He thanked various departments for their concerted efforts and co-operation over the past two years.
Based on reviews by those departments, hygiene conditions at 94% of the hygiene black spots previously listed were judged to have improved markedly and were considered for removal from the list.
However, 64 such spots have not yet recorded continuous improvement over two years, and have therefore been kept on the black spot list for now.
Mr Cheuk stressed that the Government’s work in tackling hygiene black spots is ongoing, adding that departments will keep up their efforts and closely monitor hygiene conditions at these locations. He said that prompt actions will be taken at any spots where circumstances change.
In support of National Security Education Day, the Fire Services Department will hold an open day at the Fire & Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O on April 13. Citizens can apply for admission tickets from today until Wednesday.
Activities will include an introduction to the department’s efforts in safeguarding national security, a fire appliances parade, firefighting and rescue demonstrations, and displays of training facilities, equipment and special vehicles.
The event will also feature an exhibition on fire safety education, game booths, a recruitment area, and a demonstration involving Fire Services working dogs.
The Fire & Ambulance Services Education Centre & Museum will also be open to the public on the day.
The open day will be held from 9am to 5pm. People can apply for a maximum of four admission tickets by using the latest version of the Fire Services Department mobile application, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store, Google Play or Huawei AppGallery for free.
Tickets will be allocated by computer ballot and successful applicants will receive a notification through the mobile app this Thursday. Children aged three or below do not require a ticket.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Film festival returns to Dubai showcasing Hong Kong’s cinematic brilliance Presented by the Asian Film Awards Academy, the week-long film festival kicked off the “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” with eight Hong Kong films of different genres from March 22 to 28 (Dubai time), at Cinema Akil at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai to showcase Hong Kong’s vibrant and diverse film culture to local audiences.
In the light of the Ramadan period, the Dubai ETO kicked off the film festival with a unique Iftar-style opening reception, where local audiences and members of the Hong Kong community gathered to share Middle East and Asian delicacies and celebrate the spirits of friendship and harmony during Ramadan, strengthening people-to-people bonds and cultural exchange between the two places. The Iftar dinner was followed by the screening of the opening film “An Abandoned Team”, as film enthusiasts interacted with director Thomas Lee to explore themes of loneliness, redemption, and the unexpected bond between a man and a stray dog portrayed in the drama.
The festival also showcased other genres including gripping thrillers and thought-provoking narratives, with the screening of “Blossoms Under Somewhere”, “Montages of a Modern Motherhood”, “Last Song for You”, “Cesium Fallout”, “Papa”, “The Last Dance” and the classic film “The Bride with White Hair”, which offered viewers a nostalgic glimpse into the iconic martial arts fantasy world.
Director Oliver Siu Kuen Chan from “Montages of a Modern Motherhood”, and actress Sheena Chan from “Blossoms Under Somewhere” also travelled to Dubai to attend the opening reception of the film festival as well as post-screening sharing sessions to interact with local film enthusiasts. Veteran film critic Patrick Suen also shared valuable insights into the featured films.
Speaking at the opening reception to over 100 guests, the Deputy Director of the Dubai ETO, Mr Leo Poon, highlighted the unique charm of Hong Kong cinema, as well as the measures of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in supporting the cultural and creative industries.
“The Government is committed to promoting the development of cultural and creative sectors. A total of over $1.3 billion has been approved by the Film Development Fund to support more than 120 film projects which have won more than 180 awards, a testament to our film industry’s excellence. This January, the Government also launched the Film Production Financing Scheme 2.0, with the goal of continuing to provide subsidies and incentives to film productions with budgets of up to $25 million, thereby boosting the sector’s long-term growth. With these efforts, we look forward to bringing more of the best from Hong Kong’s creative industry to this region,” said Mr Poon.
The Dubai ETO will continue to collaborate with partners in the region to promote Hong Kong’s creative and cultural industries through its regular offerings as well as novel events. Issued at HKT 7:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, inspected the passing-out parade for 29 probationary inspectors and 158 recruit police constables at the Hong Kong Police College today (March 29) and witnessed the graduates becoming members of the Force, ready to shoulder the noble mission of safeguarding national security and protecting the lives and property of citizens.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Siu encouraged the graduates to embrace their responsibilities as law enforcers who adhere to the principles of “Law, Reason, and Empathy”. He explained that “Law” represents the legal framework, emphasising the importance of impartiality and fairness in law enforcement while also requiring officers to set an example of lawfulness themselves. “Reason” highlights the significance of understanding through communication to reduce unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts, thereby enhancing professionalism in handling incidents. “Empathy” encourages officers to put themselves in the shoes of others, considering the underlying reasons behind citizens’ requests for assistance.
He shared several stories about how citizens praised Force members for their professionalism and efficiency in assisting them in distress, exemplifying understanding and care for individuals in need. He encouraged the graduates to demonstrate professionalism in their duties, and to strive for continuous improvement by leveraging the public trust they have earned while prioritising the well-being of citizens. He stressed that professional police officers should not only focus on “completing the tasks”, but more importantly, aim “to excel in their duties”.
Reflecting on his 36-year career in the Force, Mr Siu said that his aspiration was to uphold justice and maintain law and order. He stated that it was not just a job for him, but a passion that brought him immense satisfaction. He felt fortunate to be part of the Force and considered working alongside with colleagues – sharing both hardship and joy – is a source of great fulfillment and a life without regrets.
He firmly believed that with the dedication and professionalism of his police colleagues, along with the support of stakeholders and the general public, Hong Kong’s law and order will continue to improve, allowing citizens to live and work in a better community.
