Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Kai Tak Sports Park concertgoers should use public transport and stay alert to unstable weather
MTR: Special bus routes:Hong Kong Island: Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Admiralty, Central, Tai Koo, Shau Kei Wan, Siu Sai Wan;
Kowloon: Mong Kok, Kwun Tong;
New Territories East: Tai Po, Fanling, Sheung Shui, Tseung Kwan O;
New Territories West: Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Tin Shui Wai, Kwai Chung, Tsuen Wan, Tsing Yi;
Taxis: Spectators are advised to take heed of the real-time information via the on-site broadcast and the “Easy Leave” platform (easyleave.police.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:06
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Character of Lord Rama has provided the Energy and Direction to sustain the flow of Indian Culture: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Source: Government of India
Character of Lord Rama has provided the Energy and Direction to sustain the flow of Indian Culture: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Ayodhya was Ancient India’s Soft Power: Shri Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, Jammu & Kashmir
Three-day cultural celebration ‘Ayodhya Parv’ commenced with grandeur at IGNCA
Posted On: 11 APR 2025 10:30PM by PIB Delhi
The three-day cultural celebration ‘Ayodhya Parv’ commenced with grandeur at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), marked by the inauguration of three remarkable exhibitions—one featuring Padma Shri Vasudev Kamath’s paintings based on ‘Maryada Purushottam’ (Lord Ram), a display of Pahari miniature paintings based on the ‘Valmiki Ramayana’, and a thematic exhibition titled ‘Badi Hai Ayodhya’ that portrays the pilgrimage landscape of Chaurasi Kos Ayodhya.
The exhibitions were jointly inaugurated by the revered Mahant Pujya Kamal Nayan Das Ji Maharaj of Mani Ram Das Chhawani, Ayodhya; Geeta Manishi Mahamandaleshwar Pujya Gyananand Ji Maharaj; Shri Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir; Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, President of IGNCA; and IGNCA Trustee and artist Shri Vasudev Kamath. Following the inauguration, each dignitary shared their reflections on the spiritual and cultural eminence of Lord Ram and Ayodhya. Three books were also released during the inaugural session. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat visited and viewed the exhibitions on the occasion.
On this occasion, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat extended his congratulations to IGNCA and the Ayodhya Nyas for organising the ‘Ayodhya Parv’ and wished the event great success. He remarked that the character of Lord Rama has not only inspired Indian thought and individuals working across diverse fields, but has also provided the energy and direction necessary to sustain the continuous flow of Indian culture. He noted that during the most difficult period of cultural invasion by foreign aggressors, Goswami Tulsidas composed the ‘Ramcharitmanas’ in the language of the common people, connecting with the collective consciousness of ordinary individuals. This, he said, made a significant contribution to preserving the essence of Sanatan culture. Since the reinstallation of the Ram Mandir and the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya Dham, it appears as though the sun of India’s destiny has begun to rise once again.
The cultural proceedings commenced with an enthralling Mridang performance by Rajkumar Jha and his fellow artists Vinod Vyas and Shri Pankaj. This was followed by devotional renditions by Pragya Pathak, Vinod Vyas, Saket Sharan Mishra, and accompanying vocalists, which captivated the audience.
Speaking about the inauguration of the newly reconstructed Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple on 22 January, Shri Manoj Sinha remarked, “I view 22 January not merely as a date but as a bridge that connects the past to the present in a significant manner.” He added, “This is not just the revival of an ancient city and pilgrimage site, but a spiritual awakening experienced by India across centuries. I believe the significance of Ayodhya transcends geography—it is the key to joy and awakening, the symbol of our cultural unity, and a guiding spiritual force. Ayodhya has long served as a cultural and spiritual foundation of our nation.”
Addressing the youth, he noted, “Ayodhya offers not only a spiritual pinnacle but also clearly embodies the values and aspirations of the individual. Lord Ram, in the context of Ram Rajya, is viewed as an embodiment of development, courage, justice, and a living dharma. Though he appeared in the Treta Yuga, he remains a visionary figure of good governance.” Shri Sinha further noted that India today runs the world’s largest social security programme.
