Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Sarbananda Sonowal Reviews Kochi Water Metro; Approves Tech Feasibility Study for 24 Cities, Including Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Tezpur

Execution Plan to Follow Based on Findings

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 8:41PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed operations of the Kochi Water Metro during a ride across key terminals in the city. The visit marked a step toward assessing the viability of replicating the water-based transit model in 24 cities across India, including Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Tezpur in Assam. The Ministry has approved for conducting Technical Feasibility Study in these 24 cities.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said, “The success of the Kochi Water Metro is a shining testament to India’s ability to blend tradition with innovation. It demonstrates how clean, comfortable, and efficient water-based transport can transform the way people commute in urban spaces. Inspired by this achievement, our ministry has approved technical feasibility studies in 24 cities across the country—including Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Tezpur in Assam—to explore the replication of this model.”

After the ride aboard Kochi Water Metro, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal lauded Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s transformative leadership in reviving India’s long-neglected national waterways. “Before 2014, our rivers were overlooked and left in ruins. It is under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi that we have reclaimed the lost glory of India’s riverways,” he said. “The Water Metro is a testament to this transformation—it provides an economical, comfortable, environmentally friendly, and modern travel experience that reflects the government’s commitment to green and inclusive growth.”

The Union Minister boarded the Water Metro at the High Court Junction terminal and travelled to Fort Kochi and Vypeen before returning. He was accompanied by senior government officials, including Joint Secretary Sri Nath, as well as representatives from Kochi Metro Rail Ltd., and other maritime agencies.

Elaborating on the Water Metro project, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “This initiative will pave the way for a modern and sustainable public transport system that not only reduces traffic congestion and pollution but also reconnects our people with the country’s historic waterways. Rooted in our civilisational legacy of river navigation, the Water Metro concept is designed to meet the demands of today—with cutting-edge technology, top-notch safety protocols, and commuter-friendly amenities that make every journey efficient and enjoyable. The expansion of Water Metro services aims to provide last-mile connectivity, ease of travel, and an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional transport—setting the stage for a greener and more inclusive future of urban mobility in India.”

During the visit to Kochi Water Metro, the Union Minister was accompanied by Loknath Behera, Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd.; B. Kasiviswanathan, Chairperson of Cochin Port Trust; Dr. Divya S. Iyer, Managing Director of Vizhinjam International Seaport; directors of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd.; the Chief Operating Officer of Kochi Water Metro Ltd.; and Dr K K Nath, Advisor, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) among other senior officials.

In a message penned in the visitor’s book, Shri Sonowal described the Kochi Water Metro as “unique,” noting that “it makes a real difference to water travel—more exciting, comfortable, and enjoyable.”

The Water Metro, the first of its kind in India, integrates water transport with the city’s urban mobility systems and is being considered a model for future projects across the country. The proposed expansion through techno-feasibility studies aims to boost connectivity, reduce road congestion, and promote sustainable transit in key urban centres.

***

GDH/HR

(Release ID: 2120213) Visitor Counter : 48

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chairs a review meeting on development projects in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar today

The Modi government is working with an unwavering resolve towards building a developed Jammu and Kashmir

The tireless efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi are ushering in a new era of prosperity for every citizen through development and welfare initiatives

Untiring efforts of the Modi Government to accelerate the pace of development in Jammu and Kashmir have resulted in comprehensive changes in all sectors in the Union Territory

During the review meeting, the achievements of the Union Territory in the fields of power, connectivity, industry, tourism, agriculture etc. were presented before the Union Home Minister

All- inclusive development in every aspect of public welfare underlines the commitment of the Modi Government to transform Jammu and Kashmir

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 7:34PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired a review meeting on development projects in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar today. The meeting was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, Union Home Secretary and senior officials of the Central and Jammu and Kashmir Governments.

Union Home Minister said that the Modi government is working with an unwavering resolve towards building a developed Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the tireless efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi are ushering in a new era of prosperity for every citizen through development and welfare initiatives. Shri Shah said that Jammu and Kashmir is accelerating on the path of growth in every sector.

