Category: MIL-OSI

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PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION (NAPDDR)

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 2:55PM by PIB Delhi

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.

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VM

(Lok Sabha US Q4012)

(Release ID: 2114800) Visitor Counter : 191

Read this release in: Urdu

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CE arrives in Hainan to attend Boao Forum annual conference (with photos/video)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CE arrives in Hainan to attend Boao Forum annual conference (with photos/video) 
Addressing the forum, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong, as an international financial, shipping, and trade centre, enjoys a strategic location and world-class connectivity, championing free and multilateral trade. Under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is the only world city that combines the China advantage with the global advantage. It boasts a long tradition of the rule of law and has an established common law regime that aligns with major global financial hubs.
 
Mr Lee noted that as a participant in the Global Free Trade Zone (Port) Partnership Initiative, Hong Kong will continue to collaborate with Hainan in promoting the vast opportunities that free trade and market liberalisation could bring to the world.
 
In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner with leaders of Hainan Province to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong’s co-operation with Hainan.
 
Additionally, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, attended the “Enhance Digital Capacity Building & Bridging Digital Divide” forum this afternoon. He outlined Hong Kong’s move to accelerate digital economy development through strengthening digital infrastructure and fostering digital transformation. The Government is pressing ahead with the Digital Corporate Identity Platform project at full speed. By adhering to the principle of “promoting technology with talent, leading industries with technology, and attracting talent with industries”, the Government will provide more quality jobs and development opportunities for innovation and technology (I&T) and digital talent in Hong Kong and for those coming to Hong Kong, thereby pooling I&T talent from around the globe.
 
Mr Lee will meet with leaders of Hainan Province and attend the signing ceremony of Memoranda of Understanding between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the People’s Government of Hainan Province tomorrow (March 26).
Issued at HKT 18:30

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NHRC, India takes suo motu cognisance of the reported assault on a SC student by some upper caste boys in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu

Source: Government of India

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.

 

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NSK

(Release ID: 2114825) Visitor Counter : 153

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Police launch interactive theatre against “space oil drug” to promote anti-drug messages among upper primary students (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Police launch interactive theatre against “space oil drug” to promote anti-drug messages among upper primary students  
Speaking at the session, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, pointed out that 31 students were arrested for serious drug offences last year, with the youngest arrestee involved in the “space oil drug” being 12 years old. He noted that although the number of arrests was the lowest since 2021, one juvenile drug case is still far too many. While law enforcement efforts are being stepped up, it is important to pass on the anti-drug culture through education and to “start from a young age with continuous and concerted efforts”.
 
Mr Siu added that the Police Narcotics Bureau (NB) has organised the “Interactive Anti-Drug Theatre” for the third consecutive year. Over the past two years, anti-drug messages have been disseminated to more than 13 500 primary students in nearly 100 school performances. He described the interactive engagement of the student audience as one of the best parts of the theatre, demonstrating the passing on of the anti-drug culture.
 
     Before the performance, a representative from the anti-drug service unit of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups’ Youth Crime Prevention Centre shared insights into the serious consequences of using the “space oil drug”, cautioning students about its far-reaching harm while urging them to adopt a firm stance: “Drugs? Never, Ever!”.
 
Representatives of school sponsoring bodies, principals, teachers and students from over 60 primary schools attended today’s event. The actors in the play took the audience on a study trip, during which they resisted the temptation of drugs. Through interactive questions designed to inspire critical thinking, students gained a thorough understanding of the harmful effects caused by drug abuse, and became more vigilant against the “space oil drug”.
 
