MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:41PM by PIB Delhi

In a landmark initiative aimed at simplifying the customer on-boarding process for mutual fund investors, the Department of Posts (DoP) has entered into a strategic partnership with SBI Funds Management Limited (SBIFM), a prominent asset management company. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will leverage India Post’s extensive network to provide doorstep KYC verification services for investors of SBI Mutual Fund. This initiative aims to streamline the KYC process, ensuring convenience, security, and regulatory compliance for investors across India.

The MoU was officially signed between the Ms. Manisha Bansal Badal, General Manager, Business Development Directorate, Department of Posts, and Sh. Munish Sabharwal, Senior Vice President, SBI Funds Management Limited, in a ceremony held at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi.

India Post, with its vast network of over 1.64 lakh post offices spread across even the remotest corners of the country, is uniquely positioned to support initiatives aimed at financial inclusion. With post offices in urban areas, rural towns, remote villages, and even areas with limited access to other financial services, the Department of Posts has the unparalleled reach to assist with customer service requirements, including KYC verification.

As part of the MoU, India Post will facilitate the completion of KYC formalities for SBI Mutual Fund investors by collecting the necessary forms and documents from investors across the country. The KYC documents will be collected by India Post’s trained personnel, ensuring a high level of security, accuracy, and privacy in the process.

By leveraging India Post’s nationwide network, this partnership will ensure that investors, regardless of their location, can easily complete the KYC process. This will be particularly beneficial for investors in rural, underserved, and far-flung areas who often face challenges in accessing traditional financial services. The door-to-door KYC service will offer immense convenience to investors, allowing them to complete the entire process from the comfort of their homes. This is particularly advantageous for senior citizens, individuals with mobility challenges, or those living in remote areas, where access to physical banking services is limited.

This collaboration directly supports the Government of India’s Jan Nivesh initiative, which aims to increase financial inclusion and encourage more people to participate in India’s capital markets. It also contributes to the ongoing efforts to digitize financial services under the Digital India program. With India Post’s trusted network, this partnership will help demystify the KYC process and provide a gateway for individuals, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, to engage with investment products such as mutual funds. By offering KYC services at the doorstep, the initiative also plays a crucial role in educating the masses about the importance of compliance with financial regulations.

India Post’s role in facilitating KYC verifications has been demonstrated through its successful collaboration with other mutual fund companies, including UTI Mutual Fund and SUUTI (Securities and Exchange Board of India’s public fund). In these partnerships, India Post successfully handled over 5 lakh KYC verifications in a short period, showcasing its ability to manage high-volume operations with precision, security, and efficiency.

India Post is actively exploring new avenues for collaboration with both public and private sector organizations in the financial services sector. With its strong infrastructure, trained workforce, and credibility, India Post is well-positioned to play a larger role in promoting financial literacy, digital on-boarding, and investment participation among the Indian populace.

*****

Samrat/Allen:

(Release ID: 2125220) Visitor Counter : 66

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:20PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal, reviewed the power sector scenario for Rajasthan at Jaipur today. Hon’be Chief Minister of Rajasthan was present in the meeting. The meeting was also attended by senior officials of the State, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India (GoI), and Power Sector CPSEs.

The meeting started with a presentation on the brief overview of the Power Sector scenario in the State. In the course of presentation, the achievements of the State Energy Department were highlighted. Also, major challenges and possible solutions were discussed.

In his address, Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs mentioned that his visit to the State will be important in understanding and in resolution of the issues in the Power sector in the State. He appreciated the efforts of State Energy department in infrastructure planning in the area of power generation, transmission and distribution.

Hon’ble Minister advised the State to make all out efforts for expeditious implementation of the sanctioned works under RDSS as well as to implement reforms prescribed under the scheme. He advised State to take up smart metering works in a phased manner, starting with Government establishments and subsequently for the commercial & industrial consumers. Based on experience and demonstration of benefits, the smart meters may be rolled out to other category of consumers. He emphasized on the need for focussed effort required for achieving viability of DISCOMs.

Hon’ble Minister mentioned for providing necessary support for the RE evacuation plan of State through Inter State and Instra State Transmission System. Union Minister assured for continued support and cooperation of the GoI in the overall development of the State power sector.

Hon’ble Chief Minister, Rajasthan welcomed Hon’ble Union Minister for his visit to the State for review of issues related to power sector. He assured of taking necessary measures for expeditious implementation of the Infrastructure works.

