Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
In view of the increased chance of flooding at low-lying road sections caused by heavy rain under extreme weather, the Government will launch the Pilot Scheme on Wading Line System at five low-lying road sections with higher risk to monitor the flooding situation in real time, to facilitate effective mobilisation and collaboration of relevant government departments to tackle flooding as early as possible, and alert drivers of flooding on the road ahead, thereby reducing the possibility of vehicles stalling due to damage by flooding.
A Government spokesman said today (April 11) that the five pilot road sections are located at Chai Wan Road, Lung Cheung Road, Tsui Ping Road, Chatham Road North, and Nam Wan Road in Tai Po Market. During the severe rainstorms in September 2023, these locations experienced more serious flooding, causing damage to vehicles and rendering them inoperable.
Warning signs of the system will be placed at low-lying road sections, including a red wavy line and the words “Wading Line” painted on the road surface, with a water meter gauge placed next to it and a sign erected next to the carriageway. When the water level has reached or submerged the wading line, it indicates that the depth of the water at the lowest point of the road ahead has reached 0.3 metre or above.
In addition, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) will install water level sensors called Flood Monitoring Devices at the lowest point of the road sections to collect real-time water level data. When the devices detect that the water level on the road has reached the warning level, the monitoring system will immediately alert relevant government departments. The DSD and the Highways Department (HyD) will promptly deploy emergency response teams to inspect and clear blocked drains to reduce the risk of flooding. When the depth of the water has reached 0.3 metre, there will be temporary traffic guidance on-site to prevent vehicles from entering the flooded road sections. The Transport Department will disseminate information on traffic arrangements accordingly and the Police will assist at scene as necessary.
If vehicles have entered low-lying road sections before temporary traffic guidance is in place, drivers should stop their vehicles before reaching the wading line and avoid entering the flooded area. They should turn on hazard warning lights and follow the on-site directions to leave the temporarily closed road sections.
The Government will monitor the implementation of the pilot scheme, review its effectiveness in due course and optimise it as necessary.
To facilitate the progressive installation of warning signs of the system at the pilot road sections by the HyD, which will begin in late April, temporary traffic arrangements will be implemented in phases at the relevant road sections. The installation is expected to be completed in mid-May.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Department of Health (DH) announced today (April 11) that, for the first time, a person, not being a registered dentist, had been arrested for suspected taking of a digital impression with an intra-oral scanner and prescription of a clear aligner after the updated definition of “practising dentistry” under the Dentists Registration Ordinance (DRO) (Cap. 156) came into effect.
The Police and the DH yesterday (April 10) conducted a joint enforcement action against a person, not being a registered dentist, who was suspected of taking a digital impression with an intra-oral scanner in another person and prescribing another person with a clear aligner at a commercial building in Tsim Sha Tsui. During the operation, a 33-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly practising dentistry without being a registered dentist.
With effect from January 1 this year, the definition of “practising dentistry” under the DRO has been updated. The DRO clearly stipulates that only registered dentists may provide the services specified for the meaning of practising dentistry in Schedule 2, which includes taking of a digital impression with an intra-oral scanner in another person and providing another person with the following services:
the carrying out of dental bleaching or teeth whitening procedure;
the prescription of clear aligner; and
the carrying out of teeth veneering procedure.
Any person who provides or attempts to provide the aforementioned services but not being a registered dentist will commit an offence. The offender will be liable on summary conviction to a fine at level 6 and to imprisonment for three years, or on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for five years.
The DH reminded members of the public not to patronise non-registered dentists for their own health. Citizens may check before choosing dental services the List of Registered Dentists published by the Dental Council of Hong Kong online to verify the qualifications of service providers. If in doubt, citizens should refrain from receiving such services to ensure safety.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Air Pollution Control (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 comes into operation The Amendment Ordinance tightens five existing AQOs and adds three parameters newly introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) to the WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines (see Annex). In addition, the Amendment Ordinance provides transitional arrangements for designated projects for which environmental permits (EPs) have been issued under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) before April 11 this year. If applications for variation of EPs of these projects are submitted within 36 months from the day that the new AQOs come into operation, the Government will adopt the pre-amended AQOs as the approval criteria.
