Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
“The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Cézanne and Renoir Looking at the World – Masterpieces from the Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay” exhibition at HKMoA extended to May 14
Renoir’s use of colour, light and shadow in his works played a pivotal role in the development of Impressionism. Cézanne’s art theory, meanwhile, laid the groundwork for the development of various art styles in the 20th century, unveiling a new era in modern art. Hong Kong is the first stop on the Asia tour of the exhibition, featuring 52 iconic works from the renowned Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay, 51 of which are debuting in Hong Kong, including still life paintings with fruits and flowers, landscapes, portraits, and paintings of bathers. The exhibits serve as a testament to the remarkable artistic achievements of Cézanne and Renoir, highlighting the intersections in their careers.
Highlight exhibits include Cézanne’s “Apples and Biscuits”, “Still Life with Soup Tureen” and “Landscape with Red Roof (The Pine at l’Estaque)” and Renoir’s “Claude Renoir in Clown Costume”, “Nude in a Landscape” and “Bouquet in a Theatre Box”. The exhibition also showcases two invaluable artworks, “Large Still Life” and “Large Nude with Drapery”, from Spanish artist Pablo Picasso to demonstrate how the innovations of the two Impressionists inspired the next generation of great masters.
The HKMoA has created an education corner that mimics a French train platform, inviting visitors to board a time-travel train and immerse themselves in the creative worlds of Cézanne and Renoir. The Hong Kong version of this exhibition also features specially designed simulated conversations between the two masters, footprint maps, and more. These elements highlight the fascinating lives and enduring friendship of these two iconic artists.
The HKMoA has also invited two Hong Kong artists, Trevor Yeung and Lai Kwan-ting, to draw inspiration from the works of the two art masters and create their own new art. In “Garden Cruising: Bathers and Watchers”, an art installation with photographic works and large soft sculptures, Yeung explores the idea of the gaze associated with the depiction of nudity in the bathers painting series by Cézanne. Inspired by the still life works and portraits of the two French masters, Lai Kwan-ting’s installation work, “Everyday Whispers”, creates figure and landscape paintings with contemporary Chinese ink painting that capture fleeting moments in daily life, reinterpreting the styles of the two masters from a 21st-century perspective.
The exhibition is being staged at the Special Gallery on the second floor of the HKMoA (10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon). The admission fees for this exhibition are $50 for standard tickets, $35 for group tickets (groups of 20 persons or more) and $25 for full-time students, people with disabilities (and one accompanying minder), senior citizens aged 60 or above and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Tickets for the exhibition are available up to seven days in advance at all URBTIX outlets and self-service ticketing kiosks at the HKMoA or other designated locations (www.urbtix.hk/kiosk
The exhibition is solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, presented by the LCSD, and jointly organised by the HKMoA, the Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay. For details of the exhibition, please visit the website at hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/cezanne-and-renoir-looking-at-the-world.html
Issued at HKT 15:30
NNNN
Bureau of Indian Standards announces 500 internships for students from MoU partner institutions
Source: Government of India
Bureau of Indian Standards announces 500 internships for students from MoU partner institutions
Internship programme to promote standardisation awareness and practical engagement in industries
Convention marks renewed commitment to embed quality and standards culture in Indian academia
Posted On: 22 APR 2025 12:51PM by PIB Delhi
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body under the Government of India, announced internship opportunities for 500 students from its partner institutions in the field of standardisation. The announcement was made at the Annual Convention of BIS Standardisation Chairs and Nodal Faculty of MoU Partner Institutions, held recently.
The internships will be offered to students enrolled in 4-year degree courses, 5-year integrated degree courses, postgraduate degrees, and diploma programmes. The 8-week internship will include pre-standardisation work in two key industries, QCO (Quality Control Order) compliance surveys in collaboration with BIS offices, and site visits to large-scale units, MSMEs and laboratories. Students will undertake detailed studies on manufacturing and testing processes, raw materials, in-process controls, and other aspects of product quality and conformity assessment.
Key achievements of the BIS-Academia interface include:
- Standardisation modules have been incorporated into the curriculum of 15 institutes.
- More than 130 research and development projects have been commissioned.
- Over 50 institutions have established BIS Corners and Academic Dashboards.
- A total of 198 Standards Clubs have been formed across 52 institutes.
- More than 3,400 students from 74 institutes participated in national quizzes.
- 500 student internships are planned for the 2025-26 academic year.
