Chief Executive John Lee will lead a delegation to the Middle East on Saturday, with his trip encompassing visits to Qatar and Kuwait.
Executive Council member and Legislative Councillor for the Commercial Functional Constituency Jeffrey Lam, who will be part of Mr Lee’s delegation, explained that the Middle East has seen rapid development in recent years in areas such as finance, infrastructure and tourism. He believes there is significant potential for economic co-operation with Hong Kong, and that the city must accelerate its exploration of emerging overseas markets.
Mr Lam expressed optimism about the potential for such co-operation, noting that – as an international financial centre – Hong Kong is ideally positioned to advance collaborative efforts in various sectors.
“Especially after the import duty trade war started by the US, a lot of people do not want to rest all their investments or businesses in the US. So, they are looking into Hong Kong, the Middle East, Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries, etc.”
Mr Lam added that he hopes the trip can facilitate opportunities for co-operation related to new energy. He highlighted that the Middle East, traditionally reliant on oil, is increasingly interested in diversifying and adopting new technologies.
“Solar energy is another area that we can develop,” he said. “Imagine 6.5 to 8.5 hours of sunlight, how we can save that energy and use that energy. That needs technology to accomplish it.”
Mr Lam also outlined that in addition to helping Hong Kong businesses develop opportunities overseas, the delegation hopes to bring in more capital from the Middle East region. This includes attracting companies to set up regional headquarters in Hong Kong, leveraging the city’s role as a hub connecting the Mainland and the rest of the world.
Through Operation Sindoor, India used its ‘Right to Respond’ to the attack on its soil: Raksha Mantri “Armed Forces scripted history by acting with precision, precaution and compassion to destroy terror camps in Pakistan & PoK”
Shri Rajnath Singh virtually dedicates 50 infrastructure projects of BRO to the nation
The projects in eight border States/UTs, constructed at a total cost of Rs 1,879 crore, to enhance connectivity, strengthen national security & promote economic prosperity
Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 5:50PM by PIB Delhi
“ThroughOperation Sindoor, India has used its ‘Right to Respond’ to the attack on its soil, and the Armed Forces scripted history by acting with precision, precaution & compassion to destroy the camps used to train terrorists in Pakistan and PoK,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing the 66thRaising Day event of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt on May 07, 2025. Raksha Mantri asserted that, as per the plan, the targets were destroyed and no civilian population was harmed. He commended the Armed Forces by giving a befitting reply under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
“The whole world has witnessed what our Armed Forces have done today. The action was carried out very thoughtfully and in a measured manner. It was limited only to the camps and other infrastructure used for training terrorists, with the aim of breaking their morale. I congratulate the Armed Forces on behalf of the whole country. I also congratulate Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for providing complete support to the forces,” added Shri Rajnath Singh.
The event also witnessed the virtual dedication of 50 strategically-significant infrastructure projects of BRO – 30 bridges, 17 roads and three other works – to the nation by Raksha Mantri. These projects, constructed at a total cost of Rs 1,879 crore, are spread across six border States and two Union Territories – Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, West Bengal & Rajasthan – reinforcing India’s security, connectivity and development in remote regions. In the last two years alone, BRO has completed a record 161 infrastructure projects worth Rs 5,600 crore, including 111 projects last year. In the last four years, BRO has completed 456 infrastructure projects with a total expenditure of Rs 13,743 crore.
Shri Rajnath Singh exuded confidence that the projects e-inaugurated today will enhance connectivity, strengthen national security and promote economic prosperity of all these regions. “These projects will enhance defence preparedness and boost transportation, tourism & economic activity in these areas. These are not just infrastructure assets; they are pathways to a brighter future,” he added.
Underlining the strategic importance of BRO’s work, Raksha Mantri stated that modern defence capability depends not just on weaponry but also on the infrastructure that supports it. “You can have the fastest tank or the most advanced aircraft, but if they can’t reach where they are needed on time, they serve no purpose. BRO plays a critical role in making sure our military is always ready and well-positioned,” he said, commending BRO Karmayogis who work behind the scenes and contribute to national security.
Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised on the need to build new generation infrastructure for the Armed Forces in view of the current geopolitical scenario. BRO must ensure that the preparations are at war-level, he said.
Raksha Mantri reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensure border area development, making special mention of Sela Tunnel which has become a symbol of this resolve to enhance connectivity in strategically-important areas. He highlighted the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to revitalise border villages, stating that initiatives like the Vibrant Villages Programme under which the Government is increasing connectivity by building about 35 kilometers of roads every day.
In his address, Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan highlighted the growing national importance of BRO, stating that the organisation has emerged as the agency of choice for key central ministries for executing infrastructure projects in the most challenging terrains. He reaffirmed the BRO’s commitment to the well-being and dignity of its workforce, including GREF personnel and Casual Paid Labourers.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Kiran Rijiju, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, PP/DoPT, Atomic Energy and Space Dr Jitendra Singh, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials of Ministry of Defence were present at the venue.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the Fondation de France Asia second edition of signature’s Night for Philanthropy today (May 7):
Deputy Consul General Hubin (Deputy Consul-General of France, Mr Benjamin Hubin), Mrs Axelle Davezac (Chief Executive Officer of the Fondation de France), Dr Andrew Yuen (Ambassador of the Fondation de France Asia), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. I am most delighted to join you at tonight’s Night for Philanthropy, and my thanks to the Fondation de France Asia (Foundation) for your kind invitation so that I can share the joy and great spirit of this meaningful and exceptional event.
Further to our celebration of the Foundation’s establishment in Hong Kong in July last year, I am sure we are all excited to gather again tonight to rejoice the stronger ties between France and Hong Kong, under the banner of the common good, while enjoying the wonderful arts, culture, food and wine on this beautiful occasion.
Hong Kong itself has a deep tradition of philanthropy. About 10 600 charities in Hong Kong have contributed tremendously towards building and enhancing our social fabric, ranging from our schools, hospitals to elderly homes and welfare facilities. In financial year 2023-2024, approved charitable donations from business donors stood at about HK$4.8 billion; while for individual donors, approved charitable donations amounted to about HK$7.4 billion.