As regards the tightened control over unlicensed SP operations, after the Amendment Ordinance come into operation, the Director of Environmental Protection may issue a closure notice to the operator of a premise if he believes that a SP is being carried out on any premises without a SP licence. If the operator fails to comply with the requirements of the closure notice to stop the conduct of the concerned SP, a maximum penalty, upon conviction, is a fine of $1,000,000 and imprisonment for 12 months. The Amendment Ordinance also amends the scope of “cement works” and the definition of “premises”, including regulating “cement works” carried out on ships or barges, which are subject to control of the SP licensing regime.
A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said, “To enable cement operators brought under the control of the Amendment Ordinance to apply for SP licences from the EPD in a timely manner, the EPD will put in place a six-month transitional arrangement, during which the cement operations newly brought under control will not be regarded as unlicensed operations. The transitional arrangement does not apply to cement operations that are already subject to control under the original Air Pollution Control Ordinance.” Issued at HKT 12:00
WAVES XR Creator Hackathon Winners Bring XR Innovation to Schools, Clinics, Homes, and Beyond Five winning teams will showcase their XR projects at WAVE Summit
XR Innovators coming up in large numbers from Tier 2 and 3 cities
Posted On: 10 APR 2025 9:06PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 10 April 2025
From immersive science labs to cross-platform war games, India’s top eXtended Reality (XR) innovators are redefining how we learn, heal, shop, and travel! The winners of the XR Creator Hackathon, which is a part ofCreate in India Challenge (CIC) Season-1, launched as part of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), organised by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with Wavelaps, have been declared. The hackathon, aimed at accelerating India’s presence in immersive technology, had five thematic categories — healthcare-fitness & well-being, educational transformation, immersive tourism, digital media & entertainment, and e-commerce-retail transformation.
More than 2,200 participants from across India registered for the hackathon. After three rounds of evaluation, five teams have emerged as winners, representing a mix of students, professionals, and entrepreneurs from different cities and institutions. The winner announcement was done in a ‘Winners’ Ceremony’ which was organized virtually over a YouTube live stream.
A brief about the Winning Teams and their XR Projects
1) The winner in the theme, ‘Educational Transformation’ is the teamXR Runnerswith their project‘Eduscape XR’
The VR-based platform, developed by the students of IIT Kharagpur, EduscapeXR, allows students to perform realistic, immersive experiments in subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology using hand-tracking and AI-based feedback. It addresses the lack of laboratory infrastructure in many schools and colleges. “In many parts of the country, students study science without doing real experiments. We wanted to change that and our project aims to revolutionise education by providing STEM practicals on a virtual reality platform,” said Vedanta Hazra, who led the team with Sahil Patel and Shaurya Baranwal.
2)The Winner in the theme, ‘Healthcare, Fitness & Well-being’ is teamCognihabwith their project ‘Cognihab’
Cognihab offers XR-powered rehabilitation solutions that support recovery from lazy eye, stroke, and anxiety. “We’re focused on outcomes in real medical settings and this hackathon helped us sharpen our approach and reach new stakeholders,” said team lead Rishab Kapur. Team members include Pintu Kumar and others with a background in XR-based health tech.
3)The winners of the theme ‘Immersive Tourism’ is the teamLumeXRwith their project is ‘Immersive Travel Guide’
LumeXR developed a mixed-reality tourism guide that allows users to explore destinations virtually. The experience includes a 3D map interface, drone-shot photogrammetry, and embedded video stories, making trip planning more engaging and efficient. The platform also enables tourism brands to offer XR-based previews that go beyond traditional brochures or videos. “This isn’t just a travel app — it’s immersive cultural storytelling, with the help of our project, users can now ‘feel’ a destination before booking it,” said LumeXR’s team lead, Savio.
