Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Government Strengthens Startup Ecosystem with Robust Initiatives and Funding Support

Source: Government of India

Government Strengthens Startup Ecosystem with Robust Initiatives and Funding Support

217 Incubators Selected Under Startup India Scheme with ₹916.91 Crore Approved Funding

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 4:33PM by PIB Delhi

The Government with an intent to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation, startups and encouraging investments in the startup ecosystem of the country launched the Startup India initiative on 16th January 2016.

Under the Startup India initiative, incubators from both private sector and academic institutions are supported through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS). The Scheme provides financial assistance to eligible startups through incubators for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialization. The Experts Advisory Committee (EAC) of SISFS, evaluates and selects incubators for allocation of funds. SISFS is implemented from 1st April 2021. As on 31st January 2025, 217 incubators have been selected under the Scheme with a total approved funding of Rs. 916.91 crore.

Under the Startup India initiative, the Government constantly undertakes various efforts for the development and growth of startup ecosystem. All steps undertaken under the Startup India initiative are inclusive and support entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds, and rural and tribal communities.

The flagship Schemes namely, Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) support Startups at various stages of their business cycle. The Government also implements periodic exercises and programs including States’ Startup Ranking, National Startup Awards, and Innovation Week which play an important role in the holistic development of the startup ecosystem. The Government also encourages and supports ecosystem led initiatives such as Startup Mahakumbh which serve as a vibrant platform for stakeholders to network and collaborate. Initiatives to improve market access and enable public procurement which support startups in growing and scaling up their businesses have also been undertaken. Digital platforms such as the Startup India portal and BHASKAR enable easy access to resources and startup ecosystem collaboration. The Government is also encouraging corporates for supporting startups by way of mentorship, access to infrastructure, sharing resources and knowledge, assistance in market linkages and investor connect. These measures are complemented by regulatory reforms and other ecosystem development events and programs.

This information was given by the Minister of State for the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

***

Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2114865) Visitor Counter : 17

Posted on

Government Implements Comprehensive Measures to Boost Exports and Strengthen Trade Competitiveness

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 4:32PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has taken various proactive measures aimed at enhancing domestic capacities, boosting exports, diversifying supply chains, exploring alternate sources of imports and fostering economic resilience. Several key initiatives and policy measures undertaken by the Government to boost exports, attract investments and to promote ease of doing business from time to time are as follows-

  1. The Foreign Trade Policy effective from April 01, 2023 is designed to integrate India more effectively into the global market, improve trade competitiveness, and establish the country as a reliable and trusted trade partner.
  2. Establishment of 65 Export Facilitation Centres (EFCs) across the country with an aim to provide requisite mentoring and handholding support to exporters especially MSMEs in exporting their products and services to foreign markets.
  3. Assistance being provided through several schemes to promote exports, namely, Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) and Market Access Initiatives (MAI) Scheme.
  4. The Rebate of State and Central Levies and Taxes (RoSCTL) Scheme to promote labour- oriented certain items of textiles sector export has been implemented since March 07, 2019.
  5. Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme has been implemented since January 01, 2021. The benefit of RoDTEP scheme had also been extended to sectors like steel, pharma and chemicals with effect from December 15, 2022 to enhance export competitiveness of these sectors. Currently, 10,642 tariff lines (8-digit ITC(HS) Codes) are covered under this Scheme. The budget allocation for RoDTEP Scheme for the current financial year 2024-25 is Rs. 16,575 crores. The benefits of the RoDTEP scheme have also been extended to exports from Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) units till September 30, 2025.
  6. A Common Digital Platform for Certificate of Origin has been launched to facilitate trade and increase Free Trade Agreement (FTA) utilization by exporters.
  7. Districts as Export Hubs initiative had been launched by identifying products with export potential in each district, addressing bottlenecks for exporting these products and supporting local exporters/manufacturers to generate employment in the district.
  8. The Government has launched the Trade Connect e-Platform as an information and intermediation platform for international trade bringing together Indian Missions Abroad and officials from Department of Commerce and other organisations to provide comprehensive services for both new and existing exporters.
  9. Active role of Indian missions abroad towards promoting India’s trade, tourism, technology and investment goals has been enhanced. Regular monitoring of export performance with Commercial Missions abroad, Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards/Authorities and Industry Associations is being done and corrective measures are being taken from time to time.
  10. With the changing trade scenario, India is moving towards having Preferential/Free Trade Agreements (PTA/FTA) wherein customs tariffs and non-tariff barriers are reduced or eliminated on substantial trade items between the PTA/FTA members. At present, India is a member of 13 FTAs and 9 PTAs apart from the negotiations with the EU, the UK, and Oman.

