Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Government of India, Smt. Savitri Thakur, will be on a three-day official visit to Meghalaya from April 15 to 17, 2025.
During her visit, the Minister will hold a review meeting with the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, focusing on Central Government-sponsored schemes and programmes under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. She will also meet the Governor of Meghalaya for a courtesy call and conduct a detailed district-level review in East Khasi Hills as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
On April 16, the Minister will visit key institutions and welfare centers in Shillong, including the One Stop Center at Ganesh Das Hospital, Shakti Sadan at Mawroh, and a Child Care Institution in Mawkasiang. She will then visit the Community Health Center, Anganwadi Centre at Mawsmai, and inspection of development projects under MGNREGA and PMAY(G) and also visit the Aqua Park cum Visitor Information Centre at Khliehshnong and inspect PMGSY roads in the area.
Olympic medalist and noted athlete, Karnam Malleswari met the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Yamunanagar yesterday. He commended her effort to mentor young athletes.
Shri Modi wrote in a post on X:
“Met Olympic medalist and noted athlete, Karnam Malleswari in Yamunanagar yesterday. India is proud of her success as a sportswoman. Equally commendable is her effort to mentor young athletes.”
Met Olympic medalist and noted athlete, Karnam Malleswari in Yamunanagar yesterday. India is proud of her success as a sportswoman. Equally commendable is her effort to mentor young athletes. pic.twitter.com/9BcM8iKENr
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
Today (April 15) is the National Security Education Day. The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance has been in effect for one year since its passage by the Legislative Council (LegCo) in a historic unanimous vote on the Third Reading in March last year, while the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKNSL) will celebrate its fifth anniversary at the end of June this year. The LegCo Secretariat today released a Policy Pulse on “Laws on safeguarding national security”. This issue provides a brief overview of the key points of the dual legislation on national security, namely the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, how the dual legislation properly protects human rights and ensures that the public will not be inadvertently caught by the law, its role in contributing to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, as well as relevant discussions of LegCo along with suggestions by Members.
National security is a matter of top priority for any state. The enactment of laws on safeguarding national security is an inherent right of every sovereign state, and also an international practice. The Policy Pulse outlines the latest situation of national security laws enacted by some foreign countries, including the Countering Foreign Interference Act introduced by Canada in 2024, and the New Zealand Parliament is also scrutinising the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill aimed at addressing foreign interference. Meanwhile, the United States and the United Kingdom each has at least 21 pieces and 14 pieces of national security-related legislation respectively.
The dual legislation on national security, together with the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR, have jointly established a comprehensive and effective legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, reflecting the implementation of national security within the purview of the Central Authorities and as the constitutional duty of HKSAR.
The Policy Pulse also highlights that since the implementation of the dual legislation on national security, Hong Kong ranks highly in a number of international ratings, including global financial centre status, economic freedom, inward foreign direct investment recipient, and world competitiveness. Hong Kong ranked as the world’s freest economy in the Economic Freedom of the World 2024 Annual Report, with the number of overseas companies based in Hong Kong stood at 9 960 in 2024, a nearrly 10 percent rise from the previous year. These achievements reflect the international community’s continued strong confidence in Hong Kong. They also attest to how improved laws and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security help maintain Hong Kong’s political and social stability and cultivate a more secure, liberal, open and expectable business environment, which plays a solid and fundamental role in safeguarding the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, and further enabling the city’s advancement from stability to prosperity.
The Safeguarding National Security Bill was passed by LegCo in a historic unanimous vote on the Third Reading on March 19, 2024. The Policy Pulse outlines LegCo’s scrutiny of the Bill and highlights Member’s views on the follow-up work after the Bill’s passage. Members suggested that various bureaux, departments, statutory bodies, etc., establish codes, procedures or guidelines to ensure that national security is regarded as an important consideration when discharging their day-to-day functions and implementing any programmes or projects. Members also considered that the Administration should ensure that public officers fully understand the contents of national security laws and abide by the requirements of these laws in discharging their duties.
