Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a delegation to visit Zhejiang on April 22 (Tuesday) to attend the High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference in Hangzhou, and the Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference – Zhejiang (Ningbo) Forum cum Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Forum in Ningbo. He will return to Hong Kong on April 25.
Mr Lee said that Hong Kong and Zhejiang have long maintained frequent exchanges, keeping close ties in economic affairs and trade, cultural exchanges and youth engagement. Under the overall blueprint of the country, both places play important and unique roles. A specific co-operation mechanism between the two places will be established through this visit, further strengthening collaboration, achieving complementarity and mutual benefits, and making greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development.
Officials including the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, will join parts of the trip. The Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip, will also accompany Mr Lee on the trip.
During the visit, Mr Lee and the delegation will meet with leaders from Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou and Ningbo, and will visit local facilities and projects in areas including innovation and technology, and healthcare.
Mr Chan will depart on April 23 and return to Hong Kong on April 24. He will be the Acting Chief Executive from the afternoon of April 22 to noon on April 23, and from the evening of April 24 to April 25. The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will be the Acting Chief Executive during Mr Chan’s absence.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) Mr Charles Ng will commence his duty visit to Mumbai and New Delhi in India today (April 20), highlighting Hong Kong’s unrivalled role as a gateway for Indian companies to expand into Mainland China and across North Asia and Southeast Asia.
A highlight of the visit is the event Gateway to Growth: Exploring Business & Investment Opportunities in and via Hong Kong, jointly organised by InvestHK, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. As a keynote speaker, Mr Ng will update the participants on the latest developments in Hong Kong’s business landscape, as well as the strategic advantages of establishing operations in Hong Kong for Indian companies.
Mr Ng said, “As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India is not only a major start-up base but also is home to numerous high-net-worth individuals and wealthy families seeking diversified investment opportunities. Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to meet these needs. Our vibrant start-up ecosystem, boasting nearly 4 700 ventures in AI, healthtech, fintech, Web3 and other cutting-edge fields offers exceptional opportunities for Indian start-ups and investors alike. Moreover, our New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme offers an attractive pathway for Indian wealthy families looking to combine investment with the option of living in the city.”
Mr Ng’s visit includes high-level discussions with prominent Indian firms and investors focusing on establishing a presence in Hong Kong to capitalise on its strategic advantages for global growth. Hong Kong’s business-friendly environment, characterised by clear and transparent regulations, a simple and low tax regime, robust capital markets and free capital flows, positions the city as the ideal platform for Indian companies exploring expansion opportunities.
Mr Ng added, “With its unique position at the heart of Asia, world-class financial infrastructure, and deep connectivity with Mainland China and global markets, Hong Kong can empower Indian businesses to scale regionally and compete globally. This visit underscores InvestHK’s commitment to strengthening Hong Kong–India ties by fostering greater investment and innovation between the two places.”
The economic synergy between Hong Kong and India is profound. In 2024, India ranked as Hong Kong’s ninth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to approximately US$26 billion. Hong Kong is home to a vibrant and long-standing Indian community of over 42 000 people. Bilateral ties have been further reinforced by the Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, signed in March 2018 and enhanced through a protocol in November 2018, which provides a robust framework for cross-border trade and investment.
Prime Minister condoles the loss of lives in a building collapse in Dayalpur area of North East Delhi PM announces ex-gratia from PMNRF
Posted On: 19 APR 2025 9:02PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today condoled the loss of lives in a building collapse in Dayalpur area of North East Delhi. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.
The PMO India handle in post on X said:
“Saddened by the loss of lives due to a building collapse in Dayalpur area of North East Delhi. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi”
Saddened by the loss of lives due to a building collapse in Dayalpur area of North East Delhi. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.
Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw holds consultations with news media organisations ahead of WAVES 2025 WAVES is driven by the industry; Government is a catalyst- Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw
Massive Response to India’s Creative Economy Push: 1 Lakh+ Registrations, 750 top level creators to showcase their work
WAVES Emerging as a Global Connector Between Creators, Buyers, and Markets for Scalable Creative Solutions : Union Minister
Posted On: 19 APR 2025 7:03PM by PIB Delhi
The world of creators and their economy is going through a fundamental change. Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said this while interacting with the news media today ahead of the maiden World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit scheduled in Mumbai from 1st to 4th May. The interaction was attended by about 20 media houses from the national as well as regional news media. Talking on the challenges faced, the Union Minister said that with the advent of technology, the old model is giving way to the new model, creating opportunities as well as challenges. The shape of the media world is changing, he said and stressed on the collective need as a country to respond to the new model. Giving an example, he said that gone are the days when a big studio was needed for creating content. Today a creator from a remote village from Jharkhand or Kerala can create good quality and get millions of views.
He mentioned that the creator’s economy is growing exponentially. The Minister said that our visionary Prime Minister acknowledged the work of the creators and their contribution in the economy by promoting India’s soft power globally. WAVES seeks to evolve itself as a global platform for media & entertainment, just as Davos serves as a global platform for economic policies, he added. .
India’s creative economy has received an overwhelming boost, with more than 1 lakh registrations for WAVES 2025. The top innovators will be honoured with Awards, celebrating their contributions to the evolving global media and entertainment landscape. Shri Vaishnaw said, we are finding a way to connect the world with our creators. WAVES is emerging as a global connector between creators, buyers, and markets for scalable creative solutions, the Minister said. Through WAVES, buyers and sellers are getting a platform, where creators can offer their content & firms can source quality creative work.
Participating in the interaction, heads of various media organisations congratulated the Government for conceptualising a novel concept in the form of WAVES to bring policy makers, creators, industry stalwarts, tech giants and start ups in the M&E sector on one platform.
Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju welcomed all the participants and dignitaries, highlighting the significance of collective dialogue in shaping the future of the media landscape. He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to engaging with stakeholders across platforms and appreciated the active participation of media organizations in the lead-up to WAVES 2025.
On this Easter Sunday, I extend solemn greetings to all citizens across India, with special acknowledgment to our Christian communities celebrating this sacred occasion.
Easter symbolizes hope and renewal through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His timeless teachings of compassion, forgiveness, and service guide us toward building a harmonious society.
May this holy day inspire all of us to renew our commitment towards the welfare of the vulnerable and to embodying Christ’s message of unconditional love. Let peace and renewal fill our nation’s homes and communities.
Kathua Gets First Municipal Parking Complex, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and J&K CM Omar Abdullah Inaugurate Project ‘From Three Cars to Parking Crisis’: Dr. Jitendra Singh Showcases Kathua’s Transformation
Dr. Jitendra Singh Flags Off Infrastructure Push in Kathua, Calls for United Fight Against Drugs and Illegal Mining
Posted On: 19 APR 2025 5:11PM by PIB Delhi
In a significant push for urban infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh and Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah today jointly inaugurated the first-ever Municipal Parking Complex in the town of Kathua, marking a milestone in the region’s transformation from a sleepy town to a modern urban hub.
Addressing a packed gathering under the sweltering sun, Dr. Jitendra Singh described the inauguration as a symbol of Kathua’s rapid urban evolution, underscoring how a town once unfamiliar with personal vehicles now demands structured car parking solutions. “There was a time when only three cars were visible in the entire city — one each belonging to the DC, SP, and Executive Engineer,” he recalled. “Today, we are inaugurating a full-fledged parking facility because of the sheer number of private vehicles. This reflects the aspirational rise of this once-overlooked town.”
Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah’s presence, despite his pressing commitments in Delhi, was hailed by Dr. Jitendra Singh as a gesture of Centre-State cooperation. “His presence here demonstrates the shared commitment of the state and Centre to jointly develop Jammu & Kashmir under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said.
