Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Yip Wan-lung, was appointed as Deputy Commissioner of Police with effect from today (April 28), taking up the post of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), following the appointment of former Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Chow Yat-ming, as the Commissioner of Police on April 2, 2025.
Brief biographical notes on Mr Yip Wan-lung are set out below:
Mr Yip joined the Hong Kong Police Force as an Inspector in 1991. Serving predominantly in the crime stream throughout his police career, he has a wealth of experience in the field of criminal investigation. He has worked in a variety of crime posts relating to criminal intelligence, serious and organised crime investigation, as well as policy-making.
He was promoted to Senior Superintendent in 2014 and Chief Superintendent in 2017. In 2020, he was promoted to Assistant Commissioner and took charge of the Crime Wing. In 2022, he became Director of Crime and Security upon promotion to Senior Assistant Commissioner.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government concerned about MTRCL East Rail Line engineering train fault causing service disruptions Upon receiving notification of the incident from the MTRCL, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) immediately dispatched personnel to the site to assess the situation and launch an investigation. Preliminary findings indicated that the incident was caused by an equipment fault, which prevented the lifting platform from descending. As the platform was located close to the overhead cables, precautious measures were required before the engineering train could be relocated.
EMSD is now conducting a comprehensive investigation into the design, maintenance and operational procedures of the engineering train. EMSD has requested the MTRCL to conduct a comprehensive review on the incident and submit an investigation report to explain the cause of the incident and make proposals on improvement measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Additionally, on the morning of February 5 this year, another engineering train used for lifting operations broke down near Tai Wo Station on the East Rail Line, also causing service disruptions. EMSD has expressed grave concern over the occurrence of two engineering train-related incidents affecting train services within three months. EMSD will also initiate a special audit to holistically review MTRCL’s maintenance emergency preparedness concerning engineering trains.
Prime Minister condoles the loss of lives in an accident in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh PM announces ex-gratia from PMNRF
Posted On: 27 APR 2025 9:49PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today condoled the loss of lives in an accident in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.
The Prime Minister’s Office posted on X :
“Saddened by the loss of lives in an accident in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi”
Saddened by the loss of lives in an accident in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs.…
APEDA and the Government of Odisha organises Capacity Building Programme to ‘Boost Agricultural Exports from Odisha’ in Bhubaneswar GI products like Koraput Kalajeera Rice, Nayagad Kanteimundi, Brinjal, Ganjam Kewda Flower Products, Koraput Coffee and Kandhamal Haldi, showcased at the event
Posted On: 27 APR 2025 8:09PM by PIB Delhi
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Government of Odisha organized a Workshop cum Capacity Building Programme to Boost Agri Products’ Exports from Odisha at Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Hall, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar on the 25thApril, 2025.
The event exhibited over 10 stalls represented by Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO)/ Farmer Producer Companies, women agripreneurs, departments of the Government of Odisha and exporters from all across Odisha. Several GI Tagged and Agri-Products from the state such as Koraput Kalajeera Rice, Nayagad Kanteimundi, Brinjal, Ganjam Kewda Flower Products, Koraput Coffee, Kandhamal Haldi Powder, Kendrapada Rasabali, Salepur Rasagolla, Khajuri Gud, Dhenkanal Magaji Ladoo and Mayurbhanja Kai Chutni were displayed at the University.
Chief Guest and Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Government of Odisha, Shri Kanak Bardhan Singh Deo, in his keynote address, highlighted the initiatives of the State Govt. for increasing agricultural exports, particularly of Organic products, from the State. He encouraged exporters to explore the array of products, including GI products from the state for promotion in the global marketplace. He appreciated the active collaboration of APEDA with the State Govt. towards increasing Agricultural exports from the State.
The event featured three technical sessions focusing on key areas for boosting Odisha’s agricultural exports. The first session addressed the promotion of organic exports under the revised National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), emphasizing organic certification, value chain development, and market access. The second session discussed strategies to enhance rice exports from Odisha by leveraging unique varieties, improving logistics, and tackling export challenges. The third session explored opportunities for value addition and export promotion of agri-processed and GI-tagged products, with a focus on strengthening logistics, cold chain infrastructure, and market linkages.
The program witnessed the participation of more than 400 stakeholders including the officials from State Government department, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, FPO’s, FPC’s, and progressive farmers.
On the Sidelines of the event, APEDA being the Secretariat for the National Programme for Organic Production(NPOP) organised a stakeholder interaction with more than 30 Organic grower groups of the State and Organic Certification bodies operating in the State of Odisha. The discussions cantered on the revisions in the NPOP (8th Edition), which was recently launched on 9th January 2025, and clearing doubts and queries of the growers with respect to the new provisions.