It is our vision to develop Hong Kong into a philanthropic centre for global family offices and philanthropists to deploy charitable capital benefiting Hong Kong, the Mainland and the overseas. This vision is not just aspirational, but is indeed deeply rooted in Hong Kong’s unique strengths: our strategic location and unique proximity to China; robust legal framework and adherence to the rule of law; as well as a vibrant financial ecosystem with a strong banking system, extensive capital markets, and availability of professional services and talents. These altogether help make Hong Kong an ideal platform for philanthropic endeavours. But beyond these tangible assets, I believe Hong Kong’s true potential lies in the people here in the city – your compassion, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to building a better society.
The Foundation, with its dedication to creating tailored projects for donors interested in supporting cross-border philanthropic initiatives, has certainly been a catalyst for positive change in Hong Kong. I am delighted to learn that the Foundation has supported five meaningful projects in the areas of education, heritage and music, four of which will be further explained later this evening. Furthermore, the Foundation has also been a strategic partner in Hong Kong’s philanthropic initiative Impact Link, or iLink in short, which is being championed by the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy.
The iLink is an excellent example of public-private philanthropy partnerships, whereby private foundations as strategic partners are brought together by the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government in pursuit of the common good. It also serves as a platform for nurturing the next generation of philanthropists and fostering meaningful collaborations that drive social change.
With the unfailing support from the Foundation and other strategic partners, capacity-building seminars and workshops under iLink have helped families initiate their first steps towards philanthropy and allowed them to acquire best practices from leading philanthropy organisations. Looking ahead, the iLink’s depository platform will be launched this year, which will provide a dedicated platform for invited family philanthropists to discover scalable initiatives that address critical challenges in Hong Kong and beyond. Strategic partners, family partners and projects nominated, including those nominated by the Foundation, will be displayed on the platform. We would continue to count on the thought leadership of the Foundation in promoting the exceptional qualities of Hong Kong in supporting philanthropic causes.
In closing, may I commend Fondation de France Asia again for your contribution to Hong Kong. I wish the Foundation enormous success in all its endeavours, whether in Hong Kong, Asia or other parts of the world. For everyone here, may I wish you good health and joyful donation. Thank you very much.
In the month of March 2025, 13.54 million subscribers submitted their requests for Mobile Number Portability (MNP). With this, the cumulative MNP requests increased from 1105.39 million at the end of February-25 to 1118.94 million at the end of March-25, since implementation of MNP.
Number of active wireless (Mobile) subscribers (on the date of peak VLR#) in March 2025 was 1074.21 million.
Note:
*Wireless includes 5G FWA subscription also.
@ Based on the projection of population from the ‘Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections for India and States 2011 – 2036’.
# VLR is acronym of Visitor Location Register. The dates of peak VLR for various TSPs are different in different service areas.
The information in this Press Release is based on the data provided by the Service Providers.
Broadband Subscribers
As per the information received from 1206 operators in March 2025, in comparison to 1189 operators in February 2025, the total Broadband Subscribers increased from 944.04 million at the end of February-25 to 944.12 million at the end of March-25 with a monthly growth rate of 0.009%. Segment-wise broadband subscribers and their monthly growth rates are as below: –
Segment–wise Broadband Subscribers and Monthly Growth Rate in the month of March, 2025
Segment
Subscription
Subscribers
(in million)
% Change
Feb-25
Mar-25
Wired subscribers
Fixed (wired) Broadband
(DSL, FTTx, Ethernet/LAN, Cable Modem, ILL)
41.20
41.39
0.44%
Wireless Subscribers
Fixed Wireless Broadband
(FWA-5G, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, Radio, Satellite)
4.89
4.89
0.16%
Mobile Broadband
(Handset/Dongle based)
897.95
897.84
-0.01%
Total Broadband Subscribers
944.04
944.12*
0.009%
* This report is prepared considering the last reported (Nov 2024) internet subscription data submitted by M/s Reliance Jio Infocom Ltd. and M/s Bharti Airtel Ltd., as they did not submit the requisite data in the prescribed format for Dec-2024 and Jan, Feb & Mar-2025.
As on 31st March 2025, top five Broadband
(Wired + Wireless) Service providers
S.N.
Name of the Service Provider
Subscriber base
(In million)
Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd
476.58*
Bharti Airtel Ltd.
289.31*
Vodafone Idea Ltd.
126.41
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.
34.57
Atria Convergence Technologies Limited
2.29
Market Share of Top Five Broadband (Wired+Wireless)
98.41%
*As per reported data of Nov-24
The graphical representation of the service provider-wise market share of broadband services is given below: –
Service Provider-wise Market Share of Broadband
(wired + wireless) Services as on 31st March, 2025
As on 31st March, 2025, Top Five Fixed (Wired) Broadband Service providers
S.N.
Name of the Service Provider
Subscriber base
(In million)
Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd
11.48*
Bharti Airtel Ltd
8.55*
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd
4.34
Atria Convergence Technologies Limited
2.29
Kerala Vision Broadband Ltd
1.31
Market Share of Top Five Fixed (Wired) Broadband Service Providers
67.57%
*As per reported data of Nov-24
As on 31st March, 2025, top five Wireless (Fixed wireless & mobile) Broadband Service providers
S.N.
Name of the Service Provider
Subscriber base
(In million)
Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd
465.10*
Bharti Airtel Ltd
280.76*
Vodafone Idea Ltd
126.40
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd
30.23
IBus Virtual Network Services Private Limited
0.09
Market Share of Top Five Wireless Broadband Service Providers
99.98%
*As per reported data of Nov-24
Wireline Subscribers
Wireline subscribers increased from 36.91 million at the end of February-25 to 37.04 million at the end of March-25. Net increase in the wireline subscriber base was 0.13 million with a monthly rate of growth 0.37%.
The Overall wireline Tele-density in India remained same i.e. 2.62% at the end of March-25 which was at the of February-25. Urban and Rural Wireline Tele-density were 6.62% and 0.39%, respectively, during the same period. The share of urban and rural subscribers in total wireline subscribers were 90.55% and 9.45% respectively at the end of March, 2025.
BSNL, MTNL, and APSFL, the three PSUs access service providers, held 27.87% of the wireline market share as on 31st March 2025. Detailed statistics of the Wireline subscriber base are available at Annexure-I.
