Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) welcomes the High Court’s decision today (April 11) to dismiss the application to substitute the applicant of the judicial review on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of San Tin Technopole.
The spokesman said that the EPD had been vetting all EIA reports in strict accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance and its Technical Memorandum. The department will continue to strictly implement the statutory EIA process and ensure that the EIA reports fulfil all statutory standards and requirements before approval is given.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Indian Music Industry, today announced the winners of the Theme Music Competition, one of the 32 WAVES – Create in India Challenge series. The debut World Audio and Video Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) is scheduled to be held in Mumbai from 01st to 04th May 2025.
The competition, designed to spotlight India’s diverse musical talent, received hundreds of entries from across the country. A distinguished jury selected six winners after a rigorous evaluation of their originality, musicality, and alignment with the WAVES theme.
The jury for the competition included celebrated names from the Indian music industry: Somesh Kumar Mathur – Hindustani classical vocalist and mentor; Saandip Bakchu – Playback singer and Tollywood actor; Gulraj Singh – Composer and music producer in Bollywood.
The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.
Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator,the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.
WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).
In a media interaction on the theme Themed “Better Infrastructure, Better Technology, Better Trains” held today in Mumbai, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis and the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics and IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw jointly addressed the press to highlight the transformative progress in railway infrastructure across Maharashtra. Indian Railways’ commitment to modernization, improved commuter experience, and enhanced regional connectivity, with a special focus on the Mumbai Suburban Railway Network.
Better Infrastructure:
Union Minister Shri Vaishnaw emphasized that infrastructure development is the cornerstone for increasing suburban services. Projects worth nearly ₹17,000 crore, covering more than 300 kilometers of new lines, are currently underway at a rapid pace. These initiatives aim to decongest existing lines, improve service frequency, and cater to the ever-growing demand of Mumbai’s suburban commuters.
Better Technology:
Shri Vaishnaw announced the upcoming launch of Kavach 5.0, a state-of-the-art safety and signaling system tailored for the suburban section. Kavach 5.0 is expected to significantly reduce the inter-train headway, enabling more trains to run safely and efficiently.
Better Trains:
In a major upgrade to passenger comfort, the Union Minister revealed that 238 new Air-Conditioned suburban rakes will soon be introduced. These rakes have been uniquely designed keeping in mind the needs of Mumbai’s commuters, promising a more comfortable and reliable travel experience.
Maharashtra CM Shri Fadnavis also elaborated that Mumbai One Card, will soon be launched, which is a single and all integrated card set to transform public transport across MMR region for passengers traveling in suburban trains, metro rails, mono-rail, BEST buses, etc.
Together this infrastructure, technology, and rolling stock advancements are expected to increase the number of suburban services, dramatically improving daily transit for millions of Mumbaikars.
First Indian Institute of Creative Technology, an institute of National Importance in creative sphere will come up at Mumbai and this will be transformative for Indian Creative industry to make it a world class infrastructure hub.
Strategic Rail Projects in Maharashtra:
A major announcement during the interaction was the doubling of the Gondia–Ballarshah railway line, a 240 km strategic corridor with an investment of ₹4,819 crore. This key project connects Vidarbha and Marathwada, easing congestion and enabling faster passenger and freight movement. It will also strengthen Maharashtra’s rail links with Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, boosting regional trade and integration. This major infrastructure push was announced on April 7, 2025, when the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, had approved four projects of Ministry of Railways with total cost of Rs. 18,658 crore (approx.).
Shri Vaishnaw stated today that this transformative project is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing passenger and freight connectivity between northern and southern India. The approved project encompasses comprehensive upgrades along the 240 km of existing track, including modernization of 29 railway stations, construction of 36 major bridges, 338 minor bridges, and 67 Road under-bridges (RUBs) to streamline operations and enhance safety.
