire,”
 
     “The international landscape is complex and fast changing, and threats to national security can appear suddenly. We must always stay vigilant and, when embracing immense challenges, be prepared in the following four areas: (1) resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the ‘one country, two systems’ principle; (2) thoroughly implement the holistic approach to national security; (3) continuously improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security; (4) actively promote by way of education across society the need to safeguard national security of our own accord.”
 
     “The SAR government will fulfil its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security, effectively resolve the conflicts and problems in the course of development and reforms, proactively identify, adapt to, and drive changes, deepen international exchanges and cooperation, and actively integrate into the broader national development landscape. At the same time, it will properly deal with all complex situations, spare no efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, and make greater contributions to the building of a strong country and the great rejuvenation of the nation.”
 
     In his speech, Director Zheng emphasised the need to further strengthen the foundation for the awareness of safeguarding national security; to better coordinate high-quality development with high-level security; and to actively pursue Hong Kong’s important mission in this new stage.
 
     “If our security foundations are not firmly supported or are unstable, our development will be precarious and will risk collapsing. Likewise, if we delay or neglect development, the foundation for our security will also become unstable. We must resolutely coordinate high-quality development with high-level security, and safeguard and advance the blossoming prospect and positive atmosphere that Hong Kong has been hard winning,”
 
     “It is essential to remember that building and developing Hong Kong well is, in itself, a powerful contribution to Chinese-style modernisation.”
 
     In his speech, Director Dong Jingwei stated, “We must not forget the painful scenes and lessons related to the proposed legislative amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, and we must remain clear-eyed about the ever-changing and complex national security landscape while firmly establishing the belief that ‘development is one overriding principle; security is another’,”
 
     “National security has never been a blessing from others. Flattery leads nowhere; submission has no future; and pleading only guarantees elimination,”
 
     “On this new journey in the new era, Hong Kong’s national security work requires strategic confidence, a firm belief in victory, and a strong hold on the strategic initiative in safeguarding national security.”
 
     Commissioner Cui Jianchun stated in his speech that the United States prioritises its own interests above the common good of the international community, and such zero-sum mentality engenders division and confrontation, bringing significant instability and uncertainty to the world. 
 
     “I believe Hong Kong can proactively adapt to changes and seize opportunities, fully leveraging the core advantages of ‘one country, two systems’ and its role as a bridge connecting domestic and global markets. By steadfastly utilising its unique status as a free port, Hong Kong can make distinctive contributions to upholding the multilateral trading system and promoting the building of a shared future for the neighbouring communities!” 
 
     Rear Admiral Lai Ruxin in his speech said that since its stationing in Hong Kong, the Garrison has been resolutely implementing the “one country, two systems” principle, the Basic Law of the HKSAR, and the Garrison Law, and firmly safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. 
 
     “All officers and soldiers of the Hong Kong Garrison will remain unwavering in following the Party’s command, enhancing combat readiness training, sincerely caring for Hong Kong and its people, and resolutely upholding national sovereignty, security, and Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.” 
 
     The HKSAR Government has been comprehensively promoting national security education through creative approaches with rich content. In August last year, the National Security Exhibition Gallery (the Gallery) was established, which is the first thematic gallery in the HKSAR dedicated to the systematic promotion of national security education, and also the first national security education base in the HKSAR. In just eight months since its opening, the Gallery has already registered over 600 000 visits. To mark the 10th National Security Education Day this year, the Gallery launched a thematic exhibition last month to reflect on the development of national security education advanced by both the country and the HKSAR Government over the years. In addition, the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme started in November last year. So far, about 3 000 district tutors have completed the training and have shared national security messages with over 120 000 people in the communities. In this academic year, the “Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge” has, for the first time, introduced an English section for non-Chinese speaking secondary school students, in addition to the primary and secondary school sections. A total of 610 schools participated, with over 126 000 students taking part, which represented an increase of more than 20 per cent as compared to last year’s. After several rounds of competitions, a total of 130 students and their coaching teachers joined the National Security Education Study Tour to visit Beijing and Shanghai in December last year. At today’s opening ceremony, students from the study tour shared their experiences of the journey via a short play. Through heartfelt and lively dialogues in a time-travel setting, the young generation of Hong Kong won the approval of the guests in their display of the sense of national identity, the awareness in safeguarding national security of their own accord, and the aspiration to serve the country.
 
     Apart from the above, the disciplined services held a solemn and grand flag-raising ceremony on the morning of April 15, and “National Security Cup” sports events and open days before and after April 15. In addition, 18 District Councils have organised different events, including seminars, carnivals, competitions, lectures, for Hong Kong citizens to participate in and understand national security.
 
