MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

India Reinforces Commitment to Energy Security and Exploration Growth: Shri Hardeep Singh Puri at OALP IX & Special DSF Signing Ceremony

India Accelerates Scientific Exploration: 76% of Active E&P Area Opened Since 2014, 28 Blocks Awarded Under OALP Round-IX

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 8:12PM by PIB Delhi

“The Indian hydrocarbon sector is entering a new era of accelerated exploration and development,” said Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, while addressing the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Round-IX and Special Discovered Small Field (DSF) Signing Ceremony held here tonight. He highlighted that through investor-friendly reforms, swift approvals, scientific exploration, and a strong emphasis on sustainability, India is steadily building a resilient and future-ready energy ecosystem aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Addressing the  esteemed gathering of dignitaries, industry stakeholders, and investors, Shri Puri noted that today’s signing ceremony signifies much more than the completion of a procedural formality—it is a powerful testament to India’s unwavering commitment to reducing its import dependence and securing its energy future.

With India currently reliant on imports for 88% of its crude oil and 50% of its natural gas needs, the urgency for domestic exploration and production has never been greater. As the Minister pointed out, “In the next two decades, 25% of the world’s incremental energy demand growth will come from India.”

Reflecting on the past, Shri Puri acknowledged the challenges the Indian upstream sector faced between 2006 and 2016—a “dull decade” marred by policy paralysis and procedural delays, leading to the exit of global energy giants like BP, ENI, and Santos. However, the tide has turned. “We were determined to unlock India’s untapped energy potential, estimated at approximately 42 billion tonnes of oil and oil equivalent of gas,” he said.

To that end, the Government has implemented a series of transformative reforms over the past decade. A key achievement has been the expansion of exploration activity, with the explored area of India’s sedimentary basins increasing from 6% in 2014 to 10% today, with a target of reaching 15%. The Minister reiterated the commitment to increasing exploration acreage to 1 million sq. km by 2030, highlighting the dramatic 99% reduction in “No-Go” areas within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Scientific, data-driven exploration has been a cornerstone of this strategy, backed by a ₹7,500 crore investment into new seismic data acquisition, aerial surveys in remote terrains, and stratigraphic wells. Importantly, geo-scientific data is now available for major basins on both coasts, with the National Data Repository being upgraded to a cloud-based platform to ensure faster, transparent access to seismic, production, and well data.

The Minister proudly noted that 76% of the total area currently under exploration has been brought under active exploration only since 2014. Under OALP Round-IX alone, 28 blocks across eight sedimentary basins have been awarded, covering 1.36 lakh square kilometers—38% of which fall in areas previously designated as “No-Go.” Additionally, two blocks were awarded under the Special DSF Round, with a total of 60 bids received.

“Congratulations to all the awardees. Your success will play a pivotal role in meeting our increasing energy demands as India continues its ascent as one of the world’s largest energy consumers,” Shri Puri said.

Looking ahead, the Minister announced that OALP Round-X has already been launched at the India Energy Week 2025, offering 25 blocks across 13 sedimentary basins—covering the largest-ever acreage of 1.92 lakh square kilometers, with 51% falling in previously restricted zones.

Furthermore, DSF Round-IV is being launched tonight, comprising 55 discoveries across nine contract areas with estimated reserves of 258.59 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent (MMTOE). All blocks have undergone rigorous technical vetting by global experts, and critically, all relevant data is being made freely available to potential investors.

He also shared that under previous DSF Bid Rounds (I, II, and III), a total of 85 Revenue Sharing Contracts covering 175 fields have been awarded.

Highlighting the potential in unconventional hydrocarbon sources, Shri Puri elaborated on India’s Coal Bed Methane (CBM) assets, currently estimated at 2,600 BCM. With 15 active CBM blocks—five already under production—the Government is preparing to launch a Special CBM 2025 Round to offer three new blocks (two in West Bengal and one in Gujarat), further diversifying India’s energy portfolio.

