Keel laying ceremony for Yard 3040, the fourth (ex-GRSE) Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), was held at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) in Kolkata, on 24 Apr 25.
The ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, as the Chief Guest. Cmde PR Hari (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, along with other senior officials from the Indian Navy and the shipyard, were also present.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in the construction of the NGOPV, further showcasing India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
The contracts for indigenous design and construction of eleven Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV) were concluded on 30 Mar 23 with Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), Goa and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with seven ships to be constructed by Lead Shipyard GSL and four ships by Follow Shipyard GRSE.
The NGOPVs, with an approximate tonnage of 3000T, are designed for Coastal Defence & Surveillance, Search & Rescue operations, Protection of Offshore Assets and Anti-Piracy missions. Keel Laying of the vessel marks a significant milestone in the overall project timeline. The eleven NGOPVs are being built in consonance with the nation’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat ‘ and ‘ Make in India‘ and are poised to augment the Indian Naval maritime prowess.
India Steel 2025 was inaugurated today at the Bombay Exhibition Centre with a dynamic Day 1 that set the tone for three days of ground breaking dialogues, collaborations, and innovations. The biennial event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, and FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry), has once again cemented its status as the country’s premier platform for the steel industry.
The inaugural session was addressed by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi through a video message and he emphasized India’s strategic vision to enhance domestic steel production, reduce carbon emissions, and promote Make in India. The other key dignitaries part of the inaugural session included Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, Minister of State, Ministry of Steel, Govt of India; Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Labour, Govt of Chhattisgarh, Shri Sandeep Pondrik, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Govt of India; Shri Amarendu Prakash, Chairman, Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) and Chair- FICCI Steel Committee, Shri Anant Goenka, Senior Vice President, FICCI & Vice Chairman, RPG Group, and Dr. Edwin Basson, Director General, World Steel Association.
During the day, important sessions were organized to discuss the potential, challenges and opportunities in the Indian steel sector and the road map to capitalize the international market.
The session on ‘Viksit Bharat: Role of Steel Sector in Indian Economy’, a high-level panel comprising senior policymakers, economists, and industry leaders delved into the critical role of steel in realizing India’s $5 trillion economy vision which was moderated by Shri Anthony Crasto, Senior Partner, Deloitte. The session emphasized the sector’s potential to drive infrastructure, employment, and self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Context to the session was set by Shri Amarendu Prakash, Chairman, SAIL whereas panelists H.E. Shri Mikhail Yurin, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry & Trade, Government of Russian Federation, Shri Ashwini Kumar, Economic Advisor, Ministry of Steel, Government of India, Shri Jayant Acharya, Joint Managing Director & CEO JSW Group, Shri Anthony Crasto, Senior Partner, Deloitte & Shri Hitoshi Kawano, CEO, Primetals Technologies India Ltd. shared their thoughts.
The ‘CEOs Round Table’ was chaired by Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ministry of Steel and Heavy Industries. Other key participants included Shri Sandeep Poundrik, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Government of India, Shri Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and MSME, Government of Odisha, Shri Ashish Chatterjee, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Steel, Government of India along with other govt officials, industry leaders who discussed on the current challenges and growth for the Indian steel sector.
The ‘India–Russia Round Table’ served as a strategic platform for bilateral engagement between key stakeholders from both nations. The Indian delegation included senior officials such as the Secretary (Steel), Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor (AS&FA), Director General of BIS, Joint Secretaries (AN and VKT), the Director of SAIL, Chairmen and Managing Directors of NMDC and MECON, as well as top leadership from major private sector players including Tata Steel, AMNS, JSW, JSPL, JSL, and other prominent industry members. On the Russian side, the delegation was led by H.E. Shri Mikhail Yurin, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Trade, along with Shri Bobylev Petr, Director, Coal Industry Development, Ministry of Energy. The round table also included key trade representatives: Shri Evgeny Griva, Shri Mamed Akmedov, Shri Andrey Podchufarov, Shri Artem Ukolov, and Shri Vladislav Dmitriev, Head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation. The discussion centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the steel and mining sectors, fostering joint ventures, and exploring new avenues for technology transfer and trade facilitation.
With participation from over 250 exhibitors across 15 countries, the exhibition hall buzzed with activity, showcasing cutting-edge equipment, automation solutions, and sustainable product lines. Delegates explored advances in AI, robotics, and materials science that are shaping the future of steel.
