15.43 lakh new workers enrolled under ESI Scheme in the month of February, 2025 7.36 lakh young employees upto the age group of 25 years constitute new registrations
3.35 lakh female employees enrolled in the ESI Scheme
23,526 new establishments registered under ESI Scheme in the month of February, 2025
74 transgender employees registered under ESI Scheme in February, 2025
Posted On: 25 APR 2025 11:08AM by PIB Delhi
The provisional payroll data of ESIC reveals that 15.43 lakh new employees have been added in the month of February, 2025.
23,526 new establishments have been brought under the social security ambit of the ESI Scheme in the month of February, 2025 thus ensuring social security to more workers.
Head
Feb 2024
Feb 2025
Growth
Number of all existing employees who paid contribution during the month
2,91,38,395
2,97,04,614
5,66,219
Through the data, it is noticeable that out of the total 15.43 lakh employees added during the month, 7.36 lakh employees amounting to around 47.7% of the total registrations belong to the age group of upto 25 years.
Also, the gender-wise analysis of the payroll data indicates that net enrolment of female members has been 3.35 lakh in February, 2025. Besides, a total of 74 transgender employees have also got registered under ESI Scheme in the month of February, 2025 which attests the commitment of ESIC to deliver its benefits to every section of the society.
The payroll data is provisional since the data generation is a continuous exercise.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
2025 Voter Registration Campaign launched (with video) A spokesperson for the REO said, “The REO encourages eligible persons to submit applications for new registration as GC electors or change of voter registration particulars through ‘iAM Smart’. They may also provide/update their mobile phone number and email address, and check their voter registration status through ‘iAM Smart’.”
Members of the public who are newly registered as GC electors or registered electors who need to update their residential address must submit to the REO an address proof. They should also provide their phone number and email address for the REO to facilitate contact. Applicants who are the registered occupants of public rental housing under the Housing Department or subsidised housing under the Hong Kong Housing Society are not required to submit any address proof.
“Under no circumstances would the REO require the provision of address proof with personal bank information. Members of the public shall remain vigilant in avoiding fraud,” the spokesperson reminded. Announcements in the Public Interest of the Voter Registration Campaign will run on television, radio, online platforms and various venues such as housing estates and government buildings starting from today. The relevant information will also be publicised through banners, posters, social media platforms, websites, and mobile applications, and displayed in the public transportation system, such as on bus and tram bodies, in MTR stations and at bus shelters. The Ballot Box Family mascots, comprising the Blue Ballot, Red Ballot and Grandpa Ballot, are well received by members of the public and designed with ballot boxes as the concept. The mascots have been adopted for publicity in this year’s Voter Registration Campaign to present the Campaign’s messages in an engaging manner and motivate the public to register.Issued at HKT 13:50
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Adjustment in ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations in May 2025 A department spokesman said that the adjustment on May 1, 2025, would reflect the movement of the LPG international price in April 2025. The adjusted auto-LPG ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations would range from $3.67 to $4.59 per litre, amounting to a decrease of $0 to $0.01 per litre.
The spokesman said that the auto-LPG ceiling prices were adjusted according to a pricing formula specified in the contracts. The formula comprises two elements – the LPG international price and the LPG operating price. The LPG international price refers to the LPG international price of the preceding month. The LPG operating price is adjusted on February 1 and June 1 annually according to the average movement of the Composite Consumer Price Index and the Nominal Wage Index.
The auto-LPG ceiling prices for respective dedicated LPG filling stations in May 2025 are as follows:
India Steel 2025 was inaugurated today at the Bombay Exhibition Centre with a dynamic Day 1 that set the tone for three days of ground breaking dialogues, collaborations, and innovations. The biennial event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, and FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry), has once again cemented its status as the country’s premier platform for the steel industry.
