Month: April 2025

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 12:00PM by PIB Delhi

The annual rate of inflation based on all India Wholesale Price Index (WPI) number is 2.05% (provisional) for the month of March, 2025 (over March, 2024). Positive rate of inflation in March, 2025 is primarily due to increase in prices of manufacture of food products, other manufacturing, food articles, electricity and manufacture of textiles etc. The index numbers and inflation rate for the last three months of all commodities and WPI components are given below:

Note: F: Final, P: Provisional, *Annual rate of WPI inflation calculated over the corresponding month of previous year

The month over month change in WPI for the month of March, 2025 stood at (-) 0.19% as compared to February, 2025. The monthly change in WPI for last six-month is summarized below:

Note: F: Final, P: Provisional, #Monthly rate of change, based on month over month (M-o-M) WPI calculated over the preceding month

 

Month-over-Month Change in Major Groups of WPI:

1. Primary Articles (Weight 22.62%): – The index for this major group decreased by 1.07% to 184.6 (provisional) in March, 2025 from 186.6 (provisional) for the month of February, 2025. Price of crude petroleum & natural gas (-2.42%), non-food articles (-2.40%) and food articles (-0.72%) decreased in March, 2025 as compared to February, 2025. The price of minerals (0.31%) increased in March, 2025 as compared to February, 2025.
2. Fuel & Power (Weight 13.15%): – The index for this major group decreased by 0.91% to 152.4 (provisional) in March, 2025 from 153.8 (provisional) for the month of February, 2025. Price of electricity (-2.31%) and mineral oils (-0.70%) decreased in March, 2025 as compared to February, 2025. The price of coal remained same as in the previous month.
3. Manufactured Products (Weight 64.23%): – The index for this major group increased by 0.42% to 144.4 (Provisional) in March, 2025 from 143.8 (Provisional) for the month of February, 2025. Out of the 22 NIC two-digit groups for manufactured products, 16 groups witnessed an increase in prices, 5 groups witnessed a decrease in prices and 1 group witnessed no change in prices. Some of the important groups that showed month-over-month increase in prices were manufacture of basic metals; food products; other transport equipment; other manufacturing and machinery and equipment etc. Some of the groups that witnessed a decrease in prices were manufacture of textiles; chemicals and chemical products; computer, electronic and optical products; printing and reproduction of recorded media and furniture etc in March, 2025 as compared to February, 2025.

WPI Food Index (Weight 24.38%): The Food Index consisting of ‘food articles’ from primary articles group and ‘food product’ from manufactured products group decreased from 189.0 in February, 2025 to 188.8 in March, 2025. The annual rate of inflation based on WPI Food Index decreased from 5.94% in February, 2025 to 4.66% in March, 2025.

Final Index for the month of January, 2025 (Base Year: 2011-12=100): For the month of January, 2025, the final Wholesale Price Index and inflation rate for ‘All Commodities’ (Base: 2011-12=100) stood at 155.0 and 2.51% respectively. The details of all India Wholesale Price Indices and Rates of Inflation for different commodity groups based on updated figures are at Annex I. The Annual rate of Inflation (Y-o-Y) based on WPI for different commodity groups in the last six months is at Annex II. WPI for different commodity groups in the last six months is at Annex III.

Response Rate: The WPI for March, 2025 has been compiled at a weighted response rate of 82.7 per cent, while the final figure for January, 2025 is based on the weighted response rate of 95.4 per cent. The provisional figures of WPI will undergo revision as per the revision policy of WPI. This press release, item indices, and inflation numbers are available at our home page http://eaindustry.nic.in.

Next date of Press Release: WPI for the month of April, 2025 would be released on 14/05/2025.

Note: DPIIT releases index number of wholesale price in India on monthly basis on 14th of every month (or next working day, if 14^th falls on holiday) with a time lag of two weeks of the reference month, and the index number is compiled with data received from institutional sources and selected manufacturing units across the country. This press release contains WPI (Base Year 2011-12=100) for the month of March, 2025 (Provisional), January, 2025 (Final) and other months/years. Provisional figures of WPI are finalised after 10 weeks (from the month of reference), and frozen thereafter.

Annex-I

All India Wholesale Price Indices and Rates of Inflation (Base Year: 2011-12=100) for March, 2025

Note: * = Provisional. Mf/o = Manufacture of

Annex-II

WPI Inflation (Base Year: 2011-12=100) for last 6 months

Note: * = Provisional. Mf/o = Manufacture of

 

Annex-III

Wholesale Price Indices (Base Year: 2011-12=100) for last 6 months

Note: * = Provisional. Mf/o = Manufacture of

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Abhishek Dayal

(Release ID: 2121751) Visitor Counter : 188

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to attend 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers Meeting at Brasilia, Brazil

Shir Chouhan to hold bilateral meetings with Brazil Minister of Agriculture & Livestock Mr Carlos Henrique Baqueta Fávaro, Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Farming Mr Luiz Paulo Teixeira,

Theme of 15th BRICS Agricultural Ministerial Meeting is “Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture through Cooperation, Innovation, and Equitable Trade among BRICS Countries”

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 10:54AM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is leading the Indian delegation to the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), scheduled to be held on 17th April, 2025 in Brasilia, Brazil. The theme of 15^th BRICS AMM is “Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture through Cooperation, Innovation, and Equitable Trade among BRICS Countries”. Agriculture Ministers and senior officials from BRICS member countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran are expected to attend the Meeting.

