Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
2025 Voter Registration Campaign launched (with video)
A spokesperson for the REO said, “The REO encourages eligible persons to submit applications for new registration as GC electors or change of voter registration particulars through ‘iAM Smart’. They may also provide/update their mobile phone number and email address, and check their voter registration status through ‘iAM Smart’.”
Members of the public who are newly registered as GC electors or registered electors who need to update their residential address must submit to the REO an address proof. They should also provide their phone number and email address for the REO to facilitate contact. Applicants who are the registered occupants of public rental housing under the Housing Department or subsidised housing under the Hong Kong Housing Society are not required to submit any address proof.
“Under no circumstances would the REO require the provision of address proof with personal bank information. Members of the public shall remain vigilant in avoiding fraud,” the spokesperson reminded.
Announcements in the Public Interest of the Voter Registration Campaign will run on television, radio, online platforms and various venues such as housing estates and government buildings starting from today. The relevant information will also be publicised through banners, posters, social media platforms, websites, and mobile applications, and displayed in the public transportation system, such as on bus and tram bodies, in MTR stations and at bus shelters. The Ballot Box Family mascots, comprising the Blue Ballot, Red Ballot and Grandpa Ballot, are well received by members of the public and designed with ballot boxes as the concept. The mascots have been adopted for publicity in this year’s Voter Registration Campaign to present the Campaign’s messages in an engaging manner and motivate the public to register.Issued at HKT 13:50
NNNN
15.43 lakh new workers enrolled under ESI Scheme in the month of February, 2025
Source: Government of India
15.43 lakh new workers enrolled under ESI Scheme in the month of February, 2025
7.36 lakh young employees upto the age group of 25 years constitute new registrations
3.35 lakh female employees enrolled in the ESI Scheme
23,526 new establishments registered under ESI Scheme in the month of February, 2025
74 transgender employees registered under ESI Scheme in February, 2025
Posted On: 25 APR 2025 11:08AM by PIB Delhi
The provisional payroll data of ESIC reveals that 15.43 lakh new employees have been added in the month of February, 2025.
23,526 new establishments have been brought under the social security ambit of the ESI Scheme in the month of February, 2025 thus ensuring social security to more workers.
|
Head |
Feb 2024 |
Feb 2025 |
Growth |
|
Number of all existing employees who paid contribution during the month |
2,91,38,395
|
2,97,04,614 |
5,66,219 |
Through the data, it is noticeable that out of the total 15.43 lakh employees added during the month, 7.36 lakh employees amounting to around 47.7% of the total registrations belong to the age group of upto 25 years.
Also, the gender-wise analysis of the payroll data indicates that net enrolment of female members has been 3.35 lakh in February, 2025. Besides, a total of 74 transgender employees have also got registered under ESI Scheme in the month of February, 2025 which attests the commitment of ESIC to deliver its benefits to every section of the society.
The payroll data is provisional since the data generation is a continuous exercise.
****
Himanshu Pathak
(Release ID: 2124205) Visitor Counter : 69
OPENING OF THE 26TH SAMOA GAME FISHING TOURNAMENT- SIGFA HEADQUARTERS,
Source:
KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa [Saturday, 5th April 2025]
Talofa lava, and a warm welcome to our distinguished Guests, Captains, Crews and Supporters gathered here for the 26th Annual Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament.
This year we are honoured to host an impressive overseas representation of boats including 5 from New Zealand, 6 from American Samoa, 1 from Tonga not to mention a very impressive local representation of 17 boats flying the Samoan Flag.
Unlike last year, this year‘s tournament is doubling as the Inaugural Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL) Pacific Islands Game Fishing Tournament. This is the first of its kind in the Pacific. After Samoa, the boats are off to American Samoa then to Tonga for the final leg.
Over the next week of competition friendships will be forged and stories will be told over a few cleansing ales. Stories of how you landed the big one and stories of how you dropped the big one. The latter being where tall tales associated with fishing come from. Only you and your crew know so this can be embellished to no end. The fish can be as big as you say it was and no one can argue.
For our overseas guests I hope that you will take some time to explore our Beautiful Samoa. Experience our culture, our people and our diverse landscapes.
In closing I wish to congratulate the President, Vaughan Simpson, and SIGFA for putting together yet another great event, and in particular for initiating the first ever Pacific Islands Fishing Tournament!
For all the participants may your lines be tight and the fish aplenty. Be safe and I wish you all the best of luck.
Fa’afetai tele lava, and let the 26th Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament begin!
SOIFUA.
