Indigenous Wireless charger for electrical vehicles with ability to charge 90% battery in 3 hours to become a reality; CDAC & VNIT Nagpur’s technology passed on to an Indian firm to commercially develop it

Source: Government of India

Indigenous Wireless charger for electrical vehicles with ability to charge 90% battery in 3 hours to become a reality; CDAC & VNIT Nagpur’s technology passed on to an Indian firm to commercially develop it

Meity join hands with Railways to make an indigenous propulsion system of locomotives boosting railway electrification and industry adoption; Uses high power converters & advanced controlling management systems

Using CDAC green technology Kerala’s K-DISC marks a milestone in sustainable power innovation making its building energy efficient through Low Voltage Direct Current.

Research must lead to real-world applications with industry Collaboration: Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY

MeitY secretary stresses indigenization in power electronics to boost ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ goals

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 7:29PM by PIB Delhi

Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Shri S. Krishnan announced the signing of ToT/MoA/MoU among industries for commercialization of technologies developed under the National Mission on Power Electronics Technology (NaMPET) at Electronics Niketan, New Delhi. During the meeting, the Secretary, MeitY, addressed the need for indigenous technology in the areas of Power Electronics.

The highlights of the event showcased the development of MeitY-supported technologies under the NaMPET programme. These technologies have been developed, deployed, tested, and certified for commercialization. The details of the transfer of technology (ToT), Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed, in the presence of the Secretary, MeitY are as follows:

Wireless Charger for Electric Vehicle

Transfer of technology for the indigenous 1.5 kW Wireless Charger technology, developed by C-DAC (T) and VNIT Nagpur, to M/s Global Business Solution Pvt. Ltd: It is capable of operating on a 230V, 50Hz AC single-phase supply and charges a 4.8kWh onboard battery pack at 48V with 30A current in approximately 3 hours, achieving a maximum efficiency of 89.4% within a coil separation of 7.5–12.5 cm. The charger incorporates Silicon Carbide-based MOSFETs operating at 88kHz and includes safety features such as short-circuit and open-circuit protection.

MoA for the development of an Indigenous Propulsion System for Electric Locomotives

Collaboration through MoA signed between C-DAC, Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) and industry partners for the indigenization of Indian Railway propulsion system: The collaboration marks a transformative step in India’s rail electrification efforts by developing an indigenous propulsion system for 3-phase electric locomotives with the Indian Railways aiming for full electrification by 2030. The proposed propulsion system integrates two high-power 2.5 MVA Traction Converters, three 130 kVA Auxiliary Converters, and an advanced Train Control and Management System (TCMS), providing enhanced performance, reliability, and operational flexibility for modern locomotives. The industries undertaking the MoA are M/s Daulat Ram Engineering Services Pvt Ltd (Bhopal), M/s JMV LPS Ltd (Noida), and M/s Electro-waves Electronics Pvt Ltd (HP) which demonstrates the strong industry-academia-government synergy driving this initiative. These partners will play a crucial role in testing, product engineering, and prototype deployment, ensuring successful field validation by Indian Railways, ensuring structured industry adoption and commercial rollout.

MoU with K-DISC for LVDC Systems

Collaboration through MoU signed between C-DAC and Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) for the deployment of green and sustainable grid solutions:  The 48V Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) system, developed by C-DAC under the NaMPET programme with the support of MeitY, has emerged as a game-changing technology for energy conservation, green energy integration, and cost-effective power distribution. Recognizing its potential, the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) has implemented this system at its headquarters, making it the first administrative building in Kerala to be powered by 48V DC that could lead to 20–30% energy savings, contributing to Kerala’s Carbon Neutrality Roadmap 2050 and India’s broader Net Zero 2070 vision.