     The National Security Law of the People’s Republic of China stipulates that April 15 each year is the National Security Education Day. The aim of National Security Education Day is to raise citizens’ awareness of safeguarding national security and help them appreciate that everyone has a responsibility for safeguarding national security and that everyone should fulfil such responsibility.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 7:37PM by PIB Shillong

In line to strengthen the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Programmes of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, a series of high-level meetings were held today in Shillong. The Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur, conducted a comprehensive review with senior officials of the Government of Meghalaya’s Social Welfare Department. The discussions focused on assessing progress in flagship schemes such as Poshan Abhiyan, Mission Shakti, and Mission Vatsalya. During the meeting, the Minister emphasised the need for strengthening service delivery mechanisms at the grassroots level, especially in the functioning of Anganwadi Centres.

The review highlighted critical areas including the need for regular and high-quality supplementary nutrition under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), improving infrastructure at Anganwadi Centres to ensure they are child- and women-friendly, leveraging technology for real-time monitoring and beneficiary tracking, encouraging active community participation, and capacity building of Anganwadi workers for improved service outcomes.

Further, an in-depth review was held with the East Khasi Hills District Administration as part of the Minister’s visit to the North Eastern region. Attended by local MLA Ollan Singh Suin and representatives of various departments, the meeting included detailed presentations on the status of development schemes and infrastructure projects in the district. Discussions centred around the implementation of schemes related to women and child development, health, education, rural development, and livelihood generation, along with an assessment of progress in remote and rural areas and identification of key challenges.

The Minister lauded the efforts of the state government and stated, “Despite the difficulties in connectivity and electricity, officials are working with dedication to ensure that all schemes are effectively implemented. I commend their efforts and encourage them to keep updating data on the Poshan Tracker, as these reports help the Ministry respond quickly to on-ground needs.”

She further added, “We are committed to fulfilling Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat, and every step we take in empowering women and children brings us closer to that goal.

Later, the Minister of State paid a courtesy call to the Governor of Meghalaya, Shri. C H Vijayashankar. The meeting included discussions on state-led initiatives to enhance women and child welfare and boost community-based interventions for inclusive development.

The visit reflects the Prime Minister’s vision of strengthening the North Eastern region through focused development, inclusive growth, and enhanced delivery of welfare schemes. The meetings underscored the commitment of the Central and State Governments towards collaborative governance and improving the lives of women and children in Meghalaya. Field visits to Anganwadi Centres and project sites are scheduled for the next day to assess ground-level implementation and community engagement.

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(Release ID: 2121945) Visitor Counter : 50

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

India Reinforces Commitment to Energy Security and Exploration Growth: Shri Hardeep Singh Puri at OALP IX & Special DSF Signing Ceremony

India Accelerates Scientific Exploration: 76% of Active E&P Area Opened Since 2014, 28 Blocks Awarded Under OALP Round-IX

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 8:12PM by PIB Delhi

“The Indian hydrocarbon sector is entering a new era of accelerated exploration and development,” said Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, while addressing the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Round-IX and Special Discovered Small Field (DSF) Signing Ceremony held here tonight. He highlighted that through investor-friendly reforms, swift approvals, scientific exploration, and a strong emphasis on sustainability, India is steadily building a resilient and future-ready energy ecosystem aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Addressing the  esteemed gathering of dignitaries, industry stakeholders, and investors, Shri Puri noted that today’s signing ceremony signifies much more than the completion of a procedural formality—it is a powerful testament to India’s unwavering commitment to reducing its import dependence and securing its energy future.

With India currently reliant on imports for 88% of its crude oil and 50% of its natural gas needs, the urgency for domestic exploration and production has never been greater. As the Minister pointed out, “In the next two decades, 25% of the world’s incremental energy demand growth will come from India.”

Reflecting on the past, Shri Puri acknowledged the challenges the Indian upstream sector faced between 2006 and 2016—a “dull decade” marred by policy paralysis and procedural delays, leading to the exit of global energy giants like BP, ENI, and Santos. However, the tide has turned. “We were determined to unlock India’s untapped energy potential, estimated at approximately 42 billion tonnes of oil and oil equivalent of gas,” he said.

To that end, the Government has implemented a series of transformative reforms over the past decade. A key achievement has been the expansion of exploration activity, with the explored area of India’s sedimentary basins increasing from 6% in 2014 to 10% today, with a target of reaching 15%. The Minister reiterated the commitment to increasing exploration acreage to 1 million sq. km by 2030, highlighting the dramatic 99% reduction in “No-Go” areas within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Scientific, data-driven exploration has been a cornerstone of this strategy, backed by a ₹7,500 crore investment into new seismic data acquisition, aerial surveys in remote terrains, and stratigraphic wells. Importantly, geo-scientific data is now available for major basins on both coasts, with the National Data Repository being upgraded to a cloud-based platform to ensure faster, transparent access to seismic, production, and well data.

