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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government announced today (May 2) that the Chief Executive has appointed five new members and reappointed nine incumbent members to the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) for a term of two years with effect from May 20, 2025.

The newly appointed members are:

Dr Eliza Chan Ching-har
Ms Aruna Gurung
Revd Canon Peter Douglas Koon Ho-ming
Dr Lui Wai-cheung
Mr Symon Wong Yu-wing

The reappointed members are:

Ms Queenie Chan Lai-kwan
Ms Choi Yi-tak
Miss Lily Chow
Dr Theresa Cunanan
Mr James Mathew Fong
Mr Vishal Melwani
Miss Shirley To Shuk-yi
Ms Linda Tsang Chi-man
Dr Kitty Wu Kit-ying

     “The membership of the EOC represents a variety of expertise and sectors, including women; persons with disabilities; ethnic minorities; members from the employment, social services, legal, accounting, academic and education sectors; and the community at large. Their experience and expertise are instrumental to the work of the EOC in promoting equal opportunities,” said a Government spokesperson.

     “We would like to take the opportunity to thank Mr Vincent Cheng Wing-shun, Dr Henry Shie Wai-hung, Ms Anna Thompson, Dr Rizwan Ullah, and Mr Gary Wong Chi-him, who will be stepping down from the EOC, for their staunch support for the work of the Commission over the years.”

     “We look forward to the continuous concerted efforts of the Chairperson of the EOC as well as its members in constructing a more harmonious, inclusive and caring Hong Kong,” the spokesperson added.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has once again invited members of “Fountain de Chopin”, a local emerging jazz music group, as the speakers and demonstrators for a  ecture demonstration series entitled “Jazz Appreciation from Legends” that will be held from June to August. This new series consists of 10 lectures, each featuring one renowned jazz musician and his/her profound impact on future generations in each lecture. Complemented by live demonstrations of the musicians’ iconic compositions, audiences will be guided to appreciate the unique styles of various jazz music genres.

     Details of each lecture are as follows:——————————————–
Date: June 6 (Friday)———————————————
Date: June 13 (Friday)———————————————
Date: June 20 (Friday)———————————————
Date: July 4 (Friday)———————————————
Date: July 11 (Friday)———————————————
Date: July 18 (Friday)———————————————
Date: August 1 (Friday)———————————————
Date: August 8 (Friday)———————————————
Date: August 15 (Friday)———————————————
Date: August 29 (Friday)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Police announced today (May 2) that the “floating colours” parade in Cheung Chau on May 5 is expected to draw a large number of spectators. Crowd safety management measures and special arrangements will be implemented. Police urge members of the public to plan their trips in advance.
 
A. Crowd safety management measures
 
     Depending on crowd conditions, crowd safety management measures will be implemented on the following roads:
 
– Pak She Street;
– â� San Hing Street;
– Tung Wan Road;
– Praya Street;
– Tai San Praya Road;
– Tai Hing Tai Road;
– Chung Hing Street;
– Tai Tsoi Yuen Road;
– Tai San Back Street;
– Hing Lung Main Street;
– â� San Hing Back Street;
– Man Shun Lane; and
– Kwok Man Road.
 
     “No staying zones” will be set up outside Cheung Chau Ferry Pier, Cheung Chau Public Pier and Shing Cheong Lane, where members of the public are prohibited from staying.
 
     Members of the public are advised to exercise tolerance and patience, and take heed of instructions of the Police on site. They are also reminded to look after the accompanying children and elderly.
 
B. Ferry services
 
     To facilitate the dispersal of spectators from the “floating colours” parade, the ferry company will increase the frequency of trips between Central and Cheung Chau. Members of the public are advised to pay attention to the latest arrangements announced by the ferry company before leaving home.
 
