Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
AFCD staff patrol animal release hotspots
A spokesman for the AFCD said, “If members of the public release animals in an improper manner, such as releasing them into unsuitable habitats, it may adversely affect their survival.”
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), it is an offence to causes unnecessary suffering to animals by releasing them not in a proper manner. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.
The AFCD will continue to conduct inspections at locations where animal releasing activities are likely to take place, take enforcement action when necessary, and carry out publicity and education work.
In addition, the AFCD will launch a fish-restocking exercise on National Fish Releasing Day on June 6 to release fish fingerlings in the waters around Tung Ping Chau Marine Park to enhance local marine resources and ecology. The department will promote to the public the benefits of fish restocking to the environment, with a view to engaging them in supporting and participating in these science-based restocking exercises in lieu of animal releases not properly conducted. The public may also consider other charitable activities, such as planting trees or participating in volunteer services with animal welfare groups and environmental organisations.
Issued at HKT 17:20
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FS attends ADB meeting in Milan
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Financial Secretary Paul Chan attended the Constituency Meeting at the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Milan, Italy yesterday.
Discussions in the Constituency Meeting focused on co-operation between member countries, ways to navigate current economic risks and uncertainties in the region, optimal use of resources to better assist low- and middle-income countries, and provision of technical assistance and support for capacity building in such countries.
Mr Chan stated that the Hong Kong Administrative Region Government welcomes the ADB’s strengthening of support for developing countries in areas such as addressing climate change, boosting the private sector, promoting regional co-operation, and facilitating digital transformation. In addition, he said it supports enhancing technical assistance to improve the effectiveness of development projects.
The finance chief stressed that, as an international financial centre, Hong Kong will continue to share its expertise with other members in areas such as establishing capital markets, promoting green transitions and the development of green finance, and infrastructure financing.
Mr Chan also met Rachel Thompson, the Director representing the Hong Kong, China constituency on the ADB Board of Directors, to discuss how Hong Kong can better assist the ADB in the issuance of insurance-linked securities, including catastrophe bonds.
In the evening, Mr Chan attended a reception organised by the meeting’s host country, Italy.
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Attends the 2025 Buddha’s Birthday Multicultural Festival
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu was honored to take part in the 2025 Buddha’s Birthday Multicultural Festival, hosted by the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Sydney Branch. At the opening ceremony, Venerable Abbess Manko, Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temples in Australia and New Zealand, joined leaders from NSW’s religious communities to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday, praying for all living beings and spreading kindness and Great Love.
Distinguished guests included NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Stephen Kamper, Mayor of Willoughby Tanya Taylor, Councillor Robert Kok representing the Lord Mayor of Sydney, and Professor Denise Kirkpatrick, President of Nan Tien Institute. They praised Nan Tien Temple and BLIA for their outstanding contributions to multiculturalism in Australia, calling them a leading example of Coexistence & Co-prosperity. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Nan Tien Temple to spread positive energy and promote the force for good across Australian society.
Appeal for information on missing woman in Western District (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Police today (May 4) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Western District.
Li Tsoi-kam, aged 74, went missing after she left her residence on Ko Shing Street yesterday (May 3) afternoon. Her family made a report to Police on the same day.
She is about 1.65 metres tall, 60 kilograms in weight and of medium build. She has a round face with yellow complexion and short black hair. She was last seen wearing a jacket with floral pattern, black pants, black shoes and carrying a recycle bag in red colour.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Hong Kong Island on 2860 1040 or 9886 0034 or email to rmpu-hki@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to attend ADB’s Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy, from 4th to 7th May 2025
Source: Government of India
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to attend ADB’s Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy, from 4th to 7th May 2025
The Union Finance Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with Finance Ministers of Italy, Japan, and Bhutan as well as heads of other international organisations, besides meeting global think-tanks, business leaders and CEOs in Milan
Smt. Sitharaman will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Milan and also address a plenary session in at the Bocconi University on “Balancing Economic and Climate Resilience”
Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 4:04PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will lead the Indian delegation of officials from the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, to attend the 58th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Development Bank (ADB), scheduled to take place in Milan, Italy, from May 4 to 7, 2025.
