MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 14 APR 2025 12:41PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Justice is observing the 135^th  birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar here today, to honor the legacy of one of India’s foremost politicians, jurists, and social reformers.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was Born on 14th April 1891, dedicated his life to the fight against social discrimination and worked tirelessly to secure equal rights for women, laborers, and marginalized communities. His vision laid the foundation for a just and inclusive society, as reflected in the Constitution of India, which he was instrumental in drafting.

Ambedkar Jayanti, also known as Equality Day, commemorates Dr. Ambedkar’s invaluable contributions to social justice and the rule of law. In recognition of his enduring legacy, 14th April 2025 has been declared a public holiday across India.

This day serves not only to remember Dr. Ambedkar’s monumental contributions to society and the Constitution but also as a call to uphold the principles he championed—equality, justice, and dignity for all.

This day holds great significance in honouring the remarkable contributions of Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to our nation, particularly in the fields of social justice, equality, and the drafting of the Indian Constitution.

To commemorate his birth anniversary, a special event was successfully organized, presided over by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice. The event was also graced by the presence of the Secretary (Justice), Senior officers, and the officials/staff of the Department of Justice.

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(Release ID: 2121544) Visitor Counter : 128

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee

I am delighted to welcome you to Hong Kong, and the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit.

 

And I am honoured to say that the Asia-Pacific Summit, taking place over these next two days in Hong Kong, marks the first time the World Internet Conference has held an international summit outside Mainland China.

 

That, ladies and gentlemen, is a testament to Hong Kong’s rising role as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. It also reflects our deepening integration with our country’s national development.  

 

That will become abundantly clear over these next two days. Like the World Internet Conference itself, this summit offers high-level dialogue for the global internet community – for you – the nearly 1,000 professionals here from 30 countries and regions.

 

You are senior government officials and business leaders, industry association heads, academics and researchers and professionals from different disciplines. And you are here to expand your international connections, create business opportunities and help build the interconnected digital future.

 

Hong Kong’s rise as an I&T hub has been fast-tracked by our vibrant economy, which is powered by free trade and boasts the world’s third-largest financial centre. It helps, too, that Hong Kong has long been a key business conduit between the Mainland and the rest of the world.

 

And it all comes together under our unique “one country, two systems” framework.

 

This cardinal governing principle gives Hong Kong the best of both worlds: access to the vast opportunities of the Mainland market, while maintaining the advantages of our unmatched connectivity of our common law system, free flow of information, capital, goods and people. This unmatched connectivity has brought you here.

 

There are many good examples. A shining example is the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou science and technology cluster, which ranks second, globally, in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index. It shows how, with the development of the Greater Bay Area, we can converge Hong Kong’s excellent research and development and world-class, international business environment, with the innovative prowess of the Mainland’s technology industry.

 

We are building Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, which straddles the small river that separates Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The Hong Kong park within this co-operation zone smartly embodies the virtues of the “one country, two systems” principle and cross-boundary co-operation.

 

Last month, I attended the topping-out ceremony for the park’s first three buildings – two wet laboratories and a talent accommodation complex. The park will enter its operational phase this year, with the first tenants – from life and health technology, artificial intelligence (AI), to data science and other pillar industries – moving in.

 

The development of another five buildings is in full swing. We have earmarked some US$500 million to expedite the park’s two-phase development.

 

We need, of course, strategic companies and talent to take full advantage of the park’s opportunities – and other of Hong Kong’s far-reaching prospects. And we are getting them. Under the enhanced talent admission regime we rolled out in 2022, we have already approved more than 300,000 talent admission applications. Over 200,000 of them, ie two-thirds, have already arrived here.

 

Meanwhile, over 80 strategic enterprises from around the world in the booming industries of life and health technology, AI and data science, fintech and more, have joined us. They will invest over US$6 million and create over 20,000 jobs here in the coming years.

 

The park is situated in the Northern Metropolis, an entirely new economic engine for Hong Kong. The Northern Metropolis, which makes up one-third of Hong Kong’s area, straddles our land boundary with Shenzhen.

