Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

According to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)’s forecast, the health risk category of Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at some air quality monitoring stations will reach the “Serious” level later today (April 13).

Under the influence of a dusty air stream associated with the northeast monsoon, the level of suspended particulates in background pollutants has been recorded higher than normal since 10pm last night (April 12). With the monsoon moderating gradually, winds in Hong Kong are expected to weaken and unfavorable to pollutant dispersion in the region, leading to increase in pollution levels. It is anticipated that the pollutant level will remain relatively high in the following one or two day(s). The EPD will keep in view the change in air quality, and release update on the latest situation in due course.

With a health risk category in the “Very High” range or above, children, the elderly and persons with existing heart or respiratory illnesses are advised to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities to a minimum or avoid such activities. The general public is advised to reduce, or reduce to a minimum, outdoor physical exertion, and to reduce time outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. As health effects of air pollutants may vary for individuals, persons who are in doubt or experience discomfort should seek advice from healthcare professionals. The public may visit the Centre for Health Protection’s website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/3557.html) for more information on health effects of air pollution and relevant health advice.

The Education Bureau (EDB) urges all schools to visit the EDB website for appropriate measures to safeguard students’ health and take note of changes in the index. The relevant hyperlink is as follows: www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-activities/sch-activities-guidelines/index.html.

When the AQHI is at the “Very High” level, employers of outdoor workers performing heavy manual work are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees, such as reducing outdoor physical exertion and the time of their stay outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. At the “Serious” level, employers of all outdoor workers are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees.

Members of the public can check the current AQHI readings at the EPD’s website (www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html) or by calling the hotline 2827 8541.

Source: Government of India

Industry Stakeholders Should Embrace Sustainability and Set Global Benchmarks:Shri Goyal

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri PiyushGoyal addresses CAPEXIL’s Vibrant Buildcon 2025

Posted On: 13 APR 2025 12:21PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri PiyushGoyal addressed the CAPEXIL’s Vibrant Buildcon 2025 here today. He asked industry stakeholders to adopt best practices in sustainability, reduce import dependency, focus on clean and green construction, and work towards earthquake-resistant and modular infrastructure.

Shri Goyal highlighted India’s growing strength in the construction ecosystem—from Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to domestic manufacturing under Make in India. He underlined the importance of key sectors such as housing, infrastructure, commercial real estate, railways, airports, highways, and energy. “Every element, from cement and electricals to security systems and automation, plays a part in this ecosystem,” he said.

Shri Goyal said the rapid infrastructure development has happened under the leadership of the Prime Minister. “PM Modi conceptualised world-class convention centres like Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi, both of which were built during the pandemic. These state-of-the-art venues have hosted global events such as the G20 Summit, BharatTex, Bharat Mobility and Startup Mahakumbh,” he pointed out.

The Minister listed several major government initiatives, including 20 new smart industrial cities, improved tourism infrastructure across 50 destinations, and 100 new industrial plug-and-play hubs. “If we are to move from a $4 trillion economy today to a $30-35 trillion economy by 2047, every citizen must contribute to Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said.

Commerce and Industry Minister noted that today India is breaking silos, fostering collaboration, and reimagining the future with a convergence of minds. “Vibrant Buildcon is only the beginning of the transformation of our construction ecosystem under one umbrella,” Shri Goyal said.

Greeting the gathering on the occasion of Baisakhi, the Union Minister talked about the role of farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that despite global disruptions, India ensured uninterrupted food distribution, month after month, under the leadership ofPrime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. “Even during the peak of the pandemic, India continued its mission of feeding the poor and bringing millions out of deprivation,” he noted.

Drawing a connection between India’s food security and infrastructure growth, Shri Goyal said that Vibrant Buildcon exemplifies the country’s ability to support rapid urbanisation, housing for all, and logistics transformation. “This platform showcases our manufacturing and infrastructure strength, which is crucial to attract global investments and reduce logistics cost,” he added.