The ToT/MoU/MoA signing of the above technologies was done at MeitY, New Delhi, in the presence of the Secretary, MeitY, with dignitaries from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), NITI Aayog, Ministry of Railway and industry representatives in the areas of EV chargers, Smart Metering, Rail Propulsion and Renewable Energy

About NaMPET

The NaMPET is a unique mission-mode programme of MeitY involving research, development, deployment, demonstration, and commercialization of technologies in the Power Electronics (PE) domain. The programme is being implemented by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Thiruvananthapuram, as the nodal agency with participating agencies from academia, R&D organizations, and Industries. The main focus areas of the programme include Microgrid for powering remote Villages, Green Energy for Community buildings, Empowerment of e-mobility ecosystem, Smart Power Quality Centre in the Distribution Grid, High Voltage Power Electronics for Food processing, Agriculture, Industry, and Health, Technology marketing, and Promotion of Start-ups with the platform for technology outreach.

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Dharmendra Tewari/Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2119868) Visitor Counter : 43

New magnetic nanoparticles may help treat Cancer

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 5:33PM by PIB Delhi

An efficient magnetic system has been developed with newly systhesised nanocrystalline cobalt chromite magnetic nanoparticles that can treat cancer by increasing temperature  of tumour cells through a procedure called magnetic hyperthermia for treating cancer.

Cancer has been considered as one of the most threatening diseases for humanity. Of several available treatment methods, the most effective treatments for cancerous cells are radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplant. All of the cancer treatment methods have demonstrated multiple side effects.

Chemotherapy and radiation treatments can lead to nausea, exhaustion, hair loss, and an elevated risk of infection. Although targeted medicines have demonstrated efficacy, they may not be appropriate for all cancer forms and may require following specific conditions. Most cancer treatments are costly and hence may be inaccessible to many.  

Nanomagnets have opened up a targeted heat generation process (hyperthermia) that can be used in treating cancer cells with comparatively less side effects and is controlled by the magnetic field from outside. Tuning the physical properties of nanomagnets is essential to make them usable for hyperthermia applications. Due to the direct impact of various physical parameters of nanomagnets on the self-heating efficacy, it is challenging to create and control biofriendly coated magnetic nanoparticles with an effective heat generation efficiency.

A team of scientists from Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India led by Prof. Devasish Chowdhury in collaboration with NIT Nagaland synthesized nanocrystalline cobalt chromite magnetic nanoparticles with varying rare-earth Gd dopant contents using the conventional chemical co-precipitation route.

These magnetic nanoparticles’ inhomogeneous in fluid form was used further to generate heat under the applied alternating magnetic field subjection. The heat generation method of magnetic nanoparticles can be used in treating cancer cells by elevating the cell temperature up to 46oC for a specific duration, causing necrosis in the injured cells when applied to particular cancer locations. Thus, superparamagnetic nanoparticles act as nano-heaters and can potentially be utilized in magnetic hyperthermia applications for treating cancer and offering alternative cancer therapy.

This research by the team consisting of Dr. Mritunjoy Prasad Ghosh, National Post-Doctoral Fellow (N-PDF) and Mr. Rahul Sonkar research scholar from IASST Guwahati was recently published in Nanoscale Advances, a peer-reviewed journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK.               

              [Gd doped cobalt chromite magnetic nanoparticles]

 

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2119803) Visitor Counter : 60

Sarbananda Sonowal unveils advanced machinery to enhance shipbuilding capacity at Cochin Shipyard

Source: Government of India

Sarbananda Sonowal unveils advanced machinery to enhance shipbuilding capacity at Cochin Shipyard

Presides over Steel Cutting Ceremony and sets up Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) 

“PM Narendra Modi ji’s leadership for shipbuilding through budgetary support must be effectively utilised towards building Atmanirbhar Bharat”: Sarbananda Sonowal 

Union Minister reviews progress of construction of India’s largest Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) at CSL

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 7:57PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal visited the Cochin Shipyard as he unveiled advanced machinery to enhance shipbuilding capacity of the country. 

Shri Sonowal remarked that this is a movement towards realising the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

The Union Minister inaugurated the ProArc CNC Plasma Cum Oxy Fuel Plate Cutting Machine, an advanced, Industry 4.0-ready facility that will significantly enhance CSL’s shipbuilding capabilities. Fully IoT-enabled, the system allows real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and increased production efficiency, directly aligning with the objectives of the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP) 2.0.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sonowal said, “The launch of Industry 4.0-ready facilities and the Green Tug Transition Programme marks a transformative leap in India’s shipbuilding and green maritime journey. Under PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, these initiatives reinforce our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness in the maritime sector. The indigenous development of hybrid and electric propulsion tugs is not just a technological advancement, but a symbol of India’s growing capability to lead the global green maritime movement.”

