MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

LOK SABHA SPEAKER OUTLINES ROADMAP FOR VIKSHIT BHARAT 2027, CALLS FOR SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE MODEL OF DEVELOPMENT

PRESENT ERA IN INDIA IS AN ERA OF ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND INNOVATION: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

INDIA’S ‘DEVELOPMENT-ORIENTED POLICIES’ ARE PROVIDING NEW ENERGY TO OUR INDUSTRIES TODAY: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

PHDCCI IS ACTING AS A STRONG BRIDGE BETWEEN INDUSTRIES AND POLICY MAKERS: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

LOK SABHA SPEAKER ADDRESSES MEMBERS OF PHD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY IN NEW DELHI

Posted On: 16 APR 2025 9:56PM by PIB Delhi

New Delhi; 16 April, 2025: Shri Birla today emphasises that the pillars of industry and commerce occupy a pivotal place in the Indian leadership’s resolute commitment to transforming India into a fully developed nation by the year 2047. To realize this national aspiration, Shri Birla called upon all stakeholders to embrace a model of development that is not only sustainable and enduring, but also inclusive, anchored firmly in the spirit of research, innovation, and forward-thinking enterprise. Addressing at an event to mark at the 120^th anniversary of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi today, Shri Birla observed that ‘development-oriented policies’ of the Government of India are providing new energy to our industries today, adding that present era in India is an era of economic empowerment and innovation.

Outlining the roadmap for ‘Vikshit Bharat 2047’, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla said that nation’s trade policy today is deeply rooted in the grand vision of a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and reflects India’s growing stature on the global stage.

Shri Birla underlined that contemporary India has emerged as a beacon for global investors—a land where the ease of doing business is not merely an aspiration, but a reality. He noted with pride that India’s remarkable economic resurgence following the global pandemic serves as a source of hope and inspiration for the developing world, showcasing the nation’s resilience and its unwavering march toward inclusive growth and prosperity.

He observed that flagship programmes such as Make in India, Digital India, Gati Shakti, Bharatmala Pariyojana, Udaan Yojana, and the development of electronic manufacturing clusters are weaving a robust tapestry of industrial and commercial infrastructure across the nation. He further remarked that the simplification of industrial policies, the establishment of a transparent and investor-friendly tax regime, and the adoption of a single-window clearance system have significantly nurtured and emboldened the spirit of entrepreneurship in the country.

Shri Birla remarked that the nation is swiftly transcending its traditional role as a consumer-driven economy to emerge as a vibrant cradle of innovation and ingenuity. He lauded the transformative contributions of Indian enterprises—especially the dynamic ecosystem of Start-Ups—which, with their fresh perspectives and groundbreaking ideas, are paving the way for sustainable development and propelling India toward becoming a global superpower.

Shri Birla further highlighted the dawn of a new economic era in India—an era defined by the confluence of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and a surge in innovation-led productivity. This synergy, he noted, is not only driving robust economic growth but also fostering a culture of transparency and efficiency. Turning to the digital revolution sweeping through the nation, Shri Birla drew attention to the phenomenal rise in digital transactions across the commercial landscape. He observed that this digital momentum is ushering in an unprecedented era of economic inclusion—one that is bridging the gap between remote regions and the heart of India’s mainstream economy, thereby illuminating even the most distant corners of the country with the promise of progress and prosperity.

Shri Birla lauded PHDCCI for acting as a strong bridge between industries and policy makers, bringing forth informed insights and thoughtful recommendations that can guide the Government in crafting forward-looking, responsive policies. Shri Birla appreciated the commendable efforts of PHDCCI in nurturing and empowering the dynamic spirit of Indian women through visionary initiatives such as the Women Entrepreneurship Development Programmes and Networking and Mentoring platforms. These initiatives, he noted, have played a pivotal role in unlocking the vast potential of Nari Shakti, enabling women to emerge as powerful and influential participants in the realms of commerce and industry. He further observed that today, the presence and leadership of women in the economic landscape are no longer exceptions but a growing force that is shaping the future of Indian enterprise. Shri Birla emphasized that institutions like PHDCCI possess an intrinsic understanding of the aspirations, strengths, and challenges of the industrial ecosystem.

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AM

(Release ID: 2122281) Visitor Counter : 69

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 16 APR 2025 9:18PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today hailed the inauguration of Amravati airport as great news for Maharashtra, especially Vidarbha region, remarking that an active airport in Amravati will boost commerce and connectivity.

Responding to a post by Union Civil Aviation Minister, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on X, Shri Modi said:

“Great news for Maharashtra, especially Vidarbha region. An active airport in Amravati will boost commerce and connectivity.”

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2122267) Visitor Counter : 87

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 16 APR 2025 9:03PM by PIB Delhi

The Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt Anandiben Patel met the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in New Delhi today.

The Prime Minister’s Office handle posted on X:

“Governor of Uttar Pradesh, @anandibenpatel Ji met Prime Minister @narendramodi.