Shri Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi, Member of Parliament and Member, Parliamentary Standing Committee-Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing in his address emphasized on ODOP, use of Agri-Infra fund to support agri exports from the state of Odisha. He further emphasized that the dream of Vikshit bharat by 2047 is possible by developing the overall agriculture export ecosystem which will help to gain competitive advantage, drive economic growth, create better jobs, and generate foreign exchange earnings.
Chairman of APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev in his welcome address highlighted the export-oriented strategy for agricultural products with special emphasis on organic products. He emphasized on the untapped potential of the State in terms of agriculture exports, particularly in Organic products, owing to huge diversity and quantum of output. He assured that more such programs and export Conclaves will be conducted in future which are highly important paradigms for boosting agricultural exports. He encouraged the FPO’s and FPC’s from the state for participation in key national and international Trade Fairs for market access, promotion and outreach.
The Workshop cum Capacity Building Programme followed by the Technical Sessions brought together key policymakers and experts from the Union and State governments, Industry and Academia aiming to build a robust export ecosystem in the state in the times to come.
India Led with Compassion During COVID-19, Sharing 300 Million Vaccines Globally: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal addresses World Health Summit Regional Meeting in New Delhi
India’s vaccine diplomacy and Ayushman Bharat show commitment to global health equity, says Union Minister
Govt committed towards ensuring public health, more than 620 million people are now eligible for free healthcare under the Ayushman Bharat scheme: Shri Goyal
Posted On: 27 APR 2025 8:03PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal addressed the World Health Summit (WHS) Regional Meeting Asia 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi today. Shri Goyal highlighted India’s proactive and compassionate global response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Vaccine Maitri initiative, India provided nearly 300 million vaccine doses to less developed and vulnerable countries — many free of cost — ensuring no nation was left behind. Shri Goyal emphasized that unlike many other nations that imposed export controls during COVID-19, India prioritized equitable access for all, staying true to its ancient ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family.”
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Goyal expressed gratitude that the first WHS Regional Meeting in Asia was focused on “Scaling Access to Ensure Health Equity”. He noted that access to quality healthcare is a critical part of sustainable development and shared India’s journey in achieving greater healthcare access for all.
The Minister recalled personal interactions with global leaders during the pandemic, noting how India ensured the supply of critical medicines at fair prices, resisting the trend of profit-making from global health crises.
Addressing the theme of Health Equity, Shri Goyal strongly criticized attempts to extend pharmaceutical patents through minor incremental innovations, which, he said, could deprive millions of access to affordable medicines. He urged the WHS delegates to experience firsthand India’s efforts to deliver quality healthcare even in remote regions.
Shri Goyal highlighted that more than 620 million people are now eligible for free healthcare under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world’s largest government-sponsored health insurance program, emphasizing that India’s commitment was never driven by profit but by compassion.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shri Goyal said, “For us, healthcare is not just curing a sick patient. Healthcare is preventive healthcare, it is wellness, it is mental healthcare, and it means bridging society under the umbrella of a better lifestyle and a better future.”
He elaborated on India’s holistic approach to human welfare, highlighting the Swachh Bharat Mission which ensures dignity and sanitation, especially for women; the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, with over 40 million homes already built and millions more underway; the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has expanded tap water access from 30 million to 160 million rural homes; the Ujjwala Yojana, providing free cooking gas connections to protect women from indoor air pollution; and the distribution of free food grains to 800 million citizens during and beyond the pandemic.
Shri Goyal asserted that physical health, mental wellness, clean environments, quality education, digital connectivity, and economic empowerment together form the basis of a truly healthy society.
He closed by reaffirming India’s commitment to the global health agenda and called upon all nations to work together towards a healthier, more equitable future for every citizen of the world.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh holds interaction with Udhampur public representatives , civil society members in wake of security concerns Dr. Jitendra Singh for the formation of a Civil Society Committee to facilitate regular feedback, timely suggestions
Udhampur’s long-pending dream of an operational airport is close to reality, a development expected to significantly boost local connectivity both for civilians as well as the Army which has its Northern headquarters over here
Widening of the Dhar Road for smooth movement of security forces and the much-anticipated Ujh Multipurpose Project which is also proved vulnerable for cross border infiltrations
Posted On: 27 APR 2025 7:24PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh visited Udhampur today, where he held a comprehensive interaction with public representatives and local citizens and also conducted a review of the security arrangements.
During the meeting, while reassuring the citizens about reinforcement in security deployment, Dr. Jitendra Singh also emphasized the government’s initiatives for the all-round development of the district. He highlighted several key infrastructure and public welfare projects in the region which are being expedited because of their security relevance as well.
These, the Minister said, include the widening of the Dhar Road for smooth movement of security forces and the much-anticipated Ujh Multipurpose Project which is also proved vulnerable for cross border infiltrations and is being pursued by both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Jal Shakti. He expressed optimism about positive progress on the project.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also revealed that Udhampur’s long-pending dream of an operational airport is close to reality, a development expected to significantly boost local connectivity both for civilians as well as the Army which has its Northern headquarters over here and also the economic prospects.
