Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of India

Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar calls on Dr. Jitendra Singh, Seeks Greater Collaboration with Centre to Boost Biotechnology

Centre to Extend Full Support for Andhra Pradesh’s Biotechnology Push: Dr. Jitendra Singh

Posted On: 31 MAR 2025 4:25PM by PIB Delhi

Andhra Pradesh’s Health Minister, Y. Satya Kumar, called on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in the national capital, seeking greater collaboration in the field of biotechnology.

During their discussion, the two leaders explored ways to upscale biotechnology-related projects in the state and enhance ongoing initiatives with central support.

Expressing gratitude to the Modi government for its continued assistance, Satya Kumar highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to leveraging biotechnology for healthcare advancements and industrial applications. He stressed the need for increased cooperation to bring cutting-edge innovations to the state.

Dr. Jitendra Singh assured full support from the Centre, reaffirming that biotechnology remains a priority sector under the present government. He emphasized the transformative potential of biotechnology in sectors like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable StartUps, noting that Andhra Pradesh could play a crucial role in driving such advancements.

Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that, over the years, Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a key player in India’s biotechnology sector, in areas such as biopharmaceutical research, marine biotechnology, and agricultural biotech solutions. The State hosts several biotech incubators and research institutions that have been instrumental in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

With initiatives like the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) funding and national biotech missions, Andhra Pradesh has witnessed significant growth in biotech startups and industry partnerships, the Minister said. The renewed push for collaboration aims to further integrate the state into India’s broader biotechnology roadmap, he added.

The meeting comes at a time when India is pushing for self-reliance in biotechnology and expanding its global footprint in research and innovation. With Andhra Pradesh seeking to strengthen its biotech ecosystem, the discussions signal a fresh impetus to state-centre collaboration in this high-growth sector.

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NKR/PSM

 

(Release ID: 2117029) Visitor Counter : 362

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (April 2) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Second Reading debate on the Ozone Layer Protection (Amendment) Bill 2024 will resume. If the Bill is supported by Members and receives its Second Reading, it will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bill and its report is adopted by the Council, the Bill will be set down for the Third Reading.
 
     Meanwhile, the Banking (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Firearms and Ammunition (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Promotion of Recycling and Proper Disposal of Products (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2025, the Import and Export (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Housing (Amendment) Bill 2025 will be introduced into the Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading. The Second Reading debates on the Bills will be adjourned.
 
     On Members’ motions, Mr Lai Tung-kwok will move a motion on enhancing the handling of non-refoulement claims. The motion is set out in Appendix 1. Mr Chan Hak-kan, Dr Hoey Simon Lee and Mr Tang Ka-piu will move separate amendments to Mr Lai’s motion.
 
     Mr Shiu Ka-fai will move a motion on enhancing the measures on the importation of manpower. The motion is set out in Appendix 2. Dr Ngan Man-yu and Mr Lee Chun-keung will move separate amendments to Mr Shiu’s motion.
 
     Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
 
     The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the “Webcast” system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (March 31) launched the Platform for Cemeteries and Crematoria Services (service platform) (app.fehd.gov.hk/ccsp). This one-stop portal provides online services for all cemeteries and crematoria facilities under the FEHD’s management, streamlining the electronic application process and offering personalised services to further facilitate the handling of after-death arrangements for members of the public.

Starting today, members of the public can submit applications for all cemeteries and crematoria services managed by the FEHD via the service platform, including cremation services, allocation of public niches, cemetery services, green burial, cremation or keeping services for abortus, free memorial sails and the establishment of the Internet Memorial Service Website (Advanced Planning Version). The service platform features a key function that allows members of the public to create an integrated service account to manage after-death arrangements for multiple deceased individuals, reducing cumbersome procedures. Users can also manage multiple applications for the same deceased in a single account and track the application progress of each service at a glance.

The service platform also supports multiple electronic payment methods, saving time for the public by eliminating the need to visit cemetery and crematorium offices in person for applications and fee payments.

Applicants must register and complete authentication on the service platform before applying for cemetery and crematorium services. The FEHD encourages the use of the “iAM Smart” electronic identity verification, which automatically fills in parts of the online forms to expedite the application process.

To facilitate the public in registering as users of the service platform and understanding how to handle after-death arrangements through the new system, the FEHD has produced a series of demonstration videos and pamphlets. For details, please visit the following website: www.fehd.gov.hk/english/cc/platform_for_cemeteries_and_crematoria_services.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department today launched a one-stop online portal to assist the public in handling after-death arrangements by streamlining the electronic application process and offering personalised services.

Starting today, members of the public can submit applications for all cemeteries and crematoria services managed by the department via the Platform for Cemeteries & Crematoria Services.

The applications include cremation services, allocation of public niches, cemetery services, green burial, cremation or keeping services for abortus, free memorial sails and the establishment of the Internet Memorial Service Website (Advanced Planning Version).

The service platform allows members of the public to create an integrated service account to manage after-death arrangements for multiple deceased individuals, reducing cumbersome procedures.

Users can also manage multiple applications for the same deceased in a single account and track the application progress of each service at a glance.

The platform also supports multiple electronic payment methods.

Applicants must register and complete authentication on the service platform before applying for cemetery and crematorium services. The department encourages the use of the iAM Smart electronic identity verification.

Click here for details.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak and Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today attended the “Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor in the Year of Yisi” in Zhengzhou, Henan.

The Yellow Emperor, born in Zhengzhou, is regarded as the cultural ancestor of the Chinese nation. The ceremony is a significant cultural event held annually in Henan.

Miss Mak remarked that by attending an event of such cultural value, Hong Kong compatriots can enhance their sense of national identity.

During her visit to Zhengzhou, Miss Mak met CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Executive Deputy Director Zhou Ji; Secretary of CPC Henan Provincial Committee and Director of Henan Provincial People’s Congress Standing Committee Liu Ning; and CPC Henan Provincial Committee Deputy Secretary and Governor of Henan Province & Secretary of Party Leadership Group Wang Kai.

Additionally, Miss Mak met Hong Kong students studying in Zhengzhou to learn about their lives on the Mainland. She encouraged young people to grasp the opportunities open to them, gain a deeper understanding of China’s development, and contribute to the country and to Hong Kong.

The home affairs chief was due to return to Hong Kong this afternoon. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law will depart Hong Kong tomorrow evening on a visit to Beijing, where she will meet various officials.

Miss Law will call on the State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office, the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, the General Administration of Sport of China, and the China Film Administration. She will also meet officials from other cultural institutions.

The culture chief will return to Hong Kong on Friday. During her absence, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Raistlin Lau will be Acting Secretary. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong today held a ceremony to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the supply of Dongjiang water to Hong Kong.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive John Lee said the country has been providing the city with a reliable and stable supply of Dongjiang water, which accounts for about 70% to 80% of Hong Kong’s fresh water consumption.

“Dongjiang water supports the sustainable economic development of Hong Kong, and nourishes the citizens, allowing them to live and work in a better place.”

It is not only a water engineering project, but also an epitome of the strong blood ties between the country and Hong Kong, he added.

A lighting ceremony for the Dancing Water Drops Exhibition was also held at the event. The exhibition will run until June 13 at Tamar Park and the Central & Western District Promenade (Central Section).

Additionally, a series of celebration activities have been held since September last year, including a roving exhibition, thematic talks and Mainland study tours. Upcoming activities include the International Water Pioneers Summit scheduled for tomorrow.