The inaugural session was addressed by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi through a video message and he emphasized India’s strategic vision to enhance domestic steel production, reduce carbon emissions, and promote Make in India. The other key dignitaries part of the inaugural session included Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, Minister of State, Ministry of Steel, Govt of India; Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Labour, Govt of Chhattisgarh, Shri Sandeep Pondrik, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Govt of India; Shri Amarendu Prakash, Chairman, Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) and Chair- FICCI Steel Committee, Shri Anant Goenka, Senior Vice President, FICCI & Vice Chairman, RPG Group, and Dr. Edwin Basson, Director General, World Steel Association.
During the day, important sessions were organized to discuss the potential, challenges and opportunities in the Indian steel sector and the road map to capitalize the international market.
The session on ‘Viksit Bharat: Role of Steel Sector in Indian Economy’, a high-level panel comprising senior policymakers, economists, and industry leaders delved into the critical role of steel in realizing India’s $5 trillion economy vision which was moderated by Shri Anthony Crasto, Senior Partner, Deloitte. The session emphasized the sector’s potential to drive infrastructure, employment, and self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Context to the session was set by Shri Amarendu Prakash, Chairman, SAIL whereas panelists H.E. Shri Mikhail Yurin, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry & Trade, Government of Russian Federation, Shri Ashwini Kumar, Economic Advisor, Ministry of Steel, Government of India, Shri Jayant Acharya, Joint Managing Director & CEO JSW Group, Shri Anthony Crasto, Senior Partner, Deloitte & Shri Hitoshi Kawano, CEO, Primetals Technologies India Ltd. shared their thoughts.
The ‘CEOs Round Table’ was chaired by Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ministry of Steel and Heavy Industries. Other key participants included Shri Sandeep Poundrik, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Government of India, Shri Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and MSME, Government of Odisha, Shri Ashish Chatterjee, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Steel, Government of India along with other govt officials, industry leaders who discussed on the current challenges and growth for the Indian steel sector.
The ‘India–Russia Round Table’ served as a strategic platform for bilateral engagement between key stakeholders from both nations. The Indian delegation included senior officials such as the Secretary (Steel), Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor (AS&FA), Director General of BIS, Joint Secretaries (AN and VKT), the Director of SAIL, Chairmen and Managing Directors of NMDC and MECON, as well as top leadership from major private sector players including Tata Steel, AMNS, JSW, JSPL, JSL, and other prominent industry members. On the Russian side, the delegation was led by H.E. Shri Mikhail Yurin, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Trade, along with Shri Bobylev Petr, Director, Coal Industry Development, Ministry of Energy. The round table also included key trade representatives: Shri Evgeny Griva, Shri Mamed Akmedov, Shri Andrey Podchufarov, Shri Artem Ukolov, and Shri Vladislav Dmitriev, Head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation. The discussion centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the steel and mining sectors, fostering joint ventures, and exploring new avenues for technology transfer and trade facilitation.
With participation from over 250 exhibitors across 15 countries, the exhibition hall buzzed with activity, showcasing cutting-edge equipment, automation solutions, and sustainable product lines. Delegates explored advances in AI, robotics, and materials science that are shaping the future of steel.
The Day-2 of India Steel 2025 will witness the presence of Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Govt of India; Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education, Govt of India; Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, I&B and Electronics & Information Technology, Govt of India; Shri Pralhad Joshi, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Govt of India; along with Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha; to address the industry leaders, delegates along with exhibitors on various sessions on infrastructure, export strategies, and skill development. Networking events and B2B meetings are also scheduled to drive cross-border collaboration and business growth.
India Steel 2025 continues through April 26, offering a comprehensive platform for stakeholders to engage, ideate, and lead the way forward.
Keel laying ceremony for Yard 3040, the fourth (ex-GRSE) Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), was held at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) in Kolkata, on 24 Apr 25.
The ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, as the Chief Guest. Cmde PR Hari (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, along with other senior officials from the Indian Navy and the shipyard, were also present.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in the construction of the NGOPV, further showcasing India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
The contracts for indigenous design and construction of eleven Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV) were concluded on 30 Mar 23 with Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), Goa and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with seven ships to be constructed by Lead Shipyard GSL and four ships by Follow Shipyard GRSE.