Director General, BIS, Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari in his inaugural address, said, that this partnership is a shared national mission to embed a culture of quality and standardisation across academia. Deputy Director General (Standardisation), BIS, Shri Rajeev Sharma encouraged institutions to foster action-oriented collaborations and contribute actively to the country’s quality ecosystem.
The convention hosted technical sessions on curriculum integration, standards formulation, student engagement through Standards Clubs, and other promotional activities. In an open house discussion, partner institutions shared best practices and innovative models for academic collaboration.
The event concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen the culture of standardisation across Indian academia, empowering students and faculty to meaningfully engage with national and global quality systems.
Representatives from 58 partner institutes participated in the convention. Five institutions— IIT Roorkee, SSEC Chennai, NIT Jalandhar, SVCE Chennai, and PSNACET Dindigul—were felicitated for their exceptional performance in BIS-related activities as per the MoU.
***
Abhishekh Dayal/ Nihi Sharma/ Ishita Biswas
(Release ID: 2123394) Visitor Counter : 68
President Lai expresses condolences on passing of Pope Francis
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
On April 21, following the Holy See’s announcement of the passing of Pope Francis, Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated that upon hearing the news, President Lai Ching-te expressed deepest sympathies and extended sincere condolences to the Holy See on behalf of Taiwan’s people and government. At the same time, President Lai directed Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) to convey condolences to the Holy See’s Apostolic Nunciature in Taiwan. The Republic of China (Taiwan) Embassy to the Holy See also conveyed a message from President Lai expressing the nation’s grief and sympathies.
Spokesperson Kuo stated that President Lai has fond memories of Pope Francis’s friendly, close interactions with Taiwan during his papacy, and especially his focus on social justice and advocacy for environmental sustainability, as well as his concern for issues regarding immigrants, child labor, and violence against women. His proposals and appeals regarding world peace have resonated with all humanity. The spokesperson said that the passing of Pope Francis is a loss for the international community, and prayed that he may rest in peace. She added that Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with the Holy See and the Catholic Church in humanitarian efforts and continue to strengthen the friendly ties between Taiwan and the Vatican. The Presidential Office and Executive Yuan will fly the national flag at half-mast for two days to express the sympathies of the people and government of Taiwan.
Décès du Pape François
Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
Le gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie a appris avec une grande tristesse le décès de Sa Sainteté le pape François, né Jorge Mario Bergoglio, survenu ce lundi de Pâques à l’âge de 88 ans.
Porté au siège de Pierre en 2013, le pape François a marqué l’histoire contemporaine de l’Église catholique par son humilité, son engagement en faveur des plus démunis, son souci de la justice sociale et son appel constant à la paix. Il aura été un guide spirituel majeur pour des millions de croyants à travers le monde.
Au cours de son pontificat, le pape François a porté une attention particulière aux territoires d’Outre-mer en nommant notamment plusieurs évêques dans les diocèses de Nouvelle-Calédonie, de Guadeloupe, de Martinique, de Guyane et de La Réunion.
Le gouvernement adresse ses sincères condoléances à la communauté catholique de Nouvelle-Calédonie, profondément attachée à la figure du Saint-Père, ainsi qu’à l’ensemble des fidèles éprouvés par cette perte.
Data Users Conference: Strengthening the Bridge Between Data Producers and Users
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 9:07PM by PIB Delhi
The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), organized the Data Users Conference on 21st April 2025, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai.
The conference aimed to foster constructive dialogue between data producers and data users, facilitating knowledge exchange on methodologies, insights from the latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey, Methodology changes in PLFS and key initiatives in macro-economic statistics including GDP and Consumer Price Indices. The event witnessed active participation from more than 250 attendees comprising policymakers, academicians, researchers, economists, industry representatives, and international organizations.
The conference was chaired by Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, who emphasized the Ministry’s core vision of ‘Data for Development’. He highlighted MoSPI’s efforts toward enhancing data credibility, timeliness, accessibility, and relevance through technological interventions for timely release of key indicators like PLFS monthly estimates, quarterly unincorporated sector surveys, and a focus on comprehensive metadata standardization. He underlined the Ministry’s commitment to integrate administrative and survey data to fill existing gaps in the statistical ecosystem. Dr. Garg mentioned that MoSPI has actively working with research institutes to promote collaborative research.
In his address, Dr. Nilkanth Mishra, Member, EAC-PM and Chairman, UIDAI, underscored the pressing need for more granular and timely data, especially in light of India’s fast-evolving digital and informal economy. Drawing from personal experiences, he highlighted the critical gaps in economic data and appreciated MoSPI’s ongoing efforts to modernize the data access for both private and public stakeholders.
