Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census. This demonstrates that the present government is committed to the holistic interests and values of the nation and society.
As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, Census is a union subject listed at 69 in the Union List in the Seventh Schedule. While some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes, these surveys have varied in transparency and intent, with some conducted purely from a political angle, creating doubts in society. Considering all these circumstances, and to ensure that our social fabric does not come under political pressure, it has been decided that caste enumeration should be included in the main census instead of being conducted as a separate survey.
This will ensure that society becomes stronger economically and socially, and the country’s progress continues without hindrance. It is noteworthy that when a provision of 10 percent reservation was made for the economically weaker sections of society, it did not create tension in any section of society.
Caste was excluded from all census operations conducted since independence. In 2010, then Prime Minister Late Dr. Manmohan Singh assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of caste census would be considered in the Cabinet. A Group of Ministers was formed to deliberate on this subject, and most political parties recommended conducting a caste census. Despite this, the previous government opted for a survey instead of a caste census, known as the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC).
PM directs that all Ministries and Departments should ensure that identification of beneficiaries is done strictly through biometrics-based Aadhaar authentication or verification
Ring Road should be integrated as a key component of broader urban planning efforts that aligns with city’s growth trajectory: PM
PM reviews Jal Marg Vikas Project and directs that efforts should be made to establish a strong community connect along the stretches for boosting cruise tourism
PM reiterates the importance of leveraging tools such as PM Gati Shakti and other integrated platforms to enable holistic and forward-looking planning
Posted On: 30 APR 2025 8:41PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi earlier today chaired a meeting of the 46th edition of PRAGATI, an ICT-based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, involving Centre and State governments.
In the meeting, eight significant projects were reviewed, which included three Road Projects, two projects each of Railways and Port, Shipping & Waterways. The combined cost of these projects, spread across different States/UTs, is around Rs 90,000 crore.
While reviewing grievance redressal related to Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Prime Minister directed that all Ministries and Departments should ensure that the identification of beneficiaries is done strictly through biometrics-based Aadhaar authentication or verification. Prime Minister also directed to explore the potential for integrating additional programmes into the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, specifically those aimed at promoting child care, improving health and hygiene practices, ensuring cleanliness, and addressing other related aspects that contribute to the overall well-being of the mother and newly born child.
During the review of infrastructure project concerning the development of a Ring Road, Prime Minister emphasized that the development of Ring Road should be integrated as a key component of broader urban planning efforts. The development must be approached holistically, ensuring that it aligns with and supports the city’s growth trajectory over the next 25 to 30 years. Prime Minister also directed that various planning models be studied, with particular focus on those that promote self-sustainability, especially in the context of long-term viability and efficient management of the Ring Road. He also urged to explore the possibility of integrating a Circular Rail Network within the city’s transport infrastructure as a complementary and sustainable alternative for public transportation.
During the review of the Jal Marg Vikas Project, Prime Minister said that efforts should be made to establish a strong community connect along the stretches for boosting cruise tourism. It will foster a vibrant local ecosystem by creating opportunities for business development, particularly for artisans and entrepreneurs associated with the ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) initiative and other local crafts. The approach is intended to not only enhance community engagement but also stimulate economic activity and livelihood generation in the regions adjoining the waterway. Prime Minister stressed that such inland waterways should be drivers for tourism also.
During the interaction, Prime Minister reiterated the importance of leveraging tools such as PM GatiShakti and other integrated platforms to enable holistic and forward-looking planning. He emphasized that the use of such tools is crucial for achieving synergy across sectors and ensuring efficient infrastructure development.
Prime Minister further directed all stakeholders to ensure that their respective databases are regularly updated and accurately maintained, as reliable and current data is essential for informed decision-making and effective planning.
Up to the 46th edition of PRAGATI meetings, 370 projects having a total cost of around Rs 20 lakh crore have been reviewed.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, continued her visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Miss Law met with the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture of the UAE, HE Mubarak Al Nakhi, today (April 30, Abu Dhabi time). She highlighted Hong Kong’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international cultural exchanges, expressing strong interest in collaborations with the UAE, a key partner under the Belt and Road Initiative. Miss Law looked forward to establishing closer cultural links and was glad to have identified new opportunities for cooperation on performing arts with the country.
