Petelo Sao, membre du gouvernement chargé de la construction et de l’innovation technologique, animera mardi 15 avril 2025 à 9 heures au gouvernement (Lys Rouge) une conférence de presse aux côtés de Charles Dubois, directeur technique, stratégie et excellence opérationnelle de la SLN et Yves Véran, responsable du projet de valorisation des scories au sein de la société.
Objet : valorisation de la scorie calédonienne et son agrément au référentiel de la construction en Nouvelle-Calédonie (RCNC).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Opening Ceremony of BIT Week 2025 today (April 13):
(member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference) (Vice Governor of Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government) (Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Peter (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Dr Peter Lam), Margaret (Executive Director of the HKTDC, Ms Margaret Fong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to Hong Kong’s Business of Innovation and Technology (BIT) Week. As Margaret eloquently highlighted, this week features a dynamic series of exhibitions, dialogues, summits and festivals – each designed to spark collaboration, inspire innovation and seek to map the future of the digital economy.
To our international guests: a very warm welcome to Hong Kong, Asia’s World City.
Allow me to take a moment to highlight why Hong Kong is the ideal strategic destination for innovation and technology businesses.
In addition to our world-class infrastructure and business-friendly environment mentioned by Margaret, Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” arrangement has set us apart from any other city in Asia. To name just a few of our unique strengths, we have –
first, convenient access to the vast Chinese Mainland and Asian markets;
second, a trusted common law system and strong intellectual property protection;
third, the convergence of Mainland and international data and capital; and
fourth, a thriving international talent pool that attracts and nurtures the top minds from around the world.
These strengths have made Hong Kong a premier launchpad for companies looking to scale up their business in Asia and beyond.
Today, we are home to over 4 700 startups, and 28 per cent of their founders come from outside the city. For a glimpse of this dynamism, I encourage you to visit InnoEX, which showcase the ingenuity of our startups and talent, with groundbreaking innovations ranging from AI and robotics to green tech, smart mobility, and much more.
Hong Kong’s appeal extends beyond these. We offer a comprehensive funding ecosystem, spanning angel investments, venture capital, private equity to one of the world’s deepest and most liquid stock markets. Besides, together with Greater Bay Area cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou, we offer you a vibrant ecosystem that caters to the needs of innovative companies from different sectors and different stages of development. In fact, we have been ranked the world’s second most innovative cluster for five consecutive years.
Ladies and gentlemen, we gather at a pivotal moment. We are witnessing a shifting global landscape marked by a daunting trade war and technological fragmentation. Trade patterns, industrial chain, supply chain and partnerships are being reshaped. In this “new normal”, many businesses will have to find new collaborators, explore untapped markets and embrace more agile business models.
In these turbulent times, Hong Kong remains open and welcoming to businesses and talent from all over the world. We are eager to establish new connections and forge new partnerships. These are in our DNA. Rest assured that our free port status and free trade policy remain unshaken. We are firm in our commitment to the free flow of capital, goods, talent and information.
Let me conclude by extending my gratitude to my government colleagues, the HKTDC, and all the exhibitors and partners who have brought the BIT Week to life. To our visitors: beyond networking and conducting business, please take some time to explore this vibrant city, not just our scenic hills, stunning coastlines and beautiful outlying islands, but also the 200+ Michelin-recommended restaurants. We impose no duty on wine. Coldplay was performing in our world-class Kai Tak Stadium. The Palace Museum and M+ museum are just across the harbour.
I am sure you will enjoy the city, and wish you all the best of business and health for the time ahead. Thank you very much.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Opening Ceremony of 2nd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum 2025 today (April 13):
First of all, a very warm welcome to our distinguished guests and friends from aboard, including the Nobel Laureates and Academicians, for joining us at today’s event, which is one of the highlights of the BIT Week (Business of Innovation and Technology Week) 2025.
