Source: Government of India
Posted On: 13 APR 2025 8:59AM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi greeted everyone on occasion of Baisakhi today.
In a post on X, he said:
“Wishing everyone a happy Baisakhi!”
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MJPS/SR
(Release ID: 2121356) Visitor Counter : 41
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH continues to clamp down on illegal waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas Issued at HKT 11:30
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson today (April 13) announced that the HA will activate service demand surge special measures tomorrow (April 14) to cope with the service need and to alleviate pressure on Accident & Emergency Departments (A&Es) during the Easter holidays (April 18 to April 21). Eighteen general out-patient clinics (GOPCs) will provide public holiday services (see Table 1) in the period. Members of the public can make appointments through the telephone appointment system or the “Book GOPC” function in the “HA Go” mobile application.
The HA spokesperson reminds the public to stay vigilant to personal and environmental hygiene during the holidays to avoid spreading disease. Members of the public who develop respiratory symptoms should wear masks and seek medical advice promptly. Non-emergency patients should avoid using A&E services and instead seek treatment at GOPCs, private doctors or 24-hour outpatient services at private hospitals to reduce pressure on public hospital A&Es. Members of the public can visit the Health Bureau’s (HHB) Primary Care Directory (www.pcdirectory.gov.hk). The HHB has also collated information of private hospitals, healthcare facilities, family doctors and Chinese medicine clinics that will be in operation during the Easter holidays across all 18 districts. In collaboration with the Development Bureau’s Spatial Data Office and the Lands Department, the information (including addresses, phone numbers and operation hours) of the relevant hospitals and clinics have been uploaded to the online portal (www.map.gov.hk/gm/s/hhbclinic/all?lg=en) for public reference.
The HA will implement special refund arrangements in the A&Es again, starting from April 14, to provide stable patients with flexibility in choosing alternative medical institutions. Patients waiting for a doctor consultation at A&Es who choose to seek medical advice at other medical facilities can request a refund of their A&E fees directly from duty staff at the registration counter. “HA Go” members can also submit applications through the mobile application. This arrangement only applies to patients who have not yet been seen by a doctor and must be requested within 24 hours of registration. Eligible applicants will receive refunds via mailed cheque, credit card, or electronic wallet within approximately one month.
Additionally, the Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs) located in the 18 districts will enhance their services before and after the Easter holidays, with four CMCTRs providing services during the Easter holidays (see Table 2). Patients can make appointments either by phone during service hours or through the “18 CM Clinics” mobile app (applicable to patients who have registered for 18 CMCTRs service). The public can also visit the HA Chinese Medicine website (cmk.ha.org.hk/services/notice/easter-holidays-2025) for the latest information on Chinese Medicine services.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
According to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)’s forecast, the health risk category of Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at some air quality monitoring stations will reach the “Serious” level later today (April 13).
Under the influence of a dusty air stream associated with the northeast monsoon, the level of suspended particulates in background pollutants has been recorded higher than normal since 10pm last night (April 12). With the monsoon moderating gradually, winds in Hong Kong are expected to weaken and unfavorable to pollutant dispersion in the region, leading to increase in pollution levels. It is anticipated that the pollutant level will remain relatively high in the following one or two day(s). The EPD will keep in view the change in air quality, and release update on the latest situation in due course.
With a health risk category in the “Very High” range or above, children, the elderly and persons with existing heart or respiratory illnesses are advised to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities to a minimum or avoid such activities. The general public is advised to reduce, or reduce to a minimum, outdoor physical exertion, and to reduce time outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. As health effects of air pollutants may vary for individuals, persons who are in doubt or experience discomfort should seek advice from healthcare professionals. The public may visit the Centre for Health Protection’s website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/3557.html) for more information on health effects of air pollution and relevant health advice.
The Education Bureau (EDB) urges all schools to visit the EDB website for appropriate measures to safeguard students’ health and take note of changes in the index. The relevant hyperlink is as follows: www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-activities/sch-activities-guidelines/index.html.