4)The winners of the theme ‘E-Commerce & Retail Transformation’ theme is team‘EMO’with their project ‘Heaven Estate’
Heaven Estatelets homeowners visualize interior designs in AR and 3D before making real-world decisions. What sets it apart is the focus on user-designer collaboration — where verified interior designers upload visualizations that clients can preview in their own space. “We wanted to create a real bridge between homeowners and professionals,” said EMO’s team lead Utkarsh Rai, who built the project with Himanshu Mahto, Ashutosh Mishra, and Ishita Guar. The EMO team credits the mentorship phase of the hackathon for refining their design and user experience.
5)The winners of the theme ‘Digital Media & Entertainment’ is teamYouth Buzzwith their project ‘Immersive Warfare Simulator’
Youth Buzz created The Game of Dimensions, a multiplayer tactical war game playable across VR (virtual reality) headsets and mobile, offering an immersive gameplay. “We wanted to unify the gaming experience across platforms and realities,” said team lead, Mohit Kumar Sharma. His teammates include Anish Dombale, A Shivam Raj, and Yash Sadhukhan.
XR Innovators are coming up from Tier 2 and 3 cities
The hackathon saw participation from 66% Tier 2 and 3 cities, including Chengalpet, Manipal, and Veraval. The participants ranged from 17 to 35 years. Of the 40 finalist teams, 53% were students, 33% working professionals, and 14% self-employed entrepreneurs. Notably, 19% of the finalists were women — a strong indicator of growing gender diversity in XR innovation.
With support from Wavelaps, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and the two leading XR communities, BharatXR and XDG, the finalists are now stepping onto the world stage — where ideas born in classrooms, hostels, and home studios may soon reach global users. While the winners have been declared, the XR Creator Hackathon isn’t over yet. All five teams are now preparing to showcase their projects at the WAVES Summit — a global media and entertainment event organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, scheduled from May 1–4, 2025, in Mumbai.
“The XR Creator Hackathon is not just nurturing innovation — it’s building the foundation for a new digital India. These solutions will redefine how we learn, heal, travel, and connect.” said Ashutosh Kumar, Founder & CEO of Wavelaps.
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).
Italy’s Minister of University and Research Ms Anna Maria Bernini calls on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh The two Ministers discuss deepening collaboration in Quantum Technologies, AI, and Biotechnology
Dr Jitendra Singh recalls bilateral discussions between PM Modi and PM Meloni on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Brazil
India and Italy Sign MoU to Boost Cooperation in Science and Technology
Indo-Italian programme to include 10 research initiatives and 10 collaborative initiatives
Posted On: 11 APR 2025 3:25PM by PIB Delhi
In a significant move to enhance bilateral scientific cooperation, Italy’s Minister of University and Research, Ms. Anna Maria Bernini, currently on India visit, called on Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dept. of Space, Dept. of Atomic Energy met with Italy’s Minister of University and Research, Ms. Anna Maria Bernini, for a high-level meeting at North Block here.
The hallmark of the meeting was the signing of an MoU of cooperation by the two Ministers. The discussions between the two dignitaries centered on advancing joint initiatives in quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and other emerging sectors.
Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled the bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil, which culminated in the announcement of a Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029. The plan outlines a shared vision for collaborative innovation in science and technology.
As part of this vision, both nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of scientific research and agreed to implement the 2025–2027 Executive Programme for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, aimed at fostering collaboration in critical technologies like AI and digitalization.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to bilateral research, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the signing of the Indo-Italian Executive Programme of Cooperation (EPOC) for 2025–2027 on 10th April 2025 during the Joint Science & Technology Committee Meeting.Under the EPOC framework, both countries have successfully implemented over 150 joint research projects to date.
The current programme includes joint funding for 10 research mobility proposals and 10 significant collaborative research initiatives across a wide range of scientific disciplines.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s robust progress in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), High-Performance Computing (HPC), Big Data, and biotechnology. He noted that India’s strategic investments and policies are steering the nation toward becoming a global hub of emerging technologies.
Sharing key achievements, Dr. Jitendra Singh mentioned about India’s pioneering development of a DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, which was later gifted to many countries in need.The development and launch of the HPV vaccine and Nafithromycin, an indigenous antibiotic for respiratory infections.The country’s first-ever gene therapy trial, which has been a success.The creation of a national genome data bank to support personalized medicine and public health research.