Science is more than just discovery. In particular in a world of uncertainties and rapid technological shifts, the role of scientists and scholars has become even more critical in providing clarity, unravelling mysteries and fostering global collaboration. Hong Kong, as an international hub for highly skilled professionals and higher education, is blessed with five world’s top 100 universities and many renowned scholars and scientists, providing a solid foundation for our outstanding R&D (research and development) achievements and our ambition to be an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre.
I&T talents and enterprises are the core elements for Hong Kong’s I&T development. Hong Kong has spared no effort to promote international I&T exchanges by fully leveraging its two-way platform role as an important bridge connecting the Mainland and the rest of the world. Today’s World Youth Science Congress best demonstrates Hong Kong’s unique advantages in attracting global talents and enterprises. We will continue to support world-class science and technology exchange events in Hong Kong, such as the WIC (World Internet Conference) Asia Pacific Summit, which our Chief Executive mentioned earlier, and the International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of the Boao Forum for Asia 2025 Hong Kong. Thank you again for coming and I wish you all a wonderful experience here in Hong Kong.
On the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, PM to visit Haryana on 14th April PM to flag off commercial flight from Hisar to Ayodhya and lay the foundation stone of new terminal building of Hisar airport
PM to lay the foundation stone of 800 MW modern thermal power unit of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant and a Compressed Biogas Plant at YamunaNagar
PM to inaugurate Rewari Bypass project under the Bharatmala Pariyojana
Posted On: 12 APR 2025 4:48PM by PIB Delhi
On the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Haryana on 14th April. He will travel to Hisar and at around 10:15 AM, he will flag off commercial flight from Hisar to Ayodhya and lay the foundation stone of the new terminal building of Hisar airport. He will also address a public meeting.
Thereafter, at around 12:30 PM, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of development projects in YamunaNagar and address the gathering on the occasion.
In line with his commitment to make air travel safe, affordable, and accessible to all, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the new Terminal Building of the Maharaja Agrasen airport in Hisar worth over Rs 410 crore. It will include a state-of-the-art passenger terminal, a cargo terminal and an ATC building. He will also flag off the first flight from Hisar to Ayodhya. With scheduled flights from Hisar to Ayodhya (twice weekly), three flights in a week to Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Chandigarh, this development will mark a significant leap in Haryana’s aviation connectivity.
Boosting power infrastructure in the region along with the vision of electricity reaching the last mile, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of 800 MW modern thermal power unit of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant at YamunaNagar. This unit, spread across 233 acres, worth around Rs 8,470 crore, will significantly boost Haryana’s energy self-sufficiency and provide uninterrupted power supply across the state.
Taking forward the vision of GOBARDhan, i.e. Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of a Compressed Biogas Plant in Mukarabpur, in YamunaNagar. The plant will have an annual production capacity of 2,600 metric tonnes and will help in effective organic waste management, while contributing to clean energy production and environmental conservation.
Prime Minister will also inaugurate the 14.4 km Rewari Bypass project, worth around Rs 1,070 crore under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. It will decongest Rewari city, reduce Delhi–Narnaul travel time by around one hour, and boost economic and social activity in the region.
Top 10 Finalists announced for ‘Resonate: The EDM Challenge’ under WAVES ‘Create in India’ Challenge The selected ten electronic dance music enthusisasts will perform live at WAVE Summit
Posted On: 12 APR 2025 4:07PM by PIB Mumbai
: Mumbai, April 12, 2025
‘Resonate: The EDM Challenge’, a marquee competition under the ‘Create in India’ Challenge in run up to the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, brought together global talent in Electronic Dance Music (EDM) to celebrate innovation, creativity, and collaboration in music production and live performance.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) in collaboration with the Indian Music Industry (IMI) today announced the names of the top 10 shortlisted participants for ‘Resonate: The EDM Challenge’.