Untiring efforts of the Modi Government to accelerate the pace of development in Jammu and Kashmir have resulted in comprehensive  changes in all sectors in the Union Territory. During the review meeting, the achievements of the Union Territory in the fields of power, connectivity, industry, tourism, agriculture etc. were presented to the Union Home Minister. Apart from this, the financial assistance given to Jammu and Kashmir so far by the Union Home Ministry and the financial assistance allocated to the Union Territory under various heads in the financial year 2024-25 was also mentioned in the presentation. The Home Minister directed to take all necessary steps to further accelerate the pace of development in Jammu and Kashmir so that the full potential of the Union Territory can be utilized.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Government of India is fully committed to establishing new dimensions of development in  Jammu and Kashmir and paving the way for prosperity for the local people. The all- inclusive development in every aspect of public welfare underlines the Modi government’s commitment to transform Jammu and Kashmir through positive reforms.

*****

RK/VV/RR/PR/PS

(Release ID: 2120176) Visitor Counter : 115

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals:

     The Transport Department (TD) today (April 8) said that the last train to Lo Wu Station on the East Rail Line (ERL) via interchanging at Tai Wai Station has departed from Sung Wong Toi Station and Kai Tak Station. Cross-boundary travellers who missed the last train to Lo Wu Station may take the ERL to Sheung Shui Station and then the KMB route No. 276B or N73 to Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange, and transfer to the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) for their journey to the Mainland.

     Spectators are advised to take heed of the real-time information via the on-site broadcast and the “Easy Leave” platform (easyleave.police.gov.hk) as well as the latest traffic news through the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the “HKeMobility” mobile application and radio and television broadcasts.

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation,Shri Amit Shah chairs a high-level security review meeting in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar today

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India is committed to establishing lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir and completely eradicating terrorism

Union Home Minister lauds the efforts of security agencies for significant reduction in terror-related incidents, infiltration and recruitment of youth into terrorist organisations

Due to sustained and coordinated efforts of the Modi Government, the entire terror eco-system nurtured by elements against our country in Jammu and Kashmir has been crippled

Home Minister directed all security agencies to continue efforts with a coordinated approach to eliminate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir

Implementation of Area Domination Plan and Zero Terror Plan must be ensured in mission mode

All agencies should continue to work in a coordinated manner so that the gains made after the abrogation of Article 370 in the Union Territory can be sustained

Posted On: 08 APR 2025 7:43PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar today. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, Director (IB), Chief of Army Staff, GOC-in-C (Northern Command), Chief Secretary &DGP of Jammu and Kashmir, heads of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other senior officials attended the meeting.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India is committed to establishing lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir and completely eradicating terrorism. During the meeting, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah lauded the efforts of security agencies for significant reduction in terror-related incidents, infiltration and recruitment of youth in terrorist organisations. He reiterated the zero tolerance policy against terrorism under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Shri Shah said that Due to sustained and coordinated efforts of the Modi Government, the entire terror eco-system nurtured by elements inimical to our country in Jammu and Kashmir has been crippled.

Shri Amit Shah directed all security agencies to continue efforts with a coordinated approach to eliminate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He also directed that the implementation of Area Domination Plan and Zero Terror Plan must be ensured in mission mode. Home Minister said that all agencies should continue to work in a coordinated manner so that the gains made after the abrogation of Article 370 in the Union Territory can be sustained and the goal of ‘terror free J&K’ can be achieved at the earliest. Home Minister said that the Modi Government is providing all resources necessary to achieve this goal.

Union Home Minister also reviewed the preparedness of Shri Amarnathji Yatra which is scheduled from 3^rd July to 9^th August this year and directed concerned agencies to take all necessary action for conducting holy yatra peacefully.

 

*****

RK / VV / RR / PS

(Release ID: 2120184) Visitor Counter : 94

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will depart for Beijing tomorrow morning to attend a welcome ceremony on the return of the search and rescue team members of China, including those from Hong Kong, from Myanmar to the motherland.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung will accompany Mr Chan to Beijing.

