Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda presides over 5th Convocation Ceremony of AIIMS Rishikesh

Convocation ceremony is a special occasion which marks recognition for the achievements made by students: Shri JP Nadda

“The government is focused on providing healthcare which is not only curative but also preventive, palliative and rehabilitative”

“1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational across the country. In the last 10 years, medical colleges have seen an increase of 101%. There has been a 130% increase in MBBS seats while PG seats have seen an increase of 138% in the last 10 years”

Inaugurates several healthcare facilities including Integrated Medicine in the Ayush Department, a PET scan machine in the Nuclear Medicine Department, PACS facility in the Radiology Department and a Centre for Advanced Pediatrics in Pediatric Care

AIIMS Rishikesh is providing advanced medical treatment like robotic surgery, neuro surgery and radiation therapy to patients: Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami

434 Students Awarded Degrees during the convocation

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 2:29PM by PIB Delhi

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda presided over the fifth convocation ceremony of AIIMS Rishikesh, today. He was joined by Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand; Shri Dhan Singh Rawat, Health and Education Minister, Uttarakhand; Members of Lok Sabha, Shri Ajay Bhatt, Shri Ajay Tamta and Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat; and Smt. Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, Speaker of Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly.

Addressing the gathering, Shri JP Nadda stated that “convocation ceremony is a special occasion which marks recognition for the achievements made by students.” He said providing affordable and quality healthcare to every poor person in the country is a priority of the central government.

Shri JP Nadda highlighted the achievements of AIIMS institutes across the country in medical education and services. He stated that “till the advent of this century, India only had on AIIMS in the country. Today, there are 22 AIIMS operating in the country.” He stated that AIIMS Rishikesh has carved a unique identity among healthcare institutes due to its superior services.

He reiterated the central government’s commitment to providing world-class healthcare for the citizenry. “The government is focused on providing healthcare which is not only curative but also preventive, palliative and rehabilitative”, he stated.

Highlighting the achievements of the Union Government in the health sector, Shri Nadda stated, “today, 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational across the country providing a range of services pertaining to healthcare and wellness. In the last 10 years, there has been a 101% increase in medical colleges, totaling 780 across the country. There has been a 130% increase in MBBS seats while PG seats have seen an increase of 138% in the last 10 years”. “Similarly, to cater to the paramedics, 157 nursing colleges are also being established, to be co-located with the medical colleges”, he further stated.

The Union Health Minister appreciated AIIM Rishikesh for effectively utilizing the helicopter and drone services by rescuing 309 critical patients using the services. He also congratulated AIIMS Rishikesh for being one of the best institutes in the country for using digital services like telemedicine (eSanjeevani) to serve the remote and underserved areas of the state.

Shri Nadda concluded his address by encouraging students to approach their work with compassion, integrity, and dedication. Emphasizing that the government spends between Rs. 30-35 lakh for every MBBS student, he urged the new doctors to shoulder more responsibilities as they embark on their professional careers.

During the event, Shri Nadda inaugurated several healthcare facilities to enhance the institute’s medical services, including Integrated Medicine in the Ayush Department, a PET scan machine in the Nuclear Medicine Department, PACS facility in the Radiology Department, and a Centre for Advanced Pediatrics in Pediatric Care.

During the ceremony, Shri Nadda awarded gold medals and degrees to 10 medical students from MBBS, DM, MSc Nursing, BSc Nursing, and BSc Allied Health Sciences programs. A total of 434 students received degrees during the convocation including 98 MBBS students, 95 BSc (Hons) Nursing students, 54 BSc Allied Health Sciences students, 109 MD/MS/MDS students, 17 MSc Nursing students, 1 MSc Medical Allied student, 12 Master of Public Health students, 40 DM/MCh students, and 8 PhD students.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami said that India’s healthcare sector has seen a significant uplift in the last decade with the launch of initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and establishment of new AIIMS and medical colleges.

He stated that AIIMS Rishikesh is providing quality and affordable healthcare services and facilities to people from across the state. He stated that the institute is providing advanced medical treatment like robotic surgery, neuro surgery and radiation therapy to patients. He also highlighted the inauguration of Heli-ambulance services in AIIMS Rishikesh.