As the NB’s first flagship publicity campaign for this year on the “space oil drug”, the “Interactive Anti-Drug Theatre – A Space Study Adventure” will be staged in primary schools starting this month. Schools interested in learning more and arranging a performance can contact the NB by email (ip-sip-int-1e-nb@police.gov.hk).
Issued at HKT 18:33

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Bureau of Indian Standards establishes Standards on Respiratory Protection, Fall Prevention, and Fire Safety for overall occupational health and safety of workers

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 3:42PM by PIB Delhi

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

  1. 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:
  1. IS 9473: 2002– Respiratory protective devices — Filtering half masks to protect against particles.
  2. IS 14166: 1994– Respiratory protective devices – Self-contained open-circuit compressed air breathing apparatus.
  3. IS 14746: 1999– Respiratory protective devices – Self-contained closed-circuit breathing apparatus.
  4. IS 15803: 2008– Respiratory protective devices – Powered filtering devices incorporating a helmet or hood.
  5. IS 10245 (Part 1): 1996– Respiratory protective devices – Self-contained breathing apparatus.
  6. IS 10245 (Part 2): 2023– Industrial and firefighting self-contained breathing apparatus.
  7. IS 10245 (Part 3): 1999– Respiratory protective devices – Chemical oxygen apparatus.
  8. IS 10245 (Part 4): 1982– Respiratory protective devices – Industrial and mining oxygen respirators.
  1. 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:
  1. IS 3521 (Part 1): 2021 – Full-body harnesses.
  2. IS 3521 (Part 2): 2021– Lanyards and energy absorbers.
  3. IS 3521 (Part 3): 2000 – Self-retracting lifelines.
  4. IS 3521 (Part 4): 2021– Vertical anchorage systems.
  5. IS 3521 (Part 5): 2021  – Horizontal anchorage systems.
  6. IS 3521 (Part 7): 2021 – Connectors.
  7. IS 3521 (Part 8): 2021 – Rescue equipment.
  8. IS 3521 (Part 9): 2021 – Anchorage devices.
  1. 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:

 

  1. IS 16890: 2024  – Firefighter suits.
  2. IS 16874: 2018 – Firefighter gloves.
  3. IS 15683: 2018 – Fire extinguishers.
  4. IS 2745: 1983 –  Non – Metal helmet for firemen and Civil Defence personnel
  5. 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.

 

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Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

(Release ID: 2114827) Visitor Counter : 165

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External merchandise trade statistics for February 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

External merchandise trade statistics for February 2025 
     Due to the difference in timing of the Chinese New Year holidays, it is more appropriate to analyse the trade figures for January and February taken together in making year-on-year comparison.
 
     Taking January and February of 2025 together, the value of total exports of goods increased by 6.5% over the same period in 2024. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 5.7%. A visible trade deficit of $34.6 billion, equivalent to 4.6% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first two months of 2025.
 
     In February 2025, the value of total exports of goods increased by 15.4% over a year earlier to $327.9 billion, after a year-on-year increase by 0.1% in January 2025. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 11.8% over a year earlier to $364.2 billion in February 2025, after a year-on-year increase by 0.5% in January 2025. A visible trade deficit of $36.3 billion, equivalent to 10.0% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in February 2025.
 
     Comparing the three-month period ending February 2025 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods increased by 8.6%. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods increased by 3.4%.
 
Analysis by country/territory
 
     Comparing February 2025 with February 2024, total exports to Asia as a whole grew by 25.0%. In this region, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular Vietnam (+114.2%), Taiwan (+73.0%), the Philippines (+32.3%) and the mainland of China (the Mainland) (+29.5%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of total exports to India (-29.8%).
 
     Apart from destinations in Asia, decreases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations in other regions, in particular the Netherlands (-44.7%) and the USA (-18.5%). On the other hand, an increase was recorded in the value of total exports to the United Kingdom (+61.0%).
 
     Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from some major suppliers, in particular France (+77.9%), the United Kingdom (+77.6%), Vietnam (+52.4%), Taiwan (+42.6%), Malaysia (+41.7%) and the Mainland (+18.1%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Korea (-31.4%).
 
     For the first two months of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular Vietnam (+89.9%), Taiwan (+29.2%), Singapore (+18.3%) and the Mainland (+10.9%). On the other hand, decreases were recorded in the values of total exports to the United Arab Emirates (-38.2%) and India (-25.6%).
 
     Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from some major suppliers, in particular France (+106.7%), the United Kingdom (+58.7%), Vietnam (+50.4%), Malaysia (+48.1%), Taiwan (+39.9%) and the Mainland (+2.0%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Korea (-25.3%).
 
