Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 8:02PM by PIB Delhi

The RoSCTL Committee, Department of Revenue has extended the last date for the submission of data for review of Rebate of States and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) on Export of Garments and Made-Ups rate from 31.03.2025 to 15.04.2025.

RoSCTL Committee, chaired by Shri G.K. Pillai, Secretary (retd.), Government of India has been constituted for updating the recommended ceiling rates schedules under Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (i.e., RoSCTL) Scheme. The Committee is entrusted with the responsibility to interact with the administrative Ministries, Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards, Trade Bodies and other stakeholders so as to elicit relevant data, to work out the modalities for calculation of duties/ taxes/ levies at the Central, State and Local level, borne on the exported product covered under the RoSCTL Scheme and collectively review the set of previously recommended ceiling rates schedules covering exports of goods under the RoSCTL Scheme.

The committee is scheduled to submit its report in May 2025. The Committee requested Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)/Trade & Industry Associations for submitting the data in prescribed format by 31.03.2025. On the request of EPCs and Exporters, the timeline for submission of data has been extended upto 15^th April, 2025. Extension of the date for the submission of data for review of rate under scheme will provide a chance to exporter/industry members for submitting the data.

Industry representatives, Exporters and EPCs may submit the relevant data before the Committee. 

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Dhanya Sanal K

(Release ID: 2115924) Visitor Counter : 219

Source: Government of India

90th Meeting of Network Planning Group under PM GatiShakti evaluates key Infrastructure projects

NPG evaluates Road, Railway and Metro Projects

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 7:55PM by PIB Delhi

The 90th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) convened today to evaluate infrastructure projects in the Road, Railway, and Metro sectors. The meeting focused on enhancing multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency in alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).

The NPG evaluated five projects (two Road, two Railway, and one Metro) for their conformity to the PM GatiShakti principles of integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, and intermodal coordination. These initiatives are expected to boost logistics efficiency, reduce travel times, and deliver significant socio-economic benefits across regions. The evaluation and anticipated impacts of these projects are detailed below:

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

Upgradation to 2/4-lane with paved shoulder configuration of NH-165 from Aakiveedu to Digamarru

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) proposes the upgradation of NH-165 from Aakiveedu to Digamarru in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district. The project aims to enhance interconnectivity by upgrading the existing road to a 2/4-lane paved shoulder configuration, improving connectivity between NH-216 and NH-65.

The enhanced highway is expected to alleviate congestion on existing roads by providing an alternative corridor for commercial traffic, reducing urban congestion, and improving road safety.

Upgradation of NH-754K single lane/2-lane to 2-lane with paved shoulder from Lakhpat to Santalpur

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) is undertaking the upgradation of NH-754K from a single/2-lane road to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders in Gujarat’s Kachchh and Patan districts. The project includes both brownfield improvements and greenfield bypass/realignment sections to optimize connectivity. The improved corridor will play a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity by linking NH-341 and facilitating better access to Bhuj Railway Station and New Bhuj Airport.

Ministry of Railways (MoR)

Construction of new BG railway lines between Jajpur–Keonjhar Road to Dhamara Port

The Ministry of Railways, through the East Coast Railway, proposes the construction of a 101.26 km-long Broad Gauge (BG) railway line from Jajpur-Keonjhar Road to Dhamara Port via Aradi under the Khurda Division. This greenfield project aims to enhance freight movement and passenger connectivity in Odisha’s Jajpur and Bhadrak districts. The railway line will provide a direct link between industrial clusters, coal fields, and Dhamara Port.

Furkating–New Tinsukia doubling in connection with Lumding–Tinsukia–Dibrugarh doubling project

The Ministry of Railways proposes the doubling of the Furkating–New Tinsukia railway section, covering 193.89 km in Assam as part of the larger Lumding–Tinsukia–Dibrugarh Doubling Project. This brownfield project aims to enhance railway capacity, improve freight and passenger movement, and support economic development in Golaghat, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia districts.

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

Metro Rail Corridor from Noida Sector 142 to Botanical Garden (Noida)

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) proposes the extension of the Noida Metro Rail Corridor from Sector 142 to Botanical Garden, covering 11.56 km. This brownfield project aims to enhance urban mobility in Noida and Greater Noida, reducing congestion on roads and improving public transport accessibility. The corridor will serve as a crucial link between Noida Metro Rail Corporation’s (NMRC) Aqua Line and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s (DMRC) Blue Line at Botanical Garden, offering seamless integration for commuters.

