In the run-up to Independence Day Ceremony 2025 (IDC-2025), the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with My Gov, will conduct a national-level ‘Competition for Design of Formation on Gyanpath’ from May 01st to 15th, 2025. The competition aims to instill patriotic spirit and foster creative expression among the youth and citizens across India. Participants will have to conceptualise and design a formation to be created by cadets of National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme volunteers, and school children, along with an appropriate backdrop, that will be showcased during the IDC 2025 at Gyanpath, Red Fort, Delhi. Individuals can refer to the previous years’ designs for ideas. For more information, please visit the site: https://www.mygov.in/
Salient Features of the Competition:
· The top three winning entries will receive a cash prize of ₹10,000/- each.
· The top 250 participants, along with one companion each (guardian/spouse/relative), will receive e-invitations to witness the IDC 2025 at Red Fort.
· All participants will be awarded an online Certificate of Participation issued by MyGov.
Terms & Conditions
a) Participants to the competition must be a Citizen of India.
b) An individual can participate only one time.
c) Entries should be in JPG/PDF/any other format whether hand designed or computerised as per the requirement of MyGov portal. If the reference of any image/logo has been taken in the preparation of Design for competition, participant is required to upload the referred image along with the final design.
d) Use of any unfair/spurious means/ malpractices including but not limited to impersonation, double participation etc. during the participation in the competition, will result in rejection of participation.
e) No copyright image should be used and an undertaking regarding the same to be furnished. Non-furnishing of the same will render the selection null and void. Furthermore, the organizers of the competition or any agency acting on their behalf reserves all rights in this regard.
f) One mobile number & one email ID cannot be used by more than one participant for one competition/quiz during IDC-2025.
g) Ministry of Defence will only issue an e-invitation for the event and all the expenses related to travel, lodging, food etc. to attend the IDC-2025 will be borne by the individual himself/herself.
h) Employees, directly or indirectly connected with organizing the competition, are not eligible to participate in the competition. This ineligibility also applies to their immediate family members.
i) Winners will be announced on the basis of screening of the entries by a designated Screening Committee in Ministry of Defence.
j) Designs furnished by any participant may be used by Ministry of Defence partially or fully for the purpose of design of Gyanpath at Red Fort. Any claim for the copyright of the designs submitted during the ibid competition will not be made by the participants at any span of time.
PM to visit Maharashtra, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh on 1st and 2nd May PM to inaugurate the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai
India to host the Global Media Dialogue with Ministerial participation from around 25 countries
PM to dedicate to the nation Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala
It is India’s first dedicated container transshipment port
PM to lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 58,000 crore in Amaravati
In a major boost to connectivity in the region, PM to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple road and rail projects in Andhra Pradesh
Posted On: 30 APR 2025 1:00PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Maharashtra, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh on 1st and 2nd May. He will travel to Mumbai on 1st May, and at around 10:30 AM, he will inaugurate the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES).
Thereafter he will travel to Kerala and on 2nd May, at around 10:30 AM, he will dedicate to the nation Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.
Further, he will travel to Andhra Pradesh and at around 3:30 PM, he will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 58,000 crore in Amaravati. He will also address the public function.
PM in Maharashtra
Prime Minister will inaugurate WAVES 2025, India’s first-of-its-kind World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai. The four-day summit with tagline “Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries” is poised to position India as a global hub for media, entertainment, and digital innovation by bringing together creators, startups, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the world.
In line with Prime Minister’s vision of leveraging creativity, technology, and talent to shape a brighter future, WAVES will integrate films, OTT, gaming, comics, digital media, AI, AVGC-XR, broadcasting, and emerging tech, making it a comprehensive showcase of India’s media and entertainment prowess. WAVES aims to unlock a $50 billion market by 2029, expanding India’s footprint in the global entertainment economy.
At WAVES 2025, India will also host the Global Media Dialogue (GMD) for the first time, with ministerial participation from 25 countries, marking a milestone in the country’s engagement with the global media and entertainment landscape. The Summit will also feature the WAVES Bazaar, a global e-marketplace with over 6,100 buyers, 5,200 sellers, and 2,100 projects. It aims to connect buyers and sellers locally and globally, ensuring wide-reaching networking and business opportunities.
Prime Minister will visit the Creatosphere and interact with creators, selected from the 32 Create in India Challenges launched nearly a year ago, which garnered over one lakh registrations. He will also visit the Bharat Pavilion.
WAVES 2025 will witness participation from over 90 countries, with more than 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, 300+ companies, and 350+ startups. The summit will feature 42 plenary sessions, 39 breakout sessions, and 32 masterclasses spanning diverse sectors including broadcasting, infotainment, AVGC-XR, films, and digital media.