The Union Minister also presided over the steel cutting ceremony for two Green Tugs being developed under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), a flagship sustainability initiative by the Ministry. 

CSL is the first Indian company to undertake the construction of these hybrid and electric propulsion tugs, with a total of 16 vessels planned across major ports in India. The project is being executed in collaboration with Robert Allan Ltd., the Indian Register of Shipping, and other global experts, marking a major step in India’s green maritime transition.

Speaking during the visit, the Union Minister said, “Cochin Shipyard Limited stands as the Pride of India, a testament to our indigenous shipbuilding excellence and self-reliance. From building the iconic INS Vikrant to delivering over 175 vessels and completing more than 2,500 ship repair projects, CSL reflects the transformative vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji towards self-reliance. Under his leadership, India’s maritime sector is scaling new heights — through world-class infrastructure, national expansion, and institutions like METI that are shaping the skilled maritime workforce of tomorrow.”

The Union Minister also reviewed the progress of the construction of India’s largest Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (12,000 cu.m), being built by CSL for the Dredging Corporation of India in partnership with IHC Holland. The dredger is a strategic national asset that will reduce dependency on foreign services while enhancing coastal access and maritime infrastructure in line with the ‘Maritime Amritkaal Vision, 2047’.

Highlighting the immense importance of human resources in the maritime sector, the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Cochin Shipyard Limited’s innovation-led initiatives like the USHUS Marine Startup Programme reflect the spirit of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision for a tech-driven maritime sector. With investments in AI, deep-tech, and renewables, these startups are fuelling job creation and maritime innovation. CSL’s strong focus on skilling—through partnerships with Maersk and initiatives like ASAP Kerala—is building a future-ready workforce and strengthening India’s global leadership in shipbuilding and marine excellence.”

The Union Minister’s visit comes at a pivotal time, first after the Union Budget of 2025–26 with its transformational scope of the budget, including the ₹25,000 crores Maritime Development Fund (MDF) expected to mobilise ₹1.5 lakh crore in maritime investments by 2030. Other budget initiatives such as the revamped SBFAP 2.0, infrastructure status for large ships, and targeted support for shipbuilding clusters are poised to revolutionise the sector.

Shri Sonowal highlighted the importance of new policies like, Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 among others aimed at simplifying maritime regulations, promoting Indian-flagged vessels, ensuring environmental sustainability, and enhancing seafarer welfare. With a 46% increase in the Ministry’s budget allocation and a 143% surge in R&D funding. The Minister called this a historic moment for the Indian maritime industry.

The visit concluded with a renewed call to accelerate India’s maritime journey—driven by bold ambition, anchored in Atmanirbhar Bharat, guided by Maritime India Vision 2030, and propelled by the transformative spirit of Maritime Amritkaal.

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GDH/HR

(Release ID: 2119871) Visitor Counter : 37

Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Rs 2,385 crore contract inked with BEL for Electronic Warfare Suites & aircraft modification kits for Mi-17 V5 helicopters

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 5:34PM by PIB Delhi

            Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited, Bengaluru for the acquisition of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suites and aircraft modification kits as well as their installation on Mi-17 V5 helicopters, along with associated equipment, for the Indian Air Force at an overall cost of Rs 2,385.36 crore. The contract, under Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category, was inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on April 07, 2025.

            This state-of-the-art EW Suite will considerably enhance operational survivability of the helicopters in hostile environment. Majority of sub-assemblies and parts will be sourced from indigenous manufactures. The project will boost and encourage active participation of Indian electronics and associated industries, including MSMEs. The Suite for Mi-17 V5 is a significant leap forward in developing indigenous EW capabilities, making the country Aatmanirbhar in consonance with the Make-in-India initiative.

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SR/Savvy

(Release ID: 2119805) Visitor Counter : 139

Chinese Culture Festival announced

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The second edition of the Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) will be held from June to September, with various performances and activities being presented for the public to experience traditional Chinese fine culture.