Earlier, IGNCA President Shri Ram Bahadur Rai outlined the structure of the Ayodhya Parv and remarked that the message of Ayodhya is increasingly being preserved through books and journals. Referring to the released book ‘Chaurasi Kos ka Ayodhya’, he said, “While physical Ayodhya may be defined by 84 kos, the spiritual Ayodhya is infinite, like the sky.” Geeta Manishi Pujya Gyananand Ji stated that India is a land of traditions, and festivals hold a special place in these traditions. “India is not merely a geographic entity—it is a philosophy, a thought,” he said. Pujya Mahant Kamal Nayan Das Ji questioned, “In which verse of the Vedas is untouchability or discrimination mentioned?” He emphasised that knowledge cannot be complete without social harmony. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by former Faizabad MP Shri Lallu Singh.
Notably, the Ayodhya Parv, dedicated to the splendour of Indian culture, art, and devotion centred around Ayodhya, will continue for two more days, featuring a range of dialogues and cultural presentations. This three-day cultural festival is envisioned as a confluence of reverence, classicism, and discourse, bringing together saints, cultural thinkers, political leaders, scholars, and artists from across the country.
On the second day, 12 April, at 11 a.m., a seminar titled ‘Temple Management in Indian Society’ will be held, featuring prominent saints from Ayodhya along with administrative and cultural experts. On the same day, another session will explore ‘Goswami Tulsidas Ji’s Contribution to Innovations in Indian Culture’. Scholars from across India will present their insights during both sessions. The evening cultural programme will include solo tabla recitals and Kathak and Bharatanatyam performances by Richa Tripathi and accompanying artists.
On the final day, 13 April at 11 a.m., a symposium on ‘Shri Ram in the Essays of Kubernath Ray’will be conducted with the participation of renowned Hindi literary scholars. The concluding ceremony will feature the presence of Pujya Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj, Treasurer of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust; Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Speaker of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly; IGNCA President Shri Ram Bahadur Rai; Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Dean (Administration) and Head of Kala Nidhi Division at IGNCA; and eminent artist Shri Sunil Vishwakarma. The event will culminate with Alha singing by Faujdar Singh and group, and folk songs by celebrated singer Vijaya Bharti.
‘Ayodhya Parv 2025’ is a unique endeavour to rejuvenate Indian art, spirituality, and values, being realised in the capital city through the collaboration of IGNCA and Shri Ayodhya Nyas. This celebration seeks to revive the roots of Indian ethos nurtured through the ‘Ramayana’ and the verses of Tulsidas.
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Sunil Kumar Tiwari
(Release ID: 2121123) Visitor Counter : 12
JPC Innovation and Technology Competition 2024-25 Award Presentation Ceremony cum Carnival held today (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
JPC Innovation and Technology Competition 2024-25 Award Presentation Ceremony cum Carnival held today
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming; the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai; the General Manager of Information Technology Department of Bank of China (Hong Kong), Mr Yung Fai; and the Director of Operations of Police, Mr Chan Tung, officiated at the ceremony.
In his welcome remarks, Mr Chow said that since its establishment in 1974, the JPC has been committed to training young people to become youth leaders and crime-fighting partners through diversified activities, striving to nurture a new generation of law-abiding young people with an affection for the country and Hong Kong, and equipped with positive thinking and an aspiring mindset. He noted that as the Police step up enforcement against “space oil drugs”, the competition introduced the theme of youth drug prevention, encouraging participants to raise anti-drug awareness among young people through creative solutions.
Mr Chow also highlighted the quality of entries received, underscoring the pivotal role of experiential learning in STEAM education, which fosters students’ curiosity while developing their teamwork and problem-solving skills. He added that the JPC will launch more innovative activities to nurture I&T talents for Hong Kong and our country.
