Kuwait and Qatar are both members of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. From 2018 to 2024, bilateral trade between Hong Kong and the two countries grew by approximately 40%. Under the Belt & Road Initiative, investments from Mainland China in Kuwait and Qatar have also increased significantly. From 2013 to 2023, the annual average growth rates reached 21.6% and 11.6%, respectively.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council stated that Hong Kong can further provide financial and professional services to assist Mainland enterprises in entering the Gulf region.
The council’s Director of Research, Irina Fan, noted a strong demand from Mainland enterprises looking to expand overseas, adding that they are increasingly interested in Belt & Road-related markets.
According to their survey, 95% of Mainland companies would like to explore Belt & Road markets, many of which are smaller companies that lack international expertise and need assistance from Hong Kong.
The survey also reveals that 77% would like to come to Hong Kong for financial or professional services support to ensure success in the international market.
Ms Fan stated that this is why Hong Kong will play a crucial role in facilitating the shift of trade and investment diversity into the Belt & Road market, particularly in the Middle East.
The council also pointed out that both the Qatari and Kuwaiti governments aim to diversify their economies and incorporate elements of innovation and sustainable development. The current uncertain international trade and investment environment, together with geopolitical instability, has also prompted both countries to seek to strengthen investments in the Asian region, thereby presenting opportunities for Hong Kong.
A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed.
Altogether, nine (9) sites have been targeted.
Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution.
These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.
There will be detailed briefing on ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, later today.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in Cheung Sha Wan yesterday (May 6) in which a man died.
At about 11.30pm, a motorcycle driven by a 62-year-old man was travelling along Tai Po Road – Sha Tin Heights towards Sha Tin, while a private car driven by a 25-year-old man was travelling along Tai Po Road – Sha Tin Heights towards Kowloon. When approaching Kowloon Reservoir, the private car reportedly went out of control, dashed to the opposite traffic lane and rammed into the motorcycle.
Sustaining serious leg injuries, the motorcyclist was rushed to Caritas Medical Centre in unconscious state and was certified dead today (May 7) at 0.29 am.
The private car driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.
Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, Kowloon West is underway.
Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 9188.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Update on cluster of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales cases in Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals announced RTSKH has conducted screenings and confirmed one more female patient (aged 81) as a carrier of CPE. The patient was treated in isolation and is in stable condition.
The ward concerned will continue to adopt the following enhanced infection control measures: RTSKH will continue to closely monitor the situation in the ward concerned. The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up. Issued at HKT 19:20
The case involves a 47-year-old male with a history of prolapsed intervertebral disc but no other underlying illness, who was diagnosed with Group A Streptococcal infection with necrotising fasciitis. Prior to the onset of the disease, he received acupuncture treatments from two registered Chinese medicine practitioners in Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay respectively, after sustaining an accidental sprain. He has no other wound or skin damage.
Laboratory results showed that an environmental sample, which was collected by the DH from the premises of the registered Chinese medicine practitioner in Causeway Bay last week and was subsequently detected with Group A Streptococcus, belonged to the same genetic sequencing as the patient’s specimens. This suggests that the Group A Streptococcus found in the environment of the premises was related to the bacteria infecting the patient, and both came from the same source. Separately, the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong is following up on the incident and the DH will provide necessary information and full support.
As for another registered Chinese medicine practitioner who provided acupuncture treatment to the patient, the premises was not open for business earlier because the registered Chinese medicine practitioner concerned had travelled outside Hong Kong. The premises resumed operation this morning. The DH staff went there and conducted a detailed review of the acupuncture procedures and infection control, and collected environmental specimens for testing. So far, no apparent irregularities in infection control have been found.
So far, the DH has not received any reports of adverse reactions from other patients receiving acupuncture treatments from the Chinese medicine practitioners concerned. The DH will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate actions.
In the heart of peninsular India, beneath the layers of time and rock in the Godavari Basin, lies a charred archive of Earth’s fiery past. Scientists have now opened that archive using a powerful blend of microscopic analysis and advanced chemistry. What they found may change the way we read Earth’s geological and climatic history.
From the Late Silurian (spanning from 419.2 to 443.8 million years ago (mya) to the Quaternary (2.58 mya) period. Palaeofires left their mark on landscapes, influencing vegetation, climate, and even the formation of coal.
