Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of India

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to embark on an official visit to United Kingdom and Austria today

Union Finance Minister will participate in 13th Ministerial round of India-UK Economic & Financial Dialogue (13th EFD), besides bilateral meetings, engagement with think tanks, investors, business leaders in both United Kingdom and Austria

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 1:03PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will embark on an official visit to the United Kingdom and Austria from 8^th to 13^th April 2025, today. Smt. Sitharaman is also scheduled to attend Ministerial Level Bilateral meetings in both countries.

During the course of the visit, the Union Finance Minister will participate in the 13th Ministerial round of India – UK Economic & Financial Dialogue and engagements with think tanks, investors, business leaders in United Kingdom and Austria.

The 13^th round of the India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue (13^th EFD) is scheduled to be held in London, United Kingdom on 9^th of April 2025. The 13^th EFD dialogue will be co-chaired by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs and the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The 13^th EFD is a significant bilateral platform between the two countries that offers opportunities for candid engagement at Minister level, officer-level, working groups and between the respective regulatory bodies in various aspects of financial collaboration, including investment matters, financial services, financial regulations, UPI interlinkages, taxation matters and illicit financial flows.

The key priorities of the 13^th EFD dialogue for Indian side include cooperation in IFSC GIFT City, investment, insurance and pension sectors, FinTech and Digital economy, and mobilising affordable and sustainable climate finance.

The Union Finance Minister and the Rt. Hon. Chancellor of the Exchequer are also set to announce and launch various reports and new initiatives for further collaborations.

On the sidelines of India-UK 13^th EFD, Smt. Sitharaman will engage in bilateral meetings with key dignitaries, participate in investor roundtables and other meetings with heads of key financial institutions and companies.

During the United Kingdom leg of the official visit, the Union Finance Minister will deliver the keynote address at the India-UK Investor Roundtable in presence of Chief Executive Officers of international organisations, including key management personnel from across the UK financial ecosystem covering pension funds, insurance companies, banks, and financial services institutions among others.

Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman along with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Rt. Hon. Jonathan Reynolds will co-host the Roundtable in partnership with City of London, with top CEOs and senior management of prominent pension funds and asset managers in UK as participants.

During the Austrian leg of the official visit, the Union Finance Minister will hold bilateral meetings with senior Austrian government leaders, including with Mr Markus Marterbauer, Finance Minister, Austria; and H.E. Mr. Christian Stocker, the Federal Chancellor, Austria.

Smt. Sitharaman and Mr. Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Austrian Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism, will co-chair a session with key Austrian CEOs to apprise them of existing and upcoming opportunities in India for deeper investment collaboration between the two countries.

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NB/KMN

(Release ID: 2119693) Visitor Counter : 172

Source: Government of India

‘Harit Yoga’ nurtures both personal and planetary health: Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav

One of the Signature Events, ‘Harit Yoga’ launched by Union Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav along with other dignitaries today on the occasion

Harit Yoga Launched: Yoga unites personal health with planetary health on 75th Countdown to IDY 2025

Odisha Yoga Connect: More than 6000 Yoga enthusiasts practiced CYP at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar

More than 5000 medicinal plants were distributed among the Yoga enthusiasts

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 11:58AM by PIB Delhi

Bhubaneshwar witnessed a grand celebration as more than 6000 Yoga enthusiasts practiced Common Yoga Protocol at Kalinga stadium today. One of the Signature Events, ‘Harit Yoga’ launched as Union State Minister of Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav along with other dignitaries planted medicinal plants to mark the launching of the signature event. Medicinal plants were distributed to all the Yoga enthusiasts.

While addressing the gathering, Hon’ble minister said, “Yoga has gained unprecedented popularity in last 10 years and now it has become a global phenomenon. In his Mann ki Baat address on 30 March, 2025 Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi emphasised the importance of fitness in daily life and praised initiatives like International Yoga Day. While sharing India’s vision for a healthier world population, the PM mentioned the theme of IDY 2025 as ‘Yoga for one earth One health’. The theme ensures holistic health for whole world.”

Speaking about the ‘Harit Yoga’ initiative, the Hon’ble Minister emphasised: “Our health is inextricably linked to the health of our planet. Just as Yoga nourishes our mind and body, tree plantation nourishes the Earth, ensuring a greener and healthier future for generations to come.”