 

The festival’s opening show is a dance production. “Dongpo: Life in Poems” is directed by the internationally acclaimed choreographer and visual artist Shen Wei, and blends modern dance with poetry, traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, seal engraving and guqin music to delicately deconstruct the poetic works of Su Dongpo, a literary master during the Song dynasty.

 

A core part of the CCF, this year’s Chinese Opera Festival (COF) features six quality productions covering Peking opera, Yuediao opera, Qinqiang opera, Yue opera, Cantonese opera and Kunqu opera.

 

The COF this year features classic plays inspired by the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, one of the four great classic novels of Chinese literature. There will also be a dance drama highlighting the resilient spirit and sentiments of the famous Song dynasty poetess, Li Qingzhao, and her contributions to China’s literary inheritance from a contemporary perspective.

 

In another production, the Jiangsu Centre for the Performing Arts will present the original Chinese dance drama “A Dream of Red Mansions”, the plot of which concerns a love triangle between Jia Baoyu, Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai. The production restructures the traditional storylines from the perspective of the 12 Beauties of Jinling.

 

This year’s CCF also features a “Tea Culture” series curated by Hong Kong’s Ambassador for Cultural Promotion, the internationally renowned composer and conductor Tan Dun.

 

The City in Focus of this year’s CCF is Xi’an. Relevant shows include the classic opera “Zhou Ren on the Way Home”, a exhibition showcasing Xi’an’s invaluable archaeological relics, and a production of the ballet “Swan Lake” by the Xi’an Acrobatic Troupe.

 

Call 2268 7321, 2268 7323 or 2268 7325 for enquiries.

Concrete firm fined by court

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

China Concrete Company Ltd today was today fined $212,000 after it carried out works at its two concrete batching plants in Yau Tong without a specified process licence and failed to comply with an air pollution abatement notice.

The two plants, located at 20 and 22 Tung Yuen Street, were found to have contravened the Air Pollution Control Ordinance. The company pleaded guilty to 28 summonses at Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Court and was fined a total of $212,000.

The Environmental Protection Department said it had made every effort to combat the plants’ illegal operations. To date, it has issued 39 summonses for criminal prosecution against the company.

Thirty of those charges have now resulted in conviction, while the remaining nine cases of non-compliance are still in progress.

Under new amendments to the Air Pollution Control Ordinance due to take effect on April 11, the Director of Environmental Protection will be empowered to issue closure notices to premises if the director has reasonable cause to believe that unlicensed SP operations are taking place.

Stressing that the legal amendments have proved decisive in addressing the Tung Yuen Street plants’ illegal operations, the department said China Concrete Company Ltd had given notice that it would cease all concrete batching and related operations early this month.

The department said that if the two plants are found to have continued conducting unlicensed operations after the legal amendments take effect, it will take stringent action in accordance with the law.

Six pre-sale consents issued in Q1

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Lands Department issued six pre-sale consents for residential and non-residential developments in the first quarter of this year.

Among these, five were issued for residential developments, involving a total of 2,749 residential units.

Three of the projects are expected to be completed next year. Two of these are phases of developments – specifically a phase in Chai Wan comprising 592 units, and another in Tin Shui Wai involving 525 units. The third project, in Sha Tin, covers 240 units.   

A development in Yau Tong involving 748 units, and another in Fanling comprising 644 units, are expected to be completed in 2027.

The remaining pre-sale consent is in relation to a non-residential development.

At the end of last month, 21 applications for pre-sale consent for residential developments, comprising a total of 7,090 residential units, were being processed.

In addition, the department was handling 11 applications for consent to assign, involving 3,436 residential units and four non-residential units.

Three applications for pre-sale consent for non-residential developments were also being processed.

Concrete batching plants in Yau Tong convicted for violating Air Pollution Control Ordinance

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Concrete batching plants in Yau Tong convicted for violating Air Pollution Control Ordinance 
A spokesperson for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that the department has been making unremitting efforts to follow up on the illegal operations of the two CBPs. To date, the EPD has issued a total of 39 summonses for criminal prosecution against the company, with 30 charges successfully convicted so far, while the remaining nine cases of non-compliance are still in process.
 
