The Government announced today that it will launch the Pilot Scheme on Wading Line System at five low-lying road sections with a higher flooding risk to tackle flooding as early as possible and alert drivers on the road ahead, thereby reducing the possibility of vehicles stalling due to water damage.
The system is being introduced in view of the increasing likelihood of flooding at low-lying road sections caused by heavy rain under extreme weather. Five pilot road sections have been selected as they experienced serious flooding in September 2023, causing damage to vehicles and rendering them inoperable.
The road sections are at Chai Wan Road, Lung Cheung Road, Tsui Ping Road, Chatham Road North and Nam Wan Road in Tai Po Market.
Traffic arrangements will be implemented in phases from later this month at the relevant road sections to facilitate the installation of the system’s warning signs. The installation is expected to be completed in mid-May.
Under the system, warning signs 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 the depth of the water at the lowest point of the road ahead has reached 0.3m or above.
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 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 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 0.3m, 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 Police will give assistance as necessary.
If vehicles have entered low-lying road sections before the temporary traffic guidance is in place, drivers should stop their vehicles before reaching the wading line and avoid entering the flooded area. They should also turn on their hazard warning lights and follow the on-site directions to leave the temporarily closed road sections.
Adolphe Digoué, membre du gouvernement chargé de l’agriculture, de l’élevage et de la pêche, a organisé vendredi 11 avril, une visite du laboratoire de Nouvelle-Calédonie à Païta, en présence d’Annelise Young et de Mary Thurston, respectivement consules générales d’Australie et de Nouvelle-Zélande. L’objectif était de présenter les installations du laboratoire officiel de Nouvelle-Calédonie (LNC) et d’évoquer multiples coopérations régionales en cours dans les domaines de la sécurité alimentaire et de la protection zoo et phytosanitaire.
Parmi les nombreux sujets d’échanges avec nos voisins australiens et néozélandais, la coopération sanitaire est l’un de ceux qu’il faut continuer à développer. Des partenariats existent déjà entre les services de la direction des Affaires vétérinaires, alimentaires et rurales (DAVAR) de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et des organismes de ces deux pays et doivent pouvoir être renforcés.
« Ce sont deux grands voisins avec lesquels il nous faut maintenir des relations dans des domaines cruciaux tels que le commerce de nos produits. Pour cela, nous devons continuer d’échanger avec eux, bénéficier de leur expertise, mais aussi montrer que nous sommes à la hauteur des enjeux de biosécurité par exemple », a indiqué le membre du gouvernement Adolphe Digoué.
Une meilleure inclusion du SIVAP dans les initiatives régionales
Leur insularité, leur emplacement géographique et leurs statuts sanitaires de qualité font de l’Australie et de la Nouvelle-Zélande des sources d’inspiration pour la Nouvelle-Calédonie et notamment pour le service d’inspection vétérinaire, alimentaire et phytosanitaire (SIVAP) de la DAVAR.
Depuis 1949, la Nouvelle-Calédonie est membre à part entière de l’Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (OMSA). C’est notamment au travers de cette organisation qu’elle peut, aux côtés de l’Australie et de la Nouvelle-Zélande, participer à la définition de stratégies régionales.
À l’instar de la santé animale, la DAVAR entend développer les collaborations régionales sur les thématiques de la protection des végétaux et de la biosécurité aux frontières. Ce type de coopération doit permettre aux agents du SIVAP de partager leurs expériences avec leurs homologues de la région et ainsi participer à la préservation des statuts zoo et phytosanitaires des îles du Pacifique.
PaNDaS : un projet qui fait rayonner la Nouvelle-Calédonie dans la région
Depuis 2018, la Nouvelle-Calédonie est dotée d’un laboratoire de pointe répondant aux missions de la DAVAR dans les domaines de la santé publique, de la sécurité alimentaire et de la protection zoo et phytosanitaire. Le laboratoire est également ouvert aux autres collectivités et professionnels de l’agroalimentaire et du secteur vétérinaire.
Le LNC exerce des activités d’analyses, de diagnostic et d’expertise dans le domaine de la santé animale et végétale, ainsi que de l’agroalimentaire. Il réunit une trentaine d’agents scientifiques et techniques spécialisés en biologie, pathologie et nutrition animale, en microbiologie, chimie et contaminants alimentaires. La structure dispose de plus de 800 appareils et petits matériels parmi lesquels des équipements de haute technologie tels que la spectrométrie de masse, la chromatographie ou la PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Un niveau d’équipement et d’expertise qui, en dehors de l’Australie et de la Nouvelle-Zélande, n’est disponible nulle part ailleurs dans la région Pacifique.
Pour cette raison, depuis 2024, le LNC participe au projet PaNDaS (Pacific Networked Diagnostics and Support) en tant que laboratoire prestataire de diagnostic vétérinaire pour les pays de la sous-région. Dans ce cadre, il a récemment traité près de 1 400 sérums pour sept pathologies différentes (animaux de type bovins, ovins, caprins et porcins), à l’occasion d’une surveillance sérologique au Vanuatu. Actuellement, 2 300 sérologies sont en cours d’analyse pour 30 pathologies (soit environ 700 animaux de type bovins, ovins, caprins, porcins, équins et oiseaux) dans le cadre d’une surveillance sérologique pour les îles Cook, Tonga, Samoa et Niue.