Earlier, on April 29 (Dubai time), Miss Law met the Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Future Foundation (the Foundation) and Vice Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, HE Khalfan Belhoul. She was impressed by Dubai’s visionary initiatives, such as the Foundation’s projects in artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainability, as well as the government’s forward-thinking approach in shaping a sustainable and better future for the world. On the sports development front, discussions focused on integrating creativity, innovation, and technology into youth education, with both parties noted the shared aspirations of Hong Kong and Dubai. Miss Law highlighted the similarities in both regions’ sports landscapes, emphasising opportunities for collaboration.
In that afternoon, Miss Law met with the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, HE Issam Kazim. The discussions underscored shared goals of enhancing tourism through innovative collaboration. Miss Law also noted how Hong Kong is actively promoting tailor-made, high-end travel packages to attract the Middle East tourists.
Miss Law also paid a courtesy call on and attended a dinner hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the UAE, Mr Zhang Yiming last night (April 29, Abu Dhabi time). Ambassador Zhang highlighted Hong Kong’s unique strengths as a global hub for business, culture, and tourism. He also underlined the importance of and expressed optimism about the city’s promising future in engaging the Middle East. Miss Law remarked that through the visit, she gained a deeper understanding of the UAE’s proactive and ambitious vision, affirming that Hong Kong and the UAE share many parallels in their development strategies. She emphasised the importance of leveraging these synergies to foster stronger ties between the two regions and expressed her gratitude to the Embassy for its strong support to Hong Kong.
While in the UAE, Miss Law visited a number of iconic historical and tourist attractions, taking herself in the country’s vibrant cultural and architectural marvels. These included the Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future in Dubai (April 29, Dubai time), as well as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the national and cultural landmark; the Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace; and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, in Abu Dhabi (April 30, Abu Dhabi time) to gain insights into their operations, tourism appeal and the possible collaboration of cultural exchanges.
Miss Law will conclude her visit to the UAE and depart for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia tonight (April 30, Abu Dhabi time).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 30) received a report of a case of severe paediatric COVID-19 and rhinovirus/ enterovirus infection and reminded the public to observe personal, hand and environmental hygiene at all times. High-risk individuals should receive a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible and receive booster doses at appropriate times to minimise the risk of serious complications and death after infection.
The case involves a 16-month-old boy with good past health, who developed fever, shortness of breath and wheezing since April 29 and sought medical attention from two private doctors on the same day. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) today. His respiratory specimen was tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus and rhinovirus/ enterovirus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was COVID-19 and rhinovirus/ enterovirus co-infection complicated with croup. He is still hospitalised at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of KWH and is in critical condition.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had not received COVID-19 vaccine and had travelled to Taipei during the incubation period. Two of his household contacts were tested positive for COVID-19 by rapid antigen test. One of them had respiratory symptoms.
The overall activity of COVID-19 in the local community has continued to rise since mid-March of this year. According to the latest surveillance data as of the week ending April 19, the viral load of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from sewage surveillance, the test positivity rate and the average consultation rate of COVID-19 cases in general out-patient clinics have continued to rise over the past four weeks. In particular, the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus increased to 8.21 per cent from 1.71 per cent four weeks ago (the week of March 16 to 22), a record high in the past six months. The viral load per capita of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was around 440 000 copy/litre, significantly increased from 260 000 copy/litre four weeks ago. Furthermore, sewage surveillance data showed that the local prevalence of XDV was on the rise. As XDV is a JN.1-related variant, the COVID-19 vaccines currently used in Hong Kong are still effective in preventing it.
The CHP reminded the public who have not received the initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (including infants and children) should get vaccinated as soon as possible. Those at high risk (particularly the elderly and persons with underlying comorbidities) should receive a booster dose as soon as possible for effective prevention against COVID-19 to minimise the risk of serious complications and death after infection.