Adding to the infrastructure push, he informed that the proposed Chatargala Tunnel project is on the agenda, promising to further improve road connectivity in the region and avoid its turning into a militant hideout particularly when it is snow clad and cut off. . He said that efforts are underway to improve mobile connectivity in Udhampur, with the installation and streamlining of mobile towers across the district.
Addressing the needs of youth, the Minister announced that army recruitment drives have resumed, and discussions have already been held with the incoming General Officer Commanding (GOC), Lt Gen Prateek Sharma, who will soon assume charge.
He further underscored Udhampur’s growing importance in the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra, particularly as train services will directly connect pilgrims to the area.
Dr. Jitendra Singh called for the formation of a Civil Society Committee to facilitate regular feedback, timely inputs. He added that such a mechanism will enhance participatory governance.
Speaking on security concerns, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that appropriate security responses will be ensured. “The recent events are an eye-opener. We will address all concerns and constraints to ensure peace and safety. Miscreants will be dealt with firmly,” he added.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also expressed his appreciation to the district administration, particularly the Deputy Commissioner, for their ongoing efforts in maintaining law and order and supporting developmental initiatives.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh visits Udhampur, reviews security arrangements at high We will address all concerns and constraints to ensure peace and safety. Miscreants will be dealt with firmly,
Also had a detailed meeting with Lt Gen Pratik Sharma who is to take over as GoC Northern Command Udhampur from 1st May
Detailed discussion about hot spots, vulnerability and strategies to plug the same were discussed in length an breath
Posted On: 27 APR 2025 7:22PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh visited Udhampur today, where he conducted a review of the security arrangements.
Speaking on security concerns, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that appropriate security responses will be ensured. “ We will address all concerns and constraints to ensure peace and safety. Miscreants will be dealt with firmly,” he added.
Dr Jitendra Singh also disclosed that he had also had a detailed meeting with Lt Gen Pratik Sharma who is to take over as GoC Northern Command Udhampur from 1st May. He appreciated the role of Indian Army in keeping the morale of general public high through their strategic presence at sensitive points.
He also extended good wishes to Gen Pratik Sharma who is taking over command at a time when J& K is in focus.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also expressed his appreciation to the district administration, for their ongoing efforts in maintaining law and order and supporting developmental initiatives.
Detailed discussion about hot spots, vulnerability and strategies to plug the same were discussed in length and. Breath. Directions were issued to work in sync and coordination with all security agencies.
The media was not allowed into the high level security meeting. However, later Dr Jitendra Singh speaking to the media, said that such details can’t be shared in public. He said , there are certain inputs which are available only with the concerned security agencies and they act accordingly without speaking about it openly but the positive outcomes become visible to public after the success of their action, he said.
Nevertheless, the Minister said, the security forces had spelt out a plan to keep the confidence of the general public high and not let them feel insecure by any means.
Senior officers DIG Udhampur Reasi Range, Sarah Rizvi , DC Udhampur Saloni Rai, SSP Amod Nagpure, ADDC Rajinder Singh , ADC Prem Singh , ACR Umesh Shan, SDM Chennai Ranjit Kotwal ,SDM Ramnagar Rajinder Singh Rana, SDM Dudu Manmeet Kumar & SDM Basant Garh, Waheed Ul Rehman, SDPO Ramnagar, Sultan Mirza, SDPO Chenani Sukhvir Singh, DY SP HQ Prahlad Sharma, Dy SP PC Udhampur Asgar were present for the meeting.
There is a misleading message doing the rounds on WhatsApp pertaining to donation to a particular bank account for the modernisation of the Indian Army and for the soldiers injured or killed in action. The message quotes a Cabinet decision to this effect and invokes the name of actor Shri Akshay Kumar as being the prime mover of the proposal.
The account details in the said message are wrong, leading to online donations getting dishonoured. People must remain cautious and not fall prey to such fraudulent messages.
The Government has initiated several welfare schemes for soldiers killed or disabled during active combat operations.