The competition aims to encourage primary and secondary school students to utilise their knowledge and skills in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) to construct innovative and feasible “Smart City” solutions. Two “Best Smart City Awards” were introduced to recognise the most innovative entries in artificial intelligence and gerontechnology, while the “Best Safe City Awards” were also presented to acknowledge innovative solutions for fraud prevention and crime fighting, youth drug prevention, and community safety enhancement, ensuring that citizens can continue to thrive in a safe living environment. The competition was divided into four categories, namely junior primary school, senior primary school, junior secondary school and senior secondary school. Over 1700 students from nearly 160 schools participated, and over 1 300 submissions were received. The list of winning teams has been uploaded onto the JPC website.
To further encourage the younger generation to engage with innovation and technology, some winners introduced the creative ideas and stories behind their works at the award presentation ceremony. An I&T carnival was also held and featured a workshop on simulated evidence collection at crime scenes and a number of virtual reality games, allowing participants to learn about the work of the Police, while experiencing the fun of technology.
This is the fourth consecutive year that the JPC has organised the competition which combines experiential learning and policing elements to nurture future young leaders to join hands in preventing and combating crime. The competition was supported by the Education Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, the Digital Policy Office, the Association of I.T. Leaders in Education, the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, the Hong Kong Computer Society, the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Hong Kong Extra-curricular Activities Masters’ Association, the Hong Kong New Emerging Technology Education Association, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Hong Kong STEM Education Alliance and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation.
Issued at HKT 16:45
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India Highlights Its BioE3 Policy and Integrated Biorefinery Initiatives at Mission Innovation Annual Gathering 2025 at Seoul, South Korea
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 12 APR 2025 9:38AM by PIB Delhi
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India – co-leads the Mission Integrated Biorefinery jointly with the Netherlands as part of Mission Innovation (MI) 2.0. The Mission Innovation Annual Gathering-2025, a multilateral platform accelerating clean energy innovation, held at Seoul, South Korea during 9th-11th April 2025 brought together global leaders in clean energy technology. The term “Mission Innovation” was coined by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during COP21, in collaboration with former French President François Hollande. India continues to play an active role under the Mission Innovation initiative.
At the Annual Gathering held in Seoul, the DBT being an integral member of the Indian delegation, participated in discussions on collaborative opportunities among diverse MI missions and platforms. The focus has been to advance the biorefinery approach for fuels, chemicals, and materials. During the event, the DBT presented BioE3 (Biotechnology for Environment, Energy, and Economy) Policy and demonstrated its pivotal role in addressing climate challenges and aligning national priorities under the Integrated Biorefinery Mission were extensively discussed at roundtables and reviewed by Mission Innovation members as well as the Technical Advisory Groups associated with the Missions.
The participants highlighted how the BioE3 Policy promotes sustainable and low-carbon manufacturing of fuels, chemicals, and materials. The Policy is designed to develop enabling technologies that foster an innovation-driven manufacturing ecosystem for a low-carbon future. Further, India’s efforts in integrating Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Bioenergy (CCUB) for the biomanufacturing of fuels, chemicals, and materials were shared with the MI community through roundtable discussions.
Deliberations were also focused on opportunities for research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) using biomass-based biomanufacturing approaches. The DBT also participated in focused sessions on Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing priorities during visits to clean energy facilities, preceding meetings at Hanyang University and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, coordinated by the Indian Embassy in Seoul. It was observed that the Bioinnovations for fuels, chemicals, and materials are the opportunities for Mission Innovation Member countries to accelerate their decarbonization goals.
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NKR/PSM
(Release ID: 2121135) Visitor Counter : 35
Central Electricity Authority concurred a record number of Detailed Project Reports of Hydro Pumped Storage Projects during 2024-25.
Source: Government of India
Central Electricity Authority concurred a record number of Detailed Project Reports of Hydro Pumped Storage Projects during 2024-25.
CEA has ambitious plan to concur minimum 13 PSP of 22 GW for 2025-26.