Apart from vaccination, in order to prevent COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses as well as transmission in the community, the public should maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times and note the following:
Patients can wear surgical masks to prevent transmission of respiratory viruses. Therefore, it is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
High-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised) should wear surgical masks when visiting public places. The general public should also wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
Practise hand hygiene frequently, wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
Maintain good indoor ventilation;
Avoid sharing personal items;
When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, consider to refrain from going to work or school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
For more information on the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme and the latest recommendations on vaccine use, please refer to the CHP’s website.
Get ready for a landmark celebration of creativity, technology, and storytelling as WAVES 2025 — the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit — takes center stage in Mumbai from May 1st to 4th. Hosted by the Government of India, this first-of-its-kind global event brings the spotlight to India’s vibrant Media & Entertainment sector, transforming the Jio World Convention Centre into a dynamic hub of imagination, innovation, and opportunity.
With over 100,000 registrations, including 1,100+ international participants, WAVES 2025 is where filmmakers, tech pioneers, creators, investors, and industry leaders come together to shape the future of entertainment. From the legendary voices of Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to the tech leadership of Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai, the summit unites visionaries across sectors in a powerful showcase of talent and ambition.
This is more than a summit — it’s a movement to position India as a global creative and digital powerhouse. With exciting highlights like the Create in India Challenge, cutting-edge exhibitions, startup pitches, cultural performances, and high-level dialogues, WAVES 2025 marks a bold step into the future—where culture meets code, and tradition meets transformation.
Create in India Challenge Season 1
The Create in India Challenge (CIC) is a strategic initiative aimed at empowering India’s content creators. By providing a platform for innovation and creative expression, CIC seeks to strengthen India’s creators’ economy, enhance soft power, and position emerging talent for global recognition. The initiative supports monetization of skills and contributes to the growth of the media and entertainment industry.
CIC brings an exciting lineup of 32 unique challenges across creative, tech and cultural fields. Launched on August 22, 2024, it attracted massive participation from across India and around the world! The challenges have attracted entries from over 60 countries, reflecting the global appeal and reach of this pioneering initiative. From this exceptional pool of talent, 750 finalists will be given the opportunity to showcase their creative skills and outcomes at Creatosphere, a specially curated platform featuring innovation across animation, comics, AI, XR, gaming, music, and more, as part of WAVES 2025. The winners of these challenges will be conferred the prestigious ‘WAVES Creator Awards’ in a grand red carpet ceremony on Day 2 of the event.
WAVES Promo Video Challenge: A unique contest designed to discover powerful and inspiring audiovisual content that captures and showcases the spirit and ambition of the WAVES 2025, through a video.
Total Registrations
164
Finalists
3
Truth Tell Hackathon: Tech innovators, data experts, and media professionals were called to develop AI solutions that tackle misinformation and promote credible journalism.
WAVES Hackathon Ad spend Optimizer: Participants worked on using data science, machine learning, and statistical modeling to create solutions that help advertisers make smarter, data-driven decisions. The goal was to maximize ROI and support marketing objectives.
Total Registrations
115
International Registrations
1
Make The World Wear Khadi: Aims to blend India’s rich textile heritage with global fashion trends, offering an exciting challenge to advertising professionals and freelancers.
Total Registrations
770
Finalists
5
Wah Ustad:It aims to nurture exceptional talent in Hindustani, Carnatic, and soulful Sufi music while preserving and promoting India’s rich musical legacy.
Total Registrations
300
International Registrations
3
Battle Of the Bands: Designed to push the limits of creativity and music, while promoting a sense of community, innovation and growth within the industry
Total Registrations
200
Symphony Of India: The event featured a diverse range of musical performances across various genres, celebrating the broad tastes of music lovers.
Total Registrations
212
Theme Music Competition:Songwriters, singers, performers and music creators were invited to create and share a piece of music that resembles Indian classical music or a fusion of classical and contemporary music instruments and styles.
Total Registrations
212
Runner-ups
4
Winner
1
Resonate EDM Challenge: Aims to spotlight and celebrate global talent in production of Electronic Dance Music (EDM), fostering collaboration, innovation, and creativity in music production and live performance. This initiative aligns with the “Create in India” mission, showcasing India as a hub for global creativity and entertainment.
