Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Transport Department today (May 4) reminded members of the public that the 52nd round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (May 5) to 11.59pm on May 8, and the ballot result will be announced on May 9.
Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the scheme within the designated application period.
PRESIDENT OF INDIA HOSTS PRESIDENT OF ANGOLA INDIA IS COMMITTED TO MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL AND SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIP WITH ALL AFRICAN COUNTRIES: PRESIDENT DROUPADI MURMU
Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 9:40PM by PIB Delhi
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu received H.E. Mr Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, President of the Republic of Angola at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (May 3, 2025). She also hosted a banquet in his honour.
Welcoming President Joao Lourenco on his first State visit to India, the President said that his visit is historic and timely, since this year India and Angola are celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The President congratulated President Joao Lourenco for assuming the Chair of African Union. She noted that during the India’s G20 Presidency, African Union was included as its full member, and also expressed satisfaction that the African voice is now being heard on this important multilateral platform.
The President said that India shares a special friendship with African countries, including Angola. She added that are committed to mutually beneficial and sustainable partnership with all African countries through our initiatives like the India-Africa Forum Summit.
The President appreciated the important role played by Angola in promoting peace, security and stability in Africa.
The President said that terrorism continues to be a scourge facing humanity and it should be unequivocally condemned in all its forms and manifestations. She appreciated President Lourenco’s strong expression of sympathy and support in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.
The President also commended the Indian Diaspora in Angola, which acts as a connecting bridge between our two countries, both culturally and economically.
The President noted that India has been a leading voice for the interests and aspirations of developing countries in the world. Both leaders agreed that India and Angola should continue to work together, not only for the progress and well-being of the people of our two countries, but for the wider Global South.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Commissioner of Police inspects passing-out parade of Police Cadet Training at HK Police College Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chow Yat-ming encouraged the cadets to uphold the core values of “Wisdom, Courage, Integrity, and Perseverance” and to embody the “Cadet Spirit” of the Police Cadet School. He recalled since the establishment of the Cadet School in 1973 until the completion of its historic mission in 1990, over 4 000 elites have been trained and most of them have joined the Force to serve the community.
Mr Chow mentioned the “Diploma of Applied Education – Police Cadet Training” Programme was launched in 2024. The Police Force collaborated with the Caritas Institute of Community Education, the Hong Kong College of Technology as well as the Hong Kong Institute of Technology to offer a programme equipping aspiring police recruits with comprehensive academic, physical, and psychological preparation.
Taught by experienced police officers, most of whom are Cadet School alumni, in the programme offered by the Police College, the curriculum features experiential learning and a “hell week” outdoor training, designed to strengthen cadets’ mentality and values, serving as a good preparation for the cadets to proceed directly to a 27-week foundation training at the Police College after completing the diploma, passing medical and character assessments.
Mr Chow highlighted that colleagues graduating from the Cadet School are loyal to missions and never give up. He commended the cadets for demonstrating resilience and teamwork, perfectly establishing the exemplary image and spirit of “Cadets” during their training. He encouraged cadets to transform the resilience and confidence gained from training into motivation for future challenges, and to uphold the principle of “acting with integrity even when alone,” always prioritise the public’s interests and embody the Force’s motto of “Serving Hong Kong with Honour, Duty and Loyalty.”
He expressed gratitude to the former Deputy Principals of the Cadet School and over 60 “Cadet” alumni present at the passing-out parade, commending their contributions to the Force and to Hong Kong, while highlighting the enduring unity of the “Cadet” community.
Mr Chow further inspired the cadets with the phrase “Physical strength is finite, but willpower is limitless”, encouraging them to remember their instructors’ teachings, cherish their camaraderie and uphold the proud traditions of the “Cadets”, while continue to contribute to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability. Issued at HKT 13:54
10th National Community Radio Awards presented Union Minister of State Dr. L Murugan honours 12 Community Radio Stations for their outstanding contributions
Community Radio is a tool to reach out to citizens in all corners of the country; they take important development initiatives to all: Dr. L. Murugan
8th National Community Radio Conference held at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai
Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 4:26PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, May 3, 2025
The 8th National Community Radio Conference was organized by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, on the sidelines of the World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), in Mumbai today. Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan honoured 12 outstanding community radio stations with the 10th National Community Radio Awards at the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr L. Murugan congratulated the winners and said that the national conference is aimed to strengthen the community media landscape in India through innovation, inclusiveness, and impact. The Union Minister of State said that Community Radio is a tool to reach out to citizens in all corners of the country. The Community Radios around the country are serving some or the other welfare purpose and supporting good causes, including promotion of Indian tradition and culture, he added. The community radio stations are also taking PM Shri Narendra Modi’s vision and important development initiatives of the central government to all parts of the country. These stations are adding a new dimension of welfare activities for various communities and groups, like women and tribal community among others.