In conclusion, Shri Goyalemphasised India’s potential to emerge as a global superpower. “We must aim for audacious goals, ensure our labour force receives fair wages, and innovate continuously. Let there be no doubt—India will lead the world in growth, innovation, and inclusive development,” he said.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Nihi Sharma/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2121403) Visitor Counter : 160

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 12 APR 2025 6:29PM by PIB Delhi

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, H.E. Mr. Antonio Tajani called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (April 12, 2025). 

Welcoming Deputy Prime Minister Tajani and his delegation to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President noted that both India and Italy are rooted in ancient civilizational heritage, with a proud history of contributing to the world through our philosophy, literature, and arts. We have been interconnected over the centuries through trade and the exchange of people and ideas. She noted that contemporary era, present era, the two countries are collaborating closely in emerging technologies, innovation, and defense; and are also working together on multilateral platforms such as the G-20. 

The President said that there is great potential for growth in bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. India’s rapid economic growth and the roadmap for ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 present numerous opportunities for industrial partnerships and collaboration. She invited Italian companies and PSUs to expand their operations in India, especially for manufacturing and co-production. She also urged Italian green technology companies to explore possibilities of cooperation and partnership with Indian industry.

 The President said that the Joint Strategic Action Plan announced during the meeting of Prime Minister Meloni and Prime Minister Modi in Rio in November 2024 is a blueprint for the next 5 years. This Action Plan will be a guiding framework to accelerate our joint efforts.

 The President was happy to note that Italian universities and research centres are exploring possibilities of collaboration with Indian partners. She said that the new education policy has facilitated foreign universities to open campuses in India. Italian universities can be invited to open campuses in India. 

The two leaders agreed that India-Italy strategic partnership would reach new heights in the times to come.

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2121265) Visitor Counter : 26

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson today (April 13) announced that the HA will activate service demand surge special measures tomorrow (April 14) to cope with the service need and to alleviate pressure on Accident & Emergency Departments (A&Es) during the Easter holidays (April 18 to April 21). Eighteen general out-patient clinics (GOPCs) will provide public holiday services (see Table 1) in the period. Members of the public can make appointments through the telephone appointment system or the “Book GOPC” function in the “HA Go” mobile application.
 
The HA spokesperson reminds the public to stay vigilant to personal and environmental hygiene during the holidays to avoid spreading disease. Members of the public who develop respiratory symptoms should wear masks and seek medical advice promptly. Non-emergency patients should avoid using A&E services and instead seek treatment at GOPCs, private doctors or 24-hour outpatient services at private hospitals to reduce pressure on public hospital A&Es. Members of the public can visit the Health Bureau’s (HHB) Primary Care Directory (www.pcdirectory.gov.hk). The HHB has also collated information of private hospitals, healthcare facilities, family doctors and Chinese medicine clinics that will be in operation during the Easter holidays across all 18 districts. In collaboration with the Development Bureau’s Spatial Data Office and the Lands Department, the information (including addresses, phone numbers and operation hours) of the relevant hospitals and clinics have been uploaded to the online portal (www.map.gov.hk/gm/s/hhbclinic/all?lg=en) for public reference.
 
The HA will implement special refund arrangements in the A&Es again, starting from April 14, to provide stable patients with flexibility in choosing alternative medical institutions. Patients waiting for a doctor consultation at A&Es who choose to seek medical advice at other medical facilities can request a refund of their A&E fees directly from duty staff at the registration counter. “HA Go” members can also submit applications through the mobile application. This arrangement only applies to patients who have not yet been seen by a doctor and must be requested within 24 hours of registration. Eligible applicants will receive refunds via mailed cheque, credit card, or electronic wallet within approximately one month.
 