Access Service Provider-wise Market Share of wireline Subscribers
as on 31st March, 2025
Access Service Provider-wise Net Addition/Decline in wireline Subscribers during the month of March, 2025
Wireless (Mobile+5G FWA) Subscribers
Total wireless (mobile+5G-FWA) subscribers increased from 1,160.33 million at the end of February-25 to 1,163.76 million at the end of March-25, thereby registering a monthly growth rate of 0.28%. Total Wireless subscription in urban areas decreased from 634 million on February-25 to 632.57 million on March-25 and the subscription in rural areas also increased from 526.33 million to 531.18 million during the same period. The monthly growth rate of urban and rural wireless subscriptions was -0.26% and 0.92%, respectively.
The Wireless Tele-density in India increased from 82.23% at the end of Feb-25 to 82.42% at the end of Mar-25. The Urban Wireless Tele-density decreased from 125.30% at the end of Feb-25 to 124.83% at the end of Mar-25 however, the Rural Tele-density increased from 58.16% to 58.67% during the same period. The share of urban and rural wireless subscribers in the total number of wireless subscribers was 54.36% and 45.64%, respectively, at the end of March-25.
The details of Wireless (mobile) and Wireless (5G FWA) subscribers are detailed below: –
(A) Wireless (Mobile) subscriber
Total wireless (Mobile) subscribers increased from 1,154.05 million at the end of Feb-25 to 1,156.99 million at the end of Mar-25, thereby registering a monthly growth rate of 0.25%. Wireless (Mobile) subscription in urban areas increased from 627.94 million at the end of Feb-25 to 628.31 million at the end of Mar-25 and wireless (Mobile) subscription in rural areas also increased from 526.11 million to 528.68 million during the same period. Monthly growth rate of urban and rural wireless (Mobile) subscription was 0.06% and 0.49% respectively.
The Wireless (Mobile) Tele-density in India increased from 81.79% at the end of Feb-25 to 81.94% at the end of Mar-25. The Urban Wireless Tele-density decreased from 124.10% at the end of Feb-25 to 123.99% at the end of Mar-25 however Rural Tele-density increased from 58.13% to 58.40% during the same period. The share of urban and rural wireless (Mobile) subscribers in total number of wireless (Mobile) subscribers was 54.31% and 45.69% respectively at the end of March 2025. Detailed statistics of wireless (Mobile) subscriber base is available at Annexure-II.
• As on 31st March 2025, the private access service providers held 92.04% market share of the wireless (Mobile) subscribers, whereas BSNL and MTNL, the two PSU access service providers, had a market share of only 7.96%.
The graphical representation of access service provider-wise market share and net additions in wireless (Mobile) subscriber base are given below: –
Access Service Provider-wise Market Shares in term of Wireless (Mobile) Subscribers as on 31st March, 2025
Net Addition/ Decline inWireless (Mobile) Subscribers of Access Service Providers in the month of March, 2025
Growth in Wireless (Mobile) Subscribers
Major Access Service Provider-wise Monthly Growth/ Decline Rate of Wireless Subscribers in the month of March, 2025
Service Area-wiseMonthly Growth/ Decline Rate of Wireless (Mobile) Subscribers in the month of March, 2025
Except Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Kolkata all other service areas have showed growth in their wireless (Mobile) subscribers during the month of March-25.
(B) Wireless (5G FWA) subscribers
Total wireless (5G FWA) subscribers increased from 6.27 million at the end of February-25 to 6.77 million at the end of March-25 with subscriptions in urban and rural areas of 4.26 million and 2.51 million, respectively
The share of urban and rural wireless (5G FWA) subscribers in the total number of wireless (5G FWA) subscribers was 62.97% and 37.03%, respectively at the end of March, 2025. Detailed statistics of the wireless (5G FWA) subscriber base is available at Annexure-V
M2M cellular mobile connections
Number of M2M cellular mobile connections increased from 64.71 million at the end of February-25 to 66.54 million at the end of March-25.
Bharti Airtel Limited has the highest number of M2M cellular mobile connections 34.82 million with a market share of 52.32% followed by Vodafone idea Limited, Reliance Jio Infocom Limited and BSNL with market share of 24.39%, 18.25% and 5.04% respectively.
Total Telephone Subscribers
The number of total telephone subscribers in India increased from 1,197.23 million at the end of Feb-25 to 1,200.80 million at the end of Mar-25, thereby showing a monthly growth rate of 0.28%. Urban telephone subscription decreased from 667.93 million at the end of Feb-25 to 666.11 million at the end of Mar-25 however the rural subscription increased from 529.31 million to 534.69 million during the same period. The monthly growth rates of urban and rural telephone subscription were -0.30% and 1.02% respectively during the month of March, 2025.
The overall Tele-density in India increased from 84.85% at the end of Feb-25 to 85.04% at the end of Mar-25. The Urban Tele-density decreased from 132.01% at the end of Feb-25 to 131.45% at the end of Mar-25 however Rural Tele-density increased from 58.48% to 59.06% during the same period. The share of urban and rural subscribers in total number of telephone subscribers at the end of March-25 were 55.47% and 44.53% respectively.
Overall Tele-density (LSA Wise) – As on 31st March, 2025
As may be seen in the above chart, eight LSA have less tele-density than the all-India average tele-density at the end of March-25. Delhi service area has maximum tele-density of 275.79% and the Bihar service area has minimum tele-density of 57.23% at the end of March-25.
Notes: –
Population data/projections are available state wise only.
Tele-density figures are derived from the telephone subscriber data provided by the access service providers and the projection of population from the “Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections for India and States 2011 – 2036.
Telephone subscriber data for Delhi, includes, apart from the data for the State of Delhi, wireless subscriber data for the areas served by the local exchanges of Ghaziabad & Noida (in Uttar Pradesh) and Gurgaon & Faridabad (in Haryana).
Data/information for West Bengal includes Kolkata, Maharashtra includes Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh includes UPE & UPW service area(s).
