MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

Dr Jitendra Singh calls for greater synergy between innovation and industry for a sustainable StartUp ecosystem;

Startup Ecosystem must link all stakeholders together to become globally competitive: Dr. Jitendra Singh

‘Time to Open the Gates’: Union Minister Calls for Science-Industry Synergy at Hyderabad Conclave

Agriculture is India’s exclusive and relatively under-explored domain, says Minister

Hyderabad Startup Meet Marks Shift Toward Inclusive Innovation, Says Dr. Jitendra Singh

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 5:22PM by PIB Delhi

In a spirited call for greater synergy between innovation and industry for a sustainable StartUp ecosystem, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the time has come for Indian science to break silos and integrate with stakeholders including industry, investors, and the public.

Speaking at the Startup Conclave jointly organized by CSIR-IICT, CSIR-CCMB, and CSIR-NGRI in Hyderabad, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that India’s moment in science and innovation has arrived.

Addressing a gathering of scientists, entrepreneurs, students, and policymakers, Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded the rare joint initiative by the three Hyderabad-based CSIR labs, noting that “such an integrated scene of science and governance under one roof” reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of collaborative and inclusive innovation.

The Minister made a strong pitch for dismantling the outdated image of government labs as “ghost-haunted places where frogs are dissected,” narrating how villagers once misunderstood the work of CSIR labs due to lack of public outreach. “Science should not be confined behind gates. If your domain is agriculture, invite the farmers in. Let them see what you’re doing,” he asserted.

Dr Jitendra Singh underlined the need for early and deep industry involvement in research and innovation, pointing to the success of CSIR’s Aroma Mission, where over 3,000 youth, many of them non-graduates, became successful agri-entrepreneurs with minimum annual earnings of ₹60 lakh. “That’s the real transformation—a blend of technology, livelihood, and dignity,” he said.

Referring to India’s rapidly growing biotechnology sector, Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled that in 2014, there were only 50 biotech startups. Today, the number exceeds 10,000. “It’s not just numbers. We’ve moved from $10 billion to nearly $170 billion in biotech valuation. This is not just growth, it’s a revolution,” he said, citing the government’s dedicated policies like Bio-E3 and the National Quantum Mission.

Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed concern over internal compartmentalization within CSIR and even within his own Ministry. He revealed that he now holds monthly joint meetings of all science departments including Atomic Energy, Space, and Biotechnology, to ensure overlapping initiatives are integrated rather than duplicated. “How can we compete globally if we don’t even know what our neighbouring lab is doing?” he questioned.

The Minister also announced plans to open up the nuclear sector, noting that a new realism has replaced the secrecy that once shrouded scientific endeavours. “When Google can peek into our lives, what’s the point of denying access to potential collaborators in the name of confidentiality?” he asked.

The Minister made a compelling case for realistic, demand-driven innovation. “Let the industry do the mapping. Let them invest from day one. If they put in ₹20, they’ll make sure your startup doesn’t fail,” he said, encouraging researchers to see industry not just as a customer but as a co-investor.

In a candid remark, Dr. Jitendra Singh acknowledged that while the government has significantly increased support—CSIR and DSIR budgets have risen over 230% since 2014—true sustainability lies in self-sufficiency and public-private collaboration. “You can start a startup, but sustaining it is the challenge. Social and economic security must match the aspiration,” he said.

Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that Hyderabad, with its unique blend of scientific legacy and tech-savvy spirit, is best positioned to lead India’s science-led development agenda. “This is not just about Hyderabad or about CSIR. This is about India stepping out of the shadows and leading the global innovation narrative,” he said.

The event, held at a time when India’s Global Innovation Index has jumped from 81 to 39 in less than a decade, marked a decisive moment in the Centre’s mission to democratize science, empower youth, and position India as a global innovation powerhouse.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2123497) Visitor Counter : 65

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 Ministerial Panel was held today, during which participating cultural ministers and senior officials exchanged views and shared their experience on policies and measures to promote arts and cultural development.

 

Officiating at the panel opening, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law highlighted that technological advancement is inevitable as the world has undergone rapid and vigorous changes.

 

A people-oriented approach, ie an approach to connect more with people, to create more for people and to engage more people, should be adopted, in order to promote arts and cultural development, she stressed.

 

Miss Law added that by making good use of its positions as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange as well as the largest art trading centre in Asia, Hong Kong will continue to thrive.

 

Separately, Acting Chief Executive Chan Kwok-ki hosted the gala dinner for the delegations as well as local cultural leaders. In his speech at the event, Mr Chan pointed out that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been actively fostering the city’s development into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange with the clear national support in the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

 

With its unique advantage of blending Chinese and Western cultures and its extensive international connections, Hong Kong will become a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the Mainland and the rest of the world, he stressed.