When the AQHI is at the “Very High” level, employers of outdoor workers performing heavy manual work are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees, such as reducing outdoor physical exertion and the time of their stay outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. At the “Serious” level, employers of all outdoor workers are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees.
Members of the public can check the current AQHI readings at the EPD’s website (www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html) or by calling the hotline 2827 8541.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Transport Department (TD) today (April 13) said that, following the dispersal of the concert spectators from Kai Tak Stadium of the Kai Tak Sports Park last night (April 12), the overall local and cross-boundary traffic conditions have mostly been smooth.
The MTR Tuen Ma Line service has been further enhanced during dispersal, which basically met the passenger demand. In response to the passenger queue for taxi service at the Sung Wong Toi Road Taxi Pick-up/Drop-off Area during the peak period, the TD has made all-out efforts to mobilise the taxi trade for picking up passengers and the passenger queue has dissipated. Further, the 11 special bus routes provided services for the outflux of spectators departing for major districts across the territory in an orderly manner.
In addition, the railway, special bus route, Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus), Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge shuttle bus (Gold Bus) and cross-boundary coach services have mostly been normal, providing convenience for cross-boundary travellers.
Source: Government of India
When there is purity of purpose than mere consideration of profit, dedication towards literature and a desire to solve the problems of society, only then one can connect with the readers
An awakened weekly has a deep impact on our society and life
During many movements in Gujarat, when the society was falling apart, ‘Chitralekha’ took the torch in its hands to keep the society united
Gujarati literature’s magazines and newspapers played a big role in the building of the country
Nagin Das, Tarak Mehta and Gunwant Shah became popular from the platform of ‘Chitralekha’, the President honoured all three with Padma awards
Posted On: 12 APR 2025 9:31PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today addressed the 75th Foundation Day celebration of the Gujarati weekly ‘Chitralekha’ in Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra. On this occasion, several distinguished dignitaries were present, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, and State Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde among others.
While addressing the event, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that the 75-year journey of ‘Chitralekha’ has been a mirror of Gujarati literature, society, lifestyle, and the issues faced by Gujarat and the nation. He said that in my life so far, I have changed three houses, the furniture in those houses, even the addresses — but ‘Chitralekha’ has continued to arrive faithfully at all three homes.
Shri Amit Shah said that the way ‘Chitralekha’ has maintained its connection with the readers is rarely seen. This is possible only when there is purity of purpose than mere consideration of profit, dedication towards literature and the desire to solve the problems of the society. He said that ever since I learned to read, I have been reading ‘Chitralekha’. He shared sometimes while reading Harkishan Mehta’s novel, sometimes Tarak Mehta’s Ulta Chashma and sometimes while reading the cartoon published on the front page, I did not know when I started getting the urge to read the issues of the society and try to find their solution.
Union Home Minister said that an awakened weekly impacts our society and life in many ways. In the English speaking era when it was difficult to keep Gujarati literature alive, Vajubhai founded ‘Chitralekha’. Today, there is a greater need than ever to fearlessly represent all the problems of the society and not only question the problem but also to give suggestions for its solution. He said that at the time of Anamat movement in Gujarat, the society was disintegrating, but at that time ‘Chitralekha’ had taken the torch in its hands to keep the society united. It is because of its fact-based efforts of 75 years that ‘Chitralekha’ has gained credibility.
Shri Amit Shah said that literature cannot progress without the support of society. Literature is the need of society. Gujarati literature magazines have played a very important role in the development of the country. Gujarati Sahitya Parishad started a magazine named ‘Budhi Prakash’ in 1855. At that time, everyone started a front against customs with the inspiration of ‘Budhi Prakash’. In the year 1876, Nanalal started ‘Satya Vihar’ and spread amazing awareness in the society. Mahatma Gandhi started ‘Navjeevan’ in 1919 and worked to serve the bitterest truth to the people. In the year 1950, after India gained independence, ‘Chitralekha’ was launched, and since then, it has played a significant role in presenting both societal issues and literature with great precision and clarity to the people.
