Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

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

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses a program in Raigad, Maharashtra, on the occasion of the 345th death anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

It is a matter of great fortune to visit the historic Raigad Fort, where the golden throne of Hindavi Swaraj was established

This historic Raigad Fort stands as a witness to the journey of young Shiva to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s final moments — bearing testimony to his entire legacy

The Central and Maharashtra governments are committed to making the Shivaji Memorial an inspirational place for the youth of the country

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj instilled Swadharma, Swabhasha, and Swaraj in every corner of India

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child in India learns about the life and legacy of Shivaji Maharaj (Shivcharitra)

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is carrying forward Shivaji Maharaj’s struggle for Swaraj, Swadharma and Swabhasha

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, by adopting Shivaji Maharaj’s Royal Seal as the symbol of our Navy, has declared to the world that our country and our Swaraj are fully secured

The original vision of making India a global leader in every field was laid down by Shivaji Maharaj, and Prime Minister Modi is carrying that vision forward

At a time when people began to perceive Swadharma and Swaraj as crimes, Shivaji Maharaj, at the age of 12, took a vow to hoist the saffron flag from Sindhu to Kanyakumari

Posted On: 12 APR 2025 4:45PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today addressed a program held at Raigad Fort in Raigad, Maharashtra, on the occasion of the 345^th death anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. On this occasion, many dignitaries were present, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar, and Union Minister of State for Cooperation Shri Murlidhar Mohol.

Addressing the program, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that it is a matter of great fortune to visit the historic Raigad Fort, where the golden throne of Hindavi Swaraj was established. He said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ignited an immortal spirit across every corner of India and willingness to sacrifice one’s life for one’s religion, language, and Swaraj. Soon, the region of Maharashtra, which was surrounded by the Adilshahi, Mughal, and Nizamshahi powers, transformed into Hindavi Swaraj. In just a few years, the dream of Swaraj began to be realized from Attock to Cuttack, and across the country from Bengal to Tamil Nadu in the south.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that when Shivaji Maharaj was born, the people of the country were engulfed in deep darkness. The environment was such that even imagining the idea of Swaraj seemed impossible. Within just a hundred years after the fall of Devagiri, the decline of Maharashtra and the entire southern region had taken place, and gradually, speaking of one’s own religion and self-rule came to be seen as a crime.

But in such times, a 12-year-old boy, inspired by his mother Rajmata Jijabai, took a vow to once again raise the saffron flag from the Sindhu River to Kanyakumari. Shri Shah said that he has read the biographies of many great leaders from around the world, but such unshakable willpower, indomitable courage, unimaginable strategy, and the ability to unite every section of society to build an invincible army — no one did it like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Shri Amit Shah said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj neither had fortune on his side, nor a powerful legacy, nor wealth or a large army. Yet, at a very young age, through his unbreakable courage and firm resolve, he inspired the entire nation with the mantra of Swaraj. In no time, he played a pivotal role in shattering the Mughal Empire, which had ruled for over 200 years.

When Shivaji Maharaj’s forces reached Attock, Bengal, Cuttack, and Tamil Nadu, then people across the land began to believe once again — that the nation, its religion, languages, and culture had been saved.

Union Home Minister said that the vision of making India the best in the world in every field was first laid down by Shivaji Maharaj. He added that today, 75 years after India’s independence, we stand tall before the world with pride, and we resolve that when India completes 100 years of independence, the country will achieve the number one position globally in every domain.

Shri Amit Shah said that Rajmata Jijabai not only gave birth to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but also inspired him to revive Swaraj, Swadharma, and Swabhasha. When Shivaji was still very young, it was Jijabai who instilled in him the idea of liberating the entire country and becoming the founder of a Hindavi Empire.

Shri Shah stated that Rajmata Jijabai imparted values and virtues to the young Shivaji, and Shivaji turned those values into a mighty banyan tree. He further said that after Shivaji, Sambhaji Maharaj, Maharani Tarabai, Santaji, and Tanaji continued to fight against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb until his death. As a result, the man who called himself “Alamgir” (conqueror of the world) was ultimately defeated in Maharashtra, and his tomb remains here as a testament to that.

Shri Shah emphasized that it is our duty to ensure every child in India learns about Shivaji’s life and legacy. He said that Shivaji Maharaj should not be limited to Maharashtra — the entire country, and even the world, can draw inspiration from him.