The Minister highlighted that the new parking facility is just one among several transformative projects that have changed Kathua’s landscape in the last decade. From running Vande Bharat trains to upgrading the Kathua railway station, establishing three medical colleges in the constituency, launching a Biotech Park, and building an Engineering and Homeopathy college, the region has witnessed a sweeping change in public infrastructure.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that connectivity projects like the Express Corridor, which will soon enable direct travel to Delhi in five hours, are set to further boost mobility and economic prospects for the region. “When that happens, you’ll realize just how dramatically the picture has changed,” he said.
Beyond infrastructure, Dr. Jitendra Singh touched upon social challenges such as illegal mining and drug abuse, which he said are now being firmly addressed. “Kathua’s name should no longer be linked with these issues. Let’s make it an example of a model town,” he urged, calling for a united fight involving civil society, administration, and parents to protect the youth from the scourge of drugs.
The inauguration ceremony also spotlighted completed landmark projects like the bridge at Kediyan-Gandyal, Maharaja Gulab Singh’s grand statue at the entrance to Jammu & Kashmir, and the setting up of a large stadium with BCCI support. Dr. Jitendra Singh acknowledged the role of Corporate Social Responsibility in developing facilities like Birla Park, which he invited the Chief Minister to visit during his morning walks.
While celebrating the region’s development, the Union Minister reiterated the importance of sustaining it through civic responsibility and future planning. “If our youth fall prey to addiction, who will drive the cars or sit in the Vande Bharat train? Who will serve their parents or benefit from these amenities?” he asked.
As Dr. Jitendra Singh noted in his closing remarks, “Kathua is not just a town; it is a source of inspiration for the BJP and a living tribute to the sacrifices of national heroes like Syama Prasad Mukherjee.”
With the new parking complex operational and more development in the pipeline, today’s inauguration stands as a testament to the town’s growing role in the region’s socio-economic revival.
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to leave tonight for an official visit to USA and Peru from 20th to 30th April 2025 Union Finance Minister to attend Spring Meetings of the IMF-World Bank
FM will also take part in G20 Finance Ministers & Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meetings besides bilateral meetings with many countries and organisations
Smt. Sitharaman will participate in multilateral dialogues on various fora to showcase India’s economic dynamism
Posted On: 19 APR 2025 5:11PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will embark on an official visit to USA and Peru beginning 20th April, 2025. During the visit to the USA, the Union Finance Minister will visit San Francisco and Washington D.C. from 20th to 25th April, 2025.
In the course of her two-day visit to San Francisco beginning 20th April 2025, the Union Finance Minister will deliver a keynote address at the Hoover Institution at the Stanford University, San Francisco, on ‘Laying the foundations of Viksit Bharat 2047’ followed by a fireside chat session.
Smt. Sitharaman will also interact with top CEOs from prominent fund management firms during a Roundtable meeting with investors, besides holding bilateral meetings with CEOs from top information technology (IT) firms based in San Francisco. Smt. Sitharaman will also participate in an event featuring Indian diaspora in San Francisco and interact with the Indian community settled there.
During her visit to Washington D.C., USA, from 22nd to 25th April 2025, Smt. Sitharaman will participate in the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the 2ndG20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governor (FMCBG) Meetings, Development Committee Plenary, IMFC Plenary, and Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) meeting.
On the sidelines of the Spring Meetings in Washington D.C., Smt. Sitharaman will hold bilateral meetings with her counterparts from several countries, including Argentina, Bahrain, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, and USA; besides meeting EU Commissioner for Financial Services; President, Asian Development Bank (ADB); President, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB); United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA); and First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
During her maiden visit to Peru from 26th to 30th April 2025, the Union Finance Minister will lead an Indian delegation of officials from the Ministry of Finance and business leaders, highlighting the strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations between the two nations.