The meetings will be attended by official delegations of Board of Governors of ADB, official delegations of ADB members and international financial institutions. The Union Finance Minister will participate in the Annual Meeting’s focal events like the Governors’ Business session, Governor’s Plenary Session and as a panelist in the ADB Governors’ Seminar on “Cross-Border Collaboration for Future Resilience”.
On the sidelines of the ADB’s 58th Annual Meeting, Smt. Sitharaman will also hold bilateral meetings with Finance Ministers of Italy, Japan, and Bhutan, in addition to meetings with President of ADB, the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
The Union Finance Minister will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Milan, besides meeting global think-tanks, business leaders and CEOs, and participating in a Plenary Session of the NEXT Milan Forum at the Bocconi University on “Balancing Economic and Climate Resilience”.
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NB/KMN
(Release ID: 2126754) Visitor Counter : 122
Construction Industry Safety Award Scheme enhances awareness of occupational safety and health (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Construction Industry Safety Award Scheme enhances awareness of occupational safety and health
This year’s award scheme received an overwhelming response and achieved several breakthroughs. These included surpassing recent enrolment figures with participation from 259 construction sites. Among them, 101 sub-contractors and 172 safety teams competed for awards in two categories, namely “Construction Sites” and “Safety Teams”. Secondly, a new award, Lifting Operation Safety Innovation Award, was introduced in four sub-categories under the “Construction Sites” category, and additional marks were given to construction sites under the sub-category of “Building Sites (Private Sector)” who had joined the Smart Site Safety System Labelling Scheme, encouraging the construction industry to actively apply innovative technologies in OSH. Apart from the award presentation, a fun day was also held today, and a Parent-Child Safety Experience Zone was introduced for the first time, allowing children to operate child-friendly electric construction machinery in a small playground, planting the seeds of OSH in their minds and nurturing future guardians of workplace safety.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Acting Commissioner for Labour, Mr Vincent Fung, said that there was another breakthrough in promoting safety within the scaffolding industry in addition to the aforementioned breakthroughs. After more than a year of efforts, the LD successfully facilitated cross-sectoral collaboration among the scaffolding industry, the insurance industry, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC). This collaboration led to the inclusion of the Truss-out Scaffolding trade as the 21st designated trade under the Registered Specialist Trade Contractors Scheme. Coupled with the support of the OSH Star Enterprise Scheme by the OSHC, scaffolding contractors can now obtain accreditations in their safety levels further, thereby reducing insurance premiums for scaffolding work. This accreditation will encourage property owners to select scaffolding contractors with recognised OSH standards and motivate scaffolding contractors to proactively enhance their safety standards.
In recent years, the construction industry has made significant strides in the application of innovative technologies in OSH. The LD has also been promoting the use of these innovative technologies. The revised and now-effective Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces requires proprietors or contractors to adopt technology to record videos at the entrance and exit of confined spaces throughout the entire work period to monitor and ensure the implementation of safety control measures to prevent accidents.
The LD will also put the use of small unmanned aircraft (SUA) on trial this year, serving as “sky eyes” to safeguard occupational safety. These SUAs will provide comprehensive assistance in OSH inspection, accident investigation and evidence collection, ensuring that non-compliant operations are exposed. In future, the LD will also collaborate with the OSHC to organise the second OSH Innovation and Technology Expo, aiming to help the industry access the latest advancements in innovation technologies for OSH.
Inaugurated in 1999, the Construction Industry Safety Award Scheme is co-organised by the LD with 16 organisations, namely the OSHC, the Development Bureau, the Hong Kong Housing Authority, the Occupational Deafness Compensation Board, the CIC, the Pneumoconiosis Compensation Fund Board, the Hong Kong Housing Society, the Property Management Services Authority, the Hong Kong Construction Association, the Hong Kong General Building Contractors Association, the Hong Kong Construction Sub-Contractors Association, the Hong Kong Federation of Electrical and Mechanical Contractors Limited, the Minor Works Contractor Association, the Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies, the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union, and the Federation of Hong Kong Electrical and Mechanical Industries Trade Unions. The results of the award scheme will be uploaded to the LD homepage later.
