Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​The Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD), the Fire and Rescue Corps of Guangdong Province, and the Macao Fire Services Bureau jointly hold in Hong Kong “Liancheng-2025”, the 48-hour Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) joint emergency response and rescue exercise, for three consecutive days starting today (March 25). 

“Liancheng-2025”, hosted by the FSD, is participated by the fire rescue departments of the three places, as well as the Hospital Authority and the Civil Aid Service. The exercise is funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. 

The exercise simulated extreme situations in Hong Kong that put a strain on rescue resources. According to the mechanism under the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Emergency Management Co-operation and GBA Emergency Response Operation Co-operation Framework Agreement signed by the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in June last year, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government requested assistance from the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and the Macao Special Administrative Region Government. The Fire and Rescue Corps of Guangdong Province and the Macao Fire Services Bureau promptly rendered assistance by deploying personnel, fire appliances, and equipment to Hong Kong.

The Deputy Director of Fire Services (Operations), Mr Angus Wong, who acted as the commander of the Hong Kong cross-border rescue team, co-ordinated and allocated firefighting and rescue personnel and resources of the three places in the rescue operations for a number of simulated incidents. 

     Witnessed by the Minister of Emergency Management, Mr Wang Xiangxi, and the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, four Guangdong fire appliances, with cross-boundary quota for fire appliances granted earlier, crossed the border directly with dual licence plates via the Shenzhen Bay Port into Hong Kong to participate in the exercise. It demonstrated the effectiveness of cross-boundary rescue through the cross-boundary Green Channel. 

     Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Fire and Ambulance Services Academy and the China Fire and Rescue Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further deepen their collaboration. The two institutes will co-operate in training firefighting and rescue personnel with quality, and foster innovation and development of firefighting and rescue technologies. The MOU was signed by Deputy Director General of the National Fire and Rescue Administration Mr He Ning and the Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung, witnessed by Mr Wang and the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki.

Fire rescue departments from the two places will continue to strengthen and deepen collaboration in areas such as developing personnel training, enhancing professional training, conducting academic and technical exchange, as well as major research projects, with a view to jointly embarking on a new chapter in firefighting and rescue efforts.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Over 130 influential family office principals and family members from the Mainland, Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East gathered at a principal dinner organised by the Government this evening (March 25) to set the stage for the third edition of the annual Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit (WGHK) to be held tomorrow (March 26), reaffirming the city’s role as a premier global hub for family offices.
 
     In his welcome remarks, the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said, “Hong Kong is a ‘super connector’ bringing together people and ideas. We are a platform for visionaries looking to create lasting legacies, a dynamic hub where your offices and families can flourish.”
 
     The evening was graced with the presence of notable speakers, Dr Maye Musk, a best-selling author and a public speaker, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Professor Irene Tracey, at an inspiring fireside chat moderated by the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Ms Alpha Lau. The speakers shared their insights on women’s influence in leadership and legacy-building with a focus on the critical role of female leadership in shaping the future of business, innovation, and societal progress. The engrossing session fostered an atmosphere of collaboration, paving the way for insightful discussions and new partnerships at tomorrow’s summit, themed “Hong Kong of the World, for the World”.
 
     The event also charmed visitors with a captivating lion ballet performance against the dazzling night view of Victoria Harbour, amazing the attendees with a unique blend of cultural richness and the city’s legendary skyline.
 
     The WGHK will take place tomorrow afternoon with over 300 participants. The summit will not only convene principals and family members to discuss the future of wealth management in the region, but also encourage attendees to experience the city’s dynamic offerings through its vibrant neighbourhoods, dynamic arts scene and strong community spirit, which make the city an ideal destination for both families and businesses.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:21PM by PIB Delhi

The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 emphasizes the critical importance of universal and high-quality Early Childhood Education along with the power of multilingualism and the importance of including children’s languages in primary education. To fulfil the vision of NEP 2020, the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L), Ministry of Education has launched “Baalpan ki Kavita initiative: Restoring Bhartiya rhymes/poems for young children” for preparing a compendium of nursery rhymes/poems in all Bhartiya Bhasha and also in English, focusing on content relevant to the Indian context. The purpose of this initiative is that the young children can have better learning at the Foundational stage by becoming familiar with the world around them through easily understandable and joyful poems and rhymes, in their mother tongue.

