Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Today (April 15) marks the 10th National Security Education Day. The Security Bureau (SB) and its disciplined services and auxiliary services, together with other parties, held various activities including a flag-raising ceremony by disciplined services, the finals and award presentation ceremony of the Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge, and the launching ceremony of the new national security comic book Andy and Security Bear, with a view to creating an engaging atmosphere for safeguarding national security and enhancing public awareness of safeguarding national security.
The SB and its disciplined services jointly held a flag-raising ceremony at the Hong Kong Police College this morning. The ceremony started with a music performance by the Police Band, followed by a march-in of the disciplined services ceremonial guard. The Police flag party then marched into the venue and conducted the flag-raising ceremony with the playing and singing of the national anthem. Officiating at the ceremony, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said that the flag-raising ceremony instils passion and loyalty towards the country and the people, as well as deepens the understanding of the responsibility and mission to safeguard national security. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will continue to leverage the strengths of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance to build a strong line of defence to maintain security and stability in the HKSAR, and to provide solid institutional safeguards to promote good governance.
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture is hosting a two-day International Conclave at Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, titled “Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of North-East India” on 21-22 April 2025. The event is likely to be attended by the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Shri Pema Khandu. The Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Chowna Mein who hails from this region, is also likely to participate.
North- East India, comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, is a significant centre for Buddhist traditions, monastic culture, and heritage. The region has preserved and propagated various Buddhist traditions, including Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna.
The Government of India is actively involved in several initiatives to promote Buddhist tourism, heritage conservation, and cultural exchange programmes to strengthen the presence of Buddha Dhamma in the region. To explore the significance of “Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of North – East India”, IBC is organising the 2-day event at the Multipurpose Cultural Hall, Namsai.
While the first day will include three panel discussions on – its historical relevance, art and culture of the region and cultural impact of Buddha Dhamma on the neighbouring countries, and vice versa, the second day will be dedicated to practicing Vipassana and praying for world peace at the famous Golden Pagoda.
Historically, Buddha Dhamma reached North-East India during the reign of Emperor Ashoka and expanded to other neighbouring regions. It has played a crucial role in the Buddhist cultural corridor connecting India to Southeast Asia.
Besides, the North- East India is home to several indigenous tribes that have integrated Buddha Dhamma with their traditional customs. Diverse Buddhist traditions, Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna, flourish here.
In a significant operation against drug trafficking, acting on specific intelligence, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted an Indian national upon her arrival from Dubai at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, on 14.04.2024, New Delhi.
The baggage of the passenger, after a thorough inspection, was found to contain five empty handbags / purses. Upon cutting open the inner layers of these five bags, 10 packets of white-coloured powder weighing 7.56 kg and worth around Rs. 75.6 crore, were found concealed and tested positive for cocaine.
The apprehended individual was arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The DRI is pursuing further investigations to uncover the source of the drugs and identify any potential networks involved in the smuggling operation.
Bangaluru based QpiAI, one of the 8 startups selected under the National Quantum Mission, coordinated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) announced the launch of one of India’s most powerful quantum computers featuring 25 superconducting qubits, on the occasion of World Quantum Day yesterday.
QpiAI-Indus, the quantum computer launched, is the first full-stack quantum computing system in the country and combines advanced quantum hardware, scalable control, and optimized software for transformative hybrid computing. It integrates advanced quantum processors, next-generation Quantum-HPC software platforms, and AI-enhanced quantum solutions.
With this milestone, QpiAI is driving deep-science and deep-tech innovation across life sciences, drug discovery, materials sciences, mobility, logistics, sustainability, and climate action.
As a part of India’s National Quantum Mission, QpiAI is at the forefront of building the country’s quantum computing technology ecosystem, national quantum adoption programs, and creating one of the world’s largest quantum talent ecosystems. QpiAI is committed to accelerating India’s quantum journey, making quantum computing technologies practical, accessible, and globally impactful. The technologies from the company, bootstrapped in 2019, have led to 11 patent applications and generated a revenue of around Rs 1 million per annum. They have also generated substantial capital from the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
With this announcement on World Quantum Day which marks a shared vision for a quantum-enabled future that transforms industries, accelerates scientific discovery, and empowers the next generation of innovators, QpiAI joins the global community of scientists, engineers, policy makers, and enthusiasts in celebrating the remarkable progress and possibilities unlocked by quantum science and technology.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected ketamine worth about $13 million at airport (with photo) A male passenger, aged 40, arrived in Hong Kong from Paris, France, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected ketamine inside his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.
The arrestee has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (April 16).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk Issued at HKT 20:30
The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with Pentagon Press, successfully hosted the second edition of the Defence Literature Festival ‘Kalam & Kavach 2.0’ at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. This year’s theme was ‘Securing India’s Rise through Defence Reforms’.