Issued at HKT 18:15
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Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Leads 750 Participants in Special Event with Teachers at Fit India Sundays on Cycle in Delhi
Source: Government of India
Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Leads 750 Participants in Special Event with Teachers at Fit India Sundays on Cycle in Delhi
Olympian Wrestlers Ravi Dahiya and Deepak Punia Join Alongside Teachers of Various Institutions in the National Capital
Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 3:05PM by PIB Delhi
The Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here turned into a celebration of fitness and inspiration this Sunday morning as the latest edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle witnessed enthusiastic participation from 750 participants, including teachers, athletes, Fit India influencers and fitness lovers.
Leading the charge was Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, who cycled alongside Union Sports Secretary, Sh. Hari Ranjan Rao along with a powerful line-up of national icons, including Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Ravi Dahiya, Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Deepak Punia, Guinness World Record holder Rohtash Chaudhary (Push-up Man of India), and renowned mountaineer Narender Kumar, who recently conquered Mount Annapurna, the 10th highest mountain in the world at 8091 meters, in a record time of 12 days.
With this week’s theme being ‘Cycling with Teachers’, the event witnessed educators, mentors, and academic coaches from various educational institutions across the city, including schools, universities and private institutes.
“Teachers are the heroes for our students and now, you have to become heroes for Viksit Bharat. You all can make cycling a fashion and I urge all teachers to restart using cycles themselves and ask students to emulate the same. We are into the digital age but we need to also improve our physical fitness. So, we have to transition from digital activity to physical activity. This will ensure the mission of ‘Fight Against Obesity’ and the vision of Fit India and Viksit Bharat, which our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has laid down, takes shape,” Dr. Mandaviya said while addressing the participants.
This Sunday’s event was conducted with the teachers in collaboration with our esteemed partners – the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), MY Bharat and the State Governments. The special partners included Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI), Delhi University, CBSE and CISCE boards, Kendriya Vidyalaya, National Progressive School Conference, National Forensic Sciences University, Yogasana India, Indian Rope Skipping Foundation, and more.
Wrestling stars Ravi Dahiya and Deepak Punia shared words of encouragement with the crowd, urging youth and educators alike to incorporate physical fitness into their daily lives. “This is a very important movement started by our government to ensure physical fitness is given thorough attention. ‘Sharir is shaktimaan’ (your body is the mightiest thing) and keeping this mantra in mind, everyone should cycle at least 1-2 hours a day,” remarked Ravi Dahiya, silver medalist, Tokyo Olympics.
“I truly appreciate this movement as a commendable initiative, and I believe everyone should take up cycling as it promotes fitness and contributes to a pollution-free India,” added Deepak Punia, who narrowly missed out on a medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
Also present was Narender Kumar, fresh from his Mount Annapurna expedition. “I believe, cycling is a great start to better health. Sundays on Cycle seems like a perfect way to promote that. For me, climbing the Annapurna was undoubtedly difficult, but what made it possible was consistent efforts towards fitness. This movement also gives out that message,” he said.
The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative has touched 2.5 lakh participation from over 5000 locations, since its launch in December 2024. The wide expanse of the cycling drive has seen the event reach places like Andaman and Nicobar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh as well as Lakshwadeep Islands. Events are simultaneously held nationwide with massive participation from SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training centres, SAI Extension centres, the Khelo India centres (KICs) and Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), among others.