Members suggested the Administration step up public education on all fronts to enable the public, the business sector and investors to understand the implementation of the dual legislation on national security in a clear and easily comprehensible manner. The Administration should also effectively carry out its explanatory work to the international community, including making good use of the networks of overseas Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices and Invest Hong Kong to explain to various overseas sectors how the dual legislation on national security effectively safeguards national security in Hong Kong in accordance with the rule of law principle, while at the same time fully respects and protects human rights. Members expected that the Administration proactively enhance its efforts in attracting enterprises and investment so that Hong Kong could serve as a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder” for the world, as well as continuing to take the initiative to clarify and rebut inaccurate remarks and unwarranted smears against the HKSAR’s work on safeguarding national security.
The detailed content of “Laws on safeguarding national security” is available on the LegCo Website. The Policy Pulse, published by the LegCo Secretariat, covers specific topics, offers a comprehensive overview of related policy developments and summarises key discussions in LegCo.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth called on Vice-President of Tanzania Mr Philip Isdor Mpango and Minister of Defence & National Service Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax in Dar es Salaam on April 14, 2025. During his meeting with the Tanzanian Vice-President, Raksha Rajya Mantri updated him on the Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement cooperation from Indian defence industries to exercise (AIKEYME) and Defence Expo inaugurated on April 13, 2025. He offered to fulfil the defence requirements of Tanzania People’s Defence Force. India-Tanzania development partnership, cultural connections and cooperation in health and education were also discussed.
During the meeting between Tanzanian Minister of Defence & National Service and Raksha Rajya Mantri, the ongoing defence cooperation was reviewed and new ways were explored to further bolster the ties. Training of Tanzania officers in military training institutes of India, defence industry collaboration, cooperation in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, and cyber security were some of the key areas of cooperation deliberated upon during the meeting.
Raksha Rajya Mantri ended his day with an Indian Community event where he highlighted the progress India has made in various spheres in recent years. He dwelt upon the contribution of the Indian diaspora in growth and prosperity of not only India but Tanzania too. He visited Sanatan Dharma and Swaminarayan Mandir prior to the interaction with the Indian community. He also participated in the Ambedakar Jayanti celebrations organised in the High Commission of India in Tanzania.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Three property owners were convicted and fined over $400,000 in total by the court late last month and early this month respectively for failing to comply with statutory orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).
The first case involved the alteration of 14 units on two floors into mini-storage areas in an industrial building at Hi Yip Street, Yuen Long. The alteration and addition works were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD) and obstructed the means of escape and access for firefighting and rescue units, while affecting the fire resistant construction of the building, which contravened the Building (Planning) Regulations and the Building (Construction) Regulation. The alterations also rendered the building as dangerous, therefore removal orders and repair orders were served on the owner under section 24(1) and section 26 of the BO.
Failing to comply with the removal orders and the repair orders, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was fined $220,690 in total, of which $38,690 was the fine for the number of days that the offences continued, upon conviction at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts on March 28.
The second case involved unauthorised building works (UBWs) at a three-storey house at Yu Chui Street, Tai Lam, Tuen Mun, which included the removal of the approved railing at a garden adjoining the slope and the construction of unauthorised structures with an area of about 400 square metres on the slope. The illegal works also included the removal of an external wall and the erection of an unauthorised structure with an area of about 10 sq m on the lower ground floor, the erection of an unauthorised structure with an area of about 20 sq m on the flat roof, and the erection of supporting frames for solar panels with an area of about 28 sq m on the roof. As the UBWs were carried out without prior approval and consent from the BD, removal orders were served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO.
Failing to comply with the orders, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was fined $100,860 in total by the court, of which $42,860 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts on March 28.
The third case involved an unauthorised structure with an area of about 130 sq m on the flat roof of a residential building at Tung Ming Street, Kwun Tong. As the UBWs were carried out without prior approval and consent from the BD, a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO.
Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD in 2017 and was fined $25,650 upon conviction by the court. As the owner persisted in not complying with the removal order, the BD instigated prosecution again last year. The owner was subsequently fined $84,460, of which $54,460 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts on April 1.
A spokesman for the BD said today (April 15), “UBWs, including the unauthorised alterations causing obstruction to the means of escape and means of access for firefighting and rescue, or affecting the fire resisting construction of a building, may lead to serious consequences. The owners concerned must comply with the statutory orders issued by the BD without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with statutory orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building safety.”
Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of $20,000 for each day that the offence continues. Moreover, failure to comply with a repair order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of level 5 ($50,000 at present) and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of $5,000 for each day that the offence continues.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:
Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, is pleased to announce today (April 15) the appointment of three Senior Counsel of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. They are:
Ms Catrina Lam Ding-wan
Ms Priscilia Lam Tsz-ying
Mr Timothy Edward David Parker
The appointments are made by the Chief Justice under section 31A of the Legal Practitioners Ordinance.
These appointments will take effect upon the proclamation of the Instruments of Appointment during the ceremonial proceedings at which the appointees will be called to the Inner Bar. The ceremony will take place at 10am on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in the Court of Final Appeal and will be broadcast live for the public to view.
Brief biographical notes on each appointee are included below:
Ms Catrina Lam Ding-wan
Ms Catrina Lam Ding-wan, aged 47, obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from University College London and a Master of Arts degree in European Union Competition Law from King’s College London. She was admitted to the Hong Kong Bar in 1999. She primarily practises in commercial and competition law, handling both litigation and arbitration matters, but also has experience in public law.
Ms Priscilia Lam Tsz-ying
Ms Priscilia Lam Tsz-ying, aged 47, obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree and subsequently a Master of Laws degree in Chinese Law from the University of Hong Kong, and also a Master of Arts degree in Arbitration and Dispute Resolution from the City University of Hong Kong. She was admitted to the Hong Kong Bar in 2000. She specialises in criminal law and appears regularly for both the prosecution and the defence.
Mr Timothy Edward David Parker
Mr Timothy Edward David Parker, aged 42, obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Melbourne, a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Hong Kong and a Master of Law degree from the University of Cambridge. He was admitted to the Hong Kong Bar in 2009. In addition to a general civil and commercial practice including competition and regulatory work, he is particularly recognised for his expertise in public law and constitutional matters.
The Government of India accords high priority for Indian Muslims to undertake the annual Haj pilgrimage.
As a result of its efforts, the country allocation for India which was 136,020 in 2014 has gradually increased to 175,025 in 2025. These quotas are finalized by the Saudi authorities closer to the time of the pilgrimage.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) through the Haj Committee of India manages arrangements for the bulk of the quota allotted to India, which is 122,518 in the current year. All the necessary arrangements including flight schedules, transportation, Mina camps, accommodation, and additional services have been taken up and completed as per the Saudi requirements, within the given timelines.
The balance of the quota was allotted, as is customary, to Private Tour Operators. Due to changes in Saudi guidelines, more than 800 Private Tour Operators were consolidated into 26 legal entities termed Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs), by MoMA this year. Addressing legal challenges, the Haj quota was allocated by MoMA to these 26 CHGOs well in advance. However, despite reminders, they failed to comply with the necessary timelines set by the Saudi authorities and failed to finalise the mandatory contracts, including for Mina camps, accommodation and transport of pilgrims, as required under the Saudi regulations.
Government of India has been continuously engaging on this matter with the concerned Saudi authorities, including at the Ministerial level.
The Saudi Haj Ministry highlighted its concerns for the safety of the pilgrims, particularly in Mina, where Haj rituals have to be completed under extreme summer heat conditions in a limited space. It also underlined that due to delays, the available space in Mina became occupied. The Saudi authorities have further conveyed that they were not extending the timelines for any country this year.
Due to the Government’s intervention, the Saudi Haj Ministry has agreed to re-open the Haj Portal (Nusuk Portal) to all CHGOs to complete their work in respect of 10,000 pilgrims based on the current space availability in Mina.
Directions have been issued by MoMA to CHGOs to do so urgently. India would naturally appreciate any gesture by Saudi authorities to accommodate more pilgrims.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by PSCST at press conference of French May Arts Festival and French GourMay 2025 (English only) Mrs Cheng (Co-chairman of the Board of French May Arts Festival, Mrs Mignonne Cheng), Mrs Drulhe (Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Mrs Christile Drulhe), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is my great honour to join you all at the press conference of this year’s French May Arts Festival and French GourMay.
Since its inception in 1993, French May has spanned over 30 years and established itself as one of Hong Kong’s, and even Asia’s, most prestigious arts and cultural celebrations. Stepping into the 32nd edition, French May Arts Festival will as always bring together world-class artists and programmes with rich French characteristics to the community, further adding vibrancy to the cultural landscape of Hong Kong.