 

The Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum aims to promote cultural co-operation and exchanges among regions. Themed “Connect, Create, Engage: Bridging Cultures for All”, this year’s gathering has expanded its scale, welcoming participation from Belt & Road countries outside Asia.

 

The delegations attending the forum visited the Hong Kong Museum of Art and Oil Street Art Space yesterday. They will attend the plenary session and visit the Hong Kong Palace Museum tomorrow.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today arrived in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, to start a four-day visit programme, touring local innovation and technology facilities, and meeting Hong Kong people and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises in Zhejiang.

 

Upon arriving in Hangzhou in the afternoon, Mr Lee, along with a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation he is leading, visited the ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific & Technological Innovation Center to learn more about the latest developments in innovation and technology collaboration between Hong Kong and Hangzhou.

 

The Chief Executive pointed out that Zhejiang University is one of the eligible Mainland universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme, and over 4,000 of its graduates have been approved to pursue their careers in Hong Kong through the scheme.

 

He also highlighted that the centre serves as a major innovation and technology platform in Zhejiang, bringing together talent skilled in the collaborative development of industry, education and research sectors.

      

In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner, hosted by the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Zhejiang, where he engaged with Hong Kong people and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises in Zhejiang to find out more about their daily lives and developments.

 

He encouraged them to leverage their strengths to serve Zhejiang enterprises in going global and attracting foreign investment, with a view to contributing to mutual benefits and the high-quality development of Hong Kong and Zhejiang.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The overall Comprehensive Social Security Assistance caseload dropped by 194 cases to 195,581 in March, down 0.1% from February, the Social Welfare Department announced today.

Ill-health cases fell by 0.3% month on month to 27,689. Permanent disability cases and single parent cases both decreased 0.2%, to 16,667 and 18,993 cases respectively.

Old age cases and unemployment cases both dropped 0.1%, to 110,846 and 16,057 cases respectively.

Meanwhile, low-earnings cases registered an increase of 0.1%, to reach 1,356 cases.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.2% in the January to March period, same as that in December 2024 to February 2025, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

 

The underemployment rate remained at 1.1%.

 

Total employment was 3,692,700, down 16,800 from December 2024 to February 2025, while the labour force also dropped 5,800 to 3,815,500.

 

The number of unemployed people increased from 111,700 to 122,800. Meanwhile, the number of underemployed people increased from 40,700 to 42,700.

 

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the increasingly uncertain external environment due to escalated trade conflicts may weigh on hiring sentiment in some sectors.

 

Nonetheless, the continued growth of the Mainland economy, supported by the central government’s boosting policies, alongside the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s various policy measures to continuously promote economic growth and support enterprises, are expected to provide support to labour demand, he added.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 2:25PM by PIB Delhi

Based on the result of the written part of Civil Services Examination, 2024 held by the Union Public Service Commission in September, 2024 and the interviews for Personality Test held in January-April, 2025, following is the list, in order of merit, of candidates who have been recommended for appointment to:

(i) Indian Administrative Service;

(ii) Indian Foreign Service;

(iii) Indian Police Service; and

(iv) Central Services, Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’.

2. A total number of 1009 candidates have been recommended for appointment as per following break-up:

GENERAL	EWS	OBC	SC	ST	TOTAL
335 (incl. 10 PwBD-1, 05 PwBD-2, 11 PwBD-3 & 05 PwBD-5)	109 (incl. Nil PwBD-1, 01 PwBD-2, Nil PwBD-3 & Nil PwBD-5)	318 (incl. 02 PwBD-1, 02 PwBD-2, 03 PwBD-3 & 03 PwBD-5)	160 (incl. Nil PwBD-1, Nil PwBD-2, Nil PwBD-3 & 01 PwBD-5)	87 (incl. Nil PwBD-1, Nil PwBD-2, 02 PwBD-3 & Nil PwBD-5)	1009 (incl. 12 PwBD-1, 08 PwBD-2, 16 PwBD-3 & 09 PwBD-5)

 

3. In accordance with Rule 20 (4) & (5) of the Civil Services Examination Rules 2024, the Commission is maintaining a consolidated Reserve List of candidates as under:

GENERAL EWS OBC SC ST PwBD-1 TOTAL 115 35 59 14 06 01 230

4. Appointment to the various Services will be made according to the number of vacancies available with due consideration to the provisions contained in the Rules for the Examination. The number of vacancies reported by the Government to be filled is as under:

SERVICES GEN EWS OBC SC ST Total

I.A.S. 73 18 52 24 13 180

I.F.S. 23 05 13 09 05 55

I.P.S. 60 14 41 22 10 147

Central Services Group ‘A’ 244 57 168 90 46 605

Group ‘B’ Services 55 15 44 15 13 142

Total 455 109 318 160 87 1129*

 

* includes 50 PwBD vacancies (12 PwBD-1, 08 PwBD-2, 16 PwBD-3 & 14 PwBD-5)

5. The candidature of 241 recommended candidates has been kept provisional.

6. Result of 01 candidate has been kept withheld.

7. UPSC has a “Facilitation Counter” near Examination Hall in its campus. Candidates can obtain any information / clarification regarding their examinations / recruitments on the working days between 10:00 hours to 17:00 hours in person or over telephone Nos. 23385271 / 23381125 / 23098543. Result will also be available on the U.P.S.C. website i.e. http//www.upsc.gov.in. Marks will be available on the website within 15 days from the date of declaration of result.

Highlights

The final result of Civil Services Examination (CSE), 2024 has been declared today, the 22 nd April, 2025.

Highlights of the result are following:

The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2024 was conducted on 16th June, 2024. A total of 9,92,599 candidates applied for this examination, out of which 5,83,213 candidates actually appeared in the examination.

A total of 14,627 candidates qualified for appearance in the Written (Main) Examination which was held in September, 2024. Out of these, 2,845 candidates qualified for the Personality Test of the examination.

Eventually, a total of 1009 candidates (725 men and 284 women) have been recommended by the Commission for appointment to various Services.

Among the finally qualified candidates, the top five comprise three women and two men. Ms. Shakti Dubey (Roll No. 0240782) has secured the first position in the Civil Services Examination, 2024. She qualified the examination with Political Science & International Relations as her optional subject. She has done her graduation (B.Sc.) in Biochemistry from the University of Allahabad.

Ms. Harshita Goyal (Roll No. 0101571), a graduate (B.Com.) from MS University of Baroda, secured second rank with Political Science & International Relations as her optional subject.

Sh. Dongre Archit Parag (Roll No. 0867282), a graduate (B.Tech.) in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from VIT, Vellore stood third in the rank with Philosophy as his optional subject.

Ms. Shah Margi Chirag (Roll No. 0108110), B.E. in Computer Engineering from Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, secured fourth rank with Sociology as her optional subject.

Sh. Aakash Garg (Roll No. 0833621), B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, secured fifth rank with Sociology as his optional subject.

The top 25 candidates comprise 11 women and 14 men. Their educational qualifications range from graduation in Engineering, Humanities, Science, Commerce, Medical Science, and Architecture from premier institutions of the country such as IIT, NIT, VIT, JNU, University of Delhi, and University of Allahabad.

The top 25 successful candidates have opted for a wide range of optional subjects in the Written (Main) Examination, including Anthropology, Commerce & Accountancy, Geography, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science & International Relations, Public Administration, Sociology, and Literature of Tamil Language.

The recommended candidates also include 45 Persons with Benchmark Disability, comprising 12 Orthopedically Handicapped, 08 Visually Challenged, 16 Hearing Impaired, and 09 with Multiple Disabilities.

Click here to see Result in English

Click here to see Result 

Source: Government of India

Union Health Ministry observes Pan-India ‘Fire Safety Week’ from 21st  to 25th April; Union Health Secretary leads the pledge ceremony on ‘Fire Safety in Health Facilities’

The ‘Fire Safety Week’ highlights the need for collective commitment to fire and electrical safety in health care facilities at all levels  

Over 3,000 participants virtually join the pledge ceremony and webinar on “Emergency evacuation and patient safety strategies” and “Fire prevention in high-risk areas of healthcare facilities”

Online Pledge and Fire Safety Quiz published in collaboration with MyGOV platform of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 2:18PM by PIB Delhi

Speaking at the occasion, the Union Health Secretary stressed on the importance of ensuring fire and electrical safety in all health facilities, while highlighting need for fire safety planning, capacity building of all healthcare functionaries on hospital fire safety as well as need to organize regular mock drills on fire preparedness as well as patient evacuation.

Smt. Srivastava also highlighted the need to develop a culture of safety at health facilities. She urged all public and private health facilities to participate maximally in the activities and share the best practices with the Ministry to enhance and ensure the fire safety across all health facilities in the country.

All the participants pledged to uphold the highest standards of fire safety within their respective organizations and healthcare facilities; cultivate a culture of fire safety awareness within their respective institutions by educating all staff and stakeholders on fire prevention, emergency response procedures, and the vital resources needed to maintain a safe environment; prioritize the safety of every patient, colleague, and visitor; embrace innovative solutions to prevent fire hazards and create a legacy of safety, resilience, and trust.