Scientists had long observed macroscopic charcoal in Permian coal-bearing formations across Gondwana, hinting at widespread wildfires. The Raniganj Coalfield in India was among the first sites where fossil charcoal was identified, revealing a connection between palaeomire systems and seasonal drought-induced fires.
High atmospheric oxygen levels during the Permian may have intensified these events, yet the exact nature of these fires—whether they were in situ burns or transported remnants—remained unclear. Geologists struggled to tell whether it was the result of local fires or transported by wind or water.
Scientists from Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) Lucknow, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), traced the fingerprints of ancient wildfires—palaeofires—that once swept through prehistoric landscapes some 250 million years ago during the Permian period.
The researchers embarked on a meticulous investigation, analyzing shale samples—fine-grained sedimentary rocks rich in organic material—collected from deep within the Godavari Basin. Using palynofacies analysis, they first categorized tiny particles of organic matter preserved in the rock.
Fig: Graphical abstract representing the integrated approach to resolve palaeofire activity during the Permian in Godavari Basin
These particles included translucent organic matter (TrOM) like pollen and plant bits, Palaeofire-induced charcoal (PAL-CH)—clear evidence of fire and Oxidized charcoal (OX-CH)—possibly transported or altered after burning.
The team led by Dr. Neha Aggarwal used techniques like Raman Spectroscopy, Rock-Eval Pyrolysis and FTIR Spectroscopy to truly decode the fire story etched in these ancient rocks.
The study published in the journal ACS Omega provides a clear differentiation between in situ (on-site) and ex situ (transported) charcoal—a major leap in palaeofire research.
The team also made a remarkable observation –the stratigraphy—or layering—of the rock influenced how charcoal was deposited. Phases when sea levels dropped (regressive phases), well-preserved fire signatures were found. During sea level rise (transgressive phases), the charcoal was more mixed and oxidized, hinting at dynamic environmental shifts during the Permian.
Understanding how organic matter transforms during palaeofires provides insights into long-term carbon storage in Earth’s crust. This has major implications for carbon sequestration, a critical strategy in the fight against modern climate change.
It also offers geologists a refined lens through which to interpret past ecosystems, vegetation changes, and fire dynamics—vital tools for improving palaeoclimate reconstructions and geological dating techniques.
India’s first human Space mission “Gaganyaan” programme has entered its final phase: Dr. Jitendra Singh Gaganyaan Yields High Returns at Low Cost, Showcasing India’s Space Efficiency: MoS Space Dr. Singh
Gaganyaan Spurs Tech Spinoffs and Industry Growth, Becomes India’s Mission: Dr. Jitendra Singh
India Targets Crewed Spaceflight in 2027 as Gaganyaan Moves into Final Leg
Posted On: 06 MAY 2025 6:30PM by PIB Delhi
NEW DELHI, May 6 : India’s first human Space mission “Gaganyaan” programme has entered its final phase, with the first human spaceflight now scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
Disclosing this while speaking at a media interaction at National Media Centre here today, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh provided detailed updates on the mission’s current status, technological progress, and the broader economic dividends emerging from India’s cost-effective space programme.
ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space, Dr V. Narayanan also accompanied the Minister.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the successful completion of the TV-D1 mission and the first uncrewed Test Vehicle Abort Mission earlier this year have laid a strong foundation for the upcoming test schedule. The second Test Vehicle mission (TV-D2) is slated for later in 2025, followed by the uncrewed orbital flights of Gaganyaan. These milestones will culminate in India’s maiden human spaceflight in 2027, launching Indian astronauts into orbit aboard an Indian rocket from Indian soil.
Calling it a “historic mission,” Dr. Jitendra Singh underlined that the Gaganyaan programme goes far beyond scientific achievement. “It represents India’s rise as a global space power built on indigenous technology, fiscal prudence, and visionary political leadership,” he said. He also recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had clearly laid out India’s long-term ambitions in space, including setting up the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035 and sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040.
The Human-rated LVM3 vehicle, the Crew Escape System, and the Crew Module and Service Module are all undergoing final stages of testing and integration. He confirmed that the uncrewed orbital Gaganyaan mission is on track for launch later this year, with recovery trials already conducted with the Indian Navy and more sea recovery simulations planned.
Training of astronauts is also progressing steadily.