A great investment opportunity ahead in Hydro PSP as so far identified potential crosses 200 GW
Posted On: 12 APR 2025 2:18PM by PIB Delhi
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, has concurred Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of following 6 Hydro Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) of about 7.5 GW in record time during 2024-25, marking a key milestone in India’s ongoing commitment to developing advanced long term energy storage solutions:
- Upper Indravati (600 MW) in Odisha
- Sharavathy (2,000 MW) in Karnataka
- Bhivpuri (1,000 MW) in Maharashtra
- Bhavali (1,500 MW) in Maharashtra
- MP-30 (1,920 MW) in Madhya Pradesh
- Chitravathi (500 MW) in Andhra Pradesh
This is the outcome of the collaborative efforts of the PSP developers, appraising organisations (CWC, GSI and CSMRS).
A number of steps were taken to resolve the issues and fast track the appraisal process. This is a big achievement since inception of new concept of Off-Stream, close loop PSPs. CEA has made the appraisal process transparent through the Portal “Jalvi Store”. The DPR for appraisal has been made shorter, check list has been provided for ease of submission of chapters to appraising agency and many more such initiatives.
Further, CEA has made ambitious plan to concur minimum 13 PSPs of about 22 GW during 2025-26. Most of these PSPs are targeted to be commissioned in 4 years and latest by 2030. Development of these projects shall boost energy storage capacity drastically in the country, making a major contribution to grid reliability and supporting India’s ambitious renewable energy goals. This further underscores the CEA’s ongoing commitment for facilitating the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient power system.
The participation of private sector in this segment is quite encouraging and with the help of self-identified PSP, the PSP potential in the country has crossed 200 GW and it is further increasing almost every month. Thus, from a meagre 3.5 GW of operational hydro PSP capacity in the country, the development needs to be taken up in an accelerated mission mode to harness this potential. This year two PSPs around 3000 MW will get commissioned and by 2032 we expect around 50 GW. At present 8 projects of 10 GW is under construction and DPR has been concurred for 3 projects of around 3 GW. In addition to this, 49 projects of 66 GW are under Survey and investigation. All these DPRs are expected to be finalised by the developers in 2 years.
Hydro PSPs are vital for the energy transition, as they allow excess electricity generated during off-peak hours to be stored in the form of water in elevated reservoirs. This stored energy can then be used back during non-solar hours peak demand periods, ensuring a reliable, consistent, and flexible power supply.
For developers and investors, it is a great investment opportunity to develop and invest in a long term assets of more than 70- 80 years.
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SK
(Release ID: 2121181) Visitor Counter : 70
Red flag hoisted at Hap Mun Bay Beach
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 (April 12) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Hap Mun Bay Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.
Speech by SCMA at Equal Opportunities Commission’s 15th Anniversary Celebration on Implementation of Race Discrimination Ordinance cum Celebration of International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination – Appreciation Event with Community Stakeholders (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by SCMA at Equal Opportunities Commission’s 15th Anniversary Celebration on Implementation of Race Discrimination Ordinance cum Celebration of International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination – Appreciation Event with Community Stakeholders (English only)
To effectively perform our roles and functions as “super connector” and “super value-adder”, we always seek to ensure people of all ethnicities enjoy equal opportunities in different aspects of life. First and foremost, the Government leads by example. As the largest employer in Hong Kong, the civil service has strived to enhance employment opportunities for ethnic minorities; over fifty civil service grades have reviewed and adjusted their Chinese-language proficiency requirements to give more opportunities to non-ethnic Chinese applicants to join the civil service.
The Government also strives to promote equal opportunities in the private sectors and the community. To name a few, the Labour Department’s Racial Diversity Employment Programme provide customised employment support services to ethnic minority job seekers. The Education Bureau works with educational establishments at all levels to step up learning support for non-Chinese speaking students, to enhance their proficiency in Chinese, to provide them with a better learning experience, and to smoothen their transition from school to the workplace.??? In addition, ten Ethnic Minority Care Teams and two new support service centres were set up under the Home Affairs Department’s new Care Teams programme. They enhance support and provide holistic services to ethnic minorities, including language tutorials and community integration workshops. All these underline the Government’s commitment to building an equal, inclusive, and harmonious society.Issued at HKT 17:13
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Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Government of Arunachal Pradesh hosts International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Source: Government of India
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Government of Arunachal Pradesh hosts International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
11 Buyers from 3 countries, 17 Indian exporters from 7 States and Union Territories (UTs) and over 200 farmers participate
Posted On: 12 APR 2025 11:44AM by PIB Delhi
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, hosted an International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) at Kalawangpo Convention Hall in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh to promote agricultural and processed food products exports from Arunachal Pradesh and the broader North-Eastern Region (NER) of India.