This information was given by the Minister of State for the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

***

Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2114863) Visitor Counter : 18

Posted on

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Announces Expansion of ESIC Coverage in Uttar Pradesh; 15 More Districts Notified

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 4:29PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today announced that the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has expanded its coverage in Uttar Pradesh by notifying 15 additional districts under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme. This marks a significant step towards strengthening social security for workers in the state.

He mentioned that with this notification, a total of 74 out of 75 districts in Uttar Pradesh are now fully covered under the ESI Scheme, benefiting 30.08 lakh Insured Persons (IPs) and 1.16 crore beneficiaries. The newly notified districts namely, Ambedkar Nagar, Auraiya, Bahraich, Gonda, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Kannauj, Maharajganj, Mahoba, Pilibhit, Siddharthnagar, Shamli, Pratapgarh, Kasganj, and Shravasti, add 53,987 new Insured Persons to the ESIC network.

Revised Implementation Status Nationwide

Following this expansion, the national implementation status of the ESI Scheme stands as follows:

  • Total Districts Covered (Fully + Partially): 689
  • Fully Notified Districts: 586
  • Partially Notified Districts: 103
  • Non-Notified Districts: 89
  • Total Districts in India: 778

Measures for Further Expansion

To ensure comprehensive coverage across all remaining uncovered areas, ESIC has been actively working on the following initiatives:

  • Coordination with the State Government to arrange medical care facilities in non-implemented areas.
  • Utilizing Community Health Centers (CHCs) and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) to extend medical care in uncovered districts.
  • Integration with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to provide cashless medical care for ESIC beneficiaries without any expenditure cap.

Benefits under the ESIC Scheme

The ESIC provides a comprehensive social security net for workers, including:

  • Medical Benefits: Primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare.
  • Cash Benefits: Sickness, temporary/permanent disablement, maternity benefits (26 weeks), dependent benefits, and funeral expenses.
  • Unemployment Allowance: Under the Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana (RGSKY) and Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY) for workers facing job loss.

The notification of these 15 districts reaffirms the Government’s commitment to extending social security coverage to every eligible worker in the country. Efforts are underway to bring the remaining non-notified districts under ESIC, ensuring that no worker is left out of this vital safety net.

*****

HP

(Release ID: 2114861) Visitor Counter : 61

Posted on

Police launch interactive theatre against “space oil drug” to promote anti-drug messages among upper primary students (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Police launch interactive theatre against “space oil drug” to promote anti-drug messages among upper primary students  
Speaking at the session, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, pointed out that 31 students were arrested for serious drug offences last year, with the youngest arrestee involved in the “space oil drug” being 12 years old. He noted that although the number of arrests was the lowest since 2021, one juvenile drug case is still far too many. While law enforcement efforts are being stepped up, it is important to pass on the anti-drug culture through education and to “start from a young age with continuous and concerted efforts”.
 
Mr Siu added that the Police Narcotics Bureau (NB) has organised the “Interactive Anti-Drug Theatre” for the third consecutive year. Over the past two years, anti-drug messages have been disseminated to more than 13 500 primary students in nearly 100 school performances. He described the interactive engagement of the student audience as one of the best parts of the theatre, demonstrating the passing on of the anti-drug culture.
 