These infrastructure projects, aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, will significantly enhance connectivity, improve logistics, and contribute to regional and national economic growth. The meeting was chaired by Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Shri Pankaj Kumar.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2115919) Visitor Counter : 317

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 7:45PM by PIB Delhi

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has stressed upon the Five Pillars of Transformation encompassing technology absorption, structural changes, human resource development and increasing cohesion between the three services. Delivering the valedictory address of the Higher Defence Management Course (HDMC-20) at the College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad, Gen Dwivedi gave a holistic roadmap of the Indian Army to become a future ready combat force.

The COAS highlighted the Army’s commitment to becoming a technologically advanced, adaptive and self-reliant force capable of addressing complex future challenges. He stressed upon the need to move from process driven approach to outcome driven approach to transition from measure of performance to measure of effectiveness. The COAS underscored the alignment of the Army’s transformative goals and deliberated upon the three phases of Era of Transition, Era of Consolidation and Era of Control.

Gen Dwivedi emphasised that Armed forces must be mobile, agile and technoligically competent; capable for contributing in all spheres of national security towards achieving vision viksit bharat by 2047 through Atmanirbharta, and remain a key pillar of national power and a preferred security partner in the region.

The event marked the successful completion of the flagship Higher Defence Management Course by 167 officers from the Indian Armed Forces, including 14 officers from friendly foreign nations. HDMC is a premier program designed to equip senior military officers with strategic foresight, management expertise, and decision-making acumen crucial for higher defence management and policymaking roles.

The COAS addressed the Future Strategic Leaders on multitude of significant issues from transformation of the armed forces to role and responsibilities towards nation building. He exhorted the graduating officers to be imaginative and develop the attitude and adaptability to channelise their ability and imbibe the principles of Truth, Trust and Transparency to deal with future challenges. As a mark of recognition, the COAS felicitated meritorious officers for their outstanding performance, acknowledging their exemplary contributions and academic excellence.

The valedictory ceremony was graced by senior military officials, faculty members and distinguished guests, underscoring the significance of the occasion. The graduating officers are now poised to take on critical command and staff roles and carry forward the invaluable knowledge and strategic insights gained at CDM, reinforcing their commitment to national security and higher defence management.

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SR/Anand

(Release ID: 2115917) Visitor Counter : 323

Source: Government of India

UIDAI & IIIT-H launch biometric challenge to test age invariance in fingerprint algorithms

UIDAI’s benchmarking challenge aims to improve fingerprint authentication for children

Biometric challenge offers ₹7.7 lakh prize and tech collaboration opportunities

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 7:21PM by PIB Delhi

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), in collaboration with IIIT-Hyderabad has launched a large-scale competition to test age invariance in biometric algorithms.

The first phase of the Biometric SDK Benchmarking challenge focuses on fingerprint authentication, testing 1:1 matching algorithms for children aged 5-10 years, with updates after 5-10 years.  UIDAI ensures that participant submissions are evaluated securely, with anonymized datasets and no sharing of data with participants.

Global Participation Encouraged:

Researchers and developers globally are invited to enhance their biometric models using UIDAI’s unique, field-collected dataset for improving accuracy in real-world conditions.

The challenge runs from March 25, 2025, to May 25, 2025, with registration details available on the UIDAI website and https://biochallenge.uidai.gov.in/

The challenge offers prizes worth ₹ 7.7 lakhs (USD 9,000) and the opportunity to collaborate with UIDAI in advancing biometric technologies.

Following the fingerprint challenge, UIDAI will also launch SDK benchmarking competitions for iris and face authentication.

Aadhaar is serving as a key pillar of good governance and digital inclusion in India and Aadhaar number holders are carrying out nearly 90 million authentication transactions daily for availing various services and benefits.

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Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2115896) Visitor Counter : 652

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 6:59PM by PIB Delhi

Towards the development of India’s reusable launch vehicle technology, ISRO is developing a winged body Orbital Re-entry Vehicle (ORV), which will be launched into orbit using an ascent vehicle and subsequently re-enter into the earth’s atmosphere for an autonomous approach & landing on a runway. Three Autonomous runway landing experiments on a Reusable Launch Vehicle- Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) have been successfully completed thereby validating the robustness of onboard autonomous navigation, guidance and control system.

ISRO is also designing and developing the critical technologies required for demonstrating booster stage recovery in Vertical Take-off and Vertical Landing (VTVL) mode, which will enable in recovery and reusing of the spent booster stages multiple times.

 

Government of India (GoI) has approved the development of a partially reusable Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). NGLV vehicle has been configured as a three-stage launch vehicle with a recoverable & reusable first stage.

 

The Government of India has announced reforms, in June, 2020, in the space sector towards enabling the private players to provide end to end services and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation centre (IN-SPACe), will enable and regulate space activities for private sector. Further, the Department is finalizing the missions towards achieving the Indian landing on moon by 2040. It is envisaged that sufficient opportunities would be present for private sector and academic participation in various activities including lunar mining exploration.

