A highly sensitive, eco-friendly and cost-effective optical sensing platform developed for cholesterol detection can help identify early symptoms of diseases like atherosclerosis, venous thrombosis, cardiovascular diseases, heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and cancer.
Detecting fatal diseases at their earliest symptoms is essential, as abnormal biochemical markers may sometimes accompany such disorders. Therefore, reliable point-of-care (POC) detection of biomarkers associated with these diseases is necessary for personalized health monitoring.
Cholesterol is an essential lipid in humans, produced by the liver. It is the precursor for vitamin D, bile acids, and steroid hormones. Cholesterol is necessary for animal tissues, blood, and nerve cells, and it is transported by blood in mammals. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol because it can accumulate in the walls of arteries and contribute to severe diseases, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), known as ‘good’ cholesterol.
However, maintaining a balance in cholesterol levels is crucial. Both high and low cholesterol levels can lead to various diseases, including atherosclerosis, venous thrombosis, cardiovascular diseases, heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and cancer. Atherosclerotic plaques form when excess cholesterol builds up on artery walls, hindering proper blood flow.
A team of interdisciplinary researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST, has developed an optical sensing platform for cholesterol detection based on silk fibre functionalized using phosphorene quantum dots.
A point-of-care (POC) device has been developed in the laboratory scale for detecting cholesterol using this. It can sense cholesterol in trace amounts, even below the preferred range. It can be an efficient tool for routine monitoring of cholesterol levels in the human body.
The project, led by Prof. Neelotpal Sen Sarma, a retired Professor; Dr. Asis Bala, an Associate Professor; and Ms. Nasrin Sultana, a DST INSPIRE Senior Research Fellow incorporated the material – the silk fibre, into a cellulose nitrate membrane to create an electrical sensing platform for cholesterol detection.
Fig:Schematic representation of the work done on the detection of cholesterol based on silk fiber functionalized phosphorene quantum dots.
The synthesized sensors were highly sensitive as well as selective for cholesterol detection. Furthermore, the electrical sensing platform generates no e-waste, a key advantage of the fabricated device. Both sensing platforms respond similarly to real-world media such as human blood serum, experimental rat blood serum, and milk. The work was published in the “Nanoscale” Journal, published by Royal Society of Chemistry.
Tur procurement continues in major Tur producing states Govt. committed to purchase 100 percent of production of Tur at MSP
Tur procurement is also done on e-Samridhi and eSamyukti portals
Posted On: 23 APR 2025 2:15PM by PIB Delhi
In order to incentivize the farmers contributing for the enhancement of domestic production of pulses and to reduce the dependence on imports, the Government has approved the procurement of Tur, Urad and Masur under Price Support Scheme (PSS) equivalent to 100% of the production of the state for the procurement year 2024-25.
The Government has also made an announcement in Budget 2025 that the procurement of Tur (Arhar), Urad and Masur would be undertaken 100% of the production of the State for another four years up to 2028-29 through Central Nodal Agencies namely NAFED and NCCF to achieve self- sufficiency in pulses in the country.
Accordingly, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved the procurement of Tur (Arhar) in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh under Price Support Scheme during the Kharif 2024-25 season for a total quantity of 13.22 LMT. The Minister has also approved the extension of procurement period in Andhra Pradesh by 30 days beyond 90 days upto 22nd of next month in the interest of farmers.
The procurement at MSP through NAFED and NCCF is in progress in Andhra Pradesh,Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Telangana and a total quantity of 3.92 LMT of Tur (Arhar) has been procured in these states till 22nd of this month benefitting 2,56,517farmers of these states. Tur procurement is also done from pre-registered farmers on e-Samridhi portal of NAFED and eSamyukti portal of NCCF. The Govt. of India is committed to take up 100 percent procurement of Tur @ MSP offered by farmers through central nodal agencies namely NAFED and NCCF.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (April 23) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for March 2025. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 1.4% in March 2025 over the same month a year earlier, smaller than the average rate of increase in January and February 2025 (1.7%). Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (i.e. the underlying inflation rate) in March 2025 was 1.0%, also smaller than the average rate of increase in January and February 2025 (1.3%). The comparison to the average rate of increase in January and February is to neutralise the effect caused by the different timing of the Chinese New Year between two years, which occurred in January this year but in February last year. The smaller increase in March 2025 was mainly due to the decreases in inbound and outbound transport fares and the charges for package tours.