Speaking about the first edition of WAVES 2025, Dr. L. Murugan stated that new ideas will evolve from it and that creative economy is a sunrise sector that will play a major role in the coming days.
List of Community Radio Stations which were awarded under four different themes
Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Prithul Kumar Joint Secretary (Broadcasting) and MD, NFDC, and IIMC Vice Chancellor Dr. Anupama Bhatnagar were present amongst the dignitaries on the occasion.
The conference brought together representatives from more than 400 Community Radio (CR) Stations across the country on one platform to provide an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration. At present, there are 531 CR Stations across the country. The conference emphasized the seminal role of Community Radio in public communication and awareness generation and also their potential in social development.
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PIB Team WAVES 2025 Rajith/LekshmiPriya/Sriyanka/CShekhar | 164
Empowering Bharat: CSC CSR conclave 2025 champions tech-driven rural transformation through CSR Bridging the urban-rural divide: CSC academy leads the way in digital inclusion and skilling
Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 11:46AM by PIB Delhi
The CSC CSR Conclave 2025 marked a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward inclusive growth and rural empowerment, placing technology at the heart of social transformation. Inaugurated by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the event spotlighted the powerful role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in bridging the urban-rural divide through Common Services Centres (CSCs).
“CSC represents a radical idea bridging the urban-rural divide through technology,” said Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), during the inauguration of the CSC CSR Conclave 2025. His remarks highlighted the central theme of the event leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for a sustainable tomorrow through rural empowerment and inclusive growth.
Shri Tiwari also cited the visionary role of Common Services Centres (CSCs) in strengthening India’s social capital, aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision for rural digital empowerment. He acknowledged the vital role of CSC Academy in advancing CSR initiatives, especially in vocational training and digital empowerment for rural populations, and praised CSC’s alignment with national goals, particularly through programs like the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
The Conclave, organized by CSC Academy and the Indian ESG Network, brought together leaders from government, corporate, and development sectors to discuss how CSR can drive environmental sustainability, community development, and transformative change in rural India.
In his keynote address, Shri Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, Chairman and Secretary of CSC Academy, expanded on the transformative impact of the Common Services Centres (CSCs) across the country. He described CSCs not just as digital access points but as catalysts for change, operated by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) who empower their communities. “CSR is not just a statutory requirement but a strategic driver for inclusive progress,” said Rakesh, emphasizing the Academy’s focus on scalable and measurable CSR programs aimed at reaching underserved rural populations.
Dr. Biswajit Saha, Director (Training & Skill Education) at CBSE, also highlighted the role of CSC Academy in preparing the next generation for future challenges, particularly in fields like Artificial
Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Healthcare.
The event featured a series of expert-led discussions that explored the intersection of CSR, environmental sustainability, and community development. Key topics included education, skilling, digital literacy, financial inclusion, women empowerment, and healthcare.
Notable speakers at the Conclave included Shri Abhishek Gupta, Programme Specialist at UNICEF, who discussed the “Passport to Earning” initiative, and Ms. Parnal Vats, Manager of Government Engagement at VISA, who shared insights on the “Digital Village” program. Other distinguished speakers included Ms. Geetanjali Gaur, CSR Manager at Kyndryl, and Shri Rajiv Malik, CEO of Graposs Connect, who spoke about the CSC Olympiad initiative.
The event also featured thematic panels led by experts. The Education, Skilling, and Employability panel, chaired by Shri Sunil Dahiya of the Wadhwani Foundation, included thought leaders such as Shri Raj Kumar Srivastava (IFS, Karnataka) and Shri Pallav Tiwari (UNICEF). Another panel, Women and Child Healthcare, chaired by Dr. Vashima Subha of Ernst & Young, included specialists like Shri Punit Desai (Welcome Cure) and Dr. Yogesh Patil (Biosense).