To further this initiative, the DoSE&L in collaboration with MyGov is inviting contribution to the “Baalpan ki Kavita initiative: Restoring Bhartiya rhymes/poems for young children”. The participants of the contest can send existing poems/rhymes popular in folklore (mentioning the name of the author) or newly composed joyful poems/rhymes under three categories:

• Pre-primary (ages 3-6)
• Grade 1 (ages 6-7)
• Grade 2 (ages 7-8)

Entries are invited in all Indian language (Bhartiya Bhasha), also in English, and can include regional rhymes/poems that hold cultural significance in Indian context. The competition is starting from 26.03.2025 till 22.04.2025, on the MyGov website (https://www.mygov.in/). There is no entry fee for participation. Other details of the competition can be seen on MyGov website.

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MV/AK

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Source: Government of India

S.

No.

Name of Project

Name of the Collaborating Institutes

Clinical Research Projects

1.

A phase II trial to study efficacy, toxicity and imunomodulatory effect of Carctol-S in high grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer at first

serological relapse collaborative project.

The Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer & CARI, Mumbai

2.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective activity of PTK as an add on therapy in the patients of Tuberculosis  on  ATT  –  A  double  blind

randomized control clinical study

K.L.E. Academy        of        Higher Education & Research, Belagavi

3.

Evaluating the efficacy of Ayurvedic intervention as add on to conventional treatment and explore the interaction of epigenetics, neuro/gut biomarkers and neuroimaging in pediatric ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperacidity Disorder)

National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) Bengaluru

4.

Double blind randomized placebo controlled multicentric clinical trial of Ayush M-3 in the management of Migraine.

NIMHANS, Bengaluru

5.

Ayurveda therapeutic regimen as on Add-on to optimized conventional management of Parkinson’s disease: an RCT for assessment of clinical Cortical excitability neuroimmune and Autonomic function parameters.

NIMHANS, Bengaluru

6.

Efficacy and safety of Ayurveda Formulation Trikatu as add on to standard care in Dyslipidemia – a randomized controlled trial

All    India   Institute   of   Medical Sciences (AIIMS) , Bhubaneswar

7.

Efficacy of Ayurveda regimen (mild purgation and internal oleation) in comparison with Allopathic regimen (Letrozole) along with Yoga module in the management of unexplained and anovulatory female infertility: A RCT

Indian               Institute               of Technology (IIT) , Mandi

8.

Topical Oil Pooling (Karnapurana) with Kshirabala Taila and supple mentation of Ashwagandha churna (TOPMAC) in presbycusis

– An exploratory randomized controlled trial

Institute of Communicative and cognitive                   Neurosciences (ICCONS), Shoranur, Kerala

9.

Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label, Blinded End Point exploratory clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic regimen as an adjunct to Hydroxyurea in the management of Sickle cell disease.

AIIMS, Bhopal

10.

A multi-center study to assess the treatment adherence & tolerability of Ayush SR in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Shri B.M. Kankanawadi Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya,                  Belgavi; Vaidyaratnam PS Varier Ayurveda

College, Kotakkal; Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research,                                        Bengaluru;

Adichunchanagiri            Ayurvedic Medical College, Bengaluru

11.

Impact of Mukta Shukti Bhasma and Saubhagya Shunti in reversal of bone mineral density among Lactating women consuming traditional diet foods in Maharashtra: A randomized Controlled preliminary clinical study

National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH-ICMR), Mumbai

12.

Efficacy of Ayurveda interventions (Hridyarnava Rasa and Harityakyadi yoga) as an add-on to standard care in Stable Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) assessed through Global Longitudinal Strain Imaging Technique (GLSIT) – A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Ayurvedic Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre, Madhavbaugh, Pune

13.

Prospective double blind randomized controlled clinical study on Ayurvedic intervention (Pushkar guggulu & Haritaki churna) in the management of stable coronary artery disease.

Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

14.

A randomized double blind placebo control clinical study to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of Swarnaprashan in moderately malnourished children.

Sanjiv Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow

15.

Efficacy and safety of Punarnavadi Mandura alone and in combination with Drakshavaleha compared to iron folic acid in the treatment of moderate iron deficiency anaemia among non- pregnant women of reproductive age group: a community-based three arm multicentre randomized controlled trial.

Ayush-ICMR

16.

Randomized controlled trial of Anshumati Ksheer Paka in hypertension induced left ventricular hypertrophy

Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

17.

