Source: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu met with PS for Roads and Regional Transportation Anna Watson MP
In response to media enquiries about a number of students of a secondary school in Tsing Yi developed gastroenteritis symptoms after joining an exchange tour to the Mainland, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health responded today (March 23) as follows:
“According to the information provided by the Education Bureau, the CHP yesterday (March 22) learnt of a suspected cluster case of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in an exchange tour, and immediately commenced an epidemiological investigation. It was learnt that 135 teachers and students from a secondary school in Tsing Yi went on a three-day exchange tour to Zhaoqing on March 20. Subsequently, 20 students and one teacher developed symptoms compatible with norovirus infection, including vomiting, diarrhea, and fever during the period from around 11am on March 21 to 8am the next day. Among them, 18 patients sought medical attention in Zhaoqing. All are in stable condition and have been discharged, and eight have tested positive for norovirus.
The CHP is investigating the possible source of this norovirus outbreak from different aspects, including the possibility of transmission through person-to-person, or contaminated food or environment. Preliminary investigations result revealed that all 21 affected persons had not consumed any common food items other than the group meals and there has not been any outbreak of AGE in the school recently. After analysis of the onset time of the cases, at this stage, the CHP could not preliminarily rule out that the cases were infected by consuming contaminated food. The CHP has notified the Guangdong health authority of the relevant information of epidemiological investigations, and has been informed that the Mainland has commenced investigation into the case.
The CHP has provided health advice to the affected school on the transmission, prevention and infection control measures related to AGE. The CHP will continue to follow up on the incident and conduct epidemiological investigations, including collecting stool specimens from the cases for laboratory testing. The CHP has also alerted the Education Bureau to the situation.
Apart from the Mainland, there have been recent outbreaks of AGE in other popular travel destinations for Hong Kong citizens. In Japan, the number of patients seeking medical attention for infective gastroenteritis has been at high level in recent weeks, and large-scale food poisoning outbreaks caused by norovirus have been reported in various places in recent months. In Singapore, the number of medical consultations related to acute diarrhoeal illnesses was higher than the same period last year. In Taiwan, the number of diarrhea outbreaks has remained highest in five years. Test results showed that the majority of the outbreaks were caused by norovirus. Members of the public should remain vigilant and maintain personal, environmental and food hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of being infected while travelling.
Locally, the activity of AGE has been on the rise since the end of December last year and has remained at a relatively high level in recent months. In January and February this year, there were 57 and 49 outbreaks of AGE cases respectively, and in March up to March 15, a total of 21 outbreaks of AGE cases were recorded. Most of these outbreaks were caused by norovirus.
Viral gastroenteritis is more commonly seen in cooler months and can be caused by a variety of viruses, most commonly norovirus and rotavirus. The main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are diarrhoea and vomiting. Other symptoms include headache, fever, and abdominal cramps. In general, the symptoms begin one to two days following infection with a virus that causes gastroenteritis. Depending on the type of viruses causing the illness, the symptoms may last for one to 10 days.
Alcohol-based handrub should not substitute hand hygiene with liquid soap and water, as alcohol does not effectively kill some viruses frequently causing AGE, for example, norovirus. To prevent foodborne diseases, members of the public are advised to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene. When eating out, the following points should be observed:
Ensure proper personal hygiene;
Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, after using the toilet or after changing diapers;
Wear gloves and surgical mask when disposing of vomitus or faecal matter, and wash hands afterwards;
Clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water). Wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
Maintain good indoor ventilation;
Pay attention to food hygiene;
Use separate utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked;
Drink boiled water; and
Do not patronise unlicensed food premises or food stalls.
The public may visit the CHP’s website for more information and preventive advice on viral gastroenteritis.”
A spokesman for the Drainage Services Department (DSD) said today (March 24) that the DSD received a report on sewer leakage at Seaview Promenade, Deep Water Bay, in the evening yesterday (March 23). An investigation was immediately conducted and it was confirmed that the concerned sewer is a 450 millimetres diameter pressurised sewage main. The DSD is carrying out emergency repair works. The quality of the nearby waters will potentially be affected. Members of the public are advised not to swim at Deep Water Bay Beach and Repulse Bay Beach or the nearby waters to protect public health.