The Conclave concluded with a renewed commitment to utilizing CSR to drive rural transformation, with CSC Academy reaffirming its mission to empower rural India through digital inclusion, skill- based education, and public-private partnerships. The event underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
1. MoUs/Agreements: i. MoU between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Angola on cooperation in the field of Ayurveda and other Traditional Systems of Medicine ii. MoU between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Angola on Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture iii. Cooperation Programme between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Angola in the Domain of Culture for the period 2025 -29 2. Angola signed the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement and became the 123rd member of the ISA. 3. The Government of India has approved the Angolan request of LOC of US$ 200 Million for defence procurement.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Civil Aid Service Cadet Corps holds 147th New Cadets Passing-out Parade Speaking at the parade, Mr Ip commended the 180 new cadets for their remarkable endurance, perseverance, and co-operation skills. He said he believes that they will become committed and contributing citizens in the years to come. He stressed that young people are the future, hope, and pillars of Hong Kong, as well as the engine for driving the long-term development of society and the economy.
He said that in order to nurture and guide the Cadets Corps to become patriotic and aware of the country, and to enhance their sense of social responsibility, the CAS cadets continue to actively participate in various activities. These include coastal clean-ups by kayaking, which involves cleaning marine refuse along the remote coasts of Sai Kung, and Hong Kong Tree Planting Day 2025, which focuses on tree planting to achieve carbon reduction goals. In terms of patriotic education, the CAS also organises visits for the cadets to the Hong Kong Garrison Barrack and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park of the Greater Bay Area, and to participate in national security education seminars to deepen their understanding of the country’s development and security.
He also thanked CAS staff, members, and instructors for their hard work in nurturing young leaders.
During the parade, the Guard of Honour conducted a flag-raising ceremony, and the Bicycle Demonstration Team of the Cadet Corps staged a performance.
The CAS Cadet Corps has been encouraging the cadets over the years to participate in activities and training that are beneficial to the development of their minds and bodies, so they can acquire multifaceted skills while building their confidence and sense of responsibility. It will continue to strengthen co-operation with regional schools and diligently organise training activities related to national security education, such as Mainland exchange and study programmes, and visits to the National Security Exhibition Gallery for its members.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Task Group on New Medical School meets with universities that submitted proposals (with photo) The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, “Establishing a third medical school is an important project in the development of medical education in Hong Kong. I am pleased to see the positive feedback from the three universities that submitted detailed proposals within a specified period. During the two-hour session with each university today, our expert advisers of the Task Group and representatives from the relevant policy bureaux had fruitful exchanges with the university representatives on the content of the proposals, including innovative strategic positioning, curriculum structure and assessment methodologies, and financial sustainability. We also took the opportunity to further understand the preparatory work and resource plans underpinning each proposal, such as collaboration models with local and non-local partners and the allocation of resources for software and hardware of the curriculum, teaching manpower and student recruitment and training. The Task Group will enhance speed and efficiency in the next phase of work, adopting a holistic and integrated approach to assess the proposals, with a view to completing the assessments within this year and recommending to the Government the option that best supports the development of Hong Kong into an international medical training, research and innovation hub.”
The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said, “The 2024-2035 master plan on building China into a leading country in education newly released by our nation strives to accelerate the development of world-class universities and advanced disciplines. To tie in with this important blueprint, Hong Kong is making forward-looking preparations for a third medical school to further enhance our status as an international post-secondary education hub. We expect the new medical school not only to drive the overall advancement of the host university but also to strengthen Hong Kong’s competitiveness on the global stage. Strategically located in the Northern Metropolis University Town with a prime geographic location, the new medical school has immense potential for fostering synergy among academia, research, and industry within the vicinity and the Greater Bay Area. We hope the selected university will seize this valuable opportunity to take Hong Kong’s medical academic and research excellence to new heights through active collaboration within the region.”