Photo by the Government of Samoa (Peseta Tusiga Taofiga)
Tenders for operation and management contracts of Light Public Housing invited
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Housing Bureau (HB) today (April 25) invites tenders for two operation and management contracts of the Light Public Housing (LPH), and encourages capable and experienced organisations to participate.
The first contract covers the four school conversion projects located at Shun On Road, Choi Yuen Road, Shun Lee Tsuen Road and Chuk Yuen Road respectively (i.e. the Mission Covenant Church Holm Glad No. 2 Primary School in Shun On Estate, Kwun Tong; Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Ma Kam Chan Memorial Primary School (Choi Yuen Annex) in Choi Yuen Estate, Sheung Shui; Carmel Leung Sing Tak School in Shun On Estate, Kwun Tong; and Baptist Rainbow Primary School in Chuk Yuen South Estate, Wong Tai Sin), the conversion works of which will be completed in two phases. The first phase covers the two projects at Shun On Road and Choi Yuen Road, which will provide about 130 and 110 units respectively, and are expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year. The second phase covers the two projects at Shun Lee Tsuen Road and Chuk Yuen Road, which will provide about 110 and 105 units respectively, and are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. The second contract covers the project at Sheung On Street, Chai Wan, which will provide about 1 720 units and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of next year.
A spokesperson for the HB said, “The four school conversion projects are packaged into one single contract, taking into account that these four projects are relatively smaller in scale. By engaging a single operating organisation for the overall operation and management, resources can be shared among the projects to enhance cost-effectiveness.”
Same as the contracts already awarded, the operation and management services for the LPH not only cover occupant management, property management and daily maintenance, but also the provision of social services, as well as the management and operation of ancillary facilities, etc. To encourage participation of different stakeholders in the community, the HB welcomes tenders from all capable and experienced service providers, including non-government organisations and those with a valid property management company licence, or collaborations between them.
To ensure service quality, the HB will carry out technical assessments based on a series of factors, including the management capability, relevant experience and past service performance of the organisations, as well as the proposed modes of operation and management, social services to be provided, feasibility of exit plan and use of innovation and information technology as stated in their proposals, so that the facilities and services of the LPH can meet the needs of the residents and the local community. The tender price will then be evaluated to form a consolidated assessment to decide on the most suitable organisation for operating the LPH.
Tenant intake for the first LPH project at Yau Pok Road, Yuen Long, which provides about 2 100 units, already commenced on March 28 this year by phases. It is managed and operated by the Pioneer Management Limited – Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Joint Venture. The second operation and management contract, which covers the two LPH projects at Choi Hing Road and Choi Shek Lane, Ngau Tau Kok (i.e. the former St Joseph’s Anglo-Chinese School), providing about 2 290 and 148 units respectively, has been awarded to the Easy Living Consultant Limited and Yan Chai Hospital Joint Venture. The two LPH projects are to be completed by late June this year and the first quarter of next year respectively. The HB is now evaluating tenders for the third and fourth operation and management contracts covering the LPH projects at Tsing Fuk Lane, Tuen Mun (i.e. Tuen Mun Area 3A) and Olympic Avenue, Kai Tak (Phase 1), which will provide about 1 900 and 3 000 units respectively, with tenant intake anticipated in the fourth quarter of this year.
The spokesperson said, “Under the leadership of the HB, the brand new operation and management model of the LPH has entered into a new stage, with intake for the first LPH project commenced in late March on a gradual basis. Through the provision of an improved living environment, better living facilities, lower rent, larger units and a series of social services, those with the most pressing needs in society can receive practical assistance and enhance their sense of happiness and sense of gain. At the same time, the LPH can suitably serve as an adequate housing option for the tenants of subdivided units (SDUs) in need. Along with transitional housing and the various traditional public rental housing projects to be completed in the coming few years, the Government will have the fundamental strength to effectively and accurately address the problem of SDUs in Hong Kong. To this end, we hope that experienced and aspirational organisations can participate in the tender exercises and join hands with us in this large-scale social project.”
Interested organisations may download the tender documents via the relevant tender notices on the HB’s website (www.hb.gov.hk) or from the e-Tendering System; or contact the Dedicated Team on Light Public Housing under the HB for obtaining the tender documents. The Tender Reference for the Shun On Road; Choi Yuen Road; Shun Lee Tsuen Road and Chuk Yuen Road LPH projects is HB2025/OPR-LPH-VSP, while the Tender Reference for the Sheung On Street, Chai Wan LPH project is HB2025/OPR-LPH-CW.
Tenderers must submit the tenders by noon on June 13, 2025 (Friday), either electronically via the e-Tendering System or by deposit in the Government Secretariat Tender Box situated at Lobby of the Public Entrance on Ground Floor, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar. Late tenders will not be accepted.