The NGOPVs, with an approximate tonnage of 3000T, are designed for Coastal Defence & Surveillance, Search & Rescue operations, Protection of Offshore Assets and Anti-Piracy missions. Keel Laying of the vessel marks a significant milestone in the overall project timeline. The eleven NGOPVs are being built in consonance with the nation’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat ‘ and ‘ Make in India‘ and are poised to augment the Indian Naval maritime prowess.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
More Hong Kong Reading Week highlight activities to be held this weekend The public libraries in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao earlier organised the 4.23 World Book Day Creative Competition under the same theme “Reading – My Travel Buddy”. The HKPL will hold a prize presentation ceremony at the HKCL tomorrow to commend participants from Hong Kong who excelled in the competition.
In addition, a series of fun day activities suitable for people of all ages will be available at the HKCL on Saturday and Sunday. The activities include the “Next Station: Conservation” interactive talks tomorrow, where educators from Ocean Park Hong Kong will explore interesting facts about animals with participants, share the experiences of animal caretakers for giant pandas, and talk about a book titled “Whiskers and Friends: Polar Sports Challenge” to provide tips on energy saving and alleviating global warming.
The “Understanding Pandas” workshop will be held on Sunday, where educator Tang Man-hon (STEM Sir) will explore with audiences the lives of giant pandas and the threats to their habitats. Renowned landscape photographer Kelvin Yuen will conduct an “On the Road” photography sharing session on the same day, discussing the creative process behind his works and the challenges encountered. Works by Yuen and winners of the Matching Quotes with Snapshots Competition will also be on display at the HKCL. Other activities include workshops on Chinese tea culture appreciation, mosquito-repelling fragrant sachet making, plant rubbing and dyeing, Zentangle art, tag making, and more.
In collaboration with Bring Me A Book Hong Kong, the HKPL will hold REadCONNECT family activities at the HKCL on Sunday, including creative book-making workshops and “Author Meets and Greets” sessions hosted by picture book authors Rachel Ip, Shana Cheung, Benny Lau and Bonnie Pang. The authors will share how their observations of daily life inspire their works.
The Pop-up Library@Hong Kong Reading Week will be held at D·PARK in Tsuen Wan on Sunday. Author Rap Chan, Korean culture and travel writer Joyce Cheuk, content creator SaiDorSi, and writer Christine Cappio will share their life stories and selected books on “soul empowerment”, accompanied by live music and sand painting performances. There will also be activity booths, including scented bookmark making and a virtual reality tour of the natural landscape and cultural attractions of China. The Library-on-Wheels outreach truck will be stationed outside D·PARK to provide a book-lending service, and members of the public can experience the convenience of the easy-to-use self-checkout service.
Selected public libraries across Hong Kong will continue to have special decorations on Saturday and Sunday to create a fun-filled reading space. Workshops such as storytelling, landscape sketching, and making aroma stones will be held. Photo taking booths will be available at some selected public libraries for patrons to create travel-themed postcards.
The HKRW is being held from April 19 to 27. Under the theme “Zoom/LIBRARY”, the HKRW holds about 450 online and on-site events to foster a reading habit among the public. All activities of the HKRW are free of charge, while seat reservations are required for some events. For details, please visit the website: www.hkpl.gov.hk/hkrwIssued at HKT 11:30
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today, condoled passing of Dr. K. Kasturirangan, a towering figure in India’s scientific and educational journey. Shri Modi stated that Dr. K. Kasturirangan served ISRO with great diligence, steering India’s space programme to new heights. “India will always be grateful to Dr. Kasturirangan for his efforts during the drafting of the National Education Policy (NEP) and in ensuring that learning in India became more holistic and forward-looking. He was also an outstanding mentor to many young scientists and researchers”, Shri Modi added.
The Prime Minister posted on X :
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. K. Kasturirangan, a towering figure in India’s scientific and educational journey. His visionary leadership and selfless contribution to the nation will always be remembered.