After a rigorous selection process and hundreds of impressive entries, the following ten artists have been shortlisted to perform live at the grand finale on the global stage of WAVES that will be held in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025:
Srikanth Vemula, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mayank Harish Vidhani, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Kshitij Nagesh Khodwe, Pune, Maharashtra
Aaditya Dilbaghi, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Aditya Upadhyaya, Kumarikata, Assam.
Devansh Rastogi, New Delhi
Sumit Biltu Chakraborty, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mark Ryan Syiemlieh, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Dibyajit Ray, Bongaigaon, Assam.
Nobajyoty Boruah, Mumbai, Maharashtra
These top 10 artists represent a vibrant cross-section of India’s electronic music community, with unique sounds ranging from ambient to high-energy dance music. The challenge aimed to unearth and elevate Indian as well as global emerging talent in electronic music production and DJing. The success of this Challenge also strengthens India’s positions as a global centre for music fusion, electronic music, and DJing artistry. These shortlisted finalists are now going to prepare for their grand finale performance, where they will present their talent on the WAVES global stage.
Jury Panel for Preliminary Round:
The preliminary round was adjudicated by music professionals from knowledge partner Lost Stories Academy, India’s premier music production and DJ training institute. The jury included Amey Jichkar and Anshuman Prajapati. Amey has experience of over a decade in recording and mixing and is a seasoned audio engineer and music producer. He has worked extensively in Bollywood, advertising jingles, and major brand campaigns. His notable projects include Veere Di Wedding, Laila Majnu, October, and commercial work for CRED, Flipkart, and Upstox. Anshuman has over 10 years of experience in beatboxing and has spent the last three years as a music producer. Anshuman specializes in Lofi and Hip-Hop music and is known for his experimental sounds and self-proclaimed A&R instincts.
The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.
Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator,the Summitoffers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.
WAVES is set tomagnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Soundand Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI,AugmentedReality (AR),VirtualReality (VR), andExtendedReality (XR).
The inaugural edition of the large-scale multilateral exerciseAfrica India Key Maritime Engagement, AIKEYME, which means ‘Unity’ in Sanskrit, is planned for six days from 13 to 18 Apr 25 and will include participation from Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa, alongside the co-hosts India and Tanzania.
This initiative aligns with the vision of the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, promoting Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR).
The Indian Naval Ships INS Chennai (destroyer) and INS Kesari [Landing Ship Tank (Large)] arrived in Dar-es-Salaam on 10th and 11th Apr 25 respectively, and the inauguration ceremony of AIKEYME will be co-hosted onboard, along with the Tanzanian Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF). The ships were welcomed by DA Tanzania and Liaison team. A Ceremonial Guard was also paraded onboard INS Chennai with TPDF and Indian Navy band playing in unison the National Anthems of respective countries.
The harbour phase for AIKEYME 25 will include an inauguration ceremony and a deck reception with the Honorable Minister of State for Defence, Shri Sanjay Seth and Defence Minister, Tanzania as Chief Guests
Planned activities during this phase include Table Top and Command Post Exercises focused on anti-piracy ops and information sharing, alongside joint training in seamanship and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises in collaboration with the TPDF. To promote camaraderie, activities such as sports fixtures and yoga sessions will also take place. Additionally, the Indian Naval ships will be open to visitors during the harbour phase to engage with the local population.
The sea phase, scheduled from 16 to 18 Apr 25, will focus on strengthening maritime security cooperation among the participating maritime nations.
AIKEYME aims to develop collaborative solutions to common regional maritime challenges. This maiden initiative by the Indian Navy seeks to enhance interoperability and synergise combined operations among the maritime forces of partner nations. It also highlights the strong and friendly relations between India and the African nations.
INS Sunayna which sailed out from Karwar on 05 Apr 25, as Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR, will also be participating in AIKEYME.