In a major legislative update, the Minister announced that the amended Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948 (ORDA), will come into effect in April 15, 2025. This “landmark reform” modernizes India’s upstream regulatory framework and aligns it with international best practices.

The Government has also been responsive to industry concerns through the establishment of a Joint Working Group (JWG) comprising private E&P operators, National Oil Companies, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons. “The JWG has submitted its report, and we are formally launching it this evening,” Shri Puri announced.

In a move towards inclusive governance and legal clarity, the Minister also launched the draft PNG Rules Public Consultation Portal, encouraging industry and public stakeholders to share feedback. These rules will help shape future Model Revenue Sharing Contracts and streamline sectoral regulations.

***

MONIKA

(Release ID: 2121952) Visitor Counter : 40

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 8:07PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the acquisition of certain shareholding in SNV Aviation Private Limited (Akasa Air) by PI Opportunities Fund-I Scheme-II (PIOF), certain executives of PIOF, Claypond Capital Partners Private Limited (Claypond), and 360 ONE Private Equity Fund (360 Fund), through its various schemes and affiliates.

The Proposed Combination involves the acquisition of certain shareholding in Akasa Air by  PIOF, PI Executives, Claypond, and 360 Fund, acting through its investment manager, 360 ONE Alternates Asset Management Limited.

PIOF is a trust established under the laws of India and registered as an Alternative Investment Fund with the Securities and Exchange Board of India and is setup to provide investors with risk-adjusted returns by way of a portfolio of significant and long-term equity investments in various growing entities.

Claypond is an affiliate of the Pai Family Group. Pai Family Group has made financial investments in various sectors.

360 Fund is registered with the SEBI as a Category II AIF and is established for the purpose of investing in various sectors in India and worldwide.

Akasa Air is engaged in the business of providing domestic scheduled air passenger transport services, international scheduled air passenger transport services, air cargo transport services, and allied services including in-flight sales.

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

*****

NB/AD

(Release ID: 2121950) Visitor Counter : 55

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 8:06PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed combination involving Waverly Pte. Ltd (“Waverly”), TPG Growth V SF Markets Pte. Ltd (“Growth V”), TPG Growth III SF Pte. Ltd (“Growth III”), Asia Healthcare Holdings Pte. Ltd (“AHH Singapore”), Rhea Healthcare Private Limited (“Rhea”), Asia Healthcare Advisory Holdings LLP (“AHH LLP”), and Asian institute of Nephrology and Urology Private Limited (“AINU”).

The proposed combination, inter alia, contemplates:

1. Waverly’s proposed subscription of Ordinary Shares and Class F Redeemable Preference Shares in Asia Healthcare Holdings Pte. Ltd.;
2. Certain rights accruing to Growth V in AHH Singapore and Rhea (including its downstream entities) and AHH LLP;
3. Certain rights accruing to Growth III in AHH Singapore (solely in relation to matters pertaining to AINU and its downstream entities);
4. Proposed acquisition of complete shareholding held by AHH Singapore in AINU, by Rhea (“AINU Transfer”);
5.  Proposed issuance of equity shares by Rhea to AHH Singapore, as a consideration for the AINU Transfer.

Growth III and Growth V are investment funds that are ultimately managed and controlled by TPG Inc. (“TPG”), which is a global, diversified investment firm. TPG, including its subsidiaries and affiliates, are together referred to as the “TPG Group”. TPG, the ultimate holding company of the TPG Group, is a company listed on NASDAQ. TPG primarily invests in complex asset classes such as private equity, real estate and public market strategies. The TPG Group operates in India through its various investments with a primary focus on sectors such as technology, healthcare, consumer and financial services.

Waverly is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lathe Investment Pte. Ltd., which is in turn, wholly-owned by GIC (Ventures) Pte Ltd. Waverly is a special purpose vehicle organized as a private limited company in Singapore that is part of a group of investment holding companies managed by GIC Special Investments Private Limited.