Comparing March 2025 with February 2025, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI in March 2025 was 1.4%, the same as that in February 2025. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI in March 2025 was 1.0%, slightly smaller than the corresponding increase in February 2025 (1.1%).
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of change in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending March 2025 was 0.0%, the same as that for the 3-month period ending February 2025. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of change were both 0.0%.
Analysed by sub-index, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 2.0%, 1.2% and 1.0% respectively in March 2025, as compared to the average rates of increase of 2.2%, 1.5% and 1.3% respectively in January and February 2025, and 2.0%, 1.2% and 1.0% respectively in February 2025. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.4%, 0.9% and 0.8% respectively in March 2025, as compared to the average rates of increase of 1.7%, 1.2% and 1.2% respectively in January and February 2025, and 1.4%, 1.0% and 0.9% respectively in February 2025.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, for the 3-month period ending March 2025, the average monthly rates of change in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 0.1%, 0.0% and 0.0% respectively. The corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending February 2025 were 0.1%, 0.0% and 0.1% respectively. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the average monthly rates of change in the seasonally adjusted CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) for the 3-month period ending March 2025 were -0.1%, 0.0% and 0.0% respectively, the same as those for the 3-month period ending February 2025.
Amongst the various components of the Composite CPI, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded in March 2025 for electricity, gas and water (14.0%), alcoholic drinks and tobacco (4.4%), transport (1.7%), housing (1.7%), meals out and takeaway food (1.3%), miscellaneous goods (1.0%), and miscellaneous services (1.0%).
On the other hand, year-on-year decreases in the components of the Composite CPI were recorded in March 2025 for clothing and footwear (-2.8%), basic food (-1.5%), and durable goods (-0.5%).
In the first quarter of 2025, the Composite CPI rose by 1.6% over a year earlier, while the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) rose by 2.2%, 1.4% and 1.2% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.2%, 1.6%, 1.1% and 1.0% respectively.
For the 12 months ending March 2025, the Composite CPI was on average 1.6% higher than that in the preceding 12-month period. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 2.1%, 1.5% and 1.4% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.1% and 1.1% respectively.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that the underlying consumer price inflation stayed modest in March. The underlying Composite CPI increased by 1.0% over a year earlier in March, smaller than the increase of 1.3% in January and February combined. Price pressures on various major components stayed contained in general.
Looking ahead, overall inflation should remain modest in the near term. External price pressures should be broadly in check, though escalating trade conflicts continue to warrant attention. The Government will monitor the situation closely.
Further information
The CPIs and year-on-year rates of change at section level for March 2025 are shown in Table 1. The time series on the year-on-year rates of change in the CPIs before and after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures are shown in Table 2. For discerning the latest trend in consumer prices, it is also useful to look at the changes in the seasonally adjusted CPIs. The time series on the average monthly rates of change during the latest 3 months for the seasonally adjusted CPIs are shown in Table 3. The rates of change in the original and the seasonally adjusted Composite CPI and the underlying inflation rate are presented graphically in Chart 1.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Attention TV and radio announcers:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (April 23) that due to the sighting of a suspected red tide, red flags have been hoisted at Lido Beach, Casam Beach and Ting Kau Beach in Tsuen Wan District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches until further notice.
Induction ceremony of 10th ACTCM Barge, LSAM 24 (Yard 134) was held on 22 Apr 25 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. Chief Guest for Induction Ceremony was Cmde AKK Reddy, AGM(PR), ND(Mbi).
The contract for construction and delivery of eleven (11) Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barges was concluded with M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane on 05 Mar 21, an MSME Shipyard. The Shipyard has indigenously designed these Barges in collaboration with an Indian Ship Design firm and subsequently model tested at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam successfully to ensure seaworthiness. These barges are built in accordance with relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). These Barges are proud flag bearers of “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives of Government of India. Nine ACTCM Barges have already been delivered and the shipyard has also been awarded a contract for construction and delivery of four Sullage Barges to the Indian Navy thereby highlighting the Indian Navy’s commitment towards encouraging MSMEs.
Induction of these Barges would provide impetus to operational commitments of Indian Navy by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles/ ammunition to Indian Navy platforms both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.
DPIIT Secretary chairs PMG review of mega infrastructure projects in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Uttarakhand Projects worth over ₹14,096 crore reviewed
Posted On: 23 APR 2025 1:35PM by PIB Delhi
Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Shri Amardeep Bhatia, chaired a high-level meeting to review mega infrastructure projects in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. The review meeting, conducted under the aegis of the Project Monitoring Group (PMG), was attended by senior officials from central ministries, state governments, and project proponents.