The Minister proudly noted that 76% of the total area currently under exploration has been brought under active exploration only since 2014. Under OALP Round-IX alone, 28 blocks across eight sedimentary basins have been awarded, covering 1.36 lakh square kilometers—38% of which fall in areas previously designated as “No-Go.” Additionally, two blocks were awarded under the Special DSF Round, with a total of 60 bids received.

“Congratulations to all the awardees. Your success will play a pivotal role in meeting our increasing energy demands as India continues its ascent as one of the world’s largest energy consumers,” Shri Puri said.

Looking ahead, the Minister announced that OALP Round-X has already been launched at the India Energy Week 2025, offering 25 blocks across 13 sedimentary basins—covering the largest-ever acreage of 1.92 lakh square kilometers, with 51% falling in previously restricted zones.

Furthermore, DSF Round-IV is being launched tonight, comprising 55 discoveries across nine contract areas with estimated reserves of 258.59 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent (MMTOE). All blocks have undergone rigorous technical vetting by global experts, and critically, all relevant data is being made freely available to potential investors.

He also shared that under previous DSF Bid Rounds (I, II, and III), a total of 85 Revenue Sharing Contracts covering 175 fields have been awarded.

Highlighting the potential in unconventional hydrocarbon sources, Shri Puri elaborated on India’s Coal Bed Methane (CBM) assets, currently estimated at 2,600 BCM. With 15 active CBM blocks—five already under production—the Government is preparing to launch a Special CBM 2025 Round to offer three new blocks (two in West Bengal and one in Gujarat), further diversifying India’s energy portfolio.

In a major legislative update, the Minister announced that the amended Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948 (ORDA), will come into effect in April 15, 2025. This “landmark reform” modernizes India’s upstream regulatory framework and aligns it with international best practices.

The Government has also been responsive to industry concerns through the establishment of a Joint Working Group (JWG) comprising private E&P operators, National Oil Companies, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons. “The JWG has submitted its report, and we are formally launching it this evening,” Shri Puri announced.

In a move towards inclusive governance and legal clarity, the Minister also launched the draft PNG Rules Public Consultation Portal, encouraging industry and public stakeholders to share feedback. These rules will help shape future Model Revenue Sharing Contracts and streamline sectoral regulations.

***

MONIKA

(Release ID: 2121952) Visitor Counter : 40

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 8:07PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the acquisition of certain shareholding in SNV Aviation Private Limited (Akasa Air) by PI Opportunities Fund-I Scheme-II (PIOF), certain executives of PIOF, Claypond Capital Partners Private Limited (Claypond), and 360 ONE Private Equity Fund (360 Fund), through its various schemes and affiliates.

The Proposed Combination involves the acquisition of certain shareholding in Akasa Air by  PIOF, PI Executives, Claypond, and 360 Fund, acting through its investment manager, 360 ONE Alternates Asset Management Limited.

PIOF is a trust established under the laws of India and registered as an Alternative Investment Fund with the Securities and Exchange Board of India and is setup to provide investors with risk-adjusted returns by way of a portfolio of significant and long-term equity investments in various growing entities.

Claypond is an affiliate of the Pai Family Group. Pai Family Group has made financial investments in various sectors.

360 Fund is registered with the SEBI as a Category II AIF and is established for the purpose of investing in various sectors in India and worldwide.

Akasa Air is engaged in the business of providing domestic scheduled air passenger transport services, international scheduled air passenger transport services, air cargo transport services, and allied services including in-flight sales.

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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(Release ID: 2121950) Visitor Counter : 55

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 8:06PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed combination involving Waverly Pte. Ltd (“Waverly”), TPG Growth V SF Markets Pte. Ltd (“Growth V”), TPG Growth III SF Pte. Ltd (“Growth III”), Asia Healthcare Holdings Pte. Ltd (“AHH Singapore”), Rhea Healthcare Private Limited (“Rhea”), Asia Healthcare Advisory Holdings LLP (“AHH LLP”), and Asian institute of Nephrology and Urology Private Limited (“AINU”).

The proposed combination, inter alia, contemplates:

1. Waverly’s proposed subscription of Ordinary Shares and Class F Redeemable Preference Shares in Asia Healthcare Holdings Pte. Ltd.;
2. Certain rights accruing to Growth V in AHH Singapore and Rhea (including its downstream entities) and AHH LLP;
3. Certain rights accruing to Growth III in AHH Singapore (solely in relation to matters pertaining to AINU and its downstream entities);
4. Proposed acquisition of complete shareholding held by AHH Singapore in AINU, by Rhea (“AINU Transfer”);
5.  Proposed issuance of equity shares by Rhea to AHH Singapore, as a consideration for the AINU Transfer.