Additionally, the Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs) located in the 18 districts will enhance their services before and after the Easter holidays, with four CMCTRs providing services during the Easter holidays (see Table 2). Patients can make appointments either by phone during service hours or through the “18 CM Clinics” mobile app (applicable to patients who have registered for 18 CMCTRs service). The public can also visit the HA Chinese Medicine website (cmk.ha.org.hk/services/notice/easter-holidays-2025) for the latest information on Chinese Medicine services.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 12 APR 2025 6:33PM by PIB Delhi

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu in her message on the eve of Vaisakhi, Vishu, Bahag Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Meshadi, Vaishakhadi and Puthandu Pirapu which are being celebrated on 13th, 14th and 15th April, 2025 has said:-

“On the auspicious occasion of Vaisakhi, Vishu, Bahag Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Meshadi, Vaishakhadi and Puthandu Pirapu, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Indians living in India and abroad.

These festivals celebrated at the time of harvest in various parts of India symbolise our social traditions and unity in diversity. Through these festivals, we honor the hard work of our ‘Annadata’ farmers and express our gratitude to them. These festivals also give the message of preserving nature and protecting our cultural legacy.

 I wish that these vibrant festivals motivate us to work with commitment and dedication for the development of our nation”.

Please click here to see the President’s message – 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2121269) Visitor Counter : 105

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, began his visit in Beijing on April 10 and called on the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) yesterday (April 11). 

Dr Chui was invited to attend the first session of the 2025 “Science, Culture, and Literacy” Lecture Series organised by the MEE to deliver a keynote presentation. The Minister of MEE, Mr Huang Runqiu, also attended the seminar.

The presentation, titled “Smart Environmental Governance Strategies and Practices of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government,” highlighted the successful application of sewage surveillance and real-time forecasting models to assist in pandemic control efforts, practice cases of Hong Kong’s innovation in pollution control by utilising smart technologies, and the two latest developed technological applications by the Environmental Protection Department, the biological water quality indicator “Phytoplankton Community Integrity Index” and the risk-based composite index for evaluating overall air quality status.

Participants unanimously agreed that the successful scientific pollution control practices introduced during the seminar provided valuable references for kick-starting ecological and environmental protection efforts. They should study and learn from these practices to further enhance the awareness and capacity of applying scientific thinking and methods to improve environmental quality, better promoting pollution control in a precise, scientific, and law-based manner.

The seminar was held in a hybrid format, combining online and offline participation. The Vice Minister of MEE, Mr Yu Huiwen; the Chief Inspector of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection Inspector’s Office, Mr Liao Xiyuan; and Vice Minister of MEE, Mr Dong Baotong also attended the event.

The Chief Engineer of MEE, Mr Ren Yong, chaired the seminar. Key personnel and administration of State Committee of Supervisory (SSC) Supervisor’s Office, Ministry’s various departments, the Environmental Emergency and Accident Investigation Center and Agency Service Center attended the event in person at the main venue. Other staff from the SSC Supervisor’s Office, Ministry’s various departments and the affiliated institutes joined from sub-venues or virtually.

During his visit to Beijing, Dr Chui also attended the 23rd China International Environmental Protection Exhibition and Conference. He met with representatives from the BRI International Green Development Coalition and the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to explore collaboration on environmental technologies, aiming to jointly achieve the goal of high-quality green and sustainable development under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 13 APR 2025 8:59AM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi greeted everyone on occasion of Baisakhi today.

In a post on X, he said:

“Wishing everyone a happy Baisakhi!”

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2121356) Visitor Counter : 41

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Police today (April 12) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Kwai Chung.

     Wu Hoi-sing, aged 70, went missing after he left his caring home on Lei Muk Road this morning. Staff of the caring home then made a report to Police.

     He is about 1.65 metres tall, 72 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a square face with yellow complexion, and is bald with short black and white hair on both sides. He was last seen wearing a grey jacket, black trousers and black shoes.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1173 or 5217 5562 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 13 APR 2025 9:03AM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today paid homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh. He remarked that the coming generations will always remember their indomitable spirit.

He wrote in a post on X:

“We pay homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh. The coming generations will always remember their indomitable spirit. It was indeed a dark chapter in our nation’s history. Their sacrifice became a major turning point in India’s freedom struggle.”

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2121357) Visitor Counter : 28