Anemia control among adolescent girls through Ayurveda interventions in the five districts under Mission -Utkarsh

All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi; National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI)’s Indian Institute of Public Health-Delhi (IIPH-D)

18.

An exploratory series of n of 1 responder restricted study of Ayurveda regimen on quality of life among elderly population in Ballabgarh district of Haryana- A community-based study.

AIIMS, Ballabhgarh

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

To ensure prompt grid connection of wind farms and adequate supply of green electricity, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held a symposium on September 23rd, with offshore wind farm developers to discuss issues encountered in achieving timely grid connection. Industry representatives raised topics such as follow-up actions for the Industrial Relevance Policy, geological survey regulations, and state-owned banks’ participation in financing.

The MOEA stated that it is currently in consultation with the EU under the WTO framework. Adhering to the principle of mutual trust, the consultation results need to be kept confidential, thus no detailed information can be disclosed at the moment. Nonetheless, the atmosphere of the consultations is positive, with efforts being made towards settling, and the MOEA is planning to loosen up the Industrial Relevance Policy. The MOEA explained that as long as the wind farms are completed on time and connected to the grid in compliance with public interest and relevant laws, the administrative departments will assist developers in overcoming related obstacles. Regarding the Industrial Relevance Policy involving force majeure or unattributable reasons, the Industrial Development Administration of the MOEA will follow general principles and adopt a case-by-case review approach, aiming to complete relevant reference models by the end of September to help developers complete wind farm installations on schedule.

In response to the industry’s proposal for state-owned banks to participate in the offshore wind farm financing, the MOEA also mentioned that it had arranged for representatives from the National Development Council, the Ministry of Finance, the Financial Supervisory Commission, and state-owned banks, to visit offshore wind farms by the end of September, where they exchanged views on offshore wind farm financing issues, provided practical experience to banking industry representatives, and establish trust for the fiance of offshore wind farms, thereby creating a healthy financing environment.

The MOEA emphasized that domestic corporate users have a significant and competitive demand for green electricity for exports (such as RE100) and that advanced manufacturing processes require higher proportions of green energy. Increasing the proportion of green electricity in Taiwan’s manufacturing by 2030 has become a priority. The MOEA will continue cooperating with offshore wind power developers to provide sufficient green electricity and enhance the international competitiveness of Taiwan’s industries.

Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs: Deputy Director General, Chun-Li Lee
Phone: 02-2775-7700, 0936-250-838
Email: chunlee@moeaea.gov.tw

Business Contact: Director, Chung-Hsien Chen
Phone: 02-2775-7770, 0919-998-339
Email: ctchen2@moeaea.gov.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

To improve the safety protection capabilities of the Taichung Port Technology Industrial Park (TPTIP), the Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIPs) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) teamed up with the Chemicals Administration (CHA) of the Ministry of Environment to hold a joint “Muti-Hazard Emergency Response and Regional Cooperation Drill” on October 23. Representatives from the CHA, the CTSP Bureau of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Taichung City Government, and several industrial parks participated. The spirit of “collaborative cooperation” demonstrated in this drill is key to responding to large-scale disasters. Whether it’s adjusting water and electricity supply or supporting fire rescue resources, inter-agency collaboration between agencies is essential. Regular drills focusing on disaster reduction, response, and recovery are designed to ensure rapid resource integration during an actual disaster to effectively prevent escalation.
The drill simulated a scenario where a strong earthquake caused an organic solvent leak, sparking a fire inside a factory, while toxic chemicals splashed onto personnel, creating a complex disaster. In addition to simulating on-site disaster reporting, personnel evacuation and headcount, emergency response division of labor, casualty rescue, and follow-up efforts, the drill also showcased the regional joint defense capability of Taichung Port and the Technology Industrial Parks. Various public and private entities worked together to adjust the power and water supply, dispatch fire trucks, and provide emergency equipment, demonstrating efficient teamwork in controlling the disaster.
The Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIPs) emphasized that the drill focuses on the response efficiency and safety practices of various rescue support units. For example, when the Taichung Harbor Fire Brigade arrived at the disaster site, factory managers immediately provided critical rescue information, including the types, quantities, and locations of chemicals in the factory, and assigned personnel to assist. Additionally, a firefighting robot was also sent to the fire scene for extinguishing operations, reducing the need for rescue personnel to enter high-risk areas and thereby lowering rescue risk. Furthermore, the Central Taiwan technical team sent dispatched response vehicles and personnel to monitor chemical concentrations at the accident site, ensuring that rescue efforts were properly contained and that the disaster’s impact was minimized.
This drill has once again enhanced the safety protection capabilities of the Taichung Port Technology Industrial Park, and has also strengthened the independent emergency response capabilities of companies within the park when facing complex disasters. In the future, the BIP will continue to deepen collaboration with various units, aiming to optimize the park’s joint defense and emergency response mechanism through more disaster drills to ensure that companies within the park can effectively protect personnel safety and minimize economic losses during major disasters.

Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Deputy Director General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw

Contact Person: Liu, Chun-chuan (Environmental Safety and Labor Section, Taichung Branch)
Contact Number: 886-4-2658-1215 ext 641
Email: chunchuan@bip.gov.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The 2024 Taiwan Fashion Design Award (TFDA) concluded its grand final and awards ceremony on October 16 at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, attracting over 600 guests from the fashion industry, government, and academia. Since 2013 TFDA becoming an international competition , the TFDA has constantly attracted more emerging fashion talents from the four corner of the world. This year, Nattawika Boonard from Thailand won the First Prize with her designed Haute Couture , “Mysteries of the Garden of Eden,” which magically braided fashion style and market potential while promoting sustainability. Her work was selected from over 543 entries representing 23 countries, fetching her a cash prize of USD 10,000. The second prizes were awarded to Wsng, Yeh-Kin and Lu, Tong-Ping, each winner receiving USD 5000 for their respective collections”CRACK” and Reptilians “Additionally, special award for Best Use of Fabrics, Best Pattern Making , and Best Market Potential went to Kuo, Chien-Hsin, Vhang Shu-Wei, and Chen, Hsuan-Yu. Each awardee receiving USD 3000.

The esteemed panel of judges included Tomonori Matsui, founder of One-O Fashion PR, veteran designer Dai Fujiwara, Stephane Dou, Creative Director of DOUCHANGLEE, Stephanie Kuo, Fashion Director at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Ellen Yang, Publisher and COO of Hearst Taiwan, Jane Singer, Managing Director of Inside Fashion, and Charlotte Chiang, Director of the Taiwan Textile Federation. They highlighted the contestants’ creativity and innovation, noting that many collections integrated cultural elements such as mythology and blue-and-white porcelain. The application of sustainable materials like surplus inventory, recycled cardboard, and paper mache, processed with natural dyes, added an eco-friendly dimension to the designs.

The Industrial Development Administration has actively supported the TFDA, partnering with the Taiwan Textile Federation and international companies to boost the global visibility of Taiwan’s fashion industry. This year’s competition was generously sponsored by Lealea Enterprise Co., Ltd., Li Peng Enterprise Co., Ltd., Coddy Global Ltd., New Wide Enterprise Co., Ltd., New Wide Garment Co., Ltd., and the Fortune Industrial and Commercial Development Foundation, with a total prize pool of USD 35,000. We extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Culture for providing a platform during Taipei Fashion Week to support the TFDA.

In response to the 2030 Global Apparel Supply Chain Carbon Emission Reduction Initiative proposed by the Textile Exchange (TE), the global renowned sports and outdoor leisure apparel brands Adidas and Nike have requested 30% of sector emission reduction in their supply chains management. Strengthening carbon emission reduction is an issue of vital importance for the textile and apparel industry. Having accelerated the low-carbon transformation of textile and apparel industry, the Industrial Development Administration (IDA) launches the activities of reducing carbon emissions programs and promotes the net zero emission in the textile and apparel industry, helps the industry to build up the awareness and take carbon reduction actions. The IDA constantly evaluates and analyzes the carbon emissions of factories in compliance of the global trend and goal. In addition, In the application of the practical technology, the enterprises also build up a stronger sense of taking necessary actions to reduce carbon emission.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

November 8, 2024 – Premier Cho Jung-tai visited the Taichung Power Plant today to conduct an inspection. During the visit, Taipower representatives formally presented the plant’s coal reduction plan, which will be set in motion after the plant’s phase II gas-fired units are brought online. As explained to the Premier and local representatives in attendance: After the first gas-fired unit of the phase II gas-fired project is brought online in 2032, the power supply will be abundant, allowing Taipower to significantly expand its coal reduction efforts. Starting from 2032, coal usage is projected to decrease by at least 3 million tons annually. In line with the Premier’s directive, the plant aims to achieve a complete phase-out of coal by the end of 2034 at the latest. In response to the Premier’s directive to accelerate the gas-fired project, Taipower will make every effort to expedite construction and complete the task diligently. The Company hopes that all levels of government will provide assistance to achieve the goal of replacing coal with gas at Taichung Power Plant as soon as possible.