The DSD commenced the construction and rehabilitation of sewage rising mains in Southern District in January this year, to construct about 8.8 kilometres of sewage rising mains connecting the sewage pumping station at Island Road, Southern District, to the sewerage system at Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road, including the construction of about 1.5km subsea twin pressurised sewer to replace the above concerned pressurised sewage main, to enhance the overall stability of the sewage system.
Source: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu met with PS for Roads and Regional Transportation Anna Watson MP
​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will depart for Hainan tomorrow (March 25) to attend the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future”. Mr Lee will attend the opening plenary of the annual conference and deliver a speech at the Global Free Trade Port Development Forum. Additionally, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, will attend and speak at the “Enhancing Digital Capacity Building & Bridging Digital Divide” Forum.
During his visit to Hainan, Mr Lee will also witness the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the People’s Government of Hainan Province. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, and the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo, will join relevant parts of the visit.
Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong on March 27. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), organized a workshop on “Emerging Trends in Public Data and Technology for Research and Policy” at the IIM Ahmedabad campus. This initiative aligns with MoSPI’s ongoing efforts to enhance the national data ecosystem and advance evidence-based policymaking.
The event brought together distinguished speakers, including Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI & Head NSO; Prof. Bharat Bhaskar, Director, IIMA; Sh. P.R. Meshram, Director General, MoSPI; senior officials from the Ministry; faculty members; students; and representatives from premier academic and research institutions. The discussions revolved around leveraging public data, emerging technologies, and academic collaborations to address policy challenges.
Prof. Bharat Bhaskar, Director of IIMA, highlighted the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in policy formulation. However, he also cautioned against inherent biases that may arise from historical data patterns. “While AI can significantly enhance decision-making, it is essential to establish safeguards to ensure fairness and accuracy. Collaboration should be focused on maximizing benefits for public good,” he stated.
Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, provided an overview of the Ministry’s functions, including its various surveys and macroeconomic indicators. “The vast volume of administrative data in India presents a unique opportunity to integrate it with alternate datasets to meet the increasing expectations of data users. As the custodian of decades-old datasets, MoSPI must rejuvenate legacy data using emerging technologies to make it AI ready. Institutions like IIMA can play a pivotal role in this endeavor,” he remarked.
A major milestone of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MoSPI and IIMA. This partnership will serve as a framework for collaborative efforts in data innovation, ensuring that academic research contributes effectively to policy development. As a precursor to the workshop, a focused session with IIMA faculty was conducted in the forenoon. The session explored avenues for leveraging the expertise of both institutions to enhance data-driven policy support. The discussions underscored the importance of an institutional framework for sustained collaboration between NSO India and IIMA and creation of Human capital to take these initiatives forward.
The workshop reaffirmed the crucial role of integrating public data with cutting-edge technology to drive evidence-based policymaking. By engaging with academic institutions, MoSPI seeks to harness research-driven insights and technological advancements to strengthen India’s statistical ecosystem. This collaboration marks a significant step toward building a robust, data-driven policy environment, reinforcing MoSPI’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and inclusivity in the national statistical system.
Source: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu met with PS for Roads and Regional Transportation Anna Watson MP
Following is the speech by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at HSBC Global Investment Summit today (March 25):
Deputy Director Qi (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Qi Bin), Mark (Group Chairman of HSBC Holdings, Mr Mark Tucker), Georges (Group Chief Executive of HSBC Holdings, Mr Georges Elhedery), distinguished guests from around the world, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning and welcome to Hong Kong. The Chief Executive is away on a duty visit, but I’m very pleased to be here, with you, for the second HSBC Global Investment Summit.
Particularly pleased, given that this three-day gathering is among the many events celebrating HSBC’s 160th anniversary. Born a Hong Kong bank in 1865, HSBC is still, proudly, a Hong Kong bank in 2025. Not to mention one of the world’s great banks.
So, yes, I’m delighted to be here, to congratulate HSBC on its milestone anniversary. Delighted to be here, too, speaking about Hong Kong, my favorite subject, to HSBC and a world of high-profile professionals. I’m told that some 4 300 registered for this three-day Summit, which would make it even larger than the first HSBC Summit last year.
