Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will depart for a four-day visit to Beijing tomorrow morning (March 26).
Upon arrival, Mr Lam will call on the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council to report on the developments of the Department of Justice’s major policy initiatives.
During his visit, Mr Lam will join an exchange session and a seminar to be held at the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate respectively. He will also meet with senior officials and representatives of the authorities to exchange views on Hong Kong’s common law system under the principle of “one country, two systems” and other relevant topics.
Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on March 29. During his absence, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will be the Acting Secretary for Justice.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Dah Sing Bank, Limited relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens and phishing emails, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites, login screens or emails concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited relating to phishing instant messages, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the instant messages concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited relating to a fraudulent website and an internet banking login screen, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website or login screen concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Boilers Bill to improve trust by decriminalising offences
3 out of 7 offences decriminalised, speedy redressal for all non-criminal offences
Obsolete provisions removed to enhance Ease of Doing Business
New Act to prioritise safety of workers
The Boilers Bill, 2024 was introduced in Lok Sabha today by the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal. It repeals the Boilers Act, 1923 (5 of 1923). The Bill had earlier been passed by the Rajya Sabha on 4th December, 2024 and shall be sent for assent of the President of India after it is passed by the Lok Sabha.
The re-enacted legislation meets the current requirements of stakeholders including industry, personnel working on/with boilers and implementers in the country and is as per need in the current times. The salient features of the Bill are as under:
It has been drafted as per modern drafting practices to give more clarity to the provisions of the Bill. The similar provisions which are at different places in the Boilers Act,1923 have been grouped together in six chapters for easier reading and understanding of the Act. All the functions/powers of the Central Government, State Governments and Central Boilers Board have been enumerated in detail to avoid any confusion.
For Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), the Bill will benefit boiler users including those in the MSME sector as provisions related to the decriminalisation have been incorporated in the Bill. Out of the seven offences, to ensure safety of boilers and personnel dealing with boilers, in four major offences which may result in loss of life and property, criminal penalties are retained. For other offences, provision is being made for fiscal penalty. Moreover, for all non-criminal offences ‘fine’ has been converted into ‘penalty’ to be levied through executive mechanism instead of courts as existed earlier.
The proposed bill will enhance safety as specific provisions have been made in the Bill to ensure the safety of persons working inside a boiler and that repair of boiler is undertaken by qualified and competent persons.
The Government of India is examining all the pre- constitution Acts from the point of view of their suitability and relevance in the current times.
The Boilers Act, 1923 was comprehensively amended in the year 2007 by the Indian Boilers (Amendment) Act, 2007 wherein inspection and certification by independent third party inspecting authorities was introduced. However, on further examination of the existing Act, a need has been felt for review of the Act and also to incorporate the decriminalised provisions in consonance with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023.
The existing Act has, accordingly, been reviewed wherein redundant /obsolete provisions have been omitted and certain substantive enabling provisions have been made for the rules and regulations which were not earlier provided. Certain new definitions have also been incorporated and few existing definitions have been amended so as to give more clarity to the provisions of the Bill. (details given in enclosed Annexure)
Centre safeguards consumer rights via various provisions under Consumer Protection Act, 2019 Central Consumer Protection Authority imposes penalty of ₹ 77 lakh 60 thousand on 24 coaching institutes for misleading advertisements
Department of Consumer Affairs secures refunds of ₹1.56 crores for over 600 aspirants and students in education sector through National Consumer Helpline
Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 3:44PM by PIB Delhi
Department of Consumer Affairs is continuously working for consumer protection and empowerment of consumers by enactment of progressive legislations. With a view to modernize the framework governing the consumer protection in the new era of globalization, technologies, e-commerce markets etc. Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was repealed and Consumer Protection Act, 2019 was enacted.
Salient features of the new Consumer Protection Act, 2019 are establishment of a Central Consumer Protection Authority(CCPA); simplification of the adjudication process in the Consumer Commissions such as enhancing pecuniary jurisdiction of the Consumer Commissions, online filing of complaint from the Consumer Commission having jurisdiction over the place of work/residence of the consumer irrespective of the place of transaction, videoconferencing for hearing, deemed admissibility of complaints if admissibility is not decided within 21 days of filing; provision of product liability; penal provisions for manufacture/sale of adulterated products/spurious goods; provision for making rules for prevention of unfair trade practice in e-commerce and direct selling.
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 provides for a three tier quasi-judicial machinery at District, State and Central levels commonly known as “Consumer Commissions” for protection of the rights of consumers and to provide simple and speedy redressal of consumer disputes including those related with unfair trade practices. The Consumer Commissions are empowered to give relief of a specific nature and award compensation to consumers, wherever appropriate.