PM in Kerala
Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport worth Rs 8,900 crore. It is country’s first dedicated container transshipment port that represents the transformative advancements being made in India’s maritime sector as part of the unified vision of Viksit Bharat.
Vizhinjam Port, having strategic importance, has been identified as a key priority project which will contribute in strengthening India’s position in global trade, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce reliance on foreign ports for cargo transshipment. Its natural deep draft of nearly 20 meters and location near one of the world’s busiest sea trade routes further strengthens India’s position in global trade.
PM in Andhra Pradesh
Prime Minister will inaugurate, lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 58,000 crore in Amaravati.
In line with his commitment to ensure world-class infrastructure and connectivity across the country, Prime Minister will inaugurate 7 National Highway projects in Andhra Pradesh. These Projects include widening of various sections of National Highways, construction of Road over bridge and subway among others. These projects will further enhance road safety; create employment opportunities; provide seamless connectivity to religious and tourist places like Tirupati, Srikalahasti, Malakonda and Udayagiri Fort among others.
Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation railway projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting capacity. These projects are doubling of the rail line between Bugganapalle Cement Nagar and Panyam stations, enhancing connectivity between Rayalaseema and Amaravati and construction of a third rail line between New West Block Hut Cabin and Vijayawada stations.
Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of 6 National Highway projects and one Railway project. These Projects include widening of various sections of National highways; construction of elevated corridor, half clover leaf and Road over bridge among others. These projects will improve connectivity, inter-state travel, reduce congestion and improve overall logistics efficiency. Construction of Rail over Rail between Guntakal West and Mallappa gate stations aims to bypass freight trains and reduce congestion at the Guntakal Junction.
Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for multiple infrastructure projects that include the Legislative Assembly, High Court, Secretariat, other administrative buildings and housing buildings for over 5,200 families, worth over Rs 11,240 crore. It will also include trunk infrastructure and flood mitigation projects featuring a 320 km world-class transport network with underground utilities and advanced flood management systems, worth over Rs 17,400 crore. The Land Pooling Scheme Infrastructure projects will cover 1,281 km of roads equipped with central medians, cycle tracks, and integrated utilities across the capital city of Amaravati, worth over Rs 20,400 crore.
Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of Missile Test Range at Nagayalanka in Andhra Pradesh worth around Rs 1,460 Crore. It will comprise a launch center, technical instrumentation facilities, Indigenous Radars, Telemetry and Electro-Optical systems enhancing the country’s defence preparedness.
Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of PM Ekta Mall at Madhurawada in Visakhapatnam. It has been envisioned with the objective of fostering national integration, supporting the Make in India initiative, promoting One District One Product, generating employment opportunities, empowering rural artisans, and enhancing the market presence of indigenous products.
The All-India Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) and Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) (Base: 1986-87=100) decreased by 3 points & 2 points, for the month of March 2025, falling to 1306 and 1319 points, respectively.
The year-on-year inflation rates based on CPI-AL and CPI-RL for March 2025 were recorded at 3.73% and 3.86%, respectively, compared to 7.15% and 7.08% in March 2024. The corresponding figures for February 2025 stood at 4.05% for CPI-AL and 4.10% for CPI-RL.
All India Consumer Price Index (General and Group-wise):
Union Minister of State for Education and Development of the North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, inaugurated a two-day National Workshop on Multi-Disciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERU) under Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) today at ICAR, New Delhi. Secretary, Department of Higher education, GoI, Dr. Vineet Joshi; Additional Secretary, Ministry of Education, Shri Sunil Kumar Barnwal;Chairman, AICTE, Prof. T G Sitharam; Chair Person, NETF, Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe; Former Chairman, UGC, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar; and other dignitaries and Vice chancellors of the Universities were present at the event. Joint Secretary, Ministry of Education, Shri Armstrong Pame, presented the Vote of Thanks.
Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, while addressing the event, highlighted the importance of NEP 2020, which empowers the youth, modernizes institutions, and blends India’s ancient wisdom with modern innovation. Through focused efforts on research, innovation, and international collaboration, NEP 2020 aims to equip India’s students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet global challenges, he added.
He noted that with the participation of over 64 Vice Chancellors from over 64 different universities, along with State officials represented by State Project Directors of Higher Education, the national workshop will provide essential guidance on how best to implement various elements of the NEP in collaboration with central and state government funding. Dr. Majumdar also said that for 35 universities, the Ministry is providing Rs. 100 crore each for implementing 44 mandatory activities under the Multidisciplinary Education and Research University (MERU) components. He urged everyone to move forward with commitment and collaboration to realize the dream of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, where every university becomes a hub of innovation, inclusion, and global excellence.