Data/information for Andhra Pradesh includes Telengana, Madhya Pradesh includes Chhatishgarh, Bihar includes Jharkhand, Maharashtra includes Goa, Uttar Pradesh includes Uttarakhand, West Bengal includes Sikkim and North-East includes Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland & Tripura States.
Category-wise Growth in subscriber base
Circle Category-wise Net Additions in Telephone Subscribers in the month March, 2025
Circle
Category
Net additions in the month of March, 2025
Telephone Subscriber base as on 31st March, 2025
Wireline segment
Wireless* segment
Wireline segment
Wireless* segment
Circle A
61442
161244
14568246
386538167
Circle B
63707
1110993
10199907
471472982
Circle C
17156
1470149
2946671
192267604
Metro
-7369
469123
9325910
113476417
All India
134936
3211509
37040734
1163755170
*Wireless includes 5G FWA subscription also
Circle Category-wise monthly and yearly Growth Rates in Telephone Subscribers in the month of March, 2025
Circle Category
Monthly growth rate (%)
(February-25 to March-25)
Yearly growth rate (%)
(March-24 to March-25)
Wireline Segment
Wireless* Segment
Wireline Segment
Wireless* Segment
Circle A
0.42%
0.04%
10.69%
-0.48%
Circle B
0.63%
0.24%
13.09%
-0.41%
Circle C
0.59%
0.77%
11.88%
1.74%
Metro
-0.08%
0.42%
3.88%
-1.09%
All India
0.37%
0.28%
9.62%
-0.15%
*Wireless includes 5G FWA subscription also
Note: Circle Category-Metro includes Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Data for Chennai has been included in Circle Category-A, as part of TamilNadu.
As can be seen in the above tables, in the wireless segment, during the month of March 2025, on monthly basis, all circles have registered growth rate in their subscriber base. On a yearly basis, except Circle ‘C’, all other circles have registered a decline in their subscriber base.
In the Wireline segment, during the month of March 2025, on monthly basis, except Circle ‘Metro’, all other circles have registered growth in their subscriber base. On yearly basis, all circles have registered growth in their subscriber.
Active Wireless (Mobile) Subscribers (VLR Data)
Out of the total 1156.99 million wireless subscribers, 1074.21 million wireless subscribers were active on the date of peak VLR in the month of March-25. The proportion of active wireless subscribers was approximately 92.85% of the total wireless subscriber base.
The detailed statistics on proportion of active wireless subscribers (also referred to as VLR subscribers) on the date of peak VLR in the month of March-25 is available at Annexure-III and the methodology used for reporting VLR subscribers is available at Annexure-IV.
Access Service Provider-wise Percentage of VLR Subscribers
in the month of March, 2025
Reliance Communication has the maximum proportion 100% of its active wireless subscribers (VLR) as against its total wireless subscribers (HLR) on the date of peak VLR in the month of March-25 and MTNL has the minimum proportion of VLR 48.07% of its HLR during the same period.
Service Area wise percentage of VLR Subscribers
in the month of March, 2025
Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
Intra-service area Mobile number portability (MNP) was implemented first in Haryana service area w.e.f. 25.11.2010 and in the rest of the country w.e.f. 20.01.2011. Inter-Service Area MNP has been implemented in the country w.e.f. 03.07.2015. Now, the wireless telephone subscribers can retain their mobile numbers when they relocate from one service area to another.
During the month of March-25, a total of 13.54 million requests were received for MNP. Out of total 13.54 million, new requests received from Zone-I & Zone-II were 7.51 million and 6.03 million respectively. The cumulative MNP requests increased from 1105.39 million at the end of February-25 to 1118.94 million at the end of March-25, since the implementation of MNP.
In MNP Zone-I (Northern and Western India), the highest number of requests till date have been received in Uttar Pradesh-East (about 111.89 million) followed by Maharashtra (about 90.87 million) service area.
In MNP Zone-II (Southern and Eastern India), the highest number of requests till date have been received in Madhya Pradesh (about 88.41 million) followed by Karnataka (about 73.53 million).
Note: Peak VLR figures in some circles of some of the service providers are more than their HLR figures due to a large number of inroamers.
Annexure IV
VLR Subscribers in the Wireless Segment
Home Location Register (HLR) is a central database that contains details of each mobile phone subscriber that is authorized to use the GSM core network. The HLRs store details of every SIM card issued by the service provider. Each SIM has a unique identifier called an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), which is the primary key to each HLR record. The HLR data is stored for as long as a subscriber remains with the service provider. HLR also manages the mobility of subscribers by means of updating their position in administrative areas. It sends the subscriber data to a Visitor Location Register (VLR).
Subscriber numbers reported by the service providers is the difference between the numbers of IMSI registered in service provider’s HLR and sum of other figures as given below: –
1
Total IMSI’s in HLR (A)
2
Less: (B = a + b + c + d + e)
a.
Test/Service Cards
b.
Employees
c.
Stock in hand/in Distribution Channels (Active Card)
d.
Subscriber Retention period expired
e.
Service suspended pending disconnection
3
Subscribers Base (A-B)
Visitor Location Register (VLR) is a temporary database of the subscribers who have roamed into the particular area, which it serves. Each base station in the network is served by exactly one VLR; hence a subscriber cannot be present in more than one VLR at a time.
If subscriber is in active stage i.e. he is able to send/receive calls/SMSs he is available both in HLR and VLR. However, it may be possible that the subscriber is registered in HLR but not in VLR due to the reason that he is either switched-off or moved out of coverage area, not reachable etc. In such circumstances he will be available in HLR but not in VLR. This causes difference between subscriber number reported by the service providers based on HLR and numbers available in VLR.
The VLR subscriber data calculated here is based on active subscribers in VLR on the date of Peak subscriber number in VLR of the particular month for which the data is being collected. This data is to be taken from the switches having the purge time of not more than 72 hours.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government welcomes passage of Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 A Government spokesperson said, “Based on property transaction data of 2024-25, we estimate that the measure will benefit approximately 15 per cent of property transactions, with government revenue reduced by about $400 million annually.”