During the meeting, 19 issues across 17 significant projects were reviewed, with the total cost of these projects exceeding ₹14,096 crore. The discussions focused on fast-tracking resolution of implementation challenges through enhanced inter-ministerial and inter-state coordination.
Among the major projects reviewed was the four-laning of the Jaunpur-Akbarpur road project, valued at ₹3,164.72 crore. The project involves two key issues across two work packages, and is crucial for improving regional connectivity and road infrastructure.
The meeting also laid emphasis on the establishment of new ESI Hospitals at multiple strategic locations. These projects are part of the Government of India’s broader effort to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, particularly in underserved and high-demand regions. Shri Bhatia noted that the hospitals will significantly improve access to quality medical care and contribute to regional development, thereby supporting the well-being of the workforce and their families.
The construction of the permanent campus of NIT Uttarakhand at Sumari in Pauri Garhwal district was another key project reviewed. Aimed at strengthening the region’s educational ecosystem, the campus will provide a state-of-the-art academic and administrative environment for the institute. Once operational, it is expected to elevate the quality of technical education and research in Uttarakhand and spur local socio-economic development.
Shri Bhatia reiterated the Government’s commitment to reinforcing the institutional framework for project monitoring and urged all stakeholders to adopt a proactive approach for issue resolution. He encouraged private sector participants to actively engage with the PMG platform (https://pmg.dpiit.gov.in/) to expedite project implementation by leveraging streamlined coordination with the government and other key entities.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (April 23) urged the public to stop using two models of Proluxury and JHE wall-mounted fans and contact the product suppliers, Main Plan Limited and Many Profit Industrial Limited, on matters of product returns and refunds.
The two models of the wall-mounted fans concerned are as follows:
Brand
Model
Affected production batch/serial number
Supplier
Proluxury
PWF504012
Batch No. PO24-0010
Main Plan Limited
JHE
FW40-A4(JH)
S/N 0810Q10401 to 0810Q11400
Many Profit Industrial Limited
​The EMSD’s tests found that the above two models of wall-mounted fans do not comply with the relevant safety standards. The components of the wall-mounted fans may become faulty after prolonged use, thus posing potential electrical shock hazards. The EMSD has liaised with the relevant suppliers regarding the test results. According to the suppliers, manufacturing defects were found on the components of affected production batches of the wall-mounted fans. The suppliers have therefore decided to arrange a recall with refunds for these products.
　　For details of the product recalls, please visit the website of Main Plan Limited at www.ecliving.com.hk and the website of Many Profit Industrial Limited at www.manyprofit.com.
For enquiries, please call Main Plan Limited’s customer service hotline at 2698 9280, and Many Profit Industrial Limited’s hotline at 2116 0451.
“A Historic Friendship; A Partnership for Progress”
At the invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Hon’ble Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Shri Narendra Modi paid a State Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on April 22, 2025.
This was Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s third visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It followed the historic State Visit of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s visit to India in September 2023 to participate in the G-20 Summit and co-chair the first meeting of the India- Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Al-Salam Palace, Jeddah.They held official talks, during which they recalled the strong bonds of historically close friendship between the Republic of India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. India and Saudi Arabia enjoy a strong relationship and close people-to-people ties marked by trust and goodwill. The two sides noted that the solid foundation of the bilateral relationship between the two nations has further strengthened through the strategic partnership covering diverse areas including defense, security, energy, trade, investment, technology, agriculture, culture, health, education, and people-to-people ties. Both sides also exchanged views on current regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Saudi Arabia’s successful bids for World Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034.
The two leaders held constructive discussions on ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The two leaders also co-chaired the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC). The two sides reviewed the progress of the Strategic Partnership Council since their last meeting in September 2023. Both leaders expressed their satisfaction with the outcomes of the work of the two Ministerial Committees, namely: (a) the Committee on Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation and their subcommittees and (b) the Committee on Economy and Investment and their Joint Working Groups, in diverse fields. In this context, the Co-Chairs of the Council welcomed the expansion of the Strategic Partnership Council to four Ministerial Committees reflecting the deepening of the Strategic Partnership, by addition of the Ministerial Committees on Defence Cooperation, and Tourism and Cultural Cooperation. The two leaders noted with appreciation the large number of high-level visits across various Ministries that have built trust and mutual understanding on both sides. At the end of the Meeting, the two leaders signed the Minutes of the Second Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
The Indian side expressed its appreciation to the Saudi side for the continuing welfare of around 2.7 million Indian nationals residing in the Kingdom, reflecting the strong people- to-people bonds and immense goodwill that exists between the two nations. The Indian side also congratulated Saudi Arabia for successfully holding the Haj pilgrimage in 2024 and expressed its appreciation for the excellent coordination between the two countries in facilitating Indian Haj and Umrah pilgrims.
