PRESIDENT OF INDIA IN PORTUGAL; MEETS PRESIDENT OF PORTUGAL AND LEADS DELEGATION-LEVEL TALKS WITNESSES THE LAUNCH OF POSTAGE STAMPS TO COMMEMORATE 50 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
INDIA-PORTUGAL RELATIONS ARE HISTORIC AND THESE RELATIONS HAVE CONTINUED TO GROW STRONGER: PRESIDENT MURMU
Posted On: 07 APR 2025 9:28PM by PIB Delhi
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu reached Lisbon yesterday (April 6, 2025) on the first leg of her State Visit to Portugal and the Slovak Republic. This is the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Portugal in 27 years.
This morning (April 7, 2025), President Droupadi Murmu was warmly received by the President of the Republic of Portugal, H.E. Mr Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the historic ‘Praca do Imperio’ in Lisbon. She was accorded a ceremonial welcome with the Guard of Honour.
President Droupadi Murmu also visited the Church of Santa Maria and laid a wreath at the tomb of Luis Vaz de Camoes – the national poet of Portugal. She also visited the Monastery of Jerónimos – a masterpiece of 16th-century architecture in Portugal.
In the next engagement, President Droupadi Murmu and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal graced the launch of postage stamps commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The stamps reflect the rich artistic and cultural heritage of India and Portugal, and feature vibrant folk attire from both countries: Rajasthan’s distinctive Kalbeliya costume and the traditional Viana do Castelo dress from Portugal.
Later, President Droupadi Murmu discussed various aspects of bilateral relations and global and regional issues of shared interest with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal during one-to-one meeting and delegation-level talks. The President said that India-Portugal relations are historic and these have continued to grow stronger and have evolved into a modern, multifaceted and dynamic partnership. She stressed the need to further strengthen long-standing bilateral ties, especially in trade and investment, science and technology, IT and digital technology, renewable energy, connectivity and mobility.
Both the leaders issued press statements after the meeting.
The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (Divyangjan), Dehradun, in collaboration with the National Association for the Blind (NAB), New Delhi, inaugurated ‘Antar Drishti’ – a unique sensory dark room – on April 7, 2025. The facility was formally inaugurated by Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. The occasion was graced by Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Joint Secretary, DEPwD, and Shri Pradeep Anirudhan, Director, NIEPVD.
‘Antar Drishti’ is a specially designed sensory experience space aimed at raising awareness and sensitizing society towards the challenges faced by persons with visual impairments. In this dark room, individuals experience complete darkness and engage in activities that help simulate the everyday experiences of persons who are blind or have low vision. This initiative seeks to foster empathy, understanding, and inclusion by bridging the gap between perception and lived reality.
In addition to the inauguration, the NIEPVD Dehradun signed an MoU with Amar Seva Sangam, a pioneering organization in the field of disability rehabilitation and inclusive development. The MoU was signed in the esteemed presence of Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD, and Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Joint Secretary, DEPwD.
Through this collaboration, NIEPVD will implement the ‘Enable Inclusion’ App —a digital platform developed by Amar Seva Sangam for early identification, intervention, and tracking of children with developmental disabilities. The app has been successfully used across various communities to support intellectual and developmental needs.
Under the agreement, NIEPVD will integrate its expertise in visual disabilities to help expand the app’s scope, making it more accessible and responsive to the needs of individuals with visual impairments. This initiative will facilitate personalized support and services through digital means, thereby enhancing the reach and effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions.
The expanded ‘Enable Inclusion’ App, with NIEPVD’s contributions, is expected to revolutionize early intervention, tele-counseling, tracking, and rehabilitation planning—setting a benchmark for inclusive practices across India and beyond. This partnership reflects the vision of DEPwD to promote technology-driven, inclusive, and accessible solutions for the empowerment and holistic development of persons with disabilities across the nation.
Chintan Shivir 2025 is a mission-oriented platform for Constructive Dialogue, Ideation, and Exchange of Best Practices: Dr. Virendra Kumar The 2-day event commences in Dehradun with an aim to advance Inclusive and Participatory Governance
Posted On: 07 APR 2025 8:38PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment today inaugurated the two-day Chintan Shivir 2025 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The event is bringing together key stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on policy making, review welfare schemes, and strengthen Centre-State partnerships to ensure Social Justice for the marginalized communities in India.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment (SJ&E), along with Shri Ramdas Athawale and Shri B.L. Verma, Union Ministers of State (SJ&E), in the presence of Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. In addition, 23 Ministers in charge of Social Justice and Empowerment from various States were also present on this occasion.
