MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the HKSTP Co-Acceleration Programme Fund Launch and Partnership Signing Ceremony today (April 7):
 
Sunny (Chairman of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Dr Sunny Chai), Albert (Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Albert Wong), distinguished guests, tech ventures, ladies and gentlemen,
 
Good afternoon. It is a pleasure to join you all today as we celebrate the launch of the Co-Acceleration Fund by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) and witness the signing of partnership agreements between the HKSTP and leading industry players.  
 
Innovation and technology are a key pillar of Hong Kong’s future prosperity. Over the years, we have invested substantial resources to build a dynamic and vibrant innovation ecosystem. As a result, the number of start-ups in our city has been rapidly increasing. In 2024, we were home to nearly 4 700 start-ups, representing a 40 per cent rise since 2020. We expect this number to continue growing at an impressive pace. 
 
Just now, I am delighted to learn that I had the privilege of engaging with founders and CEOs of start-ups at the newly established ARENA platform. It is heartening to learn how our start-ups are transforming bold ideas into promising ventures, and how the HKSTP is supporting them to connect with collaborators, corporate partners and investors.
 
We all understand that access to capital is critical as start-ups grow and develop. Hong Kong offers a full range of funding support, from angel investments, venture capital and private equity to our deep and liquid stock market. This ecosystem effectively supports the ambitions and needs of enterprises at various stages of development.

Besides, we recognise the unique value of public-private partnerships in driving innovation. Here in Hong Kong, we aim to guide capital into sectors that are strategically important to our future, including AI and data science, life and health technology, fintech and new energy and new materials. We understand that for frontier technologies and sectors, the Government may sometimes need to take the lead to show our vision and demonstrate our commitment to bringing our vision into reality. That’s why we established the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC). Serving as patient capital, the HKIC invests in nascent-stage ventures and sectors of tomorrow. To date, it has invested in more than 90 projects, achieving a 1 to 4 co-investment ratio – meaning that for every dollar the HKIC invested, it has attracted four dollars from private investors to follow.
 
The HKSTP’s Acceleration Fund aligns with our vision. By partnering with industry leaders to co-invest in high-potential start-ups, particularly in generative AI, intelligent connected systems and sustainability, the Fund amplifies our collective capacity to turn innovation into impact.
 
Beyond funding, I applaud the HKSTP for offering start-ups holistic support: mentorship, technical expertise, connections, market access and global platform, equipping entrepreneurs with the tools to accelerate growth and enhance global competitiveness.
 
Ladies and gentlemen, we live in an era of profound challenges. Now we are confronted with the impact of unilateralism and protectionism unseen in a century. Beyond tariffs and trade barriers, disruptions to global scientific collaboration are also happening. Yet, it is precisely in this very climate of fragmentation that Hong Kong must leverage its unique strengths. With our vision, agility, connectivity and strong backing from our country, we are in the position to become a global convergence point of talent, capital and know-how. We can foster more cross-sectoral and cross-boundary collaboration to advance humanity’s shared progress.
 
For that mission, every initiative matters. In this regard, allow me to extend my appreciation and gratitude to everyone involved in bringing the Co-Acceleration Fund to life. I wish you all the best of health and success in the time ahead. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd. relating to a fraudulent website, which has been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
 
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
 
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Octopus Cards Limited relating to phishing messages and fraudulent websites. The relevant stored value facility (SVF) licensee has reported the case to the HKMA.
 
The fraudulent websites reported by the SVF licensee known at the time are as follows:
hxxps[:]//octupos[.]top/hk
hxxps[:]//octopos[.]top/hk
 
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that anyone who has provided his or her personal information or account credentials, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the messages and the websites concerned, should contact the relevant SVF licensee, and report to the Police or contact the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre of the Police at 18222.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Department of Health (DH) today (April 7) called on the public to echo World Health Day and work together to safeguard maternal and newborn health and reduce the number of preventable maternal and newborn deaths, by supporting breastfeeding, receiving timely immunisations as well as maternal and child health services.  

     April 7 each year marks the celebration of World Health Day by the World Health Organization. The theme this year is “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures”, with a focus on maternal and child health. Hong Kong has the longest life expectancy and one of the lowest infant and maternal mortality rates in the world. In 2023, the infant mortality rate was 1.6 per 1 000 live births, and the maternal mortality rate was three per 100 000 live births. These impressive statistics hinge on a public healthcare system that provides comprehensive health and medical services, including quality maternal and child health services, comprehensive obstetric and woman health services, and efforts in promoting breastfeeding.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 4:50PM by PIB Delhi

     A tri-services all women Circumnavigation Sailing Expedition, “Samudra Pradakshina” from Mumbai to Seychelles and back was flagged off on April 7, 2025 by Lt Gen AK Ramesh, Commandant, College of Military Engineering (CME) from the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre, Colaba, Mumbai. The expedition, featuring an all-women 12-member crew from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, embarks on a challenging 55-day voyage covering 4,000 nautical miles from Mumbai to Seychelles and back aboard the IASV Triveni.