Moreover, new amendments to the APCO, taking effect on April 11, empower the Director of Environmental Protection to issue a closure notice to premises if he or she has reasonable cause to believe that unlicensed SP operations are taking place. The amended APCO has proven decisive in addressing the illegal operations by the two CBPs. The EPD has received a notification from the China Concrete Company Limited earlier indicating that they will cease all operations of the concrete batching process and related operations by early April. The EPD has been closely monitoring the situation, and its latest observations revealed that the two CBPs will cease operation.
 
The spokesperson added, “The EPD will continue to closely monitor the situation. Should the two CBPs be found to continue the unlicensed operations after the amended APCO takes effect, the department will take stringent action in accordance with the law.”
Issued at HKT 18:30

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Chinese Culture Festival 2025 to be held June to September to unveil millennia-old Chinese culture through fusion of art and literature (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Chinese Culture Festival 2025 to be held June to September to unveil millennia-old Chinese culture through fusion of art and literature  
The CCF is now in its second edition. The opening programme, “Dongpo: Life in Poems” by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, is directed by internationally acclaimed choreographer and visual artist Shen Wei. The production is an innovative work that integrates traditional Chinese poetic culture with contemporary artistic language and arts appreciation concepts. It blends modern dance with various traditional Chinese culture elements, such as poetry writing, traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, seal engraving and guqin, which delicately deconstructs the thoughts and emotions in the poetic works by Su Dongpo, a literary master in the Song dynasty, thereby initiating an artistic dialogue spanning thousands of years. The programme is sponsored by the Agricultural Bank of China Limited Hong Kong Branch.
 
As a core part of the CCF, this year’s Chinese Opera Festival (COF) features six quality programmes covering Peking opera, Yuediao opera, Qinqiang opera, Yue opera, Cantonese opera and Kunqu opera. The COF will start off with the China National Peking Opera Company’s new historical Peking opera, “Cession for Consolidation of the Song Regime”. Set during the late Five Dynasties and Ten-Kingdoms period, it tells the story of Qian Chu, the King of Wuyue, honouring the rightful rule of the Song reign by voluntarily submitting his territory. The production conveys the profound themes of valuing people, pursuing peace and stability, and strengthening the communal spirit of Chinese national identity. Furthermore, there will be fantastic shows from a number of renowned art groups and artists, including the Henan Provincial Yue Diao Art Protection and Inheritance Center, the Xi’an Performing Arts Group’s Youth Experimental Troupe of Qinqiang Opera, the Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe of Shaoxing and the Zhejiang Jingkun Art Center (Kun Opera Troupe). The performances will feature winners of the China Theatre Plum Blossom Award such as renowned Peking opera artists Yu Kuizhi and Li Shengsu, Yuediao opera inheritor Shen Xiaomei, Qinqiang artists Dou Fengqin, Tan Jianxun, Qu Qiaozhe, Wang Xincang, Qi Aiyun and Zhang Tao, as well as acclaimed Yue opera performers Wu Fenghua, Wu Suying and Chen Fei.
 
The COF this year also features classic plays inspired by the “Romance of Three Kingdoms”, one of the four great classic novels of Chinese literature. With virtuoso Yuen Siu-fai as artistic director, the Cantonese opera plays “Zhou Yu Thrice Humiliated” and “The Battle at Changbanpo” bring together some of the finest local Cantonese opera talent across three generations to perform. The Peking opera classic “A Meeting of Heroes, Invoking the East Wind and The Huarong Pass”, the Yuediao epic historical drama “Jiang Wei Surrenders” and Qinqiang classic piece “Returning to Jingzhou” will also be staged, bringing opera fans back to the Three Kingdoms era of fierce rivalry. The COF will also present an array of free extension activities such as meet-the-artists sessions, masterclasses, talks, a backstage tour, a demonstration performance and an exhibition so that interested parties can gain a deeper understanding of Chinese opera culture.
 