The fourth edition of bilateral tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) amphibious Exercise Tiger Triumph 2025 between India and the United States culminated with a Distinguished Visitors’ (DV) Day at Kakinada, on 11 Apr 25. The DV Day was attended by the Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area (FOTNA), US Consul General, Commander US Navy Strike Group Five and Deputy General Officer Commanding 54 Infantry Division, along with other senior dignitaries.
The DV Day witnessed seamless execution of complex operations at and off the coast of Kakinada including Standoff and Hard Beaching, Slithering Operations by Special Operations Forces from SC and Mi-17 V5 helicopters, participation of C-130 aircraft and integrated air operations by the Indian Navy, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, US Navy, US Army, and US Marine Corps.
The operations reflected the enhanced degree of combined combat drills, jointmanship and interoperability achieved between the Armed Forces of India and United States of America.
Conducted from 01 to 11 Apr 25, the exercise provided invaluable training in HADR operations and familiarised participants with each other’s capabilities, techniques, and procedures. Notably, Ex Tiger Triumph was first held in 2019, with the primary aim of strengthening operational synergies, facilitated by logistics exchange under the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and towards integrating emerging technologies between the two militaries.
The harbour phase of the exercise was conducted from 01 to 07 Apr 25 at Visakhapatnam. The phase commenced with an opening ceremony attended by Mr. Jorgan K. Andrews, Chargé d’Affaires, US Embassy, and Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Naval Command. Activities during this phase included Pre-Sail Conferences, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) on key technologies including medical, drone, and space. The harbour phase also included cross-deck visits, ship boarding drills and friendly sports fixtures.
Industry Stakeholders Should Embrace Sustainability and Set Global Benchmarks:Shri Goyal Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri PiyushGoyal addresses CAPEXIL’s Vibrant Buildcon 2025
Posted On: 13 APR 2025 12:21PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri PiyushGoyal addressed the CAPEXIL’s Vibrant Buildcon 2025 here today. He asked industry stakeholders to adopt best practices in sustainability, reduce import dependency, focus on clean and green construction, and work towards earthquake-resistant and modular infrastructure.
Shri Goyal highlighted India’s growing strength in the construction ecosystem—from Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to domestic manufacturing under Make in India. He underlined the importance of key sectors such as housing, infrastructure, commercial real estate, railways, airports, highways, and energy. “Every element, from cement and electricals to security systems and automation, plays a part in this ecosystem,” he said.
Shri Goyal said the rapid infrastructure development has happened under the leadership of the Prime Minister. “PM Modi conceptualised world-class convention centres like Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi, both of which were built during the pandemic. These state-of-the-art venues have hosted global events such as the G20 Summit, BharatTex, Bharat Mobility and Startup Mahakumbh,” he pointed out.
The Minister listed several major government initiatives, including 20 new smart industrial cities, improved tourism infrastructure across 50 destinations, and 100 new industrial plug-and-play hubs. “If we are to move from a $4 trillion economy today to a $30-35 trillion economy by 2047, every citizen must contribute to Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said.
Commerce and Industry Minister noted that today India is breaking silos, fostering collaboration, and reimagining the future with a convergence of minds. “Vibrant Buildcon is only the beginning of the transformation of our construction ecosystem under one umbrella,” Shri Goyal said.
Greeting the gathering on the occasion of Baisakhi, the Union Minister talked about the role of farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that despite global disruptions, India ensured uninterrupted food distribution, month after month, under the leadership ofPrime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. “Even during the peak of the pandemic, India continued its mission of feeding the poor and bringing millions out of deprivation,” he noted.
Drawing a connection between India’s food security and infrastructure growth, Shri Goyal said that Vibrant Buildcon exemplifies the country’s ability to support rapid urbanisation, housing for all, and logistics transformation. “This platform showcases our manufacturing and infrastructure strength, which is crucial to attract global investments and reduce logistics cost,” he added.
In conclusion, Shri Goyalemphasised India’s potential to emerge as a global superpower. “We must aim for audacious goals, ensure our labour force receives fair wages, and innovate continuously. Let there be no doubt—India will lead the world in growth, innovation, and inclusive development,” he said.