In 2020, Government instituted ‘Armed Forces Battle Casualty Welfare Fund (AFBCWF)’ which is utilised for grant of immediate financial assistance to the families of soldiers/sailors/airmen who lay down their lives or get grievously injured in active military operations. The Indian Army, on behalf of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence maintains the accounts for the fund. Contribution can be made directly in the account of Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund. Details of the bank accounts are given below:
1st Account
Fund Name
Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund
Bank Name
Canara Bank, South Block, Defence Headquarters New Delhi – 110011
IFSC Code
CNRB0019055
Account No
90552010165915
Type of A/c
Saving
2nd Account
Fund Name
Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund
Bank Name
State Bank of India, Parliament Street, New Delhi – 110011
IFSC Code
SBIN0000691
Account No
40650628094
Type of A/c
Saving
Donations can also be made through a Demand Draft drawn in favor of AFBCWF payable at New Delhi which may be sent by post to the following address:
Accounts Section
Adjutant General’s Branch
Ceremonial & Welfare Directorate
Room No 281-B, South Block
IHQ of MoD (Army), New Delhi – 110011
A WhatsApp message is going around claiming that government has opened a bank account for the modernization of the Indian Army.#PIBFactCheck
❌ This claim is MISLEADING
❌The bank account mentioned in the message is NOT meant for modernization of Indian Army or for purchase… pic.twitter.com/flm2vGe22G
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
15th National Games Basketball (Men’s U22) test event concludes The test event covered a wide array of areas, including event operations and procedures, competition organisation, venue setup, sports and prize presentations, information systems, security, medical services, volunteer services and broadcast arrangements.
The Head of the NGCO, Mr Yeung Tak-keung, said that to ensure full preparation for the eight NG competition events to be staged in the city this November, Hong Kong has already completed test events for seven sports. The final test event, fencing, will be held at the end of next month at Kai Tak Arena in Kai Tak Sports Park. Mr Yeung also expressed gratitude to all related government departments and organisations for providing assistance and support during this test event, adding that the NGCO will review the event procedures and every detail with various related departments and units.
The Indian Digital Gaming Society (IDGS) has announced the top 10 finalists of the Innovate2Educate: Handheld Device Design challenge. The competition, organised by the IDGS in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as part of the upcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, is aimed at driving innovation among the youth at the intersection of technology, education, and gaming, inspiring breakthrough ideas and design for handheld devices that can revolutionize learning experiences.
The top 10 finalists have been selected from 1856 registration of innovative ideas after rigorous evaluation by an expert jury panel comprising industry leaders, technologists, educators, and designers. The jury includes Mr Indrajit Ghosh, Co-Founder, Eruditio; Mr Rajeev Nagar, Country Manager, Inda and SAARC, Huion; and Mr Jeffrey Cray, Co-Founder and Product Head, Squid Academy.
The 10 finalists are:
1. KARNATA PARVA – Code Craft Junior (Karnataka)
2. VIDYARTHI – Smart Learning Tablet for Kids: An Interactive and Adaptive Educational Companion (Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh)
The young innovators have developed the Smart Learning Tablet—a low-cost, voice-assisted, interactive educational device powered by ESP8266 or Raspberry Pi. Designed with children in mind, this tablet provides a screen-free, internet-free alternative to traditional and digital learning tools that are often inaccessible due to high costs and connectivity barriers.
Blending traditional writing methods with modern technology, the Smart Handwriting Learning Device is designed to transform how children learn to write. The device offers real-time interactive feedback, a multilingual learning experience, and an offline, affordable solution tailored especially for early learners in underserved areas.
EduSpark is an affordable, AI-powered handheld device designed to spark curiosity and accelerate cognitive growth in young children aged 6 to 8. Apart is its adaptive AI engine as children play educational games—ranging from Sudoku and math challenges to mazes and memory puzzles—the device adjusts difficulty in real-time, helping each learner progress at their own pace.
5. APEX ACHIEVERS – BODMAS Quest: Gamified Math Learning For Smarter Education (Tamil Nadu)
BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction) often poses challenges to young learners, slowing their confidence and progress in mathematics. BODMAS Quest changes that by transforming learning into an immersive, reward-based journey.
6. SCIENCEVERSE – The Imperative of Interactive Educational Handheld Devices for Children (Indonesia)
7. V20 – VFit – Interactive Learning Through Play (Tamil Nadu)
8. WARRIORS– Maha-shastra (Dehi)
Maha-Shastra is an innovative educational ecosystem designed to reshape the learning experience for students aged 5 to 18. . Built for inclusivity and scalability, the platform combines quizzes, real-time simulations, AI-powered tutoring, and multilingual support to meet the diverse needs of learners across India and beyond. Its core is a handheld AI-powered device that engages students through interactive games, adaptive quizzes, and offline collaboration using LoRa-based meshtastic networks
9. KIDDYMAITRI– A Handheld Mathematical Gaming Console (Mumbai, Odisha, Karnataka)
Over half of Indian students tested fell below global minimum standards in foundational numeracy. Recognizing this critical challenge, Team Kiddymaitri took inspiration from NEP 2020, focusing on native language learning, technological integration, and traditional Indian values to develop a truly local and impactful learning solution.
The top 10 shortlisted teams will present their ideas at a special showcase during the WAVES 2025 in Mumbai. The winners of the challenge will be felicitated at the grand finale by the ministry.
About WAVES
The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit, 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).