@GovernorofUp”

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2122262) Visitor Counter : 11

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin hosts banquet for delegation from New Zealand All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taiwan

Date：2025-04-15
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

April 15, 2025
No. 096
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on April 15 for a delegation from the New Zealand All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taiwan. On behalf of the Taiwan government, he sincerely welcomed the delegation and thanked the New Zealand Parliament for its long-standing and staunch cross-party support of Taiwan. 
 
Minister Lin emphasized that Taiwan and New Zealand shared the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. He added that under the Taiwan-New Zealand economic cooperation agreement (ANZTEC), economic, trade, investment, cultural, and indigenous exchanges had continued to grow steadily. In the face of authoritarian expansionism in the Indo-Pacific region, Minister Lin recognized and thanked New Zealand for repeatedly affirming the vital importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and for firmly supporting Taiwan’s participation in the international community. He expressed confidence that moving forward, both countries would continue working hand in hand to promote regional security and prosperity.

The delegation was led by Senior Whip of the National Party Stuart Smith. He stated that his first trip to Taiwan had been in 2015 and that he was visiting again now to witness Taiwan’s political and economic development over the past decade. Noting that both Taiwan and New Zealand sought free trade and upheld universal values, he indicated that at a time when countries worldwide were facing geopolitical challenges and trade barriers, exchanging views on issues of common concern was particularly important for New Zealand as it responded to global changes. Labour Party Member of Parliament Tangi Utikere, cohead of the delegation, said that the visit would facilitate the New Zealand Parliament’s understanding of the current state of Taiwan-New Zealand relations and allow it to draw on Taiwan’s experience, making development on both sides more successful.

 The New Zealand All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taiwan was established in 2023 and first sent a cross-party delegation of parliamentarians to Taiwan in 2024. This year, the delegation will remain in Taiwan from April 13 to 18, calling on President Lai Ching-te, meeting with representatives of relevant government agencies, and visiting sites of political, economic, and cultural interest to further the Taiwan-New Zealand partnership. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Transport & Logistics Bureau today issued letters to inform applicants about the results of the third round of applications to the “Labour Importation Scheme for the Transport Sector – Aviation Industry”.

The bureau said that during the application period a total of 34 eligible companies submitted applications, involving requests to import 3,292 workers across all 10 job types under the scheme. Of these, 2,206 were approved.

In vetting and approving applications, an interdepartmental liaison group took into consideration factors such as applicants’ business development needs and the requirements of the scheme, the bureau added.

Upon conclusion of the exercise, all 6,300 places under the scheme have been approved.

The bureau said it will announce details on further aspects of the scheme, including arrangements in relation to the expiry of imported workers’ employment contracts, in due course.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to display of Nazi symbol and salute at New Taipei District Prosecutors Office

Date：2025-04-16
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

April 16, 2025  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has noted that a Taiwanese national wearing a swastika armband and holding a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf made a Nazi salute at the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office on April 15. Like most other countries, Taiwan firmly rejects Nazi symbols, which represent an ideology of prejudice and hatred that led to the historic tragedy of the Holocaust. Many nations have also explicitly banned the use of such symbols. MOFA strongly condemns this highly inappropriate method of expressing personal opinion.
 
MOFA reiterates that Taiwan is a country that respects freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. The constitution protects people’s right to express their opinions and exercise freedom of speech. MOFA urges the people of Taiwan to recognize the negative associations and historical trauma attached to Nazi symbols and gestures within the international community. It calls on the public not to bring distress to people of other countries, tarnish Taiwan’s international reputation, and engage in counterproductive forms of expression.
 
MOFA sincerely hopes that the people and government of Taiwan will work together to actively demonstrate tolerance for different cultures, religions, and ethnic groups of the world. It looks forward to everyone jointly striving for a brighter and more inclusive future.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA expresses condolences over passing of former US Deputy Secretary of State Armitage

Date：2025-04-15
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

April 15, 2025The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expresses its profound condolences over the passing of former US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage. It has instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States to convey its sincere sympathies to his family on behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).Mr. Armitage served as assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs from 1983 to 1989 under President Ronald Reagan and President George H. W. Bush and as deputy secretary of state under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2004. An important friend of Taiwan, he staunchly supported both the preservation of peace across the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan’s democracy, making outstanding contributions to Taiwan-US relations and security in the Indo-Pacific. He also visited Taiwan on multiple occasions to convey his unwavering support. He was a member of a US delegation that visited Taiwan to meet and exchange opinions with President Tsai Ing-wen in 2021. In 2024, he joined former National Economic Council Director Brian Deese in leading a US delegation to the inauguration of the 16th-term president and vice president of the ROC (Taiwan), extending bipartisan felicitations from the United States to President Lai Ching-te and the people of democratic Taiwan. During that visit, he called Taiwan an important voice for democracy in the world and reaffirmed the United States’ firm commitment to ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He also expressed steadfast concern regarding China’s military threats and coercion against Taiwan, stating that the more China bullied Taiwan, the more the international community would speak up for Taiwan.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to French Foreign Minister Barrot reaffirming France’s opposition to unilateral attempts to change cross-strait status quo by force or coercion