The event witnessed participation of representatives of the following States and Union Territories: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Delhi, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized that national development is impossible without social equity. He stated that Chintan Shivir is not merely a review meeting but a mission-oriented platform for constructive dialogue, ideation, and the exchange of best practices to assess the efforts of the Ministry towards ‘Viksit Bharat’. The goal is to ensure that every citizen, regardless of caste, age, ability, gender, or background, has equal opportunities to thrive with dignity. “The journey from welfare to empowerment is our collective responsibility, and this forum provides an opportunity to critically examine where we stand and where we aspire to go,” he said.
The first day of deliberations focused on four key pillars of empowerment—education, economic development, social protection, and accessibility. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) presented progress under schemes such as ADIP, Scholarships for PwDs, and initiatives for skill development and digital inclusion. States shared innovations including mobile assessment camps, inclusive school infrastructure, and accessible transport models. Discussions highlighted the importance of working together to promote a more inclusive environment.
A separate session focused on educational empowerment under schemes such as Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships for marginalised sections, and PM-YASASVI. States/UTs reported encouraging enrolment trends but also pointed to challenges around digital applications, verification systems, and outreach in rural and tribal belts. The Ministry urged States to adopt proactive communication strategies and community-level mobilisation. The session enabled sharing of practical issues on the ground, along with suggestions and collaborative solutions from different regions.
The Ministry’s key livelihood-oriented schemes—PM-AJAY and SEED—were reviewed, showcasing successful models of asset creation, cluster development, and entrepreneurship support. States demonstrated how these schemes are transforming the lives of SCs, OBCs, and Denotified Tribes through community-led institutions and capacity building. The NAMASTE Scheme discussions underscored the importance of modernising sanitation work and eradicating manual scavenging through a blend of technology, legal safeguards, and skill development. The focus remained on ensuring dignity and financial independence for sanitation workers, particularly women, through sustained collaboration and inter-agency coordination.
In a dedicated session, implementation of The Protection of Civil Rights Act and the Prevention of Atrocities Act was reviewed. The need for faster investigation, sensitisation of law enforcement, and stronger legal aid for victims of caste-based discrimination was emphasized. The Ministry reiterated the need for victim-centred approaches and greater accountability at the district level.
The day’s discussions reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to creating an ecosystem of inclusive governance—one that is rooted in compassion, evidence, and the lived realities of the marginalized. Chintan Shivir 2025 stands as a testament to collaboration, coordination, and shared responsibility among all stakeholders to drive sustainable and participatory development. Through constructive dialogue, sharing of best practices, and responsive policymaking, Chintan Shivir 2025 is paving the way for a just and equitable society in the true spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.
Sarbananda Sonowal unveils advanced machinery to enhance shipbuilding capacity at Cochin Shipyard Presides over Steel Cutting Ceremony and sets up Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP)
“PM Narendra Modi ji’s leadership for shipbuilding through budgetary support must be effectively utilised towards building Atmanirbhar Bharat”: Sarbananda Sonowal
Union Minister reviews progress of construction of India’s largest Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) at CSL
Posted On: 07 APR 2025 7:57PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal visited the Cochin Shipyard as he unveiled advanced machinery to enhance shipbuilding capacity of the country.
Shri Sonowal remarked that this is a movement towards realising the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
The Union Minister inaugurated the ProArc CNC Plasma Cum Oxy Fuel Plate Cutting Machine, an advanced, Industry 4.0-ready facility that will significantly enhance CSL’s shipbuilding capabilities. Fully IoT-enabled, the system allows real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and increased production efficiency, directly aligning with the objectives of the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP) 2.0.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sonowal said, “The launch of Industry 4.0-ready facilities and the Green Tug Transition Programme marks a transformative leap in India’s shipbuilding and green maritime journey. Under PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, these initiatives reinforce our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness in the maritime sector. The indigenous development of hybrid and electric propulsion tugs is not just a technological advancement, but a symbol of India’s growing capability to lead the global green maritime movement.”
The Union Minister also presided over the steel cutting ceremony for two Green Tugs being developed under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), a flagship sustainability initiative by the Ministry.
CSL is the first Indian company to undertake the construction of these hybrid and electric propulsion tugs, with a total of 16 vessels planned across major ports in India. The project is being executed in collaboration with Robert Allan Ltd., the Indian Register of Shipping, and other global experts, marking a major step in India’s green maritime transition.