You are leaders and innovators collectively shaping the future of global finance and investment: CEOs of global firms, institutional investors, wealth-fund managers, pioneering fintech innovators and much more.
And you’ve come here at a brilliant time. Our “Hong Kong Super March” features a stunning series of mega-events, arts and culture included. Hong Kong, after all, is the rising East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
The Hong Kong Arts Festival, featuring music, dance, theatre, Chinese and Western opera and much more, continues through Sunday. Art Basel, opening Friday (March 28), showcases more than 240 galleries from over 40 countries and regions. And don’t miss the major Picasso exhibition, at M+, in the West Kowloon Cultural District. HSBC, let me add, is a major sponsor of the spectacular Picasso exhibition.
Those of you who lean toward the art of sport won’t need to be told that the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens gets going this Friday, with world-class action, on and off the pitch, at our brand-new, state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park, with seating for 50 000. Bigger house. Bigger party. And the views across to Victoria Harbour from the South Stand are stunning.
The good life includes finance, as you all well know. And Hong Kong is Asia’s premier financial hub.
Indeed, in the latest Global Financial Centres Index, published just last week, Hong Kong maintained its standing as the world’s third-ranked financial centre – and the top in the Asia-Pacific. In the Index’s “human capital,” “infrastructure” and “financial sector development” areas, Hong Kong climbed to second, worldwide, while our rankings in “business environment” and “reputational and general” rose to third, globally.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Our economy is projected to grow 2.9 per cent annually from 2026 to 2029 – resilient momentum despite global headwinds.
Our stock market has surged more than 20 per cent as of mid-March, its highest level since February 2022. Daily market turnover reached close to 26 billion US dollars at the end of February. That’s up nearly 140 per cent, year on year.
Investor confidence is returning, too. That’s reflected in the 7.1 per cent rise in total deposits last year.
These figures are a testament to the trust global investors place in our financial infrastructure, regulatory framework and longstanding connectivity with Mainland China and the world in general.
Hong Kong’s role as a super-connector has never been more vital. We remain the world’s largest offshore Renminbi business hub, each day processing close to 80 per cent of cross-border Renminbi payments outside the Mainland.
And we will continue to enhance offshore Renminbi liquidity.
Last month, we launched the Renminbi Trade Financing Liquidity Facility, with Renminbi 100 billion, ensuring that banks have stable access to low-cost Renminbi funds.
We are now working to enable multi-currency settlements and enrich Renminbi products, offering real estate investment trusts under Stock Connect and exploring new initiatives with Mainland regulators.
There’s more. We are committed to Hong Kong’s rise as an international gold trading centre, taking good advantage of our strengths in security and stability, as well as finance.
We are working now on measures to enhance gold storage facilities, optimise trading and regulatory mechanisms, expand exchange products and conduct market promotion.
Attracting foreign investment is another promising area. Last year, we attracted about 540 overseas and Mainland firms to set up or expand their operations here in Hong Kong, up more than 40 per cent, year on year.
And we are making every effort to attract more global capital. In particular, we will host the inaugural Hong Kong Global Financial and Industry Summit in June, with a view to supporting the matching of capital and projects. The event will bring together global enterprises, tech firms, funds and investors to drive international collaboration through financial empowerment. In addition, we will also work with the Hong Kong Exchanges to open new distribution channels for private equity funds and boost promotion in the Middle East and throughout ASEAN.
We are, as well, encouraging the private sector to organise more mega-events such as this Summit, to showcase Hong Kong’s energy and business opportunities to the world.
Those opportunities include green and sustainable finance.
Alongside green bond issuances, we are also providing early-stage funding support for pre-commercialised green fintech initiatives.
We will soon publish a second policy statement on virtual assets, positioning Hong Kong as Asia’s digital-asset innovation hub. And we expect to implement a regulatory framework for stablecoins later this year.
The initiatives are attracting global players, with 10 digital-asset licenses issued so far and more in the pipeline.
In AI, we have issued a policy statement, setting out our stance regarding the responsible application of AI in the financial market.
We are closely monitoring market developments, drawing on international experience with AI in financial services to accelerate the development of new quality productive forces.