Total Registrations
394
International Registrations
10
Finalists
10
India A Bird’s Eye View: Passionate drone pilots and filmmakers were invited to capture the breathtaking beauty and diversity of India in a 2-3 minute video, showcasing the country from the unique perspective of aerial drone cinematography.
Total Registrations
1324
Finalists
5
Anti-Piracy Challenge: This competition focuses on encouraging and supporting innovative solutions created by local companies in fingerprinting and watermarking technologies.
Game Jam: An exciting opportunity for India’s game developers to showcase their creativity and innovation.
Total Registrations
5569
Finalists
10
Esports Tournament: The eFootball and World Cricket Championship (WCC) competitions are held in batches, each offering thrilling matchups, with the champions being crowned at WAVES.
XR Creator Hackathon: Challenge that invites developers from across India to push the boundaries of augmented and virtual reality.
Total Registrations
2205
Winners (All Themes)
5
Innovate2educate Handheld Device Challenge: Academia, designers, engineers, and innovators were invited to develop a prototype of an educational handheld device that makes learning math, solving puzzles, and boosting cognitive skills fun and interactive.
Total Registrations
1826
International Registrations
513
Finalists
10
AI Avatar Creator Challenge: The challenge focused on creating AI avatars: personalized, interactive digital personas that engage with users like human influencers in virtual spaces.
Total Registrations
1324
International Registrations
100
WAVES Awards Of Excellence: A prestigious competition recognizing outstanding showreels and AdFilms in animation, VFX, gaming, and related fields, celebrating creativity and innovation.
Total Registrations
1331
International Registrations
63
Bharat Tech Triumph Program: A contest to identify and empower the top gaming and interactive entertainment innovators.
Total Registrations
1078
International Registrations
12
Winners
20
WAVES VFX Competition: Participants were tasked with creating a visual effects sequence or short film featuring a superhero with extraordinary powers, but using them in the context of everyday, mundane life.
Total Registrations
1367
Finalists
14
WAVES Comic Chronicles: This competition invited comic submissions on any chosen theme, requiring a minimum of 60 panels, with each image or scene representing a single panel.
Total Registrations
1145
International Registrations
62
Finalists
50 (Both in General and Student Track)
WAVES Explorer: Invited participants on a captivating journey to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and creativity. Participants created YouTube videos (up to 1 minute) or vlogs (up to 7 minutes) highlighting their favorite aspects of India.
Total Registrations
6932
International Registrations
30
Reel Making Competition: Participants were invited to create engaging reels on themes such as food, travel, fashion, dance, music, gaming, yoga & wellness and tech.
Total Registrations
7812
International Registrations
55
YoungFilmmakersChallenge: The competition aimed to foster innovation, storytelling skills, and digital literacy among young participants through a concise 60-second film format.
Total Registrations
905
International Registrations
2
Film Poster Making Competition: A unique opportunity to create innovative and visually compelling reimagined film posters to celebrate and promote the rich film poster heritage of India.
Total Registrations
543
International Registrations
29
Finalists
50
Winners
3
Trailer Making Competition: Filmmakers, both seasoned and emerging, were invited to craft compelling trailers using Netflix content, offering a chance to reimagine iconic scenes or highlight fresh perspectives.
Total Registrations
3500
International Registrations
36
Finalists
20
Unreal Cinematics Challenge: The Unreal Cinematics Challenge by TVAGA provided a platform for artists, animators, and content creators to showcase their storytelling and technical skills using Unreal Engine.
Total Registrations
700
International Registrations
1
WAVES Cosplay Championship: A grand celebration of pop culture, creativity, and craftsmanship, bringing together participants showcasing their talents on the final day. It highlights genres such as Indian history, manga, anime, comics and games.
Total Registrations
513
International Registrations
3
Finalists
29
Conclusion
As WAVES 2025 nears its grand finale, thousands of participants from across the globe will come together to showcase their creativity, innovation, and talent. With a diverse range of challenges and an unparalleled platform for collaboration, WAVES is set to make a lasting impact on the future of India’s media and entertainment landscape.
Indian Navy’s frontline Guided Missile Destroyer, INS Kochi, arrived at Male, Maldives, on 28 Apr 25 with Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF)CGS Huravee, which underwent Normal Refit at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai from Dec 24 till Apr 25.