With this the Union State Minister of Ayush Shri Pratap Rao Jadhav announced the launching of ‘Harit Yoga’ and said that Harit Yoga is part of the 10 Signature Events of IDY 2025. Union State Minister Shri Jadhav planted medicinal plants along with other dignitaries to mark the launch of Harit Yoga.

Mentioning about sustainability and environmental aspect of Yoga, the Union Minister of State aligned Harit Yoga with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and said, “This initiative encourages individuals to plant trees as a symbolic act of nurturing both personal and planetary health.”

Hon’ble Minister also highlighted the success of the ‘Prakruti Parikshan Abhiyan’ in which Prakruti Parikshan of more than 1.29 crore people was conducted earning a place in the Guiness Book of World Records.

Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Ms. Pravati Parida thrusting on the power of Yoga said, “Yoga inspires us to adopt healthy lifestyle. Let us integrate Yoga into our daily lives and draw strength from the divine energy of Lord Jagannath. On behalf of Odisha Government, we expressed gratitude to Government of India and Ministry of Ayush for giving Odisha and opportunity to become part of IDY 2025 in organizing 75^th day countdown in Bhubaneshwar.”

While acknowledging the success of Yoga as a soft power at global scale, Member of Parliament, Puri Lok Sabha, Sh. Sambit Patra said, “Thanks to the vision of our Hon’ble PM, 177 countries unanimously adopted India’s proposal to declare 21st June as International Day of Yoga in 2014.”

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush praised the enthusiastic turnout and noted that the 11th edition of IDY is poised to witness record-breaking global participation.

The event was also witnessed the auspicious presence of Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ayush; Ms Sulochna Das, Mayor, Bhubaneshwar, Nishant Mehra, OSD to Ayush Minister and several other distinguished guests.

After the addresses, the demonstrators of Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, under the leadership of Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director MDNIY, performed a live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol. More than 6000 Yoga enthusiasts performed the Common Yoga Protocol under the ambience of Kalinga Stadium. The programme was streamed through various social media platforms of the Ministry of Ayush, MDNIY, and other Yoga institutions.

Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) was given a huge importance in today’s Yoga Mahotsav. CYP is designed with inputs from experts as it comprises day-to-day Yoga practice to reap all the benefits of Yoga. The protocol is intended to popularise Yoga practices like Yoga Nidra, Pranayama, Dhyan, etc. Each Yogic activity is key to improving flexibility, strength, balance, and harmony. Yoga Portal by the Government of India is a platform to help people embrace, practice, and enjoy Yoga every day.

To mark the launch of Harit Yoga more than 5000 medicinal plants were distributed amongst the Yoga enthusiasts. This initiative integrates Yoga with environmental consciousness.

The Yoga Mahotsav in Bhubaneswar marked a significant step towards IDY-2025, reinforcing the Government of India’s commitment to promoting holistic health and environmental sustainability through Yoga.

10 unique signature events to guide events to International Day of Yoga 2025

This year IDY activities will revolve around 10 unique signature events to mark the 11^th edition of the global event, which makes it the most expansive and inclusive:

● Yoga Sangama – A synchronised Yoga demonstration at 1,00,000 locations, aiming for a world record.

● Yoga Bandhan – Global partnerships with 10 countries to host Yoga sessions at iconic landmarks.

● Yoga Parks– Development of 1,000 Yoga Parks for long-term community engagement.

● Yoga Samavesh – Special Yoga programs for Divyangjan, senior citizens, children, and marginalised groups.

● Yoga Prabhava – A decadal impact assessment on Yoga’s role in public health.

● Yoga Connect – A Virtual Global Yoga Summit featuring renowned Yoga experts and healthcare professionals.

● Harit Yoga – A sustainability-driven initiative combining Yoga with tree planting and clean-up drives.

● Yoga Unplugged– An event to attract young people to Yoga

● Yoga Maha Kumbh – A week-long festival across 10 locations, culminating in a central celebration led by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

● SamYogam – A 100-day initiative integrating Yoga with modern healthcare for holistic wellness.

Annexure

The International Day of Yoga (IDY) has become a global wellness movement, uniting millions across countries. Here’s a brief look at its key milestones:

● IDY 2015 – New Delhi: The first IDY at Rajpath saw 35,985 participants, setting two Guinness World Records.