These digital regulatory advancements also pave the way for further innovation in fintech.
Our commitment to innovation is evident in our pioneering work on Central Bank Digital Currencies and the launch of the Commercial Data Interchange. These enable more efficient financial intermediation in the banking system and enhance financial inclusion in Hong Kong.
In November, for the first time, our FinTech Week and our StartmeupHK Festival will converge as one event dedicated to the digital economy. It will mark the 10th anniversary for both, bringing together technology innovators, banking executives, venture capitalists, regulators and start-ups, all keen to shape the future of finance.
Last year, by the way, the number of start-ups in Hong Kong grew by 10 per cent, with fintech being the biggest sector, with more than 600 start-ups.
This Summit’s agenda reflects both the complexity and the promise of today’s global financial landscape. Over the next three days, you’ll engage in discussions ranging from the future of digital finance to sustainable investment strategies, from the reordering of global supply chains to emerging market opportunities.
More than a gathering of finance and business minds – this Summit is a forum for action. The connections made here, the insights shared and the partnerships created will ripple right through the global economy, of that I’m confident. Like Hong Kong, you’re here to make a decided difference for us all.
You’re also here, in Hong Kong, to have a memorable time on a landmark occasion, the 160th anniversary of HSBC. Thankfully, the rich business of pleasure is everywhere you look in Hong Kong. Enjoy it all. Every minute of it. Thank you.
Make in India Powers Defence Growth Production hit ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, Exports cross ₹21,000 crore
Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 7:19PM by PIB Delhi
Summary
India’s defence production reached ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, marking a 174% rise since 2014-15, driven by the Make in India initiative.
Defence exports hit a record ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, expanding 30 times in a decade, with exports to 100+ countries.
Initiatives like iDEX and SAMARTHYA are driving technological advancements in AI, cyber warfare, and indigenous weapon systems.
14,000+ items indigenised under SRIJAN and 3,000 under Positive Indigenisation Lists.
India aims for ₹3 lakh crore in production, ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029.
Summary
Introduction
India’s defence production has grown at an extraordinary pace since the launch of the “Make in India” initiative, reaching a record ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24. Once dependent on foreign suppliers, the country now stands as a rising force in indigenous manufacturing, shaping its military strength through homegrown capabilities. This shift reflects a strong commitment to self-reliance, ensuring that India not only meets its security needs but also builds a robust defence industry that contributes to economic growth.
Strategic policies have fuelled this momentum, encouraging private participation, technological innovation, and the development of advanced military platforms. The surge in the defence budget, from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26, underlines the nation’s determination to strengthen its military infrastructure.
This commitment to self-reliance and modernisation is reflected in the recent approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the procurement of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), a significant step in enhancing the Army’s firepower. The deal includes 307 units of 155mm/52 caliber guns along with 327 High Mobility 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles, equipping 15 Artillery Regiments under the Buy Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) category, at an estimated cost of ₹7,000 crore. Developed by DRDO with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, ATAGS is a cutting-edge artillery system with a 40+ km range, advanced fire control, precision targeting, automated loading, and recoil management, thoroughly tested by the Indian Army in all terrains.
With modern warships, fighter jets, artillery systems, and cutting-edge weaponry being built within the country, India is now a key player in the global defence manufacturing landscape.
Surge in Indigenous Defence Production
India has achieved the highest-ever growth in indigenous defence production in value terms during Financial Year (FY) 2023-24, driven by the successful implementation of government policies and initiatives led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, focusing on attaining Atmanirbharta. The value of defence production has surged to a record high of ₹1,27,265 crore, marking an impressive 174% increase from ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15, according to data from all Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), other public sector units manufacturing defence items, and private companies.
This growth has been bolstered by the Make in India initiative, which has enabled the development of advanced military platforms including the Dhanush Artillery Gun System, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun, Light Specialist Vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Akash Missile System, Weapon Locating Radar, 3D Tactical Control Radar, and Software Defined Radio (SDR), as well as naval assets like destroyers, indigenous aircraft carriers, submarines, frigates, corvettes, fast patrol vessels, fast attack craft, and offshore patrol vessels.