Union Home Minister said that Swadharma, Swaraj, and Swabhasha are deeply connected to the self-respect of human life. Shivaji Maharaj brought these three core values of self-respect before the nation and the world. He did this at a time when invaders had crushed and defeated us, and a mentality of slavery got rooted in society. But Shivaji Maharaj broke this mindset of subjugation and re-established the Hindavi Empire, reigniting a spirit of pride, resistance, and independence among the people.

Shri Amit Shah said that the entire history of Shivaji Maharaj — from his birth to his last breath — is tied to this sacred land of Raigad. He also remembered the great freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who envisioned this sacred place as “Shiv Smriti”.

Shri Shah stated that the British deliberately tried to destroy Raigad Fort, as it was a powerful symbol of Swaraj. Tilak Maharaj recognized this significance and, through his famous slogan “Swaraj is my birthright”, re-established the commitment to Shivaji Maharaj’s vision of Swaraj.

He added that Tilak Maharaj began the movement to preserve this memorial, although the work couldn’t be completed during his lifetime. However, even during British rule, this site became a symbol — from Shiv Jayanti to Swaraj, marking the beginning of India’s freedom struggle.

Shri Shah said that the Maharashtra government is now continuing the noble work initiated by Tilak Maharaj to honor and preserve this legacy.

Union Home Minister said that the Central and Maharashtra governments are committed to transforming the Raigad memorial into not just a tourist destination, but a source of inspiration for the youth of the country by providing it with various modern facilities. He appealed to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra to ensure that every student from classes 7 to 12 visits this sacred site at least once, so they can connect with the legacy and ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Shri Amit Shah said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established numerous principles in the field of administration. His concept of the Ashta Pradhan Mandal (Council of Eight Ministers) has been adopted today in the form of the Cabinet, and the Cabinet is essentially a broader version of the Ashta Pradhan Mandal.

He also mentioned that Shivaji Maharaj established several principles for justice which was implemented by those in power. Through his actions, Shivaji Maharaj set an example of good governance (Sushasan).

Union Home Minister said that Shivaji Maharaj’s final message was that the struggle for Swaraj, respect for Swadharma, and the immortality of Swabhasha should never stop. Shri Shah added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this struggle is moving forward with pride today. PM Modi has worked to give India a glorious place on the global stage.

He further stated that Shivaji Maharaj envisioned the restoration of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the access to all Jyotirlingas, and the revival of the Ram Janmabhoomi. These tasks have been fulfilled during PM Modi’s tenure. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which had been destroyed by Aurangzeb, was revitalized through the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi rule.

Shri Shah said that the whole country is committed to completing the remaining tasks to fully realize the message of Shivaji Maharaj. Shri Amit Shah said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj represents determination, dedication, sacrifice, bravery, self-respect, and the immortal spirit of Swaraj. He mentioned that the Maharashtra government has launched a campaign to bring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy to every household.

He further highlighted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, by making Shivaji Maharaj’s Royal Seal the symbol of our Navy, has declared to the world that our country and our Swaraj are fully secured.

Shri Shah also noted that Prime Minister Modi and the Maharashtra government are working towards having 12 historic forts recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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RK / VV / PR / PS

(Release ID: 2121221) Visitor Counter : 21

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Police today (April 12) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Mong Kok.

Moran Dante Elaine Cipolla, aged 27, went missing after she left MTR Mong Kok East Station yesterday (April 11) afternoon. Staff of a rehabilitation centre then made a report to Police.

She is about 1.5 metres tall, around 50 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a pointed face with white complexion and long black hair. She was last seen wearing a black long-sleeved hoodie, a pair of black trousers and black sport shoes.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon West on 3661 8036 or 9020 6542 or email to rmpu-kw@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

InnoEX, a four-day innovation and technology (I&T) mega event, kicked off today at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, with government-development solutions featuring prominently among those on display at the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion.

Themed “Innovation • Automate • Elevate”, the expo’s third edition presents cutting-edge technology solutions across five key areas: the low-altitude economy; AI; robotics; cybersecurity; and smart mobility.

Officials including Financial Secretary Paul Chan and Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Sun Dong visited the Smart Hong Kong Paviliion, where they were briefed by the Digital Policy Office on its efforts to lead government departments in leveraging I&T to enhance governance and operational efficiency.