     Police anticipate that the peak period for individuals departing from Cheung Chau will occur from 5pm to 6pm. During this time, those queuing at Cheung Chau Ferry Pier are advised to exercise patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site. Members of the public are advised to avoid the peak time unless necessary.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV and radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (May 2) that due to the sighting of a suspected red tide, the red flag has been hoisted at Silver Mine Bay Beach in Islands District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach until further notice.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Chinese Opera Festival (COF), as a core part of the Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2025, will launch the screening programme “Chinese Opera Film Shows” from May to September. The programme will showcase 10 classic Chinese opera films from the 1950s to 1980s, featuring Cantonese opera, Peking opera and Yuediao opera. To resonate with the theme of “Three Kingdoms” of this year’s COF, most selected films are inspired by the stories of “Romance of Three Kingdoms”, with a special focus on the plays related to “Zhou Yu Thrice Humiliated”, “Invoking the East Wind”, “A Meeting of Heroes” and “The Battle at Changbanpo”, making a delightful contrast between the stage performances and film screenings for similar repertories at the festival.

     Details of the Cantonese opera film screenings are as follows:—————————————————————————————–
Date: May 31 (Saturday)
Starring: Sun Ma Si-tsang, Yam Kim-fai, Ng Kwun-lai, Choi Zhen-chu
Synopsis: Zhuge Liang (Hung Ming) is entrusted to persuade Zhou Yu (Chow Yu) to form an alliance against the State of Wei, but Zhou repeatedly schemes to make things difficult for him. Later, after Shu seizes control of Jingzhou, Zhou attempts various stratagems to reclaim the territory, all of which are cleverly thwarted by Zhuge. Coupled with repeated military defeats, Zhou dies of frustration and despair.—————————————————————————————–
Date: June 14 (Saturday)
Starring: Ho Fei-fan, Lam Dan, Leung Sing-por, Mak Bing-wing
Synopsis: General Fan Yuqi of Qin is entrusted to invite Crown Prince Dan of Yan and his consort to Qin as guests. The King of Qin breaks his promise and imprisons them instead. Fan helps the royal couple escape successfully. Infuriated, the King launches an assault on Yan on a false claim. Crown Prince Dan accepts the courtier Tian Guang’s recommendation to send Jing Ke to assassinate the King.—————————————————————————————–
Date: July 12 (Saturday)
Starring: Fong Yim-fun, Yam Kim-fai, Mak Bing-wing, Poon Yat-on
Synopsis: Cao Cao decrees Lady Zhen is to marry Cao Pi. Heartbroken, Cao Zhi loses his creative spirit. Later, Pi ascends the throne. He believes rumours suggesting that Zhi is the father of his child, and forces Lady Zhen to take poison and banishes Zhi to a remote land, forcing the lovers apart forever.—————————————————————————————–
Date: August 30 (Saturday)
Starring: Sun Ma Si-tsang, Tang Bik-wan, Lau Hark-suen, Pak Lung-chu
Synopsis: Dong Zhuo holds sway in the imperial court and renders the young king a mere figurehead, aided by the formidable warrior Lü Bu (Lui Bo). Concerned for the state, the songstress Diao Chan (Diu Sim) and minister Wang Yun devise a honey trap. Wang promises Diao’s hand to Dong and Lü. Diao begs Lü to rescue her by killing Dong. Meanwhile, Diao tearfully reports to Dong that Lü had taken liberties with her, thus turning the partners into enemies.—————————————————————————————–
Date: July 9 (Wednesday)
Starring: Xiao Changhua, Ma Lianliang, Tan Fuying, Ye Shenglan
Synopsis: Zhou Yu and Huang Gai stage a ruse, pretending to defect to Cao Cao’s army and execute a fire attack. Cao is suspicious, and dispatches Jiang Gan to investigate. Jiang mistakenly believes that there is internal strife in Eastern Wu, and convinces Cao that Eastern Wu poses no real threat. In the end, Zhuge Liang successfully invokes the easterly wind, giving the Wu-Shu alliance the upper hand in battle.—————————————————————————————–