Shri Dhami also highlighted that today more than 5,000 Gram Panchayats in Uttarakhand are TB free. He stated the government is working to set up a medical college in every district of the state and expand the network of Jan Aushadi Kendras in the state.

The event was also attended by AIIMS Rishikesh President, Prof. Samiran Nandy; Executive Director, Prof. Meenu Singh; Dean Academics, Prof. Jaya Chaturvedi; Medical Superintendent, Prof. B. Satya Shri; Deputy Director (Administration), Col. Rajiv Sen Roy; Dean Examinations, Prof. Prashant Patil; Financial Advisor, Lt. Col. S. Siddharth; Organizing Committee Chairperson, Prof. Latika Mohan; heads of various departments, faculty members, officers, and medical and nursing students.

*****

MV

HFW/ HFM AIIMS Rishikesh Convocation/15 April 2025/1

(Release ID: 2121816) Visitor Counter : 22

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 12:00PM by PIB Delhi

The annual rate of inflation based on all India Wholesale Price Index (WPI) number is 2.05% (provisional) for the month of March, 2025 (over March, 2024). Positive rate of inflation in March, 2025 is primarily due to increase in prices of manufacture of food products, other manufacturing, food articles, electricity and manufacture of textiles etc. The index numbers and inflation rate for the last three months of all commodities and WPI components are given below:

Note: F: Final, P: Provisional, *Annual rate of WPI inflation calculated over the corresponding month of previous year

The month over month change in WPI for the month of March, 2025 stood at (-) 0.19% as compared to February, 2025. The monthly change in WPI for last six-month is summarized below:

Note: F: Final, P: Provisional, #Monthly rate of change, based on month over month (M-o-M) WPI calculated over the preceding month

 

Month-over-Month Change in Major Groups of WPI:

1. Primary Articles (Weight 22.62%): – The index for this major group decreased by 1.07% to 184.6 (provisional) in March, 2025 from 186.6 (provisional) for the month of February, 2025. Price of crude petroleum & natural gas (-2.42%), non-food articles (-2.40%) and food articles (-0.72%) decreased in March, 2025 as compared to February, 2025. The price of minerals (0.31%) increased in March, 2025 as compared to February, 2025.
2. Fuel & Power (Weight 13.15%): – The index for this major group decreased by 0.91% to 152.4 (provisional) in March, 2025 from 153.8 (provisional) for the month of February, 2025. Price of electricity (-2.31%) and mineral oils (-0.70%) decreased in March, 2025 as compared to February, 2025. The price of coal remained same as in the previous month.
3. Manufactured Products (Weight 64.23%): – The index for this major group increased by 0.42% to 144.4 (Provisional) in March, 2025 from 143.8 (Provisional) for the month of February, 2025. Out of the 22 NIC two-digit groups for manufactured products, 16 groups witnessed an increase in prices, 5 groups witnessed a decrease in prices and 1 group witnessed no change in prices. Some of the important groups that showed month-over-month increase in prices were manufacture of basic metals; food products; other transport equipment; other manufacturing and machinery and equipment etc. Some of the groups that witnessed a decrease in prices were manufacture of textiles; chemicals and chemical products; computer, electronic and optical products; printing and reproduction of recorded media and furniture etc in March, 2025 as compared to February, 2025.

WPI Food Index (Weight 24.38%): The Food Index consisting of ‘food articles’ from primary articles group and ‘food product’ from manufactured products group decreased from 189.0 in February, 2025 to 188.8 in March, 2025. The annual rate of inflation based on WPI Food Index decreased from 5.94% in February, 2025 to 4.66% in March, 2025.

Final Index for the month of January, 2025 (Base Year: 2011-12=100): For the month of January, 2025, the final Wholesale Price Index and inflation rate for ‘All Commodities’ (Base: 2011-12=100) stood at 155.0 and 2.51% respectively. The details of all India Wholesale Price Indices and Rates of Inflation for different commodity groups based on updated figures are at Annex I. The Annual rate of Inflation (Y-o-Y) based on WPI for different commodity groups in the last six months is at Annex II. WPI for different commodity groups in the last six months is at Annex III.