Speaking during the visit, the Union Minister said, “Cochin Shipyard Limited stands as the Pride of India, a testament to our indigenous shipbuilding excellence and self-reliance. From building the iconic INS Vikrant to delivering over 175 vessels and completing more than 2,500 ship repair projects, CSL reflects the transformative vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji towards self-reliance. Under his leadership, India’s maritime sector is scaling new heights — through world-class infrastructure, national expansion, and institutions like METI that are shaping the skilled maritime workforce of tomorrow.”
The Union Minister also reviewed the progress of the construction of India’s largest Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (12,000 cu.m), being built by CSL for the Dredging Corporation of India in partnership with IHC Holland. The dredger is a strategic national asset that will reduce dependency on foreign services while enhancing coastal access and maritime infrastructure in line with the ‘Maritime Amritkaal Vision, 2047’.
Highlighting the immense importance of human resources in the maritime sector, the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Cochin Shipyard Limited’s innovation-led initiatives like the USHUS Marine Startup Programme reflect the spirit of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision for a tech-driven maritime sector. With investments in AI, deep-tech, and renewables, these startups are fuelling job creation and maritime innovation. CSL’s strong focus on skilling—through partnerships with Maersk and initiatives like ASAP Kerala—is building a future-ready workforce and strengthening India’s global leadership in shipbuilding and marine excellence.”
The Union Minister’s visit comes at a pivotal time, first after the Union Budget of 2025–26 with its transformational scope of the budget, including the ₹25,000 crores Maritime Development Fund (MDF) expected to mobilise ₹1.5 lakh crore in maritime investments by 2030. Other budget initiatives such as the revamped SBFAP 2.0, infrastructure status for large ships, and targeted support for shipbuilding clusters are poised to revolutionise the sector.
Shri Sonowal highlighted the importance of new policies like, Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 among others aimed at simplifying maritime regulations, promoting Indian-flagged vessels, ensuring environmental sustainability, and enhancing seafarer welfare. With a 46% increase in the Ministry’s budget allocation and a 143% surge in R&D funding. The Minister called this a historic moment for the Indian maritime industry.
The visit concluded with a renewed call to accelerate India’s maritime journey—driven by bold ambition, anchored in Atmanirbhar Bharat, guided by Maritime India Vision 2030, and propelled by the transformative spirit of Maritime Amritkaal.
Indigenous Wireless charger for electrical vehicles with ability to charge 90% battery in 3 hours to become a reality; CDAC & VNIT Nagpur’s technology passed on to an Indian firm to commercially develop it Meity join hands with Railways to make an indigenous propulsion system of locomotives boosting railway electrification and industry adoption; Uses high power converters & advanced controlling management systems
Using CDAC green technology Kerala’s K-DISC marks a milestone in sustainable power innovation making its building energy efficient through Low Voltage Direct Current.
Research must lead to real-world applications with industry Collaboration: Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY
MeitY secretary stresses indigenization in power electronics to boost ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ goals
Posted On: 07 APR 2025 7:29PM by PIB Delhi
Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Shri S. Krishnan announced the signing of ToT/MoA/MoU among industries for commercialization of technologies developed under the National Mission on Power Electronics Technology (NaMPET) at Electronics Niketan, New Delhi. During the meeting, the Secretary, MeitY, addressed the need for indigenous technology in the areas of Power Electronics.
The highlights of the event showcased the development of MeitY-supported technologies under the NaMPET programme. These technologies have been developed, deployed, tested, and certified for commercialization. The details of the transfer of technology (ToT), Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed, in the presence of the Secretary, MeitY are as follows:
Wireless Charger for Electric Vehicle
Transfer of technology for the indigenous 1.5 kW Wireless Charger technology, developed by C-DAC (T) and VNIT Nagpur, to M/s Global Business Solution Pvt. Ltd: It is capable of operating on a 230V, 50Hz AC single-phase supply and charges a 4.8kWh onboard battery pack at 48V with 30A current in approximately 3 hours, achieving a maximum efficiency of 89.4% within a coil separation of 7.5–12.5 cm. The charger incorporates Silicon Carbide-based MOSFETs operating at 88kHz and includes safety features such as short-circuit and open-circuit protection.