The pavilion, focusing mainly on AI and data-driven applications, showcases I&T solutions from 20 departments, besides winning entries from international and domestic competitions. The solutions are divided into six categories: smart living, smart mobility, smart environment, smart people, smart government and smart economy.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Fire Services Department today held an open day at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy (FASA) in support of National Security Education Day, which will be held on Tuesday.

 

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki attended a flag-raising ceremony and spoke at the event, which attracted more than 9,000 participants.

 

He praised the 41 departmental staff who recently took part in search-and-rescue operations in earthquake-stricken areas of Myanmar, commending the team’s swift response and professionalism. He added that their efforts demonstrated China’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts and support for the spirit of international security, which he said is an essential element of a holistic approach to national security.

 

The Chief Secretary then toured an exhibition on national security, and also the National Security Education & Resource Centre at the FASA. Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung visited game booths set up as part of the open day.

 

As part of the event, facilities such as the simulated Pak Shing Kok railway station, training simulations, and the fire and ambulance services education centre, were also open to the public.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan

Allow me to take a moment to highlight why Hong Kong is the ideal strategic destination for innovation and technology businesses.

In addition to our world-class infrastructure and business-friendly environment mentioned by Margaret (Trade Development Council Executive Director Margaret Fong), Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” arrangement has set us apart from any other city in Asia. To name just a few of our unique strengths, we have:

– first, convenient access to the vast Chinese Mainland and Asian markets;

– second, a trusted common law system and strong intellectual property protection;

– third, the convergence of Mainland and international data and capital; and

– fourth, a thriving international talent pool that attracts and nurtures the top minds from around the world.

 

These strengths have made Hong Kong a premier launch-pad for companies looking to scale up their business in Asia and beyond.

 

Today, we are home to over 4,700 startups, and 28% of their founders come from outside the city. For a glimpse of this dynamism, I encourage you to visit InnoEX, which showcases the ingenuity of our startups and talent, with groundbreaking innovations ranging from AI and robotics to green tech, smart mobility, and much more.

 

Hong Kong’s appeal extends beyond these. We offer a comprehensive funding ecosystem, spanning angel investments, venture capital and private equity, to one of the world’s deepest and most liquid stock markets. Besides, together with Greater Bay Area cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou, we offer you a vibrant ecosystem that caters to the needs of innovative companies from different sectors and different stages of development. In fact, we have been ranked the world’s second most innovative cluster for five consecutive years.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, we gather at a pivotal moment. We are witnessing a shifting global landscape marked by a daunting trade war and technological fragmentation. Trade patterns, industrial chain, supply chains and partnerships are being reshaped. In this “new normal”, many businesses will have to find new collaborators, explore untapped markets and embrace more agile business models.

 

In these turbulent times, Hong Kong remains open and welcoming to businesses and talent from all over the world. We are eager to establish new connections and forge new partnerships. These are in our DNA. Rest assured that our free port status and free trade policy remain unshaken. We are firm in our commitment to the free flow of capital, goods, talent and information.

 

Let me conclude by extending my gratitude to my government colleagues, the HKTDC, and all the exhibitors and partners who have brought the BIT Week to life. To our visitors: beyond networking and conducting business, please take some time to explore this vibrant city, not just our scenic hills, stunning coastlines and beautiful outlying islands, but also the 200+ Michelin-recommended restaurants. We impose no duty on wine. Coldplay was performing in our world-class Kai Tak Stadium. The Palace Museum and M+ museum are just across the harbour.

 

I am sure you will enjoy the city, and wish you all the best of business and health for the time ahead.

 

Financial Secretary Paul Chan made these remarks at the BIT Week 2025’s opening ceremony on April 13.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Last month, the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation, or HKSTP, transformed its InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong into a GreenTech Hub, with the aim of supercharging Hong Kong’s drive to be an international hub for green technology and green finance.

Kevin To, the head of a green tech company focused on developing electric motorcycles, batteries and smart battery replacement systems, believes the hub can be a catalyst for advancing green technology in Hong Kong.

“We can combine all these green tech companies together,” he said. “We have more opportunities to communicate, to interact with other green tech companies.

“For example, we are an electric vehicle company – we have a battery, and we need a battery management system. There is a green tech company in this building, they even do the battery management system, so it is very convenient for us to work together with this kind of company.”