Response Rate: The WPI for March, 2025 has been compiled at a weighted response rate of 82.7 per cent, while the final figure for January, 2025 is based on the weighted response rate of 95.4 per cent. The provisional figures of WPI will undergo revision as per the revision policy of WPI. This press release, item indices, and inflation numbers are available at our home page http://eaindustry.nic.in.

Next date of Press Release: WPI for the month of April, 2025 would be released on 14/05/2025.

Note: DPIIT releases index number of wholesale price in India on monthly basis on 14th of every month (or next working day, if 14^th falls on holiday) with a time lag of two weeks of the reference month, and the index number is compiled with data received from institutional sources and selected manufacturing units across the country. This press release contains WPI (Base Year 2011-12=100) for the month of March, 2025 (Provisional), January, 2025 (Final) and other months/years. Provisional figures of WPI are finalised after 10 weeks (from the month of reference), and frozen thereafter.

Annex-I

All India Wholesale Price Indices and Rates of Inflation (Base Year: 2011-12=100) for March, 2025

Note: * = Provisional. Mf/o = Manufacture of

Annex-II

WPI Inflation (Base Year: 2011-12=100) for last 6 months

Note: * = Provisional. Mf/o = Manufacture of

 

Annex-III

Wholesale Price Indices (Base Year: 2011-12=100) for last 6 months

Note: * = Provisional. Mf/o = Manufacture of

***

Abhishek Dayal

(Release ID: 2121751) Visitor Counter : 188

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) today released the Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technical & Application Guideline, covering the scope and limitations of applications, potential risks and governance principles of generative AI technology, including technical risks such as data leakage, model bias and errors that need to be addressed.

The guideline provides practical operational guidance for technology developers, service providers and users in the application of generative AI technology.

The Generative AI Research & Development (R&D) Center was commissioned earlier to study and suggest appropriate codes and guidelines on the accuracy, responsibility and information security in generative AI technologies and practices, based on practical applications and feedback collected from the industry.

The DPO promulgated the guideline, having considered the research findings and recommendations, with the primary objective to balance AI innovation, application and responsibility, thereby constructing a governance framework with local characteristics suitable in the Hong Kong context for all stakeholders in the AI ecosystem.

The DPO will monitor the latest technological and application developments in generative AI, while maintaining close collaboration with the R&D centre, academic institutions and industry groups. The guideline will be updated regularly for reference by all sectors.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

According to the statistics, 473 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with a total amount of US$2,255,756,000 were approved from January to March 2024. This indicates a decrease of 7.44% in the number of cases, but an increase of 100.20% in FDI amount compared to the same period of 2024.

With regard to inward investment from Mainland China, 6 cases were approved with an amount of US$96,469,000 from January to March 2025. This indicates a decrease of 14.29% in the number of cases, but an increase of 818.52% in the FDI amount compared to the same period of 2024. From July 2009 to March 2025, 1,628 cases were approved with a total investment amount added up to US$2,989,637,000.

In terms of Taiwan’s outbound investment (excluding Mainland China), 186 projects were registered from January to March 2025 with a total amount of US$12,232,898,000, indicating an increase of 3.91% in the number of cases, and an increase of 6.88% in the amount, as compared to the same period of 2024.

As for Taiwan’s outward investment to Mainland China, 46 applications have been approved from January to March 2025, indicating a decrease of 40.26% compared to the same period of 2024. The approved investment amount is US$342,548,000, 62.98% less than he same period in 2024.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong’s Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (CDTA) with Armenia signed in June 2024 has come into force, and will be applicable to Hong Kong tax for any year of assessment beginning April 1, 2026.

 

Under the agreement, companies and residents of both places will not have to pay tax twice on a single source of income.

 

The agreement will also allow them to have certainty on tax liabilities and save tax when they engage in cross-border business activities, thereby helping to promote bilateral trade and investment.

 

Hong Kong has signed CDTAs with 51 tax jurisdictions so far.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

In support of the government’s Deep Energy Savings Promotion Plan, Taipower today (March 27) coordinated with its 24 regional offices across Taiwan to hold a major-user symposium. Nearly 2,000 companies from every industry were invited to participate. The event featured case studies in promoting deep energy-saving practices, and Taipower’s energy diagnosis services. A Taipower representative stated that the Company hopes more businesses will join efforts to save energy, reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and take the critical steps toward Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero transition.