****

SK

(Release ID: 2125204) Visitor Counter : 73

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:12PM by PIB Delhi

Reinforcing the enduring bond between India and Mauritius, IOS SAGAR made a significant and engaging port call at Port Louis, Mauritius, from 26 to 28 Apr 25, as part of its operational deployment in the Indian Ocean.

During her harbour visit, the ship’s Commanding Officer called on the Commandant of the Mauritius Coast Guard, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen cooperation between the two maritime forces. Select personnel of the multinational crew visited several key training facilities of the Mauritius Police Force (MPF) , namely the Special Mobile Force Squadron, Maritime Air Squadron, Coast Guard Training School and the Police Helicopter Squadron and interacted with their counterparts. The visit provided a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience and discuss areas of mutual interest in maritime security.

As part of social activities, an invigorating joint yoga session was organised onboard IOS SAGAR, with participation from the multinational crew and MPF personnel. The Commandant of the National Coast Guard also attended the event. The crew of IOS SAGAR and the MPF also played a friendly volleyball match. IOS SAGAR opened its decks to visitors, welcoming members of the MPF, the Indian diaspora, and other enthusiastic groups. Visitors were given a tour of the ship and briefed on her operational capabilities, navigation systems, and life onboard. In addition, a trek to the iconic Signal Mountain was conducted for the ship’s crew, including the multinational crew.

On departure from Port Louis, IOS SAGAR is scheduled to undertake a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Mauritius Coast Guard. Upon completion, the ship will proceed towards its next port of call, Port Victoria, Seychelles, continuing its mission of enhancing maritime security, regional cooperation , and goodwill in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

_____________________________________________________________

VM/SKS                                                                                                        95/25

(Release ID: 2125196) Visitor Counter : 56

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:05PM by PIB Delhi

An international team of solar physicists have traced giant tides of plasma beneath the Sun’s surface at a region called near-surface shear layer (NSSL). The plasma currents shift with the Sun’s magnetic heartbeat and could have far-reaching influence on space weather and Earth.

The near-surface shear layer (NSSL) extending to about 35,000 km in depth is a critical region beneath the Sun’s surface. It is marked by distinct rotational behaviours that vary with depth and by changes, over space and time,  that relate to active region magnetic fields and the solar cycle.

A study led by astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have probed the dynamic “inner weather” of the Sun – plasma currents just beneath its surface at the NSSL, that pulse in step with its 11-year sunspot cycle.

In the research published last week, in ‘The Astrophysical Journal Letters’, researchers from the IIA, Stanford University (USA), and the National Solar Observatory (NSO, USA) have traced how these hidden flows shift over time, potentially reshaping our understanding of solar dynamics in general and how the Sun’s interior connects to its outer magnetic behaviour in particular.  

Employing helioseismology—an advanced technique that tracks sound waves as they travel through the Sun—the team observed changes in the movement of solar material using more than a decade of data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory/ Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (SDO/HMI) and the ground-based Global Oscillations Network Group (GONG) of National Solar Observatory (NSO), USA.

Peering Beneath the Surface

The analysis led by Professor S.P. Rajaguru and PhD student Anisha Sen from IIA revealed fascinating patterns — surface plasma flows converge toward active sunspot latitudes, but reverse direction midway through the NSSL, flowing outward to form circulation cells. These flows are strongly influenced by the Sun’s rotation and the Coriolis force—the same force responsible for the spin of hurricanes on Earth.

The Coriolis effect swirls and shifts those inflows and outflows into a subtle but powerful sculptor of how the Sun spins at different depths, modifying the rotational shear (the gradient of rotation with depth). Yet intriguingly, these local currents do not power the Sun’s larger-scale zonal flows—known as torsional oscillations—suggesting that these global flows, which ripple through the Sun’s vast interior, must be powered by something deeper and more mysterious.

Fig 1: Depictions of how flow structures near the surface (0.99 solar radii) and at a deeper layer near (0.95 solar radii) develop as sunspots appear and evolve over time (over the 11-year solar cycle). The directions of swirly motions in the northern and southern hemispheres of the Sun are determined by the Coriolis force, just the same way it shapes the storm systems on the Earth.

Fig 2. Sketch showing the Coriolis force mediated average flow structures around active regions in the northern hemisphere of the Sun. The labels depict the signs of residuals in meridional flows, δU_θ , and that in resulting residual rotational shear, δ(∂Ω/∂r), for the two depths, 0.99 and 0.95 R_sun which mark the radial boundaries of the NSSL. Figure Artwork Credit: Amrita Rajaguru}

 

Zooming In and Looking Ahead

“To validate our findings, we zoomed in on a massive sunspot region using 3D velocity maps. The localized flow patterns we observed matched the global trends—confirming both surface inflows and deeper outflows,” said lead author Anisha Sen.