“With this doubling, connectivity between North and South India will be vastly improved. Aspirational districts in the region will witness rapid development”, stated Shri Vaishnaw. The Union Minister further stated that this will be a game-changer for both passenger commuters and industries dependent on rail logistics. He also said that this upgradation will boost regional economy and tourism.-
Other notable railway projects include:
In addition, 132 stations across Maharashtra are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Of the 1,300 stations nationwide under this initiative, many are nearing completion, with significant progress reported at many others.
A Vision for the Future:
These ambitious undertakings—alongside the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train, Dedicated Freight Corridors, and large-scale station redevelopment works—are set to revolutionize transportation in Maharashtra.
The Indian Railways has committed an unprecedented ₹1,73,804 crore of investment in the state, underscoring Maharashtra’s strategic importance in the national rail network and its future growth trajectory.
Maharashtra CM underlined the importance of WAVES (World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) preparations in view of inauguration by Hon’ble PM in the month of May this year, importance of a record budget allocation by Indian Railways to Maharashtra, benefits to the region by doubling of railway line between Gondia – Ballarshah stations. He also announced running of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Glorious Maratha Tour train by IRCTC soon. A special curated tour to showcase the glorious history and the grand heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj along with other cultural and pilgrimage destinations of Maharashtra in 10 days journey by Bharat Gaurav Tourist train was also stated by the Maharashtra CM.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government welcomes court’s decision to dismiss application to substitute applicant of judicial review on EIA report of San Tin Technopole A spokesman for the Development Bureau said that with the judicial review set aside, the uncertainty for the development of San Tin Technopole has been removed. The Government will continue to press ahead with this flagship project of the Northern Metropolis, so as to deliver innovation and technology land in full steam with a view to creating strong impetus for Hong Kong’s economic growth. San Tin Technopole will also become a modern new development area with industrial development, ecological conservation and a livable environment. Issued at HKT 21:59
Namami Gange Mission 2.0: 7 major sewerage infrastructure projects completed in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi in the 2nd half of FY 2024-25 With the commissioning of these projects, the total capacity under Namami Gange Program stands at 3722 MLD and total number of STPs commissioned at 157
The total cost of these projects is ₹1772 crore
Posted On: 11 APR 2025 7:23PM by PIB Delhi
Under Namami Gange Mission 2.0, the completion of 7 major projects in the second half of FY 2024–25 marks a significant achievement. Located in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi, these projects primarily focus on preventing sewage from entering rivers, thereby improving water quality and rejuvenating the rivers. Additionally, other projects in Uttarakhand has been partially ready for operation. The completed projects mark an important step in infrastructure advancement in sewerage treatment and would lead to furtherance of the objective of river rejuvenation. With the commissioning of these projects, the total capacity under Namami Gange Program stands at 3722 MLD and total number of STPs commissioned at 157.
47.70 MLD STP at Farrukhabad
The total cost of these projects is ₹1772 crore, aiming to enhance wastewater treatment in various regions. In Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, the rejuvenation of the Ganga has received fresh momentum. Here, a state-of-the-art STP with a capacity of 47.70 MLD and an interception and diversion network has been set up at a cost of ₹261 crore —taking a major step towards restoring the Ganga’s natural purity.
33 MLD STP at Ayodhya
In the sacred city of Ayodhya, a 33 MLD capacity STP and interception & diversion network have been established at a cost of ₹222 crore to make the Saryu River clean and uninterrupted. This initiative will not only uphold the city’s religious significance but also contribute to environmental balance. Additionally, in Muzaffarnagar district, a 32.50 MLD capacity STP along with an interception and diversion network has been completed with the total project cost of ₹234 Crore. This project will aid in the rejuvenation of the Kali West and Hindon rivers. These projects are based on the Hybrid Annuity Model, which not only ensures their success but also enhances their environmental effectiveness.
10 MLD STP at Bakhtiyarpur
In Bihar too, major projects have been started for the conservation of the Ganga River. In Bakhtiyarpur, a 10 MLD STP and an interception & diversion network have been constructed at a cost of ₹85 crore, offering hope for pollution-affected areas. In Fatuha, a 7 MLD STP has been established under a ₹35.49 crore project, improving the region’s drainage system. Similarly, in PhulwariSharif, a 6 MLD STP project has been launched at a cost of ₹46 crore, taking another step toward cleanliness and sustainable development. All three projects are based on the DBOT (Design-Build-Operate-Transfer) model.