Dr. Vineet Joshi, in his speech, emphasised the importance of NEP 2020 in preparing students for the 21st century. He also highlighted the significance of research in higher educational institutes and urged the participants to learn and adopt best practices from other institutions, replicating them in their specific context. This collaborative approach, he noted, will ensure the rapid improvement of the country. He also emphasised the need for teaching-learning material in the mother tongue to achieve better outcomes.
During this two-day seminar twelve important sessions will be held on UGC Regulations for NEP Implementation (Status and Challenges); Clustering and Collaboration for Multidisciplinary Education; Holistic Education through Integration of Skilling and Industry Connect (NHEQF, NCrF); Employability through apprenticeship & internship and Future of Work and Courses in Emerging Areas; Digital Initiatives (SWAYAM, SWAYAM-Plus, SATHEE, APAAR, AI); Equity and Access to Higher Education; Indian Knowledge System; e-Governance (SAMARTH); Research, Innovation & Internationalization; Promoting Indian Languages in Higher Education; Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Program – Capacity Building of Faculty of Higher Education; and Providing Quality Education: Accreditation and Ranking (NAAC, NIRF, IQAC). Eminent academicians and officials will share their insight in these sessions.
PM-USHA, or Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan, is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Indian Ministry of Education to improve the quality of higher education in state-run institutions. It aims to enhance accessibility, equity, and excellence in higher education while ensuring efficiency, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness.
Samuel Hnepeune, membre du gouvernement chargé de la recherche, a présenté mercredi 30 avril, les axes de développement afin d’élaborer une feuille de route autour du secteur de la recherche et de la valorisation des ressources naturelles. Un domaine qui a vocation à devenir un pilier du développement économique, social et environnemental, ainsi qu’un levier de rayonnement pour la Nouvelle-Calédonie.
En Nouvelle-Calédonie, la recherche scientifique et l’enseignement supérieur relèvent de la compétence de l’État. Cependant, conscients des enjeux majeurs associés à ces domaines, les institutions locales (communes, provinces et gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie) ont depuis longtemps soutenu diverses initiatives de recherche, pour soutenir l’action publique.
Malgré un ecosystème « recherche » fourni et une dynamique existante, la Nouvelle-Calédonie ne dispose pas encore d’un document stratégique global pour cadrer son action en matière de recherche. Seules deux provinces se sont dotées d’outils structurants tels qu’un livre blanc de la recherche pour le Nord et les îles Loyauté.
Les différents échanges avec les principaux acteurs de la recherche – membres du consortium pour la recherche, l’enseignement supérieur et l’innovation en Nouvelle-Calédonie (CRESICA), l’ADECAL Technopole et le CRNTEC, ont mis en lumière la richesse de l’écosystème calédonien.
Néanmoins, un besoin majeur a été unanimement exprimé : la création d’une feuille de route stratégique, portée par le gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Six axes structurants articuleront l’action du gouvernement :
1. Élaboration d’une stratégie de recherche
2. Mise en place d’un cadre juridique sur la protection des ressources naturelles (APA)
3. Redéfinition de la prime d’encouragement à la recherche
4. Valorisation du statut des chercheurs
5. Animation et coordination renforcées de la politique de recherche
6. Développement du rayonnement régional de la recherche calédonienne
Élaboration d’une stratégie de recherche pour le gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie
En réponse aux attentes exprimées, il a été acté de lancer l’élaboration d’un “Livre blanc de la recherche”, dont la méthode et les objectifs ont été présentés au Comité de site élargi du CRESICA le 24 avril 2025.
La démarche, participative sera co-pilotée par le gouvernement via le cabinet du membre et le CRESICA. Elle se déroulera selon les étapes suivantes :
État des lieux de la recherche : recensement des programmes financés, analyse des thématiques de recherche, cartographie des compétences scientifiques locales et des bailleurs de fonds ;
Organisation d’un séminaire de la recherche : identification des axes stratégiques et définition des priorités ;
Rédaction et validation de la stratégie : consultation large des acteurs (provinces, Sénat coutumier…), validation institutionnelle (CCR, CRESICA, gouvernement, Congrès).
Un coordinateur technique et opérationnel sera chargé de piloter les travaux, avec un objectif de finalisation de la stratégie pour novembre 2025.
« Nous allons ouvrir un chantier ambitieux puisque la volonté du gouvernement est de pouvoir mettre en place une réelle stratégie de la recherche en Nouvelle-Calédonie. Nous avons un véritable potentiel, des acteurs qui travaillent de concert et un écosystème de haute qualité », a indiqué Samuel Hnepeune.