MoA for the development of an Indigenous Propulsion System for Electric Locomotives
Collaboration through MoA signed between C-DAC, Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) and industry partners for the indigenization of Indian Railway propulsion system: The collaboration marks a transformative step in India’s rail electrification efforts by developing an indigenous propulsion system for 3-phase electric locomotives with the Indian Railways aiming for full electrification by 2030. The proposed propulsion system integrates two high-power 2.5 MVA Traction Converters, three 130 kVA Auxiliary Converters, and an advanced Train Control and Management System (TCMS), providing enhanced performance, reliability, and operational flexibility for modern locomotives. The industries undertaking the MoA are M/s Daulat Ram Engineering Services Pvt Ltd (Bhopal), M/s JMV LPS Ltd (Noida), and M/s Electro-waves Electronics Pvt Ltd (HP) which demonstrates the strong industry-academia-government synergy driving this initiative. These partners will play a crucial role in testing, product engineering, and prototype deployment, ensuring successful field validation by Indian Railways, ensuring structured industry adoption and commercial rollout.
MoU with K-DISC for LVDC Systems
Collaboration through MoU signed between C-DAC and Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) for the deployment of green and sustainable grid solutions: The 48V Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) system, developed by C-DAC under the NaMPET programme with the support of MeitY, has emerged as a game-changing technology for energy conservation, green energy integration, and cost-effective power distribution. Recognizing its potential, the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) has implemented this system at its headquarters, making it the first administrative building in Kerala to be powered by 48V DC that could lead to 20–30% energy savings, contributing to Kerala’s Carbon Neutrality Roadmap 2050 and India’s broader Net Zero 2070 vision.
The ToT/MoU/MoA signing of the above technologies was done at MeitY, New Delhi, in the presence of the Secretary, MeitY, with dignitaries from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), NITI Aayog, Ministry of Railway and industry representatives in the areas of EV chargers, Smart Metering, Rail Propulsion and Renewable Energy
About NaMPET
The NaMPET is a unique mission-mode programme of MeitY involving research, development, deployment, demonstration, and commercialization of technologies in the Power Electronics (PE) domain. The programme is being implemented by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Thiruvananthapuram, as the nodal agency with participating agencies from academia, R&D organizations, and Industries. The main focus areas of the programme include Microgrid for powering remote Villages, Green Energy for Community buildings, Empowerment of e-mobility ecosystem, Smart Power Quality Centre in the Distribution Grid, High Voltage Power Electronics for Food processing, Agriculture, Industry, and Health, Technology marketing, and Promotion of Start-ups with the platform for technology outreach.
Top 5 Winners of TruthTell Hackathon Announced Ahead of Upcoming WAVES Summit 2025 Teams Unicron, Alchemist, Whooshing Liars, Bug Smashers and Vortex Squad Win Rs.10 lakh for pioneering AI solutions to combat misinformation
From AI verification tools to detection systems for manipulated media, these innovations will be showcased at the WAVES Summit 2025 in Mumbai, scheduled for 01May to 04 May
Posted On: 07 APR 2025 7:19PM by PIB Delhi
India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), today announced the top five winners of the TruthTell Hackathon — a global challenge to combat misinformation and manipulated media through technology. This Hackathon is part of the ‘Create in India Challenge’ for the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. The winners were felicitated at a showcase event held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, where the top 25 shortlisted innovators demonstrated their working prototypes to a panel of industry experts.
Selected from over 5,600 registrations from across the globe, the following five winning innovators won a cumulative cash prize of INR 10 lakhs:
Team Unicron from Delhi won for their innovative work – Anvesha, in detecting misinformation across text, images, and videos.
Team Alchemist from Dehradun was recognized for VeriStream: Fact-First in Every Frame, a holistic solution that uses LangChain-powered NLP, dynamic knowledge graphs, GIS insights, and Explainable AI to detect and correct misinformation in live broadcasts.
Team Whooshing Liarsfrom Bengaluru received the award for Nexus of Truth, an AI-powered tool designed to detect deepfakes, fact-check news articles, and flag false content in real time, with multilingual support and live-streaming alerts.
Team Bug Smashers from Delhi was awarded for Live Truth: AI Powered Misinformation Detector, a solution that combines local Large Language Models (LLM) and fact-checking APIs to provide real-time credibility scores, along with community-driven validation through GPS-based SMS verification during live broadcasts.
Team Vortex Squad from Bengaluru won for Real-Time Misinformation Detection and Fact-Checking System, an AI-driven tool that addresses the challenge of detecting and flagging misinformation during live events, ensuring accuracy and transparency in real time.