Par ailleurs, le LNC collabore régulièrement avec des laboratoires australiens et néozélandais pour le développement et la mise à jour des techniques diagnostiques. En effet, face à l’émergence de pathologies touchant des filières animales très diverses et à l’évolution rapide des technologies, il est indispensable de pouvoir bénéficier des conseils et du soutien de laboratoires experts sur ces différentes maladies qui peuvent atteindre notre région.
Une réunion d’information et d’échanges sur la mission d’audit des protections de marché lancé par le gouvernement s’est tenue ce 11 avril, à l’initiative de Christopher Gygès, membre chargé de l’économie. L’ensemble des acteurs concernés était invité à définir le cahier des charges de cette étude. Objectif : déterminer la pertinence et l’efficience des protections de marché appliquées en Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Dans le contexte de crise financière, économique et sociale que traverse la Nouvelle-Calédonie depuis les évènements de mai 2024, le gouvernement a démontré la nécessité de réformer le modèle économique actuel.
À cet effet, une mission d’audit sur les mesures de régulation de marché sera lancée dès la semaine prochaine. Elle s’inscrit dans une démarche d’évolution de notre système économique, dans le but de le rendre plus efficient et compétitif.
« C’est un audit qui est extrêmement important parce qu’il permet d’apporter de la transparence sur les protections de marché, a souligné Christopher Gygès. Tous les acteurs sont représentés aujourd’hui : la grande distribution, les importateurs, le syndicat des commerçants, les syndicats de salariés, les industries locales, les chambres consulaires, les associations de consommateurs ».
Cette démarche de concertation a pour objectif d’établir un cahier des charges partagé par l’ensemble des acteurs et de recueillir une adhésion la plus large possible à cet audit.
Financée par l’État via l’AFD et menée par un prestataire indépendant, cette étude vise à déterminer précisément les impacts des protections de marché sur l’économie calédonienne.
Définition des mesures de régulation de marché
Les mesures de régulation de marché sont des mesures règlementaires permettant à des produits fabriqués ou transformés localement de se trouver protégés de la concurrence des produits importés.
Ces mesures prennent la forme de :
restrictions quantitatives à l’importation (suspension toutes origines provenances – STOP – et quotas) ;
taxes de régulation de marché (TRM) sur les produits importés concurrents des produits fabriqués ou transformés localement.
Aujourd’hui, la direction des Affaires économiques (DAE) compte 388 marchandises concernées par une mesure de régulation de marché. Environ 80 % de ces marchandises sont frappées de mesures quantitatives (STOP et quotas) et 20 % de mesures tarifaires.
Objectifs de l’audit
L’audit vise à évaluer le dispositif actuel de régulation de marché, ainsi que ses effets sur l’économie, les échanges avec les pays partenaires, la concurrence, les finances publiques et les consommateurs.
« Le gouvernement maintient bien sûr son soutien à l’industrie locale, mais il faut que la Nouvelle-Calédonie soit en capacité de s’ouvrir et de ne pas pénaliser le consommateur sur un certain nombre de produits, a précisé le membre du gouvernement. D’autres leviers que les régulations de marché existent pour soutenir l’industrie locale, comme le soutien à l’énergie ou aux charges sociales, a-t-il ajouté.
L’audit doit permettre de mesurer l’efficacité et l’efficience des mesures en place d’un point de vue global, afin d’évaluer les coûts et les gains du système pour l’économie calédonienne sur une longue période. Cela permettra d’estimer s’il atteint les objectifs fixés en termes de production, d’emploi ou de nombre d’opérateurs sur l’ensemble du territoire.
Mais au-delà d’une évaluation du système en place, « la démarche de cette étude s’inscrit également dans le soutien au pouvoir d’achat des Calédoniens et à l’emploi », a affirmé le membre du gouvernement.
La mission s’étendra sur une durée de cinq mois et permettra d’émettre des recommandations d’ici la fin de l’année 2025.
L’impact de ces recommandations devra ensuite être évalué sur la production, les prix, la consommation des ménages, l’investissement, les importations, les exportations, la consommation des administrations publiques et le chômage.
Historique de la réglementation sur les mesures de régulation de marché
Les premières mesures de régulation de marché ont été créées dans les années 80 afin de favoriser l’émergence de quelques projets industriels et de diversifier l’économie calédonienne. Adoptées sans cadre législatif, ce n’est qu’en 2006 que le Congrès de la Nouvelle-Calédonie encadre pour la première fois ces mesures par voie de délibération. Le texte vise alors à faciliter l’écoulement des produits fabriqués en Nouvelle-Calédonie en restreignant l’importation de produits concurrents.