On the morning of the 27th, Taipower held the major-user symposium, titled “Taipower Energy Diagnosis Now, Businesses Energy Savings Wow”, in coordination with regional offices all across Taiwan. In particular, the Taipei South Branch, designated as Taipower’s deep energy-saving demonstration site, attracted participation from over 100 companies. Taipower Vice President Chen Ming-Shu also attended the event, joining forces with Taipower’s energy-saving mascot Power Buddy to serve as energy diagnosis ambassadors and promote energy saving among businesses.

Businesses participating in deep energy-saving should begin with energy assessments and diagnosis supported by Taipower. Following this, businesses should collaborate with an Energy/Engineering Service Companies (ESCOs) to implement equipment upgrades, energy management measures, and other improvements that help reduce electricity costs and increase energy efficiency. A Taipower representative noted that, having completed initial diagnosis and then actual improvements, the Ministry of Finance office building now saves 380 MWh annually, the Grand Hotel saves 840 MWh per year, and Far East Century Park Phase I, home to many major tech companies, is saving an impressive 2 GWh per year.
A Taipower representative pointed out that in 2019, the Company established energy diagnosis centers in northern, central, and southern Taiwan. These centers use specialized measuring instruments to provide free energy-saving consultations for major electricity users (those contracted for 100 to 800 kW). In 2024, the centers delivered tailored energy-saving assessments to over 300 companies. If the recommended improvements are fully implemented, Taipower estimates that these businesses could collectively save 37 GWh of electricity, equivalent to the annual electricity usage of more than 9,000 households, while also reducing approximately 18,000 metric tons of carbon emissions.

In addition to offering free energy diagnosis services to major electricity users, Taipower is actively supporting the government’s Deep Energy Savings Promotion Plan. The Plan calls on state-owned enterprises and major medical institutions to lead by example, and Taipower has taken the initiative by implementing energy-saving improvement projects at six demonstration sites. These include the Company’s Headquarters Building; the Taiwan Power Research Institute (TPRI)’s Shulin Campus; the Linkou Training Center; and the Taipei Southern, Hsinchu, and Taichung regional offices. At the Taipei Southern Regional Office, for example, Taipower introduced ESCO services and fully upgraded the central air conditioning system, resulting in an estimated annual electricity savings of nearly 1 GWh.

Spokesperson: Vice President Tsai Chih-Meng
Phone: (02) 2366-6271/0958-749-333
Email: u910707@taipower.com.tw
Contact Person: Department of Business Director Huang Mei-Lien
Phone: (02) 2366-6650/0922-696-383
Email: u030573@taipower.com.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

For over a decade, Taipower has been dedicated to conserving Kaohsiung’s Yong’an Wetland and creating a haven for black-faced spoonbills there. Through scientific management and water level control technology, the wetland has been transformed into a welcoming ‘Waterbird Hotel’ – an ideal migratory bird habitat and feeding ground. Since autumn last year (2024), the site has hosted hundreds of migratory birds, including globally endangered species such as the black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor), northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata), and Eurasian wigeon (Mareca penelope).

Integrating the wetland’s unique features into its operations, Hsinta Power Plant developed an environmental education program that has been certified by the Ministry of Environment. This makes it the first thermal power plant in Taiwan to be officially designated as an environmental education site. The unveiling ceremony was held today (January 3). A Taipower representative stated that while Taipower remains committed to its mission of ensuring stable power supply, it will also continue promoting environmental education and preserving the biodiversity of the Yong’an Wetland, so that these feathered guests can enjoy a cozy winter and make every visit a happy ‘Bird-Day’.

Taipower held the Yong’an Wetland Migratory Bird Season and Environmental Education Site Unveiling Ceremony today at the Yong’an Wetland Ecological Education Center in Kaohsiung. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-Sheng; Kaohsiung City Government Public Works Bureau Director Yang Chin-Fu; Kaohsiung City Government Environmental Protection Bureau Deputy Director Huang Shih-Hung; and former Kaohsiung City Government Advisor Tsan-Cheng Lin. Together, they jointly unveiled the plaque. Students and teachers from Yong’an Elementary School and Xingang Elementary School were also invited to participate in birdwatching activities, enthusiastically welcoming the start of the migratory bird season at Yong’an Wetland.