     Before the performance, a representative from the anti-drug service unit of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups’ Youth Crime Prevention Centre shared insights into the serious consequences of using the “space oil drug”, cautioning students about its far-reaching harm while urging them to adopt a firm stance: “Drugs? Never, Ever!”.
 
Representatives of school sponsoring bodies, principals, teachers and students from over 60 primary schools attended today’s event. The actors in the play took the audience on a study trip, during which they resisted the temptation of drugs. Through interactive questions designed to inspire critical thinking, students gained a thorough understanding of the harmful effects caused by drug abuse, and became more vigilant against the “space oil drug”.
 
As the NB’s first flagship publicity campaign for this year on the “space oil drug”, the “Interactive Anti-Drug Theatre – A Space Study Adventure” will be staged in primary schools starting this month. Schools interested in learning more and arranging a performance can contact the NB by email (ip-sip-int-1e-nb@police.gov.hk).
Issued at HKT 18:33

NNNN

Posted on

CE arrives in Hainan to attend Boao Forum annual conference (with photos/video)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CE arrives in Hainan to attend Boao Forum annual conference (with photos/video) 
Addressing the forum, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong, as an international financial, shipping, and trade centre, enjoys a strategic location and world-class connectivity, championing free and multilateral trade. Under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is the only world city that combines the China advantage with the global advantage. It boasts a long tradition of the rule of law and has an established common law regime that aligns with major global financial hubs.
 
Mr Lee noted that as a participant in the Global Free Trade Zone (Port) Partnership Initiative, Hong Kong will continue to collaborate with Hainan in promoting the vast opportunities that free trade and market liberalisation could bring to the world.
 
In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner with leaders of Hainan Province to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong’s co-operation with Hainan.
 
Additionally, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, attended the “Enhance Digital Capacity Building & Bridging Digital Divide” forum this afternoon. He outlined Hong Kong’s move to accelerate digital economy development through strengthening digital infrastructure and fostering digital transformation. The Government is pressing ahead with the Digital Corporate Identity Platform project at full speed. By adhering to the principle of “promoting technology with talent, leading industries with technology, and attracting talent with industries”, the Government will provide more quality jobs and development opportunities for innovation and technology (I&T) and digital talent in Hong Kong and for those coming to Hong Kong, thereby pooling I&T talent from around the globe.
 
Mr Lee will meet with leaders of Hainan Province and attend the signing ceremony of Memoranda of Understanding between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the People’s Government of Hainan Province tomorrow (March 26).
Issued at HKT 18:30

NNNN

Posted on

Correctional officers stop remand person in custody attacking staff member of Social Welfare Department

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Correctional officers stop remand person in custody attacking staff member of Social Welfare Department 
At 11.13am today, a 14-year-old male remand person in custody suddenly became emotional and attacked a staff member of the SWD inside an official visit room. Officers at the scene immediately stopped the assailant.
 
During the incident, neither the staff member of the SWD nor the assailant sustained any injuries.
 
The case has been reported to the Police for investigation.
 
The assailant was remanded for the offence of wounding in March 2025.
Issued at HKT 18:15

NNNN

Posted on

Speech by CE at Global Free Trade Ports Development Forum of Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan (English only) (with photos/video)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Global Free Trade Ports Development Forum of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan today (March 25):

Honourable Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia; Honourable Zhou Xiaochuan, Vice Chairman (Vice Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia); Honourable Akylbek Japarov, Former Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Before I address the audience, I would also like to thank Honourable Liu Xiaoming (Governor of Hainan Province) for organising this very successful forum and taking care of all of us. It gives me great pleasure to join you at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, a beacon of dialogue and co-operation.

I have decided to speak in English today because I am addressing a global audience, and I want to speak to you directly in the business language that Hong Kong always uses, in addition to Chinese, when we speak to the world. The Boao Forum for Asia is an international organisation, jointly initiated by over 20 member states and headquartered here in China, our country. 

Hong Kong is a global city that thrives on connecting the world. That’s why I’m pleased to share with you in today’s forum on the global free trade port development. For over a century, Hong Kong has thrived as a free port. Now an international financial, shipping and trade centre, Hong Kong is celebrated for its strategic location and world-class connectivity.