The event, held on April 15, 2025, focused on Defence Technology and Future Warfare, particularly in the context of defence manufacturing. It was aligned with the Prime Minister’s call for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) and highlighted key aspects of acquisition & procurement reforms.
The event brought together distinguished experts from the Armed Forces, strategic policymakers, industry leaders, and domain specialists to deliberate on critical issues affecting India’s national security. Discussions included several cutting-edge topics including Technology & Future Warfare; the role of AI, cyber technologies, quantum computing, drones, space technology, and semiconductors in modern military operations; Defence Manufacturing & Aatmanirbharta, Acquisition & Procurement Reforms.
The event focused on charting a strategic roadmap for its national security, diplomacy and development. It also covered the progress made on adoption of niche technologies, enhancing multi-domain and cross-domain operational capabilities to include land, air, sea, cyber and space. The agenda also included contemporary maritime security paradigms, future challenges and the way ahead to further the combat capability.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms,’ marking a transformational year aimed at converting the Armed Forces into a technologically-advanced, combat-ready force. This vision underscores the nation’s commitment to multi-domain, integrated operations and emphasises a mission-mode approach to defence reforms, facilitating technology transfer, and improving public-private partnerships.
INSV Tarini was ceremonially flagged off from the Royal Cape Yacht Club for the final leg of her journey to Goa on 15 Apr 25, at 1030 hours local time (1400 hrs IST). The send-off was graced by the presence of the Officiating Consul General of India in Cape Town, the Defence Attaché of India to South Africa, members of the RCYC Governing Council, and representatives of the Indian community in Cape Town.
The circumnavigation is a significant endeavour aimed at promoting ocean sailing in India, showcasing the strength and resilience of Indian women in uniform, and highlighting India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
As part of the ongoing Navika Sagar Parikrama II, INSV Tarini, proudly crewed by Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A, made a scheduled stopover at Cape Town, South Africa.
During her port call at Cape Town, INSV Tarini served as a hub for numerous outreach and diplomatic engagements. The vessel played host to several esteemed guests including:
• Shri Prabhat Kumar, Hon’ble High Commissioner of India to South Africa.
• Mr Reagan Allen, Deputy Speaker of the Western Cape.
• Mr Johnathan Rhodes, former international cricketer and a friend of India.
• Ms Kirsten Neuschäfer, winner of the prestigious Golden Globe Race 2022–23 and a noted solo circumnavigator.
• Smt Ruby Jaspreet, Counsel General of India at Cape Town.
• Members of the Indian diaspora and local dignitaries.
This visit also provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and highlighted the growing maritime cooperation between India and South Africa.
In addition to hosting high-profile guests, the crew of INSV Tarini engaged in a series of interactive events aimed at promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and India’s capability in indigenous boat building. These included:
• A special interaction with students from the Indian diaspora.
• Experience sharing with prominent citizens, and members of the diplomatic community at RCYC, Cape Town, where the officers shared insights into their journey, the challenges of ocean sailing, and the vision behind Navika Sagar Parikrama.
• A formal session with faculty and Select students at the University of the Western Cape.
• Engagement with Naval Cadets at the Naval College, inspiring the next generation of naval officers.
• Interaction with young aspiring sailors of the Royal Cape Yacht Club(RCYC) Sailing Academy, promoting maritime spirit and camaraderie.
The crew also utilized the stop to undertake routine and essential maintenance of INSV Tarini, ensuring the vessel remains in peak operational condition for the final stretch of the voyage.
INSV Tarini is expected to reach Goa by end May 2025, marking the successful completion of yet another proud chapter in India’s maritime history. The Navika Sagar Parikrama II continues to be a beacon of women empowerment, maritime excellence, and national pride.
India’s Top Young Game Developers Set to Shine at WAVES Summit 2025
Introduction
India’s most innovative game developers have secured their place in the spotlight with the announcement of the Top 10 games from the inaugural Road to Game Jam, a highlight of the Create in India Challenge: Season 1 under the Government of India’s World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES). These exceptional titles will be showcased at the WAVES Summit in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025, celebrating the creativity shaping the future of gaming.
The “Road to Game Jam” is an exciting opportunity for India’s game developers to showcase their creativity and innovation. Organized by Game Developer Association of India (GDAI) in collaboration with KGeN (Kratos Gamer Network), this initiative falls under Pillar 2 of WAVES, which focuses on AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics, along with Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality and the Metaverse). By providing a national platform for emerging talent, the initiative aims to foster creativity, encourage collaboration, and strengthen India’s growing game development ecosystem.
Response & Participation
With an overwhelming 5,500 registrations from more than 1,650 colleges across 453 cities and towns in India, the Road to Game Jam marked a significant step in nurturing young game development talent. The initiative included AMA sessions and knowledge-sharing workshops led by industry leaders, offering participants practical insights into game design, storytelling, and the business of gaming.