During today’s inspection of the Taichung Power Plant, Premier Cho formally issued three directives:
1. Taipower must accelerate its efforts to achieve the goal of making the Taichung Power Plant coal-free by the end of 2034.
2. Emergency backup units should remain non-operational under normal circumstances, with periodic testing limiting coal usage to less than 1% of current levels (below 100,000 tons).
3. Currently, six emergency backup coal-fired units are planned to be retained. Taipower is instructed to reassess the number of backup units needed in the year following the commissioning of gas-fired unit 3 (the first unit of the phase II gas-fired project) in 2032, based on the situation at that time.

Taichung Power Plant is currently advancing its phase I gas-fired unit project. According to the original plan, four coal-fired units would be converted to emergency backup status once the gas-fired units became operational. However, through coordination between former Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-Hua and the Taichung City Government, the plan was adjusted to dismantle two coal-fired units and convert the other two to backup status. Taipower representatives emphasized that this commitment remains unchanged.

The adjusted timeline is as follows:
1. Phase I gas-fired project schedule
2025: The first gas-fired unit becomes operational.
2026: The second gas-fired unit becomes operational. By the end of the same year, coal-fired units 1 and 2 will be dismantled, and coal-fired units 3 and 4 will be decommissioned and converted into backup units.
2. Phase II gas-fired project schedule
2031: The first gas-fired unit becomes operational, and coal-fired units 3 and 4 will be dismantled in the same year.
2032: The second gas-fired unit becomes operational, and by the end of the year, coal-fired units 5 and 6 will be decommissioned and converted into emergency backup units.
2033: The third gas-fired unit becomes operational, and by the end of the year, coal-fired units 7 and 8 will be decommissioned and converted into emergency backup units.
2034: The fourth gas-fired unit becomes operational, and by the end of the year, coal-fired units 9 and 10 will be decommissioned and converted into emergency backup units.

However, after hearing the opinions of local residents in central Taiwan, the Premier directed that the number of emergency backup units be reviewed in 2032, following the commissioning of the first gas-fired unit under phase II of the project in 2031. Taipower representatives stated that at that time, the Company will comprehensively consider factors such as geopolitical conditions, the impact of climate change, and Taiwan’s overall electricity demand growth to evaluate the feasibility of adjusting the number of backup units. In other words, the maximum number of backup units at that time will remain at six. If a reduction in the number of units is deemed feasible, Taipower will follow the necessary procedures to submit a proposal to the Ministry of Environment to adjust the number of backup units.

A Taipower representative pointed out that during the Company’s previous environmental impact assessment (EIA), it was proposed that each emergency backup unit would not operate for more than 720 hours per year, which is the maximum allowed in accordance with environmental regulations. EIA reviews often require developers to consider a “worst-case scenario” to set a permissible limit. However, in practical operations, the “worst-case scenario” represents an unforeseen event and should not be treated as the norm.

As for the activation of emergency backup units, Taipower representatives emphasized that the decommissioned backup units will remain non-operational under normal circumstances and will only be activated during national security incidents or natural disasters. To avoid being unprepared during critical moments, retaining six coal-fired units as emergency backup units is a risk management strategy that provides maximum security at minimal cost. However, to ensure readiness for emergencies, the coal-fired units will require periodic test operations. It is estimated that the coal consumption for testing six units will not exceed 100,000 tons annually, which is less than 1% of the current coal usage. Moreover, the activation of backup units will be reported to the Taichung City Government, and the air pollution continuous monitoring system will be connected to the Taichung Environmental Protection Bureau.

Over the past decade, the Taichung Power Plant has continuously implemented measures to reduce coal usage and pollution. Significant progress is already evident: During the first phase (starting in 2014), the plant achieved a self-imposed coal reduction of 6 million tons through environmental dispatch of units, and it launched the Air Quality Control System (AQCS) Improvement Project, resulting in a 70% emissions reduction. It is anticipated that after the gas-fired units are completed and brought online during the second phase (phase I gas-fired project) and third phase (phase II gas-fired project), the transition from coal to gas will reduce air pollutant emissions by nearly 90%. Under normal conditions, coal-fired units will remain non-operational and will no longer be responsible for the power supply, ultimately reducing coal consumption for electricity generation to zero.