 

I am confident that our collaborative efforts with Shenzhen, and throughout the Greater Bay Area, will see the rise of Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone as a world-class I&T hub, creating a critical source of new quality productive forces for the country.

 

AI is central to the Hong Kong park’s research and development. It is no less central to Hong Kong’s future.

 

In December last year, the first phase of Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre became operational. Hong Kong’s digital technology flagship, Cyberport is home to more than 330 startups specialising in AI and big data.

 

Hong Kong is determined to maximise AI’s immense potential for new industrialisation, and to further society’s digital transformation.

 

We have, for example, set up funding schemes to help local manufacturers switch to smart manufacturing and strategic industries to establish smart production facilities here in Hong Kong.

 

And our HK$10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund, amounting to nearly US$1.3 billion, channels market capital to invest in industries of strategic importance, including AI and robotics.

 

There is more. We aim to establish, by the next financial year, the Hong Kong AI R&D Institute, having reserved nearly US$130 million to get it up and running. The institute will spearhead Hong Kong’s research and development, and drive AI-based industrial applications.

 

AI will also promote smart government. Not only driving document digitalisation and automation, and payments and business processes, but, more important, how we go about making policy and delivering public services.

 

All that, and much more, will fuel discussion and debate at today’s main forum and the three sub-forums taking place tomorrow.

 

This summit matters. Co-operation matters. Especially during these challenging times to geopolitics and trade relations. Hong Kong champions free trade and multilateralism. We believe in teamwork and offer a range of welcoming programmes for investors, companies, researchers and other strategic talent. Hong Kong welcomes all business interests from those who are keen to pursue development with us. In this global city, we will make a decided difference for you, and your future.

 

I am grateful to the World Internet Conference for hosting the Asia-Pacific Summit here in Hong Kong. Grateful, too, to our Innovation, Technology& Industry Bureau and other government offices for organising this high-profile global event.

 

I wish you all an inspiring summit, and the best of business, and health, through this endlessly challenging, but promising, year.

 

Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit on April 14.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Immigration Department said today that around 6.04 million passengers are expected to pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points during the upcoming Easter festive period from April 17 to 21.

 

It also estimates that some 5.05 million passengers will pass through land boundary control points. The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will be relatively higher on April 18 and April 21, with around 759,000 passengers and 618,000 passengers respectively.

 

Passenger traffic at the Lo Wu Control Point will see a daily average of about 225,000. Meanwhile, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Control Point can expect to handle about 202,000 and 164,000 passengers respectively.

 

To facilitate flexible staff deployment and the operation of extra clearance counters and kiosks, the department noted that it has minimised leave for frontline officers accordingly.

 

Furthermore, in collaboration with local organisations and Mainland authorities, passenger conditions will be closely monitored and appropriate traffic diversion plans will be adopted when necessary.

 

Passengers can check the expected busy times at boundary control points on the department’s website and find the estimated waiting times at all land boundary control points via its app.

 

Separately, from March 31, Hong Kong permanent residents, aged at least seven and at least 1.1m tall, and holding a smart identity card and valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport, may use e-Channels without prior enrolment for self-service immigration clearance via face recognition technology at all control points.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced that the 10th National Security Education Day will be held tomorrow, marking the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, as well as the first anniversary of the legislation and implementation of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

 

The Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will hold the Opening Ceremony & Seminar of the National Security Education Day at the Convention & Exhibition Centre tomorrow morning.

 

CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong will attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote speech via video link.

 

Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive and Hong Kong National Security Committee Chairman John Lee extends his very warm welcome and expresses sincere gratitude to Director Xia Baolong for his care, guidance and support for Hong Kong all along.

 

Mr Lee pointed out that at present, the world is undergoing unprecedented changes at an accelerating pace. With Hong Kong faced with ever-changing national security risks, the Hong Kong SAR Government will resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the “one country, two systems” principle, deepen the understanding of a holistic approach to national security, continuously improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, and actively promote national security education across society.