Mise en place d’un cadre juridique sur la protection des ressources naturelles
La ratification de la Convention sur la diversité biologique et du protocole de Nagoya impose l’élaboration d’un dispositif juridique spécifique pour la Nouvelle-Calédonie pour l’accès et le partage des avantages (APA).
« C’est un sujet sur lequel un certain nombre de pays ont déjà travaillé. Nous devons le faire nous aussi pour arriver à garantir la protection et la préservation de nos ressources », a affirmé le membre du gouvernement.
Ce travail est d’autant plus complexe qu’il mobilise plusieurs compétences :
Protection des ressources (provinces et gouvernement) ;
Propriété intellectuelle (gouvernement) ;
Savoirs traditionnels (gouvernement).
En coordination entre l’État (comité APA de la direction du service de l’Etat, de l’Agriculture, de la forêt et de l’environnement) et le gouvernement (service du Parc naturel de la mer de Corail, le service de la pêche et la direction des Affaires juridiques), un travail d’harmonisation sera engagé afin d’adapter et compléter le cadre existant dans une logique de cohérence réglementaire et de respect des compétences locales.
Redéfinition de la prime d’encouragement à la recherche
L’encouragement à la formation doctorale est un levier essentiel du développement scientifique local.
La prime d’encouragement à la recherche sera repensée pour :
faciliter la formation de docteurs calédoniens ;
cibler les priorités identifiées dans le Livre blanc ;
soutenir l’Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie (UNC) pour faciliter la mise en place de contrats doctoraux plus attractifs.
La nouvelle formule du dispositif prendra en compte les priorités identifiées dans la stratégie, au regard des besoins de la Nouvelle Calédonie en terme de compétences de haut niveau. « Nous voulons, au travers de cet axe, inciter plus de jeunes Calédoniens à s’investir dans la recherche et à s’inscrire dans les orientations qui seront définies par le futur Livre blanc », a ajouté Samuel Hnepeune.
Valorisation du statut des chercheurs
Afin de soutenir l’ambition scientifique de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, le gouvernement souhaite valoriser les parcours d’excellence et conforter le statut des chercheurs en :
travaillant à la reconnaissance du diplôme de docteur dans les grilles de rémunération et d’accès aux concours ;
favorisant l’intégration de docteurs calédoniens dans l’UNC et les organismes de recherche membres du CRESICA.
« Aujourd’hui, les huit années d’études d’un chercheur calédonien ne sont pas valorisées. Elles ne sont par exemple pas prises en compte dans la grille de rémunération de la fonction publique. Il faut donc changer cela », a confié le membre du gouvernement.
Animation et coordination renforcées de la politique de recherche
Disposer d’une stratégie ambitieuse implique aussi d’organiser son animation et son suivi.
Plutôt que de créer de nouvelles instances, il s’agira de mieux articuler les deux structures existantes :
Le comité de site élargi du CRESICA (à dominante scientifique) ;
La commission consultative de la recherche (CCR) du Congrès (à dominante institutionnelle et politique).
Le gouvernement travaillera à une meilleure synergie entre ces instances pour assurer :
La cohérence des politiques publiques en matière de recherche ;
La valorisation des résultats scientifiques ;
Le transfert des résultats de la recherche à des fins d’innovation et de valorisation industrielle ;
L’aide à la décision pour les institutions.
Développement du rayonnement régional de la recherche calédonienne
Avec un écosystème scientifique aussi riche, la Nouvelle-Calédonie doit inscrire pleinement sa recherche dans son environnement régional. Le rayonnement scientifique calédonien est un enjeu stratégique majeur.
Aujourd’hui, plusieurs programmes régionaux et internationaux sont conduits par des organismes tels que l’IRD, l’IFREMER, le CNRS, le CIRAD et l’Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie. Leur succès illustre :
la capacité de nos chercheurs à monter, à diriger et à coordonner des projets de recherche ambitieux ;
leur savoir-faire dans l’obtention de financements compétitifs ;
leur aptitude à s’inscrire dans les grandes dynamiques scientifiques du Pacifique et au-delà.
Ce rayonnement témoigne également du prestige et de la notoriété des institutions de recherche présentes sur le territoire.
En dotant la Nouvelle-Calédonie d’une stratégie de recherche, le gouvernement entend affirmer ses ambitions et clarifier ses domaines d’excellence, renforçant ainsi la position du territoire dans les coopérations régionales et l’appui aux politiques publiques.
