Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (April 10) that Jockey Club Yan Oi Tong Swimming Pool in Tuen Mun District, which was closed earlier due to an insufficient number of lifeguards on duty, has been reopened.

Source:

[PRESS CONFERENCE Atafu, Tokelau – 28 March 2025] Conservation International, in partnership with New Zealand Geographic and the Samoa Conservation Society, has embarked on an innovative expedition to Tokelau. This collaborative initiative focuses on co-developing culture-based environmental education programs, biodiversity research, and community science training.

After a challenging 44-hour sail from Samoa, the team received a traditional welcome from the Atafu Taupulega (Council of Elders) and government ministers.

Supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the initiative will use cutting-edge techniques and immersive virtual reality to create educational resources for Tokelauan schools, bridging traditional knowledge with modern conservation science.

The expedition represents a critical follow-up to research sites that haven’t been surveyed in 13-20 years, employing cutting-edge techniques including bird and invasive species monitoring, fish surveys, photogrammetry, environmental DNA sampling, and citizen science training. All activities are being documented in immersive virtual reality to create educational resources for Tokelauan schools that bridge traditional knowledge with modern conservation science.

Minister Nofo Iupati, responsible for Economic Development, Natural Resources, and Environment, and Minister Kelihiano Kalolo, Minister of Education and Minister for Climate, Oceans, and Resilience, led the official welcome ceremony. Minister Kalolo captured the essence of the partnership by emphasizing the intrinsic connection between environmental and community wellbeing: “When the environment is healthy, the people are healthy.”

In-depth knowledge exchange sessions, led by Leausalilo Leilani Duffy of Conservation International Samoa, were held with Aumaga (men’s groups) and Fatupaepae (women’s groups), and local youth, to strengthen collaborative environmental conservation efforts.

“Cultural identity is the foundation of how our island communities connect with each other and their environment,” noted Duffy. “These consultations are essential for co-developing environmental education resources that resonate with local values and traditional practices.”

At sea, Conservation International Aotearoa’s Schannel van Dijken, together with New Zealand Geographic’s James Frankham and Richard Robinson, conducted surveys at two dive sites on Atafu’s northern and southwestern points.

The team documented diverse marine ecosystems featuring healthy populations of fish across all trophic levels, including globally endangered species such as humphead wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, and various shark species.

“We could see these sites were instant Key Biodiversity Areas the moment we descended” van Dijken reported. “This assessment is vital for supporting Tokelau’s efforts to map and manage its marine resources effectively. By identifying these high-biodiversity hotspots, we can help Tokelau prioritize areas for management”.

The team is integrating technology into their survey methodology, recording transects with high-resolution 360-degree cameras. New Zealand Geographic is capturing these underwater environments in virtual reality, creating immersive experiential assets that will be shared with Tokelauan schools and communities upon completion.

This expedition represents a crucial milestone of the ‘Securing a Polynesian Promise for Climate and Community Resilience’ —a collaborative effort lead by Conservation International, together with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and partners across Samoa and Tokelau.

The project is designed to enhance the capacity of local communities to sustainably manage their marine resources and strengthen their resilience to climate change through a combination of hands-on education, scientific research and traditional knowledge.

ENDS.

SOURCE – Conservation International Pacific Islands

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 10 APR 2025 3:30PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today remembered timeless teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, recalling the deep influence of his teachings on his own life.

Modi Archive, in a post on X, reflected on the Prime Minister’s long-standing spiritual bond with Bhagwan Mahavir’s teachings and the Jain community.

Responding to the X post of  Modi Archive, the Prime Minister posted on X;

“The ideals of Bhagwan Mahavir have greatly inspired countless people, including me. His thoughts show the way to build a peaceful and compassionate planet.”

 

 

***

MJPS/ST

(Release ID: 2120696) Visitor Counter : 37

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE – Wednesday 2 April 2025] – His Excellency Mr. George Azer Saleeb Tadros presented his Letter of Credence to the Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II at a presentation of credential ceremony held this morning accrediting him as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Samoa.

Samoa and Egypt have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in September 1978. During the ceremony, H.E Tadros underscored the partnership between Egypt and Samoa in addressing the common challenge of climate change, noting our collaborative efforts, particularly during the 2022 Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), hosted by Egypt.

In his responding remarks, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II commends Egypt for its leadership and commitment to climate change action and to working together with global partners to find solutions to assist Small Islands Developing states including Samoa and the Pacific region. The Head of State expressed confidence that the appointment of His Excellency will further strengthen the existing relations between our two nations and will yield productive and beneficial collaborations.

His Excellency Mr. George Azer Saleeb Tadros holds a Master (first part) of Cardiology and Intensive Care, and a Bachelor degree of Medicine and surgery. He also attended the Institute of diplomatic studies of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1998. Mr. George is a career diplomat who served in various positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt. He also served in Egypt’s diplomatic missions including as a Diplomatic attaché in Japan and Korea, as Third Secretary at the Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique, as Second Secretary in Athens, Greece, Counselor in Ankara, Turkey and as Deputy Chief of Mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. . Mr. George Azer Saleeb Tadros was appointed as the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to New Zealand in November 2023. Mr. Tadros is married and has one daughter.