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Manish Gautam/Divyanshu Kumar
(Release ID: 2126743) Visitor Counter : 63
“Rise of India’s Indigenous Sports to the Global Stage” — A Call to Celebrate and Globalize India’s Sporting Heritage, at WAVES 2025
Source: Government of India
“Rise of India’s Indigenous Sports to the Global Stage” — A Call to Celebrate and Globalize India’s Sporting Heritage, at WAVES 2025
Indigenous games are not just physical contests, but an integral part of our communities, traditions and identity: Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi
Khelo India initiative is a transformative force in nurturing grassroots talent and shaping the future of Indian sports: Raksha Nikhil Khadse
Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 2:50PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai | 4 May 2025
In a spirited and insightful panel discussion held yesterday at WAVES, Mumbai, the spotlight was turned on the rich heritage of Indigenous Sports and their growing journey from Indian heartlands to global arenas. The session, titled “Indigenous Sports: From India to the Global Stage”, witnessed the convergence of influential policymakers, celebrated athletes, sports entrepreneurs, and thought leaders united in a shared vision: to catapult India’s native games to international recognition and success.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, passionately highlighted the deep cultural roots of indigenous sports in India. “These games are not just physical contests; they are an integral part of our communities, our traditions, and our identity,” he said, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership towards making India a global sports powerhouse. Shri Majhi further highlighted that Odisha, home to vibrant tribal communities has preserved these ancient games and is emerging as a sports hub. “We are committed to nurturing rural talents and ensuring every gifted athlete finds a platform to shine”, he stated.
Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the WAVES platform for fostering a meaningful dialogue around this significant movement. “India has already emerged as a global ambassador of Yoga. Now, we are proudly showcasing our traditional games like Kho-Kho and Kabaddi on the international stage. The Khelo India initiative is proving to be a transformative force in nurturing grassroots talent and shaping the future of Indian sports,” she remarked. She further emphasized that sports not only promote physical well-being but also strengthen relationships and foster unity—reflecting the very essence of India’s rich cultural heritage.
Anupam Goswami, League Commissioner, Pro Kabaddi League, emphasized India’s vast potential as a sports market. “We must harness this opportunity by promoting indigenous sports, which hold immense emotional and cultural value”, he added.
Fazel Atrachali, iconic PKL athlete from Iran, shared how Kabaddi has transformed lives. “Thanks to PKL, Kabaddi has become a professional sport, giving players fame and financial security”, flagged an elated Fazel.
Nic Coward, Regulatory Chairperson, English Cricket Board, stressed the importance of globalization and modern distribution channels. “To popularize traditional sports worldwide, we must embrace digital platforms, including e-sports”, he flagged.
Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho-Kho Federation, revealed that Kho-Kho is now played in 55 countries, with a target to reach over 90 nations by year’s end. “Our indigenous games are unique—requiring more strategy, stamina, and spirit. They hold immense global appeal. But they need government backing, branding, and diplomatic support”, he asserted.
Yannick Colaco, Founder of Fancode, pointed to technology as a game-changer. “Access and engagement are key. With the right tech, we can create deeper fan connections and take Indian sports global”, he added.
The session was moderated by Mantra Mugdh, who masterfully navigated the discussion, weaving together diverse insights and forward-looking strategies.
PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith | Lekshmipriya | Swadhin | CShekhar |175
(Release ID: 2126741) Visitor Counter : 60
WAVEX 2025 Highlights Investment Potential of M&E Startups; working on dedicated angel network for M&E
Source: Government of India
WAVEX 2025 Highlights Investment Potential of M&E Startups; working on dedicated angel network for M&E
30 startups were given one-on-one pitching opportunities at WAVES
Posted On: 04 MAY 2025 2:15PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 4 May 2025
WAVEX 2025, the flagship startup initiative under the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) being held in Mumbai is a promising intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment.
Shri Ashutosh Mohle, Joint Director at the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), set the tone with a succinct overview of WAVEX, underscoring its vision of nurturing startups in the M&E space and providing a national platform to scale up their ideas.
Sandeep Jhingran, Chief Growth Officer, Internet and Mobile Association of India (IMAI), expressed satisfaction with the promising response to the initiative. “We received over a thousand applications. Thirty of them pitched directly to investors and over half of them are already in active conversations,” he revealed, emphasizing that such efforts are essential to give focused attention to M&E startups.
Investor voices added further perspective to the transformative potential of the initiative. Shri Rajesh Joshi, Venue Partner from Warmup Ventures, reflected on his personal journey from being a startup founder to becoming an investor. “Life has come a full circle…We’re now speaking with 11 startups,” he added.