AI is increasingly becoming an important tool that can be used in satellites and mission operations. It may be noted that thrust is given to AI based initiatives within the department. A recent example is the Autonomous sensor-based actuator system for capture, rigidization and retraction enabling sequence-based docking. For this purpose, approach profiles and relative position estimation using pattern matching is adopted. Further applications are in advanced stages of implementation in the Centre towards achieving Autonomous Mission Management, high volume on-board/Ground data processing & analysis and advanced space exploration.

The foundational principles for the responsible uses of outer space are enshrined in the Outer Space treaties. Several guidelines for space debris mitigation have been recommended by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IDAC) and the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS). The Department of Space contributes substantially to shaping the pertinent guidelines and recommendations for sustainable use of space as an active member of various international agencies dealing with safety and sustainability of outer space activities. The Indian Space Policy also mandates adhering to internationally accepted space debris mitigation requirements and emphasizes Space Situational Awareness capacity building.

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

 

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2115885) Visitor Counter : 429

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Legendary pianist Mikhail Pletnev will perform in Hong Kong on June 17 in the opening concert of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department’s “Great Music 2025” series.

The “Great Music” series returns this year with star-studded performances running from June to November.

Universally recognised as one of the finest pianists of our time, Mr Pletnev will present a solo recital, delighting fans with a curated selection of piano sonatas by Beethoven, and shorter compositions from Grieg’s Lyric Pieces Book.

On July 9, the 12 cellists of the Berliner Philharmoniker will make their Hong Kong debut with a diverse repertoire ranging from the classical canon to tango, jazz and spiritual music, as well as French chansons and film scores.

Tickets for both shows, which will be held at the Cultural Centre, will be available at URBTIX from April 3.

Call 3166 1288 for telephone bookings, and 2268 7321 for enquiries.

Details of “Great Music 2025” concerts from September to November will be announced at a later date.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau met various national officials today as he began a visit to Beijing.

Mr Yau called this morning on the China National Intellectual Property Administration, where he met Deputy Commissioner Zhang Zhicheng to discuss deepening co-operation and exchanges in the field of intellectual property (IP).

Mr Yau said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to protecting IP rights and promoting IP trading, with a view to developing Hong Kong into a regional IP trading centre. He said this ambition gives play to the city’s unique advantage of being connected both to the Mainland and the world, while also driving the development of new quality productive forces in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

In the afternoon, Mr Yau paid visits to Director-General of the Ministry of Commerce’s Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Fan Shijie and Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Hong Kong, Macao & Taiwan Affairs Ran Bo. He briefed them on trade and economic developments in Hong Kong and held discussions with them on the new global political and economic landscape.

The commerce chief said that in the face of uncertainties brought about by geopolitical factors, Hong Kong will continue to leverage its advantages under “one country, two systems” to actively expand economic and trade networks and step up efforts to attract enterprises and investment, including through exploring emerging markets along the Belt & Road.

He added that as the most international city in the GBA, Hong Kong will deepen international exchanges and co-operation to build influence and competitiveness, thereby contributing to the country’s high-quality development.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee attended the Opening Plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan and met United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General Qu Dongyu today.

The opening plenary of the conference themed “Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future” was held this morning.

Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Member and Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang delivered a keynote speech at the event.

In his speech, Mr Ding highlighted that the vision of building an Asian community of common destiny proposed by President Xi Jinping a decade ago has made remarkable progress.

In the face of growing global uncertainties, the Vice Premier put forward four proposals to create a brighter future for Asia and the world – strengthen solidarity and co-operation through enhanced mutual trust; advance economic globalisation through openness and integration; foster prosperity through promoting mutual benefit; and safeguard harmony and stability through peaceful coexistence.

Mr Lee said he was most encouraged by Mr Ding’s speech and pointed out that under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is the world’s only open economy that enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage.

Amidst geopolitical shifts, and the emergence of protectionism and unilateralism, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government remains a staunch advocate of free trade and multilateralism.

With its commitment to consolidating resilience against challenges, Hong Kong is the best platform for foreign enterprises entering the Mainland market and for Mainland companies expanding globally.

Mr Lee said that with the nation’s support, Hong Kong will further deepen international exchanges and co-operation. In addition, Hong Kong will work alongside the country and Asian nations to enhance mutual trust and solidarity, openness and integration, and mutual benefits and peaceful coexistence, driving Asia’s economic growth and advancing global economic integration.