The legislation as passed will be gazetted on May 16. The relevant adjustment, which took effect at 11am on February 26 this year under the Public Revenue Protection (Stamp Duty) Order 2025 gazetted on the same day, applies to instruments executed on or after February 26, 2025. Issued at HKT 19:22
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ2: Development of Northern Metropolis Question:
There are views pointing out that the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (Hetao Zone) are the key engines of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development, and that the Government should expedite the development and promote the stationing of enterprises in the area. In addition, the Government should enhance public participation in its fundraising through bond issuance for promoting the related infrastructure projects, so that the public can share the dividends of development. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether it will consider setting up a “Northern Metropolis Online Office” first to provide consolidated planning and land information as well as the latest progress through an online platform, with a view to inviting enterprises interested in stationing there to register in Hong Kong in advance, and to study the provision of support or policy incentives for the registered enterprises, such as the provision of virtual showrooms, online negotiation and pre-registration services, so that enterprises can make early preparations for seamless integration with the physical facilities upon their completion;
(2) in order to attract enterprises as a priority to establish a presence in the Northern Metropolis and Hetao Zone, whether it will introduce targeted support measures, such as the provision of transitional office space and special recruitment programmes for talents; and
(3) whether it will conduct a study on allowing members of the public to have priority in subscribing to the relevant government bonds for the Northern Metropolis projects with their Mandatory Provident Fund contributions, so that members of the public can share the dividends of the development?
Reply:
President,
The Northern Metropolis (NM) is crucial to the social and economic development of Hong Kong, providing impetus for the growth of innovation and technology as well as other industries, enabling more in-depth participation in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, while creating quality job opportunities and living environment for our people. Since 2019, works related to multiple New Development Areas (NDAs) in the NM have been rolled out progressively and are advancing at full steam. It is anticipated that the NM will produce considerable “spade-ready sites” and floor spaces for various industries in the coming years. Additionally, the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (Hetao Hong Kong Park) is set to commence operation this year.
In consultation with relevant departments, our reply to the question raised by Dr the Hon Starry Lee is as follows:
(1) The NM project is a cross-bureaux undertaking. The Steering Committee on the Northern Metropolis led by the Chief Executive oversees the NM development. The Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office (NMCO) under the Development Bureau (DEVB) has assumed an overall championing and co-ordinating role in the development of the NM, including joining hands with other bureaux, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) in promoting the NM and facilitating the development of various industries therein.
In particular, OASES is tasked with attracting high-potential and representative strategic enterprises from around the globe, and has announced four batches of 84 strategic enterprises that have set up or expanded their businesses in Hong Kong, many of which have also expressed interest in establishing their presence in the NM. InvestHK, on the other hand, is committed to assisting Mainland and overseas enterprises to set up and expand in Hong Kong by providing one-stop support services. Last year, InvestHK assisted over 500 enterprises to set up or expand in Hong Kong, including those which have expressed interest in the land for industries in the NM. The NMCO focuses on presenting the latest progress of various planning and engineering projects in the NM to various sectors home and abroad, and also organises large-scale investment promotion activities to encourage local, Mainland and overseas enterprises to support and participate in the development of the NM. Moreover, the three offices mentioned above, namely OASES, InvestHK and the NMCO, will further collaborate to follow up on the needs of those enterprises interested in setting up businesses in the NM, such as forming a dedicated team consisting of representatives from all three parties.
On information dissemination, OASES and the DEVB have set up online media such as dedicated webpages and social media platforms to introduce the support services of OASES and promote Hong Kong’s advantages, as well as to disseminate the latest information on various development projects in the NM respectively. InvestHK has also promoted the latest developments in the NM and publicised the NM’s investment opportunities through its global network. In addition, the Civil Engineering and Development Department has established Community Liaison Centres in some of the NDAs to introduce the latest information on these areas. The DEVB is also preparing for the launch of a booklet on attracting enterprises and investments in the NM, which will holistically provide information on the overall planning, priority industries, and engineering works/tenders of the NM.
(2) Considering the diverse backgrounds of enterprises interested in coming to Hong Kong, the Government’s efforts on attracting businesses and investment focus on understanding and suitably catering to the different needs of individual enterprises. During the process of assisting Mainland and overseas enterprises to establishing their presence in Hong Kong, OASES and InvestHK will help them identify premises for operation, among which the NM is one of the recommended highlights. They will also help those enterprises, at the initial preparatory stage and in need to establish their presence, to move into other locations in Hong Kong so that fundamental work such as research and development can be commenced to lay the groundwork for their future presence in the NM.
As for the Hetao Hong Kong Park, the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited (HSITPL) is pressing ahead with the work on attracting tenants. The first batch of tenants is expected to move in starting from the second half of this year, and so far the HSITPL has entered into a more intensive phase of negotiations with around 30 enterprises.
(3) All proceeds raised from the Government green bonds and infrastructure bonds are credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund, with a view to supporting various infrastructure works including those in the NM. The Financial Secretary proposed in the Budgets in recent years that the Government planned to earmark a certain proportion of the future issuances of these two bonds for priority investment by Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) funds. To this end, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority have established a mechanism, which was first applied to the institutional green bonds issued under the Government Green Bond Programme in June 2023. A similar mechanism will continue to apply to the institutional bonds issued under the Government Sustainable Bond Programme (formerly known as the Government Green Bond Programme (Note)) and the Infrastructure Bond Programme, aiming to allow MPF scheme members to participate in promoting infrastructure development, including those in the NM, through MPF funds, while obtaining relatively stable investment returns at a low risk and sharing the development outcomes.