The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs has emerged as a single point of access to consumers across the country for their grievance redressal at a pre-litigation stage. Consumers can register their grievances from all over the country in 17 languages including Hindi, English, Kashmiri, Punjabi, Nepali, Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Maithili, Santhali, Bengali, Odia, Assamese and Manipuri through a toll-free number 1915. These grievances can be registered on Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM), an omni-channel IT enabled central portal, through various channels- WhatsApp (8800001915), SMS (8800001915), email (nch-ca[at]gov[dot]in), the NCH app, the web portal (consumerhelpline.gov.in) and the Umang app, as per their convenience. 1049 companies, who have voluntarily partnered with NCH, as part of the ‘Convergence’ programme directly respond to these grievances according to their redressal process and revert by providing feedback to the complainant on the portal. Complaints against those companies, who have not partnered with National Consumer Helpline, are forwarded to the company for redressal.
To safeguard the interests of consumers from unfair trade practices in e-commerce, the Department of Consumer Affairs has notified the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. These rules, inter-alia, outline the responsibilities of e-commerce entities and specify the liabilities of marketplace and inventory e-commerce entities, including provisions for consumer grievance redressal.
The Department of Consumer Affairs, in consultation with all the stakeholders, has finalized a “safety Pledge” which is a voluntary public commitment of e-Commerce platforms to ensure the safety of goods sold online and respect the consumer rights. Aligned with global best practices, this initiative strengthens consumer protection in the e-Commerce. On the National Consumer Day 2024, 13 major e-Commerce companies including Reliance Retail group, Tata sons group, Zomato, Ola, Swiggy etc. signed the Safety Pledge for ensuring consumer safety. The support and agreement of major e-Commerce companies to abide by the safety pledge will go a long way in ensuring protection of consumer rights.
Under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), an executive agency, came into existence on 24.07.2020. It is designed to intervene, to prevent consumer detriment arising from unfair trade practices and to initiate class action(s), including the enforcement of recalls, refunds and return of products. Its core mandate is to prevent and regulate false or misleading advertisements which are prejudicial to the public interest.
Dark patterns involve using design and choice architecture to deceive, coerce, or influence consumers into making choices that are not in their best interest. Dark patterns encompass a wide range of manipulative practices such as drip pricing, disguised advertisement, bait and switch, false urgency etc. Such practices fall under the category of “unfair trade practices” as defined in the Sub-section 47 under Section 2 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The CCPA, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 18 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, has issued “Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023” on 30th November, 2023 for prevention and regulation of dark patterns listing 13 specified dark patterns identified in e-Commerce sector. These dark patterns include false urgency, Basket Sneaking, Confirm shaming, forced action, Subscription trap, Interface Interference, Bait and switch, Drip Pricing, Disguised Advertisements, Nagging, Trick Wording, Saas Billing and Rogue Malwares.
The CCPA has also notified the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022 on 9th June, 2022. These guidelines inter-alia provide for; (a) conditions for an advertisement to be non-misleading and valid; (b) certain stipulations in respect of bait advertisements and free claim advertisements; and, (c) duties of manufacturer, service provider, advertiser and advertising agency. These guidelines states that due diligence is required for endorsement of advertisements such that any endorsement in an advertisement must reflect the genuine, reasonably current opinion of the individual, group or organisation making such representation and must be based on adequate information about, or experience with, the identified goods, product or service and must not otherwise be deceptive.
Further to strengthen consumer protection, the CCPA enacted the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing and Misleading Environmental Claims, 2024 (effective 15th October 2024), mandating transparency in environmental claims and the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements in the Coaching Sector, 2024 (effective 13th November 2024), addressing false claims, exaggerated success rates and unfair practices in coaching institutes.
The CCPA has imposed a penalty of ₹ 77 lakhs 60 thousands on 24 coaching institutes for misleading advertisements. The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) has successfully secured refunds amounting to ₹1.56 crores for over 600 aspirants and students in the education sector through National Consumer Helpline (NCH). These students, enrolled in coaching centres for Civil Services, Engineering Course and other programmes, were previously denied rightful refunds despite following the terms and conditions set forth by the coaching institutes. The action by the Department has helped students receive compensation for unfulfilled services, late classes, or cancelled courses, ensuring they do not bear the financial burden of unfair business practices.