 

Moreover, he highlighted that the Hong Kong National Security Committee organises the opening ceremony of the National Security Education Day and co-ordinates a series of school and community activities, which help to promote national security education, encourage community-wide participation, and continuously strengthen the community’s awareness and atmosphere of safeguarding national security of their own accord.

 

“While we strive on all fronts to develop a vibrant economy, advance development and improve people’s livelihood, we must also make every effort to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, so as to contribute more to the country’s opening-up at a higher level,” the Chief Executive added.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Opening Ceremony of BIT Week 2025 today (April 13):

(member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference) (Vice Governor of Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government) (Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Peter (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Dr Peter Lam), Margaret (Executive Director of the HKTDC, Ms Margaret Fong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to Hong Kong’s Business of Innovation and Technology (BIT) Week. As Margaret eloquently highlighted, this week features a dynamic series of exhibitions, dialogues, summits and festivals – each designed to spark collaboration, inspire innovation and seek to map the future of the digital economy.

To our international guests: a very warm welcome to Hong Kong, Asia’s World City.

Allow me to take a moment to highlight why Hong Kong is the ideal strategic destination for innovation and technology businesses.

In addition to our world-class infrastructure and business-friendly environment mentioned by Margaret, Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” arrangement has set us apart from any other city in Asia. To name just a few of our unique strengths, we have –

• first, convenient access to the vast Chinese Mainland and Asian markets;
• second, a trusted common law system and strong intellectual property protection;
• third, the convergence of Mainland and international data and capital; and
• fourth, a thriving international talent pool that attracts and nurtures the top minds from around the world.

These strengths have made Hong Kong a premier launchpad for companies looking to scale up their business in Asia and beyond.

Today, we are home to over 4 700 startups, and 28 per cent of their founders come from outside the city. For a glimpse of this dynamism, I encourage you to visit InnoEX, which showcase the ingenuity of our startups and talent, with groundbreaking innovations ranging from AI and robotics to green tech, smart mobility, and much more.

Hong Kong’s appeal extends beyond these. We offer a comprehensive funding ecosystem, spanning angel investments, venture capital, private equity to one of the world’s deepest and most liquid stock markets. Besides, together with Greater Bay Area cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou, we offer you a vibrant ecosystem that caters to the needs of innovative companies from different sectors and different stages of development. In fact, we have been ranked the world’s second most innovative cluster for five consecutive years.

Ladies and gentlemen, we gather at a pivotal moment. We are witnessing a shifting global landscape marked by a daunting trade war and technological fragmentation. Trade patterns, industrial chain, supply chain and partnerships are being reshaped. In this “new normal”, many businesses will have to find new collaborators, explore untapped markets and embrace more agile business models.

In these turbulent times, Hong Kong remains open and welcoming to businesses and talent from all over the world. We are eager to establish new connections and forge new partnerships. These are in our DNA. Rest assured that our free port status and free trade policy remain unshaken. We are firm in our commitment to the free flow of capital, goods, talent and information.

Let me conclude by extending my gratitude to my government colleagues, the HKTDC, and all the exhibitors and partners who have brought the BIT Week to life. To our visitors: beyond networking and conducting business, please take some time to explore this vibrant city, not just our scenic hills, stunning coastlines and beautiful outlying islands, but also the 200+ Michelin-recommended restaurants. We impose no duty on wine. Coldplay was performing in our world-class Kai Tak Stadium. The Palace Museum and M+ museum are just across the harbour.

I am sure you will enjoy the city, and wish you all the best of business and health for the time ahead. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Opening Ceremony of 2nd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum 2025 today (April 13):

First of all, a very warm welcome to our distinguished guests and friends from aboard, including the Nobel Laureates and Academicians, for joining us at today’s event, which is one of the highlights of the BIT Week (Business of Innovation and Technology Week) 2025.