Following several rounds of elimination, over 175 teams submitted original games, each of which was rigorously evaluated by a jury of seasoned professionals from the gaming industry.
Top 10 Finalists
The final Top 10 games selected through the Road to Game Jam will be showcased at the WAVES Summit in Mumbai from 1 to 4 May 2025. These original titles reflect a range of creative voices from student teams and solo developers to early-stage startups, and represent the best of India’s emerging game development talent.
Rewards and Recognition
The above-mentioned winning teams will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the WAVES Summit in Mumbai, where they will present their games to a global industry jury. The top three entries will also receive a combined prize pool of ₹7 lakh, with ₹3.5 lakh for first place, ₹2 lakh for second, and ₹1.5 lakh for third.
Game Jam Themes
Here are the unique themes for the Game Jam, each designed to motivate participants to blend creativity with technical innovation.
India’s Growing Strength in Game Development
India is rapidly emerging as a global force in game development. According to a recent report by Lumikai, India’s pioneering interactive media and gaming venture capital firm, the country is home to over 550 million gamers, with 175 million of them making in-game purchases. This massive user base is underpinned by key enablers such as affordable data access, a mobile-first gaming culture, and a digitally savvy, youthful population—more than 65 percent of whom are under the age of 35.
India’s true strength lies not just in its consumption but in its creative potential. With a vast pool of engineering and design talent, a thriving indie developer community, and growing government and industry support, the country is well-positioned to become a global hub for game creation and production. Increasing investments in skilling, infrastructure, and funding are laying a strong foundation, while national and state-level game education initiatives continue to gain momentum. Global publishers, studios, and platforms are also showing growing interest in co-developing and investing in Indian talent, further cementing the country’s standing in the global gaming ecosystem.
Conclusion
The Road to Game Jam has not only spotlighted the immense talent and imagination of India’s next generation game developers but has also demonstrated the country’s growing capability to lead on the global gaming stage. By bringing together aspiring creators, industry mentors, and international platforms, the initiative has laid the groundwork for a stronger and more inclusive game development ecosystem. As the Top 10 teams gear up to present their games at the WAVES Summit in Mumbai, their journey reflects a broader national ambition to position India not just as a vibrant gaming market but as a powerhouse of original and world-class game creation.
2025 Southwest Monsoon likely to be above normal, says IMD’S Long Range Forecast for the Southwest Monsoon Seasonal Rainfall Seasonal rainfall expected at 105% of LPA with a margin of ±5%
Enso conditions neutral, but la Niña-like atmospheric patterns observed neutral ENSO likely to persist throughout the monsoon season
Indian ocean dipole remains neutral ahead of monsoon 2025 climate models predict continued neutral IOD conditions through the season
Below-normal snow cover in Eurasia for last three months may boost Indian monsoon
Posted On: 15 APR 2025 5:45PM by PIB Delhi
Highlights
a) The southwest monsoon seasonal (June to September) rainfall over the country as a whole during 2025 is most likely to be above normal (>104% of the Long Period Average (LPA)). Quantitatively, the seasonal rainfall over the country as a whole is likely to be 105% of LPA with a model error of ± 5%. The LPA of the season rainfall over the country as a whole for the period 1971-2020 is 87 cm.
b) Currently, Neutral El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions are prevailing over the equatorial Pacific region. However, the atmospheric Circulation features are similar to La Nina conditions. The latest Monsoon Mission Climate Forecast System (MMCFS) as well as other climate model forecasts indicate that the Neutral ENSO condition are likely to continue during the monsoon season.
c)At present, neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions are present over the Indian Ocean and the latest Climate models forecast indicates that the Neutral IOD conditions are likely to continue during the southwest monsoon season.
d)The snow cover areas of northern hemisphere and Eurasia during the last three months (January to March, 2025) were below normal. The winter and spring snow cover extent over Northern Hemisphere as well as Eurasia has in general an inverse relationship with the subsequent Indian summer monsoon rainfall. IMD will issue the updated forecasts for monsoon season rainfall in the last week of May 2025.
1. Background
Since 2003, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing the operational long-range forecast (LRF) for the southwest monsoon seasonal (June-September) rainfall averaged over the country as a whole in two stages. The first stage forecast is issued in April and the second stage or updated forecast is issued by the end of May. In 2021, IMD has implemented a new strategy for issuing monthly and seasonal operational forecasts for the southwest monsoon rainfall over the country by modifying the existing two stage forecasting strategy. The new strategy uses both dynamical and statistical forecasting system. Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) forecasting system based on coupled global climate models (CGCMs) from different global climate prediction centres, including IMD’s Monsoon Mission Climate Forecast System (MMCFS) are used.