AHH is a Singapore incorporated company and is primarily engaged in long term investment holding activities and through its direct/ indirect subsidiaries, is active in providing healthcare services in the field of maternal, child, urology, nephrology and other related health care services in India. AHH Singapore is jointly owned and controlled by the TPG Group and GIC Group.

Rhea is a specialty hospital chain that provides comprehensive women and childcare and vitro fertilization (post consummation of merger with Nova Medical Centers Private Limited). Rhea currently operates in 19 states and 3 union territories, in India.

AINU, a single-specialty center in South India, is focused on providing healthcare services through hospitals, specializing in (i) urology care, (ii) nephrology care and (iii) dialysis and kidney transplant. They also provide radiology and pathology services to their patients. It has seven hospitals located across Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam, Siliguri, Chennai and Secunderabad.

AHH LLP is engaged in the business of providing advisory services in the areas of strategy, finance and other operational matters (excluding investment management, investment advisory or financial advisory services). Currently, AHH LLP solely provides advisory services to AHH Singapore and/or its downstream entities through providing an inside view into operation and financial control of companies operating in the healthcare sector

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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NB/AD

(Release ID: 2121948) Visitor Counter : 51

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 8:06PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed transaction involving Aster DM Healthcare, BCP Asia, Centella and Quality Care India Limited.

The proposed transaction includes the proposed merger of Quality Care India Limited (QCIL) into Aster DM Healthcare Limited (Aster) by way of scheme of amalgamation, post which Aster will be renamed as Aster DM Quality Care Limited. Prior to the merger, Aster shall purchase 5.0% stake in QCIL from BCP Asia II TopCo IV Pte. Ltd. (BCP Asia) and Centella Mauritius Holdings Limited (Centella) in consideration of a primary share issuance by Aster. The existing shareholders of QCIL i.e., Centella, BCP and certain minority shareholders are proposed to hold certain stake in the merged entity with Centella holding less than 10% stake, without any control rights.

Aster is a healthcare service provider operating in India through 19 hospitals with 4867 beds, 13 clinics, 215 pharmacies, and 232 labs and patient experience centers across 6 states in India. It is a part of the Aster Group.

BCP is owned by funds advised and / or managed by affiliates of Blackstone Inc.

Centella is owned and controlled by an entity, which is advised by the affiliates of TPG Inc. (TPG), the ultimate holding company of the TPG group. TPG, including its subsidiaries and affiliates, are together referred to as ‘TPG Group’.

QCIL, is an unlisted public limited company, owned and controlled by Centella, and BCP. It operates a network of multi-specialty hospitals under the brand name CARE Hospitals, KIMS Health and Evercare across various cities in India. It has a network of 26 healthcare centers operating over 5,150+ beds across 14 cities offer over 30 medical specialties with a team of 2,500+ doctors.

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.​​​​​​​

******

NB/AD

(Release ID: 2121949) Visitor Counter : 59

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 8:05PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the acquisition of shares of TKE Group by Alat Technologies and the formation of joint venture by Alat Technologies and the TKE Group.

The proposed combination relates to the: (a) indirect acquisition by Alat Technologies Company (ATC) of shareholding in Vertical Topco S.à r.l. (Vertical Topco), as a result of which ATC will acquire approximately 15% in the TKE Group (Proposed Topco Investment); and (b) the formation of a joint venture by ATC and the TKE Group (KSA JV) (Proposed KSA JV Transaction).

ATC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia. ATC is active globally and specializes in manufacturing: (a) semiconductors; (b) smart devices; (c) smart buildings; (d) smart appliances; (e) smart health; (f) advanced industrials; (g) next generation infrastructure; (h) electrification; and (i) artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Vertical Topco is a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg. Vertical Topco is the holding company of the TKE Group. The TKE Group is active globally (in more than sixty countries) in the installation, modernization and servicing of elevators, escalators, moving walks, passenger boarding bridges, and stairlifts, as well as related ancillary products and activities.