Science is more than just discovery. In particular in a world of uncertainties and rapid technological shifts, the role of scientists and scholars has become even more critical in providing clarity, unravelling mysteries and fostering global collaboration. Hong Kong, as an international hub for highly skilled professionals and higher education, is blessed with five world’s top 100 universities and many renowned scholars and scientists, providing a solid foundation for our outstanding R&D (research and development) achievements and our ambition to be an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre.

I&T talents and enterprises are the core elements for Hong Kong’s I&T development. Hong Kong has spared no effort to promote international I&T exchanges by fully leveraging its two-way platform role as an important bridge connecting the Mainland and the rest of the world. Today’s World Youth Science Congress best demonstrates Hong Kong’s unique advantages in attracting global talents and enterprises. We will continue to support world-class science and technology exchange events in Hong Kong, such as the WIC (World Internet Conference) Asia Pacific Summit, which our Chief Executive mentioned earlier, and the International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of the Boao Forum for Asia 2025 Hong Kong. Thank you again for coming and I wish you all a wonderful experience here in Hong Kong.

Source: Government of India

On the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, PM to visit Haryana on 14th April

PM to flag off commercial flight from Hisar to Ayodhya and lay the foundation stone of new terminal building of Hisar airport

PM to lay the foundation stone of 800 MW modern thermal power unit of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant and a Compressed Biogas Plant at YamunaNagar

PM to inaugurate Rewari Bypass project under the Bharatmala Pariyojana

Posted On: 12 APR 2025 4:48PM by PIB Delhi

On the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Haryana on 14th April. He will travel to Hisar and at around 10:15 AM, he will flag off commercial flight from Hisar to Ayodhya and lay the foundation stone of the new terminal building of Hisar airport. He will also address a public meeting.

Thereafter, at around 12:30 PM, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of development projects in YamunaNagar and address the gathering on the occasion.

In line with his commitment to make air travel safe, affordable, and accessible to all, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the new Terminal Building of the Maharaja Agrasen airport in Hisar worth over Rs 410 crore. It will include a state-of-the-art passenger terminal, a cargo terminal and an ATC building. He will also flag off the first flight from Hisar to Ayodhya. With scheduled flights from Hisar to Ayodhya (twice weekly), three flights in a week to Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Chandigarh, this development will mark a significant leap in Haryana’s aviation connectivity.

Boosting power infrastructure in the region along with the vision of electricity reaching the last mile, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of 800 MW modern thermal power unit of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant at YamunaNagar. This unit, spread across 233 acres, worth around Rs 8,470 crore, will significantly boost Haryana’s energy self-sufficiency and provide uninterrupted power supply across the state.

Taking forward the vision of GOBARDhan, i.e. Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of a Compressed Biogas Plant in Mukarabpur, in YamunaNagar. The plant will have an annual production capacity of 2,600 metric tonnes and will help in effective organic waste management, while contributing to clean energy production and environmental conservation.

Prime Minister will also inaugurate the 14.4 km Rewari Bypass project, worth around Rs 1,070 crore under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. It will decongest Rewari city, reduce Delhi–Narnaul travel time by around one hour, and boost economic and social activity in the region.

 

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MJPS

(Release ID: 2121224) Visitor Counter : 135

Source: Government of India

Top 10 Finalists announced for ‘Resonate: The EDM Challenge’ under WAVES ‘Create in India’ Challenge

The selected ten electronic dance music enthusisasts will perform live at WAVE Summit

Posted On: 12 APR 2025 4:07PM by PIB Mumbai

 

: Mumbai, April 12, 2025

‘Resonate: The EDM Challenge’, a marquee competition under the ‘Create in India’ Challenge in run up to the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, brought together global talent in Electronic Dance Music (EDM) to celebrate innovation, creativity, and collaboration in music production and live performance.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) in collaboration with the Indian Music Industry (IMI) today announced the names of the top 10 shortlisted participants for ‘Resonate: The EDM Challenge’.