Action has already been taken by the CCPA against various entities including e-commerce platforms for affecting consumers, as a class,for violation of consumer rights, false and misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices as defined under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Action has also been taken against the sale of domestic pressure cookers that do not meet compulsory BIS standards on e-commerce platforms. Additionally, as per CCPA’s directions, travel companies have refunded Rs. 1,454 Crores as of 20.03.2024 to consumers for cancelled flights due to the Covid-19 lockdown. CCPA has also mandated that these companies update their websites with clear instructions and status updates on refund claims related to cancelled tickets. Further, 13,118 listings of car seat belt alarm stopper clips have been delisted from major e-commerce platforms based on the Orders passed by CCPA to delist all such products which violates consumer rights and are unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019as the sale or marketing of said productcompromise with the life and safety of consumer by stopping alarm beep when not wearing seat belts.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has notified framework on ‘Online Consumer Reviews — Principles and Requirements for their Collection, Moderation and Publication’ on 23.11.2022 for safeguarding and protecting consumer interest from fake and deceptive reviews in e-commerce. The standards are voluntary and are applicable to every online platform which publishes consumer reviews. The guiding principles of the standard are integrity, accuracy, privacy, security, transparency, accessibility and responsiveness.
Under CONFONET scheme, VC equipment for conducting hearing through video conferencing mode has been installed and made functional at 10 benches of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) and 35 benches of State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (SCDRCs).
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri B.L. Verma in a written reply today in the Rajya Sabha.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is dedicated to ensuring the quality of products and services in India. The Indian Standards formulated by BIS serve as the foundation for Product Certification Schemes, offering third- party assurance of product quality to consumers. To strengthen the country’s quality eco system, the Government of India has issued various Quality Control Orders (QCOs) that mandate BIS certification for a range of products including industries and construction sectors. Under the provisions of BIS Act, 2016, products for compulsory BIS certification are notified by the concerned regulator/line ministry of Government of India through Quality Control Orders (QCOs) under various considerations viz. public interest, protection of human, animal or plant health, safety of environment, prevention of unfair trade practices and national security. Through the issuance of QCOs, the notified products shall conform to the requirements of the relevant Indian Standard including safety standard and the manufacturers of these products have to compulsorily obtain certification from BIS. So far, a total of 187 Quality Control Order’s covering 769 products have been notified for compulsory certification of BIS by various regulators/line ministries of Government of India, the list of which is available at https://www.bis.gov.in/product-certification/products-under-compulsory-certification/.
Additionally, the following two horizontal QCO’s exclusively for safety aspects of products are also notified by Government of India:
Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2024 issued by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Through the QCO, all electrical appliances intended for household, commercial or similar applications with rated voltage not exceeding 250 V single phase alternating current or 415 V three phase alternating current and which do not fall under the scope of any other Quality Control Order issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act are covered under compulsory certification of BIS.
Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024 issued by Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India. Through the QCO, 20 categories of Machinery and electrical equipment’s and their sub-assemblies / components are covered under compulsory certification of BIS
Branch Offices of BIS have conducted Manak Manthans on the subject Labour Safety at Workplace in different cities like Gwalior, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Hubli, Chennai, Dehradun. These sessions facilitated discussions among stakeholders, including government bodies, industries, and standard organizations, to improve safety practices at the workplace and raised awareness about labour safety standards and promoting their implementation.
Workplace safety is a critical component of occupational health, ensuring employee well-being and reducing risks that may lead to injuries or fatalities. The introduction and adherence to newly developed safety standards provide comprehensive guidelines for mitigating workplace hazards. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established various Indian Standards on Respiratory Protection, Fall Prevention, and Fire Safety to enhance overall occupational health and safety (OHS), safeguarding workers and fostering a safer working environment.
Respiratory Protection Standards and their Role in Occupational Health and Safety: Respiratory protection is crucial in industries such as mining, construction, chemical processing, and healthcare, where workers are exposed to harmful airborne contaminants. The Indian Standards (IS) for respiratory protective devices ensure that workers have access to high-quality protective equipment, reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses. Key Indian Standards in Respiratory Protection are given as under:
IS 9473: 2002– Respiratory protective devices — Filtering half masks to protect against particles.
IS 14166: 1994– Respiratory protective devices – Self-contained open-circuit compressed air breathing apparatus.
IS 10245 (Part 2): 2023– Industrial and firefighting self-contained breathing apparatus.
IS 10245 (Part 3): 1999– Respiratory protective devices – Chemical oxygen apparatus.
IS 10245 (Part 4): 1982– Respiratory protective devices – Industrial and mining oxygen respirators.
Fall Prevention Standards and their Role in Occupational Health and Safety: Falls from height are a leading cause of workplace fatalities and injuries. The IS 3521 series provides guidelines on personal fall protection systems to mitigate risks in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and warehousing. Key Indian Standards in Fall Prevention are given as under:
IS 3521 (Part 1): 2021 – Full-body harnesses.