More Hong Kong Reading Week highlight activities to be held this weekend
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
More Hong Kong Reading Week highlight activities to be held this weekend
The public libraries in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao earlier organised the 4.23 World Book Day Creative Competition under the same theme “Reading – My Travel Buddy”. The HKPL will hold a prize presentation ceremony at the HKCL tomorrow to commend participants from Hong Kong who excelled in the competition.
In addition, a series of fun day activities suitable for people of all ages will be available at the HKCL on Saturday and Sunday. The activities include the “Next Station: Conservation” interactive talks tomorrow, where educators from Ocean Park Hong Kong will explore interesting facts about animals with participants, share the experiences of animal caretakers for giant pandas, and talk about a book titled “Whiskers and Friends: Polar Sports Challenge” to provide tips on energy saving and alleviating global warming.
The “Understanding Pandas” workshop will be held on Sunday, where educator Tang Man-hon (STEM Sir) will explore with audiences the lives of giant pandas and the threats to their habitats. Renowned landscape photographer Kelvin Yuen will conduct an “On the Road” photography sharing session on the same day, discussing the creative process behind his works and the challenges encountered. Works by Yuen and winners of the Matching Quotes with Snapshots Competition will also be on display at the HKCL. Other activities include workshops on Chinese tea culture appreciation, mosquito-repelling fragrant sachet making, plant rubbing and dyeing, Zentangle art, tag making, and more.
In collaboration with Bring Me A Book Hong Kong, the HKPL will hold REadCONNECT family activities at the HKCL on Sunday, including creative book-making workshops and “Author Meets and Greets” sessions hosted by picture book authors Rachel Ip, Shana Cheung, Benny Lau and Bonnie Pang. The authors will share how their observations of daily life inspire their works.
The Pop-up Library@Hong Kong Reading Week will be held at D·PARK in Tsuen Wan on Sunday. Author Rap Chan, Korean culture and travel writer Joyce Cheuk, content creator SaiDorSi, and writer Christine Cappio will share their life stories and selected books on “soul empowerment”, accompanied by live music and sand painting performances. There will also be activity booths, including scented bookmark making and a virtual reality tour of the natural landscape and cultural attractions of China. The Library-on-Wheels outreach truck will be stationed outside D·PARK to provide a book-lending service, and members of the public can experience the convenience of the easy-to-use self-checkout service.
Selected public libraries across Hong Kong will continue to have special decorations on Saturday and Sunday to create a fun-filled reading space. Workshops such as storytelling, landscape sketching, and making aroma stones will be held. Photo taking booths will be available at some selected public libraries for patrons to create travel-themed postcards.
The HKRW is being held from April 19 to 27. Under the theme “Zoom/LIBRARY”, the HKRW holds about 450 online and on-site events to foster a reading habit among the public. All activities of the HKRW are free of charge, while seat reservations are required for some events. For details, please visit the website: www.hkpl.gov.hk/hkrwIssued at HKT 11:30
NNNN
KEEL LAYING OF FOURTH NEXT GENERATION OFFSHORE PATROL VESSEL YARD (3040)
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 25 APR 2025 8:23AM by PIB Delhi
Keel laying ceremony for Yard 3040, the fourth (ex-GRSE) Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), was held at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) in Kolkata, on 24 Apr 25.
The ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, as the Chief Guest. Cmde PR Hari (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, along with other senior officials from the Indian Navy and the shipyard, were also present.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in the construction of the NGOPV, further showcasing India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
The contracts for indigenous design and construction of eleven Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV) were concluded on 30 Mar 23 with Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), Goa and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with seven ships to be constructed by Lead Shipyard GSL and four ships by Follow Shipyard GRSE.
The NGOPVs, with an approximate tonnage of 3000T, are designed for Coastal Defence & Surveillance, Search & Rescue operations, Protection of Offshore Assets and Anti-Piracy missions. Keel Laying of the vessel marks a significant milestone in the overall project timeline. The eleven NGOPVs are being built in consonance with the nation’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat ‘ and ‘ Make in India‘ and are poised to augment the Indian Naval maritime prowess.
*****
VM/SKS
(Release ID: 2124194) Visitor Counter : 72
3-Day ‘India Steel 2025’ Kicks Off with Visionary Dialogue and Industry-Driven Innovation on Day 1
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 24 APR 2025 8:30PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 24 April 2025
India Steel 2025 was inaugurated today at the Bombay Exhibition Centre with a dynamic Day 1 that set the tone for three days of ground breaking dialogues, collaborations, and innovations. The biennial event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, and FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry), has once again cemented its status as the country’s premier platform for the steel industry.