Le dispositif actuel de mesures de régulation de marché est encadré par la loi du pays adoptée le 6 février 2019 par le Congrès. Elle instaure plusieurs dispositions parmi lesquelles :
l’instauration d’engagements en contrepartie de l’attribution de mesures de régulation de marché ;
l’instauration de sanctions administratives ;
l’instauration d’une durée maximale de dix ans pour toute demande de renouvellement ou initiale d’une mesure de régulation de marché ;
le remplacement de la Taxe conjoncturelle de protection de la production locale (TCPPL) par la Taxe de régulation de marché (TRM) ;
l’instruction et la veille de ce dispositif par la DAE, entraînant la suppression du comité de commerce extérieur (COMEX) ;
l’intégration d’une consultation pour avis de l’Autorité de la Concurrence de la Nouvelle-Calédonie lors d’une demande initiale (de création) de mesure de régulation de marché ;
l’intégration de dispositions particulières pour la production et l’importation des fruits et légumes.
The Employment (Amendment) Bill 2025, which seeks to revise the working hours threshold of the continuous contract requirement under the Employment Ordinance, was published in the Government Gazette today.
The move also aims to make it easier for employees to meet the revised continuous contract requirement and thus be able to enjoy comprehensive employment benefits.
The weekly working hours threshold of the continuous contract requirement will be lowered from 18 hours to 17 hours. Moreover, a week with less than 17 working hours will still be regarded as a period under the continuous contract of employment once the sum of the working hours of that week and those of the three weeks immediately preceding it reaches 68 hours.
The Labour Department said that the existing eligibility criteria for employees to enjoy various statutory benefits under the ordinance will remain unchanged.
It added that subject to a smooth passage of the bill, the amendment ordinance will come into operation on the first Sunday after six months upon its gazettal.
During this period, the department will widely publicise the salient features of the amendments to employers and employees, facilitating both parties in getting prepared.
The bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first and second readings on April 16.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following are the opening remarks (English translation) by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, on planning and lands policy areas at the special meeting of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee today (April 10):
Chairman,
In 2025-26, the total estimated expenditure of the Development Bureau’s Planning and Lands Branch and the departments under its purview (mainly including the Buildings Department, the Lands Department, and the Planning Department) is approximately $8.037 billion, a decrease of approximately $23 million over the revised estimate for the previous year, and the number of civil service posts will decrease by 168. We will continue to put resources to more effective use through measures such as reprioritisation of work, internal redeployment and streamlining of procedures, and will take forward the following priority tasks under the principle of enhancing quantity, speed, efficiency and quality.
Enhancing speed and efficiency in increasing land supply
On land supply, we will continuously create land to support the development of new industries, and improve citizens’ quality of life. When land creation is completed, we will roll out such land for various types of development in an orderly manner in light of the latest situation.
The Government will continue to accord high priority to devoting resources and spare no effort to take forward the Northern Metropolis (NM) development. It is estimated that 600 hectares of private land will be resumed in the next five years, and at least 570 hectares of land be formed. In the coming five years, it is estimated that a total of 60 000 public and private residential units will be completed and 1 million square metres of economic floor space be provided in the NM. Moreover, we will complete the rezoning procedures for a data park site in Sandy Ridge within this year to facilitate early disposal of the site in the market by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau. During the year, we will also finalise the land use proposals for Ngau Tam Mei, New Territories North New Town and Ma Tso Lung.
We will adopt more diversified development approaches. We are analysing the expressions of interest (EOIs) received for the three pilot areas of large-scale land disposal in the NM, and will commence the tendering work progressively from the second half of this year. We will invite land owners to submit applications for in-situ land exchanges in respect of the San Tin Technopole later this year. Moreover, we have invited tenders under the “two-envelope” approach for two sites in Yuen Long and Hung Shui Kiu for developing multi-storey buildings for modern industries. The Government has recently fine-tuned the tender conditions in response to constructive market feedback and extended the tender closing date to end-July accordingly.
To facilitate market participation and enhance investment incentives, we are exploring land administration work in several areas. Firstly, we will consider allowing land owners to voluntarily surrender land planned to be resumed by the Government in the NM to offset the premium payable for in-situ land exchange or large-scale land disposal in new development areas (NDAs). Secondly, wider application of the “pay for what you build” approach will be explored, including allowing developers to pay premium for lease modifications, which is not based on the maximum floor area but is determined according to the actual construction floor area. Thirdly, consideration will be given to tenancies with a long tenure, which will be longer than the current maximum fixed term of seven years for short-term tenancies.
We will also continue to explore a wide array of other measures to further streamline the approval process, in particular various administrative approval processes at construction stage, to reduce construction costs.
We announced the Government’s 2025-26 Land Sale List in end-February. Taking into account the eight residential sites available for sale and other sources, the potential private housing land supply in 2025-26 is estimated to have a capacity to produce about 13 700 flats, similar to the target for annual supply of the Long Term Housing Strategy. The Government has indicated that it will not roll out any commercial sites for sale in the current financial year, and will consider rezoning some of the commercial sites expected to be ready and available for sale in the next few years into residential use or allowing greater flexibility of land use.