More on literary and art, “the City under the Moon – Dance Drama ‘Azure After the Rain'” by the Shanghai Dance Theatre highlights the resilient spirit and sentiments of the famous Song dynasty poetess, Li Qingzhao, and her contributions to the inheritance of Chinese literary classics from a contemporary perspective. By blending music, dance and stage art, the dance drama creates the aesthetics of the Song dynasty and its life of the literati, and resonates with today’s audiences through traditional Chinese culture. The original Chinese dance drama, “A Dream of Red Mansions”, by the Jiangsu Centre for the Performing Arts is another production that upholds principles and innovation. Its plot centres around the love triangle between Jia Baoyu, Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai, and restructures the storylines from the perspective of the 12 Beauties of Jinling, paying homage to fine traditional Chinese culture while rekindling the national classic with views from the young generation. The programme is jointly presented by the LCSD and the Bauhinia Culture Group. These two programmes are also programmes of the “Chinese Performing Arts Hong Kong Season” Series.
 
China was the first country in the world to grow and produce tea. In 2022, “traditional Chinese tea-making techniques and related customs” was inscribed onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This year’s CCF features a “Tea Culture” series, with the “Tan Dun WE-Festival”, curated by Hong Kong’s Ambassador for Cultural Promotion, internationally renowned composer and conductor, Tan Dun, as one of the pre-festival programmes. In addition to the Tan Dun | “Tea: A Mirror of Soul” by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, there are also performances of dialogues between traditional and modern percussion, as well as ancient Dunhuang music and dances, which include “Xiangxi Tujia Women’s Daliuzi & Hong Kong Women’s Percussion Ensemble” (the world premiere of “TEA-liuzi”) and “Lost Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Manuscripts: ‘The Vanishing Mogao Caves'”. These performances enable music lovers to appreciate the charm of tea, while telling the good story of China’s intangible cultural heritage in the new era. The “Tea Culture” series also includes other stage performance, exhibitions, talks and demonstrations.
 
The City in Focus of this year’s CCF is Xi’an, a capital of 13 ancient dynasties with profound cultural heritage. It has preserved a large number of precious historical and cultural relics from the Qin, Han, Tang and other dynasties. The CCF brings to Hong Kong a representative opera genre of the region, Qinqiang, with the Xi’an Performing Arts Group’s Youth Experimental Troupe of Qinqiang Opera presenting the classic piece “Zhou Ren on the Way Home”, which conveys the spirit of loyalty and righteousness with its wide vocal range and resounding tones. Other programmes include “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Great Unity – Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” exhibition jointly organised by the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center, showcasing invaluable archaeological relics; the Acrobatic Ballet “Swan Lake” by the Xi’an Acrobatic Troupe jointly presented by the LCSD and the Bauhinia Culture Group; and “Xi’an Guyue” music exhibitions by the Music Office of the LCSD, which all reveal Xi’an’s culture to the audience and foster cultural exchange.
 
This year’s CCF continues to collaborate with the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member Association to organise a number of stage performances, including the stage play in Cantonese “Tea-horse Road‧Ballad of the Fallen Dragon” under the “Tea Culture” series; “Ancient Styles‧Modern Chants Classical Literature x Contemporary Dance”; “Melodies of Chinese Poetry” concert; “Taisheng and Huayin Lao Qiang: Big Uncle, Second Uncle are All His Uncles” concert, and “Classics Revisited – Highlights of Peking Opera and Kunqu”. All these demonstrate the power of unity of the local cultural sector, as well as their solid competence and boundless creativity in promoting Chinese culture. The “Legacy and Vision: Conversations with Chinese Cultural Masters” lecture series also returns, featuring top experts from various culture and artistic fields to share their insights. Meanwhile, outstanding local works recognised by the China National Arts Fund will be staged in the CCF, such as the Cantonese Music Assembly’s “Cantonese Rhyme, Poetic Homeland – Sentiment of Chinese Music in the Greater Bay Area by Ricky Yeung Wai-kit & Sha Jingshan” recital, Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble’s Museum Series: “The Sounds from Cultural Relics” and Miranda Chin Dance Company’s “Hé The Rite of Spring”.
 
