Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of India

Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal Engages with Croatian Counterparts to Strengthen Bilateral Economic Cooperation

India and Croatia Discuss Collaboration in Railways, EVs, Defence, Healthcare,  Renewable Energy, and Food Processing Sectors

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 11:16AM by PIB Delhi

Commerce Secretary, Government of India, Shri Sunil Barthwal, visited the Republic of Croatia from 22–23 April 2025, where he held bilateral discussions with Mr. Zdenko Lucić, State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and Mr. Ivo Milatić, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy. The meetings focused on advancing India-Croatia trade and investment relations, promoting sectoral collaboration, and reinforcing India’s engagement with the Central European region.

During the meeting with Mr. Zdenko Lucić, State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development,discussions centered around taking forward the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and enhancing bilateral trade cooperation.The discussions focused on taking forward the EU-India FTA and strengthening bilateral trade relations. The Commerce Secretary mentioned the visit of EU President and 27 Commissioners to India as the first visit of the College of Commissioners outside the European continent since the start of their new mandate and also the first such visit in the history of India-EU bilateral ties. Commerce Secretary mentioned about the areas of collaboration between the two countries like Railways, Global Capability Centers, Electric Vehicles, IT etc. Croatian side apprised about their interest of investment in Defence sector (about flagship products of India), solar cells production, food processing technology, Automobiles, knowledge sharing amongst other sectors.

In the meeting of Commerce Secretary with Mr. Ivo Milatić, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy, discussion was focused on promoting investment flows, and enhancing cooperation across key sectors including Healthcare, Education, Tourism, Entertainment (mentioned about WAVES summit), Supply-Chain integration, Logistics, Transports, Pharmaceuticals, Digital Technology, Renewable Energy and Manufacturing. For the 3^rd Session of Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation which is due, both sides exchanged their views on improving the work of the commission with more frequent meetings and directly connecting the entrepreneurs of both the countries for a stronger and faster progress.

The Commerce Secretary also participated in a business interaction event “Exploring Economic Cooperation Opportunities between India and Croatia” organized by the Croatian Chamber of Economy (CCE), where he met with the heads of various industry associations and leading Croatian business representatives. A presentation on the Croatian Economy, the trade and investment relations between India and Croatia and Industries potential on key sectors of mutual interest was shown. The event provided a platform to explore opportunities for collaboration, address trade facilitation measures, and promote mutual business interests. Successful business cases of Croatian Companies in the Indian Market were also presented.

The visit reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening engagement with the Central European region and underscored the shared interest in expanding commercial partnerships between Indian and Croatian enterprises.

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Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan

(Release ID: 2125059) Visitor Counter : 32

Source: Government of India

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) takes suo moto cognizance against 5 Delhi Restaurants for non-refund of Service Charge

National Consumer Helpline (NCH) receives complaints against the Restaurants regarding mandatory levy of Service Charge and non-refund of Service Charge Amount

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 9:53AM by PIB Delhi

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken suo moto action against five restaurants — Makhna Deli, Xero Courtyard, Castle Barbeque, Chaayos, and Fiesta by Barbeque Nation for failing to refund mandatory service charges despite judgment held by Hon’ble High Court of Delhi. Notices have been issued under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, directing the restaurants to refund the service charge amounts.

This measure is aimed at reducing the undue pressure on Consumers to pay additional amount at the time of availing services at any Restaurant as no Hotel or Restaurant shall force a consumer to pay Service Charge or Service Charge shall not be collected from consumers by any other name.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued guidelines on 04.07.2022 to curb unfair trade practices and protect consumer interests regarding service charges in hotels and restaurants. The guidelines stipulate that:

1. No hotels or restaurant shall add service charge automatically or by default in the food bill.
2. No collection of service charge shall be done by any other name.
3. No hotel or restaurant shall force a consumer to pay service charge and shall clearly inform the consumer that service charge is voluntary, optional and at consumer’s discretion.
4. No restriction on entry or provision of services based on collection of service charge shall be imposed on consumers.
5. Service charge shall not be collected by adding it along with the food bill and levying GST on the total amount.

On 28.03.2025, the Delhi High Court upheld the CCPA guidelines on service charges. Subsequently, it came to the notice of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), through complaints received on the National Consumer Helpline (1915), that grievances had been registered alleging that certain restaurants continued to impose a mandatory service charge without obtaining prior consent from consumers, thereby disregarding consumer rights and indulged in unfair trade practices as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) was established under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Its primary mandate is to regulate matters related to the violation of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and false or misleading advertisements that are detrimental to the interests of the public and consumers at large.

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Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

(Release ID: 2125045) Visitor Counter : 120

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 2:20PM by PIB Delhi

Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs  chaired an internal review meeting on PMJVK projects to assess progress of the scheme and address challenges. The meeting focused on ensuring wider outreach and effective implementation of PMJVK across India. The Secretary directed the officials to enhance and improve the scheme further.

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SS/ISA

(Release ID: 2125118) Visitor Counter : 104

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 2:18PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju extended his heartfelt wishes to all 1,22,518 pilgrims undertaking the sacred Haj  journey . The first flights took off with  288 pilgrims from Lucknow and 262 pilgrims from Hyderabad. In his X post, the Union Minister tweeted that under the leadership of Prime Minister , Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India remains committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless Haj pilgrimage. He also prayed for a safe, blessed and spiritually enriching pilgrimage.