32.50 MLD STP at Muzaffarnagar
In Delhi, the construction of Asia’s largest STP with a capacity of 564 MLD and an interception & diversion network has been completed at a cost of ₹666 crore. This ambitious project, aimed at conserving the Yamuna River, is based on the DBOT model and follows NGT norms using A2O (Anaerobic-Anoxic-Oxic) technology.
6 MLD STP at Phulwari sharif
In the first half of the financial year 2024–25, eight pollution control projects namely: Patna-Danapur, Patna Maner, Kairana, Lucknow, Munger, Mirzapur, Ghazipur and Bareily were completed. Thus, a total of 15 ambitious projects have been successfully completed in the financial year 2024–25. These projects have been implemented at a total cost of ₹3,184 crore.
10 MLD STP at Fatuha
These accomplishments represent significant progress in achieving cleaner rivers and improved urban sanitation, while also reinforcing the mission’s core objective of sustainable and holistic river rejuvenation.
The first edition of the biannual Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025 concluded today in New Delhi. The week-long apex-level conference, held from 05 to 11 Apr 25 in two phases at Karwar and New Delhi, engaged the commanders in deliberations on security challenges in the maritime domain and review of Indian Navy’s operational preparedness. The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, presided over the inaugural session of the conference at Karwar, with the Chief of the Defence Staff, Defence Secretary, senior MoD officials and Naval Commanders in attendance. The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, while acknowledging the Navy’s centrality in India’s Maritime Security stated that“just like the oceans have no boundaries, there is no limit to Navy’s roles and responsibilities – the Indian Navy will have to assume full responsibility for the entire IOR.”
The first phase of the conference at Karwar also coincided with the flag-off of IOS Sagar by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri. The landmark voyage of IOS Sagar represents India’s strong commitment to cooperation and collaboration with IOR nations, and aptly reflects the growth of Government of India’s vision of SAGAR to MAHASAGAR (Mutual And Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions). While at Karwar, Shri Rajnath Singh also inaugurated nine state-of-the-art marine piers, eight residential buildings and several important utilities, created as part of Project Seabird. The first phase concluded with a review of Indian Navy’s operational readiness and modernisation plans, wherein the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri acknowledged Indian Navy’s crucial role as a principle enabler of peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
The second phase, chaired by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, commenced at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi on 07 Apr 25. The proceedings featured comprehensive assessment of operational, materiel, logistics, human resources, training and administrative aspects. The Indian Navy’s Space Vision, Indian Naval Air Publication, Indian Navy’s Operational Data Framework, and a compendium for veterans, ‘Navy for Life and Beyond’, were the publications released on the occasion.
The conference facilitated interaction of the Naval Commanders with the Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of Air Staff, who shared their assessment of the operating environment, outlining readiness levels to counter evolving security challenges, through strong convergence and Tri-Service synergy. Additionally, Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary, and Shri Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, also engaged with the Commanders. Whereas the Foreign Secretary offered insights into the shifting global order and its implications for maritime security in the IOR, Mr Amitabh Kant underscored Navy’s significance in national growth and in India’s emergence as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the region.
On the sidelines of the conference, Naval Commanders also interacted with several subject matter experts and strategic thinkers during the Sagar Manthan event on 07 Apr 25. The event centered around India’s strategic vision of MAHASAGAR and focused on Indian Navy’s key role in fueling national maritime growth.
Overall, deliberations at the first edition of Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025 re-affirmed Indian Navy’s commitment to a safe, secure and rules-based maritime environment amidst emerging geopolitical challenges, while reinforcing its steadfast pursuit of being a Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Ready force.
The Government today welcomed the decision handed down by the High Court to dismiss the application to substitute the applicant of the judicial review on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of San Tin Technopole, and to grant leave to the applicant to withdraw the judicial review case.