I’m glad to know that this year’s French May will feature more than 60 events spotlighting over 200 French and Hong Kong artists. Highlights include the ongoing exhibition, “Picasso for Asia - A Conversation”, which is co‑presented by French May, Musée National Picasso-Paris and M+, and presents more than 60 masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, together with 130 works of contemporary Asian artists. This project, which is supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, is a good example of initiatives which promote East-West cultural exchanges.
Just last month, we had our Super March welcoming globally renowned arts and cultural programmes and visitors from around the world. And I must thank French May for your commitment to creating a platform for arts and cultural exchanges and bringing about opportunities for the industry and community. Your invaluable contributions complement the Government’s wide-ranging efforts in developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong, and all the collaborating organisations and artists that work together to bring this year’s Festival to life. I’m also glad to note that French GourMay will return this year, with French spirits as well as Hong Kong’s nightlife and bars, being the spotlights of the Festival.
I have no doubt that this year’s French May Arts Festival and French GourMay will be another resounding success for all. Thank you. Issued at HKT 12:25
India contributes 7.1% to global GDP through its automotive sector and ranks 4th in global vehicle production.
Despite a strong manufacturing base, India holds only 3% share in global traded auto components,highlighting a vast scope for expansion.
The Vision 2030 roadmap aims to scale production to $145bn, exports to $60bn, and generate 2–2.5 million jobs.
Government schemes like FAME, PM E-Drive, and PLI have mobilized ₹66,000+ crore to support EVs and localization.
With targeted reforms and GVC integration, India can raise its global component trade share from 3% to 8% by 2030.
On 11th April 2024, NITI Aayog released a report titled ‘Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains’, launched by Vice Chairman Shri Suman Bery, senior members, and the CEO of NITI Aayog. The report outlines India’s Global Value Chain (GVC) potential in the automotive sector and highlights strategic pathways for global leadership.
India’s automotive industry is a cornerstone of the nation’s manufacturing and economic growth, contributing 7.1% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 49% to manufacturing GDP. As the fourth-largestautomobileproducer globally, India possesses the scale and strategic depth to emerge as a global leader in the automotive value chain. The sector spans a vast ecosystem, from vehicle assembly and auto component manufacturing to deep interlinkages with critical industries such as steel, electronics, rubber, IT, and logistics. In recent years, India has seen exponential growth in vehicle production, with over 28 million units manufactured in 2023–24 alone. The industry’s contribution goes beyond industrial output, and it supports millions of direct and indirect jobs, spurs innovation, and is central to India’s green mobility transition, industrial ambitions, and trade strategy.
The global automotive component market was valued at $2 trillion in 2022, with $700 billion traded across borders. Despite India’s strong manufacturing base, its share in the globally traded auto component market remains at just 3% (~$20 billion), highlighting a vast scope for expansion. India’s trade ratio in auto components is near-neutral (~0.99), with exports and imports nearly balancing each other. This also underlines the domestic sector’s limited penetration in high-value, high-precision segments such as engine and engine components, along with drive transmission and steering systems, where India holds just 2–4% of the global trade share. Bridging this gap requires structural reforms, strategic investments, and a coordinated industrial policy approach. With the right enabling conditions, India can triple exports to $60 billion, generate a $25 billion trade surplus, and create over 2-2.5 million direct jobs by 2030, propelling it toward becoming a globally competitive, innovation-driven manufacturing hub.
Strategic Importance of the Automotive Sector
Contributes 7.1% to India’s GDP and 49% to manufacturing GDP.
Employs millions and supports critical linkages across steel, electronics, and IT sectors.
India’s current share in globally traded auto components is approximately 3% or 20 billion.
India’s Vision for Automotive Industry
This vision aligns with India’s aspirations to become a global manufacturing hub under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Global Trends Shaping the Sector
1. Rise of Electric Vehicles (EVs):
EVs are reshaping manufacturing priorities, with China producing over 8 million EVs in 2023.
The EU and the US are accelerating EV adoption through regulatory mandates and subsidies.
EVs are increasing the demand for batteries, semiconductors, and advanced materials.
2. Digital and Advanced Manufacturing:
Integration of AI, robotics, digital twins, Internet of Things (IoT), and 3D printing is driving efficiency.
Many global automakers are investing heavily in creating smart factories, where AI, IoT, and robotics are integrated into every aspect of the production process. Countries like Germany and South Korea are leading in smart factory adoption.