Shri G. Balasubramanian, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, handed over MNDF CGS Huravee to Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force, MNDF, at a ceremony held at the MNDF Coast Guard Jetty.
INS Kochi’s visit highlights the strong maritime links between India and the Maldives and emphasises the Indian Navy’s commitment to security, peace and freedom of navigation in the region. In keeping with the two nations’ friendly relations, Maldivian authorities warmly welcomed the ship.
As part of the ship’s visit, Capt Mahesh C Moudgil, Commanding Officer, INS Kochi, called on Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force, MNDF and Brig Gen Mohammed Saleem, Commandant, Coast Guard MNDF.
During the ship’s stay in harbour, bilateral meetings, cross-deck visits and sports fixtures have been planned between the Indian Navy and the MNDF.
INS Kochi was commissioned on 30 Sept 15 and is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, which is based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah hails the decision of the CCPA led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to include caste census in the upcoming census as a historic decision of the Modi Government under its commitment to social justice The Modi government’s decision will empower all economically and socially backward classes and promote inclusion
This decision gives a message of strong commitment towards social equality and the rights of every section
The main opposition party and its allies opposed the caste census for decades while in power and played politics over it while in the opposition
Posted On: 30 APR 2025 6:57PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah hailed the decision of Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to include caste census in the upcoming census as a historic decision of the Modi Government under its commitment to social justice.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation in a post on X platform said, the CCPA meeting held under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji today corrected a historical wrong by deciding in favour of the integration of caste enumeration with the population census, and sent the message of its firm commitment to social equity and rights for every section of the society.
Shri Amit Shah said, the Congress and its allied parties opposed caste enumeration when they wielded power for decades but made it their electoral plank when in opposition. This decision will empower all economically and socially disadvantaged sections, promote inclusion, and pave new paths for the progress of the underprivileged.
सामाजिक न्याय के लिए संकल्पित मोदी सरकार ने आज एक ऐतिहासिक निर्णय लिया है।
प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी के नेतृत्व में आज हुई CCPA की बैठक में, आगामी जनगणना में जातिगत गणना को शामिल करने का निर्णय लेकर सामाजिक समानता और हर वर्ग के अधिकारों के प्रति मजबूत प्रतिबद्धता का…
The Transport Department today said that the Government is determined to enhance the service quality of personalised point-to-point transport.
It made the statement in response to press enquiries on the taxi service and complaint figures.
The department met the taxi trade today to exchange views on enhancing taxi service quality and promoting the healthy development of the industry, and reiterated that the Government will continue to combat the illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward activities to safeguard the safety and interests of the public.
To improve the taxi service, the Government has implemented the Taxi-Driver-Offence Points system and the two-tier penalty system as well as introduced a taxi fleet regime to provide quality services to passengers by the use of systematic management and technology.
The five selected taxi fleet operators are working intensively to prepare for the service commencement which is anticipated to be in place by end-July 2025.
On the other hand, the Government proposes to mandate the installation of in-vehicle cameras, dash cameras and global navigation satellite systems in all taxi compartments to better protect the rights of passengers. It also proposes to mandate all taxi drivers to provide e-payment means. Follow-up work on the legislative exercise of the relevant proposed provisions is underway.
On the regulation of online hailed car platforms, while the Government is open-minded in respect of the use of different communications technologies, including the use of online or mobile applications for obtaining personalised point-to-point transport services through online hailing services, it is imperative to ensure that the passenger transport services supported by the use of platforms concerned comply with the laws and regulations.
The department is conducting a study on the overall demand and supply of personalised point-to-point transport services.
The Government will, after considering the report of the Working Group for Enhancing Personalised Point-to-Point Transport Services under the Transport Advisory Committee and the views and relevant data collected, formulate legislative proposals on the regulation of online car hailing platforms, vehicles that may provide services complying with the regulations and relevant licensing requirements for the drivers within 2025.
To combat illegal hire car services in accordance with the law, Police have been taking enforcement actions against illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward through gathering intelligence via different channels.