The proposed KSA JV will be active in the manufacture, supply, installation, and maintenance of vertical and horizontal transportation units (elevators, escalators, etc.) primarily in Saudi Arabia, and potentially in other countries of the MENA region.

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

*****

 NB/AD

(Release ID: 2121947) Visitor Counter : 55

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 7:53PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has announced its Audited Standalone and Consolidated financial results for the Quarter and Year ended March 31, 2025, showcasing significant growth across key financial metrics. The company reported its highest ever Annual Profit After Tax of ₹1,699 crore. As the nation’s largest pure-play Green Financing NBFC, IREDA has once again set industry standards by publishing its Audited Financial Results within just 15-days. This milestone positions IREDA as the first company in the NBFC and Banking Sector, and the first PSU, to publish Audited Financial Results in just 15-days.

The Board of Directors of IREDA, during a meeting held today, acknowledged the company’s outstanding performance and approved the Audited Standalone and Consolidated financial results for the Quarter and Year ended March 31, 2025.

Key Financial Highlights (Standalone) – Q4 FY2024-25 vs Q4 FY2023-24:

• Profit After Tax (PAT): ₹502 crore (↑49%)
• Profit Before Tax (PBT): ₹630 crore (↑31%)
• Revenue from Operations: ₹1,904 crore (↑37%)
• Net Worth: ₹10,266 crore (↑20%)
• Loan Book: ₹76,281 crore (↑28%)

Key Financial Highlights (Standalone) – FY2024-25 vs FY2023-24:

• Profit After Tax (PAT): ₹1,699 crore (↑36%)
• Profit Before Tax (PBT): ₹2,104 crore (↑25%)
• Revenue from Operations: ₹6,742 crore (↑36 %)
• Net Worth: ₹10,266 crore (↑20%)
• Loan Book: ₹76,282 crore (↑28%)

Commenting on the results, Shri Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, IREDA, said, “IREDA’s sustained growth in revenue, profitability, and loan book underscores our strategic focus towards financing India’s renewable energy ambitions. We remain committed to being the enabler of India’s green energy transition through innovative financial solutions and strategic partnerships.”

Shri Das also expressed his appreciation for Team IREDA for their unwavering dedication and excellence in achieving these milestones. He further extended his gratitude to Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution; Shri Shripad Naik, Hon’ble Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy; Ms. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, MNRE; other senior officials of MNRE and other ministry; and the Board of Directors for their continued support and invaluable guidance.

**********

 

Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2121943) Visitor Counter : 68

Source: Government of India

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the 32nd Report Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) for States/UTs of March, 2025

59,271 PG cases were received by States/UTs as of 28th March, 2025

A total of 59,523 grievances redressed by States/UTs till 28th March, 2025. Pendency in States/UTs stands at 1,90,976 grievances

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 7:46PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) 32^nd monthly report for States/UTs for March, 2025. The said report provides a detailed analysis of types and categories of public grievances and the nature of disposal by the States/UTs.

A total of 59,523 grievances were redressed by the States and Union Territories as of 28^th March, 2025. The pendency of grievances on the CPGRAMS portal stands at 1,90,976 grievances across the States/UTs Governments, as of 28^th March 2025.

The report provides the data for new users registered on CPGRAMS through CPGRAMS Portal in the month of March, 2025. A total of 49,912 new users registered by 28^th March, 2025, with maximum registrations from Uttar Pradesh (7,602) registrations.

The said report also provides the state-wise analysis on the grievances registered through Common Service Centres as of 28^th March, 2025. CPGRAMS has been integrated with the Common Service Centre (CSC) portal and is available at more than 5 lakh CSCs, associating with 2.5 lakh Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). 7,150 grievances were registered through CSCs by 28^th March, 2025, in which maximum grievances were filed from Uttar Pradesh (2,073 grievances) followed by Punjab (1409 grievances). It also highlights the major issues/categories for which the maximum grievances were registered through CSCs.