The Day-2 of India Steel 2025 will witness the presence of Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Govt of India; Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education, Govt of India; Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, I&B and Electronics & Information Technology, Govt of India; Shri Pralhad Joshi, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Govt of India; along with Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha; to address the industry leaders, delegates along with exhibitors on various sessions on infrastructure, export strategies, and skill development. Networking events and B2B meetings are also scheduled to drive cross-border collaboration and business growth.
India Steel 2025 continues through April 26, offering a comprehensive platform for stakeholders to engage, ideate, and lead the way forward.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Adjustment in ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations in May 2025 A department spokesman said that the adjustment on May 1, 2025, would reflect the movement of the LPG international price in April 2025. The adjusted auto-LPG ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations would range from $3.67 to $4.59 per litre, amounting to a decrease of $0 to $0.01 per litre.
The spokesman said that the auto-LPG ceiling prices were adjusted according to a pricing formula specified in the contracts. The formula comprises two elements – the LPG international price and the LPG operating price. The LPG international price refers to the LPG international price of the preceding month. The LPG operating price is adjusted on February 1 and June 1 annually according to the average movement of the Composite Consumer Price Index and the Nominal Wage Index.
The auto-LPG ceiling prices for respective dedicated LPG filling stations in May 2025 are as follows:
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Kowloon City District If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public, especially young people, not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that affects their future.Issued at HKT 18:00
Moksh’s mother had tears in her eyes when she read this simple, loving, and heartwarming note written by her son in uneven letters and wobbly handwriting. Though it seems like just ten simple words written by a kid to his mother. But behind those words lies a powerful story of love, waiting, and hope.
Moksh was born with a condition called “knock knees,” which made his legs bend inward. He was left at a Child Care Institution when he was just a day old unaware of anything in this new world. He was put up for adoption. For four years, families walked in and out of his life—pausing, hesitating, moving on. His condition was listed on the form. And that was often the end of the conversation.
Until one day, it wasn’t.
In 2021, a couple saw him, not the label, not the diagnosis, but ‘Their child.’ To them, he wasn’t a problem to solve, he was their son, waiting for them from the day he was born. The second wave of COVID-19 made the wait even longer. But they didn’t let him go, they stayed—through video calls, telling him bedtime stories through screens, making him smile from far away and patiently waiting to hold him in their arms.
Finally, before the New Year, Moksh came home. His new parents enrolled him in swimming to help his legs, took him for regular check-ups, and gave him love and care. Today, Moksh is not just healthy—he’s thriving. He learned to swim, act in plays, and most of all, fly through the air in parkour, that bold sport of leaps and climbs and courage. From a child once left behind… to being named ‘Student of the Month’.
Moksh’s story is one of love triumphing over hesitation. And across India, many more stories like his are finally being written. Over the years, legal adoptions in India have seen a boost with families coming forward to give home to orphaned children. In FY 2024-25, India saw a record 4,515 adoptions—the highest in nearly a decade. Of these, 4,155 were domestic, marking a powerful shift in societal attitudes. It’s no longer rare for Indian families to adopt. It’s becoming a choice made with open hearts and open arms.
The Promise of Legal Adoption
Driving this transformation is the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), with its mission to ensure no child is left behind. The statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development ensures that adoptions should happen legally and ethically to safeguard innocent children.
It functions as the nodal body for the adoption of Indian children and is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoptions. It is designated as the Central Authority to deal with inter-country adoptions by the provisions of the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993, ratified by the Government of India in 2003. CARA primarily deals with the adoption of orphan, abandoned, and surrendered children through its associated /recognized adoption agencies. CARA is working day and night through on-ground activities, training sessions, and social media campaigns to promote legal adoptions. As adoption is not just about legal contracts, it is more of an emotional journey that both parents and child take together, the process becomes even more important.
Before planning to adopt, the Prospective Adoptive Parents must go through the eligibility criteria mentioned on CARA’s website. Illegal adoption is concerning as it amounts to child trafficking and is a punishable offense under The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2021.
Illegal Adoption refers to taking direct, immediate and unsolicited custody of a child in need of care and protection.
More Children, More Hope
For years, one of the biggest hurdles in adoption was the gap between children in need and parents willing to adopt. But 2023–24 marked a turning point.