In line with the “industry-led” planning approach, we invited the market to submit EOIs for three island and coastal tourism projects last week. This is the first time in recent years that the Government takes forward the creation of new land parcels for tourism and recreation purposes, and intends to make the best use of participation of enterprises and the market force for developments to be realised. As regards the marina development at the expansion area of Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, we are inviting the market to submit EOIs. The exercise will conclude by the end of this month. In addition, we will announce in around mid-2025 the land use proposals for Lung Kwu Tan and Tuen Mun West, including the River Trade Terminal, which will provide sites for developing key industries including new energy, modern logistics, advanced construction and circular economy.
Work on enhancing quality
In respect of “enhancing quality”, urban renewal and building safety are among our key priorities. With the amended Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance in force since December last year, the Support Service Centre for Minority Owners under Compulsory Sale commenced operation in August last year. We are working with the Urban Renewal Authority to conduct district planning studies on Tsuen Wan and Sham Shui Po, with renewal master plans to be released within this year. We are also exploring the use of land in NDAs to create more favourable conditions for future urban redevelopment projects by the public and private sectors, with a view to driving redevelopment. Preliminary proposals will be put forward within this year.
In respect of amending the Buildings Ordinance to strengthen building safety, tackle unauthorised building works and enhance safety of construction works, we are consolidating public views, and a bill is expected to be introduced in the first half of next year.
On leveraging harbourfront resources, we will set up refreshment stalls at harbourfront locations with higher visitor flow in Central, Wan Chai, North Point and Tsim Sha Tsui this year to enrich visitors’ experiences. We will consult stakeholders, including the Legislative Council Panel on Development, on the proposals for residential and commercial developments and a marina in the waterfront site in the vicinity of Hung Hom Station this month. Separately, we have just completed the scrutiny of the Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Bill, and the second reading will resume next month. We will make good use of the streamlined mechanism to take forward works conducive to public enjoyment of the Victoria Harbourfront.
The above is a brief report. My colleagues and I will be happy to respond to any further questions that Members may wish to raise.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Lands Department (LandsD) announced today (April 10) that new standard rates will apply with retrospective effect from April 1, 2025, for charging land premiums for lease modifications (including land exchanges) with regard to the redevelopment of pre-1987 industrial buildings (IBs) on industrial lots into new developments for modern industrial uses.
The standard rates arrangement for charging land premium in the redevelopment of IBs was first launched in 2021 as an alternative to the conventional premium assessment mechanism. The arrangement aims to provide certainty regarding the premium chargeable for lease modifications and streamline development procedures to expedite the redevelopment of pre-1987 IBs, which were constructed under a set of lower fire service installation requirements before the Code of Practice for Minimum Fire Service Installations and Equipment was revised by the Fire Services Department in 1987.
Under the previous arrangement, differential standard rates were set for: (i) five broad regions in Hong Kong, and (ii) within each region, four uses, namely: “industrial/godown (except special industrial)” use and “special industrial” use before lease modification, as well as “commercial/modern industrial” use and “residential” use to be permitted under the modified lease, for the calculation of the premium chargeable.
The level of the standard rates applicable to the redevelopment of IBs is reviewed annually by the LandsD to ensure that the rates are in line with prevailing market conditions. In its Practice Note No. 5/2025 issued today, the LandsD promulgates the updated standard rates applicable to the redevelopment of IBs as of April 1, 2025. At the same time, the LandsD promulgates, for the first time, separate standard rates for “commercial” and “modern industrial” uses after lease modification. The separation of the standard rates for “modern industrial” use from “commercial” use is to better reflect the land value of redeveloped IBs intended for modern industrial use.
A spokesperson for the LandsD said, “Hong Kong is now on its strategic path of planning innovative and technological developments. In view of the increasing number of IB-related transactions in the market and to cope with the growing demand for modern industries under the era of new quality productive forces, it is now an opportune time to set two independent categories of standard rates for ‘commercial’ and ‘modern industrial’ for the redevelopment of IBs. The promulgation of a separate standard rate for ‘modern industrial’ use will provide enhanced certainty to applicants who wish to redevelop their IBs for such use, and is supported by industry and professional organisations.”
With the coming into effect of Practice Note No. 5/2025, differential standard rates will apply for five uses, namely: “industrial/godown (except special industrial)” and “special industrial” uses before lease modification, and “commercial”, “modern industrial” and “residential” uses after lease modification.
PRESIDENT OF INDIA ADDRESSES SLOVAKIA-INDIA BUSINESS FORUM CONSTANTINE THE PHILOSOPHER UNIVERSITY CONFERS HONORIS CAUSA DOCTORATE DEGREE ON THE PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT INVITES SLOVAK COMPANIES TO JOIN ‘MAKE IN INDIA’ INITIATIVE
Posted On: 10 APR 2025 8:54PM by PIB Delhi
On the second day (April 10, 2025) of her visit to Slovakia, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu addressed the Slovakia-India Business Forum in Bratislava.