Uttar Pradesh has received the maximum number of grievances as of 28^th March, 2025 with the number standing at 22,369 grievances. 15 States/UTs have more than 1000 pending grievances as of 28th March, 2025. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra disposed the maximum number of grievances in March, 2025, with the number standing at 21,113 and 3,785 grievances respectively. 16 States/UTs have disposed more than 1000 grievances in between 1st to 28th March, 2025.

The report also includes the status of grants released under the Sevottam Scheme in the FY 2024-25. In the last three Financial Years (2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25), 811 training courses have been completed, in which ~26,941 officers have been trained.

 

Key Highlights for the month of March, 2025, are as follows:

1. Status of Public Grievances on CPGRAMS:

• From 1st to 28th March, 2025, 59,271 PG cases were received for the States/UTs and 59,523 PG cases were redressed
• The monthly disposal in States/UTs increased from 50,088 PG cases at the end of February, 2025 to 59,523 PG cases as on 28th March, 2025

2. Status of Pendency of Public Grievances on CPGRAMS

• 23 States/UTs have more than 1000 pending grievances as on 28th March, 2025
• For States/UTs, as on 28th March, 2025, there exists a pendency of 1,90,976 PG cases.

*****

NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2121942) Visitor Counter : 16

Source: Government of India

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the 35th Monthly Report on Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) of Central Ministries/ Departments performance for the month of March, 2025

A total of 1,21,065 Grievances were Redressed by Central Ministries/Departments as of 28th March, 2025

For the 33rd month in a row, the monthly disposal crossed 1 lakh cases in the Central Secretariat

Department of Telecommunications, Department of Posts, and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs topped in Group A category in the rankings released for the month of March, 2025

Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Department of Heavy Industry topped in Group B category in the rankings released for the month of March, 2025

Posted On: 15 APR 2025 7:45PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) monthly report for March 2025, which provides a detailed analysis of types and categories of public grievances and the nature of disposal. This is the 33^rd report on Central Ministries/Departments published by DARPG.

A total of 1,21,065 grievances were Redressed by Central Ministries/Departments as of 28^th March, 2025. The Average Grievance Disposal Time in the Central Ministries/Departments from 1^st March to 28^th March, 2025 is 16 days. These reports are part of the 10-step CPGRAMS reform process which was adopted by DARPG to improve the quality of disposal and reduce the timelines.

The report provides the data for new users registered through the CPGRAMS Portal in the month of March, 2025. A total of 49,912 new users registered by 28^th March, 2025, with maximum registrations from Uttar Pradesh (7,602) registrations.

The said report also provides the state-wise analysis on the grievances registered through Common Service Centres as of 28^th March, 2025. CPGRAMS has been integrated with the Common Service Centre (CSC) portal and is available at more than 5 lakh CSCs, associating with 2.5 lakh Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). 7,150 grievances were registered through CSCs by 28^th March, 2025. It also highlights the major issues/categories for which the maximum grievances were registered through CSCs.

The following are the Key Highlights of the DARPG’s monthly CPGRAMS report for March 2025 for Central Ministries/ Departments:

1. PG Cases:

• As of 28th March 2025, 1,16,970 PG cases were received on the CPGRAMS portal, 1,21,065 PG cases were redressed and there exists a pendency of 57,456 PG cases.

2. PG Appeals:

• As of 28th March 2025, 24,478 appeals were received and 21,400 appeals were disposed
• The Central Secretariat has a pendency of 25,488 PG Appeals for the period 1st March 2025 to 28th March, 2025.

3. Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) – till 28^th March, 2025

• Department of Telecommunications, Department of Posts, and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs are amongst the top performers in the Grievance Redressal Assessment & Index within the Group A (more than equal to 500 grievances) as of 28th March, 2025.
• Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Department of Heavy Industry are amongst the top performers in Grievance Redressal Assessment & Index within the Group B (less than 500 grievances) as of 28th March, 2025.

The report also features 4 success stories of effective grievance resolution from Central Ministries/Departments:

1. Grievance of Shri Prakash Kumar Agarwal – Delay in PF Withdrawal Claim

Shri Prakash Kumar Agarwal faced delays in the processing of his PF withdrawal claim (Form 19) despite fulfilling all requirements. Having worked for over 12 years, he submitted his application, ensuring TDS exemption as per regulations. After repeated documentation requests over six months, he filed a grievance on the CPGRAMS Portal. Following that, concerned authorities processed his claim promptly, and the final PF settlement of ₹35,31,303/- was issued, resolving the matter within the same day.

2. Grievance of Shri Vishal Verma – Non-Receipt of LPG Subsidy

Shri Vishal Verma, holding an HP Gas LPG connection registered in the name of Ms. Anita Verma, faced subsidy non-receipt issues for several months. Upon inquiry at the LPG office, he was informed that his Aadhaar was not linked with NPCI, and he was advised to contact his bank. However, the bank confirmed that the Aadhaar was correctly linked with NPCI. Seeking a resolution, he filed a grievance on the CPGRAMS Portal. After verification by concerned authority, the subsidy was transferred to Ms. Anita Verma’s account.

3. Grievance of Shri Souptik Sarkar – NFSC Fellowship Disbursement Delay

Shri Souptik Sarkar, a Ph.D. student at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, faced difficulties in linking his account for the National Fellowship for Scheduled Castes (NFSC) under the UGC NET December session. Despite completing all formalities on the Canara Bank Scholarship Portal, his request was repeatedly rejected due to subject classification issues. Seeking resolution, he filed a grievance on the CPGRAMS Portal. In response, the authorities reviewed the case, and linking request under the NFSC scheme was approved based on an explanation from the Registrar of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya.

4. Grievance of Smt. Bhumika Naresh Gaikwad – National Overseas Scholarship Processing Delay

Smt. Bhumika Naresh Gaikwad, selected under the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) 2024 for a Master of Commerce (Extension) at the University of Sydney, faced delays in receiving her final award letter. Despite completing all formalities, including income and caste verification, she awaited confirmation for months, leading to uncertainty and the need to defer her university intake. With no clear response from the NOS office, she filed a grievance on the CPGRAMS Portal. Following this, the concerned authority issued her final award letter, ensuring she could proceed without further disruptions. The grievance was promptly resolved within just three days of filing.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2121941) Visitor Counter : 15

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Activities for 2025 National Security Education Day were launched at the Convention & Exhibition Centre today.

In his keynote speech, delivered via video link at the opening ceremony, CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong said China had achieved historic successes in national security work over the past decade, while Hong Kong had gone through an extraordinary journey from chaos to governance and then from governance to greater prosperity.

Mr Xia highlighted three “beliefs” in his speech. The first belief is that the national security institutions of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will resolutely shoulder the sacred mission of maintaining national security and further strengthen the solid barrier for national security.

The second belief is that all sectors of Hong Kong can actively fulfil their obligation to maintain national security and jointly protect the city.

While the third belief is that the business community and entrepreneurs can make Hong Kong their home, build their businesses, and contribute to both Hong Kong and the country with more practical actions.

Mr Xia also mentioned that many Hong Kong officials have been unreasonably sanctioned by the US for their work in maintaining national security, but added that they are steadfastly fulfilling their duties and willing to sacrifice their own interests for the benefit of the country.

He expressed hope that the Hong Kong business community and entrepreneurs would continue to play a leading role in driving economic development, carry forward the tradition of patriotism and love for Hong Kong, correctly understand the relationship between their own enterprises and the development of both Hong Kong and the nation, and uphold righteousness and never forget national interests.