Dr. Jitendra Singh proudly referenced India’s vibrant startup ecosystem, now the third largest globally, with significant contributions from agro-biotech startups. Initiatives such as the Aroma Mission (also known as the Purple Revolution) exemplify innovation in agriculture and floriculture.
He also highlighted the impact of technology-driven schemes like the Soil Health Card and Swamitva Yojana, which have revolutionized agriculture through drone technology.
Reflecting India’s commitment to preserving ancient wisdom through modern science, Dr. Singh spoke of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) — a unique initiative that digitizes and protects traditional Indian knowledge using cutting-edge technology.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, also the Minister of Earth Sciences, briefed the delegation about India’s ambitious Deep Ocean Mission, which aims to send an Indian submersible 6,000 meters deep into the ocean. The trial dive up to 500 meters is set to commence next year.
Both countries reiterated their commitment to long-standing cooperation in fields such as Infectious diseases, Quantum technologies, green hydrogen and renewable energy, Cultural heritage preservation technologies and Sustainable Blue Economy.
They also agreed to explore new collaborative areas such as Industry 4.0, Clean energy.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also identified other mutual sectors, including academic and industrial partnerships involving SMEs and startups from both nations.
Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology and Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology were also part of the high-level meet.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Fourteen landlords of subdivided units (SDUs), who contravened Part IVA of the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance (Cap. 7) (the Ordinance), pleaded guilty and were fined a total of $49,200 today (April 11) at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts. Since the Ordinance came into force, the Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) has all along strengthened enforcement actions and has prosecuted a total of 974 cases to date. Amongst the 649 cases dealt with by the court, all of them were successfully convicted, which involved a total of 557 SDU landlords with fines ranging from $400 to $34,800, amounting to a total of $1,579,910. In addition, 325 cases are pending hearing.
The offences of these 14 landlords include (1) failing to submit a Notice of Tenancy (Form AR2) to the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation within 60 days after the term of the regulated tenancy commenced; and (2) requesting the tenant to pay money other than the types permitted under the Ordinance (i.e. requiring the tenant to pay an amount of rent for the second-term tenancy exceeding the maximum amount of rent permitted under the Ordinance). One of the landlords committed 26 offences under (1) and (2) and was fined $22,800.
The RVD earlier discovered that the landlords failed to comply with the relevant requirements under the Ordinance. Upon an in-depth investigation and evidence collection, the RVD prosecuted against the landlords.
A spokesman for the RVD reiterated that SDU landlords must comply with the relevant requirements under the Ordinance, including prohibiting landlords from doing any act calculated to interfere with the peace or comfort of members of the tenant’s household, with the intention of causing the tenant to give up occupation of the SDU; or requiring the tenant to pay an amount of rent for the second-term tenancy exceeding the maximum amount of rent permitted under the Ordinance, and also reminded tenants of their rights under the Ordinance, including a four-year (i.e. two years plus two years) security of tenure. He also stressed that the RVD will continue to take resolute enforcement action against any contraventions of the Ordinance. Apart from following up on reported cases, the RVD has been adopting a multipronged approach to proactively identify, investigate and follow up on cases concerning landlords who are suspected of contravening the Ordinance. In particular, the RVD has been requiring landlords of regulated tenancies to provide information and reference documents of their tenancies for checking whether they have complied with the requirements of the Ordinance. If a landlord, without reasonable excuse, refuses to provide the relevant information or neglects the RVD’s request, the landlord commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine at level 3 ($10,000) and to imprisonment for three months. Depending on the actual circumstances, and having regard to the information and evidence collected, the RVD will take appropriate actions on individual cases, including instigating prosecution against suspected contraventions of the Ordinance. In addition, the RVD has started a new round of publicity and education work to enhance public awareness about the key offences and penalties, emphasising that the RVD proactively checks whether landlords have committed the offences under the Ordinance.