“This is a stunning look into how the Sun’s inner weather patterns form and evolve,” says Professor S.P. Rajaguru one of the authors of the paper. “Understanding these hidden patterns is not just academic—solar activity influences space weather that can disrupt satellites, power grids, and communications on Earth. This work brings us closer to understanding and building realistic models to predict the Sun’s behaviour.” The study group also included Abhinav Govindan Iyer and other international collaborators.

These findings give us a better understanding of how the Sun’s magnetic activity is linked to its internal flows and hint that we might still be missing something lurking in deeper layers that truly drives its global dynamics.

Paper Link:  https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/adc919

Media contact: Prof. S.P. Rajaguru, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, rajaguru@iiap.res.in

***

NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2125195) Visitor Counter : 80

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

First-of-its-kind collaboration between a government-backed apex research institution and a philanthropic private foundation

“Anusandhan National Research Foundation”, “Wadhwani Foundation” Forge Landmark Pact to Translate Research into Real-World Solutions

The collaboration also marks a turning point in how research will be funded and delivered in India in the times to come

In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top ministers, a pivotal public-private research partnership is unveiled at Innovation Conclave

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:02PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant move to accelerate the transformation of India’s research ecosystem, the “Anusandhan National Research Foundation” (ANRF) and the “Wadhwani Foundation” exchanged a landmark “Letter of Intent” at the “Innovation Conclave” “YUGM” held at Bharat Mandapam here in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Science and Technology Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh and Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan.

The partnership signals a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a government-backed apex research institution and a philanthropic private foundation, aimed at co-funding and scaling up research that can drive tangible societal impact. The agreement is also the inaugural step in ANRF’s strategy to foster expansive public-private partnerships across critical sectors of national relevance.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, who has been at the forefront of India’s science and innovation transformation, said the initiative reflects the government’s resolve to create an enabling environment where research transcends academic silos and reaches the ground. “This is a step towards institutionalizing synergy between government, industry, and philanthropy,” he said, underlining the need for collaborative models that amplify both funding and outcomes.

The ANRF, established under the National Education Policy 2020, was envisioned as a transformative body to democratize research, catalyze innovation, and bridge the long-standing gaps between academia, policy, and industry. With this new partnership, ANRF aims not only to fund cutting-edge science, but also to translate research into scalable, impactful solutions by aligning with national priorities and global challenges alike.

Wadhwani Foundation’s involvement adds a crucial layer of experience in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation-driven development, especially among youth and start-ups. Together, the two entities will work to raise the scale and impact of late-stage translational research—projects that are often closest to delivering real-world outcomes but remain underfunded.

The collaboration also marks a turning point in how research will be funded and delivered in India in the times to come—emphasizing inclusivity, interdisciplinary, and grassroots reach. In line with ANRF’s broader vision, this partnership aims to promote equitable access to resources and opportunities across the country, including tier-2 and tier-3 institutions, thereby fostering a more distributed and resilient research culture.

The announcement at Conclave, a platform designed to bring together thought leaders across government, academia, and industry, set the tone for a new era in Indian innovation policy. As India strives to become a global research hub, this partnership is expected to play a pivotal role in shifting the focus from fragmented efforts to outcome-oriented, collaborative science.

The move reinforces India’s march toward becoming a knowledge-based economy, with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” rooted not only in self-reliance but also in scientific excellence and societal good.

***

NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2125194) Visitor Counter : 22

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 4:52PM by PIB Delhi

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, Ghaziabad has taken a landmark step in promoting sustainable infrastructure and urban resilience by successfully issuing India’s first Certified Green Municipal Bond, raising ₹150 crore for the development of a cutting-edge Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP).

This isn’t just another infrastructure project—it is a game-changer that reflects Ghaziabad’s commitment to creating a sustainable future for its citizens. The funds have been directed towards the development of an advanced TSTP, a state-of-the-art facility designed to treat and reuse wastewater on an unprecedented scale.

The Green Municipal Bond marked a new chapter in India’s financial landscape, providing a sustainable model for funding urban infrastructure. With support from the Govt. of India and the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh*, this project is more than just a water treatment facility; it is a blueprint for future cities across India to combine financial discipline with environmental responsibility.

At the heart of the initiative lies the Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP), a technological marvel that utilizes advanced Membrane Filtration Technologies including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis (RO). These cutting-edge technologies work together to ensure that treated water meets the highest standards, making it suitable for reuse in industrial processes.