Each of these teams demonstrated innovative approaches aimed at improving media integrity and combating misinformation during live broadcasts. Their solutions, ranging from AI verification tools to manipulated media detection systems, will now be showcased at the upcoming WAVES Summit in Mumbai from 1–4 May 2025. The hackathon forms part of the WAVES 2025 to promote responsible innovation in the media and technology landscape.
The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Shri Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & IT and CEO, IndiaAI Mission, and Shri Sanjiv Shankar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. The distinguished jury for the TruthTell Hackathon Grand Finale included Shri. Jeet Vijayvargiya, Former CEO, MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), Shri. Vikram Malhotra, Director – AI Tech Strategist at Microsoft India, Shri. Alok Gurtu, Managing Partner at ABG Venture Partners, Dr. Avik Sarkar, Senior Researcher & Visiting Faculty at the Indian School of Business (ISB), and Shri Shashank Vaishnav, Co-Founder & CTO, STAGE.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, ICEA, said, ‘India has long witnessed the power of rumour – from village folklore to misguided beliefs and in today’s digital age, misinformation doesn’t walk – it flies. Therefore, stepping into the digital realm to tackle the issue of misinformation is now more crucial than ever. The rapid spread of falsehoods, especially in this digital age, presents a serious challenge. However, with the bright and innovative minds we have here today — including a remarkable 36% female participation — I am confident we will create robust, future-ready solutions. These aren’t just prize-winning ideas; they are blueprints for how India can lead the world in building ethical, AI-driven solutions for complex digital threats.”
Further congratulating the winners, Mr. Mohindroo said that the journey of the winners is just beginning and he looks forward to seeing their solutions make a real-world impact. He also stated that the ideas presented during the TruthTell Hackathon will continue to push boundaries and lead AI innovation on the global stage.
Shri Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & IT, GoI, stated, “In an era where AI can convincingly mimic voices, images, and even entire identities, distinguishing fact from fiction has become a pressing challenge. The TruthTell Hackathon is a significant step in addressing this issue, and I commend all the participants for their efforts in developing innovative solutions. The work being done here will contribute immensely to combating the spread of misinformation and protecting society from its harmful consequences. We are committed to supporting initiatives like this, which empower the nation to leverage AI for responsible innovation. I believe these solutions will not only be valuable to India but will also play an essential role in the global fight against misinformation.”
Congratulating ICEA for organising this hackathon, Shri Singh said that through this hackathon we are investing in preserving trust – currency of our digital future and expressed hope that the top 5 winners will further develop the best solutions to combat misinformation.
Shri Sanjiv Shankar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, GoI, said, “The TruthTell Hackathon is a vital step towards addressing the challenges posed by misinformation in today’s digital age. As one of 32 challenges under ‘Create in India Challenge,’ this initiative brings together young innovators from across the globe to solve one of the most significant issues affecting the media and entertainment industry. Misinformation can derail societal harmony and disrupt lives, which is why it’s crucial for us to find technological solutions that can flag false content in real-time. I congratulate all the participants for their impressive ideas and encourage them to keep innovating. We look forward to seeing these solutions presented at WAVES 2025, where they will be showcased to an international audience, potentially influencing the future of responsible media. Together, we can shape a more informed, secure digital ecosystem for the future.”
Launched in October 2024, the TruthTell Hackathon received over 450 unique idea submissions from students and professionals across 300+ cities, with 36% of participants being women. After multiple rounds of screening and mentorship, 25 finalists were selected to participate in the on-ground finale in Delhi. They represent the incredible energy of India’s youth – from Coimbatore to Chandigarh, and from Bangalore to Bhopal.
Supported by the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), and the IndiaAI Mission, the TruthTell Hackathon aligns with the Government of India’s broader vision to promote ethical AI and strengthen trust in digital ecosystems through innovation-led problem solving by done India’s young population.
ICEA is the premier industry association that works with electronics and technology companies in India. Our vision is to transform India into a global technology powerhouse by fostering seamless integration between hardware and software capabilities. Through our leadership, we are building a dynamic ecosystem that champions innovation and drives excellence.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Remarks by FS at media session (with photo/video) Reporter: What tools does the Government have to handle the situation of the market and will Hong Kong consider a national team investor equivalent to intervene? Should the markets keep dropping, what is the bottom line for the state of the market before countermeasures will be considered?