To help curb illegal acts as soon as possible, members of the public should report to the RVD promptly any suspected cases of contravening the relevant requirements. Reporting can be made through the telephone hotline (2150 8303), by email (enquiries@rvd.gov.hk), by fax (2116 4920), by post (15/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon), or in person (visiting the Tenancy Services Section office of the RVD at Room 3816-22, 38/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, and please call 2150 8303 to make an appointment). Furthermore, the RVD has provided a form (Form AR4) (www.rvd.gov.hk/doc/en/forms/ar4.pdf) on its website to facilitate SDU tenants’ reporting to the RVD.
The RVD reminds that pursuant to the Ordinance, a regulated cycle of regulated tenancies is to comprise two consecutive regulated tenancies (i.e. the first-term tenancy and second-term tenancy) for an SDU, and the term of each regulated tenancy is two years. A tenant of a first-term tenancy for an SDU is entitled to be granted a second-term tenancy of the regulated cycle, thus enjoying a total of four years of security of tenure. The RVD has been issuing letters enclosing relevant information to the landlords and tenants concerned of regulated tenancies in batches, according to the expiry time of their first-term tenancies, to assist them in understanding the important matters pertaining to the second-term tenancy, and to remind them about the procedures that need to be followed about two months prior to the commencement of the purported second-term tenancy as well as their respective obligations and rights under the Ordinance. These landlords and tenants may also visit the dedicated page for the second-term tenancy on the RVD’s website (www.rvd.gov.hk/en/tenancy_matters/second_term_tenancy.html) for the relevant information, including a concise guide, brochures, tutorial videos and frequently asked questions. The landlords and tenants concerned are also advised to familiarise themselves with the relevant statutory requirements and maintain close communication regarding the second-term tenancy for handling the matters properly and in a timely manner according to the Ordinance.
For enquiries related to regulated tenancies, please call the telephone hotline (2150 8303) or visit the RVD’s webpage (www.rvd.gov.hk/en/our_services/part_iva.html) for the relevant information.
A new study conducted in Kolkata shows that the toxicity value of PM2.5 experiences a sudden jump when the pollution reaches around 70 µg m-3.
PM 2.5, or particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, is a significant air pollutant posing serious health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and is a key indicator of air quality.
The Government of India has taken several initiatives and policy measures to combat air pollution and the latest is the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) launched in 2019 by the MoEFCC. The programme is focused on the reduction of particulate matter by 40 % by 2026 with respect to 2017 through strategies and action plans for 131 non-attainment cities (not attaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of India) in India for different states. Kolkata has been identified as one of such cities in India.
Bose Institute, an autonomous research institute under Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India which has been given the responsibility to act as the Nodal Institute to work towards the mitigation of air pollution over this city and also to act as a national knowledge partner under the NCAP, studied the toxicity of atmospheric aerosols over the atmosphere of Kolkata.
Prof. Abhijit Chatterjee and his former Ph.D students Dr. Abhinandan Ghosh and Dr. Monami Dutta also explored how the degree of the toxicity changes with the increase in total aerosol pollution load and have studied the oxidative potential (OP) of ultrafine aerosols (PM2.5) or the potential of forming the reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are introduced to the human lung cells via inhalation of particles. The enhanced presence of the reactive oxidative species makes the natural antioxidants of human cells incapable of counteracting, leading to oxidative stress in cells.
The team led by Prof Chatterjee has shown that there is a non-linear relationship between the PM2.5 pollution load and its toxicity (OP). Up to the PM2.5 pollution load of around 70 µg m-3, the toxicity remains unchanged. With the increase in PM2.5, the OP values show a jump and sudden rise till the PM2.5 pollution reaches at around 130 µg m-3. With the further increase in PM2.5 load exceeding 130 µg m-3, OP values do not change much.
Fig: The relationship between PM2.5 and its oxidative potential over Kolkata and various sources involved for high pollution load and toxicity.
They have conducted source apportionment of PM2.5 with the help of a source-receptor statistical model (Positive Matrix Factorization) and revealed that biomass/solid waste burning is the key source of PM2.5 that is enhancing the toxicity of ultrafine aerosols over Kolkata.