The celebrations of the 135th Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti will be organized on April 14, 2025, at the Prerna Sthal, Parliament House Lawns, New Delhi. The event to commemorate the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the father of the Indian Constitution, will be organized by Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF), on behalf of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The celebrations will begin with a floral tribute ceremony to Babasaheb Ambedkar by esteemed dignitaries including President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, other Ministers, Parliamentarians and other invited guests including scholars, students, and members of the public in the morning.
After that, the event will be open to public up to 12:00 Noon. For the open event, the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) will facilitate those who will be paying there respects to Babasaheb Ambedkar. Special bus services have been arranged by the DAF for the public to visit to Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (DANM) to pay their respect to the great leader. Mahaparinirvan Bhoomi, the Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (DANM), is located at 26, Alipur Road, New Delhi.
Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF)
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation was constituted to disseminate the message and ideologies of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. In 1991, a Centenary Celebration Committee of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was constituted and was headed by the then Prime Minister of India. This committee decided to set up Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF). On March 24, 1992, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF), an autonomous body was established under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, to disperse programmes and activities for furthering the visions and thoughts of Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar on a pan-Indian scale.
Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (DANM)
The Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (DANM) is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the life, work, and contributions of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who was a renowned social reformer, orator, prolific writer, historian, jurist, anthropologist, and politician.The DANM museum houses a collection of personal belongings, photographs, letters, and documents related to Dr. Ambedkar’s life, including his education, social reform movements, and political career. There are also audio-visual exhibits to showcase his speeches and interviews.
India and Nepalhold21st Director-General level talkson Customs cooperation in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 10th-11th April, 2025 Both sides emphasised on collaborating in areas to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of trade and Customs operations across the border to deliver significant economic benefits to both countries
Posted On: 13 APR 2025 11:28AM by PIB Delhi
The 21st Director-General Level Talks on Customs Cooperation was held between India and Nepal in Kathmandu, Nepal on 10th-11th April, 2025. Both the sides discussed a host of bilateral issues for enhancing Customs Cooperation between the two countries. The Indian delegation was led byMr.Abhai Kumar Srivastav, Director-General, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India and Nepali delegation was led byMr.Mahesh Bhattarai, Director-General, Department of Customs, Ministry of Finance, Government of Nepal.
The agenda items of the meeting covered:
Measures to check smuggling
Review progress on MoU on Pre-arrival Exchange of Customs Data and Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES)
Finalisation of Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA)
Facilitation of movement of transit cargo under Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS)
Automation and digitisation of transit processes
Upgradation of border infrastructure
Knowledge sharing program and support for capacity development, among others
Issues related to trans-border criminal activities andsmuggling ofgold; narcotics; Fake Currency Notes (FCN), prohibited/restricted category of goods, such ase-Cigarettes, e-lighters, certain varieties of garlic and other cases of commercial frauds, including sensitive goods were also deliberated.
It was acknowledged that smuggling of goods has been a common challenge and bothsideslooked forward towards cooperation in preventing smuggling across the borders with active engagementand exchange of intelligence. Both the nations agreed to take necessary measures to control the unauthorised trade and work in tandem.
Nepal is a priority partner of India under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy. India accounts for two-thirds of Nepal’s exports and is the largest trade partner of Nepal.The bilateral talks on Customs cooperation are an important mechanism to facilitate genuine tradeas well astopreventillicittrade along the border in aninterconnected world.
The meeting concluded on an optimistic note. The Nepali side expressed their gratitude to the Government of India, particularly the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for knowledge sharing and capacity enhancement programmes for Nepal Customs officials at different levels.
Both sides emphasised on collaborating in areas that can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of trade and Customs operations across the border that deliver significant economic benefits to both the countries. It was mutually agreed to consider new technologies for facilitating trade and preventing smuggling of goods.