Mr Ding also shared his three views on the country’s economic trajectory. He said that China’s economy remains stable, with a consolidated upward trend; innovation-driven development continues to gain momentum, propelling China’s economic transformation; and China is further deepening reform comprehensively and enhancing its business environment.

The Vice Premier also noted that the country’s economic growth target of around 5% this year is underpinned by strong growth potential, favourable conditions and robust policy measures, and that the country is devoted to achieving its national economic and social development goals for the year.

Mr Lee stated that these views reinforce global confidence in China’s economic future. He stressed that the more complicated and volatile the external environment becomes, the more steadfastly should Hong Kong leverage its distinctive advantage of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world to promote economic development and integrate into the overall development of the country.

The Hong Kong SAR Government should endeavour to break new ground and continue to promote reforms, uphold the principle of developing new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, and accelerate the development of an international innovation and technology centre, Mr Lee added.

It will also further consolidate and enhance the city’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre; actively build Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent; adopt an innovative mindset in taking forward the development of the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone developments together with market forces; and further promote the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, actively integrating into national development.

At the same time, the Hong Kong SAR Government will strengthen collaboration with Asian countries to explore diversified economic co-operation, jointly creating a prosperous future and contributing to regional stability and the economic development of both the country and Asia.

Before attending the opening plenary, Mr Lee met Mr Qu to exchange views on enhancing co-operation between the Hong Kong SAR Government and the FAO.

Noting that the Hong Kong SAR Government is actively leveraging Hong Kong’s stringent food safety standards and good reputation in the food sector, Mr Lee said Hong Kong strives to become a hub for food processing and the international food trade, with a view to enhancing the value of high-quality agricultural and fishery products from the Mainland and promoting them to global markets.

The Chief Executive added that he looked forward to further exchanges between the Hong Kong SAR Government and the FAO on areas including the upgrading and transformation of the agricultural and fisheries industries, addressing climate change and the development of a green city, in order to make contributions to global food safety and sustainable development.

Mr Lee also welcomed the FAO to consider holding meetings in Hong Kong, adding that the Hong Kong SAR Government would be pleased to provide assistance.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki chaired the 18th meeting of the Youth Development Commission, during which members were briefed on progress to date in implementing the Government’s Youth Development Blueprint.

Members heard that the Government is promoting youth development at full steam, in accordance with the blueprint, which was released in December 2022.

After 160 actions and nearly 60 measures specified in the blueprint were introduced in 2023, various policy bureaus introduced over 30 new measures in the past year in response to youngsters’ needs and an evolving social situation. 

At the meeting, the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau gave an update on Youth Link, which was established in September 2023.

Commission members expressed appreciation that the bureau is continuing to organise activities – including dialogue sessions, visits to the Mainland, participation in international affairs, volunteer activities, and special visits – for Youth Link members, offering them opportunities to develop diverse talents and contribute to the community, while strengthening their trust with the Government.

Youth Link links up participants in various government youth development programmes, and currently has over 18,000 members.

Mr Chan said the Government has been implementing and updating measures in the blueprint on an ongoing basis over the past two years, clearly demonstrating its commitment to long-term youth development.

He extended gratitude to commission members for their active participation in the blueprint’s implementation, and for collaboration with bureaus and departments to transform its vision into reality.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) and the Chinese Association of Hong Kong & Macao Studies (CAHKMS) today co-organised a seminar titled “The Spirit of ‘two sessions’ & Hong Kong’s Integration into National Development in the New Era”.

The third session of the 14th National People’s Congress and the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) were successfully held in March.

The seminar facilitated in-depth exchanges and interactive discussions on the key takeaways of this year’s “two sessions” and their implications for Hong Kong’s future development.

CAHKMS President Deng Zhonghua delivered the opening address, while China Center for International Economic Exchanges Vice Chairman Wang Yiming and CPPCC Economic Affairs Committee Deputy Director Yin Yanlin served as keynote speakers. CEPU Head Stephen Wong gave the closing remarks.

Nearly 120 representatives from various sectors attended the seminar, including members of local think tanks, research institutes of universities, professional organisations, chambers of commerce, CEPU Expert Group, as well as CAHKMS vice presidents, council members and advisers.

During the Q&A session, participants actively engaged with the speakers and had in-depth and lively exchanges and discussions.

Mr Wong said this year marks the conclusion of the national 14th Five-Year Plan and the commencement of preparation for the 15th Five-Year Plan.

He added that the CEPU will continue to strengthen its research efforts, incorporating the spirit of the “two sessions” into its work to support the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in leveraging the institutional advantages of “one country, two systems”, enhancing Hong Kong’s role as a bridge connecting domestic and global markets, and uniting society to further deepen reforms comprehensively.