Note: The Government Green Bond Programme was renamed the Government Sustainable Bond Programme starting from May 10, 2024. Issued at HKT 19:21
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Maggie Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):
Question:
There are views that, as Hong Kong is the centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region and where the International Organization for Mediation is located, the development of the legal profession is crucial to enhancing Hong Kong’s business environment governed by the rule of law and giving full play to the unique advantages of Hong Kong’s common law. It is learnt that small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers in Hong Kong face many challenges in terms of market competition, resource allocation and professional development. Regarding the support for small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether it has currently formulated specific policies or measures to assist the professional development of small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) whether it has assessed the effectiveness of the policies or measures mentioned in (1); if it has assessed, whether there are statistics or examples showing that such policies or measures have effectively enhanced the quality and competitiveness of the professional legal services provided by small and medium-sized law firms; and the number of small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers that have benefited so far; if it has not assessed, of the reasons for that;
(3) whether it has assessed the response of the legal profession to the policies or measures mentioned in (1); what specific measures will the Government implement in the future to further support the professional development and enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers; and
(4) whether it has formulated key performance indicators for supporting the professional development and enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers; if so, of the specific details (including the indicators set); if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
In response to the enquiry raised by the Hon Maggie Chan, the consolidated reply is as follows:
A self-regulatory regime is applied for Hong Kong’s legal profession. On the premise of fully respecting the self-regulatory regime of the legal profession, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has all along been implementing various initiatives and new policies to foster an environment conducive to the professional development of the legal sector and create opportunities for them. According to statistics from the Law Society of Hong Kong (Law Society), nearly 90 per cent of law firms in Hong Kong are sole proprietorships or consist of no more than five partners. In formulating and introducing policies, the DoJ will take into account the needs of small and medium-sized law firms.
Over the years, the DoJ has devised various policies and/or measures to support the professional development of solicitors from small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers with details set out below:
Understudy Programme (Civil/Prosecution Work)
Launched in mid-2020, the programme aims to provide training opportunities for the less-experienced barristers and solicitors (i.e. with less than five years’ post call/admission experience) to handle civil and prosecution work of the Government in order to broaden their horizon, enrich them with valuable experience and improve their case management skills. The trainings include drafting of legal opinions, conducting legal research, observing lawyers in action in different levels of courts and various hearings, participating in hearing preparation works, acting as junior counsel to senior counsel or counsel or Government Counsel, and assisting in handling more complex cases conducted in the District Court or the Court of First Instance or magistracy cases with lengthy trials. As at March 31, 2025, a total of 297 solicitors and barristers with less than five years’ qualification participated in various civil and criminal works through the programme with satisfactory response. The DoJ has, from time to time, received expressions of interest from solicitors and barristers to participate in the programme, reflecting the continued support and participation from the sector. The DoJ will continue to review and select suitable work to provide more training opportunities to participating solicitors and barristers.
Professional Exchange Programme
The programme aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices between lawyers in the private sector and DoJ. Qualified private sector lawyers can apply through their law firms/chambers for attachment to DoJ; law firms/chambers interested in accepting exchange lawyers from DoJ can also contact DoJ.
The feedback of participants on the programme has been positive. Participants considered that their attachment facilitated cross-fertilisation of knowledge and experience and the exchange of best practices.
The programme was launched in September 2019. As of 2024-25, a total of 19 lawyers (eight lawyers in the private sector and 11 government counsel) have participated in the programme.
The Professional Exchange Programme has been well-received by the legal sector since its launch. We will continue to maintain close communication with law firms/chambers to facilitate the formulation of suitable exchange arrangements; and will continue to review the implementation of the programme and make refinement in a timely manner.
Secondment Programmes to Relevant International Organisations
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has, with the support of the Central Government, made standing secondment arrangements with the Hague Conference on Private International Law and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, which are open to application by all qualified local legal professionals from the public and private sectors (irrespective of the size of the law firms they work in). Since the said secondment arrangements have been put in place, a total of six local barristers and solicitors from the private sector, who have worked in law firms of different sizes, have participated. The DoJ will continue to promote to the legal sector (including young legal professionals) the relevant secondment programmes.
Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy
Capitalising on Hong Kong’s bilingual common law system and the unique strengths and advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy was launched on November 8, 2024. The Academy will make the most of Hong Kong’s bilingual common law system (in English and Chinese), as well as the international status, regularly organise different practical legal courses, seminars and international exchange initiatives, so as to promote talent exchanges in the region and beyond, and provide foreign-related legal talent training for our country, and practical training for the local solicitors and barristers (including young legal professionals) for professional development.
The capacity-building programmes that the Academy will organise include the “Mainland Civil and Commercial Legal Practice Training Course 2025” from June 13 to 14, 2025, which aims to enable the local legal industry to fully understand the latest developments in civil and commercial practice in the Mainland, the procedures and practical arrangements for handling relevant cases by the Mainland courts and arbitration institutions, and to promote cooperation between local and the Mainland legal industries, so as to provide more comprehensive services to clients; and a seminar on criminal prosecution for prosecutors from the country and Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, and local solicitors and barristers in September 2025, etc.
The Academy will design and organise short-term training programmes taking into account the practical needs of small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers. By flexibly arranging the course content and format, the training programmes will address the diverse professional development needs of participants, thereby achieving more focused and effective training outcomes, and fostering the professional growth of small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers.
Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Legal Professional Examination (GBA Examination)
Since 2021, eligible Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners may provide legal services in the nine Mainland municipalities in the GBA on certain civil and commercial matters to which Mainland laws apply (including litigation and non-litigation matters), after passing the GBA Examination and having obtained the Lawyer’s License (GBA). In September 2023, the General Office of the State Council published the revised pilot measures for Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners to obtain Mainland practice qualifications and to practise law in the nine Mainland municipalities in the GBA (the revised pilot measures), which lowered the practice experience threshold for Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners to enroll in the GBA Examination from five years to three years. DoJ has worked closely with the Mainland authorities and continued to keep close contact with the two legal professional bodies as well as encouraging more Hong Kong legal practitioners to enroll in the GBA Examination.
There are now Hong Kong legal practitioners who are GBA lawyers taking up court cases of the nine Mainland municipalities in the GBA and appearing in court as litigation representatives, as well as taking up GBA arbitration cases, with cases being duly completed. With the benefit of the lowered practice experience threshold, from 2024, more Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners, including young Hong Kong barristers and solicitors, would be eligible to enroll in the GBA Examination, thus obtaining dual qualification in the Mainland and Hong Kong, and be able to seize the unlimited opportunities brought by the developments in the GBA.
The GBA Examination has been held four times. As at the end of March 2025, over 550 Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners have obtained the Lawyer’s License (GBA).
Hong Kong legal practitioners have responded enthusiastically towards the GBA Examination. Before September 2023, there were some legal practitioners interested in practising in the nine Mainland municipalities but were unable to enroll in the GBA Examination due to the practice experience threshold. The revised pilot measures lowered the practice experience threshold for Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners to enroll in the GBA Examination, responded to the aspirations of young Hong Kong legal practitioners and encouraged them to participate in the construction of rule of law in the GBA.