Ms. Geeta Singh Rathore, Director General (NSS), elaborated on recent advancements in the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), particularly the expansion of estimates of the Labour statistics to rural areas and the introduction of monthly releases of PLFS for enhanced policy responsiveness.
Prof. Basanta Kumar Pradhan, Director, IGIDR, welcomed the delegates and acknowledged MoSPI’s role in promoting an ecosystem of data-driven research and policy-making. He emphasized the importance of understanding data generation processes, recognizing limitations, and integrating user feedback to refine methodologies.
These key note addresses set the stage for technical sessions. The conference features four technical sessions.
The forenoon technical sessions covered:
- The first session has a detailed presentation on the sampling design used in NSS household surveys. The session continued with a presentation on the ‘Lessons Learned from HCES 2022-23 and 2023-24, highlighted on the key changes introduced in the most recent rounds of HCES. The presentations are followed by an enriched panel discussion and suggested to generate consumption data at sector level on quarterly basis, standardization of tools for improving the quality and exploring the scope of introducing the concepts of ‘spending’ instead of consumption as a measure of MPCE.
- Updates on the evolution of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), including the original objectives from its 2017 launch and recent changes implemented from January 2025. Key updates include generating monthly estimates of labour market indicators (LFPR, WPR, and UR) for both rural and urban areas, expanding quarterly estimates to rural regions, and allowing district-level estimates in collaboration with states.
In the afternoon session Shri N.K. Santoshi, DG (Central Statistics), MoSPI, in his opening remarks highlighted the initiatives taken by the MoSPI for updating the base years of key macro-economic indicators viz GDP and CPI.
The afternoon technical sessions covered:
- The session includes a presentation on compilation of GDP estimates and base year revision detailing the framework of compilation, proposed improvements in base revision and issues in interpreting the estimates. This was followed by a panel discussion wherein panellist recommended to publish detailed documentation of sources and methods, need for consistent and coherent back-series data. They also welcomed the proposed use of new data sources such as GSTN, UPI etc. in the new base.
- During the session on CPI, the ongoing work on CPI revision, key upcoming changes such as the adoption of COICOP 2018, expanded service and market coverage, integration of online data sources, and improvements in the Housing Index methodology were presented. The presentation was followed by a panel discussion wherein it was suggested to release seasonally adjusted inflation data. MoSPI informed that a study in collaboration with IIT Kanpur for developing seasonally adjusted CPI figures for India is underway.
Post-panel discussions, the floor was opened for discussions, providing participants to directly engage with the speakers and panelists.
The conference reaffirmed the collective commitment of MoSPI, IGIDR, and data users to uphold and advance the quality, integrity, and usability of official statistics in India. It concluded with a call to further deepen cooperation, embrace technological advancements, and ensure data remains at the heart of evidence-based policymaking.
The Data User Conference concluded with the key take away of need for standardization between the statistical products.
For more details on the survey reports and upcoming statistical releases, please visit the official MoSPI website: www.mospi.gov.in.
****
Samrat
(Release ID: 2123310) Visitor Counter : 33
Prime Minister hosts the U.S. Vice President and family
Source: Government of India
Prime Minister hosts the U.S. Vice President and family
PM recalls his successful visit to Washington D.C. in January and his discussions with President Trump
Following up on their meeting in February this year in Paris, PM and Vice President Vance reviewed progress in bilateral relations
They welcome progress in the India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement and efforts towards enhancing cooperation in energy, defence, strategic technologies
The two leaders exchange views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest
PM extends best wishes to the Vice President and family for a pleasant stay
PM conveys greetings to President Trump and looks forward to his visit to India later this year
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:50PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with the Vice President of the United States of America, the Honorable J.D. Vance today, accompanied by the Second Lady Mrs. Usha Vance, their children, and senior members of the U.S. Administration.
Prime Minister fondly recalled his visit to Washington D.C. in January and his fruitful discussions with President Trump, which laid down the roadmap for close cooperation between India and the U.S., leveraging the strengths of Make America Great Again (MAGA) and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Prime Minister and Vice President Vance reviewed and positively assessed the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation.
They welcomed the significant progress in the negotiations for a mutually beneficial India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement focused on the welfare of the people of the two countries. Likewise, they noted continued efforts towards enhancing cooperation in energy, defence, strategic technologies and other areas.
The two leaders also exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest, and called for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward.
Prime Minister extended his best wishes to the Vice President, Second Lady and their children for a pleasant and productive stay in India.
Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings to President Trump and said that he looked forward to his visit to India later this year.
***
MJPS/VJ/SKS
(Release ID: 2123302) Visitor Counter : 250
Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu takes stock of Delhi Airport runway upgrade
Source: Government of India
Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu takes stock of Delhi Airport runway upgrade
Stakeholder meeting held to ensure smooth operations at Delhi Airport
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:45PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, today chaired a crucial stakeholder meeting at Delhi Airport to address operational challenges arising from the ongoing upgradation work on runway 10/28 and the impact of unexpected westerly wind patterns. The meeting had participation of all the stakeholders from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, including Secretary Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman Shri Vipin Kumar, DGCA Director General Shri Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, along with representatives from Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), all the airlines and the CISF.
During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the current situation, emphasizing the importance of ensuring minimal disruption to passengers and airline operations. Shri Ram Mohan Naidu stressed that smooth operations at Delhi Airport are of paramount importance and directed all stakeholders to work collaboratively to address the challenges effectively. He emphasized on the need for comprehensive planning that factors in both the ongoing runway upgradation and potential weather-related disruptions.
Reiterating that passenger comfort and convenience must remain the top priority, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu has given strict instruction to all stakeholders to take timely, pre-emptive measures based on weather updates and ensure efficient utilization of available resources.
Addressing the workforce readiness, the Minister called for enhanced coordination amongst the stakeholders to prepare for any unforeseen challenges, ensuring seamless airport operations despite 1 of the 4 runways under upgradation. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) and AAI teams have been encouraged to leverage their expertise for maintain operational efficiency during this critical period.
Shri Ram Mohan Naidu expressing confidence in the collective capabilities said, “I am confident that with collective efforts and robust coordination, Delhi Airport will continue to deliver a world-class experience to its travelers, even amidst the challenges posed by infrastructure enhancements and unexpected weather conditions.”
The meeting focused on the importance of transparent and timely communication with passengers to alleviate any inconvenience during this period. The discussion concluded with a clear emphasis on meeting the runway upgradation timelines while minimizing disruptions to airlines and inconvenience to passengers.
The Ministry remains committed to prioritizing passenger convenience and operational efficiency, ensuring that India’s aviation sector remains a benchmark for excellence.
***
Beena Yadav/Divyanshu Kumar
(Release ID: 2123298) Visitor Counter : 23
Centre imposes 12% safeguard duty to shield Indian steel sector
Source: Government of India
Centre imposes 12% safeguard duty to shield Indian steel sector
Relief for domestic producers amid surge in steel imports
Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy thanks PM Modi for decisive leadership under Atmanirbhar Bharat
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:40PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, welcomed the decision to impose a 12 percent safeguard duty on the import of certain non-alloy and alloy steel flat products. This measure is a timely and necessary step to protect domestic steel manufacturers from the adverse impact of import surges and to ensure fair competition in the market.
“This move will provide critical relief to domestic producers, especially small and medium-scale enterprises, who have faced immense pressure from rising imports. The safeguard duty will help restore market stability and reinforce the confidence of the domestic industry.”
Shri Kumaraswamy expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his leadership and continued support in strengthening strategic sectors under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He reiterated that the Ministry remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the Indian steel sector remains resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive.
******
TPJ/NJ
(Release ID: 2123294) Visitor Counter : 85
CCI Approves Google’s Settlement Proposal in Android TV Case
Source: Government of India
CCI Approves Google’s Settlement Proposal in Android TV Case
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:32PM by PIB Delhi
- The Competition Commission of India (Commission), in terms of Section 48A (3) of the Competition Act, 2002 (the ‘Act’), and the Competition Commission of India (Settlement) Regulations, 2024 (‘Settlement Regulations’), vide majority order, has agreed to the Settlement Proposal of Google in the Android TV case.
- The case originated from the Information filed by two individuals, namely Mr. Kshitiz Arya and Mr. Purushottam Anand under Section 19(1)(a) of the Act, 2002 against Google LLC, Google India Private Limited, Xiaomi Technology India Private Limited and TCL India Holding Private Limited for alleged contravention of various provisions of the Act.
- The gist of the allegation was that Google misused its dominant position by enforcing restrictive agreements on OEMs, including compulsory bundling of the Play Store with Android TV OS and preventing the use or creation of rival forked Android versions through its Anti-Fragmentation Agreements. These practices allegedly blocked market access, curbed competition, and placed unrelated obligations on Original Equipment Manufacturers (‘OEMs’), ultimately stifling innovation and violating provisions of Section 4 of the Act.