Date：2025-04-11
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

April 11, 2025  

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot attended a regular hearing of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Armed Forces on April 9. In response to a question by Senator Olivier Cadic, Vice President of the committee, Minister Barrot stated that France and the other Group of Seven (G7) members had reached a consensus on the importance of maritime security across the Taiwan Strait and other regions before issuing the G7 foreign ministers’ statement on April 6. He added that France had participated in joint sea and air drills in the Indo-Pacific with countries in the region to reaffirm the high level of importance it attached to freedom of navigation on the high seas, as enshrined in international maritime law. He also noted that France remained opposed to any unilateral attempts to use force or coercion to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely thanks France for continuing to monitor peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific, as well as reiterating its opposition to unilateral attempts to alter the cross-strait status quo by force or coercion. Maintaining cross-strait peace and stability is a matter of international consensus and common interests. The world is well aware of China’s attempts to steadily increase cross-strait tensions, change the cross-strait status quo, and undermine regional peace and stability. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is committed to continuing to work hand in hand with France and other like-minded partners to jointly safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to NATO-Japan joint statement stressing importance of cross-strait peace and stability

Date：2025-04-11
Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

April 11, 2025 

Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Mark Rutte held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo on April 9. In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the two sides strongly opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. They also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of the international community’s security and prosperity and encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues. Furthermore, the statement recognized that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and that of the Indo-Pacific were interconnected, stressing that continued Japan-NATO cooperation would benefit the security of both regions. 
 
This Japan-NATO bilateral meeting was the first since Secretary General Rutte assumed office. It also marked the third time since 2022 that the two sides had issued a joint statement conveying a high level of concern over cross-strait issues. The joint statement underscored the fact that the security of Taiwan has become a common global issue and that the international community has formed a high level of consensus on countering authoritarian expansion led by China and Russia and on ensuring peace across the Taiwan Strait. In addition, it demonstrated that cross-strait peace and stability are closely related to not only the security environment of the Indo-Pacific but also that of Europe. 
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely appreciates and welcomes the support for cross-strait peace and stability that NATO and Japan expressed at their meeting. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates that Taiwan, as an important country in the Indo-Pacific and a responsible member of the international community, will continue to work closely with allied nations to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific; uphold the rules-based international order; and safeguard regional and world peace, stability, and prosperity.

Source: Government of Singapore

Singapore, 16 April 2025 – Inter-monsoon conditions are expected to continue for the rest of April 2025. Prevailing winds will be mostly light and variable in direction, and blow from the southeast or southwest on some days.

2          In the second fortnight of April 2025, short-duration thundery showers are expected over parts of the island in the afternoon on most days. On some occasions, the showers may extend into the evening. In addition, Sumatra squalls may bring widespread thundery showers and gusty winds during the pre-dawn hours and morning on a few days. There may be a few days with little rainfall. The total rainfall for the second fortnight of April 2025 is forecast to be near average over most parts of the island.

3          The daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 33 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days, with highs of around 35 degrees Celsius on a few days.

4          For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.

REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (1 – 15 APRIL 2025)

5          In the first fortnight of April 2025, inter-monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore, with prevailing winds generally light and variable in direction. On some days, the low-level winds shifted to blow from the south or southwest.

6          Thundery showers fell over parts of the island in the afternoon and evening on most days. On 13 April 2025, regional convergence of winds led to the development of intense thundery showers over Singapore in the afternoon. A total of 117.0mm of rainfall was recorded around the Yishun Ring Road area that day. This was the highest daily rainfall recorded for the first fortnight of April 2025.

7          Although it rained across the island on most days, there were nine days when maximum temperatures of 34 degrees Celsius or more were recorded in the first fortnight of April 2025. The highest daily maximum temperature of 36.2 degrees Celsius was recorded at Paya Lebar on 12 April 2025.

8          Most parts of Singapore recorded above-average rainfall in the first fortnight of April 2025. The area around Yio Chu Kang Road registered rainfall of about 217 per cent above average, and the area around Kranji Reservoir registered rainfall of about 9 per cent below average.

 

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

Long-term Statistics for April   (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020)
Average daily maximum temperature:	32.4	°C
Average daily minimum temperature:	25.3	°C
Average monthly temperature:	28.2	°C
Average rainfall:	164.3	mm
Average number of rain days:	15
Historical Extremes for April   (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929)
Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature:	33.9	°C (1983)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature:	23.1	°C (1934)
Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded:	454.9	mm (1900)
Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded:	16.6	mm (1977)

METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE SINGAPORE

16 Apr 2025

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