Analysis by major commodity
 
     Comparing February 2025 with February 2024, increases were registered in the values of total exports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $27.3 billion or +20.8%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $20.5 billion or +68.9%). 
 
     Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $23.2 billion or +16.9%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $16.6 billion or +76.3%).
 
     For the first two months of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $35.5 billion or +53.2%) and “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $23.0 billion or +7.3%).
 
     Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $30.5 billion or +63.3%) and “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $30.2 billion or +10.1%).
 
Commentary
 
     A Government spokesman said that Hong Kong’s merchandise exports continued to see solid increase in general in early 2025. Taking the first two months of 2025 together to remove the effect of the earlier arrival of the Chinese New Year this year, the value of merchandise exports grew by 6.5% over a year earlier. Exports to the Mainland increased visibly, and those to many other Asian markets also increased. Exports to the United States rose marginally, while those to the European Union declined.
 
     Looking ahead, the tariff measures introduced so far by the United States and the uncertainties surrounding protectionist policies would continue to pose challenges to Hong Kong’s merchandise trade performance. Nevertheless, the sustained growth in global economy in particular the Mainland economy, should render support to Hong Kong’s exports. The Government will monitor the situation closely.
 
Further information
 
     Table 1 presents the analysis of external merchandise trade statistics for February 2025. Table 2 presents the original monthly trade statistics from January 2022 to February 2025, and Table 3 gives the seasonally adjusted series for the same period.
 
     The values of total exports of goods to 10 main destinations for February 2025 are shown in Table 4, whereas the values of imports of goods from 10 main suppliers are given in Table 5.
 
     Tables 6 and 7 show the values of total exports and imports of 10 principal commodity divisions for February 2025.
 
     All the merchandise trade statistics described here are measured at current prices and no account has been taken of changes in prices between the periods of comparison. A separate analysis of the volume and price movements of external merchandise trade for February 2025 will be released in mid-April 2025.
 
     The February 2025 issue of “Hong Kong External Merchandise Trade” contains detailed analysis on the performance of Hong Kong’s external merchandise trade in February 2025 and will be available in early April 2025. Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020005&scode=230 
     Enquiries on merchandise trade statistics may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4691).
Issued at HKT 16:30

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Enhancing grid stability: Taipower launches new 60-MW energy storage system at Dongshan site in Yilan

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The new energy storage system adds power for renewable energy! In response to international energy transitions and net-zero emission trends, Taipower is actively developing diverse energy solutions. To strengthen grid resilience, Taipower previously implemented a 20-MW energy storage system at the Tainan Salt Fields Solar Farm and the Kaohsiung Luyuan Substation, as well as a 60-MW energy storage system at the Longtan Extra-High Voltage (EHV) Substation earlier this year. Now, Taipower has launched another heavyweight 60-MW energy storage system at the Dongshan site in Yilan. At the November 20 inauguration ceremony, Taipower representatives highlighted that energy storage systems, with their rapid charging and discharging capabilities, can support frequency regulation when integrating renewable energy into the grid. Moreover, they provide immediate stable power during unexpected power events to enhance the stability and flexibility of the power system.

On November 20, Taipower held the Sustainable Energy Storage, Stable Grid inauguration ceremony for the Dongshan Energy Storage System at the Dongshan EHV Substation in Yilan. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Taipower Vice President Hsiao Sheng-Jen, Tatung Group President Brian Shen, and Tatung Forever Energy President Huang Yun-Wei, who jointly witnessed the milestone.
This project was the result of a collaboration between Taipower and Tatung Forever Energy, a pioneering enterprise in domestic energy storage applications. Leveraging Tatung Group’s expertise and resources in the power and energy sector, the two companies established 23 energy storage containers at the Dongshan EHV Substation, covering an area of approximately 1,600 pings (about 5,300 square meters). The resulting 60-MW/85-MWh energy storage system has a storage capacity of 85,000 kWh, which is sufficient to meet the electricity needs of approximately 8,000 households for an entire day.