The three officials, together with members of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region search and rescue team, will return to Hong Kong on the same day and are expected to arrive at night.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will organise a welcome ceremony for the team members at Hong Kong International Airport.

During Mr Chan and Mr Tang’s absence, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing and Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk will be acting secretaries respectively.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A new batch of 18 strategic enterprises, in the presence of Financial Secretary Paul Chan, committed to establishing global headquarters, regional headquarters or research and development centres in Hong Kong during a ceremony today held by the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES).

These firms come from high-tech industries such as advanced manufacturing and new energy technology, artificial intelligence and data science, fintech, and life and health technology.

In his speech, Mr Chan said that Hong Kong treasures not only the investments, jobs and expertise that the strategic enterprises bring to the city, but also their products and solutions that will transform people’s way of life and inspire new innovation.

Their presence supports Hong Kong’s vision of becoming an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, he stressed.

“Amid rising tides of unilateralism and protectionism, Hong Kong remains steadfast in our commitment to upholding our free-port status and free trade policy; ensuring the free flow of capital, goods, information and people; maintaining our simple and low tax system; and building a dynamic and vibrant I&T ecosystem with a full range of funding support.

“Coupled with the best connectivity and seamless access to the Mainland and Asia markets, here is the best launch pad for realising your ambition.”

The Financial Secretary added that going forward, OASES will broaden its scope to attract cultural and creative enterprises that can fuse I&T with artistry. He also remarked that through Hong Kong’s platform, these firms can expand their businesses to various new markets.

Together with the 66 companies previously attracted to the city, the strategic enterprises will invest about $50 billion in total in the years to come, creating over 20,000 jobs. OASES, in collaboration with government departments, provides them with comprehensive services to facilitate their business set-up and operations, thereby promoting growth in the I&T sector and contributing to Hong Kong’s economic development.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan and Shenzhen Vice Mayor Zhang Hua, and leading officials from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government respectively, held the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Joint Working Group on Environmental Protection meeting in Hong Kong today.

Highlighting that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China announced a resolution on “building a beautiful China”, Mr Tse said: “As part of our country and the Greater Bay Area, the Hong Kong SAR Government will definitely work hand in hand with Shenzhen in this direction to make positive contributions to ecological civilization construction.”

Presenting Hong Kong’s work progress on environmental protection, the Environment & Ecology Bureau said that eight more hectares of landfill were restored and greened in the North East New Territories Landfill last year, and the number of odour complaints dropped by more than 90% compared to the peak period.

In terms of water quality improvement, the total phosphorus level in the Shenzhen River in 2024 reached the national surface water quality Class III standard.

As for marine ecological protection, the Hong Kong SAR Government has established a number of marine parks in recent years, increasing the area of protected sea areas from 3,400 hectares to more than 8,500 hectares. It also subsidised local universities to conduct research on various coral restoration technologies.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong SAR Government has been working hard to expand the city’s community recycling network as well as strengthen waste reduction and recycling measures. To maximise the utilisation of recyclables, it actively assists the industry in developing local resource recycling facilities.

Furthermore, Hong Kong vigorously promotes discussions with major Greater Bay Area cities on the construction of a “Zero Waste Bay Area” and regional recycling.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Business of Innovation & Technology Week (BIT Week) will make a grand return in April, the Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau announced today.

Mega innovation and technology (I&T) events include InnoEX, the Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference, and the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit.

The third edition of InnoEX will take place from April 13 to 16 at the Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), bringing together I&T elites, enterprises and buyers from the Mainland and overseas to promote I&T advancements.

It will showcase cutting-edge technology solutions across five key areas of low-altitude economy, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cybersecurity and smart mobility.

The event’s highlight is a Hong Kong pavilion set up by the Digital Policy Office to exhibit over 100 I&T solutions, including those developed by government departments concerning citizens’ daily lives as well as award-winning projects by local innovators and students.