Addressing the gathering, the President said that India and Slovakia have historically shared close and friendly relations. Over the years, our countries have collaborated in various sectors. It is now time to explore the diversification of our trade basket.
The President said that India is undergoing a remarkable transformation, emerging as a global leader in technology, innovation, and sustainable development. We have seen significant success in renewable energy, digital technology, information technology, telecom, auto and auto-components, pharma and biotechnology, space and fintech. She stated that India is expected to become a 5 trillion dollar economy in the coming years, and we hope to do it in partnership with our friends such as Slovakia.
The President said that India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and Slovakia, with its strong industrial base and strategic location in Europe, presents great opportunities for deeper trade and investment ties. As a key member of the European Union and a hub for automotive, defence, and high-tech industries, Slovakia stands to benefit from India’s vast consumer market, skilled workforce, and thriving start-up ecosystem. She invited Slovak companies to join our ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The President said that Slovakia-India Business Forum serves as an excellent platform to explore synergies and build mutually beneficial partnerships. She urged business leaders to seize the opportunities and convert these into concrete results. She expressed confidence that the deliberations at the Forum would lead to lasting partnerships.
In the subsequent engagement, the President visited the Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra where she was conferred with Honoris Causa Doctorate degree in recognition of her distinguished career in public service and governance, advocacy for social justice and inclusion, and contribution towards education, women empowerment and promotion of cultural and linguistic diversity.
In her acceptance speech, the President said that this is an honour, which is being bestowed upon a country, and civilization that has been a beacon of peace and learning since time immemorial. Receiving this degree from an institution named after the philosopher Saint Constantine Cyril, is especially meaningful.
The President said that education is a means not only for individual empowerment but for national development as well. Recognizing this, India has placed education at the heart of its national development strategy. With half of its population below the age of 25, India is investing in its youth to drive the knowledge economy of tomorrow.
The President said that even as India embraces modernity and technology, our progress remains deeply rooted in the wisdom of our ancient philosophical traditions. She stated that just as Saint Constantine Cyril’s work laid the foundation for Slavic linguistic and cultural identity, Indian philosophical traditions have long shaped the intellectual and spiritual fabric of our society. Indian classical philosophy offers a rich and diverse exploration of reality, emphasizing introspection and ethical conduct. It highlights multiple perspectives, and the importance of self-knowledge and inner experience. She was happy to note that the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads resonates in Slovakia too.
In the next engagement, the President, along with President Peter Pellegrini, visited the Jaguar Land Rover Factory in Bratislava and watched themanufacturing facilities of the plant.
Earlier in the morning, the President visited an exhibition of paintings by Slovak children. The Slovak-Indian Friendship Society, in collaboration with the Indian Embassy, has been organizing the painting competition ‘Beauty Hidden in Fairy Tales – India through the Eyes of Slovak Children, since 2015. She also witnessed a puppet show on Ramayan conducted by Ms. Lenka Mukova. Ms. Lenka is part of the Babadlo Puppet Theater in Presov, which has been educating children through puppetry for 30 years.
Yesterday evening (April 9, 2025), the President attended a banquet hosted in her honour by President Peter Pellegrini at the historic Bratislava Castle.
In her banquet remarks, the President thanked the Government and the people of Slovakia for the warm welcome and hospitality. She said that from yoga and ayurveda to Indian cuisine, the love for Indian culture in Slovakia is a testament to our strong people-to-people connections. She reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says, Modi government is mowing down drug cartels with full might Home Minister congratulates NCB, Assam Police and CRPF on seizure of 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 24.32 crore and arrest of 3 persons in Assam, in a massive blow to drug cartels
Modi Government’s offensives against drugs will continue with ruthless force
Posted On: 10 APR 2025 8:12PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah has said that the Modi government is mowing down drug cartels with full might.
In a post on X platform, Shri Amit Shah said that “in our vision to build a drug-free Bharat, our agencies launched massive operations strangling drug cartels and seized 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 24.32 crore while arresting three people in Assam. Our offensives against drugs will continue with ruthless force. Congratulations to the NCB, Assam Police, and the CRPF on this major breakthrough.”
The Modi govt is mowing down drug cartels with full might.
In our vision to build a drug-free Bharat, our agencies launched massive operations strangling drug cartels and seized 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth ₹24.32 crore while arresting three people in Assam. Our…
NCB seizes 30.4 kg Methamphetamine Tablets (YABA) worth Rs 24.32 Crores and arrests three drug traffickers in two cases on April 6, 2025
Pursuant to the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, of a DRUG FREE INDIA and acting upon the directives of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved significant success in dismantling inter-state synthetic drug network in Assam.
In a major breakthrough, the NCB seized a total of 30.4 kg worth Rs 24.32 Crores of methamphetamine tablets popularly known as YABA, along with two vehicles, and arrested three accused during two separate operations in Silchar recently. On 06.04.2025, in an intelligence led operation developed over 3 months, NCB Guwahati, in a joint operation with the Assam police, intercepted a car and recovered 10 packets containing 9.9 kg of methamphetamine tablets. The contraband was concealed in a cavity within the vehicle’s boot. The sole occupant of the car who is a resident of Churachandpur, Manipur, was arrested on the spot. Investigations are on to identify the backward and forward linkages.