Key points:
65% of defence equipment is now manufactured domestically, a significant shift from the earlier 65-70% import dependency, showcasing India’s self-reliance in defence.
A robust defence industrial base includes 16 DPSUs, over 430 licensed companies, and approximately 16,000 MSMEs, strengthening indigenous production capabilities.
The private sector plays a crucial role, contributing 21% to total defence production, fostering innovation and efficiency.
India targets ₹3 lakh crore in defence production by 2029, reinforcing its position as a global defence manufacturing hub.
Unprecedented Growth in Defence Exports
India’s expanding global footprint in defence manufacturing is a direct result of its commitment to self-reliance and strategic policy interventions. Defence exports have surged from ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14 to an all-time high of ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, marking a 30-fold increase over the past decade.
Key points:
Defence exports have grown 21 times, from ₹4,312 crore in the 2004-14 decade to ₹88,319 crore in the 2014-24 decade, highlighting India’s expanding role in the global defence sector.
Defence exports surged by 32.5% year-on-year, rising from ₹15,920 crore in FY 2022-23 to ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24.
India’s diverse export portfolio includes bulletproof jackets, Dornier (Do-228) aircraft, Chetak helicopters, fast interceptor boats, and lightweight torpedoes.
Notably, ‘Made in Bihar’ boots are now part of the Russian Army’s gear, highlighting India’s high manufacturing standards.
India now exports defence equipment to over 100 countries, with the USA, France, and Armenia emerging as the top buyers in 2023-24.
The government aims to achieve ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029, reinforcing India’s role as a global defence manufacturing hub while boosting economic growth.
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
Launched in April 2018, Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has created a thriving ecosystem for innovation and technology development in defence and aerospace. By engaging MSMEs, startups, individual innovators, R&D institutes, and academia, iDEX has provided grants of up to ₹1.5 crore for developing innovative technologies. To further enhance self-reliance in defence technology, ₹449.62 crore has been allocated to iDEX, including its sub-scheme Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI), for 2025-26. As of February 2025, 549 problem statements have been opened, involving 619 startups and MSMEs, with 430 iDEX contracts signed.
The scheme has three key objectives:
Facilitate rapid development of new, indigenised, and innovative technologies for the Indian Defence and Aerospace sector, to meet their needs in a shorter time span.
Create a culture of engagement with innovative startups, to encourage co-creation for Defence and Aerospace sectors.
Empower a culture of technology co-creation and co-innovation within the Defence and Aerospace sectors.
The recently launched ADITI scheme aims to support critical and strategic technologies such as satellite communication, advanced cyber technology, autonomous weapons, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, nuclear technologies, and underwater surveillance. Under this scheme, grants of up to ₹25 crore are provided to innovators.
Reinforcing its commitment to supporting startups and MSMEs, the Ministry of Defence has also cleared procurement of 43 items worth over ₹2,400 crore from iDEX startups and MSMEs for the Armed Forces as of February 2025. Additionally, projects worth over ₹1,500 crore have been approved for development.
The success story of indigenisation and innovation in the defence sector was highlighted at the Aero India 2025 event ‘SAMARTHYA’, which showcased India’s progress in defence manufacturing. The event featured 33 major indigenised items, including 24 developed by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the Indian Navy, along with nine successful innovation projects from iDEX.
Among the key indigenised items displayed were:
Electro Block of the Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun
Electric Mobile Part for Submarines
Torsion Bar Suspension for HMV 6×6
Extruded Aluminium Alloy for LCA MK-I/II and LCH Components
Indian High-Temperature Alloy (IHTA)
VPX-135 Single Board Computer
Naval Anti-Ship Missile (Short Range)
RudraM II Missile
C4ISR System
DIFM R118 Electronic Warfare Systems
The event further highlighted breakthroughs in AI-driven analytical platforms, next-generation surveillance systems, quantum-secure communication technologies, and counter-drone measures. Innovations like the 4G/LTE TAC-LAN, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system, Smart Compressed Breathing Apparatus, and Advanced Autonomous Systems for the Armed Forces reflect India’s evolving defence landscape.