END

Photo by the Government of Samoa (Jasmine Netzler-Iose)

See insights and ads

Boost post

All reactions:

2121

April 10, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 10 APR 2025 8:44AM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to Bhagwan Mahavir on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti today. Shri Modi said that Bhagwan Mahavir always emphasised on non-violence, truth and compassion, and that his ideals give strength to countless people all around the world. The Prime Minister also noted that last year, the Government conferred the status of Classical Language on Prakrit, a decision which received a lot of appreciation.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said;

“We all bow to Bhagwan Mahavir, who always emphasised on non-violence, truth and compassion. His ideals give strength to countless people all around the world. His teachings have been beautifully preserved and popularised by the Jain community. Inspired by Bhagwan Mahavir, they have excelled in different walks of life and contributed to societal well-being. 

Our Government will always work to fulfil the vision of Bhagwan Mahavir. Last year, we conferred the status of Classical Language on Prakrit, a decision which received a lot of appreciation.”

 

 

***

MJPS/ST

(Release ID: 2120638) Visitor Counter : 28

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (April 10) announced that the department collected 10 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) samples from auto-LPG filling stations and LPG terminals on a random basis in March 2025 for laboratory tests. The results show that the LPG quality of all these samples complied with auto-LPG specifications.
 
The detailed test results are available on the EMSD’s website (www.emsd.gov.hk/en/gas_safety/lpg_vehicle_scheme/publications/general/results_of_lpg_sample_analysis/index.html). Enquiries can also be made to the EMSD’s hotline on 2333 3762.
 
In addition, the EMSD has been vetting independent third-party test reports submitted by LPG supply companies for each shipment to ensure that the quality of imported LPG complies with the specified requirements.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Hong Kong Investment and Corporation Limited and WeLab Strategic Partnership Kick-off Ceremony today (April 10):
 
Deputy Consul-General Ms Ranida Chamchalerm (Deputy Consul-General of Thailand in Hong Kong), Clara (Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Investment Corporation, Ms Clara Chan), Simon (Chief Executive Officer of WeLab, Mr Simon Loong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
Good morning. It is a pleasure to join you today to witness the strategic partnership between the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC) and WeLab, a collaboration that embodies the spirit of innovation and aspiration.
 
As an international financial centre, fintech is a vital component of Hong Kong’s financial landscape. We are home to around 1100 fintech companies and start-ups. The ecosystem has been rapidly growing, particularly in the areas of digital assets, blockchain applications and cybersecurity.
 
Our progress in fintech has gained international recognition. In the recently released Global Financial Centres Index, Hong Kong has risen five places to become global No. 4 in the category of fintech. 
 
Innovation sits at the heart of this endeavour. And we are guided by a clear mission: to build a fintech ecosystem where cutting-edge solutions thrive and technology serves as a force for good. The objective is to make financial services more efficient and accessible, benefitting not just the local market but also our regional partners like ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) through collaboration opportunities.
 
Strategic partnership
 
I’m pleased to note that the HKIC plays an important role in advancing these objectives. While pursuing reasonable financial returns, it promotes the development of target sectors that are crucial for Hong Kong’s long-term competitiveness and economic vitality. The HKIC invests and co-invests in start-ups and companies at different stages of development that are conducive to the building of such an ecosystem. Acting as “patient capital”, it also helps channel private capital, including private equity and venture capital, to support the realisation of our vision.
 
The HKIC is driving forward the vision together with WeLab, whose success in the Indonesian market and its plan to expand to Thailand are closely aligned with our overarching goals and strategies. 
 
On the other hand, globally, AI is rapidly reshaping production, business and consumption models. It empowers the upgrading of traditional industries and creates new ones. It is defining the future of finance by transforming customer experiences, enabling us to overcome traditional barriers and providing us with faster, cheaper and more inclusive financial services.
 
For instance, AI technologies can uncover correlations between seemingly unrelated factors, enabling the identification of creditworthiness in individuals who might otherwise be regarded as unqualified for lending. This is exactly what WeLab is achieving through its innovative technologies.    
 
This Government is pro-AI. In my Budget this year, I have outlined our vision to develop AI as a core industry for Hong Kong. We are driving this development on five fronts: computing capabilities, algorithms, data, capital and talent. Beyond investing more resources into AI development, we are committed to fostering a pro-innovation environment that facilitates the testing and trial of AI applications.
 
I’m confident that through this partnership, the HKIC and Welab can assist more local and regional enterprises to leverage AI and fintech, thereby unlocking the potential of finance to support the economic development across Asia.
 
Synergies for good
 
Ladies and gentlemen, today’s partnership goes well beyond investments and corporate cooperation. Allow me to emphasise two points.
 
First, by integrating WeLab, a pioneer in fintech, into its ecosystem of innovative companies, the HKIC is expanding the nexus for co-creation. I’m confident that this partnership will inspire more innovation among the HKIC’s partners and other innovators, with vast potential for cross-sectoral collaboration in areas such as digital transformation and application scenarios for AI.
 