Later that night, in another intelligence led operation NCB Guwahati, Assam Police and the CRPF, a Mahindra Thar was intercepted. Authorities recovered 20.5 kg of methamphetamine tablets packed in 21 packets hidden inside the vehicle’s spare tire. Both occupants of the vehicles who also belong to Churachandpur were taken into custody. Investigations are underway to unravel the backward and forward linkages.
NCB had earlier seized around 110 kg of methamphetamine tablets in two operations on March 13, 2025. In the seizure of 7.5 kg at Silchar, Assam one person has been arrested so far who is resident of Moreh, Manipur. In the seizure of 102.5 kg at Lilong, near Imphal, Manipur, 03 accused have been arrested and 03 vehicles have been seized so far. Further investigations in these matters are also underway to dismantle the trans-national drug trafficking syndicate.
(Images of seized Methamphetamine Tablets)
NCB, through its newly created 4 Zonal Units at Siliguri, Itanagar, Agartala and Imphal and a Regional Headquarters in Guwahati, has been persistently working against the drug traffickers operating in the region in collaboration with other agencies. A Field Office of NCB in Aizawl, Mizoram has been operationalised with the help of Mizoram police in March 2025 and there was immediate success in seizure of 10.814 Kg Meth on 24.3.2025 in for which 06 accused have been arrested so far, out of which 02 accused are Myanmarese. 04 vehicles have also been seized in this case. Further investigations in this case are also underway to dismantle the trans-national drug trafficking syndicate.
These 5 seizures of Meth in the North East in the last one month exemplify the NCB’s commitment to successfully disrupt trans-national and interstate drug networks to achieve the vision of DRUG FREE INDIA.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Hong Kong Customs today (April 10) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 20 kilograms of suspected 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $4 million.
A 31-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Vancouver, Canada, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine inside her check-in suitcase. The woman was subsequently arrested.
The investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan: From Red Zones to Growth Corridors India’s Decisive Battle Against Left Wing Extremism
Posted On: 10 APR 2025 7:49PM by PIB Delhi
“It is true that Maoist violence had stalled the progress of many districts in central and eastern India. That is why in 2015, our government formulated a comprehensive ‘National Policy and Action Plan’ to eradicate Maoist violence. Along with zero tolerance towards violence, we have also focused on a massive push to infrastructure and social empowerment to bring a positive change in the lives of the poor people in these regions.”
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Introduction
Left Wing Extremism (LWE), often referred to as Naxalism, is one of India’s most serious internal security challenges. Rooted in socio-economic inequalities and fueled by Maoist ideology, LWE has historically affected some of the most remote, underdeveloped, and tribal-dominated regions of the country. The movement has aimed to undermine the Indian state through armed rebellion and parallel governance structures, particularly targeting security forces, public infrastructure, and democratic institutions. Originating from the Naxalbari movement of 1967 in West Bengal, it spread primarily across the “Red Corridor,” affecting states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Maoist insurgents claim to fight for the rights of the marginalized, particularly tribal communities, but their methods include armed violence, extortion, destruction of infrastructure, and recruitment of children and civilians.
However, in recent years, India’s multidimensional counter-LWE strategy – combining security enforcement, inclusive development, and community engagement – has delivered significant success. The movement has been systematically weakened, violence has drastically declined, and many LWE-affected districts are being reintegrated into the national mainstream. The government of India is committed to completely eliminate Naxalism by 31st March 2026, since Naxalism is seen as the biggest obstacle in the development of remote areas and tribal villages, as it prevents education, healthcare, connectivity, banking, and postal services from reaching these villages.
The number of LWE affected districts reduced from 126 to 90 in April 2018, 70 in July 2021 and further to 38 in April-2024. Out of total Naxalism-affected districts, number of most affected districts has been reduced from 12 to 6, which include four districts from Chhattisgarh (Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, and Sukma), one from Jharkhand (West Singhbhum), and one from Maharashtra (Gadchiroli). Similarly, out of the total 38 affected districts, the number of Districts of Concern, where additional resources need to be intensively provided beyond the severely affected districts, has reduced from 9 to 6. These 6 districts are: Andhra Pradesh (Alluri Sitarama Raju), Madhya Pradesh (Balaghat), Odisha (Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Malkangiri), and Telangana (Bhadradri-Kothagudem). Due to persistent action against Naxalism, number of Other LWE-affected Districts has also decreased from 17 to 6. These include districts from Chhattisgarh (Dantewada, Gariaband, and Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki), Jharkhand (Latehar), Odisha (Nuapada), and Telangana (Mulugu). In the last 10 years, over 8,000 Naxalites have abandoned the path of violence, and consequently, the number of Naxal-affected districts has reduced to fewer than 20.