The media was informed that the four Indian Air Force pilots, selected as astronaut-designates, have completed training in Russia and are undergoing further mission-specific training in India. Their health, psychological fitness, and simulation-based operational readiness are being continuously assessed at India’s astronaut training facility.
While sharing these technical advancements, both Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised the cost-efficiency of the mission. “The expenditure being incurred on the Gaganyaan project is minimal when compared to similar human spaceflight missions conducted by other countries,” the Minister said. He added that the mission’s returns, both in terms of technological innovation and economic stimulus, far exceed the costs involved.
The programme has already given rise to multiple spinoffs—advancements in robotics, materials, electronics, and medicine—and is fostering deeper collaboration with Indian industry. “Today, Gaganyaan is not just ISRO’s mission. It is India’s mission,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said, noting the vital role played by the private sector and startups following policy reforms initiated by the government.
The Chairman too echoed the view that Gaganyaan is catalysing India’s emergence as a self-reliant space power, inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. With the crewed mission expected in 2026, India is poised to join an elite group of nations that have independently developed the capability for human spaceflight.
As Gaganyaan advances with focused precision, it serves not just as a leap in scientific capability but as a powerful symbol of India’s long-term economic and strategic aspirations in space.
Chief Minister of Nagaland Calls on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in New Delhi “Centre Prioritising Science & Technology-Led Growth in North East”, says Dr. Jitendra Singh
Posted On: 06 MAY 2025 6:35PM by PIB Delhi
NEW DELHI, May 6: Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Neiphiu Rio, called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh in New Delhi today.
Shri Y. Patton, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister of Nagaland, and Smt. Salhoutuonuo Kruse, Minister for Horticulture and Human Resource Development, also accompanied the Chief Minister during the meeting.
The meeting focused on collaborative efforts to further accelerate development in Nagaland through key initiatives of the Government of India, particularly in areas related to science and technology, administrative reforms, and good governance.
Reiterating the highest priority given to the Northeast by Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, Dr. Jitendra Singh underlined the Centre’s priority to promote innovation, scientific research, and technology-driven development in the North Eastern region. Discussions included the potential for expanding science and technology infrastructure in the State, encouraging start-ups and incubation centres, and promoting scientific temper among youth through programs of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
The Union Minister also apprised the Chief Minister about various schemes under the Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy that could be leveraged for development applications in remote and hilly terrains, including the use of geospatial technology for planning, disaster management, and agricultural productivity.
Matters related to administrative reforms and civil service capacity building were also discussed.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) is committed to enhancing governance standards in the North East by conducting regular training, mid-career interventions, and digital capacity building programmes for officials from the region.
The Chief Minister expressed appreciation for the Government of India’s continued focus on the North East and conveyed Nagaland’s willingness to partner more actively in national missions. He sought further support for skilling, entrepreneurship promotion, and public grievance redress mechanisms tailored for the region.
Both leaders agreed on the importance of sustained Centre-State coordination to ensure the effective implementation of flagship initiatives and to unlock the full development potential of Nagaland and the wider North Eastern region.
A historic and ambitious deal to boost jobs, exports and national growth. 99% Indian exports to benefit from zero duty.
Opens up massive export opportunities for labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, marine products, leather, footwear, sports goods and toys, gems and jewellery, and other important sectors such as engineering goods, auto parts and engines, and organic chemicals.
Significant boost to trade in services, such as IT/ITeS, financial services, professional services, other business services and educational services.
Stronger strategic alignment and greater global mobility for aspirational young Indians.
Huge win with three-years exemption from social security payments for Indian employees working in the UK.
Posted On: 06 MAY 2025 7:12PM by PIB Delhi
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Keir Starmer have announced the successful conclusion of a mutually beneficial India – UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This forward-looking Agreement is aligned with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and complements the growth aspirations of both the countries.
The engagement builds upon the discussions held between the two Prime Ministers on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November 2024. Following the meeting between the two Prime Ministers, intense FTA negotiations resumed in February 2025 marked by several engagements between the Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and the U.K. Secretary of State Mr. Jonathan Reynolds and their teams.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi stated in his social media post on X (formerly twitter) “In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, along with a Double Contribution Convention. These landmark agreements will further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies.”
The Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal thanked the Prime Minister for his guidance and encouragement which made the trade deal possible, and under whose visionary leadership India is looked upon as “Vishwa Mitra – Trusted Partner” of the world.