Due to their ability to transfer energy and respond rapidly, energy storage systems have become a powerful new tool for enhancing grid resilience. The Dongshan energy storage system utilizes Enhanced Dynamic Regulation (E-dReg) technology, which enables energy transfer. It stores abundant solar energy generated during the day and discharges it in the evening when sunlight diminishes rapidly, playing a vital role in stabilizing the power supply during nighttime peak demand. In the event of unexpected power incidents that cause a drop in grid frequency, the system can respond quickly, completing discharge within 0.4 seconds to maintain grid frequency stability. It also provides multiple functions, including stable power supply and voltage regulation.

Power systems have three key indicators: frequency, voltage, and inertia. Among these, inertia varies depending on the method and characteristics of power generation, and its importance has grown due to the current trend of renewable energy development. In traditional systems, inertia is primarily provided by the rotational motion of conventional generators’ steam or hydropower-driven rotors. Conversely, renewable energy systems convert sunlight and wind directly into electricity through inverters. Therefore, last year, Taipower collaborated with UK-based innovative energy technology company RTL on a real-time inertia measurement project for the power system. Measurement devices were installed at 10 locations nationwide. Furthermore, Taipower has introduced Function of Periodic Power Modulation (FPPM) technology at the Dongshan energy storage system, making it the only energy storage system in Taiwan capable of measuring system inertia. By inputting test signals into the grid and obtaining real-time feedback data, this system provides valuable insights for power dispatching and system stability management.

In terms of safety, the Dongshan Energy Storage System has obtained dual certifications: the international energy storage safety standard IEC 62933-5-2 and the international industrial control cybersecurity standard IEC 62443-3-3. Certificates were issued by an international third-party verification agency, ensuring strict compliance across various aspects, including energy storage installation, operation and maintenance, and information and communication security. Moreover, the Dongshan Energy Storage System incorporates a four-stage safety framework aimed at achieving zero risk and zero disaster. These measures include gas detection and ventilation, abnormal temperature alarms, an internal cabinet fire suppression system, and an external fire-fighting water mist system, ensuring comprehensive safety management.

A Taipower representative stated that the government’s 2025 goal of establishing 1,500 MW of energy storage includes 500 MW from private developers integrating energy storage with photovoltaic power, 160 MW of energy storage systems built by Taipower, and an additional 1,000 MW from private resources aggregated through the Energy Trading Platform. In recent years, Taipower has utilized its substations as development bases for energy storage. Projects such as the Luyuan and Longtan energy storage systems have been completed, and with the Dongshan energy storage system now online and integrated into the grid, Taipower has officially achieved a milestone in its self-built energy storage initiatives.

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

Contact Person: Director of Transmission and Substation Engineering Department Chang Han-Hsi
Phone: (02) 2322-9700; 0965-598-258
E-mail: u906444@taipower.com.tw

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Public healthcare charging revamped

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

(To watch the full press conference with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Public accident and emergency (A&E) departments will charge patients a fee of $400 per visit starting from January 1, 2026, as part of reforms to fees aimed at enhancing the financial sustainability of the city’s public healthcare system.

Currently, public A&E departments charge a flat rate of $180.

Under the fee revamp, patients in critical and emergency cases will be treated for free at public A&E departments.

At a press conference today, Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau said the reform was intended to offer more help to the underprivileged and patients with critical or severe illnesses.

He stressed that the extra revenue will go back into public hospital services.

The authorities will also introduce a “co-payment model” to charge patients between $50 and $500 for complicated pathology and non-urgent imaging tests.

Moreover, they propose to cap charges at $10,000 a year for each patient, and to make it easier for those eligible to apply for a fee waiver.

At today’s press conference, Permanent Secretary for Health Thomas Chan elaborated on the various measures.

“I think the first one, on improving the waiver mechanism, we have relaxed the income and asset limits significantly for (patients) to qualify for medical waivers,” he said. “This is targeting the low-income families.

“We expect that low-income families would mostly be able to be covered by the medical waiver mechanism, since we have already raised the eligibility level to (100% of) median monthly domestic household income for families of two and more.

“And for families of one, actually we would be relaxing the income limit to 150% of the median monthly domestic household income. And also for the asset limit, we have significantly raised it to match the level for applying for public rental housing.