He served ISRO with great diligence, steering India’s space programme to new heights, for which we also received global recognition. His leadership also witnessed ambitious satellite launches and focussed on innovation.”
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. K. Kasturirangan, a towering figure in India’s scientific and educational journey. His visionary leadership and selfless contribution to the nation will always be remembered.
“India will always be grateful to Dr. Kasturirangan for his efforts during the drafting of the National Education Policy (NEP) and in ensuring that learning in India became more holistic and forward-looking. He was also an outstanding mentor to many young scientists and researchers.
My thoughts are with his family, students, scientists and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”
India will always be grateful to Dr. Kasturirangan for his efforts during the drafting of the National Education Policy (NEP) and in ensuring that learning in India became more holistic and forward-looking. He was also an outstanding mentor to many young scientists and…
NHRC, India condemns the killing of innocent civilians by terrorists in the Pahalgam area of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir Says, the time has come to act against those indulging in terrorism directly or indirectly and to hold them accountable for this menace against humanity
It is expected that the State will take all necessary steps to fix accountability; bring the perpetrators to justice, and provide succour to the families of the victims in all possible manner
Posted On: 25 APR 2025 12:56PM by PIB Delhi
“The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India is deeply disturbed by the news of the killing of 28 people by the terrorists after identifying their faith in Pahalgam area of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir on 22nd April, 2025.
The Commission condemns the dastardly attack on the unarmed and unsuspecting innocent civilians who were on a holiday to the valley. The incident has shaken the conscience of every right thinking human being as a serious issue of violation of human rights of the innocent victims and their families.
It has been said time and again at various forums that terrorism is one of the biggest causes of human rights violations in the world. The time has come to act against those aiding, abetting, supporting and advancing terrorism and to hold them accountable for this menace. Otherwise, it may result in shrinking of democratic space, intimidation, reprisals, harmony among communities and grave violation of various human rights, including right to life, liberty, equality, fraternity, and livelihood.
It is expected that the State will take all the necessary steps to fix accountability; bring the perpetrators to justice and provide succour to the families of the victims in all possible manner.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments to URA Board announced The six newly appointed non-official non-executive directors are Mr Chan Hok-fung, Mr Chan Kin-por, Mr Chiu Kam-kuen, Ms Lilian Law Suk-kwan, Ms Jasmine Lee Shun-yi and Ms Florence Leung Chi-hang. The four reappointed non-official non-executive directors are Dr Chan Ka-kui, Ms Janice Lai Wai-man, Mrs Sylvia Lam Yu Ka-wai and Ms Yvonne Yeung Kin-ha.
The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, welcomed the reappointment of Mr Chow as Chairman of the URA Board. “I am grateful to Mr Chow for accepting the appointment and continuing to lead the URA. With Mr Chow’s strong leadership, rich experience and his understanding of the work of the URA, I am confident that under his leadership, the URA will continue to discharge its important and challenging mission of urban renewal in Hong Kong,” she said.
“The six newly appointed non-official non-executive directors come from different sectors of the community. I am sure their expertise and extensive experience will help contribute and provide invaluable insights and suggestions to the various work areas of the URA,” she added.
Ms Linn also expressed gratitude to the six retiring non-official non-executive directors, namely Mr Vincent Cheng Wing-shun, Ms Ivy Chua Suk-lin, Mr Ho Wing-cheong, Ms Elaine Lo Yuen-man, Professor Tang Bo-sin and Ms Judy Tong Kei-yuk, for their invaluable contributions to the URA.
The new URA Board will comprise 16 non-official non-executive directors (including the appointments announced today and the five non-executive directors whose terms of appointment have not yet expired), four official non-executive directors and three executive directors. All the non-official non-executive directors are appointed in their personal capacity. The membership list will be gazetted in due course.
The membership of the URA Board is set out below.