Mr. Goyal stated “This Agreement sets a new benchmark for equitable and ambitious trade between two large economies. It will benefit Indian farmers, fishermen, workers, MSMEs, startups and innovators. It brings us closer to our goal of becoming a global economic powerhouse. This FTA is not only about goods and services, but also about people, possibilities and prosperity. It protects our core interests while opening doors to India’s greater participation in global value chains”.
The Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal emphasised that this FTA is a game changer and will set India further on the path of rapid economic growth and benefit India’s global integration. This is the most comprehensive free trade deal ever entered into by India and will be the gold standard for our future engagements.
The FTA takes place in the backdrop of growing economic relations between India and the UK as exemplified in the bilateral trade of about USD 60 billion which is projected to double by 2030.
This comprehensive and forward-looking agreement is the culmination of intense negotiations aimed at deepening trade and investment ties across a range of sectors, including goods, services and technology. It is designed to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, ensure resilient supply chains and generate high-quality employment in India.
In an unprecedented achievement, India has secured an exemption for Indian workers who are temporarily in the UK and their employers from paying social security contributions in the UK for a period of three years under the Double Contribution Convention. This will make Indian service providers significantly more competitive in the UK.
Key Highlights of the India-UK FTA:
The FTA with the UK is a modern, comprehensive and landmark agreement which seeks to achieve deep economic integration along with trade liberalisation and tariff concessions.
The FTA ensures comprehensive market access for goods, across all sectors, covering all of India’s export interests. India will gain from tariff elimination on about 99% of the tariff lines covering almost 100% of the trade value offering huge opportunities for increase in the bilateral trade between India and the UK.
The FTA provides positive impact on manufacturing across labour and technology intensive sectors and opens up export opportunities for sectors such as textiles, marine products, leather, footwear, sports goods and toys, gems and jewellery and other important sectors such as engineering goods, auto parts and engines and organic chemicals. This will substantially improve Indian goods competitiveness in the UK vis-a-vis other countries.
The FTA will have significant positive gains for employment in India.
India will benefit from one of the most ambitious FTA commitment from the UK in Services such as IT/ITeS, financial services, professional services, other business services and educational services, opening up new opportunities and jobs.
The FTA eases mobility for professionals including Contractual Service Suppliers; Business Visitors; Investors; Intra-Corporate Transferees; partners and dependent children of Intra-Corporate Transferees with right to work; and Independent Professionals like yoga instructors, musicians and chefs.
Immense opportunities for talented and skilled Indian youth will open up in the UK which is a major global centre for digitally delivered services due to its strong financial and professional services sectors and advanced digital infrastructure.
India has secured significant commitments on digitally delivered services for Indian service suppliers, specially in professional services such as architecture and engineering, computer related services and telecommunication services.
The exemption for Indian workers who are temporarily in the UK and their employers from paying social security contributions in the UK for a period of three years under the Double Contribution Convention will lead to significant financial gains for the Indian service providers and enhance their competitiveness in the UK market that would create new job opportunities as well as benefit large number of Indians working in the UK.
India has ensured that non-tariff barriers are suitably addressed to ensure free flow of goods and services and that they do not create unjustified restrictions to India’s exports.
The FTA seeks to promote good regulatory practices and enhance transparency that are in sync with India’s own focus on domestic reforms to enhance the ease of doing business.
As two leading democracies and global innovation hubs, India and the UK reaffirm their commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and working together to address global challenges. The India – UK FTA sets a new benchmark for fair, ambitious, and modern trade agreements worldwide.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a construction site in Fanling this afternoon (May 6), in which a male worker, while hanging nylon nets on a bamboo scaffold on the external wall of a building, fell from height to the ground. He was certified dead later in hospital. The LD is saddened by death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.
The LD’s spokesman said, “We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and have issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending the erection, alteration, dismantling and use of the bamboo scaffold on the external walls of the building. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken.”
The spokesman added, “We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation.”
To prevent workers from falling from height while engaged in scaffolding work, the LD reminds employers to take suitable safety measures, including providing every worker engaged in the work with a suitable safety harness that is attached continuously to a suitable and secure anchor point, an independent lifeline or a fall arresting system, and ensuring the proper use of the safety equipment by the workers concerned throughout the work.
The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.
In regard to today’s accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application “OSH 2.0”, website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers’ unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.
The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees’ compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees’ compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.
For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should also co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.