Growth III and Growth V are investment funds that are ultimately managed and controlled by TPG Inc. (“TPG”), which is a global, diversified investment firm. TPG, including its subsidiaries and affiliates, are together referred to as the “TPG Group”. TPG, the ultimate holding company of the TPG Group, is a company listed on NASDAQ. TPG primarily invests in complex asset classes such as private equity, real estate and public market strategies. The TPG Group operates in India through its various investments with a primary focus on sectors such as technology, healthcare, consumer and financial services.

Waverly is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lathe Investment Pte. Ltd., which is in turn, wholly-owned by GIC (Ventures) Pte Ltd. Waverly is a special purpose vehicle organized as a private limited company in Singapore that is part of a group of investment holding companies managed by GIC Special Investments Private Limited.

AHH is a Singapore incorporated company and is primarily engaged in long term investment holding activities and through its direct/ indirect subsidiaries, is active in providing healthcare services in the field of maternal, child, urology, nephrology and other related health care services in India. AHH Singapore is jointly owned and controlled by the TPG Group and GIC Group.

Rhea is a specialty hospital chain that provides comprehensive women and childcare and vitro fertilization (post consummation of merger with Nova Medical Centers Private Limited). Rhea currently operates in 19 states and 3 union territories, in India.

AINU, a single-specialty center in South India, is focused on providing healthcare services through hospitals, specializing in (i) urology care, (ii) nephrology care and (iii) dialysis and kidney transplant. They also provide radiology and pathology services to their patients. It has seven hospitals located across Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam, Siliguri, Chennai and Secunderabad.

AHH LLP is engaged in the business of providing advisory services in the areas of strategy, finance and other operational matters (excluding investment management, investment advisory or financial advisory services). Currently, AHH LLP solely provides advisory services to AHH Singapore and/or its downstream entities through providing an inside view into operation and financial control of companies operating in the healthcare sector

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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(Release ID: 2121948) Visitor Counter : 51

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 8:06PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed transaction involving Aster DM Healthcare, BCP Asia, Centella and Quality Care India Limited.

The proposed transaction includes the proposed merger of Quality Care India Limited (QCIL) into Aster DM Healthcare Limited (Aster) by way of scheme of amalgamation, post which Aster will be renamed as Aster DM Quality Care Limited. Prior to the merger, Aster shall purchase 5.0% stake in QCIL from BCP Asia II TopCo IV Pte. Ltd. (BCP Asia) and Centella Mauritius Holdings Limited (Centella) in consideration of a primary share issuance by Aster. The existing shareholders of QCIL i.e., Centella, BCP and certain minority shareholders are proposed to hold certain stake in the merged entity with Centella holding less than 10% stake, without any control rights.

Aster is a healthcare service provider operating in India through 19 hospitals with 4867 beds, 13 clinics, 215 pharmacies, and 232 labs and patient experience centers across 6 states in India. It is a part of the Aster Group.

BCP is owned by funds advised and / or managed by affiliates of Blackstone Inc.

Centella is owned and controlled by an entity, which is advised by the affiliates of TPG Inc. (TPG), the ultimate holding company of the TPG group. TPG, including its subsidiaries and affiliates, are together referred to as ‘TPG Group’.

QCIL, is an unlisted public limited company, owned and controlled by Centella, and BCP. It operates a network of multi-specialty hospitals under the brand name CARE Hospitals, KIMS Health and Evercare across various cities in India. It has a network of 26 healthcare centers operating over 5,150+ beds across 14 cities offer over 30 medical specialties with a team of 2,500+ doctors.

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.​​​​​​​

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(Release ID: 2121949) Visitor Counter : 59

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 8:05PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the acquisition of shares of TKE Group by Alat Technologies and the formation of joint venture by Alat Technologies and the TKE Group.

The proposed combination relates to the: (a) indirect acquisition by Alat Technologies Company (ATC) of shareholding in Vertical Topco S.à r.l. (Vertical Topco), as a result of which ATC will acquire approximately 15% in the TKE Group (Proposed Topco Investment); and (b) the formation of a joint venture by ATC and the TKE Group (KSA JV) (Proposed KSA JV Transaction).

ATC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia. ATC is active globally and specializes in manufacturing: (a) semiconductors; (b) smart devices; (c) smart buildings; (d) smart appliances; (e) smart health; (f) advanced industrials; (g) next generation infrastructure; (h) electrification; and (i) artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Vertical Topco is a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg. Vertical Topco is the holding company of the TKE Group. The TKE Group is active globally (in more than sixty countries) in the installation, modernization and servicing of elevators, escalators, moving walks, passenger boarding bridges, and stairlifts, as well as related ancillary products and activities.

The proposed KSA JV will be active in the manufacture, supply, installation, and maintenance of vertical and horizontal transportation units (elevators, escalators, etc.) primarily in Saudi Arabia, and potentially in other countries of the MENA region.

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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(Release ID: 2121947) Visitor Counter : 55