Chairman ———— Mr Chow Chung-kong
Non-Executive Directors (Non-official) ———————————————— Mr William Chan Fu-keung Mr Chan Hok-fung Dr Chan Ka-kui Mr Chan Kin-por Mr Chiu Kam-kuen Mr Kwok Wai-keung Ms Janice Lai Wai-man Mr Alexander Lam Tsan-wing Mrs Sylvia Lam Yu Ka-wai Ms Lilian Law Suk-kwan Mr Lee Chun-keung Ms Jasmine Lee Shun-yi Ms Florence Leung Chi-hang Mr Tony Tse Wai-chuen Ms Yvonne Yeung Kin-ha
Non-Executive Directors (Official) —————————————— Director of Buildings Director of Lands Director of Planning Deputy Director of Home Affairs (2)
Executive Directors ———————— Managing Director/Deputy Chairman Two Executive Directors Issued at HKT 16:00
Moksh’s mother had tears in her eyes when she read this simple, loving, and heartwarming note written by her son in uneven letters and wobbly handwriting. Though it seems like just ten simple words written by a kid to his mother. But behind those words lies a powerful story of love, waiting, and hope.
Moksh was born with a condition called “knock knees,” which made his legs bend inward. He was left at a Child Care Institution when he was just a day old unaware of anything in this new world. He was put up for adoption. For four years, families walked in and out of his life—pausing, hesitating, moving on. His condition was listed on the form. And that was often the end of the conversation.
Until one day, it wasn’t.
In 2021, a couple saw him, not the label, not the diagnosis, but ‘Their child.’ To them, he wasn’t a problem to solve, he was their son, waiting for them from the day he was born. The second wave of COVID-19 made the wait even longer. But they didn’t let him go, they stayed—through video calls, telling him bedtime stories through screens, making him smile from far away and patiently waiting to hold him in their arms.
Finally, before the New Year, Moksh came home. His new parents enrolled him in swimming to help his legs, took him for regular check-ups, and gave him love and care. Today, Moksh is not just healthy—he’s thriving. He learned to swim, act in plays, and most of all, fly through the air in parkour, that bold sport of leaps and climbs and courage. From a child once left behind… to being named ‘Student of the Month’.
Moksh’s story is one of love triumphing over hesitation. And across India, many more stories like his are finally being written. Over the years, legal adoptions in India have seen a boost with families coming forward to give home to orphaned children. In FY 2024-25, India saw a record 4,515 adoptions—the highest in nearly a decade. Of these, 4,155 were domestic, marking a powerful shift in societal attitudes. It’s no longer rare for Indian families to adopt. It’s becoming a choice made with open hearts and open arms.
The Promise of Legal Adoption
Driving this transformation is the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), with its mission to ensure no child is left behind. The statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development ensures that adoptions should happen legally and ethically to safeguard innocent children.
It functions as the nodal body for the adoption of Indian children and is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoptions. It is designated as the Central Authority to deal with inter-country adoptions by the provisions of the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993, ratified by the Government of India in 2003. CARA primarily deals with the adoption of orphan, abandoned, and surrendered children through its associated /recognized adoption agencies. CARA is working day and night through on-ground activities, training sessions, and social media campaigns to promote legal adoptions. As adoption is not just about legal contracts, it is more of an emotional journey that both parents and child take together, the process becomes even more important.
Before planning to adopt, the Prospective Adoptive Parents must go through the eligibility criteria mentioned on CARA’s website. Illegal adoption is concerning as it amounts to child trafficking and is a punishable offense under The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2021.
Illegal Adoption refers to taking direct, immediate and unsolicited custody of a child in need of care and protection.
More Children, More Hope
For years, one of the biggest hurdles in adoption was the gap between children in need and parents willing to adopt. But 2023–24 marked a turning point.
Over 8,500 children were identified and added to the adoption pool—many of them from institutions where they had long waited to be seen, chosen, and loved.
245 new agencies were added to CARA’s network, making adoption more accessible than ever.
These are not just policy wins—they are acts of restoration. Every child added to the list represents a new possibility for connection, belonging, and a chance to be a child again.