Union Home Minister said that a successful effort was made to keep the society united through the novels published in ‘Chitralekha’. This inspired the youth studying Gujarati to study. He said, very few of you would have met Tarak Mehta in person. Even the saddest person in the world cannot stay without laughing if he goes to meet him. Spontaneous humor was a gift from God to him. He ran ‘Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ from the same chawl for years. Those who watch the serial would find it very beautiful, but those who have read Tarak Mehta would understand what these people have done to the Tarak Mehta series. He used to make entire Gujarat forget all its sorrows in four pages.
Shri Amit Shah said that ‘Chitralekha’ gave many such special issues which can never be forgotten. Its Narmada Yojana special issue had shaken the whole of Gujarat. He said that no one would have given such an accurate and true presentation of the 26/11 terrorist attack on Mumbai as ‘Chitralekha’ did. It gave such a presentation that widespread awareness spread about the problem of terrorism.
Union Home Minister said that ‘Chitralekha’ also published three special issues on the issue of Ram Mandir. He said that he has been a supporter of Ram Mandir since childhood, fought for it and even went to jail, but no one has presented it as beautifully as ‘Chitralekha’. He said that Nagin Das, Tarak Mehta and Gunwant Shah became popular from the platform of ‘Chitralekha’ and finally the President of India honoured them with the Padma Award. Hardly any magazine in the country has produced three writers honoured with the Padma Award.
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RK / VV / PR / PS
(Release ID: 2121330) Visitor Counter : 12
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 12 APR 2025 9:10PM by PIB Delhi
In view of the communal violence reported in Murshidabad district in West Bengal, the Union Home Secretary held a video conference with Chief Secretary and DGP of West Bengal today. The DGP, West Bengal briefed that the situation was tense but under control and was being monitored closely. DGP further stated that he is taking the assistance of BSF posted locally, and that more than 150 persons have been arrested.
The Union Home Secretary stated that apart from nearly 300 BSF personnel locally available in Murshidabad, additional 5 Companies have been deployed at the request of the State Government.
The Union Home Secretary advised the State administration to keep a close watch on other sensitive districts also, and to put in place adequate steps to ensure normalcy at the earliest. Union Home Secretary stated that the Centre is also closely monitoring the situation and assured the State all possible assistance including deployment of additional manpower, if necessary.
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RK/VV/PR/PS
(Release ID: 2121327) Visitor Counter : 140
Source: Government of India
Holds high-level review meeting to assess ongoing developmental projects; interacts with medical students, sanitary staff, and employees
Launches revamped AIIMS Bhubaneswar website, equipped with user-friendly features and integrated services for patients and visitors
Posted On: 12 APR 2025 8:18PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda inaugurated Central Research Laboratory in AIIMS Bhubaneswar today, marking another milestone in the institute’s journey of growth and excellence. He also laid the foundation stone of a Multiutility (Gastronomy) Block on the occasion.
The state-of-the-art Central Research Laboratory facility is a transformative initiative aimed at advancing cutting-edge medical research and fostering innovation. The facility is poised to empower doctors, researchers, and scholars to develop impactful healthcare solutions and propel AIIMS Bhubaneswar into the league of premier medical research hubs in the country.
The Multiutility (Gastronomy) Block is a modern infrastructure project tailored to meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, staff, and the general public. The block will offer essential amenities under one roof, enhancing both operational efficiency and community engagement within the campus.
Adding to the digital transformation of healthcare services, the Union Minister launched the revamped AIIMS Bhubaneswar website, equipped with user-friendly features and integrated services for patients and visitors. The website showcases Odisha’s rich cultural heritage while improving access to the institute’s healthcare facilities.
As part of the visit, Shri Nadda also inaugurated the EHS Clinic and AMRIT Pharmacy, ensuring greater accessibility to essential health services and affordable medicines for all. He stated that a skin bank will also be set up in AIIMS Bhubaneswar in the near future.