Financial Secretary: I think Julia has explained very clearly the situation in the Hong Kong stock market. Basically, the market has been functioning orderly. There are substantial selling but also buying interests. The spread between the two has been very tight, indicating that the buying power remains very strong.
Hong Kong is a free port, and we encourage capital and investors from different parts of the world to take part in our capital market. Over the years, we have been taking a number of measures to enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of our capital market, no matter whether it is improving the listing regime, lowering the transaction costs, expanding the markets, attracting investors and capital from around the world, or offering new products such as the ETF (exchange-traded fund) listed on the Saudi stock exchange (and investing in the Hong Kong stock market). All in all, we will persistently and consistently push forward initiatives on various fronts. With an expanding market and more participants from different parts of the world, the liquidity and resilience of our market will be enhanced. The resilience of our market has been very strong. We do not think the current volatility in the market warrants the taking of any drastic measures.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.) Issued at HKT 21:29
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Opening remarks by SED at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting
Chairman,
Education is the key to nurturing talent. The Government attaches great importance to education and has all been investing heavily in education. The Government’s expenditure on education is $112.4 billion in 2025-26, accounting for about 13.7 per cent of the total government expenditure. It includes $102.9 billion of recurrent education expenditure, around 17.5 per cent of the total government recurrent expenditure, taking up a significant share of the overall government expenditure. In line with the strategy of invigorating the country through science and education, we remain committed to education, striving to promote high-quality education and develop Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talents.
To enhance the quality of education, we will continue to implement new measures in 2025-26 to create new impetus for high-quality development of Hong Kong’s economy. The new measures include –
To support post-secondary, and vocational and professional education and training, we will launch a new round of the Research Matching Grant Scheme totalling $1.5 billion to attract more organisations to support research endeavours of institutions, increase the quota of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme to 400 places per year, set up the Hong Kong Future Talents Scholarship Scheme for Advanced Studies to offer scholarships to up to 1 200 local students pursuing designated taught postgraduate programmes each academic year, and endeavour to develop Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub and to build the “Study in Hong Kong” brand.
To support the development of the self-financing sector, we have introduced a bill to amend the Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance (Cap. 320) into the Legislative Council for scrutiny, with a view to further enhancing the governance and competitiveness of self-financing post-secondary institutions. At the same time, we will gradually increase the admission quota for Mainland, Macao and Taiwan students for self-financing post-secondary institutions with the approval to admit Mainland students to degree programmes to 40 per cent, and to implement the new round of the Land Grant Scheme and the Start-up Loan Scheme, so as to promote the accelerated expansion of capacity and enhancement of quality of the self-financing post-secondary education sector.
For primary and secondary education, we will continue to enhance the quality of teaching, promote national education, national security education and patriotic education, adopting all-round, comprehensive, cross-key stage and interdisciplinary approaches to support schools to integrate national education into daily learning and teaching and strengthen students’ affection for and sense of belonging to the country. At the same time, funds are earmarked under the Language Fund for establishing two grants to enhance the effective use of English and Putonghua among students. Additionally, the “Pilot Scheme on Other Languages for Junior Secondary Students”, supported by the Quality Education Fund, will support junior secondary students to learn other languages, further harnessing the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world. We have also launched the “AI for Science Education” Funding Programme to promote pedagogical innovation and the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence)-assisted teaching in Junior Secondary Science.
In order to foster mental health of students, teachers and parents in a more holistic manner, we have launched the 4Rs Mental Health Charter in 2024, extending the Three-Tier School‑based Emergency Mechanism and implementing enhanced measures with a view to strengthening the support of students with high risks. For special education, we will replace the Personal Care Worker Grant with the Personal Care Enhancement Grant for Boarders to provide flexibility to relevant special schools in providing personal care services for boarders.
To enhance the effective use of public resources, the Education Bureau (EDB) will optimise and consolidate the use of education resources as appropriate, without affecting the quality of education and the teaching profession, and streamline procedures to improve efficiency. The key measures to be implemented in the 2025-26 financial year include –
The recurrent funding of University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities and Vocational Training Council will be reduced by two per cent in each of the coming three academic and financial years respectively (in line with the Government’s reduction in operating expenditure). In addition, UGC-funded universities will return a total of $4 billion of its General and Development Reserve Fund balance to the Government on a one-off basis. We believe that universities will make effective use of valuable public resources to preserve the quality and standard of teaching and research, and at the same time seize the opportunity of building our nation into a leading country in education and strive to develop Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub.