Efforts are ongoing to bridge the gap between the Indian Army’s operational challenges and the innovative solutions developed by academia, industry startups, and research institutions. Additionally, the focus remains on conducting multi-domain operations in a data-centric environment, especially in light of emerging transformative technologies.
SAMARTHYA stands as a testament to India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology, reinforcing its ability to develop advanced, home-grown solutions for national security.
Advancing Self-Reliance
India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing has significantly reduced its dependence on foreign suppliers. Through strategic policies and indigenous innovation, the country is developing cutting-edge military platforms, strengthening both national security and economic growth.
Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action (SRIJAN)
Launched by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) in August 2020 to promote indigenisation under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Serves as a common platform for Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and the Armed Forces (SHQs) to list imported items for domestic manufacturing.
As of February 2025, over 38,000 items are available, with more than 14,000 successfully indigenised.
Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs)
The Department of Defence Production (DDP) and the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) have issued five Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs) for LRUs, assemblies, sub-assemblies, sub-systems, spares, components, and high-end materials.
These lists set fixed timelines beyond which procurement will be restricted to domestic manufacturers.
Out of over 5,500 items listed, more than 3,000 have been indigenised as of February 2025.
Key indigenised technologies include artillery guns, assault rifles, corvettes, sonar systems, transport aircraft, light combat helicopters (LCHs), radars, wheeled armoured platforms, rockets, bombs, armoured command post vehicles, and armoured dozers.
Defence Industrial Corridors
Two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) have been set up in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to boost defence manufacturing. These corridors provide incentives to companies investing in the sector.
Investments worth more than Rs 8,658 crore have already been made in the 6 nodes of UP viz. Agra, Aligarh, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Kanpur and Lucknow and 5 nodes of Tamil Nadu viz. Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur, Salem and Tiruchirappalli.
As of February 2025, 253 MoUs have been signed, with a potential investment of ₹53,439 crore.
Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)
The government has introduced several measures to improve ease of doing business in the defence manufacturing sector.
The validity of export authorisation for parts and components has been extended from two years to the completion of the order or component, whichever is later.
In 2019, the Defence Product List was streamlined to reduce the number of items requiring a manufacturing licence.
Parts and components of defence items were de-licensed in September 2019 to encourage investment.
The validity of defence licences under the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951, has been extended from three years to 15 years, with a further extension option of up to 18 years.
Over 700 industrial licences have been issued to 436 companies in the defence sector.
The introduction of an end-to-end digital export authorisation system has improved efficiency, with more than 1,500 authorisations issued in the last financial year.
MAKE Projects: Driving Indigenous Defence Innovation
The MAKE procedure was first introduced in the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP-2006) to promote indigenous design and development in the defence sector. Over the years, it has been simplified and streamlined through revisions in 2016, 2018, and 2020, ensuring faster development of defence equipment, systems, and components by both public and private industries.
MAKE projects have been divided into three categories:
MAKE-I (Government Funded)
Up to 70% government funding for prototype development (capped at ₹250 crore per Development Agency).
Minimum 50% Indigenous Content (IC) required.
MAKE-II (Industry Funded)
Focuses on import substitution, encouraging domestic industries to develop critical defence systems.
No government funding, with a minimum 50% Indigenous Content (IC) requirement.
MAKE-III (Manufactured in India through Transfer of Technology – ToT)
Involves manufacturing in India under Technology Transfer (ToT) from Foreign OEMs.
No design and development but require a minimum of 60% Indigenous Content (IC).
Key points:
As of March 24, 2025, a total of 145 projects have been undertaken under the MAKE initiative, with the participation of 171 industries, driving indigenous defence production.
The initiative includes 40 MAKE-I projects (Government Funded), 101 MAKE-II projects (Industry Funded), and 4 MAKE-III projects (Manufacturing through ToT), strengthening self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Other Key Initiatives
In recent years, the Indian government has implemented a series of transformative initiatives aimed at bolstering the country’s defence production capabilities and achieving self-reliance. These measures are designed to attract investment, enhance domestic manufacturing, and streamline procurement processes. From liberalizing foreign direct investment (FDI) limits to prioritizing indigenous production, these initiatives reflect a robust commitment to strengthening India’s defence industrial base. The following points outline the key government initiatives that have been pivotal in driving growth and innovation in the defence sector.