 

The Ministry has also organized a two-day webinar series on fire and electrical safety in health facilities, covering crucial aspects like prevention, regulatory compliance, maintenance and operations of fire detection and suppression systems, patient evacuation as well as holding mock-drills/ mock exercises to engage. In total, the webinar series has been attended by over 3,000 participants from all States/UTs.

Seeking active involvement of all States/UTs, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also circulated a detailed checklist to all States/UTs, while urging them to direct all health facilities (public and private) to undertake fire and electrical safety audits. All States/UTs have been requested to organize awareness generation activities, especially in medical colleges as well as large tertiary level hospitals. Such awareness generation activities will include organizing poster-making/quiz competition, holding demonstrations on optimal use of fire detection and suppression equipment/systems, etc.

Considering the need for active participation by private health sector too, the Ministry has also urged Indian Medical Association, Central Ministries and Departments to participate in observing ‘Fire Safety Week’ activities through their State and District level branches.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with MyGOV platform of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has also published online pledge as well as fire safety quiz. The pledge as well as quiz may be accessed using the link https://pledge.mygov.in/fire-safety-in-healthcare/ and https://quiz.mygov.in/quiz/quiz-on-fire-safety-at-healthcare-facilities/.

Union Health Ministry is committed to ensure safety and well-being of patients (both outpatients and inpatients), their attendants and all healthcare functionaries at the healthcare facilities. The Ministry continues to engage with all States/UTs by issuing detailed advisories, checklists and Do’s & Don’ts on fire prevention and safety in health facilities.

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MV

HFW/Fire Safety Week Pledge Ceremony Event/22April 2025/1

(Release ID: 2123418) Visitor Counter : 105

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The overall Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) caseload in March showed a drop of 194 cases, representing a decrease of 0.1 per cent compared with that of February, according to the latest CSSA caseload statistics released by the Social Welfare Department today (April 22).

The total CSSA caseload at the end of March stood at 195 581 (see attached table), with a total of 262 266 recipients.

Analysed by case nature, ill-health cases registered a month-to-month decrease of 0.3 per cent to 27 689 cases. Both permanent disability cases and single parent cases decreased by 0.2 per cent to 16 667 cases and 18 993 cases respectively. Both old age cases and unemployment cases dropped by 0.1 per cent to 110 846 cases and 16 057 cases respectively.

Low-earnings cases registered an increase of 0.1 per cent to 1 356 cases.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for January – March 2025) released today (April 22) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.2% in January – March 2025, same as that in December 2024 – February 2025. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.1% in the two periods.
 
     Comparing January – March 2025 with December 2024 – February 2025, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. Relatively notable increases were observed in the information and communications sector, social work activities sector, professional and business services sector (excluding cleaning and similar activities), and construction sector. Movements in the underemployment rate in different industry sectors also varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.
 
     Total employment decreased by around 16 800 from 3 709 500 in December 2024 – February 2025 to 3 692 700 in January – March 2025.  Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 5 800 from 3 821 300 to 3 815 500.
 
     The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 11 100 from 111 700 in December 2024 – February 2025 to 122 800 in January – March 2025.  Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also increased by around 2 000 from 40 700 to 42 700.
  
Commentary
 
     Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, “The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed low at 3.2% in January – March 2025, same as December 2024 – February 2025. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.1%. The labour force and total employment declined further to 3 815 500 and 3 692 700 respectively from the preceding three-month period.”
 
     The unemployment rates of various sectors showed different movements in January – March 2025 compared with the preceding three-month period, with increases recorded in sectors such as the information and communications sector, the social work activities sector, the professional and business services sector (excluding cleaning and similar activities), and the construction sector; while declines were observed in the transportation sector and the insurance sector.
 
     Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, “The increasingly uncertain external environment due to escalated trade conflicts may weigh on hiring sentiment in some sectors. Nonetheless, the continued growth of the Mainland economy, supported by the Central Government’s boosting policies, alongside the SAR Government’s various policy measures to continuously promote economic growth and support enterprises, are expected to provide support to labour demand. The SAR Government will stay vigilant and continue to closely monitor the labour market situation.”
 
Further information
 
     The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
 
     In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc.) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).
 
     The survey for January – March 2025 covered a sample of some 26 000 households or 68 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of January to March 2025.
 
     Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.
 
     Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode200.html). More detailed analysis of the labour force characteristics is given in the “Quarterly Report on General Household Survey” which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the report contains statistics for the quarter October – December 2024 while the next issue covering the quarter January – March 2025 will be available by end May 2025. Users can also browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050001&scode=200).
 
     For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).