GBA Mediator Training Course of Hong Kong
To promote the interface of the non-litigation dispute resolution services in the GBA and to enhance the understanding of Hong Kong mediators regarding the mediation systems in Guangdong and Macao, the DoJ held the GBA Mediator Training Course of Hong Kong on August 16, 2024. Since the number of registered participants far exceeded the maximum capacity of the event venue, the DoJ specially introduced online mode to accommodate more participants. More than 400 participants have attended the Course, including young lawyers from Hong Kong. Mediation experts from Guangdong and Macao were invited to share the respective mediation systems, culture and experience of Guangdong and Macao, as well as to explore the latest developments of cross-boundary disputes mediation in the GBA and the cultural difference and integration in mediation of the three places. The course discussed topics including the means and skills in handling cross-boundary disputes, enhancing Hong Kong lawyers’ understanding of handling cross-boundary disputes in the GBA. The DoJ will consider conducting further relevant courses as necessary in the future.
The Deputy Secretary for Justice led delegations of young lawyers to visit GBA Mainland cities
The Deputy Secretary for Justice led two delegations of young representatives from the legal sector to visit GBA Mainland cities, including Huizhou, Shenzhen and Foshan in September and November 2023. The visits helped young legal professionals and law students deepen their understanding of the legal systems of the GBA Mainland cities and that of the Mainland, further connect their career development with the overall national development and deepen their collaboration with the legal sector of other GBA cities, so as to jointly promote high-quality national development. Number of delegates of the two delegations exceeded 70 people, including young representatives of the Law Society and the Hong Kong Bar Association, young government counsel of the DoJ, and law students from the three law schools.
Updating the Talent List
The Government announced to update the Talent List to include “Legal Knowledge Engineers”. The new arrangement took effect on March 1, 2025 in response to the legal profession’s need for artificial intelligence. The introduction of “Legal Knowledge Engineers” helps improve the efficiency of legal professional services and promote high value-added development of Hong Kong’s economy and society.
By developing artificial intelligence systems, “Legal Knowledge Engineers” act as a bridge between lawyers and other general programmers, developing artificial intelligence systems specifically for law firms. They can help law firms (including small and medium-sized law firms) improve work efficiency, for example, when conducting due diligence, the searching of key terms within huge volumes of documents can produce highly accurate responses within a short period of time.
ROLE Stars Train-the-Leaders Programme (TTL Programme)
Since the launching of the TTL Programme in November 2023, through collaboration with relevant organisations and stakeholders, three phases of courses have been developed. Young lawyers have been invited as speakers and facilitators. The DoJ enhances the law-abiding awareness of young people and the public in a holistic manner, and to increase the understanding of the rule of law principles and the legal system through the TTL Programme. Since its launch, the TTL Programme has attracted over 350 trainees, including 36 young lawyers as facilitators.
DoJ i-Day
The event was led by young in-house lawyers of the DoJ “DoJ Fellows” in August and September 2023, and there are plans to hold a similar open day in June 2025. The event provided young lawyers with an opportunity to meet young people who aspire to join the legal profession, and also allowed those who have not yet joined the legal sector to deepen their understanding of the legal field and the work of the DoJ. The event in 2023 attracted more than 330 trainee solicitors, trainee barristers, legal professionals, law-degree students and students from other degrees and the general public to participate.
Given the nature of the work of the DoJ, the benefits of a measure or policy to society may not be entirely quantifiable, the DoJ does not possess the relevant key performance indicators on the above measures or policies in support of the professional development of solicitors from small and medium-sized law firms and young barristers. The Government will continue to introduce measures or policies at appropriate times and update existing ones from time to time to align them with the latest development of the profession.
During the exposition in Vietnam of the Holy Relics of the Buddha from India to coincide with the United Nations (UN) Day of Vesak 2025, in the presence of the Head of Indian Delegation, Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju an MOU was signed by the Secretary General of International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) Ven. Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden and the President of the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), and Dhamma Council member of IBC, Most Ven. Dr Thich Thien Nhon.
This Memorandum of Understanding was in pursuance to the agreement signed on 29 May 2022 between the two bodies in the spirit of deepening cooperation and advancing the shared ideals of compassion, wisdom, and peace as enshrined in the teachings of the Buddha.
This declaration, the official launch of the Vietnam Chapter of the International Buddhist Confederation was also signed, as a witness by the Vice President of the Sangha, Most Ven. Thich Thien Phap and from India by the Director General of IBC, Mr. Abhijit Halder, in the presence of the Indian Ambassador to Vietnam, Shri Sandeep Arya and Most Ven. Dr Thich Nhat Tu, Standing Vice Chancellor, Vietnam Buddhist University and Vice President of IBC. It was attended by several senior Sangha members from the Vietnamese, including VBS members who have been actively involved in India related activities on the VBS.
This Chapter shall broadly serve as a platform to promote the core values of Buddha Dhamma in Vietnam and beyond, contributing to global peace, harmony, and sustainable development; besides strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Buddhist traditions, schools, and practitioners across nations.
It would also facilitate cultural, educational, and humanitarian exchange programs and support research, publications, and events that enhance understanding and dissemination of Buddhist teachings.
The agreement also enables representation of Vietnam’s Buddhist community in regional and international forums coordinated by the IBC.
The IBC and the VBS have been traditional partners since the inception of IBC. Senior members of the VBS are members in the governing Body of IBC. This agreement will further strengthen bonds between the Buddhist bodies of the two countries.
Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, chairs a security review meeting with the Lieutenant Governors and Chief Ministers of border states adjoining Pakistan and Nepal All Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors present during the meeting congratulates Prime Minister Modi and the three armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor, Bharat’s befitting reply to those who dare to challenge its borders, military, and citizens
Appropriate response has been given to Pahalgam terror attack through Operation Sindoor, sending a strong message to the entire world
Operation Sindoor demonstrates Modi government’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism to the entire world
The unity displayed by the nation at this time has boosted the morale of the countrymen
Ensure smooth operation of essential services such as hospitals, fire services, etc.; ensure uninterrupted supply of essential goods
Home Minister directs states to keep SDRF, Civil Defence, Home Guards, NCC, etc., on alert to handle any situation
Anti-national propaganda by undesirable elements in social and other media platforms should be strictly monitored; prompt action should be taken in coordination with state governments and central agencies
Every possible effort should be made to maintain seamless communication and the security of vulnerable points should also be improved
Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 7:12PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today chaired a security review meeting in New Delhi with the Lieutenant Governors and Chief Ministers of border states adjoining Pakistan and Nepal. The meeting was attended via video conferencing by the Lieutenant Governors of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and West Bengal, and a representative from the Sikkim government. Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), including the Union Home Secretary, Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB), Director General of Border Security Force (BSF), and Director General of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), were also present.
In the meeting, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that after the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had said that the country would give a befitting reply to the perpetrators and supporters of the terror attack. The Home Minister expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s firm resolve and decision regarding Operation Sindoor. He stated that Operation Sindoor is a befitting reply from Bharat to those who dare to challenge India’s borders, military, and citizens. All Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors present in the meeting congratulated Prime Minister Modi and the three armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor.
Union Home Minister said that, without ignoring the Pahalgam terrorist attack, an appropriate response was given through Operation Sindoor, sending a strong message to the world. He said that Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian armed forces against terrorist camps after specific inputs, is a testament to the Modi government’s zero tolerance policy against terrorism to the entire world. Shri Shah said that the unity shown by the country at this time has boosted the morale of the countrymen.
Shri Amit Shah said that in the intervening night of May 6-7, 2025, the Indian armed forces attacked nine specific locations linked to terrorists, destroying their infrastructure. The Home Minister said that in the operation carried out by Indian armed forces, terrorist training camps, weapon bases, and hideouts of organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen, and other terrorist groups were completely destroyed.
Union Home Minister said that all states should make their preparations as per the guidelines issued for the mock drill. He said that arrangements should be made for smooth operation of essential services like hospitals, fire brigade etc. and uninterrupted supply of essential goods should be ensured. The Home Minister asked the states to keep SDRF, Civil Defence, Home Guards, NCC etc. on alert to deal with any situation. He said that efforts should be made to ensure public participation through citizens and non-governmental organisations.
Shri Amit Shah said that strict vigil should be kept on anti-national propaganda by unwanted elements on social and other media platforms and prompt action should be taken in coordination with state governments and central agencies. The Home Minister said that every effort should be made to maintain seamless communication and the security of vulnerable points should also be further strengthened. He asked the states to stop spreading unnecessary fear among the public and take steps to spread awareness among the people against rumours. He said that coordination between the local administration, army and paramilitary forces should be further enhanced.
C-DOT and CSIR-NPL Sign MoU to Advance Collaborative Research in Classical and Quantum Communications The two institutions will work together for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), standardization and characterization of quantum communication systems, single-photon sources and detectors, EIT (Electromagnetically Induced Transparency)-based quantum systems, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)-based control electronics.
Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 6:21PM by PIB Delhi
In a significant step towards advancing indigenous capabilities in classical and quantum communication technologies, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and the CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaborative framework for joint research and innovation. C-DOT, India’s premier telecom R&D institution under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), continues to lead innovation in telecommunications, including switching systems, network protocols, IoT, M2M, wireless and quantum communications. CSIR-NPL, the National Metrology Institute (NMI) of India, is the custodian of national standards and has a rich legacy of conducting cutting-edge research in metrology, materials, and environmental sciences.
The primary objective of the agreement is to establish a long-term collaborative framework to support research, development, standardization, and delivery of next-generation communication technologies. C-DOT brings deep expertise in network protocols, IoT, software applications, and quantum communications, while CSIR-NPL contributes unmatched capabilities in scientific measurement, standardization, and traceability to SI units, creating a powerful synergy.
Collaborative research support is a cornerstone of this partnership, with both organizations agreeing to extend access to their research facilities, technical expertise, and administrative support for the successful execution of joint initiatives. They also intend to pursue additional grant funding and other resources to advance shared goals.
In addition to joint R&D, the MoU promotes academic exchange and knowledge sharing through guest lectures, workshops, seminars, and collaborative teaching initiatives. Faculty, researchers, and students from both organizations will have opportunities to engage in cross-institutional learning and skill development. Furthermore, a strong emphasis is placed on intellectual property and data sharing, with a commitment to develop a joint framework defining ownership, usage rights, and publication guidelines to ensure equitable and transparent management of outcomes arising from the collaboration.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT, highlighted the critical role of quantum communications in securing the nation’s future digital infrastructure. He stated, “Quantum communication represents the next frontier in safeguarding data and ensuring the integrity of critical information infrastructure. This partnership with CSIR-NPL is not just a strategic alignment of capabilities, but a commitment to national priorities of self-reliance and technological sovereignty. Through this collaboration, we aim to harness the complementary strengths of both institutions to accelerate the development of indigenous solutions that are globally competitive and future-ready.”
Prof. Venugopal Achanta, Director, CSIR-NPL, conveyed his appreciation for the collaboration with C-DOT, stating that the partnership holds significant promise in elevating India’s global standing in the field of quantum secure communication technologies. Echoing on the statement of Dr. Upadhyay, he stressed on the need for joint activities to strengthen the quality infrastructure in the country. This will boost the Government’s initiatives like “Make India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
The agreement was signed during a formal ceremony attended by Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT, Ms. Shikha Srivastava, EVP, C-DOT, along with Prof. Venugopal Achanta, Director, Dr. S. R. Dhakate, Chief Scientist, Dr. Poonam Arora, Senior Principal Scientist, and Dr. Paramita Guha, Senior Scientist, from CSIR-NPL and other senior officials from C-DOT.
This partnership stands as a testament to the nation’s growing emphasis on self-reliance in high-tech research and development. By combining C-DOT’s telecom innovation with CSIR-NPL’s foundational scientific leadership, this MoU paves the way for India to become a global leader in secure, scalable, and standardized communication technologies for the future.
Dr. Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT and Prof.Venugopal Achanta from NPL along with other officials from C-DOT & NPL present at the MOU signing ceremony.