Both sides welcomed the growth of the economic relationship, trade and investment ties between India and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in recent years. The Indian side congratulated the Saudi side for progress achieved on the goals under Vision 2030. Saudi side expressed appreciation for India’s sustained economic growth and the goal of Viksit Bharat or becoming a developed country by 2047. Both sides agreed to work together in areas of mutual interests to fulfill respective national goals and achieve shared prosperity.
Both Leaders noted with satisfaction the progress made in the discussions under the High-Level Task Force (HLTF), constituted in 2024 for promoting investment flows between the two countries. Building on the endeavor of Saudi Arabia to invest in India in multiple areas including energy, petrochemicals, infrastructure, technology, fintech, digital infrastructure, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and health, it was noted that the High-Level Task Force came to an understanding in multiple areas which will rapidly promote such investment flows. They noted the agreement in the High-Level Task Force to collaborate on establishing two refineries. The progress made by this Task Force in areas such as taxation was also a major breakthrough for greater cooperation in the future. The two sides affirmed their desire to complete negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty at the earliest. The Indian side appreciated the launch of India Desk at the Public Investment Fund (PIF) to act as the nodal point for investment facilitation by PIF. They observed that work of the High-Level Task Force underscores the growing economic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia focusing on mutual economic growth and collaborative investments.
The two sides affirmed their commitment to strengthening their direct and indirect investment partnership. They commended the outcomes of the Saudi-India Investment Forum, held in New Delhi in September 2023, and the active cooperation it achieved between the public and private sectors from both countries. They also commended the expansion of investment activities by Indian companies in the Kingdom, and appreciated the role of the private sector in enhancing mutual investments.The two sides valued the activation of the Framework of Cooperation on Enhancing Bilateral Investment between Invest India and Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia. Both sides agreed to facilitate enhanced bilateral cooperation in the startup ecosystem, contributing to mutual growth and innovation.
In the field of Energy, the Indian side agreed to work with the Kingdom to enhance the stability of global oil markets and to balance global energy market dynamics. They emphasized the need to ensure security of supply for all energy sources in global markets. They agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation in several areas in the energy sector, including the supply of crude oil and its derivatives including LPG, collaboration in India’s Strategic Reserve Program, joint projects across the refining and petrochemical sector, including manufacturing and specialized industries, innovative uses of hydrocarbons, electricity, and renewable energy, including completing the detailed joint study for electrical interconnection between the two countries, exchanging expertise in the fields of grid automation, grid connectivity, electrical grid security and resilience, and renewable energy projects and energy storage technologies, and enhancing the participation of companies from both sides in implementing their projects.
The two sides emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field of green/clean hydrogen, including stimulating demand, developing hydrogen transport and storage technologies, exchanging expertise and experiences to implement best practices. The two sides also acknowledged the need to work on developing supply chains and projects linked to the energy sector, enabling cooperation between companies, enhancing cooperation in the field of energy efficiency and rationalizing energy consumption in the buildings, industry, and transportation sectors, and raising awareness of its importance.
With regard to climate change, both sides reaffirmed the importance of adhering to the principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, and the need to develop and implement climate agreements with a focus on emissions rather than sources. The Indian side commended the Kingdom’s launch of the “Saudi Green Initiative” and the “Middle East Green Initiative”and expressed its support for the Kingdom’s efforts in the field of climate change. The two sides stressed the importance of joint cooperation to develop applications of the circular carbon economy by promoting policies that use the circular carbon economy as a tool to manage emissions and achieve climate change objectives.The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia appreciated India’s contributions to global climate action by pioneering initiatives like International Solar Alliance, One Sun-One World-One Grid, Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) and Global Green Credit Initiative.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the steady growth in bilateral trade in recent years with India being the second largest trading partner for Saudi Arabia; and Saudi Arabia being India’s fifth largest trading partner in 2023-2024. Both sides agreed to further enhance co-operation to diversify their bilateral trade. In this regard, both sides agreed on the importance of increasing visits of business and trade delegations, and holding trade and investment events. Both sides reiterated their desire for commencing negotiations on the India-GCC FTA.