With a treatment capacity of 40 MLD, the TSTP is connected to a sprawling 95 km pipeline network, delivering treated water to over 1,400 industrial units across Ghaziabad. The plant ensures that wastewater no longer goes to waste but is instead transformed into a valuable resource that supports the city’s industrial sector, reducing dependency on freshwater sources.

The project’s success lies not only in its technological and environmental achievements but also in its innovative financial structure. The TSTP was developed under the Public-Private Hybrid Annuity Model (PPP-HAM), with 40% municipal funding. This public-private partnership approach helped streamline the project’s implementation while ensuring financial discipline. GNN’s success in raising ₹150 crore through the Green Bond issuance demonstrated investor confidence in the city’s sustainable approach and has brought a new level of financial transparency and discipline to the Urban Local Body (ULB).

GNN also contracted with over 800 firms, to supply 9.5 MLD of tertiary treated water, further establishing the city’s leadership in urban water management. Ghaziabad’s innovative approach didn’t go unnoticed on the global stage. The city was honoured with the Best Municipal Treated Water Reuse Award at the Water Digest World Water Awards 2024-25, a recognition that acknowledges the city’s excellence in water conservation, recycling, and sustainable water management.

A team of 22 students and 4 faculty members from West Suffolk College, England, visited the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation as part of an exposure visit. The team explored the TSTP plant and other municipal projects, gaining insights into Ghaziabad’s commitment to smart cities and sustainable development.

With its pioneering efforts in advanced water treatment technologies, innovative financial models, and a commitment to environmental sustainability, Ghaziabad is leading the charge in India’s quest for cleaner, smarter, and more resilient cities.

*****

SK

(Release ID: 2125188) Visitor Counter : 78

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 4:39PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), in collaboration with the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM)-Kundli, organized the SUFALAM 2025 (Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors), a two-`day conclave, at the NIFTEM-K campus during 25-26 April 2025.

The second day of SUFALAM 2025 commenced with a spirited pep talk by young entrepreneurs, who shared their inspirational journeys and innovative ideas. This was followed by a series of technical sessions, beginning with a keynote on “Government Funding & Policy Support for Start-ups” delivered by representatives from Start-up India, providing valuable insights into funding schemes and policy initiatives aimed at nurturing start-ups. A motivational session on “Staying Resilient in the Start-up World” by Dr. T. Prasad, Professor, IIM Mumbai, offered guidance on managing challenges, building resilience, and maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit.

A dynamic panel discussion on “Sustainable Food Solutions” explored emerging sustainable technologies and best practices for environmentally responsible food production.The panel discussion was preceded by a keynote address by Mr. Sanjay Khajuria, former Director, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Nestle Ltd.

In the final session, Dr. Subrata Gupta, Secretary, MoFPI, provided detailed insights into the PMFPE (PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) Scheme, highlighting government’s initiatives to support micro-enterprises.

Earlier on day 1, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Sh. Chirag Paswan has inaugurated the two-day event along with exhibition. The event brought together more than 500 participants from 23 states, including industry leaders, academicians, investors, and budding entrepreneurs. The event also featured 65 exhibitors representing 20 states, highlighting the rich diversity and innovation in India’s food processing sector. In addition to the in-person attendance, the event was broadcast live on YouTube channel of NIFTEM-K, where it attracted over 2,600 online participants, further amplifying its reach and impact.

Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K stated that the successful culmination of SUFALAM 2025 reaffirmed MoFPI and NIFTEM-K’s commitment to catalyzing innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship in India’s food processing sector, empowering a new generation of leaders and change makers.

One of the highlights of event was the technology transfer of the Millet Nutribar, developed by Dr. Komal Chauhan and team to M/s SMILLET, Karnal, Haryana. Similarly, the technology for makhana-based cookies, developed by Dr. Anand Kishore and team,was transferred to M/s Patliputra Foods, Bihar. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NIFTEM-K and Food Industry Capacity and Skill Initiative (FICSI). This partnership is aimed at unlocking new frontiers in food technology and  bolstering skill development and innovation in the food sector.

Delegates concluded their SUFALAM 2025 experience with a guided tour of the NIFTEM-K campus, visiting the Pilot Plant and Laboratory Facilities, gaining insights into food processing research and innovation.

*****

shahid

(Release ID: 2125185) Visitor Counter : 86

Source: Government of India

WAM! India’s first national initiative dedicated to nurturing, and promoting original Indian IPs in anime, manga, webtoons, and cosplay will culminate at WAVES 2025

WAVES WAM! finalists to benefit from a Creator Development Grant to nurture and empower the talented creators

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 4:37PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 29 April 2025

 

After months of regional contests and thousands of entries, finalists from 11 cities across India have been selected to take part in the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!) national finale to be held in the World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, from May 1–4, 2025.