Over 8,500 children were identified and added to the adoption pool—many of them from institutions where they had long waited to be seen, chosen, and loved.
245 new agencies were added to CARA’s network, making adoption more accessible than ever.
These are not just policy wins—they are acts of restoration. Every child added to the list represents a new possibility for connection, belonging, and a chance to be a child again.
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today, condoled passing of Dr. K. Kasturirangan, a towering figure in India’s scientific and educational journey. Shri Modi stated that Dr. K. Kasturirangan served ISRO with great diligence, steering India’s space programme to new heights. “India will always be grateful to Dr. Kasturirangan for his efforts during the drafting of the National Education Policy (NEP) and in ensuring that learning in India became more holistic and forward-looking. He was also an outstanding mentor to many young scientists and researchers”, Shri Modi added.
The Prime Minister posted on X :
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. K. Kasturirangan, a towering figure in India’s scientific and educational journey. His visionary leadership and selfless contribution to the nation will always be remembered.
He served ISRO with great diligence, steering India’s space programme to new heights, for which we also received global recognition. His leadership also witnessed ambitious satellite launches and focussed on innovation.”
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. K. Kasturirangan, a towering figure in India’s scientific and educational journey. His visionary leadership and selfless contribution to the nation will always be remembered.
“India will always be grateful to Dr. Kasturirangan for his efforts during the drafting of the National Education Policy (NEP) and in ensuring that learning in India became more holistic and forward-looking. He was also an outstanding mentor to many young scientists and researchers.
My thoughts are with his family, students, scientists and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”
India will always be grateful to Dr. Kasturirangan for his efforts during the drafting of the National Education Policy (NEP) and in ensuring that learning in India became more holistic and forward-looking. He was also an outstanding mentor to many young scientists and…
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Waterworks (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 significantly enhances effectiveness of combating overcharging for water??? The WSD will continue efforts to step up prosecution and inspections against overcharging for water in SDUs under the amended WWO and to appeal to landlords to apply for the installation of separate water meters for their SDUs, which can greatly reduce the risk of contravening the amended WWO. The WSD encourages the public to report any illegal acts of overcharging SDU tenants for water for follow-up and investigation by the department. The public can call the WSD Hotline 3468 4963 or WhatsApp 5665 5517 to apply for the installation of separate water meters for SDUs. The WhatsApp hotline also handles matters relating to water overcharging in SDUs. Alternatively, the public can call the WSD Customer Enquiry Hotline 2824 5000 to report water overcharge cases. After calling the hotline and choosing a language, they can press “7” for reporting to staff directly. Issued at HKT 17:00
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) today (April 25) published its Annual Report 2024, including the financial statements of the Exchange Fund, and its Sustainability Report 2024.
The Annual Report reviews trends and major events in monetary and banking affairs, and reports on the HKMA’s work during 2024. It also sets out the HKMA’s work priorities and plans for 2025.
The Sustainability Report sets out the HKMA’s strategy and priorities in embedding sustainability at the core of Hong Kong’s financial system, including strengthening climate-resilience and enhancing the ecosystem, while operating as a responsible investor and sustainable organisation.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The 77th issue of “HA Risk Alert” was published today (April 25) by the Hospital Authority (HA) as a risk management and communication initiative to further strengthen the reporting and monitoring of clinical incidents in public hospitals.
In the fourth quarter of 2024 (October to December), there were seven sentinel events reported, comprising four cases of retained instruments/material after surgery/interventional procedure, two cases of inpatient suicide and one case of a surgery/interventional procedure involving wrong body parts. Among the 31 reported serious untoward events, there were 29 related to medication errors and two patient misidentifications.
“Subsequent to the incident reviews and analyses of the root causes of these incidents, important lessons for patient safety have been identified, while recommendations are made and shared in this publication to avoid similar events in the future,” an HA spokesperson said.
The HA Head Office has released the latest “HA Risk Alert” to all staff. It can also be accessed by the public at www.ha.org.hk/riskalert. “HA Risk Alert” is published on a quarterly basis and posted on the HA website in January, April, July and October. The next issue is scheduled for July 2025.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (April 25) the results of the Quarterly Business Tendency Survey for the second quarter (Q2) of 2025.
Business Situation
For all surveyed sectors taken together, the proportion of respondents expecting their business situation to be better (9%) in Q2 2025 over the preceding quarter is lower than that expecting it to be worse (18%).