The second Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and the Xiangjiang Nobel Forum 2025 will take place concurrently at the HKCEC, assembling top-notch I&T talent and renowned scientists including laureates of the Nobel Prize and Turing Award in the city.

Through keynote speeches, roundtable forums and other formats, the conference participants will tap into global wisdom on cutting-edge topics in big data, AI, biotechnology, new materials and large models. 

The World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit will happen on April 14 and 15 at the HKCEC, focusing on discussions in large AI models, digital finance, and digital government and smart life.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Sun Dong said that BIT Week will bring together I&T elites from 29 countries and regions and over 2,800 exhibitors, adding that Hong Kong’s I&T strengths will be showcased via a series of exhibitions, forums, seminars, business networking, and talent matching.

Other industry events during BIT Week include the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition), Smart Lighting Expo, and the Hong Kong Web3 Festival, the bureau said.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A symposium on safeguarding national security for Hong Kong’s social welfare sector, jointly organised by the Labour & Welfare Bureau, the Social Welfare Department and Connecting Hearts, was held today.

 

Officiated by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, the symposium attracted over 8,000 participants from the local social welfare sector who took part both online and offline.

 

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun and Director-General of the Social Work Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Liu Songlin also attended the symposium.

 

While addressing the forum, Mr Chan highlighted that the Government has achieved fruitful results in safeguarding national security and promoting patriotic education over the past year or so.

 

Such achievements include the completion of the legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law that ensures the smooth implementation of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance as well as the amendments to the Social Workers Registration Ordinance which foster a better environment for social welfare professionals to leverage their expertise.

 

Mr Chan said that the social welfare sector is charged with the important and long-term responsibilities in serving the community and caring for the public. It is also their mission and duty to safeguard national security.

 

He urged the sector to continue collaborating with the Government to sustain efforts in safeguarding national security, thereby ensuring the healthy development of welfare services in Hong Kong and enhanced safeguards for public well-being.

 

A sharing session was held at the symposium where Mr Sun was joined by representatives from the social welfare sector, including professors from education institutions, management of social welfare organisations and professional social workers, to explore how the sector can fulfil its responsibility of safeguarding national security and promote patriotic education.

 

Mr Sun said that the Labour & Welfare Bureau and the Social Welfare Department have been working closely with social welfare organisations in the previous year to promote national security education within the sector through organising symposiums, seminars and visits with a view to enhancing the sector’s understanding of national affairs.

 

He added that a dedicated fund of $500 million was rolled out last year, in which $100 million was allocated to non-governmental organisations operating subvented welfare services to arrange Mainland exchange tours and national studies programmes for their staff.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Chief Executive in Council today authorised the Northern Link (NOL) Main Line railway scheme, in accordance with the Railways Ordinance.

The Government outlined that the NOL Main Line will become the main transportation backbone of the Northern Metropolis, unleashing the development potential of land along it. It will also connect the existing Tuen Ma Line and the East Rail Line, forming a railway loop that links up the New Territories and the Kowloon urban area, thereby substantially improving the existing railway network.

When the NOL Main Line comes into operation, the expected travel time between Kam Sheung Road Station and Kwu Tung Station is expected to be substantially reduced from the current 60 to 80 minutes during peak hours to about 12 minutes.

The Government and the MTR Corporation (MTRC) have to date collected public views on the NOL Main Line project through various channels. This includes consulting the North District Council and the Yuen Long District Council, holding discussions with relevant rural committees and stakeholders, and organising various publicity activities in the community. The public is generally supportive of the NOL Main Line project.

The original plan for the NOL Main Line was published in the Government Gazette on October 6, 2023, with two subsequent amendments being made. The first amendment and a correction to the scheme were published on May 3 last year, and the second amendment was published on August 30.

The Government noted that all objections not subsequently withdrawn have been submitted to the Executive Council for consideration.

It added that during implementation of the NOL Main Line project, the MTRC will continue to maintain close communication with relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, the MTRC is also required to comply with the conditions stipulated in the environmental permit issued by the Director of Environmental Protection.