We will also adjust the general subvention for publicly-funded schools and kindergartens by about two per cent, consolidate some grants and adjust the disbursement arrangements. We will set up a task force to revamp and consolidate various grants to schools in innovative ways, such as disbursing grants to schools in the form of a block grant, so that schools may utilise the resources more flexibly based on their development needs and priorities.
In support of the Government’s Productivity Enhancement Programme, we reduced our recurrent expenditure by one per cent (about $1 billion) and an additional $1.5 billion (totalling $2.5 billion) in 2024-25. Such savings were wholly achieved by the EDB internally, with no reduction in funding/subvention to schools and subvented organisations (including UGC-funded universities), nor subsidies for students/parents. In the 2025-26 financial year, we will continue to support the Productivity Enhancement Programme by further reducing our recurrent expenditure by two per cent and an additional $4 billion at the same time (totalling $6.2 billion). The EDB is determined to ride out the difficult times hand in hand with the education sector.
In line with the targeted poverty alleviation strategy of the current-term government and to enhance the effective use of public resources, we will adapt to evolving circumstances and abolish the non-means-tested $2,500 student grant from the 2025/26 school year. For students from families with financial difficulties, we will provide them with a safety net and appropriate assistance through various means/asset-tested financial assistance measures, including Kindergarten and Child Care Centre Fee Remission Scheme, Grant for School-related Expenses for Kindergarten Students, School Textbook Assistance Scheme, Student Travel Subsidy Scheme, Subsidy Scheme for Internet Access Charges, School-based After-school Learning and Support Programmes and Free Lunch at Schools etc., to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to receive quality education without being affected by financial difficulties.
In the coming year, we will continue to adopt an innovative approach to consolidate and optimise the use of education resources, and to enhance teaching effectiveness. Building on Hong Kong’s unique status and advantages under “one country, two systems”, we will pave way for accelerated education development from a holistic and long‑term perspective, and nurture our younger generation to become virtuous and knowledgeable lifelong learners who love the country and the city and are ready for future challenges and opportunities.
This is the end of my introduction. Thank you, Chairman. Issued at HKT 20:57
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah visits Border Outpost ‘Vinay’ in Kathua during his visit to J&K and interacts with BSF personnel Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is the Central Government fully committed to the welfare of the security forces and their families
The Modi Government is working to reduce the difficulties faced by the soldiers in discharging their duties
More than 26 technology-related initiatives are currently being tested, which include anti-drone technology, tunnel identification technology and electronic surveillance
BSF is the first line of our security and the force has always discharged this responsibility very well
In a few years, the security forces deployed on the entire India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh border will be fully equipped with latest technical support
The Sacrifice, bravery, valor, and courage of our soldiers form the shield of India against enemies from across the border, and this is why the people of the country hold deep respect for the BSF
Union Home Minister also pays tribute to martyred Assistant Commandant of Border Security Force, Vinay Prasad, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty on the International Border in Kathua district in the year 2019
Shri Amit Shah also inaugurates 8 newly constructed women Barracks, High Mast Lights, G+1 Tower and Composite BOP at the border at a cost of Rs 47.22 crore
Posted On: 07 APR 2025 6:26PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today visited the Border Outpost ‘Vinay’ in Kathua during his Jammu and Kashmir visit and interacted with the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel deployed. On this occasion, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, and Director-General of the Border Security Force, along with several other dignitaries, were present.
During his visit, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah paid tribute to the martyr Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad of the Border Security Force, who made the ultimate sacrifice while on duty at the international border in Kathua district in 2019. Earlier, in 2021, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah had also visited the Makwal Border Post along the Jammu frontier.
Union Home Minister inaugurated newly built facilities at the border, including 8 women barracks, high-mast lights, a G+1 tower, and a composite BOP, all constructed at a cost of ₹47.22 crore. These initiatives have strengthened the security arrangements during the Border Security Force personnel’s duties and have also improved their living conditions.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation appreciated the efforts of the BSF personnel and officers in monitoring the international border in the Jammu region. During his interaction with the soldiers, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, said that on visiting this place one realises the difficult conditions under which the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel ensure the security of the country’s borders. He mentioned that despite extreme cold, heavy rainfall, or temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius, and regardless of the geographical or climatic challenges, our soldiers remain vigilant and dedicated to securing the borders with preparedness and alertness.