During the visit, Shri Chouhan will hold bilateral meetings with key Brazilian counterparts, including Mr. Carlos Henrique Baqueta Fávaro, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, and Mr. Luiz Paulo Teixeira, Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Farming (MDA). These meetings will focus on enhancing collaboration between India and Brazil in various areas of agriculture, agri-technology, rural development, and food security.

The Minister will interact with leaders of major Brazilian agribusiness companies and representatives of the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries in São Paulo, exploring avenues for partnership and investment in the agriculture value chain. As part of his visit, the Minister will also participate in a tree plantation drive at the Embassy of India in Brasilia, under the noble initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, aimed at raising environmental consciousness and honouring motherhood. In addition, the Minister will interact with the vibrant Indian diaspora in São Paulo, acknowledging their role as cultural ambassadors and contributors to bilateral ties. This visit reaffirms India’s commitment to deepen cooperation with BRICS nations and to advance South-South cooperation in agricultural innovation, resilience, and sustainability.

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PSF/KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2121725) Visitor Counter : 83

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) today released the Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technical & Application Guideline, covering the scope and limitations of applications, potential risks and governance principles of generative AI technology, including technical risks such as data leakage, model bias and errors that need to be addressed.

The guideline provides practical operational guidance for technology developers, service providers and users in the application of generative AI technology.

The Generative AI Research & Development (R&D) Center was commissioned earlier to study and suggest appropriate codes and guidelines on the accuracy, responsibility and information security in generative AI technologies and practices, based on practical applications and feedback collected from the industry.

The DPO promulgated the guideline, having considered the research findings and recommendations, with the primary objective to balance AI innovation, application and responsibility, thereby constructing a governance framework with local characteristics suitable in the Hong Kong context for all stakeholders in the AI ecosystem.

The DPO will monitor the latest technological and application developments in generative AI, while maintaining close collaboration with the R&D centre, academic institutions and industry groups. The guideline will be updated regularly for reference by all sectors.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

According to the statistics, 473 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with a total amount of US$2,255,756,000 were approved from January to March 2024. This indicates a decrease of 7.44% in the number of cases, but an increase of 100.20% in FDI amount compared to the same period of 2024.

With regard to inward investment from Mainland China, 6 cases were approved with an amount of US$96,469,000 from January to March 2025. This indicates a decrease of 14.29% in the number of cases, but an increase of 818.52% in the FDI amount compared to the same period of 2024. From July 2009 to March 2025, 1,628 cases were approved with a total investment amount added up to US$2,989,637,000.

In terms of Taiwan’s outbound investment (excluding Mainland China), 186 projects were registered from January to March 2025 with a total amount of US$12,232,898,000, indicating an increase of 3.91% in the number of cases, and an increase of 6.88% in the amount, as compared to the same period of 2024.

As for Taiwan’s outward investment to Mainland China, 46 applications have been approved from January to March 2025, indicating a decrease of 40.26% compared to the same period of 2024. The approved investment amount is US$342,548,000, 62.98% less than he same period in 2024.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong’s Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (CDTA) with Armenia signed in June 2024 has come into force, and will be applicable to Hong Kong tax for any year of assessment beginning April 1, 2026.

 

Under the agreement, companies and residents of both places will not have to pay tax twice on a single source of income.

 

The agreement will also allow them to have certainty on tax liabilities and save tax when they engage in cross-border business activities, thereby helping to promote bilateral trade and investment.

 

Hong Kong has signed CDTAs with 51 tax jurisdictions so far.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

In support of the government’s Deep Energy Savings Promotion Plan, Taipower today (March 27) coordinated with its 24 regional offices across Taiwan to hold a major-user symposium. Nearly 2,000 companies from every industry were invited to participate. The event featured case studies in promoting deep energy-saving practices, and Taipower’s energy diagnosis services. A Taipower representative stated that the Company hopes more businesses will join efforts to save energy, reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and take the critical steps toward Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero transition.

On the morning of the 27th, Taipower held the major-user symposium, titled “Taipower Energy Diagnosis Now, Businesses Energy Savings Wow”, in coordination with regional offices all across Taiwan. In particular, the Taipei South Branch, designated as Taipower’s deep energy-saving demonstration site, attracted participation from over 100 companies. Taipower Vice President Chen Ming-Shu also attended the event, joining forces with Taipower’s energy-saving mascot Power Buddy to serve as energy diagnosis ambassadors and promote energy saving among businesses.