Shri Mustafa Harnesswala, Founder of CABIL, highlighted the traditional reluctance in funding this space. “Many shy away from investing in media and entertainment. WAVES is shifting that mindset. We’re now working on creating a dedicated angel network for M&E, and even exploring global linkages through collaborations with international governments.”
The panel also fielded questions from the media, offering insight into the evolving startup landscape. When asked how investors differentiate meaningful content, Rajesh cited the example of “Giggle,” a startup app that is creating a platform that helps avoid cyberbullying and sexual content, calling it a benchmark for responsible innovation.
On gender representation, Sandeep acknowledged the limited participation of women entrepreneurs. “We’re committed to doing better. In the future editions we hope to see more women entrepreneurs coming in,” he added.
Expanding on the event’s format, Sandeep Jhingran shared that 30 startups were given one-on-one pitching opportunities in 2 days; Mustafa Harnesswala emphasized the need for monetization strategies for content creators, stating that initiatives like WAVES help bridge that gap.
WAVEX 2025 continues to establish itself as a game-changer in the startup ecosystem for the M&E sector, breaking old boundaries and fostering new opportunities for innovators across India.
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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Poushali/ Nikhitha /Darshana | 174
(Release ID: 2126731) Visitor Counter : 127
From Policy to Practice: National Ayush Mission Delegates Immerse in Naturopathy at National Institute of Naturopathy, Nisarg Gram, Pune
Source: Government of India
From Policy to Practice: National Ayush Mission Delegates Immerse in Naturopathy at National Institute of Naturopathy, Nisarg Gram, Pune
From yoga demonstrations to satvik meals, delegates experience the holistic vision driving India’s traditional healthcare renaissance
Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 9:00PM by PIB Delhi
Following two days of intensive discussions and knowledge-sharing during the National Ayush Mission (NAM) Conclave 2025 at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala, over 100 senior delegates from across the country embarked on a post-conclave institutional visit to the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Nisarg Gram, Pune. The visit aimed to deepen the experiential understanding of integrative healthcare and highlight best practices in Ayush-based public health delivery.
The delegation led by Smt. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, was joined by senior NAM officials from across States/UTs including Shri Ranjan Kumar, Principal Secretary (Ayush), Government of Uttar Pradesh; and Shri Vivek Kumar, Special Secretary and Director General (Ayush), Government of West Bengal. Senior representatives from state governments, Ayush departments, and associated institutions were also part of the visiting group.
The program began with a warm reception at the Nisarg Gram auditorium, marked by a ceremonial lamp-lighting. Prof. (Dr.) K. Satya Lakshmi, Director, NIN, delivered a detailed presentation on the institute’s pioneering work in education, clinical services, and research in naturopathy and integrative medicine. NIN’s students and interns demonstrated Yoga which reflected the institute’s deep-rooted emphasis on wellness through traditional practices.
Delegates then undertook a guided tour of the 25-acre campus, which included visits to the hospital block, academic infrastructure, Gandhi Memorial Hall, and residential quarters. A satvik meal was served at the Annapurna Mess, thoughtfully curated to reflect the dietary philosophy of naturopathy. The visit concluded with a reflective stop at Bapu Bhavan, a serene space dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of self-care, simplicity, and nature-based healing.
Inaugurated by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Nisarg Gram represents a ₹213.55 crore investment in advancing integrative health. The campus houses a 250-bed naturopathy hospital, a multidisciplinary research and extension center, and a state-of-the-art medical college offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and paramedical programs. Additional facilities include hostels, yoga halls, auditoriums, wellness cottages, and the historic Gandhi Memorial Hall, creating a holistic environment for education and healing.
The visit reinforced the role of institutions like NIN in driving evidence-based naturopathy and promoting integrative healthcare as envisioned by the Ministry of Ayush under the NAM framework.
“The visit to Nisarg Gram offered an inspiring extension to the NAM Conclave, allowing delegates to witness integrative healthcare in action. It reaffirmed our commitment to promoting evidence-based, sustainable, and Gandhian approaches within the Ayush ecosystem.” said Ms. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.
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MV/AKS
(Release ID: 2126744) Visitor Counter : 29