The most affected Districts and Districts of Concern are given financial assistance of Rs. 30 crore and Rs. 10 crore, respectively, by the Government of India under a special scheme, Special Central Assistance (SCA), to fill the gaps in public infrastructure. Apart from this, special projects are also provided for these districts as per the need.
Incidents of violence by LWE which reached its highest level of 1936 in 2010 have reduced to 374 in 2024 i.e. a reduction of 81%. The total number of deaths (civilians + security forces) has also reduced by 85% during this period from 1005 deaths in 2010 to 150 in 2024.
State-wise details of LWE perpetrated violence (number of deaths recorded)in the last 3 years are as given under:
State
2022
2023
2024
Andhra Pradesh
3
3
1
Bihar
11
4
2
Chhattisgarh
246
305
267
Jharkhand
96
129
69
Kerala
0
4
0
Madhya Pradesh
16
7
11
Maharashtra
16
19
10
Odisha
16
12
6
Telangana
9
3
8
West Bengal
0
0
0
TOTAL
413
485
374
Government Strategy: National Policy and Action Plan (2015) and other Key Initiatives
The government of India has adopted azero-tolerance approachtowards left-wing extremism and with 100% implementation of government schemes, it seeks to fully develop the LWE-affected areas. The government had laid downtwo rules of lawto fight left wing extremism. First, toestablishtherule of lawin Naxalism-affected areas andcompletely stop illegal violent activities. Second, toquickly compensatefor thelossin those areas which were deprived of development due to the long Naxalite movement.
To address the LWE menace holistically, a National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE was approved in 2015. It envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities etc.
The Central Government closely monitors the situation and supplements and coordinates their efforts in several ways. These include providing the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs); sanction of India Reserve (IR) battalions, setting up of Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorism (CIAT) schools; modernisation and upgradation of the State Police and their Intelligence apparatus; reimbursement of security related expenditure under the Security-related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme; providing helicopters for anti-LWE operations, assistance in training of State Police through the Ministry of Defence, the Central Police Organisations and the Bureau of Police Research and Development; sharing of Intelligence; facilitating inter-State coordination; assistance in community policing and civic action programmes etc. On development side, apart from flagship schemes, Government of India has taken several specific initiatives in LWE affected States, with special thrust on expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, skilling and financial inclusion.
Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme: This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under the SRE Scheme, the Central Government reimburses security related expenditure for LWE affected districts and districts earmarked for monitoring. The reimbursement includes the expenditure relating to training and operational needs of security forces, ex-gratia payment to the family of civilians/security forces killed/injured in LWE violence, rehabilitation of surrendered LWE cadres, community policing, village defence committees and publicity materials. The SRE Scheme aims at strengthening of the capacity of the LWE affected States to fight the LWE menace effectively. During 2014-15 to 2024-25, Rs. 3260.37 crore has been released under this Scheme.
Special Central Assistance (SCA) for most LWE affected districts: This Scheme was approved in 2017 and is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. The main objective of the Scheme is to fill the critical gaps in Public Infrastructure and Services in most LWE affected districts, which are of emergent nature. Till now, Rs 3,563 crore have been released since the inception of Scheme in 2017.
Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS): This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under Special Infrastructure Scheme, funds are provided for strengthening of State Intelligence Branches (SIBs), Special Forces, District Polices and Fortified Police Stations (FPSs). Under the SIS, Rs. 1741 crore have been sanctioned. 221 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed under the Scheme.
Scheme of Fortified Police stations: Under the scheme 400 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed in 10 LWE affected States. Put together 612 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed in LWE affected areas in the last 10 years. This is in contrast to 2014, when there were only 66 fortified police stations.
Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE management Scheme: This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under the Scheme, assistance is provided to Central Agencies (CAPFs/IAF etc.) for strengthening of infrastructure and hiring charges for Helicopters. Rs. 1120.32 crore have been given to Central Agencies during the period 2014-15 to 2024-25.
Civic Action Programme (CAP): This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’ to bridge the gaps between Security Forces and local people through personal interaction and bring the human face of SFs before the local population. The Scheme has been very successful in achieving its goal. Under the Scheme, funds are released to the CAPFs, deployed in LWE affected areas, for conducting various civic activities for the welfare of the local people. Rs. 196.23 crore has been released to CAPFs since 2014-15.
Media Plan: The Maoists have been misguiding and luring the innocent tribals/ local population in LWE affected areas by their so-called poor-friendly revolution through petty incentives or by following their coercive strategy. Their false propaganda is targeted against the security forces and the democratic setup. Therefore, the Government is implementing this Scheme in LWE affected areas. Under the scheme activities like Tribal Youth Exchange programmes, radio jingles, documentaries, pamphlets etc. are being conducted. Rs. 52.52 crore have been released under the scheme since 2017-18.