Date: July 30 (Wednesday)
Starring: Ma Lianliang, Tan Fuying, Ye Shenglan, Qiu Shengrong, Yuan Shihai, Xiao Changhua 
Synopsis: At Xiakou, Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu come together to resist Cao Cao’s advances. To spy on their coalition, Cao dispatches Jiang Gan to visit Zhou under the guise of friendship. Zhou sees through the ruse and organises a grand feast for civil and military elites. He deliberately let Jiang steal a forged letter of surrender from Cao’s general and escape back to Cao’s camp. The letter leads the suspicious Cao to mistakenly believe that there is treachery within his ranks and to execute several of his own generals.—————————————————————————————–
Date: August 6 (Wednesday)
Starring: Gao Shenglin, Yuan Shihai, Li Shizhang
Synopsis: After Shu’s defeat by Wei, Guan Yu is forced to surrender and imprisoned by Cao Cao. Later, he learns of Liu Bei’s whereabouts, and escapes to reunite with Liu. On hearing that Zhang Fei is stationed at the Old City, Guan rushes there, but Zhang is suspicious of Guan’s intentions. Guan shows his unwavering loyalty by killing Cai Yang of the Cao army who arrives in pursuit. Zhang realises his grave mistake and apologises. The brothers are reunited.—————————————————————————————–
Date: August 27 (Wednesday)
Starring: He Quanzhi, Shen Fengmei, Chen Jing, Mu Baicheng
Synopsis: Zhou Yu is determined to reclaim Jingzhou. His negotiations with Zhuge Liang prove fruitless, triggering a fierce battle in which Zhou suffers a crushing defeat and dies of grief at Baqiu. Zhuge travels to Wu to attend Zhou’s memorial. General Zhang Zhao lays an ambush with the intent of capturing Zhuge. Zhuge points out to Zhang that any strife between the states of Shu and Wu would only benefit Cao Cao. At that moment, Cao is advancing with an army of hundreds of thousands. Zhang quickly apologises to Zhuge, and they begin discussing a joint plan to repel the invasion.—————————————————————————————–
Date: September 3 (Wednesday)
Starring: Mei Lanfang, Jiang Miaoxiang
Synopsis: Cao Pi crowns Lady Zhen as royal consort, but she is drawn to the literary brilliance of his younger brother, Cao Zhi. The two begin a forbidden romance in the face of grave danger. Upon discovering Lady Zhen’s infidelity, Pi executes her in a fit of rage. Years later, Zhi dreams of a divine calling from the Goddess of River Luo, and he goes to the appointed place, astonished to find Lady Zhen waiting for him. She has become the Goddess of River Luo, a celestial being, forever separated from the mortal realm.—————————————————————————————–
Date: September 10 (Wednesday)
Starring: Yuan Shihai, Li Jialin, Yu Dalu 
Synopsis: Liu Bei’s retreat from Xinye is pursued by Cao Cao’s forces through the night at Changbanpo. Liu becomes separated from his troops and family. Zhao Yun charges into the enemy camp alone and rescues the local governors Jian Yong and Mi Zhu. He also fights valiantly to protect Lady Gan and Liu’s infant son, A Dou, leading them safely through the encirclement. 
     The above-mentioned Cantonese opera films will be screened at the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Space Museum at 7.45pm, and the Peking opera and Yuediao opera films will be screened at the Cinema of the Hong Kong Film Archive at 7.30pm. Tickets priced at $70 per screening are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk 
     The programme will also feature two sessions under the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series”, featuring the film of Peking opera “A Meeting of Heroes” (1957), to be held at 11am and 2.30pm on September 8 (Monday) at the Cinema of the Hong Kong Film Archive. Free admission specially for local primary and secondary school students to allow them to have the opportunity to appreciate the traditions and essence of Peking opera through the timeless masterpiece. Interested schools can call 2268 7325 for details. 