Liberalized FDI Policy: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector was liberalised in September 2020 to attract foreign investment, allowing up to 74% FDI through the automatic route and above 74% through the government route. Since April 2000, the total FDI in defence industries stands at $21.74 million.
TATA Aircraft Complex: Tata Aircraft Complex was inaugurated in Vadodara in October 2024 to manufacture C-295 aircraft, boosting Atmanirbharta in defence with 40 made-in-India aircraft out of 56 under the programme.
Manthan: The annual defence innovation event, Manthan, held during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, brought together leading innovators, startups, MSMEs, academia, investors, and industry leaders from the defence and aerospace sectors, reaffirming confidence in the government’s commitment to technological advancements and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS): DTIS aims to boost indigenisation by providing financial assistance for setting up eight Greenfield testing and certification facilities in the aerospace and defence sector, with seven test facilities already approved in areas like unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare, electro-optics, and communications.
Priority for Domestic Procurement: Emphasis is placed on procuring capital items from domestic sources under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020.
Domestic Procurement Allocation: MoD has earmarked 75% of modernisation budget amounting to Rs 1,11,544 crore for procurement through domestic industries during the current Financial Year.
Conclusion
India’s remarkable strides in defence production and exports underscore its transformation into a self-reliant and globally competitive military manufacturing hub. The combination of strategic policy interventions, increased domestic participation, and a focus on indigenous innovation has significantly strengthened the country’s defence capabilities. The surge in production, the exponential rise in exports, and the success of initiatives like the Make in India reflect India’s commitment to achieving Atmanirbharta in defence. With ambitious targets set for 2029, the nation is poised to further expand its global footprint, reinforcing its position as a dependable partner in the international defence market while enhancing national security and economic growth.
Source: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu met with PS for Roads and Regional Transportation Anna Watson MP
Labour Department to hold courses and public talks on prevention of heat stroke at work and occupational health Details of five courses and health talks on the prevention of heat stroke at work in April are as follows:
(1) Dates and time: April 10 and 24 (Half-day (am)); April 3 and 14 (Half-day (pm)) Venue: Occupational Safety and Health Training Centre of the LD, 13/F, KOLOUR·Tsuen Wan I, 68 Chung On Street, Tsuen Wan, New Territories Enrolment method: Download the application form (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/osh/form.htmEnquiry hotline: 2940 7057
“Survival in today’s battlespace is not about being the fittest, but about those who adapt, transform, and position themselves and seize emerging opportunities.”, said Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan at the College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad. He was addressing future strategic leaders undergoing Higher Defence Management Course HDMC-20 on the challenges of navigating the complex security landscape of the 21st century.
In his address, Gen Anil Chauhan highlighted the importance of adaptability, resilience and visionary leadership amidst rapidly shifting global power dynamics, non-traditional threats and technological advancements, characterised by fast paced AI disruptions, to address contemporary and emerging security challenges effectively. The CDS impressed upon the need for a whole of nation approach towards synergetic response and underscored the role of Indian Armed Forces in shaping the country’s national security strategy.
The CDS, in his talk on National Security Architecture and Change Management in the Year of Defence Reforms, gave a deep insight into the functioning of the Department of Military affairs (DMA) and the transformative drive towards fostering jointness, integration and synergy in the armed forces. He provided a nuanced perspective of the roadmap for year of transformation marked by articulation of Vision 2047 for the armed forces, joint doctrines, defence & military policies along with efforts towards finalisation of Integrated Capability Development Plan, while elaborating upon the Atmanirbharta initiatives undertaken by the DMA.
During the visit, General Chauhan engaged with faculty members and course participants, including officers from friendly foreign countries, sharing his insights on the importance of fostering innovation, experimentation and collaboration within the defence establishment to stay ahead in an evolving strategic environment. The visit of CDS to CDM is a testament to the institution’s commitment to excellence in defence management education and its role in shaping the future of India’s National Security.
Source: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu met with PS for Roads and Regional Transportation Anna Watson MP
49th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to be open March 24 to 27 Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 10:00
Source: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu met with PS for Roads and Regional Transportation Anna Watson MP
Adjustment in ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations in April 2025
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