Established in October last year, the Task Group comprises seasoned local, Mainland and overseas academics in medical education and university management, professionals, representatives from the Medical Council of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, as well as representatives from the relevant government bureaux and departments. It has already set the overall direction and parameters for establishing the new medical school. The 10 key parameters for consideration are: (1) innovative strategic positioning, (2) staffing, (3) campus and teaching facilities, (4) clinical exposure and learning resources, (5) curriculum structure and assessment methodologies, (6) student admission arrangements, (7) funding arrangements, (8) implementation plan, (9) teaching and learning quality, and (10) research excellence. The Task Group issued a letter of invitation on December 2 last year to all University Grants Committee-funded universities to invite local universities interested in establishing the new medical school to submit proposals by March 17 this year, and three proposals were received by the deadline. Issued at HKT 20:05
In a significant boost to sports infrastructure in the Northeast, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the Khelo India Multipurpose Hall in Kamle district of Arunachal Pradesh today. State Ministers Shri Kento Jini and Shri Nyato Dukam along with MLA 25th Raga, Shri Rotom Tebin were also present on the occasion.
Fully funded by Central Government, the Khelo India Multipurpose Hall has been built at a cost of Rs. 8 Crore. It aims to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and training facilities to promote grassroots-level sports in the region.
Equipped with modern amenities, the hall will cater to multiple indoor sports including boxing, badminton, judo, wushu, karate, taekwondo, weightlifting, table tennis, and volleyball, enabling young athletes from the region to train professionally and compete at national and international levels.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the Government of India’s commitment to inclusive sports development, particularly in remote districts. “This initiative reflects our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of nurturing talent from every corner of the country. Arunachal Pradesh has immense potential, and through facilities like these, we aim to create opportunities for youth to shine in sports and contribute to nation-building,” he said.
The Union Minister also interacted with local youth and sportspersons, encouraging them to make full use of the facility. He further highlighted the importance of integrating fitness, sports, and discipline into everyday life, especially among the youth. Senior officials from the Sports Authority of India, State government representatives, and local dignitaries were present during the event.
Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L Murugan unveiled “India’s Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative”—a first-of-its-kind White Paper commissioned by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and prepared by EventFAQs Media, one of the knowledge partners of WAVES 2025.
The launch event was attended by Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri R.K. Jena, Senior Economic Advisor; Smt. Meenu Batra, Joint Secretary; and Shri Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary (Broadcasting). Shri Deepak Choudhary, Managing Director, EVA Live and EventFAQs was also present.
The White Paper presents a comprehensive analysis of India’s rapidly expanding Live entertainment industry, highlighting emerging trends, growth trajectories, and strategic recommendations for the sector’s continued evolution.
India’s live events landscape is undergoing a transformation—from a fragmented sector to a structured and influential pillar of the country’s cultural and creative economy. The period from 2024 to 2025 marks a defining inflection point, with international acts such as Coldplay performing in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, signaling India’s readiness to host global-scale events.
Key trends in the sector include the rise of event tourism, with nearly half a million attendees traveling specifically for live music events—indicating the emergence of a robust music-tourism economy. Premium ticketing segments—such as VIP experiences, curated access, and luxury hospitality—have witnessed over 100% year-on-year growth, pointing to an increasingly experience-driven audience. Participation from Tier-2 cities has surged, driven by multi-city tours and the growing popularity of regional festivals.
This momentum is also mirrored in the sector’s rising influence on jobs and talent development. Live entertainment is not a side note to India’s creative economy anymore; it is a strategic lever that stimulates employment and drives skill development. Large-scale events in the current landscape typically generate approximately 2,000 to 5,000 temporary jobs each, underscoring the sector’s growing role in supporting livelihoods and fostering a dynamic workforce.
The event also saw the launch of key reports, including the Statistical Handbook on Media & Entertainment Sector 2024–25 by Ministry of Information Broadcasting, ‘From Content to Commerce: Mapping India’s Creator Economy’ by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), ‘A Studio Called India’ by Ernst & Young, and ‘Legal Currents: A Regulatory Handbook on India’s Media & Entertainment Sector 2025’ by Khaitan & Co.
With focused investments, policy support, and infrastructural upgrades, India is on track to position itself as one of the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030, unlocking new avenues for economic growth, employment generation, tourism, and enhanced global cultural presence.
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