“We expect that the number of low-income families or people that potentially qualify to apply for medical waivers would increase from 300,000 to 1.4 million. This is already in addition to the 600,000 CSSA (Comprehensive Social Security Assistance) recipients and also the Old Age Living Allowance recipients aged 75 or above.

“In addition to the medical waivers, we introduced an annual spending cap.

“If the amount of (medical) fees that you need to pay exceeds $10,000 for the whole year, anything in excess of $10,000 will be waived. This is to provide another protection for all Hong Kong citizens who may or may not be eligible to apply for medical waivers.”

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INCIDENTS OF DIGITAL ARREST

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 1:41PM by PIB Delhi

‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The States/UTs are primarily responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of crimes including cyber crime and digital arrest scams through their Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). The Central Government supplements the initiatives of the States/UTs through advisories and financial assistance under various schemes for capacity building of their LEAs.

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles and publishes the statistical data on crimes in its publication “Crime in India”. The latest published report is for the year 2022. Specific data regarding digital arrest scams is not maintained separately by NCRB.

To strengthen the mechanism to deal with cyber crimes including digital arrest scams in a comprehensive and coordinated manner, the Central Government has taken steps which, inter-alia, include the following:

  1. The Ministry of Home Affairs has set up the ‘Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre’ (I4C) as an attached office to deal with all types of cyber crimes in the country, in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
  2. The Central Government has launched a comprehensive awareness programme on digital arrest scams which, inter-alia, include; newspaper advertisement, announcement in Delhi Metros, use of social media influencers to create special posts, campaign through Prasar Bharti and electronic media, special programme on Aakashvani and participated in Raahgiri Function at Connaught Place, New Delhi on 27.11.2024.
  3. The Hon’ble Prime Minister spoke about digital arrests during the episode “Mann Ki Baat” on 27.10.2024  and apprised  the citizens  of India.
  • iv. I4C in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched a caller tune campaign for raising awareness about cybercrime and promoting the Cyber Crime Helpline Number 1930 & ‘National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal’ (NCRP). The caller tune is also being broadcasts in regional languages, delivered 7-8 times a day by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).
  1. I4C proactively identify and blocked more than 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 Whatsapp accounts used for Digital Arrest.
  • vi. The Central Government has published a Press Release on Alert against incidents of ‘Blackmail’ and ‘Digital Arrest’ by Cyber Criminals Impersonating State/UT Police, NCB, CBI, RBI and other Law Enforcement Agencies.
  1. The Central Government and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have devised a system to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers appear to be originating within India. Directions have been issued to the TSPs for blocking of such incoming international spoofed calls.
  2. Till 28.02.2025, more than 7.81 lakhs SIM cards and 2,08,469 IMEIs as reported by Police authorities have been blocked by Government of India.
  3. The ‘National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal’ (https://cybercrime.gov.in) has been launched, as a part of the I4C, to enable public to report incidents pertaining to all types of cyber crimes, with special focus on cyber crimes against women and children. Cyber crime incidents reported on this portal, their conversion into FIRs and subsequent action thereon are handled by the State/UT Law Enforcement Agencies concerned as per the provisions of the law.
  4. The ‘Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System’, under I4C, has been launched in year 2021 for immediate reporting of financial frauds and to stop siphoning off funds by the fraudsters. So far, financial amount of more than Rs. 4,386 Crore has been saved in more than 13.36 lakh complaints. A toll-free Helpline number ‘1930’ has been operationalized to get assistance in lodging online cyber complaints.
  5. To spread awareness on cyber crime, the Central Government has taken steps which, inter-alia, include; dissemination of messages through  SMS,  I4C  social  media  account  i.e.  X  (formerly  Twitter)

(@CyberDost), Facebook(CyberDostI4C), Instagram (cyberDostI4C), Telegram(cyberdosti4c), Radio campaign, engaged MyGov for publicity in multiple mediums, organizing Cyber Safety and Security Awareness weeks in association with States/UTs, publishing of Handbook for Adolescents/Students, digital displays on railway stations and airports across, etc.