As a founding member of the World Trade Organization, Hong Kong champions free and multilateral trade. A city of just over 1 100 square kilometres in area and 7.5 million in population, Hong Kong is the world’s 10th largest merchandise trading entity. We are also the world’s fourth-largest destination for foreign direct investment.

Last year, Hong Kong was once again ranked the world’s freest economy. In the latest Global Financial Centres Index published just last week, Hong Kong maintained its third place globally, and first in Asia. In the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook, Hong Kong ranked fifth globally, up two places from the previous year.

These are all for good reasons. Under the unique “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong is the only world city that combines the China advantage with the global advantage. We boast a long tradition of the rule of law, and have an established common law regime that aligns with major global financial hubs. 

Both Chinese and English are our official languages, and our professionals are well-versed in international as well as Mainland Chinese business practices. Our wide range of talent admission schemes, coupled with a simple and low tax regime that maxes out at 15 per cent for income tax and 16.5 per cent for corporate tax, ensures that we welcome a world of professionals who are keen to develop their full potential .

But, as is evident in the theme of this year’s conference, “Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future”, this is indeed a changing world, and a challenging world as well. From geopolitical shifts and supply chain disruptions, to poverty and the urgent call for sustainability, the unprecedented challenges we face have left many at sea. Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities. Asia, now an engine of global growth, must promote multilateralism and reject protectionism.

We are devoted to deepening international exchange and collaboration. Hong Kong has signed investment agreements covering 33 economies, and free trade agreements covering 21 economies. We aspire to add the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership – the world’s largest free trade pact – to our free trade agreements soon, and better contribute to regional co-operation.

Recently, we signed an amendment to the Agreement on Trade in Services of CEPA, the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement. It contains policy breakthroughs that grant Hong Kong enterprises and professionals unparalleled, and timely, access to the Mainland market.

In the latest Report on the Work of the Government, delivered by Premier Li Qiang earlier this month, our country will step up the implementation of core policies for the Hainan Free Trade Port, and enhance the performance of pilot free trade zones. 

Hong Kong is proud to be a part of the Global Free Trade Zone (Port) Partnership Initiative, launched at this very forum two years ago. We will continue to join hands with our friends in Hainan in promoting the vast opportunities, and benefits, that free trade and market liberalisation could bring to the world.

Ladies and gentlemen, in this changing world, it is important to unite our efforts as a whole to pursue a brighter future. As responsible economies, we could all do our part in expanding free trade, streamlining customs, and harmonising standards. 

As the saying goes, “a rising tide lifts all boats” – its Chinese equivalent would be “水漲船高”. Today, we are all gathered in Hainan, a tranquil island blessed with the beauty of nature. But far from being on its own, this place is surrounded by a sea of opportunities and connectivity. Go alone; you may go fast. Go together; we go far. Together, we can bring about positive changes to our shared future. Together, we can achieve so much more.

On that note, I wish you a very fruitful Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference – one that is full of fruits for thoughts, fruits for actions and, of course, also fruits to eat, in this charming tropical city. Thank you! 

     

Posted on

SJ to visit Beijing

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will depart for a four-day visit to Beijing tomorrow morning (March 26).
 
     Upon arrival, Mr Lam will call on the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council to report on the developments of the Department of Justice’s major policy initiatives.
 
     During his visit, Mr Lam will join an exchange session and a seminar to be held at the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate respectively. He will also meet with senior officials and representatives of the authorities to exchange views on Hong Kong’s common law system under the principle of “one country, two systems” and other relevant topics.
 
     Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on March 29. During his absence, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will be the Acting Secretary for Justice.

Posted on

Fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens and phishing emails related to Dah Sing Bank, Limited

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Dah Sing Bank, Limited relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens and phishing emails, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.

The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).

Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites, login screens or emails concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

Posted on

Phishing instant messages related to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited relating to phishing instant messages, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
 
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
 
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the instant messages concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.