Cette dynamique s’illustre également dans les projets d’infrastructures stratégiques tels que le futur port scientifique intégré à la stratégie de développement du Port autonome de Nouméa, qui sera une vitrine du savoir scientifique calédonien et un véritable levier d’exportation des connaissances, en lien direct avec l’espace maritime qui unit la Nouvelle-Calédonie au reste du monde.
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu was honoured to present Certificates of Appointment to the newly appointed OCAC Honorary Consultants, including Senior Advisers, Council Members, Advisers, and Associate Advisers of the Overseas Community Affairs Council, R.O.C. (Taiwan).
Guided by the core principles of unity, harmony, and generational continuity, the government aims to integrate the strength of global overseas Taiwanese communities to form #TeamTaiwan in response to growing international political and economic challenges.
We look forward to working hand in hand with all OCAC Honorary Consultants in Sydney to further strengthen the solidarity of the Taiwanese community, deepen Taiwan–Australia ties and contribute to Taiwan’s vision of becoming “A Country Where the Economic Sun Never Sets” .
The Young Astronaut Training Camp 2025 will be open for nominations from local secondary schools from tomorrow until May 31, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department announced today.
Selected participants will undergo astronaut training on the Mainland, in a nine-day cost-free training camp to be held from July 25 to August 2, where they will learn about space science, astronomy and China’s aerospace achievements.
With a trip to Beijing, Jiuquan and Xi’an, the itinerary includes visiting key astronomy and aerospace facilities such as Beijing Aerospace City, the Xinglong Observatory of the National Astronomical Observatories and the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. In addition, participants will have the chance to meet astronauts and aerospace experts.
Thirty places are available for the training camp. Candidates should be local full-time students studying at Secondary 2 through 6 in the 2024-25 academic year. They must be aged 12 or above and be nominated by their school. Each school can nominate two students at most.
There will be three rounds in the selection process – a quiz, a pre-camp training and an interview. The department noted that candidates who are graded outstanding will be selected to join the camp.
A briefing will be conducted on May 6 at 5pm in the Space Museum.
The Police Force’s National Security Department has charged a 22-year-old man with one count of knowingly publishing material with seditious intent, in contravention of Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.
The man is accused of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intent on online platforms, including content provoking hatred, contempt or disaffection against the fundamental system of the state established by the Constitution, and inciting others to break the law.
The man was arrested in Kowloon on Monday. The case was due to be mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon.
The Health Bureau’s Primary Healthcare Commission announced the suspected hacking of the outsourced network system of the Kwai Tsing District Health Centre (Kwai Tsing DHC) on April 27, resulting in a possible leakage of members’ data.
Such data include members’ names, membership numbers, dates of birth, residential districts, and the first four digits of the Hong Kong Identity Card of some members who have enrolled in a vaccination programme. The operator is currently assessing the possible number of members affected and the data involved.
The commission stressed that it is highly concerned about the incident, and has instructed the Kwai Tsing Safe Community & Healthy City Association, the operator of the Kwai Tsing DHC, to seriously follow up and submit a report within three working days.
According to the operator, the system involved is managed independently by its outsourced service provider, and is mainly used to assist with administrative work such as service booking or members sign-in at the Kwai Tsing DHC.
The Primary Healthcare Commission noted that in addition to reporting the incident to Police as well as the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, the operator has also notified the Digital Policy Office.
As required by the commission, the operator has immediately suspended the operation of the Kwai Tsing DHC’s network system and all external connections to its computer servers to prevent further intrusion attempts by hackers. An independent cybersecurity expert has also been hired to conduct an investigation and review.
Due to the system suspension, the appointments on blood taking and seasonal influenza vaccination of relevant Kwai Tsing DHC members will be rescheduled. The operator has started to notify those members via phone calls and text messages, and will also inform all its members of the hacking incident.
Furthermore, for the sake of prudence, as the Kwai Tsing DHC is a registered healthcare provider on eHealth, the operator’s eHealth registration has been suspended in order to protect the data privacy and system security of eHealth. During the suspension period, the Kwai Tsing DHC is unable to gain access to any electronic health record in eHealth.
The Kwai Tsing DHC’s connection with eHealth will only resume once security risks are fully eliminated.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Clusters of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales cases in Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals ???Two male and three female patients (aged 50 to 90) of an Orthopaedics & Traumatology ward in RTSKH have been confirmed as carriers of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae upon testing since April 17. One patient passed away due to her own underlying disease. The remaining four patients are being treated in isolation and in stable condition.
The hospital will continue the contact tracing investigation of close contacts of the patients in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted: The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patients. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up. Issued at HKT 17:35