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicates Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala worth ₹8,800 crore to the nation

The Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala is a significant advancement in India’s maritime infrastructure: PM

Today is the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Adi Shankaracharya, Adi Shankaracharya ji awakened the consciousness of the nation by coming out of Kerala and establishing monasteries in different corners of the country, I pay tribute to him on this auspicious occasion: PM

India’s coastal states and our port cities will become key centres of growth for a Viksit Bharat: PM

Government in collaboration with the state governments has upgraded the port infrastructure under the Sagarmala project enhancing port connectivity: PM

Under PM-Gatishakti, the inter-connectivity of waterways, railways, highways and airways is being improved at a fast pace: PM

In the last 10 years investments under Public-Private Partnerships have not only upgraded our ports to global standards, but have also made them future ready: PM

The world will always remember Pope Francis for his spirit of service: PM

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 1:16PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport worth Rs 8,800 crore to the nation today in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Addressing the gathering on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Adi Shankaracharya, the Prime Minister highlighted that three years ago, in September, he had the privilege of visiting the revered birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya. He expressed his joy that a grand statue of Adi Shankaracharya has been installed in the Vishwanath Dham complex in his parliamentary constituency, Kashi. He emphasized that this installation stands as a tribute to the immense spiritual wisdom and teachings of Adi Shankaracharya. He further highlighted that he also had the honor of unveiling the divine statue of Adi Shankaracharya at the sacred Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand. The Prime Minister noted that today marks another special occasion as the doors of the Kedarnath temple have been opened to devotees. Prime Minister Modi underscored that Adi Shankaracharya, originating from Kerala, established monasteries in different corners of the country, awakening the consciousness of the nation. He emphasized that his efforts laid the foundation for a unified and spiritually enlightened Bharat.

Shri Modi highlighted the vast ocean, rich with immense possibilities, standing on one side, while on the other, nature’s breathtaking beauty adds to the grandeur. Amidst all this, he emphasized that the Vizhinjam Deep-Water Sea Port has now emerged as a symbol of new age development. He extended his congratulations to the people of Kerala and the entire nation on this remarkable achievement.

Underscoring that the Vizhinjam Deep-Water Sea Port has been developed at a cost of ₹8,800 crore, the Prime Minister remarked that the capacity of this transshipment hub will triple in the coming years, enabling the smooth arrival of some of the world’s largest cargo ships. He pointed out that 75% of India’s transshipment operations were previously conducted at foreign ports, leading to significant revenue loss for the country. Emphasizing that this situation is now set to change, he asserted that India’s money will now serve India and the funds that once flowed outside the country will now generate new economic opportunities for Kerala and Vizhinjam’s people.

Shri Modi remarked that before colonial rule, India witnessed centuries of prosperity, emphasising that at one point, India held a major share in the global GDP. He highlighted that what set India apart from other nations during that era was its maritime capacity and the economic activity of its port cities. Noting that Kerala played a significant role in this maritime strength and economic growth, he highlighted Kerala’s historical role in maritime trade, emphasizing that through the Arabian Sea, India maintained trade links with multiple nations. He noted that ships from Kerala carried goods to various countries, making it a vital hub for global commerce. “Today, the Government of India is committed to further strengthening this channel of economic power”, he added and asserted, “India’s coastal states and port cities will become key centers for the growth of a developed India”.

“The port economy reaches its full potential when infrastructure and ease of doing business are promoted together”, emphasised the Prime Minister, stating that over the past 10 years, this has been the blueprint of the Government of India’s port and waterways policy. He highlighted that the government has accelerated efforts for industrial activities and holistic development of states. He further remarked that the Government of India, in collaboration with state governments, has upgraded port infrastructure under the Sagarmala Project and strengthened port connectivity. He noted that under PM Gati Shakti, waterways, railways, highways, and airways are being rapidly integrated for seamless connectivity. He added that these reforms in ease of doing business have led to greater investment in ports and infrastructure sectors. The Prime Minister stated that the Government of India has also reformed regulations concerning Indian seafarers, yielding significant results. He pointed out that in 2014, the number of Indian seafarers was below 1.25 lakh. Today, this figure has surged beyond 3.25 lakh. He emphasized that India now ranks among the top three countries globally in terms of seafarer numbers.

Highlighting that a decade ago, ships faced long waiting times at ports, significantly delaying unloading operations, Shri Modi noted that this slowdown affected businesses, industries, and the overall economy. He stressed that the situation has now transformed  and over the past 10 years, India’s major ports have reduced ship turn-around time by 30%, improving operational efficiency. He remarked that due to enhanced port efficiency, India is now handling greater cargo volumes in shorter durations, strengthening the nation’s logistics and trade capabilities.

“India’s maritime success is a result of a decade-long vision and effort”, exclaimed the Prime Minister, underlining that over the past 10 years, India has doubled the capacity of its ports and expanded its National Waterways eightfold. He noted that today, two Indian ports are among the global top 30 ports, while India’s ranking on the Logistics Performance Index has also improved. Additionally, he pointed out that India is now among the top 20 countries in global shipbuilding. The Prime Minister further remarked that after strengthening the country’s basic infrastructure, the focus has now shifted towards India’s strategic position in global trade. He announced the launch of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, which outlines India’s maritime strategy to achieve the goal of a developed India. He recalled the G-20 Summit, where India collaborated with several major countries to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, highlighting Kerala’s critical role in this corridor, emphasizing that the state will greatly benefit from this initiative.