Beginning her visit in Lima, Union Finance Minister Smt. Sitharaman is expected to call on the President of Peru, H.E. Ms. Dina Boluarte, and Prime Minister of Peru, H.E. Mr. Gustavo Adrianzén, besides holding bilateral meetings with the Peruvian Ministers of Finance and Economy; Defence; Energy and Mines; and also holding interaction with local public representatives.
In the course of her visit to Peru, the Union Finance Minister will chair the India-Peru Business Forum meeting with prominent business representatives in attendance from both India and Peru. Smt. Sitharaman will also hold an interaction with the Indian investors & businesses currently operating in Peru, as well as the Indian Business delegation visiting Peru.
Given Peru’s importance in the global supply chain of critical minerals and precious metals, discussions during these engagements are also expected to explore avenues for greater collaboration in the mining sector, particularly to strengthen India’s resource security and facilitate value-chain linkages between the two economies.
The Union Finance Minister will also participate in a community event at Lima, where she will interact with the Indian diaspora living in Peru.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah attends the program organized by Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) on the occasion of World Liver Day in New Delhi as the Chief Guest Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has launched many programs in the last 10 years to keep the countrymen healthy with a holistic approach
All countrymen should take good diet, adequate water, adequate sleep and regular exercise, the rest Modi government will take the responsibility of taking care of your health
A healthy liver is the gateway to a healthy body
On the occasion of ‘World Liver Day’, everyone should take a pledge to keep their ‘liver’ healthy with awareness, diligence and complete information
Young people can achieve a lot in their lives with water, diet, exercise and sleep as per the requirement of the body
The innovative initiative of HEALED scheme by ILBS will be successful in spreading awareness in the country towards keeping the ‘liver’ healthy
Today the whole world is moving forward by accepting the mantra given in our Vedas ‘Aahaar Hi Aushdhi Hai’
Home Minister said that the corporate sector should, through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), spread awareness about the importance of liver and help organisations working for a healthy liver
Posted On: 19 APR 2025 4:39PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah attended the program organized by Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) on the occasion of World Liver Day in New Delhi today as the Chief Guest. Many dignitaries including Delhi Lieutenant Governor Shri Vinay Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta were present on the occasion.
In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that the liver plays a very important role in our body and in keeping it healthy. Among all the organs in our body, the liver has the greatest ability to regenerate and healthy liver is the gateway to a healthy body. He said that today on the occasion of ‘World Liver Day’, everyone should take a pledge to keep their ‘liver’ healthy with awareness, diligence and complete information. Sharing his experience of a healthy lifestyle, Home Minister said that there has been a huge change in his life since May 2020. Shri Shah said that Young people can achieve a lot in their lives with water, diet, exercise and sleep as per the requirement of the body.
Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has set before the country the goal of making India developed in 2047, coinciding with the centenary of independence, where India will be self-reliant in every field and will lead the world. He said that the concept of a developed India cannot be realised by being unwell and that is why it is very important that every citizen remains healthy.
Union Home Minister said that today the HEALED scheme has been launched by ILBS and this innovative initiative of HEALED scheme by ILBS will be successful in spreading awareness in the country towards keeping the ‘liver’ healthy. He said that every person should also get Vitamin E tested during regular health checkup. Shri Shah said that today the whole world is moving forward by accepting the mantra given in our Vedas ‘Aahaar Hi Aushdhi Hai’. He said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has launched many programs in the last 10 years to keep the countrymen healthy with a holistic approach.
He said that the Ministry of AYUSH is working to develop a system so that we do not fall ill. Shri Shah said that today even big allopathic hospitals are opening AYUSH wings. The mental and physical health of a person was included in the idea of World Yoga Day. He said that today the Modi government is bearing the entire cost of treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for crores of people of the country. The government is also bearing all expenses up to Rs 5 lakh for the treatment of citizens above 70 years of age.
Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi government has spent 65 thousand crore rupees to build the health infrastructure in the country and has made arrangements to make every Primary Health Center (PHC) and Community Health Center (CHC) a complete unit. He said that for generic medicines, a network of more than 15 thousand Jan Aushadhi Centers has been created in the country and through these centres medicines are available up to 80 percent cheaper. Under Mission Indradhanush, arrangements have been made for free vaccination of children from birth to the age of 15 years and 1 crore 32 lakh mothers were also vaccinated. Shri Shah said that under the e-Sanjeevani app, the work of providing more than 30 crore 90 lakh digital medical consultations from big health institutions in rural areas across the country has been carried out. Shri Shah said that in 2014 there were 7 AIIMS in the country, today the number has reached 23, there were 387 medical colleges in 2014, today it stands at 780, there were 51 thousand MBBS seats which have increased to 1 lakh 18 thousand today and now 75 thousand more seats are going to be increased. Along with this, there were 31 thousand PG seats which have increased to 74 thousand today. He said that in 2014 the country’s health budget was 37 thousand crore rupees which has been increased to 1 lakh 27 thousand crore rupees by Prime Minister Modi today.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that over the past 10 years, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has created a comprehensive framework for the health of the country’s 1.3 billion citizens. He said, all countrymen should take good diet, adequate water, adequate sleep and regular exercise, the rest Modi government will take the responsibility of taking care of your health. Home Minister requested the corporate world of the country to give importance to the promotion of healthy liver in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and help the organizations working for healthy liver. He also appealed to the media to spread awareness about health along with entertainment. Shri Shah said that ILBS should tie itself up with AIIMS and major government hospitals across the country to make arrangements for guidance of liver patients and spread awareness about it.
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has sent her greetings to all fellow citizens on the eve of Easter.
In a message, the President has said, “On the auspicious occasion of Easter, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens especially to the Christian community residing in India and abroad.
The sacred festival of Easter commemorating resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, conveys a message of selfless love and service. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ teaches us the value of renunciation and forgiveness. His life inspires humanity to follow the path of truth, justice and compassion.
On this joyous occasion, let us adopt his life-values and promote peace and prosperity in the society”.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Basic Law Quiz Competition Final and Prize Presentation Ceremony was held today (April 19), which was jointly organised by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB), the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education (CPCE) and the Local Community Sub-group under the Working Group on Constitution, Basic Law and Hong Kong National Security Law of the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee. This year’s competition received an overwhelming response, attracting over 37 000 participants.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, said that the Constitution is the fundamental and supreme law of the state, an important symbol and sign of the nation, and holds the highest legal status. The Constitution gives the legislative backing and source of validity for the Basic Law. Without its authorisation, the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region would not have existed. The country has long supported and safeguarded Hong Kong’s interests across various domains. Being part of the country, it is imperative for Hong Kong to understand that upholding national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity is the fundamental responsibility and due obligation of all Chinese people, including people in Hong Kong.
He added that the promotion of the Constitution, the Basic Law, and safeguarding national security education is a long-term task that requires concerted efforts of all sectors of the community to create a conducive atmosphere. He encouraged participants to deepen their understanding of the Constitution, the Basic Law, and safeguarding national security throughout the competition, and expressed hope that young people can actively equip themselves and make contributions to building an even better Hong Kong and advancing national rejuvenation.
The quiz competition covered the relationship between the Constitution and the Basic Law, the Basic Law and its history and safeguarding national security. The competition comprises the Family, Senior Primary School, Secondary School and Open categories. To tie in with the quiz competition, the organisers hosted five seminars from February to April to introduce the Constitution and the Basic Law to secondary and primary school students.
The HYAB has long been working closely with the CPCE in promoting the Constitution, the Basic Law and safeguarding national security at the community level through various channels and diverse means, including publishing parent-child magazines, creating websites and social media pages, organising competitions, seminars and exhibitions, as well as sponsoring eligible organisations to organise various promotional and exchange activities on civic and national education.