The two sides appreciated the deepening of the defence ties as a key pillar of the Strategic Partnership, and welcomed the creation of a Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation under the Strategic Partnership Council. They noted with satisfaction the growth of their joint defence cooperation including numerous ‘firsts’ like the first ever Land Forces exercise SADA TANSEEQ, two rounds of the Naval Exercises AL MOHED AL HINDI, many high-level visits, and training exchanges, towards ensuring the security and stability of the region. They welcomed the outcomes of the 6th meeting of the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation held in Riyadh in September 2024, noting the initiation of staff-level talks between all three services. Both sides also agreed to enhance defence industry collaboration.
Noting the continuing cooperation achieved in security fields, both sides highlighted the importance of this cooperation for better security and stability. They also emphasized the importance of furthering cooperation between both sides in the areas of cybersecurity, maritime border security, combating transnational crime, narcotics and drug trafficking.
Both sides strongly condemned the gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians. In this context, the two sides condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, and emphasized that this remains one of the gravest threats to humanity. They agreed that there cannot be any justification for any act of terror for any reason whatsoever. They rejected any attempt to link terrorism to any particular race, religion or culture. They welcomed the excellent cooperation between the two sides in counter-terrorism and the terror financing. They condemned cross-border terrorism, and called on all States to reject the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terrorism infrastructure where it exists, and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice swiftly. Both sides stressed the need to prevent access to weapons including missiles and drones to commit terrorist acts against other countries.
The two sides noted the ongoing cooperation in field of health and efforts to combat current and future health risks and health challenges. In this context, they welcomed the signing of the MOU on Cooperation in the Field of Health between the two countries. The Indian side congratulated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for successfully hosting the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance in Jeddah in November 2024. Indian side welcomed the initiatives taken by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority to address issues related to reference pricing and fast track registration of Indian drugs in Saudi Arabia. Both sides also welcomed the extension of the MoU on Co-operation in the Field of Medical Products Regulation between Saudi Food and Drug Authority and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for a further period of five years.
Both sides underscored the importance of co-operation in technology including in new and emerging domains such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, semi-conductors etc. Highlighting the importance of digital governance,both sides agreed to explore collaboration in this area. They also expressed satisfaction on signing of the MOU between Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and Communications, Space and Technology Commission of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for cooperation in regulatory and digital sectors.
Both sides noted that the MoU on space cooperation signed during this visit will pave the way for enhanced cooperation in the field of space, including utilization of launch vehicles, spacecraft, ground systems; applications of space technology; research and development; academic engagement and entrepreneurship.
Both sides noted the growth of cultural cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of India through active engagement in key sectors such as heritage, film, literature, and performing and visual arts. The creation of a Ministerial Committee on Tourism and Cultural Cooperation under the Strategic Partnership Council marks a significant step toward deepening this partnership.
Both sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in tourism including through capacity building and sustainable tourism. They also noted the expansion of various opportunities in media, entertainment, and sports, supported by the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Both sides appreciated the long-standing cooperation between the two countries in the areas of agriculture and food security, including trade of fertilizers. They agreed to pursue long-term agreements for the security of supply, mutual investments and joint projects towards building long-term strategic cooperation in this area.
The two sides commended the growing momentum in educational and scientific collaboration between the two countries, underscoring its strategic importance in fostering innovation, capacity building, and sustainable development. The Saudi side welcomes the opportunities for leading Indian universities to have presence in Saudi Arabia.The two sides also stressed the value of expanding cooperation in labour and human resources and identifying opportunities for collaboration.
Both sides recalled the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Principles of an India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor along with other countries in September 2023 during the state visit of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to India and expressed mutual commitment to work together to realize the vision of connectivity as envisaged in the Corridor, including the development of infrastructure that includes railways and port linkages to increase the passage of goods and services, and boost trade among stakeholders, and enhance data connectivity and electrical grid interconnectivity. In this regard, both sides welcomed the progress under the MoU on Electrical Interconnections, Clean/Green Hydrogen and Supply Chains signed in October 2023. Both sides also expressed satisfaction on the increase in shipping lines between the two countries.
The two sides stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation and coordination between the two countries in international organizations and forums, including the G20, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank, to bolster efforts to address the challenges facing the global economy. They commended the existing cooperation between them within the Common Framework for Debt Treatment Beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI), which was endorsed by the G20 leaders at the Riyadh Summit 2020. They stressed the importance of enhancing the implementation of the Common Framework as the main and most comprehensive platform for coordination between official creditors (developing country creditors and Paris Club creditors) and the private sector to address the debt of eligible countries.