Second, innovation thrives on talent. We want our young people to become not merely participants but architects of Hong Kong’s digital future. This partnership is committed to supporting acceleration programmes and academic partnerships, thereby equipping our youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving fintech space. Together, we can work to nurture the next generation of tech-savvy leaders.  
 
In short, today’s partnership is a catalyst for progress. I wish this collaboration enduring success, and all of you the best of business and health in the time ahead. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Armed Forces must operate jointly & remain future-ready in today’s ever-evolving multi-domain environment: Raksha Mantri at DSSC, Wellington

“Govt transforming the military into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force”

“Building an indigenous future-ready defence ecosystem is a strategic necessity”

Posted On: 10 APR 2025 12:52PM by PIB Delhi

“Armed Forces must operate jointly and remain future-ready in today’s ever-evolving multi-domain environment where cyber, space & information warfare etc. are as potent as conventional operations,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing the Armed Forces officers of India and friendly countries during the Convocation Ceremony of the 80^th Staff Course of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, Tamil Nadu on April 10, 2025.

Raksha Mantri pointed out that today’s global geopolitics is being redefined by three key metrics: a major pivot towards prioritising national security, a technological tsunami sweeping the global landscape, and accelerating innovation. He urged the officers to study the nuances of these trends in-depth to stay ahead on strategic-military change curve, adding that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government is leaving no stone unturned to transform the Armed Forces into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations.

Highlighting that Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies are revolutionising deterrence and war-fighting in critical ways, Shri Rajnath Singh termed the power of technological innovation in combat theatres as breathtaking. “In the Ukraine-Russia conflict, drones have virtually emerged as a new arm, if not a transformative science. The majority of losses of soldiers and equipment have been attributed neither to traditional artillery nor to armour but to drones. Similarly, space capacities in the Low Earth Orbit are transforming military intelligence, persistent surveillance, positioning, targeting and communications, thus taking combat to a new high,” he said.

Raksha Mantri stressed that the world is in the age of Grey Zone and Hybrid warfare where cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, and economic warfare have become tools that can achieve politico-military aims without a single shot being fired. He added that India faces persistent threats along its borders, which are further compounded by the challenge of proxy war and terrorism emanating from its neighbourhood.

Shri Rajnath Singh also spoke of the impact of the conflict in West Asia and the geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific on the overall security calculus, in addition to non-traditional security threats such as natural disasters and climate change. He stressed on the need to vigorously pursue the transformation of the Armed Forces to remain capable and relevant for future wars, stating that PM Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 rests firmly on two foundational pillars – Surakshit Bharat and Sashakt Bharat.

Raksha Mantri pitched for the development and modernisation of the Armed Forces through self-reliance. “Lessons of the ongoing conflicts teach us that building a resilient, indigenous, and future-ready defence technological & manufacturing ecosystem is not an option, but a strategic necessity. There is a need to develop low-cost high-tech solutions and enhance the fighting capability of the Armed Forces. Our forces must not only keep pace with technological changes, but also lead it,” he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh also batted for enhanced synergy among all components to ensure national security. Fostering a ‘Whole of Nation’ approach while undertaking actions in the entire spectrum of diplomatic, informational, military, economic and technological domains is key to ensuring success in this endeavour, he said.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) for the Global South, Raksha Mantri stated that achieving a better future and prosperity for the nations will always remain a collective pursuit. “Increasing connectivities and dependencies among countries and people implies that the multitude of challenges are better faced together than individually. Mutual interests and synergies will help us achieve our goal at sub regional, regional and even global levels,” he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh exhorted the officers to focus on five ‘A’s – Awareness, Ability, Adaptability, Agility and Ambassadors – to tackle future challenges. “As warfighters and protectors of national security, you need to remain aware of the environment and its implications. You must acquire the ability and skill set required by future leaders. You must imbibe adaptability and agility as key virtues. The battlefield of tomorrow will require leaders who can adapt to unforeseen circumstances, leverage technology to their advantage and come out with innovative solutions. You must become Ambassadors of your respective Armed Forces. Be an ambassador of change and the perfect role model amongst the society at large,” he added.

Raksha Mantri began his address by expressing solidarity and support of the people of India to Myanmar and Thailand in the wake of the recent massive earthquake. “India has always stood by its friends as a first responder in times of crisis and we consider it as our duty to be able to deliver timely relief to the people of Myanmar,” he said.

The 80^th Staff Course comprises 479 student officers, including 38 personnel from 26 friendly countries. Three women officers are also participating in the course.

Ahead of the ceremony, Shri Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the Madras Regiment War Memorial and paid homage to the bravehearts. He also interacted with the veterans, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the nation. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan was among the dignitaries present on the occasion.

Established in 1948, DSSC is a premier Tri-service training institution that imparts professional education to select middle-level officers of the Indian Armed Forces and friendly countries. It aims to enhance their professional competencies for assuming higher responsibilities. Over the years, more than 19,000 Indian officers and 2,000 international officers have graduated from DSSC, many of whom have risen to become heads of states and military forces worldwide.

***

VK/SR/Savvy

(Release ID: 2120678) Visitor Counter : 90