WAM!, organized by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), is India’s first national initiative dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and promoting original Indian IPs in anime, manga, webtoons, and cosplay. These creative pursuits and their creators, who made it to the final round, will get a great exposure in the landmark initiative WAVES 2025 which will bring together global leaders, innovators, studios, and creators to foster India’s creative economy. WAVES which is being held with a vision of “Create in India, Create for the World”, aims to empower Indian creators to dream bigger and reach global audiences. WAVES is India’s biggest platform for the AVGC-XR sector-Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality. At the center of WAVES is the Create in India Challenges (CIC). Season 1 of CIC has made history with around 1 lakh registrations, including 1,100 international participants. After a detailed selection process, 750+ finalists have been chosen from 32 unique challenges.

In a significant boost to India’s budding creators, Crunchyroll, the global anime brand fueling fans’ passion and love of anime, has joined WAM! (WAVES Anime & Manga Contest) 2025 as the Title Sponsor. Crunchyball has introduced a Creator Development Grant to nurture and empower the winners of WAM! 2025. This grant aims to support emerging artists and storytellers in anime, manga, and webtoon fields as they develop original intellectual properties (IPs) for global audiences.

Creator Development Grant details are as follows:

• Manga (Student Category) — INR 25,000
• Manga (Professional Category) — INR 25,000
• Webtoon (Student Category) — INR 25,000
• Webtoon (Professional Category) — INR 25,000
• Anime (Student Category) — INR 50,000
• Anime (Professional Category) — INR 50,000

In addition, Crunchyroll will extend its support to Team India, the winners of the WAM! 2025 Finale, as they represent the country at Anime Japan 2026, the world’s premier anime exhibition in Tokyo. This backing will help showcase India’s original creative talents on the global stage.  Crunchyroll, LLC is an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., both subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Sony Group.

About WAVES:

The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

Have questions? Find answers here

Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

 

* * *

PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Sriyanka/ Darshana | 115

Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

(Release ID: 2125183) Visitor Counter : 80

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Development Bureau announced today that the subsidised sale flats of three Dedicated Rehousing Estate (DRE) projects, constructed by the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) will be open for applications from May 2 to 22.

Out of the three DRE projects, two are located in the New Territories and one is in an urban area.

The three projects are Sierra Terrace located at Pak Wo Road, Fanling, Eminence Terrace I at Tin Sam Road, Hung Shui Kiu, and Delight Terrace at Muk Chun Street, Kai Tak.

Applications will be accepted from eligible households affected by government development projects in the New Territories and urban areas, or the Urban Renewal Authority’s (URA) redevelopment projects of the Civil Servants’ Co-operative Building Society (CBS) buildings.

The HKHS and the Lands Department will gradually issue letters to notify relevant households of the application arrangements and details.

The sale of DRE subsidised sale flats is one of the compensation and rehousing options available to non-owner households affected by government development projects that need to relocate.

Eligible owner-occupiers affected by the URA’s CBS redevelopment projects may also choose to purchase subsidised sale flats in an urban DRE as one of the compensation and rehousing options.

The three subsidised sale flat projects open for applications this round will provide a total of 1,573 units.

Among them, the intake of Eminence Terrace I has been taking place since October 2024 and the HKHS will put the remaining 179 units up for sale in this round. Sierra Terrace is expected to be ready for intake in the first quarter of next year, and Delight Terrace is expected to be ready for intake in the first quarter of 2027.

The Government has reviewed the intake programmes of DREs in the pipeline and the timeline of various development projects in the coming few years, especially the Northern Metropolis.

To allow for better utilisation of DRE resources, if there are unsold units upon completion of flat selection of the urban DRE Delight Terrace by households affected by government development projects in urban areas and the URA’s CBS redevelopment projects, Delight Terrace will be open for purchase to households affected by government development projects in the New Territories.

As for the subsidised rental units of the three DREs, the intake of Eminence Tower 1 in Hung Shui Kiu has been taking place since March this year, while Sierra Tower at Pak Wo Road, Fanling, is expected to be ready for intake in October this year. The Lands Department and the HKHS will continue to process applications for these rental units in an orderly manner upon receipt.

The rental units in the DRE in Kai Tak are expected to be completed and ready for intake in the first quarter of 2027, and the Government and the HKHS will notify relevant households of the application arrangements nearer the time.

Click here for details.