● IDY 2016 – Chandigarh: 30,000+ participants gathered at Capitol Complex, including 150 Divyangjan performing Yoga Protocol for the first time. The Prime Minister emphasised Yoga’s role in treating ailments like diabetes.

● IDY 2017 – Lucknow: 51,000 participants joined at Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan, with Yoga highlighted as affordable ‘health insurance’.

● IDY 2018 – Dehradun: 50,000+ participants at Forest Research Institute, with the theme “Yoga for Public Health”. ISRO launched BHUVAN-YOGA and Yoga Locator apps.

● IDY 2019 – Ranchi: Focused on ‘Yoga for Heart Care’, with eco-friendly Yoga accessories benefiting Khadi artisans.

● IDY 2020 – Virtual: Amid the pandemic, 12.06 crore people joined online. The “My Life, My Yoga” contest attracted entries from 130 countries.

● IDY 2021 – Virtual: Themed “Yoga for Wellness”, reaching 496.1 million people globally. Iconic celebrations occurred at Times Square, the Eiffel Tower, and Tokyo Sky tree.

● IDY 2022 – Mysuru: 15,000 participants at Mysore Palace, with a ‘Guardian Ring’ global Yoga relay and VR-powered digital exhibition.

● IDY 2023 – Jabalpur & UN HQ, New York: With 23.44 crore participants, this IDY set two Guinness World Records, including the most significant Yoga session (1.53 lakh participants in Surat). The ‘Ocean Ring of Yoga’ covered 35,000 km.

● IDY 2024 – Srinagar: Held at SKICC, Srinagar, with 7,000 participants braving the rain. The ‘Yoga for Space’ initiative saw ISRO scientists join in. A Guinness World Record was set in Uttar Pradesh, with 25.93 lakh people pledging to Yoga. 24.53 crore global participants marked this as a historic celebration.

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MV/SB/AR

(Release ID: 2119672) Visitor Counter : 33

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 06 APR 2025 2:15PM by PIB Delhi

The Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash participated in a PASSEX with the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Anzac-class frigate Te Kaha on 04 Apr 25 in the Gulf of Aden. This exercise marked the culmination of the New Zealand led CTF 150 Joint Focused Operation ANZAC Tiger (27 Mar – 04 Apr 2025), a Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) operation in which INS Tarkash was mission deployed.

The PASSEX involved a range of interoperability drills, including cross-deck landings, cross boarding, Sea Rider exchanges, and tactical manoeuvres, all integrated with communication procedure exercises. This provided a valuable opportunity for the two navies to exchange best practices, further strengthen their bilateral maritime cooperation and enhance interoperability.

Conducted in the strategic Indian Ocean Region, this event underscores the strong and enduring relationship between India and New Zealand, reaffirming the Indian Navy’s role as a key and preferred security partner committed to regional maritime stability.

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VM/SKS  

(Release ID: 2119659) Visitor Counter : 24

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan

As a city where East meets West and tradition intertwines with innovation, we are proud to host you to collectively chart the course of Web3.

As a technology, blockchain is displaying its vast potential, significantly increasing transaction efficiency, lowering costs and enhancing market transparency. Today, we are witnessing a marked increase in the institutional adoption of Web3, with traditional banks, asset managers and brokers increasingly integrating digital assets into their offerings.

As more jurisdictions embrace cryptocurrencies, the market has been energised with optimism, marked by a bullish trend over the past year or so.

But beyond finance and the enthusiasm on cryptocurrency, we all agree that blockchain can bring real benefits to the people. For example, ReFi (regenerative finance) is gaining traction. Tokenised carbon credits enable the transparent tracking of emissions reductions, reinforcing trust in voluntary carbon markets.

Meanwhile, the convergence of Web3 and AI is unlocking new frontiers. In finance, decentralised AI algorithms enhance credit assessments, audit smart contracts with greater precision, and deliver hyper-personalised investment strategies. Beyond finance, this synergy streamlines supply chains, revolutionises healthcare data management, and creates new immersive gaming experiences. Web3 and AI are transforming businesses and public services, driving innovation and efficiency at every turn.

HK: driving Web3 innovation

Allow me to take a few minutes to talk about Web3 in Hong Kong, our attitude and approach towards Web3, and our role in this global transformation.