IS 3521 (Part 2): 2021– Lanyards and energy absorbers.
IS 3521 (Part 3): 2000 – Self-retracting lifelines.
IS 3521 (Part 4): 2021– Vertical anchorage systems.
IS 3521 (Part 5): 2021 – Horizontal anchorage systems.
IS 3521 (Part 7): 2021 – Connectors.
IS 3521 (Part 8): 2021 – Rescue equipment.
IS 3521 (Part 9): 2021 – Anchorage devices.
Fire Safety Standards and their Role in Occupational Health and Safety: Fires pose a significant threat to workplace safety, particularly in industries handling flammable materials. The implementation of stringent fire safety standards ensures that workers are adequately protected from burns, smoke inhalation, and other fire-related hazards. Key Indian Standards in Fire Safety are given as under:
IS 16890: 2024 – Firefighter suits.
IS 16874: 2018 – Firefighter gloves.
IS 15683: 2018 – Fire extinguishers.
IS 2745: 1983 – Non – Metal helmet for firemen and Civil Defence personnel
IS 18582 (Part 6): 2024 – Foot wear used by Firefighters
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri B.L. Verma in a written reply today in the Rajya Sabha.
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognisance of the reported assault on a SC student by some upper caste boys in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu Issues notices to the State DGP and the District Collector, Thoothukudi calling for a detailed report within four weeks
Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 3:38PM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that a Class-XI student, belonging to the Scheduled Caste, was assaulted by some upper caste boys from his locality in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. Reportedly, the incident happened when the victim onboard a bus was travelling to appear for his exam. He was dragged out of the bus by the perpetrators and assaulted with a sickle, severing his fingers from his left hand. Reportedly, the father of the victim who reportedly tried to intervene was also assaulted.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the victim student. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Director General of Police, and the District Collector, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks.
According to the media report, carried on 12th March, 2025, after the attack, the perpetrators managed to escape and the boy was rushed to the hospital from where he was admitted to the Tirunelveli Government Hospital. After a seven-hour-long surgery, a team of doctors managed to re-attach the fingers of the boy.
The number of people benefiting from the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) has increased to 5,81,813 beneficiaries in 2023-24 as compared to 3,39,588 beneficiaries in 2022-23. Under NAPDDR, during the current financial year 2024-25 (as on 19.03.2025), a total number of 6,47,799 beneficiaries have availed services at the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment supported treatment and rehabilitation centres.
As informed by Narcotics Control Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, the comparative details of drug seizures effected by all Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEAs) during last three years and the details of drug seizures (cases & quantity of drug seized) effected along Indo-Pak bordering States viz; Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan & Gujarat is enclosed as Annexure-I.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was launched on 15th August 2020 by Department of Social Justice & Empowerment in 272 identified most vulnerable districts and now it is being implemented in all districts of the country. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has reached out to the masses and spread awareness about substance use with focus on higher educational Institutions, university campuses & schools. Till now, through the various activities undertaken under NMBA, 14.79+ crore people have been sensitized on substance use including 4.96+ crore youth and 2.97+ crore women. Participation of 4.16+ lakh educational institutions has ensured that the message of the Abhiyaan reaches children and youth of the country. Since launch of NMBA, the number of people benefiting from the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) has increased to 5,81,813 beneficiaries in 2023-24 as compared to 2,08,415 beneficiaries in 2020-21.
A National Toll-free Helpline for de-addiction, 14446 is being maintained by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment for providing primary counselling and immediate referral services to the persons seeking help through this helpline. This Helpline has been integrated with Tele Mental Health Assistance & Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) helpline of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) to ensure that the help seekers get psychosocial support and counselling services to individuals in need. Tele MANAS is an initiative launched by MoHFW in October, 2022 to provide free Tele-mental health services all over the country round the clock.
As informed by Narcotics Control Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India has taken significant steps to improve coordination and cooperation with neighbouring countries for better border control mechanism. The details are enclosed as Annexure-II.
This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT, SHRI B.L. VERMA, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
The Government is organizing Divya Kala Melas on a larger scale under the Awareness Generation & Publicity Scheme [sub-scheme under Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (SIPDA)] for awareness generation and to provide a platform to Divyangjan to promote the sale of the products made by them.
So far, 24 Divya Kala Melas have been organized since December, 2022 across the country. Around 1550 Divyang entrepreneurs and artisans have benefitted through participation in these Divya Kala Melas wherein sales worth Rs 16.80 crore were made by them. During these Melas, loans worth Rs.17.42 Crore were sanctioned to 919 Divyangjan under the National Divyangjan Finance Development Corporation (NDFDC) loan scheme.
This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT, SHRI B.L. VERMA, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.