Underscoring the critical role of the private sector in elevating India’s maritime industry to new heights, Shri Modi said that under Public-Private Partnerships, thousands of crores have been invested over the past 10 years. He emphasized that this collaboration has not only upgraded India’s ports to global standards but has also made them future-ready. He noted that private sector participation has driven innovation and enhanced efficiency.

Prime Minister highlighted that India is advancing towards the establishment of a shipbuilding and repair cluster in Kochi. He emphasized that once completed, this cluster will create numerous new employment opportunities, providing Kerala’s local talent and youth with a platform for growth. The Prime Minister further stated that India is now setting ambitious targets to strengthen its shipbuilding capabilities. He noted that this year’s Union Budget introduced a new policy to promote the construction of large ships in India, which will significantly boost the manufacturing sector. He emphasized that this initiative will have direct benefits for MSMEs, generating a large number of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities across the country.

“True development is achieved when infrastructure is built, trade expands, and basic needs of the common people are met”, stressed the Prime Minister, remarking that the people of Kerala have witnessed rapid progress over the past 10 years, not just in port infrastructure, but also in highways, railways, and airports. He highlighted that projects like the Kollam Bypass and Alappuzha Bypass, which had been stalled for years, were advanced by the Government of India. He also noted that Kerala has been provided with modern Vande Bharat trains, further strengthening its transport network and connectivity.

Shri Modi emphasized that the Government of India firmly believes in the principle that Kerala’s development contributes to India’s overall growth. He remarked that the government operates with the spirit of cooperative federalism, ensuring Kerala’s progress across key social parameters over the past decade. He highlighted several initiatives that have benefited the people of Kerala, including Jal Jeevan Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and Pradhan Mantri Suryagarh Free Electricity Scheme.

Reiterating that the welfare of fishermen remains a top priority, the Prime Minister noted that under Blue Revolution and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, projects worth hundreds of crores have been sanctioned for Kerala. He further highlighted the modernization of fishing harbors, including Ponnani and Puthiyappa. Additionally, he remarked that thousands of fishermen in Kerala have been provided Kisan Credit Cards, enabling them to receive financial assistance worth hundreds of crores.

Underlining that Kerala has always been a land of harmony and tolerance, Shri Modi highlighted that centuries ago, Saint Thomas Church, one of the oldest churches in the world, was established here. He acknowledged the recent moment of grief that has touched people across the world when Pope Francis passed away a few days ago, leaving behind a profound legacy. He added that President Droupadi Murmu represented India at his funeral, paying respects on behalf of the nation. Shri Modi once again expressed his condolences to all those mourning this loss from the sacred land of Kerala.

Paying tribute to Pope Francis, acknowledging his spirit of service and his efforts to ensure inclusivity within Christian traditions, the Prime Minister remarked that the world will always remember his contributions. He shared his personal experiences, expressing his gratitude for having had multiple opportunities to meet Pope Francis. He noted that he received special warmth from him and cherished their discussions on humanity, service, and peace, which will continue to inspire him.

Extending his best wishes to all present at the event, Shri Modi envisioned Kerala as a major center for global maritime trade, leading to the creation of thousands of new jobs. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of India, working alongside the state government, to advance this goal. Shri Modi concluded by expressing confidence in the capabilities of Kerala’s people and stated, “India’s maritime sector will reach new heights”.

The Governor of Kerala, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Ministers, Shri Suresh Prabhu, Shri George Kurien were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport worth Rs 8,800 crore is country’s first dedicated container transshipment port that represents the transformative advancements being made in India’s maritime sector as part of the unified vision of Viksit Bharat.

Vizhinjam Port, having strategic importance, has been identified as a key priority project which will contribute in strengthening India’s position in global trade, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce reliance on foreign ports for cargo transshipment. Its natural deep draft of nearly 20 meters and location near one of the world’s busiest sea trade routes further strengthens India’s position in global trade.

 

 

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MJPS/SR

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