Hong Kong is pro-Web3. Over two years ago, we published a high-level policy statement on the development of virtual assets, affirming our commitment to a dynamic Web3 ecosystem. Central to this is the principle of the “same activity, same risk, same regulation” approach. Through a balanced and pro-innovation regulatory approach, we seek to maintain a level playing field for market participants and encourage innovative activities in this space.

We have been walking the talk, and have delivered a number of initiatives. We were among the first in the world to have established clear licensing frameworks for virtual asset trading platforms, or VATPs. Indeed, the Securities & Futures Commission has already issued 10 VATP licences. We have also authorised VA (virtual asset) spot ETFs (exchange-traded funds) last year, and Hong Kong now hosts the largest VA ETF market in the Asia Pacific, bridging traditional finance with crypto innovation.

Meanwhile, legislation for stablecoin regulation is set for imminent passage. My colleagues at the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) are working hard to get the relevant licensing regime to go live within this year.

The Government will also conduct consultations on the licensing regimes of over-the-counter trading services and custodian services for VAs. This will solidify Hong Kong’s comprehensive regulatory architecture.

Let me make clear that Hong Kong’s approach to Web3 is not simply about regulation. We aim to strike a balance, ensuring market integrity without stifling innovation. After all, innovation entails risks. The lesson we have learnt is that we need to put it under a balanced regulatory framework so as to enable the sector to grow in a responsible and sustainable manner.

One essential element in our regulatory regime is sandboxes, such as the HKMA’s Project Ensemble. Project Ensemble allows innovators to test various use cases, such as tokenised real-world assets, with early regulatory feedback. This signifies our pro-innovation approach, as we put regulators and innovators in a co-creation process.

Later this year, we will unveil a second policy statement on the development of virtual assets. It will cover how to make use of Web3 to fast-track the development of traditional financial services, empower the real economy and strengthen the application of digital asset technologies.

A few thoughts on Web3

Now, looking ahead, allow me to share a few thoughts we consider important for the future development and success of Web3.

First, it is the very vision of Web3 to enable more equitable use of the Internet, and make transactions more efficient and less costly. Innovation is core to this goal, and regulators should adopt a technology-neutral approach. It would only be counterproductive if jurisdictions or regulatory authorities favour particular types of cryptocurrencies, or rule out technologies or applications at the outset. Markets, not mandates, should decide which innovations prevail.

Second, we all know Web3’s true potential lies well beyond digital assets or cryptocurrencies. Combined with AI, it can be a valuable tool to optimise impact investments, promote inclusive finance, support decarbonisation initiatives, advance sustainable development goals, and more. The global Web3 community should and can strengthen collaboration to support these worthy causes.

Finally, it is essential that new technologies be developed and applied responsibly. AI, for instance, is evolving at speeds that are unexpectedly faster. Decentralised networks bring enormous benefits, but when coupled with AI, challenges such as algorithmic bias, deepfakes and cybersecurity require attention and co-operation at the regional and global levels. Here in Hong Kong, we advocate for suitable guardrails – frameworks that protect investors, consumers and users while encouraging innovation activities. We support a multi-stakeholder approach where governments, regulators and market players across different territories and regions come together to drive forward the sustainable development of Web3.

Concluding remarks

Ladies and gentlemen, to secure a promising and successful future for Web3, we need not just technological innovation, but also a common will to harness creativity and innovation for the benefit of the people. Let me assure you that Hong Kong is committed to this goal. We are here to collaborate with innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world, pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and leveraging the transformative power of Web3 for the greater good.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan gave these remarks at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival on April 7.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Chief Executive today approved the immediate three-year appointment of Vivian Cheung as the Airport Authority’s (AA) Chief Executive Officer.

Congratulating Mrs Cheung as she takes office, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan said: ‘’I trust that under Mrs Cheung’s leadership, the AA will continue to strengthen the leading position of Hong Kong International Airport as an international aviation hub and promote the long-term development of the airport.”

Ms Chan highlighted various aspects of the airport’s development going forward, including the immense opportunities brought by the Three-Runway System, the airport’s transformation into a world-leading Airport City, integration with the Greater Bay Area through enhanced intermodal connectivity, and promoting continuous innovation in the aviation sector overall.

She added that the Government will continue to work closely with the AA to take the city’s aviation industry to new heights.