If there is sufficient evidence proving suspected vehicles without a valid hire car permit being used for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward, Police will immediately take appropriate enforcement actions.
People who intend to use a hire car service may enquire with the service operator or make use of the department’s online checking system to ensure the private car concerned has been issued with a valid hire car permit before the journey starts.
The department stressed that using illegal hire car services can put passengers at risk, as the vehicle’s third party insurance may be invalid in case of a traffic accident.
The Department of Health’s (DH) Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said today adjusting the number of sampling sites under the Territory-wide Sewage Surveillance Programme does not affect the effectiveness of surveillance.
Responding to a media report that claimed the current number of sampling sites has been substantially reduced under the programme, the CHP clarified and emphasised that the decision to adjust the number of sampling sites was made to align with the programme’s latest objectives and was based on scientific analysis, with a view to enhancing cost-effectiveness while ensuring that the effectiveness in monitoring the activity level of COVID-19 in Hong Kong would not be compromised.
It pointed out that with the resumption of normalcy, COVID-19 has been managed as a general respiratory disease and the objective of sewage surveillance has shifted from source tracing to routine surveillance of virus activity in the community.
The CHP used simulation models to analyse different combinations of sampling sites to optimise the programme while maintaining the effectiveness of the surveillance.
Results showed that by changing the number of sampling sites from three to 14 per district to one per district located further downstream which covered the largest population, the trend of the sewage viral load data and the relevant clinical surveillance indicators were highly correlated.
The CHP further explained that the optimised strategy, implemented since April 2024, continues to monitor the activity of COVID-19 effectively, while significantly reducing operating costs by nearly 80%.
Surveillance results and analyses will be disseminated weekly through “COVID-19 & Flu Express” for public information, it added.
Foreign Minister Lin meets with Eswatini king and queen mother, cohosts groundbreaking for strategic oil reserve facility
Date：2025-04-24
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs
April 24, 2025 No. 116 Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, serving as President Lai Ching-te’s special envoy to Taiwan’s African ally Eswatini, met with Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala and had an audience with King Mswati III on the afternoon of April 23. He and King Mswati III jointly presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for a strategic oil reserve facility, broadening bilateral cooperation into a new area.
The king and the queen mother expressed appreciation for President Lai’s appointment of Minister Lin as special envoy for the king’s 57th birthday celebrations. They thanked Taiwan for its long-term assistance in developing Eswatini’s infrastructure, which they said had played an important role in economic growth. The king and the queen mother reaffirmed the robust diplomatic partnership between the two countries and pledged to continue to support Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
Special Envoy Lin extended birthday wishes to King Mswati III on behalf of President Lai and presented the king with a congratulatory letter from the president as well as special envoy credentials. He also delivered birthday gifts to the king, including cattle in accordance with local customs, high-tech products and delicacies from Taiwan, and a wooden sculpture entitled Infinite Wisdom by Taiwanese artist Kang Mu-xiang.
In his remarks, Special Envoy Lin thanked King Mswati III for leading a delegation to the inauguration of President Lai in May 2024 to convey support for Taiwan’s new administration. He said that Taiwan, as an important ally of Eswatini, would continue to contribute to the development of key infrastructure projects. He commended the king for fully supporting the launch of the strategic oil reserve facility and noted that it was the largest cooperation project to be undertaken by the two nations since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Special Envoy Lin said the project demonstrated that Taiwan was Eswatini’s steadfast partner, adding that the two countries had always supported each other. He stressed that Taiwan would continue to promote and expand the scope of bilateral exchanges and cooperation to further assist Eswatini in realizing its development goals.
Following their meeting, Special Envoy Lin and King Mswati III jointly presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the strategic oil reserve facility. The milestone in bilateral relations was witnessed by prominent leaders from all sectors of Eswatini society. King Mswati III also hosted a reception for Special Envoy Lin, the delegation, and other guests, demonstrating the high regard of the Eswatini royal family and government for the visitors and the project.
Taiwan and Eswatini established diplomatic relations in 1968. Over the past 57 years, bilateral ties have been stable and cordial. The government of Eswatini has actively and unfailingly supported Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. It is one of Taiwan staunchest allies. (E)