Taipower representatives emphasized that electricity infrastructure serves the entire nation, and every power plant is a critical energy source for Taiwan. Narrowly focusing on coal reduction at a specific power plant within a single county or city creates a risk of overlooking the broader question of where to add power sources to achieve the goal of maintaining the national electricity supply. Balancing stable power supply with environmental friendliness is undoubtedly a challenging task, and at times, even a difficult dilemma. Taipower bears the responsibility of ensuring a stable power supply while also understanding the public’s expectations for improved air quality and environmental conditions. As demands for better air pollution control and reduced emissions continue to rise, the Company is committed to the philosophy of “always striving for better”. Despite the challenges, Taipower will persevere and continue its efforts. The Company hopes for greater understanding from all sectors of society regarding its difficulties and support for its electricity infrastructure development initiatives as well as its efforts to balance supply stability with environmental protection.

Spokesperson: Vice President Tsai Chih-Meng
Phone: (02) 2366-6271; 0958-749-333
E-mail: u910707@taipower.com.tw

Contact Person: Director of Environmental Protection Department Wu Cheng-Hung
Phone: (02) 2366-7200; 0927-291-156
E-mail: u015279@taipower.com.tw

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Over 130 influential family office principals and family members from the Mainland, Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East gathered at a principal dinner organised by the Government this evening to set the stage for the third edition of the annual Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit to be held tomorrow.

In his welcome remarks, Acting Chief Executive Chan Kwok-ki said Hong Kong is a ”super connector” bringing together people and ideas, as well as a platform for visionaries looking to create lasting legacies, and a dynamic hub where offices and families can flourish.

Best-selling author and public speaker Maye Musk and University of Oxford Vice-Chancellor Prof Irene Tracey joined a fireside chat, sharing their insights on women’s influence in leadership and legacy-building with a focus on the critical role of female leadership in shaping the future of business, innovation, and societal progress.

The event also included a captivating lion ballet performance against the dazzling night view of Victoria Harbour.

The summit will take place tomorrow afternoon with over 300 participants, allowing principals and family members to discuss the future of wealth management in the region and experience the city’s dynamic offerings through its vibrant neighbourhoods, dynamic arts scene and strong community spirit.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:08PM by PIB Delhi

Government of India is implementing the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) in 28 States and 2 Union Territories (UTs) viz. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, to increase production of foodgrains through area expansion and productivity enhancement by providing incentives to the farmers, through the States/UTs, on crop production and protection technologies, cropping system-based demonstrations, distribution of certified seeds of newly released varieties/hybrids, integrated nutrient and pest management techniques, improved farm implements/tools/resource conservation machineries, water saving devices, capacity building of farmers through trainings during cropping seasons. The area under Rabi foodgrains in 2024-25 has increased by 14.35 lakh hectares, reaching a total of 565.46 lakh hectares, compared to 551.11 lakh hectares in 2023-24.

The Government is implementing “Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)’ across various States and UTs in pan India to provide concessional interest rates on short-term agricultural loans through Kisan Credit Cards. The Government of India has also implemented several measures to improve the accessibility, transparency, and efficiency of the crop insurance scheme, which includes National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP), a centralized platform for data management, subsidy payment, coordination, and online farmer enrolment. Digiclaim Module has been introduced to monitor the claim disbursal process. District and State Level Grievance Redressal Committees has been established to resolve farmer complaints. Additionally, the Krishi Rakshak Portal and Helpline (toll-free number 14447) allows farmers to raise issues related to claims, with fixed timelines for resolution. Other technological interventions such as YES-Tech, Weather information and Network Data System (WINDS), App for Intermediary Enrolment (AIDE App) etc. have also been implemented.

Government on 31.05.2023, has approved the “World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector. The Plan entails creation of various agri infrastructure at Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) level, including godowns, custom hiring center, processing units, Fair Price Shops, etc. The coordination between Railways and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) ensures efficient movement of foodgrains from surplus to deficit regions, addressing storage capacity, procurement, and allocations. Further, the government arranges procurement for all six mandated Rabi crops. For wheat and barley, FCI and state agencies provide price support to farmers. Procurement of pulses (Gram, Masur) and oilseeds (Rapeseed/Mustard, Safflower) is done under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) through the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) when market prices fall below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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 MG/KSR/RN

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