The inaugural session was addressed by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi through a video message and he emphasized India’s strategic vision to enhance domestic steel production, reduce carbon emissions, and promote Make in India. The other key dignitaries part of the inaugural session included Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, Minister of State, Ministry of Steel, Govt of India; Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Labour, Govt of Chhattisgarh, Shri Sandeep Pondrik, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Govt of India; Shri Amarendu Prakash, Chairman, Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) and Chair- FICCI Steel Committee, Shri Anant Goenka, Senior Vice President, FICCI & Vice Chairman, RPG Group, and Dr. Edwin Basson, Director General, World Steel Association.
During the day, important sessions were organized to discuss the potential, challenges and opportunities in the Indian steel sector and the road map to capitalize the international market.
The session on ‘Viksit Bharat: Role of Steel Sector in Indian Economy’, a high-level panel comprising senior policymakers, economists, and industry leaders delved into the critical role of steel in realizing India’s $5 trillion economy vision which was moderated by Shri Anthony Crasto, Senior Partner, Deloitte. The session emphasized the sector’s potential to drive infrastructure, employment, and self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Context to the session was set by Shri Amarendu Prakash, Chairman, SAIL whereas panelists H.E. Shri Mikhail Yurin, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry & Trade, Government of Russian Federation, Shri Ashwini Kumar, Economic Advisor, Ministry of Steel, Government of India, Shri Jayant Acharya, Joint Managing Director & CEO JSW Group, Shri Anthony Crasto, Senior Partner, Deloitte & Shri Hitoshi Kawano, CEO, Primetals Technologies India Ltd. shared their thoughts.
The ‘CEOs Round Table’ was chaired by Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ministry of Steel and Heavy Industries. Other key participants included Shri Sandeep Poundrik, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Government of India, Shri Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and MSME, Government of Odisha, Shri Ashish Chatterjee, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Steel, Government of India along with other govt officials, industry leaders who discussed on the current challenges and growth for the Indian steel sector.
The ‘India–Russia Round Table’ served as a strategic platform for bilateral engagement between key stakeholders from both nations. The Indian delegation included senior officials such as the Secretary (Steel), Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor (AS&FA), Director General of BIS, Joint Secretaries (AN and VKT), the Director of SAIL, Chairmen and Managing Directors of NMDC and MECON, as well as top leadership from major private sector players including Tata Steel, AMNS, JSW, JSPL, JSL, and other prominent industry members. On the Russian side, the delegation was led by H.E. Shri Mikhail Yurin, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Trade, along with Shri Bobylev Petr, Director, Coal Industry Development, Ministry of Energy. The round table also included key trade representatives: Shri Evgeny Griva, Shri Mamed Akmedov, Shri Andrey Podchufarov, Shri Artem Ukolov, and Shri Vladislav Dmitriev, Head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation. The discussion centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the steel and mining sectors, fostering joint ventures, and exploring new avenues for technology transfer and trade facilitation.
With participation from over 250 exhibitors across 15 countries, the exhibition hall buzzed with activity, showcasing cutting-edge equipment, automation solutions, and sustainable product lines. Delegates explored advances in AI, robotics, and materials science that are shaping the future of steel.
The Day-2 of India Steel 2025 will witness the presence of Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Govt of India; Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education, Govt of India; Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, I&B and Electronics & Information Technology, Govt of India; Shri Pralhad Joshi, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Govt of India; along with Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha; to address the industry leaders, delegates along with exhibitors on various sessions on infrastructure, export strategies, and skill development. Networking events and B2B meetings are also scheduled to drive cross-border collaboration and business growth.
India Steel 2025 continues through April 26, offering a comprehensive platform for stakeholders to engage, ideate, and lead the way forward.
* * *
PIB Mumbai | T.Jadhav/D.Rane
Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai /PIBMumbai /pibmumbai pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com /PIBMumbai /pibmumbai
(Release ID: 2124172) Visitor Counter : 77
Adjustment in ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations in May 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Adjustment in ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations in May 2025
A department spokesman said that the adjustment on May 1, 2025, would reflect the movement of the LPG international price in April 2025. The adjusted auto-LPG ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations would range from $3.67 to $4.59 per litre, amounting to a decrease of $0 to $0.01 per litre.
The spokesman said that the auto-LPG ceiling prices were adjusted according to a pricing formula specified in the contracts. The formula comprises two elements – the LPG international price and the LPG operating price. The LPG international price refers to the LPG international price of the preceding month. The LPG operating price is adjusted on February 1 and June 1 annually according to the average movement of the Composite Consumer Price Index and the Nominal Wage Index.
The auto-LPG ceiling prices for respective dedicated LPG filling stations in May 2025 are as follows: