Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following are the welcome remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, at the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Clean Energy Supply Chain Conference today (April 23):
Mr CY Leung (Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Adviser of the Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping), Professor Ip (President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Nancy Ip), Mr Hing Chao (Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu takes swift action to support tourists and victims affected by Kashmir terror attack Four special flights arranged from Srinagar—Two to Delhi and Two to Mumbai
Airlines directed to maintain regular fare levels
Posted On: 23 APR 2025 10:33AM by PIB Delhi
In the wake of the tragic terror attack in Kashmir, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu has moved swiftly to ensure the safety and well-being of affected tourists and victims.
The Minister personally spoke to the Home Minister and is monitoring the situation round the clock, working in close coordination with relevant authorities. As part of immediate relief measures, four special flights from Srinagar—two to Delhi and two to Mumbai—have been arranged, with additional flights kept on standby to cater to further evacuation needs.
Shri Ram Mohan Naidu also held an urgent meeting with all airline operators and issued a strong advisory against surge pricing. Airlines have been directed to maintain regular fare levels, ensuring that no passenger is burdened during this sensitive time.
Additionally, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu has directed all airlines to extend full cooperation for the transportation of deceased individuals to their respective home states, working in sync with state governments and local authorities.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation remains on high alert and committed to extending every possible assistance to those affected.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Water Supplies Department (WSD) has been committed to providing high-quality and reliable drinking water to Hong Kong citizens in accordance with the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). Following the release of the latest Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality (GDWQ) by the WHO in 2022, the Government has commissioned an expert consultant to review the routine drinking water testing programme for Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards. The review also covers the latest developments in drinking water standards/guidelines across a number of jurisdictions. Based on the review findings and recommendations of the expert consultant, the Government will update the routine drinking water testing programme, including the addition of three new parameters, namely “manganese”, “cylindrospermopsins” and “saxitoxins”, as well as the expansion of the coverage of an existing parameter “microcystin-LR”. These revisions were proposed in accordance with the latest WHO’s GDWQ and have been submitted to the Drinking Water Safety Advisory Committee, which comprises academics, medical experts and relevant industry stakeholders, for deliberation. The Committee’s agreement on the proposed revisions has been obtained.
Regarding two parameters of “tetrachloroethene” and “uranium”, covered under the current testing programme, previous routine drinking water quality monitoring data showed that their contents were extremely low or even undetectable, far below the level that would pose a risk to health. These two parameters will be excluded from the routine testing programme, but will still be included in the Surveillance List to facilitate the WSD’s surveillance monitoring from time to time. The Committee’s agreement on the recommendation has also be obtained.
Under the routine drinking water testing programme, water samples are taken from catchments, impounding reservoirs, water treatment works, service reservoirs, water distribution systems and water taps accessible to the general public (e.g. shopping centres, community facilities, sports venues, government offices, etc) for testing. The parameters covered by the programme are established in accordance with WHO’s GDWQ, with testing frequencies ranging from daily to monthly, while the parameters covered by the Surveillance List are usually tested once every six months.
In addition, the WSD expands the scope of drinking-water quality monitoring through the Enhanced Water Quality Monitoring Programme (Enhanced Programme) to cover water taps of all residential and non-residential customers. Each year, about 670 premises will be randomly selected from all water accounts in Hong Kong. Samples will be collected from water taps of these premises for testing of six metals (namely antimony, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead and nickel), residual chlorine and Escherichia coli. According to the monitoring data over the past years, the levels of antimony in drinking water samples collected from these premises have always been below the reporting limit. Based on the advice of the expert consultant, the WSD will stop testing antimony under the Enhanced Programme, while the testing of other items remain unchanged. This arrangement has been agreed by the Committee.
The above proposal will be implemented from June 2025. The public may visit the WSD’s website for the latest updates.
The second leaders meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) was co-chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 22 April 2025 in Jeddah. The Council reviewed the work of the various committees, subcommittees and working groups under the SPC, which encompass political, defence, security, trade, investment, energy, technology, agriculture, culture and people-to-people ties. The discussions were followed by signing of the minutes by the two leaders.
To reflect the deepening of defence partnership over the past few years – including joint exercises, training programmes, and collaboration in defence industry, the Council decided to create a new Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation under the SPC.
To strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties, which has significant momentum in recent years, the Council decided to create a new Ministerial Committee on Tourism and Cultural Cooperation under the SPC.
The four committees under the India-Saudi Arabia SPC shall now be as follows:
(1) Political, Consular and Security Cooperation Committee.
(2) Defence Cooperation Committee.
(3) Economy, Energy, Investment and Technology Committee.
(4) Tourism and Cultural Cooperation Committee.
II. High Level Task Force on Investment (HLTF)
Building on the commitment of Saudi Arabia to invest USD 100 billion in India in multiple areas including energy, petrochemicals, infrastructure, technology, fintech, digital infrastructure, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and health, the joint High-Level Task Force on Investment came to an understanding in multiple areas to rapidly promote such investment flows.
Both sides agreed to collaborate on establishing two refineries in India.
The progress made by HLTF in areas such as taxation is a major breakthrough for greater investment cooperation in the future.
III. List of MoUs/Agreements:
MoU between the Saudi Space Agency and the Department of Space of India on Cooperation in the field of Space Activities for Peaceful Purposes.
MoU between the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India on Cooperation in the field of Health.
MoU between the Saudi Arabian Anti-Doping Committee (SAADC) and the National Anti-Doping Agency, India (NADA) on Cooperation in the field of Anti-Doping Education and Prevention.
Agreement between the Saudi Post Corporation (SPL) and the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications of India on Cooperation in Inward Surface Parcel.
The Secretary General of Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa today called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Jeddah. He strongly condemned the ghastly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and offered deepest condolences on the innocent lives lost.
Prime Minister recalled his meeting with the Secretary General in July 2023 in New Delhi. He appreciated the role of Muslim World League in promoting tolerant values, advocating moderation and advancing social cohesion and harmony. Recalling India’s age-old philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam [the World is one Family] Prime Minister noted that India as a multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, celebrates unity in diversity. India’s incredible diversity is a valuable strength that has given shape to its vibrant society and polity. He commended the firm stand of Muslim World League against extremism, terrorism and violence.
Prime Minister underlined that India attaches high importance to its relations with Saudi Arabia, which has today evolved into an enduring partnership across several domains. The close socio-cultural ties form an important facet of this partnership.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid a State Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on April 22, 2025. Prime Minister was received by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Royal Palace in Jeddah and accorded a ceremonial welcome.
Prime Minister and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held official talks and co-chaired the second meeting of the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC). HRH Crown Prince strongly condemned the ghastly terror attack in Pahalgam and offered deepest condolences on the innocent lives lost. The two leaders resolved to combat terrorism tooth and nail.
The leaders reviewed the progress under the Council since their last meeting in September 2023 in New Delhi. The leaders noted with appreciation the intensification in bilateral engagement and the large number of high-level visits across various Ministries that have built trust and mutual understanding on both sides. The two leaders discussed cooperation in the fields of energy, defence, trade, investment, technology, culture and people-to-people relations. Prime Minister thanked His Royal Highness for the support and welfare extended to the Indian community in Saudi Arabia. He also appreciated the support provided by the Saudi government for the Indian Haj pilgrims.
Both leaders appreciated the progress in the discussions in the High-Level Task Force on Investment. They welcomed the understanding reached by the Task Force in multiple areas, which builds on the earlier commitment of Saudi Arabia to invest USD 100 billion in India across multiple sectors including energy, petrochemicals, infrastructure, technology, fintech, digital infrastructure, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and health. In this context, they particularly welcomed the agreement to collaborate on establishing two oil refineries in India, as well as the progress achieved on taxation issues. Prime Minister proposed that to further strengthen economic ties both countries could work for connecting payment gateways and trade settlement in local currencies.
The two leaders discussed progress in India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor [IMEEC], particularly the bilateral connectivity initiatives being undertaken by the two sides. Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the outcomes of the work of the two Ministerial Committees under the Council, namely: (a) the Committee on Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation and its subcommittees, and (b) the Committee on Economy and Investments and its Joint Working Groups.
The two leaders welcomed the expansion of the Strategic Partnership Council with the establishment two new ministerial committees. In this context, to reflect the deepening of the defence partnership, the leaders agreed on the establishment of the Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation. Acknowledging the growing momentum in cultural cooperation between the two sides in recent years, they also agreed to establish a Ministerial Committee on Tourism and Culture Cooperation. After the meeting, the minutes of the second SPC were signed by the two leaders.
The leaders welcomed the signing of 4 bilateral MoUs and agreements in the fields of Space, Health, Sports (Anti-Doping) and postal cooperation on the occasion of the visit. [List of Outcomes]
Prime Minister invited His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit India for the third meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Immigration Department repatriates 26 Vietnamese illegal immigrants to Vietnam The ImmD has been committed to promptly removing unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong to maintain effective immigration control and safeguard the public interest. Under the updated removal policy effective from December 7, 2022, the ImmD may generally proceed with the removal of a claimant whose judicial review case has been dismissed by the Court of First Instance of the High Court, thereby enhancing the efficiency of and efforts in removing unsubstantiated claimants.
The ImmD will remain committed to expediting the removal process to repatriate illegal immigrants and overstayers from Hong Kong as soon as practicable, according to the actual situation, through appropriate measures as necessary. Issued at HKT 17:45
[PRESS RELEASE April 7, 2025] – The Government of Samoa has declared a 30-day State of Emergency in response to the ongoing energy crisis. The Electric Power Corporation (EPC) and the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) are working closely to ensure the continuity of essential services and minimize disruptions.
1. EPC Power Supply Update
EPC has implemented a Power Supply Rationing Schedule to manage electricity distribution. This schedule will be reviewed regularly to balance demand and generation capacity.
Power Supply Rationing Schedule
Planned on a weekly basis, with modifications as needed.
Load balancing requires the activation of two feeders—one large and one small—simultaneously.
Adjustments will be made case by case to optimize supply distribution.
Critical service areas, including the National Hospital on the Hospital Feeder, hydro-generating areas supplied by the Fagaloa, Sauniatu, Taelefaga, and Lalomauga Feeders, as well as selected parts of the Vaitele Feeder, will remain unaffected
Deployment of Hired Generators
Temporary generators are scheduled to arrive today at 3pm to support EPC’s load-sharing efforts and reduce rationing impacts.
Ongoing Infrastructure Repairs
EPC is actively conducting maintenance and repair works to restore power generation capacity.
2. NEOC Emergency Operations Update
The NEOC is fully activated and operating 24/7 to coordinate emergency response efforts and disseminate real-time updates.
Sector-Based Impact Assessments
NEOC through Sector Coordinators is conducting targeted assessments to evaluate sector-specific impacts, identify infrastructure challenges, and prioritize critical needs.
A coordination meeting with Sector Coordinators was held on April 2, 2025, to guide assessment processes.
3. Response Coordination & Public Assistance
NEOC is actively supporting EPC and overseeing emergency response activities.
The public is urged to stay informed via official communication channels for rationing schedules and emergency measures.
For further inquiries and updates, please contact: Electric Power Corporation (EPC): 7773724 OR 7502041 National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC): 997 OR 32759
The Government of Samoa appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during this critical period. Further updates will be provided as necessary.
END.
POLOAIGA O FA’ALAVELAVE TUTUPU FA’AFUASE’I MO LE 30 ASO AUĀ LE TULAGA AFĀINA O LE ‘ELETISE UA I AI NEI.
[PEPA O FA’AMATALAGA Aso Gafua, 07 Aperila 2025] – I le fa’amamaluina ai e le Malo o le 30 Aso o le Poloaiga o Faalavelave Tutupu Fa’afuase’i i le atunu’u atoa, e saili fofō ai i le mafatiaga o feagai nei ma le Faalapotopotoga o Malosi’aga Faa ‘Eletise [EPC] i le tau faasoasoaina o le ‘eletise i nisi o afio’aga i Upolu, o lo’o fa’aauau pea ona galulue vāvālalata le Ofisa Tutotonu mo le Fa’afoeina o Fa’alavelave Fa’afuase’i ma Matuiā [NEOC] ma le EPC ia mautinoa o lo’o fa’aauau pea le auaunaga mo’omia e fa’aitiitia ai nisi fa’afitauli e toe tutupu mai.
1. Tala lata i le auaunaga a le EPC mo le ‘eletise.
O lo’o faagasolo pea le faasoasoa o le ‘eletise ma mata’itū fa’afitauli e alia’e mai i taimi uma. O lea fetu’una’iga o lo’o iloilo toto’a mai lea taimi i lea taimi ina ia gafatia ma o gatusa ma le mana’omiaga;
Fa’asoasoaina o le ‘eletise i taimi ma aso fa’atulagaina.
Fa’atulaga le galuega fa’asoasoa mo le ‘eletise i le vaiaso fa’atasi ma suiga pe a mana’omia.
Ia paleni tutusa laina malolosi o le ā fa’aāogajna i le taimi e tasi, e aofia ai le laina malosi tele ma le laina malosi laititi.
Fetu’unā’iga talafeagai mai mataupu taitasi auā le fa’aleleia ma le fa’asoaina atu o le ‘eletise.
Auaunaga i laina mālolosi o le ‘eletise mo nofoaga ma’ale’ale e aofia ai le Falema’i Tele i Moto’otua, ma nofoaga o lo’o fa’alagolago i le ‘eletise e gaosia mai le suāvai e pei o Fagaloa, Sauniatu, Ta’elefaga ma le laina malosi i Lalomauga, fa’apea se vaega o le laina malosi i Vaitele o lo’o tumau pea ona lē a’afia i le ‘eletise fa’asoasoa.
Afi ‘Eletise Fa’aāoga Fa’avaitaimi
Ua fuafua e taunuu mai i le itula e 3:00 i le asō ‘Afi ‘Eletise lē tumau e fesoasoani i le fa’asoasoaina o le ‘eletise i le atunu’u ma fa’aitiitia ai fa’afitauli ua tutupu mai.
Fa’aauau pea galuega fa’aleleia mo le auaunaga tau ‘eletise O lo’o fa’aauau pea galuega fa’aleleia a le EPC ina ia mautinoa le toe vave fo’ia o le fa’afitauli o feagai nei ma se vaega o le atunu’u ona o le tau faasoasoaina o le ‘eletise.
2: GALUEGA FA’AGASOLO A LE NEOC I LE TAIMI NEI.
O lo’o fa’aauau pea ona galulue le NEOC mo le 24 itula i le 7 aso o le vaiaso, e mata’itū ma ta’imua i galuega mo ni fa’alavelave tutupu fa’afuase’i ma auaunaga tali atu auā le fa’asoaina o tala lata mai i le tulaga o i ai le auaunaga tau ‘eletise i le atunu’u.
Iloilo toto’a a’afiaga o Vaega Maoti [Sector] mai le ‘eletise.
O lo’o taula’i le iloiloga a le NEOC tauala atu i Vaega Maoti e māta’itū a’afiaga ma lu’itau aemaise o le fa’amuamua mana’omia o lo’o matuā ogaoga ona a’afiaga ona o le tulaga fa’asoasoa o i ai nei le ‘eletise.
O le fonotaga ma ia vaega maoti sa faia i le aso 2 o Aperila 2025 auā ta’iala mo le fa’agasologa o lea iloiloga.
Auaunaga Tali Atu & Fesoasoani mo le Lautele
Fesoasoani le NEOC e galulue faatasi ma le EPC e silasila toto’a uma i le auaunaga tali atu mo Fa’alavelave Tutupu Fa’afuase’i.
Fautuaina ma talosagaina le atunu’u lautele ina silasila i fa’asalalauga uma o lo’o tuuina atu i alafa’asalalau a le Malo mo le tulaga o le fa’agasologa o le fa’asoasoaina o le ‘eletise ma le tali atu i fa’alavelave fa’afuase’i.
Mo nisi fa’amatalaga ma ni fesili, fa’amolemole feso’ota’i:
Malosi’aga Tau ‘Eletise [EPC]: 7773724 po’o 7502041
Ofisa Tutotonu mo le Fa’afoeina o Fa’alavelave Fa’afuase’i ma Matuiā [NEOC]: 997 po’o 32759
E fa’afetaia pea e le Malo o Samoa le onosa’i ma le nofo malamalama o le atunu’u lautele a’o tatou i ai i lenei vaitau faigatā ona o le ‘eletise. O le ā fa’aauau pea ona tu’uina atu lipoti lata mai o le tulaga o lo’o i la tatou auaunaga.
[PRESS RELEASE 5 April 2025] – Samoa delivered a strong performance at the Battle in the Bay strongman competition in Melbourne over the weekend, with five athletes from Strongman Samoa finishing on or near the podium across multiple divisions.
The Battle in the Bay, hosted by Australia’s Strongest and Strong Geelong at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre as part of the Fitness Expo, featured competitors from across the region.
Samoa’s athletes arrived well-prepared and delivered steady, disciplined performances across all events.
Evangeline Taylor-Pati dominated the Open Women’s division, taking out first place with consistent lifts and confident execution across all events. Her approach was methodical, and the result left no doubt.
“These events reward control and preparation,” she said. “We’ve been training for this level of pressure. Once I got through the first event clean, I knew I could settle in and keep the pace.”
Teammate Elsie Pesamino followed with a strong second-place finish, while Annette Punivalu battled through a tight field to place fourth just off the podium. The combined results marked a standout day for Samoa’s women, who led the team effort with calm, focused performances.
In the Under 105kg Men’s division, Ryan Walker earned third place. In the Open Men’s category, Misa Peter Anae finished second after a solid showing across all disciplines.
“We came here to compete properly, not just participate,” said Misa. “The whole team stayed switched on. No one panicked, no one rushed.”
Strongman Samoa acknowledged the support of BearWell, who supplied the team’s kit and backed the campaign from the outset. Their support has helped lift the sport’s profile in Samoa and enabled athletes to train and compete at higher levels.
The team now shifts focus to the “Pacific Strongest”, set for 7 June in Apia. It will be the first international strongman event hosted in Samoa, bringing together visiting and local athletes for a full day of heavy events.