In his keynote address, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu committed to developing the agricultural & allied sectors, enhancing farmer’s livelihoods, empowering Self-Help Groups and encouraged women led development. He envisions enhancing agri-exports of GI tagged Khaw Tai Rice (known as Khamti Rice), Mandarin Orange, Kiwi, Apple, Persimmon, Yak Cheese (Churpi), amongst others to South East Asian and ASEAN Countries. He encouraged domestic and international buyers to be a boon for the state and invest in the state’s untapped potential.
The Minister of Agriculture, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Gabriel Denwang Wangsu emphasized on the need to generate awareness and build capacity of the farmers of the state in order to ensure fair price for their agriculture products in domestic and international markets. He appreciated the farmers of the region for their unwavering commitment in producing the state’s finest Kiwi, Mandarin Oranges, Apples, walnuts and Value-Added Products like wines, amongst others.
The International Conclave cum Buyer Seller Meet (BSM) was also graced by Chief Secretary (CS), Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Manish Gupta, Former Union Secretary, Government of India, Shri Siraj Hussain and Chairman of APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev, amongst several officers of the Central and State Government of India.
The Chairman of APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev, encouraged the identification of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)/ Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) from Arunachal Pradesh for participation in key national and international Trade Fairs for market access, promotion and outreach. He assured that APEDA and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh are committed to working together closely for the identification and development of focused agriculture products from Arunachal Pradesh for exports to international markets, infrastructure development, training and capacity building of farmers, Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs), Start-ups and Exporters from the region as well as branding and international promotions of agriculture produce and Value Added Products from the state.
The International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet enabled direct interactions between 11 international Buyers from 3 countries including UAE, Nepal and Bhutan with 17 Indian exporters from 7 states and Union Territories (UTs) including Assam, Maharashtra, Delhi, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Gujarat and West Bengal. The exporters from across the country also interacted with over 50 FPOs and 200 farmers from Arunachal Pradesh who participated in the event to understand the agri produce quality, availability and production quantities.
APEDA facilitated meaningful trade discussions amongst Policymakers, Buyers, Exporters, Exhibitors, industry leaders and experts from key sectors such as Organic produce, Millets, Honey, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Processed Food, Spices and Tea aimed at unlocking the potential of Arunachal Pradesh’s agri-business and processed food export sectors.
To realise the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit North East,” the Government of India through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region, Government of Arunachal Pradesh and APEDA are working in close coordination.
Background:
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. APEDA works to develop, facilitate and promote the export of agricultural and processed food products products, providing invaluable support to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies and Indian exporters in navigating international markets.
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Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma
(Release ID: 2121149) Visitor Counter : 21
Hong Kong Museum of History’s exhibition on Qin and Han Dynasties to launch next week (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Museum of History’s exhibition on Qin and Han Dynasties to launch next week Issued at HKT 17:18
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SMOOTH PILGRIMAGE EXPERIENCE BEING ENSURED FOR HAJ 20025 INDIAN PILGRIMS
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 12 APR 2025 11:25AM by PIB Delhi
Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia to review preparations being made for Haj 2025.
Dr. Kumar expressed satisfaction over the hygienic, stress-free stay facilities being ensured for a smooth pilgrimage experience.
Leaving no stone unturned for a comfortable #Haj2025 – Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, GoI, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, is on a visit to Saudi Arabia to review arrangements for Indian #HajPilgrims. He expressed satisfaction over the hygienic, stress-free stay facilities… pic.twitter.com/uLelSz4QyB
— Ministry of Minority Affairs (@MOMAIndia) April 11, 2025
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SS/ STK
(Release ID: 2121145) Visitor Counter : 72