They have also observed that while the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has been effective in reducing and curbing various air pollution sources like road-dust, constructional/demolition dust, vehicular exhaust, industrial emissions etc. However, biomass/solid waste burning could not be kept under good control. The particles emitted from this particular source are accelerating the toxicity.
The study has introduced a “toxicity standard” of PM 2.5 for this city and the value is around 70 µg m-3. This implies that policies, strategies and control measures should be taken to keep PM2.5 pollution within this limit of around 70 µg m-3, because once the PM2.5 load exceeds this value, the toxicity (OP) starts to increase rapidly and goes beyond control.
The study published in the journal Science of The Total Environment has helped urban local bodies in Kolkata to take action, carry out strict surveillance over biomass/waste burning as well as take stringent action. This has been reflected in the air quality of Kolkata in last winter (November 2024-February 2025).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy holds meeting in Hong Kong In the morning, the delegation of the HKSAR Government accompanied the delegation of the Shenzhen Government to visit the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (Hetao Hong Kong Park). They were briefed by representatives of the Civil Engineering and Development Department and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited on the planning, design and construction work of the Park, and toured the newly completed talent accommodation building therein.
At the afternoon meeting, the HKSAR 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 HKSAR Government also introduced the Development Outline for the Hetao Hong Kong Park promulgated in November last year, which clearly sets out the major development directions, strategy and targets of the Park. 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 (Shenzhen)-Robin’s Nest (Hong Kong) Ecological Corridor and the planning and development of Hong Kong-Shenzhen control points. Officials of the HKSAR Government attending the meeting today included the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Permanent Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands), Ms Doris Ho; the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms Michelle Li; the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong; the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, as well as the heads of relevant departments. Issued at HKT 16:50
SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS VISITS MADINAH TO REVIEW PREPARATIONS MADE FOR INDIAN PILGRIMS SECRETARY MEETS SAUDI VICE MINISTER OF HAJ AND UMRAH
Posted On: 10 APR 2025 9:15PM by PIB Delhi
Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, visited the city of Madinah to review Haj arrangements for Indian pilgrims who will undertake the pilgrimage this year.
Dr. Kumar also had a meeting with Dr. Abdul Fattah Al Mashat, Hon’ble Vice Minister of Haj & Umrah, Saudi Arabia in Jeddah. Productive bilateral discussions were held in the meeting regarding preparations for Haj this year.
The Saudi side assured full support for the care and comfort of Indian pilgrims.
In a post on ‘X’, of the Ministry of Minority Affairs it was stated that “The Government of India remains committed to ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of all Hajis.”
Government of India Secretary for Ministry of Minority Affairs, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar today visited #Madinah to review #haj arrangements for Indian pilgrims. The Government of India remains committed to ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of all Hajis.#Haj2025… pic.twitter.com/inAoJzIFlQ
— Ministry of Minority Affairs (@MOMAIndia) April 10, 2025
Ministry of Minority Affairs, GoI, Secretary Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, met H.E. Dr. Abdul Fattah Al Mashat, Hon’ble Vice Minister of Haj & Umrah, KSA, in Jeddah. Productive bilateral discussions held on #Haj2025 preparations. The Saudi side assured full support for Indian… pic.twitter.com/ZQsHPrQixp
— Ministry of Minority Affairs (@MOMAIndia) April 10, 2025
Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi had a productive interaction regarding the implementation of schemes of Ministry of Women and Child Development of Government of India with State Government officials in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
In a post on ‘X’, State Minister in charge of Women and Child Development in Arunachal Pradesh,
Ms. Dasanglu Pul said, “Together, we reaffirm our commitment to the welfare and empowerment of women and children across the state.”
Had a productive interaction with officials of the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Arunachal Pradesh in Itanagar regarding the implementation of schemes of Govt. of India. Hon’ble Minister Ms. Dasanglu Pul (WCD & Science & Tech, Arunachal Pradesh) was also present. @PIBWCDpic.twitter.com/jpN4lLkuBt