Chief Executive and Hong Kong National Security Committee Chairman John Lee supplemented that the international landscape is complex and fast changing, noting that threats to national security can appear suddenly.

He called for vigilance when embracing immense challenges and making preparations in four areas: resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the “one country, two systems” principle; thoroughly implement the holistic approach to national security; continuously improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security; and actively promote by way of education across society the need to safeguard national security of our own accord.

Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong Director and National Security Committee National Security Advisor Zheng Yanxiong also attended the activities.

He emphasised in his speech the need to further strengthen the foundation for the awareness of safeguarding national security, to better co-ordinate high-quality development with high-level security, and to actively pursue Hong Kong’s important mission.

To mark the 10th National Security Education Day, the National Security Exhibition Gallery launched an expo last month on national security education advanced by both the country and the Hong Kong SAR Government over the years.

Meanwhile, about 3,000 tutors have completed training under the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme launched in November last year and shared national security messages with over 120,000 people in the community. 

Additionally, the “Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge” has introduced an English section for non-Chinese speaking secondary school students this academic year.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Security Bureau (SB) and its disciplined services and auxiliary services held a flag-raising ceremony, a national security knowledge challenge and other activities to mark the 10th National Security Education Day today.

The SB and its disciplined services jointly held a flag-raising ceremony at the Police College this morning.

Officiating at the ceremony, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said that the flag-raising ceremony instils passion and loyalty towards the country and the people as well as deepens the understanding of the responsibility and mission to safeguard national security.

He noted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to leverage the strengths of the National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance to build a strong line of defence to maintain security and stability in the Hong Kong SAR, and to provide solid institutional safeguards to promote good governance.

Mr Chan then officiated at the Safeguarding National Security Cup awards presentation ceremony to commend the contestants of the SB, disciplined services and auxiliary services for holding sports competitions, which showcased their vitality and unity to inject impetus to the promotion of safeguarding national security.

In the afternoon, the Department of Justice, the SB, the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation jointly organised the finals and award presentation ceremony of the Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge 2024/25.

The events were held at a shopping mall for the first time to allow more students, teachers, parents and members of the public to participate. This year, an English section was also set up for the first time for non-Chinese speaking secondary school students.

The challenge attracted more than 126,000 students from 610 primary and secondary schools, an increase of over 20% in the number of participants compared to last year.

Chief Executive John Lee said in a video speech that June 30 marks the fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the National Security Law in the Hong Kong SAR.

He stated that the Government will hold a series of activities to deepen public understanding of the pivotal role the legal framework plays in safeguarding national security as Hong Kong’s anchor of stability over the coming months.

Mr Lee emphasised that safeguarding national security is a constitutional duty of the Hong Kong SAR and a shared obligation of every Hong Kong citizen. He encouraged students to become guardians of national security by integrating the knowledge they gained about national security through the competitions into their daily lives and sharing it with their family and friends.

Also officiating at the ceremony, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam supplemented that he was delighted at the enthusiastic response to the competitions and encouraged young people to continue embracing safeguarding national security as their personal responsibility and to integrate into the country’s development.

The highlights of the finals and the award presentation ceremony will be broadcast at 10.30 tonight and April 20 on HOY Infotainment.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin meanwhile, jointly officiated at the launch ceremony of the new national security comic book Andy & Security Bear.

Produced by SB members, the comic series was published online as part of the National Security Law virtual exhibition from July last year and was well received for its charming characters and engaging storylines.

The SB brought the online stories to print and has distributed the first batch to over 2,000 schools and public libraries in Hong Kong by the end of March.

At the ceremony, Mr Tang and Ms Choi presented the comic books to the principal representatives of secondary schools, primary schools and kindergartens.

To mark National Security Education Day, the disciplined services and auxiliary forces under the SB will hold open days on various weekends and public holidays this month.