The Development Bureau commented that with the judicial review set aside, the uncertainty for the San Tin Technopole development has been removed.
It stressed that the Government will continue to press ahead with this flagship project of the Northern Metropolis, so as to deliver innovation and technology land in full steam, with a view to creating strong impetus for Hong Kong’s economic growth. San Tin Technopole will also become a modern new development area with industrial development, ecological conservation and a livable environment.
Separately, noting that it has been vetting all EIA reports in strict accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance and the ordinance’s Technical Memorandum, the Environmental Protection Department said it will continue to strictly implement the EIA process, ensuring that EIA reports fulfil all statutory standards and requirements before approval is given.
The Government today expressed regret at the resignation of Justice Robert French as a non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal (CFA) and extended gratitude for his contribution over the years.
The Judiciary announced that Mr French, a non-permanent judge from other common law jurisdictions (CLNPJ) of the CFA, tendered his resignation to the Chief Executive.
The Judiciary said it is grateful to Mr French for his valuable contributions to the work of the CFA and his support for the rule of law in Hong Kong during his tenure.
In his resignation letter to the Chief Executive, Mr French expressed great respect for the judicial officers of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as well as their independence and integrity, adding that he felt honoured to have worked with them.
The Government said the long-time presence of esteemed judges from overseas as non-permanent judges of the CFA, participating in hearings of the court, is conducive to the international legal environment and the development of the jurisprudence of common law in Hong Kong.
Their continued participation alongside permanent judges speaks to the enduring strength and resilience of the court, it added.
Noting the judicial system of the Hong Kong SAR is protected by the Basic Law, the Government said that the city is vested with independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication and that the courts exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference.
It emphasised that the presence or absence of individual judges will not undermine the integrity of the system nor impair the Government’s determination in upholding the rule of law.
Upon Mr French’s departure, there are nine non-permanent judges comprising four non-permanent Hong Kong judges and five CLNPJs from the UK and Australia in the CFA.
The Judiciary stressed that in light of the steady caseload, the operation of the CFA will not be affected by the recent change in membership of the court. It will continue to identify suitable local and overseas candidates for appointment as non-permanent judges.
The Government indicated its full support to the Judiciary in the continuous efforts to appoint and retain foreign non-permanent judges in the future, and will endeavour to capitalise on the Hong Kong SAR’s common law system, upholding the rule of law in Hong Kong.
The Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy held its sixth meeting in Hong Kong today.
Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong and Shenzhen Vice Mayor Tao Yongxin led delegations of the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Shenzhen respectively.
In the morning, both delegations visited the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.
In addition to receiving a briefing by representatives of the Civil Engineering & Development Department and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Park on the planning, design and construction work of the park, they toured the newly completed talent accommodation building therein.
During the afternoon meeting, the Hong Kong SAR Government presented the achievements made in taking forward the development of the Northern Metropolis in the past year,including the development proposals for Ngau Tam Mei, the New Territories North New Town and Ma Tso Lung announced at the end of last year; and an earlier invitation for submissions of expressions of interest on three large-scale land disposal pilot areas.
The Hong Kong SAR Government also introduced the Development Outline for the Hetao Hong Kong Park promulgated in November last year, which clearly sets out the park’s major development directions, strategy and targets.
Both sides also exchanged views on the planning progress for the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai), the implementation of the Wutong Mountain-Robin’s Nest Ecological Corridor and the planning and development of Hong Kong-Shenzhen control points.
Mr Wong said that the large-scale development of the Northern Metropolis brings myriad opportunities for Hong Kong.
“We will continue to leverage our unique advantages under the ‘one country two systems’ principle and give full play to our roles as a super-connector and super value-adder. We will work closely with Shenzhen to promote the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and contribute to the high-quality development of our country.”
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan, Under Secretary for Environment & Ecology Diane Wong and Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Lillian Cheong also attended today’s meeting.
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today lauded the Delhi Government for implementing the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and for starting the distribution of Ayushman Bharat cards under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)