The CCF promotes high-quality provincial and local stage productions. Among them is the “Ancient Chinese Puppetry with Timeless Charm” by the Quanzhou Marionette Show Inheritance and Protection Center from Fujian Province, in which performers move delicate puppets around by controlling strings in their skilful hands to perform classic short plays. In the “Concert by Shanghai Xuhui Chiangqiao Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo Ensemble”, the representative inheritors of Jiangnan silk and bamboo music from Shanghai, along with talented young Shanghainese musicians, will perform classical string and wind pieces. Other programmes include the opening programme of the International Arts Carnival 2025 – Kungfu Drama “Soul of Shaolin” by the Henan Provincial Shaolin Wushu Center; the “Innovative Music-making Journey to China: MO x e-Orch” concert by the Music Office; the “Silk Road Resonance” by the Hong Kong Music Lover Chinese Orchestra and Xinjiang Art Theater Traditional Orchestra Ensemble; the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra’s 49th Orchestral Season Opening Concert “Silken Notes of the Pipa”; the Hong Kong Dance Company’s 2025/26 Dance Season Opening Programme Grand Dance Poem “A Dance of Celestial Rhythms”, and more.
 
Apart from stage performances, the CCF will also present a number of film programmes. “Tracing Qin and Han Through Cinema” features eight representative local works set in the Qin and Han dynasties, including “The Great Conqueror’s Concubine” (1994) (4K Digitised Version), which was directed by Stephen Shin, as the opening film, while “Cantonese Opera Films: The Legend of Guan Gong” features five selected Cantonese opera films, including the rarely screened colour film “General Kwan Escorts His Sisters-in-Law on a Thousand Mile Journey” (1957). The “Chinese Opera Film Shows” of the COF will present a series of “Three Kingdoms” themed Chinese opera films from the 1950s to 1980s. The Hong Kong premiere of director Yonfan’s latest documentary, “Crossing Years” (2024) will be held, capturing renowned Chinese artist Huang Yongyu’s conversation with Yon about his life before Chinese New Year’s Eve in 2012.
 
For the dates and venues of the above-mentioned programmes, please see the Annex. Tickets will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk 
     To offer the public with more opportunities to enjoy distinctive Chinese cultural programmes, in addition to the above-mentioned performing arts events, this year’s CCF will continue to launch various free exhibitions and activities. They include the “Mystery of Chinese Writing” Roving Exhibition, “Genesis and Spirit – Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition on Jiangxi’s Ganzhou “Hakka” Culture” (tentative title), “Amazing Oracle Bone Script” Exhibition, “The Power of Chinese Characters” Exhibition, “Tea Culture” series’ “The History and Art of Tea” Exhibition, and more. The LCSD will hold the “Encountering Chinese Culture” Carnival presenting stage performances at the Sha Tin Town Hall and the New Town Plaza on June 22 (Sunday), as well as the library-on-wheels, intangible cultural heritage booths and performances, etc. In addition to the spectacular lantern displays of different themes, the Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2025 to be held in September and October will also arrange a wide range of activities. Details of the above activities will be announced later.
 
To enhance participation of students in the CCF, this year’s “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series” will include activities tailor-made for students in different art forms, such as dance, Chinese opera, stage plays, music, multi-arts and film screenings, etc, together with the “Chinese Opera En Route to Campus” to encourage students’ participation and enhance their interest in Chinese culture.
 
Renowned Hong Kong composer Chris Babida is commissioned to compose original theme music for the CCF. The composition features dizi and erhu as the main instruments accompanying Chinese percussion, and is infused with a mix of Western and pop music styles, giving a contemporary flavour to the traditional Chinese music. The work exemplifies the diversity of Hong Kong, a melting pot where East meets West. The theme music will be featured as the background music for the trailer of the CCF, which can be viewed on the CCF website.
 
The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office under the LCSD, aims to promote Chinese culture and enhance the public’s national identity and cultural confidence. It also aims to attract top-notch artists and arts groups from both the Mainland and other parts of the world for exchanges in Chinese arts and culture. For more information about programmes and activities of the CCF 2025, please visit the above-mentioned CCF website.
Issued at HKT 18:45

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Fraudulent website purporting to be HKMA’s official website

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region