Businesses participating in deep energy-saving should begin with energy assessments and diagnosis supported by Taipower. Following this, businesses should collaborate with an Energy/Engineering Service Companies (ESCOs) to implement equipment upgrades, energy management measures, and other improvements that help reduce electricity costs and increase energy efficiency. A Taipower representative noted that, having completed initial diagnosis and then actual improvements, the Ministry of Finance office building now saves 380 MWh annually, the Grand Hotel saves 840 MWh per year, and Far East Century Park Phase I, home to many major tech companies, is saving an impressive 2 GWh per year.
A Taipower representative pointed out that in 2019, the Company established energy diagnosis centers in northern, central, and southern Taiwan. These centers use specialized measuring instruments to provide free energy-saving consultations for major electricity users (those contracted for 100 to 800 kW). In 2024, the centers delivered tailored energy-saving assessments to over 300 companies. If the recommended improvements are fully implemented, Taipower estimates that these businesses could collectively save 37 GWh of electricity, equivalent to the annual electricity usage of more than 9,000 households, while also reducing approximately 18,000 metric tons of carbon emissions.

In addition to offering free energy diagnosis services to major electricity users, Taipower is actively supporting the government’s Deep Energy Savings Promotion Plan. The Plan calls on state-owned enterprises and major medical institutions to lead by example, and Taipower has taken the initiative by implementing energy-saving improvement projects at six demonstration sites. These include the Company’s Headquarters Building; the Taiwan Power Research Institute (TPRI)’s Shulin Campus; the Linkou Training Center; and the Taipei Southern, Hsinchu, and Taichung regional offices. At the Taipei Southern Regional Office, for example, Taipower introduced ESCO services and fully upgraded the central air conditioning system, resulting in an estimated annual electricity savings of nearly 1 GWh.

Spokesperson: Vice President Tsai Chih-Meng
Phone: (02) 2366-6271/0958-749-333
Email: u910707@taipower.com.tw
Contact Person: Department of Business Director Huang Mei-Lien
Phone: (02) 2366-6650/0922-696-383
Email: u030573@taipower.com.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Hsiehho Power Plant Redevelopment Project (“HPPRP”) has passed Environmental Impact Assessment Review Committee (“EIA Review Committee”) review. In response to this, today (February 26), Taipower expressed gratitude for the support and guidance from EIA Review Committee members and all stakeholders. Since its initial proposal, the HPPRP has undergone seven years of EIA review. Through discussion of rationality and specialized analysis under the EIA framework, the HPPRP has been continuously refined to produce an optimal plan that ensures the public’s right to electricity while minimizing environmental impacts. A Taipower representative emphasized that maintaining a stable power supply and meeting the electricity needs of both the public and industries is the Company’s mission. The Company looks forward to working together with all sectors to promote Hsiehho’s redevelopment as soon as possible, in order to provide reliable power to the Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung areas while also satisfying local demand for improved air quality.

A Taipower representative pointed out that all information required by the EIA review has been investigated and truthfully provided, in accordance with the law. Based on the conclusions of today’s meeting, Taipower will also supplement additional materials requested and will faithfully implement the HPPRP in line with its environmental commitments. Regarding the issue of soil contamination within the Hsiehho Power Plant site, Taipower has also pledged to complete remediation of the contaminated land before construction of the new units officially begins, in compliance with the regulations of the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act.

A Taipower representative explained that the EIA process for the HPPRP began at the end of 2017. Over the years, Taipower staff have dedicated significant time and effort, incorporating suggestions from EIA Review Committee members and different sectors of society to continuously optimize the plan. Version 1.0 of the plan included 29.25 hectares of land reclamation, but in order to reduce impacts on Waimushan Fishing Port, Taipower proactively revised the plan and proposed Version 2.0 with a reduced scale. Later, in response to local concerns about coral reefs near the submerged breakwater area, Taipower developed Version 3.0, known as the “Eastward Shift Plan”, which relocated and further reduced the reclamation area to maximize marine ecological protection, applying the ecological conservation strategy of “avoidance, minimization, mitigation, and compensation”. In addition, to address local concerns regarding the impact of the receiving terminal on shipping operations at Keelung Port, Taipower collaborated with experts, scholars, and local stakeholders to conduct thorough research. This ensured that port safety and operations will not be compromised, and that the HPPRP and Keelung Port can coexist and thrive together.

A Taipower representative stated that even as power generation units within the northern and eastern power grids are gradually decommissioned, electricity demand in the Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung areas continues to grow due to ongoing economic development. The HPPRP therefore serves a significant public interest by ensuring a stable power supply and improving air quality. Taipower thanks all sectors for the support, and will continued working hard and communicating more deeply to jointly promote power stability and local development for the Taipei-New Taipei-Keelung region.

Spokesperson: Vice President Tsai Chih-Meng
Phone: (02) 2366-6271/0958-749-333
Email: u910707@taipower.com.tw

Contact Person: Department of Environmental Protection Director Wu Cheng-Hung Wu
Phone: (02) 2366-7200/0927-291-156
Email: u015279@taipower.com.tw