After a rigorous selection process and hundreds of impressive entries, the following ten artists have been shortlisted to perform live at the grand finale on the global stage of WAVES that will be held in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025:

• Srikanth Vemula, Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Mayank Harish Vidhani, Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Kshitij Nagesh Khodwe, Pune, Maharashtra
• Aaditya Dilbaghi, Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Aditya Upadhyaya, Kumarikata, Assam.
• Devansh Rastogi, New Delhi
• Sumit Biltu Chakraborty, Mumbai, Maharashtra       
• Mark Ryan Syiemlieh, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Dibyajit Ray, Bongaigaon, Assam.
• Nobajyoty Boruah, Mumbai, Maharashtra

These top 10 artists represent a vibrant cross-section of India’s electronic music community, with unique sounds ranging from ambient to high-energy dance music. The challenge aimed to unearth and elevate Indian as well as global emerging talent in electronic music production and DJing. The success of  this Challenge also strengthens India’s positions as a global centre for music fusion, electronic music, and DJing artistry. These shortlisted finalists are now going to prepare for their grand finale performance, where they will present their talent on the WAVES global stage.

Jury Panel for Preliminary Round:

The preliminary round was adjudicated by music professionals from knowledge partner Lost Stories Academy, India’s premier music production and DJ training institute. The jury included Amey Jichkar and Anshuman Prajapati. Amey has experience of over a decade in recording and mixing and is a seasoned audio engineer and music producer. He has worked extensively in Bollywood, advertising jingles, and major brand campaigns. His notable projects include Veere Di Wedding, Laila Majnu, October, and commercial work for CRED, Flipkart, and Upstox. Anshuman has over 10 years of experience in beatboxing and has spent the last three years as a music producer. Anshuman specializes in Lofi and Hip-Hop music and is known for his experimental sounds and self-proclaimed A&R instincts.

About WAVES

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).

Have questions? Find answers here

Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Sayyid Rabeehashmi /Sriyanka Chatterjee/ Parshuram Kor|93

 

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(Release ID: 2121212) Visitor Counter : 121

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 12 APR 2025 12:00PM by PIB Delhi

The inaugural edition of the large-scale multilateral exercise Africa India Key Maritime Engagement, AIKEYME, which means ‘Unity’ in Sanskrit, is planned for six days from 13 to 18 Apr 25 and will include participation from Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa, alongside the co-hosts India and Tanzania.

This initiative aligns with the vision of the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, promoting Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR).

The Indian Naval Ships INS Chennai (destroyer) and INS Kesari [Landing Ship Tank (Large)] arrived in Dar-es-Salaam on 10th and 11th Apr 25 respectively, and the inauguration ceremony of AIKEYME will be co-hosted onboard, along with the Tanzanian Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF). The ships were welcomed by DA Tanzania and Liaison team. A Ceremonial Guard was also paraded onboard INS Chennai with TPDF and Indian Navy band playing in unison the National Anthems of respective countries.

The harbour phase for AIKEYME 25 will include an inauguration ceremony and a deck reception with the Honorable Minister of State for Defence, Shri Sanjay Seth and Defence Minister, Tanzania as Chief Guests

Planned activities during this phase include Table Top and Command Post Exercises focused on anti-piracy ops and information sharing, alongside joint training in seamanship and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises in collaboration with the TPDF. To promote camaraderie, activities such as sports fixtures and yoga sessions will also take place. Additionally, the Indian Naval ships will be open to visitors during the harbour phase to engage with the local population.

The sea phase, scheduled from 16 to 18 Apr 25, will focus on strengthening maritime security cooperation among the participating maritime nations.

AIKEYME aims to develop collaborative solutions to common regional maritime challenges. This maiden initiative by the Indian Navy seeks to enhance interoperability and synergise combined operations among the maritime forces of partner nations. It also highlights the strong and friendly relations between India and the African nations.

INS Sunayna which sailed out from Karwar on 05 Apr 25, as Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR, will also be participating in AIKEYME.

 

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(Release ID: 2121218) Visitor Counter : 114