Shri Amit Shah said that the BSF has a glorious history when it comes to the country’s security. He mentioned that the entire nation knows that the BSF is our first line of defence, and the force has always performed this responsibility exceptionally well. He further noted that in every war with Pakistan, the contribution of our BSF soldiers has been as significant as that of the Indian Army.
He added that two models of electronic surveillance systems have been developed for deployment on the border. After their installation across the entire border, soldiers will find it much easier to receive information and respond immediately to any actions by the enemy, using technology. Shri Shah also mentioned that several experiments have been conducted to identify infiltration and to detect and destroy tunnels, using technology.
Union Home Minister said that in a few years, the security forces deployed on the entire India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh border will be fully equipped with technical assistance. He said that the sacrifice, bravery, valor, and courage of our soldiers form the shield of India against enemies from across the border, and this is why the people of the country hold deep respect for the BSF.
Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi government has no shortage of budget in the three areas of ensuring minimal casualties, reducing hardships through facilities, and supporting vigilance with technology. He mentioned that over 26 initiatives related to technology are currently being tested, including anti-drone technology, tunnel identification technology, and electronic surveillance. Shri Shah expressed confidence that some results from these tests could be achieved by next March, which would make it easier for the soldiers in fulfilling their duties.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Minister said that the Modi government is working to reduce the difficulties faced by soldiers in the discharge of their duties and will continue to do so. He emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the central government is fully committed to the welfare of security forces and their families. The Government of India has launched several welfare schemes for security forces, including Ayushman CAPF, Ex-Gratia Payments, accidental death insurance coverage under the CAPF salary package scheme, the Unified Pension Scheme, the Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS), and E-Housing.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah met the families of martyred policemen of Jammu and Kashmir in Jammu and hands over appointment letters to 9 nominees on compassionate grounds The whole country is proud of the brave policemen who sacrificed their lives to protect the country
Home Minister urges J&K Government to take positive steps for compassionate appointment of 12 year old Yuvraj Singh, son of martyr SGCT Jaswant Singh, when he attains adulthood
Shri Amit Shah also pays his respects and expressed his gratitude to the family of Late Shri Shashi Bhushan Abrol, Deputy Manager/Designer, APCO Construction Company
The sacrifice, courage and commitment of the martyrs will always remain etched in our hearts and will continue to inspire us to build the India of their dreams
Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, significant progress has been achieved in tackling terrorism and ending separatist ideology
Posted On: 07 APR 2025 6:23PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah met the families of martyred policemen of Jammu and Kashmir in Jammu today and handed over appointment letters to 9 nominees on compassionate grounds. Union Home Minister paid tribute to the martyred police personnel and expressed gratitude to their families.
Addressing the families of the martyred police personnel, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that for more than three and a half decades, Jammu and Kashmir has suffered the devastating effects of terrorism. He said that we are proud of the sacrifice of our brave policemen who laid down their lives to protect our country, our homes and our future. Home Minister said that the whole country is proud of the brave policemen who sacrificed their lives to protect the country. He said that today under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, significant progress has been achieved in tackling terrorism and ending separatist ideology. Shri Shah also said that our mission is still not accomplished, because terrorism has been curbed, but it has not been completely eliminated.
Home Minister urged J&K Government to take positive steps for compassionate appointment of 12-year-old Yuvraj Singh, son of martyr SGCT Jaswant Singh, upon attaining adulthood (18 years of age). Shri Shah also paid his respects and gratitude to the family of late Shri Shashi Bhushan Abrol, Deputy Manager/Designer, APCO Construction Company, Gagangir, District Ganderbal. Late Shri Shashi Bhushan Abrol made the supreme sacrifice while on duty during a terrorist attack on the critical infrastructure project of Sonamarg Tunnel on 20 October 2024. Home Minister said that no amount of words can take away the pain being felt by the bereaved, but it symbolizes our deep gratitude and the government’s unwavering commitment to stand with the families of the brave martyrs, just as the loved ones of the martyrs have stood by the nation.
Union Home Minister urged everyone to follow the ideals of the martyrs and have an eternal love for duty, honour and ‘Maa Bharti’. He said that the sacrifice, courage and commitment of the martyrs will always remain etched in our hearts and will continue to inspire us to build the India of their dreams.
The visit of the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation to Jammu and Kashmir reflects the continued commitment of the Government of India to bring peace and prosperity to Jammu and Kashmir, especially the significant steps taken for infrastructure development and strengthening the security situation.