Road Requirement Plan-I (RRP-I) for LWE affected areas and Road Connectivity Project for LWE affected areas (RCPLWE): The RRP-I Scheme is being implemented by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for improving road connectivity in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh. The RCPLWE scheme was launched in the year 2016 to improve the road connectivity in 44 worst affected LWE districts and some adjoining districts in 9 States, viz. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. The scheme has twin objectives of enabling smooth and seamless anti-LWE operations by the security forces and also ensuring socio-economic development of the area. 17,589 km of roads have been sanctioned under these two schemes. Of these, 14,618 km have been constructed.
Telecom Connectivity:3 telecom projects, namely, Mobile Connectivity Project Phase-I & Phase-II, Provision of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages of Aspirational Districts and Saturation of 4G mobile services, are being implemented in LWE affected areas to improve telecom connectivity. A total of 10,505 mobile towers have been planned, of which 7,768 towers have been commissioned. The entire Naxal-affected region will be equipped with mobile connectivity by December 1, 2025.
Aspirational District: The Ministry of Home Affairs has been tasked with the monitoring of Aspirational districts programme in 35 LWE affected districts.
Financial Inclusion: For financial inclusion of the local populace in these areas, 1,007 bank branches and 937 ATMs in 30 Most LWE affected districts and 5,731 new post offices have been opened in LWE affected districts since April 2015. 37,850 Banking Correspondents (BCs) have been made operational in Most LWE affected districts.
Skill Development and Education: For Skill development 48 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 61 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) have been made functional in LWE affected districts. For quality education in tribal blocks of LWE affected districts 178 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been made functional in LWE affected districts. The Skill Development Scheme reached all 48 districts, and a strong vertical of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was created. 1,143 tribal youths were recruited into the security forces.
Since 2019, to fill the security vacuum, 280 new camps have been established, 15 new Joint Task Forces have been created, and 6 CRPF battalions have been deployed to assist state police in various states. Along with this, an offensive strategy has been adopted by activating the National Investigation Agency to choke the financing of Naxalites, which has resulted in a shortage of financial resources for them. Multiple long-duration operations were conducted, ensuring that the Naxalites are surrounded, leaving them with no opportunity to escape.
October 2, 2024, PM Narendra Modi launched the ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ from Jharkhand. This campaign will be a milestone in providing personal amenities for achieving full saturation in rural areas in over 15,000 villages, benefiting nearly 1.5 crore people in LWE affected areas. The government is strengthening 3-C i.e., Road connectivity, Mobile connectivity and Financial connectivity in the LWE affected areas.
Success Stories
As part of zero-tolerance policy against Naxalism, 90 Naxals have been killed, 104 arrested, and 164 have surrendered in the year, by March 2025. In 2024, 290 Naxalites were neutralized, 1,090 were arrested, and 881surrendered.
Recently on 30th March 2025, 50 Naxalites in Bijapur (Chhattisgarh)surrendered. On 29th March 2025, our security agencies neutralised 16 Naxalites and recovered a massive cache of automatic weapons in an operation in Sukma (Chhattisgarh). On 20th March 2025, in two different operations by our security forces in Bijapur and Kanker, Chhattisgarh, 22 Naxals were killed, achieving another major success in the ‘Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan’.
As per the information shared by the honourable Home Minister, for the first time in 30 years, the number of casualties due to LWE was below 100 in 2022, which is a significant achievement. From 2014 to 2024, there has been a substantial decline in Naxal-related incidents. 15 top Naxal leaders have been neutralized, and the government welfare schemes have been better implemented to reach to the last man in the queue. Areas like Buddha Pahad and Chakarbandha have been completely free from the grip of Naxalism. 85% of the LWE cadre strength in Chhattisgarh has been eliminated. Since January 2024, a total of 237 Naxalites have been killed, 812 arrested, and 723 have surrendered in Chhattisgarh. More than 13,000 people from the Northeast, Kashmir, and LWE affected areas have renounced violence and joined the mainstream.
In 2014, there were 330 police stations where Naxal incidents occurred, but now this number has reduced to 104. Earlier Naxal-affected area was spread in more than 18,000 square kilometers, now only span 4,200 square kilometers. Between 2004 and 2014, there were a total of 16,463 incidents of Naxal violence. However, during 2014 to 2024, the number of violent incidents decreased by 53%, dropping to 7,744. Similarly, the number of causalities of security forces decreased by 73%, from 1,851 to 509. By 2014, there were a total of 66 fortified police stations, but over the past 10 years, their number has increased to 612. In the past 5 years, a total of 302 new security camps and 68 night landing helipads have been established.
To financially choke the Naxalites and break their financial backbone, National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate were used, seizing several crores of rupees from Naxalites. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), cases were filed, and those who funded the Naxalites were sent behind bars. To bring development to Naxal-affected areas, the budget allocation for these regions was increased by 300%.
In December 2023, within a single year, 380 Naxalites were killed, 1,194 were arrested, and 1,045surrendered.
Conclusion
India’s multi-pronged strategy against Left Wing Extremism has significantly weakened the insurgency, both territorially and operationally. The government’s focus on a blend of security, development, and rights-based empowerment has transformed the landscape in previously affected areas. With sustained political will, administrative commitment, and people’s participation, the vision of a LWE-free India is closer than ever.