 

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SS/ISA

(Release ID: 2125117) Visitor Counter : 116

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 2:16PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today extended his congratulations to Mr. Mark Carney on his election as the Prime Minister of Canada and to the Liberal Party on their victory. He highlighted the shared democratic values, unwavering commitment to the rule of law, and vibrant people-to-people ties that bind India and Canada together. 

In a post on X, he wrote:

“Congratulations @MarkJCarney on your election as the Prime Minister of Canada and to the Liberal Party on their victory. India and Canada are bound by shared democratic values, a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, and vibrant people-to-people ties. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our partnership and unlock greater opportunities for our people.”

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2125115) Visitor Counter : 40

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal and Chief Minister of Rajasthan Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma reviewed Centrally Funded urban development schemes in Jaipur today

Proper assessment of expenditure and cost should be done in Metro Phase-2 project to provide better facilities can also be provided to the general public : Shri Bhajan Lal

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 1:55PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, GoI, Sh. Manohar Lal and Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Sh. Bhajan Lal Sharma held a review meeting of all the Centrally Funded Projects in Rajasthan related to urban development, at the Chief Minister’s residence in Jaipur today.

He reviewed the development, expansion and financial model of important projects related to the development of Rajasthan, funded by the Centre, such as Swachh Bharat Mission, PM e-Bus Service, Jaipur Metro Rail, Amrit Mission 2.0, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Sh. Sharma said that proper assessment of expenditure and cost should be done in Metro Phase-2 project and other important projects so that along with the proper utilization of financial resources,  better facilities can also be provided to the general public.

He also said that Rajasthan is a historic and rapidly growing state where important works are being done for urban development with the support of the Centre. He gave guidelines for planning and their proper implementation keeping in mind the future needs and facilities of the common man.

Senior officials of the Government of India and Rajasthan Government were also present on this occasion. The officers gave a detailed presentation to the Hon’ble Union Minister and Hon’ble Chief Minister regarding all the important Urban Development Projects.

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SK

(Release ID: 2125110) Visitor Counter : 65

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, released the following information today (April 29) on the traffic and public transport arrangements for the upcoming Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland.

     During the Labour Day and the Birthday of the Buddha holidays, in anticipation of a large number of members of the public, vehicles and Mainland visitors travelling to and from the Mainland or Macao via various land-based BCPs, particularly on May 1, 3 and 5, the Transport Department (TD) urged the public and visitors to plan their trips in advance and allow sufficient travelling time.

     The TD has co-ordinated with local and cross-boundary public transport operators (PTOs) to strengthen their services during the holidays, including increasing the frequency of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) shuttle bus (Gold Bus) to less than one minute during peak hours, and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) to about two minutes at its highest frequency, as well as increasing the quota of cross-boundary coaches to strengthen services. The frequency of local franchised bus B routes connecting various land-based BCPs will also be increased to a level higher than that of normal weekends or Sundays while franchised bus operators concerned will reserve sufficient vehicles and manpower to meet the travel needs of passengers. The MTR Corporation Limited will enhance the train services of the East Rail Line between Admiralty and Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau at different times from May 1 to May 5 to provide convenience for the travelling public and visitors. It is anticipated that the waiting time for public transport services, including the Gold Bus, may be longer. Passengers should make their journeys during non-peak hours, observe order while queuing and heed advice from on-site Police and staff of PTOs concerned. Passengers of cross-boundary coaches are also advised to reserve their coach tickets in advance.

     Of note, motorists are advised that, subject to actual traffic conditions, special traffic arrangements may be implemented at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Port from May 1 to 5 to allow smooth access of public transport vehicles to the above control points. Cross-boundary private cars may need to queue up for crossing the BCPs. Motorists should pay extra attention to variable message signs and traffic signs along the roads. In case of traffic congestion, they should remain patient and follow the instructions of on-site police.

     For the HZMB, to plan their journeys ahead, members of the public can make use of the TD’s HKeMobility mobile application (hkemobility.gov.hk/en/traffic-information/live/cctv) to access snapshots of traffic conditions at inbound and outbound vehicle plazas of the HZMB Hong Kong Port. They can also check real-time situations of the vehicle clearance plaza of the Zhuhai Port through WeChat official accounts “hzmbzhport” or “zhuhaifabu” (traffic-info.gzazhka.com:5015/#/) (Chinese only), and check the forecasts of peak hours of inbound and outbound vehicles at the HZMB Zhuhai Port through the WeChat official account of the HZMB integrated information dissemination platform (mp.weixin.qq.com/s/PXLza25svheLQZuTXSbwFQ) (Chinese only). Moreover, motorists are reminded to always comply with the traffic control measures implemented by the Zhuhai authority when driving on the HZMB Main Bridge. Vehicles shall not occupy the emergency lane unless instructed by the Zhuhai authority.

     The TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will continue to operate 24 hours to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services of different districts including various BCPs and major stations. The TD will disseminate the latest traffic information through various channels. Members of the public are advised to check the latest traffic news through radio and television broadcasts, and the HKeMobility application.

     The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements is tasked with holistically co-ordinating and steering the preparatory work of various government departments for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland, as well as strengthening information dissemination to enable the public and visitors to plan their itineraries according to the latest situation.