In conclusion, he inspired the graduates with the words, “Work is exciting because of the challenges, life is fulfilling because of the efforts”, urging them to uphold their aspirations of joining the Force and to continue the over 180-year tradition of excellence of the Police Force. He also encouraged them to embody the core values of “Honour, Duty and Loyalty”, that is to be loyal to the mission of the Force; sincere in protecting citizens; brave and courageous in protecting citizens in any conditions, thereby ensuring Hong Kong remains one of the safest and most stable cities in the world.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (March 29) that a sample of prepackaged pasteurised double cream imported from the United Kingdom (UK) was detected with total bacterial count exceeding the legal limit. The CFS urged the public not to consume the affected batch of the product. The trade should stop using or selling the batch of the product concerned immediately if they possess it.
Product details are as follows:
Product name: British Double Cream 300ml
Brand: Marks & Spencer
Place of origin: UK
Importer: Alf Retail Hong Kong Limited
Packing: 300ml per pack
Use-by date: March 29, 2025
A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample at the import level for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the total bacterial count for the sample was 394 800 per millilitre. According to the Milk Regulation (Cap. 132AQ), milk after heat treatment by means of pasteurisation should not contain more than 30 000 bacteria per millilitre.”
The CFS has informed the importer concerned of the irregularity, and has temporarily suspended the permission to import for sale of the product concerned granted earlier to the importer. The importer concerned has stopped selling and removed from shelves the affected batch of the product upon the CFS’s instructions and has initiated a recall. Enquiries about the recall can be made to the importer’s hotline at 3656 2253 during office hours.
The spokesman said that the total bacterial counts exceeding the legal limit indicated that the hygienic conditions were unsatisfactory, but did not mean it would lead to food poisoning.
The CFS will inform the British authorities of the incident, and will continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Attention TV/radio announcers:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 29) that the red tide off Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District has dissipated and the water quality of the beach is suitable for swimming.
However, due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at the Silverstrand Beach. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; and the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, will depart for Zhengzhou in Henan Province tomorrow (March 30), to attend the Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor in the Year of Yisi on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.
They will return to Hong Kong on March 31. During the absence of Mr Yau and Miss Mak, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, and the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, will act as the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs respectively.
Creators Street and Epiko Con, in collaboration with the Telangana Government, ICA Indian Comics Association, Forbidden Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI) and Telangana VFX Animation and Gaming Association (TVAGA) and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India proudly announce the WAVES Cosplay Championship—India’s most prestigious cosplay competition. Set to take place at 2025 World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025, this landmark event will bring together India’s most talented cosplayers, celebrating their artistry, dedication, and craftsmanship in the world of pop culture.
About WAVES Cosplay Championship
The WAVES Cosplay Championship aims to empower India’s growing cosplay community by providing a world-class platform for participants to showcase their skills, creativity, and passion for pop culture. This championship aligns with India’s expanding entertainment and AVGC-XR sector, encouraging self-expression and innovation in costume design, performance and character portrayal.
Competition Highlights
Grand Finale:80-100 finalists will present their cosplays live on the WAVES 2025 stage.
Jury: Participants will be judged by esteemed industry experts, international guests and cosplay professionals.
Diverse Categories: Catagories will represent Indian mythology, Pop Culture, Anime, Manga, DC, Marvel, and more.
●Global Exposure: A chance to gain recognition on an international level.
Prize Money: Prize money of more than ₹1,50,000/- up for grabs.
Online Registration & Jury Review– Cosplayers to submit their entries online, which will be reviewed by a jury.
Finalist Selection– Top 80-100 cosplayers will be selected and notified via email.
Live Championship at WAVES 2025– Finalists will walk the ramp in full cosplay, showcasing their best poses and performances.
Jury Evaluation & Announcement of Winners– Based on key judging parameters, winners across multiple categories will be crowned.
Key Dates
● Registration Opens: March 28, 2025
Submission Deadline: April 7, 2025
WAVES Cosplay Championship Grand Finale: May 1 – 4, 2025
The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.
Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.
WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, expresses happiness over the surrender of 50 Naxalites in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, and welcomes them into the mainstream Union Home Minister appeals to the rest of the Naxalites to give up arms and join the mainstream
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s policy is clear that Naxalites who give up arms and adopt the path of development will be rehabilitated and connected to the mainstream
Our resolve is that after March 31, 2026, Naxalism will become history in the country
Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 6:21PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today expressed happiness over the surrender of 50 Naxalites in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, and welcomed them into the mainstream. He urged other Naxalites to abandon violence and integrate into society, emphasizing that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s policy ensures rehabilitation and development for those who renounce arms. Shri Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating Naxalism, stating that after March 31, 2026, it will become history in the country.
In a post on X, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said, “It is a matter of great joy that 50 Naxalites in Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) surrendered, abandoning the path of violence. I welcome those who leave violence and weapons and join the mainstream of development. Modi ji’s policy is clear that any Naxalite who leaves weapons and adopts the path of development will be rehabilitated and connected to the mainstream. I once again appeal to the rest of the people to give up weapons and join the mainstream. After March 31, 2026, Naxalism will become history in the country, this is our resolution.”
बहुत हर्ष का विषय है कि बीजापुर (छत्तीसगढ़) में 50 नक्सलियों ने हिंसा का रास्ता छोड़कर आत्मसमर्पण किया। हिंसा और हथियार छोड़कर विकास की मुख्यधारा में शामिल होने वालों का मैं स्वागत करता हूँ। मोदी जी की नीति स्पष्ट है कि जो भी नक्सली हथियार छोड़कर विकास का मार्ग अपनाएँगे, उनका…