The two sides affirmed their full support for the international and regional efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Yemen. The Indian side appreciated the Kingdom’s many initiatives aimed at encouraging dialogue between the Yemeni parties, and its role in providing and facilitating access of humanitarian aid to all regions of Yemen. The Saudi side also appreciated the Indian effort in providing humanitarian aid to Yemen.The two sides agreed on the importance of cooperation to promote ways to ensure the security and safety of waterways and freedom of navigation in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The following MoUs were signed during the visit:
• MoU between Department of Space, India, and Saudi Space Agency in the field of space activities for peaceful purposes.
• MoU between Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Republic of India and Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia & on Cooperation in the Field of Health.
• Bilateral Agreement between Department of Posts, India and Saudi Post Corporation (SPL) for inward foreign surface parcel.
• MOU between National Anti-Doping Agency of India (NADA), India, and Saudi Arabia Anti-Doping Committee (SAADC) for cooperation in the field of anti-doping and prevention.
Both sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council on a date mutually agreed upon. As the two nations march ahead with economic and social developments in their respective countries, they also decided, that they will continue communication, coordination and cooperation across various sectors.
At the end of the visit, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to him and his accompanying delegation. He also conveyed his best wishes for continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For his part, His Royal Highness extended his sincere wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the friendly people of India for further progress and prosperity.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Online auction of vehicle registration marks to be held from May 8 to 12 A spokesman for the TD said, “A total of 120 Ordinary VRMs will be available at this online public auction. The list of VRMs (see Annex) has been uploaded to the E-Auction website. Applicants who have paid a $1,000 deposit to reserve the Ordinary VRM for auction should also register as an E-Auction user in advance in order to participate in the online bidding, including placing the first bid at the opening price of $1,000. Otherwise, the VRMs reserved by them may be bid on by other interested bidders at or above the opening price. Auctions for VRMs with ‘HK’ or ‘XX’ as a prefix, special VRMs and personalised VRMs will continue to be carried out through physical auctions by bidding paddles, and their announcement arrangements remain unchanged.”
Members of the public participating in the online bidding should take note of the following important points:
(1) Bidders should register in advance as an E-Auction user by “iAM Smart+” equipped with the digital signing function; or by using a valid digital certificate and an email address upon completion of identity verification. Registered “iAM Smart” users should provide their Hong Kong identity card number, while non-Hong Kong residents who are not “iAM Smart” users should provide the number of their passport or other identification documents when registering as E-Auction users.
(2) Bidders are required to provide a digital signature to confirm the submission and amount of the bid by using “iAM Smart+” or a valid digital certificate at the time of the first bid of each online bidding session (including setting automatic bids before the auction begins) to comply with the requirements of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance.
(3) If a bid is made in respect of a VRM within the last 10 minutes before the end of the auction, the auction end time for that particular VRM will be automatically extended by another 10 minutes, up to a maximum of 24 hours.
(4) Successful bidders must follow the instructions in the notification email issued by the TD to log in to the E-Auction within 48 hours from the issuance of email and complete the follow-up procedures, including: (5) A VRM can only be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. Relevant information on the Certificate of Incorporation must be provided by the successful bidder in the Purchaser Information of the Memorandum of Sale if the VRM purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.
(6) Successful bidders will receive a notification email around seven working days after payment has been confirmed and can download the Memorandum of Sale from the E-Auction. The purchaser must apply for the VRM to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser within 12 months from the date of issue of the Memorandum of Sale. If the purchaser fails to do so within the 12-month period, in accordance with the statutory provision, the allocation of the VRM will be cancelled and a new allocation will be arranged by the TD without prior notice to the purchaser.
The TD has informed all applicants who have reserved the Ordinary VRMs for this round of auction of the E-Auction arrangements in detail by post. Members of the public may refer to the E-Auction website or watch the tutorial videos for more information. Please call the E-Auction hotline (3583 3980) or email (e-auction-enquiry@td.gov.hkIssued at HKT 15:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
EPD convictions in March Five of the convictions were under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance, four were under the Noise Control Ordinance, eight were under the Public Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances Regulation, and 21 were under the Waste Disposal Ordinance.
A company was fined $30,000, which was the heaviest fine in March, for importing controlled waste without a permit. Issued at HKT 15:00