3. Sustainability and Circular Economy:
Automakers are moving toward carbon neutrality, material recycling, and energy efficiency.
Examples: BMW’s EV battery recycling and Volkswagen’s renewable energy sourcing.
4. Sectoral Interdependence:
Auto industry is a major consumer of steel, electronics, rubber, glass, textiles, and IT services.
Increasing reliance on semiconductors and AI-driven software for innovative mobility solutions.
Major Government Interventions
1.Make in India:Launched in 2014, the Make in India initiative has provided a significant boost to the country’s manufacturing sector, particularly in automobiles. This policy promotes domestic manufacturing, reduces reliance on imports, and encourages foreign direct investment.
2.Atmanirbhar Bharat:The Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aims to foster self-sufficiency in manufacturing and reduce the country’s dependence on foreign components. In the automotive sector, this has resulted in increased domestic production of critical components such as engines, transmissions, and EV batteries. The government has also extended support to start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the automotive space, helping them integrate into global supply chains.
3.FAME India Scheme (Phases I & II):The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme has been pivotal in promoting clean mobility in India. Phase II, with an outlay of ₹11,500 crore, focuses on demand incentives for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, and the development of public charging infrastructure. It also aims to promote technology platforms for EVs and create a robust domestic EV ecosystem.
4. PM E-Drive Scheme (2024–26):Launched to accelerate EV adoption and reduce urban pollution, this scheme has a budget of ₹10,900 crore and targets large-scale procurement of electric vehicles:
24.79 lakh electric two-wheelers
3.2 lakh electric three-wheelers
Procurement of 14,028 electric buses by State Transport Undertakings (STUs)/public transport agencies
₹2,000 crore earmarked for national-level charging infrastructure expansion.
5. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Auto and ACC Batteries:With a total allocation of ₹44,038 crore (PLI scheme- INR 25,938 crore, PLI scheme for ACC Battery Storage- INR 18,100 crores), this flagship initiative aims to boost the domestic manufacturing of advanced automotive technologies, including EVs, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and advanced battery storage solutions. It provides financial incentives to OEMs and component manufacturers for investing in cutting-edge technologies, achieving economies of scale, and integrating into global supply chains. The scheme also prioritises domestic value addition, export readiness, and job creation through technology-driven innovation.
Key Challenges Hindering the Global Value Chain’s Integration
10%cost disadvantage for India versus China due to:
Higher raw material and machinery costs
100% depreciation rate vs 50% in China (~3.4% cost burden)
High logistics, financing, and energy costs
Underperformance in high-precision segments:
India’s global share: Only 2–4% in engine and engine components, along with drive transmission and steering systems
Inadequate R&D ecosystem and limited IP ownership
Proposed Interventions for GVC Integration
Fiscal Measures:
Operational Expenditure (Opex) Support: To scale up manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on capital expenditure (Capex) for tooling, dies, and infrastructure.
Skill Development: Initiatives to build a talent pipeline critical for sustaining growth.
R&D, Government facilitated IP transfer and Branding: Providing incentives for research, development, international branding to improve product differentiation and empowering MSMEs through IP transfers.
Cluster Development: Fostering collaboration between firms through common facilities such as R&D and testing centers to strengthen the supply chain.
Non-Fiscal Reforms:
Industry 4.0 Adoption: Encouraging the integration of digital technologies and enhanced manufacturing standards to improve efficiency.
International Collaboration: Promoting joint ventures (JVs), foreign collaborations, and free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand global market access.
Ease of Doing Business: Simplifying regulatory processes, worker hour flexibility, supplier discovery & development and improving business conditions for automotive firms.
Conclusion
India’s automotive sector stands at a decisive inflection point, where focused reforms, policy clarity, and industry alignment can elevate it into the league of global leaders in automotive manufacturing. With the world shifting rapidly towards clean, smart, and connected mobility, India must accelerate its integration into global value chains by building competitiveness in high-precision components, fostering innovation, and deepening its export footprint. Over the next five years, the effective execution of planned interventions—ranging from skilling and infrastructure to R&D and global partnerships- will determine whether India becomes a hub for high-value auto components or remains a low-cost player in traditional segments. With the right mix of ambition and action, India can become a globally recognised supplier of next-generation mobility solutions.