As per the new LRF strategy, the first stage forecast issued in middle of April consists of the quantitative and probabilistic forecasts for the country as a whole, and the spatial distribution of probabilistic forecasts for the tercile categories (above normal, normal, and below normal) of the seasonal (June-September) rainfall over the country.
The second stage forecast issued around end of May consist of update for the seasonal rainfall forecast issued in April along with the probabilistic forecasts for the seasonal rainfall over the four homogenous regions of India (northwest India, central India, south Peninsula and northeast India) and monsoon core zone (MCZ). In addition, quantitative and probabilistic forecasts for the country as a whole, and the spatial distribution of probabilistic forecasts for the tercile categories (above normal, normal, and below normal) of the June rainfall over the country are also issued during the second state forecast.
In continuation to the above forecasts, monthly rainfall forecast is issued around end of June, July and August respectively for the subsequent one month. In addition, quantitative and probabilistic forecasts for the country as a whole, and the spatial distribution of probabilistic forecasts for the tercile categories for the second half of the season rainfall is issued around end of July along with the forecast for August.
2. Forecast for the 2025 Southwest Monsoon Season (June–September) rainfall over the country as a whole during 2025.
The forecast based on both dynamical and statistical models suggests that quantitatively, the monsoon seasonal rainfall is likely to be 105% of the Long Period 3 3
Average (LPA) with a model error of ± 5%. The LPA of the season rainfall over the country as a whole for the period 1971-2020 is 87 cm.
The five category probability forecasts for the Seasonal (June to September) rainfall over the country as a whole are given below, which suggests that there is strong probability (59%) of southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall likely to be in the above normal category or higher (>104% of LPA).
Category
Rainfall Range
(% of LPA)
Forecast Probability (%)
Climatological
Probability (%)
Deficient
< 90
2
16
Below Normal
90 – 95
9
17
Normal
96 -104
30
33
Above Normal
105-110
33
16
Excess
> 110
26
17
The MME forecast for the southwest monsoon season rainfall during 2025 was prepared based on the April initial conditions of a group of coupled climate models which have higher prediction skill over the Indian monsoon region.
The spatial distribution of probabilistic forecasts for tercile categories (above normal, normal and below normal) for the seasonal (June to September) rainfall during 2025 is shown in Fig.1. The spatial distribution suggests above-normal seasonal rainfall is very likely over most parts of the country except some areas over Northwest India, Northeast India and South Peninsular India, where below-normal rainfall is likely. The white-shaded areas within the land area represent no signal from the model with equal probabilities for all the tercile categories of rainfall.
3. Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Conditions in the equatorial Pacific & Indian Oceans
Currently, neutral ENSO conditions are prevailing over the equatorial Pacific region. However, the atmospheric Circulation features are similar to La Nina conditions. The latest MMCFS as well as other climate models forecast indicates that neutral ENSO conditions are likely to continue during the monsoon season.
At present, neutral IOD conditions are present over the Indian Ocean and the latest climate model forecast indicates that the neutral IOD conditions are likely to continue during the southwest monsoon season.
As sea surface temperature (SST) conditions over the Pacific and the Indian Oceans are known to have a strong influence on the Indian monsoon, IMD is carefully monitoring the evolution of sea surface conditions over these Ocean basins.
4. Snow Cover over the Northern Hemisphere
The winter and spring snow cover extent over Northern Hemisphere as well as Eurasia has in general an inverse relationship with the subsequent Indian summer monsoon rainfall. The areas of northern hemisphere snow cover and Eurasian snow cover during January to March, 2025 were observed to be below normal.
Fig.1.Probability forecast of tercile categories* (below normal, normal, and above normal) for the seasonal rainfall over India during southwest monsoon season (June -September), 2025. The figure illustrates the most likely categories as well as their probabilities. The white shaded areas represent no signal from the model with equal probabilities for all the tercile categories.
(*Tercile categories have equal climatological probabilities, of 33.33% each).
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi holds telephonic conversation with the Prime Minister of Denmark H.E. Ms. Mette Frederiksen The leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral relations as well global developments
The leaders looked forward to their meeting in Norway on the sidelines of the forthcoming India-Nordic Summit
Posted On: 15 APR 2025 6:02PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Denmark H.E. Ms. Mette Frederiksen had a telephonic conversation today. Both leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral relations as well as global developments.
2. Recalling high-level exchanges between both countries ever since the launch of the Green Strategic Partnership in 2020, the leaders noted the expansion of the Green Strategic Partnership in various fields which have created favorable conditions for Danish investments in India to contribute to green transition. The leaders also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest.
3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he was looking forward to the 3rd India- Nordic Summit scheduled to be held later this year in Norway, and his meeting with Prime Minister Frederiksen at that time.