When compared with the results of the Q1 2025 survey round, the proportion of respondents expecting a better business situation in Q2 2025 is 9%, broadly the same as the corresponding proportion in Q1 2025. On the other hand, the proportion of respondents expecting a worse business situation had slightly decreased from 19% in Q1 2025 to 18% in Q2 2025.
Analysed by sector, respondents in most of the surveyed sectors expect their business situation to decrease on balance in Q2 2025 as compared with Q1 2025. In particular, significantly more respondents in the accommodation and food services and transportation, storage and courier services sectors expect their business situation to be worse in Q2 2025 as compared with Q1 2025.
The results of the survey should be interpreted with care. In this type of survey on expectations, the views collected in the survey are affected by the events in the community occurring around the time of enumeration, and it is difficult to establish precisely the extent to which respondents’ perception of the future accords with the underlying trends. The enumeration period for this survey round was from March 4, 2025 to April 10, 2025.
Volume of Business / Output
Respondents in all of the surveyed sectors expect their volume of business/ output to decrease on balance or remain broadly unchanged in Q2 2025 as compared with Q1 2025. In particular, significantly more respondents in the accommodation and food services sector expect their volume of business to decrease in Q2 2025 over Q1 2025.
Employment
Respondents in most of the surveyed sectors expect their employment to decrease on balance or remain broadly unchanged in Q2 2025 as compared with Q1 2025. In particular, more respondents in the accommodation and food services and construction sectors expect their employment to decrease in Q2 2025 over Q1 2025. In the real estate sector, however, more respondents expect their employment to increase, as compared to those expecting it to decrease.
Selling Price/ Service Charge
Respondents in most of the surveyed sectors expect their selling prices/ service charges to remain broadly unchanged in Q2 2025 as compared with Q1 2025. However, significantly more respondents in the construction and accommodation and food services sectors expect their tender prices/ charges for services rendered/ prices of food provided to go down in Q2 2025 over Q1 2025.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that according to the survey conducted earlier, the near-term business outlook and hiring appetite among large enterprises for the second quarter of 2025 were largely stable compared with expectations for the previous quarter.
The spokesman pointed out that the survey captured largely the views of enterprises before the abrupt escalation of trade tensions due to the significant increases in import tariffs by the US in early April. Looking forward, as the downside risk and uncertainties of the global economy have increased notably, business sentiment should be subject to pressure. The Government has been providing support to enterprises through various measures, and will monitor the situation closely.
Further Information
The survey gathers views on short-term business performance from the senior management of about 570 prominent establishments in various sectors in Hong Kong with a view to providing a quick reference, with minimum time lag, for predicting the short-term future economic performance of the local economy.
The survey covers 10 major sectors in Hong Kong, namely manufacturing; construction; import / export trade and wholesale; retail; accommodation and food services (mainly covering services rendered by hotels and restaurants); transportation, storage and courier services; information and communications; financing and insurance; real estate; and professional and business services sectors.
Views collected in the survey refer only to those of respondents on their own establishments rather than those on the respective sectors they are engaged in, and are limited to the expected direction of quarter-to-quarter change (e.g. “up”, “same” or “down”) but not the magnitude of change. In collecting views on the quarter-to-quarter changes, if the variable in question is subject to seasonal variations, respondents are asked to provide the expected changes after excluding the normal seasonal variations.
Survey results are generally presented as “net balance”, i.e. the difference between the percentage of respondents choosing “up” and that choosing “down”. The percentage distribution of respondents among various response categories (e.g. “up”, “same” and “down”) reflects how varied their business expectations are. The “net balance”, with its appropriate sign, indicates the direction of expected change in the variable concerned. A positive sign indicates a likely upward trend while a negative sign indicates a likely downward trend. However, the magnitude of the “net balance” reflects only the prevalence of optimism or pessimism, but not the magnitude of expected change, since information relating to such magnitude is not collected in the survey.
Furthermore, owing to sample size constraint, care should be taken in interpreting survey results involving a small percentage (e.g. less than 10%) of respondents in individual sectors.
Chart 1 shows the views on expected changes in business situation for the period Q2 2024 to Q2 2025.
Table 1 shows the net balances of views on expectations in respect of different variables for Q2 2025.
Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Business Expectation Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7263; E-mail: business-prospects@censtatd.gov.hk).