Ecological restoration success – black-faced spoonbill population quadruples in 10 years

A Taipower representative stated that in 2010, the Company established an ecological survey team and launched ecological conservation research. Since then, they have collected over 500,000 waterbird and water depth observations. Through scientific management and water level control technology, the number of waterbirds at Yong’an Wetland has increased significantly, with the black-faced spoonbill population growing fourfold over the past decade. Today, Yong’an Wetland has become a winter sanctuary for migratory birds. As early as last October, black-faced spoonbills had already been spotted, and recently, charming visitors such as black-winged stilts (Himantopus himantopus), northern shovelers, and Eurasian wigeons have also been seen.

A Taipower representative explained that Yong’an Wetland was originally developed as the Wushulin Salt Fields during the Japanese colonial period. In 1984, with the transformation of the salt industry, the land ownership was transferred to Taipower for power development purposes. However, Taipower not only preserved the Wushulin Salt Manufacturing Company Office – a County-designated historic site – but also made efforts to minimize the scope of development. Taipower retained two-thirds of the site as environmental conservation land, deliberately avoiding key bird habitats. The overall plan designates 41.25 hectares as wetland conservation area and 15 hectares as an ecological buffer zone with greenbelts and protected areas. Statistics show that over 160 species of birds have been recorded visiting the site. The notable phenomenon of “migratory birds becoming resident birds” has also been observed, with species such as the Kentish plover (Anarhynchus alexandrines) and black-winged stilt now settling and breeding in the area.

Taipower also collaborated with internationally-acclaimed, award-winning director Hsu Hung-Lung to produce the documentary film “Flying Bird Power Plant”. The film records Taipower’s efforts and achievements in ecological conservation. The film has earned multiple honors, including a Platinum Remi Award at the 2024 WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, a Document Special Award at the Accolade Global Film Competition, and an Award of Excellence for Nature/Environment/Wildlife at the All-American Short Film Competition.

Integrating wetland wonders with energy exploration – three different courses to have fun in!

Hsinta Power Plant is the only power plant in Taiwan with a wetland onsite. Taipower has integrated ecological conservation with energy education to develop three courses: Wonders of Hsinta; Eco Task Force; and Chasing the Spark. Led by a team of expert instructors, participants can explore the saltwater wetland ecosystem, observing mangrove plants and aquatic fish, shrimp, and shellfish, while also learning about power generation principles. The courses include hands-on creative activities using byproducts from the power generation process, offering a fun and educational experience.

A Taipower representative stated that Hsinta Power Plant received official certification from the Ministry of Environment as an Environmental Education Facility in September last year. The unveiling ceremony was held today, and the site will be open for reservations starting January 10. (For details, please visit the Hsinta Power Plant Environmental Education website: https://www.hsinta-ee.com.tw/ .) Schools and organizations are welcome to get in touch and schedule visits.

Balancing a stable power supply with ecological conservation: Hsinta’s new Unit 1 undergoing trial operation

To meet growing electricity demand and achieve the net-zero emission goals, Taipower is currently constructing new gas-fired combined cycle units at Hsinta Power Plant. The three new units will have a total installed capacity of 3.9 GW. Construction began in December 2020, and by the end of last year, the project was more than 80% complete. A Taipower representative pointed out that the new Unit 1 first began generating power last September, and is currently undergoing trial operation. The goal is for the unit to be ready for grid dispatch by the end of February, followed by commercial operation. Once officially online, it is expected to generate over 7 TWh of low-carbon electricity per year. Meanwhile, new Units 2 and 3 are currently undergoing mechanical, instrumentation, and electrical installation. They are projected to be gradually connected to the grid starting this year.

Spokesperson: Vice President Tsai Chih-Meng
Phone: (02) 2366-6271/0958-749-333
Email: u910707@taipower.com.tw
Contact Person: Department of Environmental Protection Director Wu Cheng-Hung
Phone: (02) 2366-7200/0927-291-156
Email: u015279@taipower.com.tw