This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

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PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN LWE-AFFECTED AREAS

Source: Government of India

Ministry of Home Affairs

PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN LWE-AFFECTED AREAS

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 1:42PM by PIB Delhi

As per Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, subjects of Police and Public Order are with the State Governments. However, the Government of India (GoI) has been supplementing the efforts of States affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE). To address the LWE problem holistically, a “National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE” was approved in 2015. It envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities etc. On security front, the GoI assists the LWE affected State Government by providing Central Armed Police Forces battalions, training, funds for modernization of State police forces, equipment & arms, sharing of intelligence, construction of Fortified Police Stations etc;

  • The Policy envisages rapid infrastructural development in LWE-affected areas to boost economic development. In the endeavour, Government of India (GoI) has taken several specific initiatives in LWE affected areas, with special thrust on expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, education, skill development and financial inclusion. A few of these are enumerated below:
  • For expansion of road network, 17,589 Km have been sanctioned under 02 LWE specific schemes namely Road Requirement Plan (RRP) and Road Connectivity Project for LWE Affected Areas (RCPLWEA). Of these, 14,618 Km have been constructed.
  • For improving telecom connectivity in LWE affected areas, 10,505 mobile towers have been planned, of which 7,768 towers have been commissioned.
  • For Skill Development, 48 Industrial Training Institute (ITI) and 61 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) have been approved. Of these, 46 ITI and 49 SDCs are functional.
  • For quality education in tribal areas 255 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are sanctioned, of which 178 EMRS are functional.
  • For Financial Inclusion, Department of Posts has opened 5731 Post Offices with banking services in LWE affected districts. 1007 Bank Branches & 937 ATMs have been opened and 37,850 Banking Correspondents (BCs) have been made operational in Most LWE affected districts.
  • For further impetus to development, under Special Central Assistance (SCA), funds are provided for filling critical gaps in public infrastructure in Most LWE affected Districts. Till now, Rs 3,563 Crore have been released since the inception of Scheme in 2017.
  • Apart from the specific schemes for LWE affected areas, Ministry of Home Affairs works in close coordination with other Ministries for optimum implementation of various flagship schemes of GoI in LWE affected areas.
  • For engaging with the local community, several measures are taken. A few are enumerated below: 
  • Distribution of title deeds to Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers, under Forest Rights Act 2006. Till now 21,15,936 title deeds have been distributed (20,15,337 – Individual and 1,00,599 – Community).
  • To wean away the local population from the influence of the Left Wing Extremists, Civic Action Programme, is being conducted by, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed in LWE affected areas, undertaking various civic activities for welfare of the local people like organising Medical Camps, Skill Development. Rs. 196.23 crore has been released to CAPFs since 2014-15.
  • Tribal Youth Exchange Programs (TYEPs) are being organized for outreaching to the tribal youth of LWE affected districts. Through TYEP tribal youth are exposed to development activities and technological/ industrial advancement in other parts of the country and to enable them to develop emotional linkage with the people in other parts of the country and to make them aspirational. The program also aims to counter the false propaganda of left-wing extremists. 32500 youth have participated in these programmes since 2014-15.
  • To encourage Left Wing Extremists to join the mainstream, States have their own Surrender cum Rehabilitation policies. GoI also support the States in the endeavour through ‘Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation’ Policy and reimburses the expenditure incurred by the LWE affected States on rehabilitation of surrendered cadre. The rehabilitation package inter-alia, includes an immediate grant of Rs. 5 lakhs for higher ranked LWE cadres and Rs.2.5 lakhs for other LWE cadres. In addition, incentives for surrender of weapons/ ammunition are also provided under the Scheme. In addition, provision also exists for imparting training in trade/ vocation of their liking with monthly stipend of Rs. 10000/- for three years.
  • The resolute implementation of the policy has resulted in consistent decline in violence and constriction of geographical spread. The LWE related violence incidents and resultant deaths of civilians & Security Forces, have come down from high of 2010 by 81% and 85% respectively in 2024. The number of LWE affected districts reduced from 126 to 90 in April 2018, 70 in July 2021 and further to 38 in April-2024.
  • Improved law & order and security situation, accompanied by investment in infrastructure has created an enabling environment for enhanced economic development including increase in Public/Private investment.

This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

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(Release ID: 2114751)