A notable highlight was the Union Minister’s visit to the Burn Centre, a one-of-its-kind facility in Eastern India that is already making a difference in critical care. He also visited the Swachhata Exhibition at the OPD foyer, Integrated Health & Wellness Clinic, Rheumatology & Geriatric Clinic, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and planted a sapling at Smruti Upavan, symbolizing the commitment to a greener and healthier future.
The visit concluded with a high-level review meeting where Shri Nadda assessed ongoing developmental projects and interacted directly with medical students, sanitary staff, and employees. This engagement demonstrated the government’s inclusive approach to healthcare delivery.
Shri Nadda was accompanied by a distinguished team from AIIMS Bhubaneswar, including President of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Prof. (Dr) Shailesh Kumar; Executive Director, Prof. (Dr) Ashutosh Biswas; Dean (Academics) Prof. (Dr) Prasanta Raghab Mohapatra; Dean (Examination), Prof. (Dr) Soubhagya Kumar Jena; Dean (Research), Prof. (Dr) Satyaieet Misra; DDA, Lt. Col. Abhijit Sarkar; Medical Superintendent, Dr. Dillip Kumar Parida and Senior Administrative Officer, Shri Rasmi Ranjan Sethy.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr) Ashutosh Biswas emphasised that “the Central Research laboratory will be a catalyst for scientific discovery and translational research, especially in the Eastern region. It will open doors to pioneering treatments and improved healthcare outcomes”. “Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister, Shri JP Nadda’s unwavering support and presence inspire us to achieve higher benchmarks in healthcare delivery and innovation”, he added.
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MV
HFW/HFM AIIMS Bhubaneshwar Visit/12April2025/1
(Release ID: 2121306) Visitor Counter : 74
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Police today (April 12) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Kwai Chung.
Wu Hoi-sing, aged 70, went missing after he left his caring home on Lei Muk Road this morning. Staff of the caring home then made a report to Police.
He is about 1.65 metres tall, 72 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a square face with yellow complexion, and is bald with short black and white hair on both sides. He was last seen wearing a grey jacket, black trousers and black shoes.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1173 or 5217 5562 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, began his visit in Beijing on April 10 and called on the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) yesterday (April 11).
Dr Chui was invited to attend the first session of the 2025 “Science, Culture, and Literacy” Lecture Series organised by the MEE to deliver a keynote presentation. The Minister of MEE, Mr Huang Runqiu, also attended the seminar.
The presentation, titled “Smart Environmental Governance Strategies and Practices of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government,” highlighted the successful application of sewage surveillance and real-time forecasting models to assist in pandemic control efforts, practice cases of Hong Kong’s innovation in pollution control by utilising smart technologies, and the two latest developed technological applications by the Environmental Protection Department, the biological water quality indicator “Phytoplankton Community Integrity Index” and the risk-based composite index for evaluating overall air quality status.
Participants unanimously agreed that the successful scientific pollution control practices introduced during the seminar provided valuable references for kick-starting ecological and environmental protection efforts. They should study and learn from these practices to further enhance the awareness and capacity of applying scientific thinking and methods to improve environmental quality, better promoting pollution control in a precise, scientific, and law-based manner.
The seminar was held in a hybrid format, combining online and offline participation. The Vice Minister of MEE, Mr Yu Huiwen; the Chief Inspector of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection Inspector’s Office, Mr Liao Xiyuan; and Vice Minister of MEE, Mr Dong Baotong also attended the event.
The Chief Engineer of MEE, Mr Ren Yong, chaired the seminar. Key personnel and administration of State Committee of Supervisory (SSC) Supervisor’s Office, Ministry’s various departments, the Environmental Emergency and Accident Investigation Center and Agency Service Center attended the event in person at the main venue. Other staff from the SSC Supervisor’s Office, Ministry’s various departments and the affiliated institutes joined from sub-venues or virtually.
During his visit to Beijing, Dr Chui also attended the 23rd China International Environmental Protection Exhibition and Conference. He met with representatives from the BRI International Green Development Coalition and the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to explore collaboration on environmental technologies, aiming to jointly achieve the goal of high-quality green and sustainable development under the Belt and Road Initiative.