Carbon goals

Mr To added: “We did a lot of events and have met a lot of companies within the Greentech Hub. It is a really good ecosystem.”

Explaining that his firm’s operations are primarily focused on the Mainland and Southeast Asian markets for the time being, Mr To highlighted that it also plans to partner with a food delivery platform in Hong Kong, enabling delivery workers to use electric motorcycles.

He believes this initiative will help the city to achieve its carbon neutrality goals.

Flourishing ecosystem

It is expected that the GreenTech Hub ecosystem will accommodate more than 200 green tech companies. HKSTP Associate Director (GreenTech) Howard Lee said it will unite green innovation from various sectors, including new energy, smart city solutions, green building and green fintech.

“The hub will also feature a dedicated Green Space to showcase these innovative and sustainable green solutions,” he added.

Moreover, to support companies in the hub, HKSTP has enlisted 16 GreenTech Hub Partners, including financial and business institutions, as well as universities, to support green tech innovation at the site.

Mr Lee said that focusing resources and expertise at the hub can have synergistic effects.

“It brings together different green tech companies, contributing to the clustering effect,” he stressed. “It also allows our industry partners to come and look for different green tech solutions.”

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

In support of National Security Education Day on April 15, the Immigration Department, the Correctional Services Department (CSD) and the Civil Aid Service (CAS) today held open days to promote national security education and showcase departmental achievements.

 

In booth games and a thematic exhibition, the Immigration Service Institute of Training & Development showcased the technology it uses in its counter-terrorism work, detention centre management and identification of suspicious documents. Visitors were given the chance to try out facilities such as a mock immigration clearance hall and court room.

 

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, accompanied by Immigration Department directorate officers, toured the exhibition booths and interacted with the open day participants.

 

The CSD’s open day activities were staged at the Correctional Services Museum and the Community Education Experience Centre. Interactive games and multimedia exhibits at the centre conveyed messages on offender rehabilitation and in support of law-abiding and drug-free lifestyles.

 

Financial Secretary Paul Chan and security chief Tang Ping-keung were accompanied by Commissioner of Correctional Services Wong Kwok-hing and Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Operations and Strategic Development) Leung Ka-lun in attending the event.

 

At its headquarters, the CAS staged an exhibition and displayed the winning entries from a patriotic essay competition. Service members also presented a mountain search-and-rescue demonstration and a bicycle show.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Labour ＆ Welfare Chris Sun today attended the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Talent Development Showcase” in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

 

Promoting Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, Mr Sun outlined at a symposium that the city is uniquely positioned in the Greater Bay Area to serve a dual role as Mainland China’s gateway to Southeast Asia and as a springboard for companies in countries such as Malaysia to tap the Mainland’s vast domestic market.

 

He added that the multilingual nature of both Hong Kong and Malaysia facilitates the smooth integration of Malaysian talent in Hong Kong.

 

Mr Sun outlined that Hong Kong’s Committee on Education, Technology & Talents, chaired by the Chief Secretary, seeks to build on the city’s standing as an international hub for high-calibre talent across various sectors, in line with the “eight centres” concept.

 

After attending the symposium, Mr Sun toured a career fair being staged as part of the showcase to learn about companies’ demand for international talent. Featuring almost 40 leading bay area enterprises from a variety of industries, it was well-attended both by local professionals and students from Malaysian universities.

 

Running today and tomorrow, the showcase is organised by the Labour & Welfare Bureau and Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) and is expected to attract more than 4,000 attendees.

 

Mr Sun said: “Hosting the showcase in Malaysia, a dynamic emerging economy with strategic development potential, the bureau and HKTE aimed at implementing (a) strategy to attract international high-calibre talent under the memorandum of understanding on promoting talent services co-operation in the GBA signed last year by nine municipalities in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau.”

 

Yesterday, Mr Sun visited Universiti Malaya, an eligible university under the Top Talent Pass Scheme, paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia’s Chargé d’Affaires Zheng Xuefang and called on Malaysia’s Minister of Human Resources YB Steven Sim.

 

Whilst in Kuala Lumpur, the labour chief also met representatives of the Hong Kong-Malaysia Business Association and the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia. He invited them to visit Hong Kong to explore opportunities.

 

Mr Sun concluded his three-day visit this afternoon and returned to Hong Kong this evening.