- The Commission formed a prima facie view that Google has contravened various provisions of Sections 3(4) and 4 of the Act and directed the DG to cause an investigation to be made under the provisions of Section 26(1) of the Act.
- The investigation concluded that Android Smart TV OS has a dominant position in the relevant market of ‘licensable Smart TV device operating system in India’ and Google Play Store is in a dominant position in the ‘Market for App Store for Android Smart TV OS in India’. It found that Google’s agreements—Television App Distribution Agreement (‘TADA’) and Android Compatibility Commitments (‘ACC’)—executed together, imposed unfair terms by requiring the pre-installation of its full app bundle Google TV Services, preventing OEMs from developing or using Android forks, and hindering innovation. These agreements extended across entire device portfolios and included the tying of services like YouTube with the Play Store, strengthening Google’s market dominance and breaching several provisions of Section 4 of the Act. The allegation of refusal to deal and exclusive supply under Section 3(4) was not substantiated.
- Google filed a Settlement Application under Section 48A of the Act, read with the Settlement Regulations. The Commission invited objections and suggestions in terms of regulation 5 of the Settlement Regulations on the settlement proposal from 45 concerned parties. The Commission considered the settlement proposal and observed that under the “New India Agreement,” Google will provide a standalone license for the Play Store and Play Services for Android smart TVs in India, thereby removing the requirement to bundle these services or impose default placement conditions. Additionally, by waiving the need for a valid ACC for devices shipped into India that do not include Google apps, OEMs can now sell and develop incompatible Android devices without violating the TADA.
- Consequently, considering the material on record and the assessment of the Settlement Proposal after taking into consideration the nature, gravity, and impact of the contraventions, the Commission agrees to the proposal for settlement in terms of Section 48A (3) of the Act and the Settlement Regulations. The Final Settlement Amount, after applying a Settlement Discount of 15%, is Rs. 20.24 crore.
- A copy of the public version of the order passed is available on the CCI website at https://www.cci.gov.in/antitrust/orders/details/1182/0.
*******
NB/AD
(Release ID: 2123289)
Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu visits Air India Hq and training facilities in Gurugram
Source: Government of India
Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu visits Air India Hq and training facilities in Gurugram
Shri Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurates Air India Safety Promotion Centre
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:17PM by PIB Delhi
Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, today undertook a comprehensive visit to Air India’s corporate and training infrastructure in Gurugram, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing safety, training, and operational excellence in Indian aviation. His visit commenced with a walkthrough of the Air India Experience Centre, a facility that encapsulates the airline’s 92-year legacy and showcases its Vihaan.AI transformation journey.
The Minister then visited the Emergency Control Centre (ECC) and the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC)-critical facilities that underscore Air India’s operational resilience and commitment to on-time performance. At the Air India Aviation Training Academy in Gurugram, he received an overview of the Academy’s role in shaping aviation professionals, followed by an in-depth tour of training infrastructure including the Safety Lab, Grooming Centre, Security Lab, and the under-construction Simulator Buildings.
The visit marked a key milestone with the inauguration of the Air India Safety Promotion Centre by Shri Ram Mohan Naidu in the presence of the Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India. Speaking at the occasion, he said, “On the occasion of inaugurating the Air India Safety Promotion Centre, I am pleased to see a strong commitment towards fostering a safety-first culture in Indian aviation.” “I congratulate Air India for bolstering safety by investing in training its manpower through this state-of-the-art centre inaugurated today, where learnings from past incidents have been thoughtfully curated and translated into immersive, real-world training that goes far beyond the classroom” he added.
Commenting on the broader vision for Indian aviation, the Minister said, “As India expands its air connectivity across regions, safety remains our top priority. Air India, under the stewardship of the Tata Group and with the dedicated efforts of its committed staff carrying forward the legacy of JRD Tata, is well on its path to becoming one of the world’s best airlines.” He also reiterated the government’s continued partnership with the aviation sector “The Government of India extends its full support to our airlines in building a globally competitive, safe, and reliable aviation ecosystem.”
The Safety Promotion Centre aims to cultivate a safety-first culture within Air India through immersive learning experiences that draw from real-world scenarios and past incidents. The visit underscored the Ministry’s focus on strengthening India’s aviation infrastructure through enhanced safety protocols, advanced training, and close collaboration with industry stakeholders. Earlier, the Minister was welcomed at the Air India Headquarters by Mr Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD of Air India and his management team.
****
Beena Yadav/Divyanshu Kumar
(Release ID: 2123287) Visitor Counter : 96