        This pioneering initiative highlights the indomitable spirit of Nari Shakti and aims to promote gender indignity in maritime endeavours. The expedition serves as a preparatory phase for an even more ambitious circumnavigation sailing expedition planned for 2026.

        Selected from 41 enthusiastic volunteers, twelve women officers, rigorously trained for two years in ocean sailing, are set to navigate treacherous waters, demonstrating their resilience, courage and determination on the high seas. The crew have embarked upon several training expeditions, gradually increasing in complexity and distance including short and long distances over days and nights. They have come out successful through challenges of weather, mechanical issues of the yatch and physical toll.

       The Mumbai-Sychelles-Mumbai expedition not only symbolises the empowerment of women in the armed forces, but also pays tribute to India’s legendary warrior queens like Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rani Durgavati and Rani Lakshmi Bai, whose deeds continue to inspire generations.

       The flagging-in ceremony is scheduled to take place on 30 May 2025, marking the successful completion of this ground-breaking voyage. This expedition reaffirms India’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and excellence in maritime endeavours, proving that Nari Shakti is an unstoppable force capable of conquering any challenge.

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SR/Anand

(Release ID: 2119784) Visitor Counter : 102

Source: Government of India

INDIA AND UZBEKISTAN SHARE TIMELESS TIES OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

INDIA AND UZBEKISTAN NEED TO DEEPEN COLLABORATION IN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, RENEWABLE ENERGY, AND PEACEFUL NUCLEAR ENERGY: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

INDIA UPHOLDS UNIVERSAL ETHOS OF ‘VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM’ AND ‘SARVJAN HITAY’: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

LOK SABHA SPEAKER CALLS ON THE PRESIDENT OF UZBEKISTAN

LOK SABHA SPEAKER MEETS PRESIDING OFFICERS OF PARTICIPATING PARLIAMENTS IN TASHKENT ON THE SIDELINES OF THE 150TH ASSEMBLY OF IPU

LOK SABHA SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF INDIAN DELEGATION PAY FLORAL TRIBUTES AT THE BUST OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER SHRI LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI IN TASHKENT

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 11:02PM by PIB Delhi

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today said that India and Uzbekistan share timeless ties of history and heritage.  He emphasized that this age-old cooperation between the two countries need to be expanded in emerging fields like digital technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and nuclear energy, alongside traditional sectors. Shri Birla made these remarks during his meeting with the President of Uzbekistan, H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in Tashkent on the sidelines of the 150th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union, today.

Underlining India’s ancient democratic traditions, Shri Birla mentioned that guided by the Constitution, India has continually expanded its democratic values and prioritized social inclusion. He added that India has strengthened democracy at the grassroots level by ensuring 33 percent reservation for women in its local level governance. Shri Birla informed that by introducing the “Nari Shakti Vandan Act” as the first law in the new Parliament building, India not only reiterated its commitment to its democratic ethos but also ensured greater representation of women in state and central legislatures. 

Shri Birla observed that India the values of “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” (The World is One Family) and “SarvajanHitaya” (For the Welfare of All) are inseparable part of Indian tradition and the Constitution of India is also inspired by these values. Mentioning that last year, India marked the completion of 75 of Constitution, Shri Birla noted that the numerous enabling laws passed by the Indian Parliament have been pivotal in realizing wide ranging socio-economic changes in India.

Stressing on the elevation of Indo-Uzbek relationship to a Strategic Partnership and the addition of new dimensions in recent years, Shri Birla underlined that both nations have strengthened cooperation in various areas like, economy, defense, education, and trade. He noted India is now one of Uzbekistan’s 10 largest trade partners. Shri Birla also highlighted the importance of increasing Parliamentary cooperation between the two Parliaments to exchange ideas on mutual interests and strengthen people-to-people contacts. He proposed promoting parliamentary exchanges in order to help both countries’ officials better understand each other’s systems and best practices.

In addition, Shri Birla appreciated the growing interest in Indian culture in Uzbekistan, particularly in music, dance, and yoga, as well as the increasing number of Indian students in Uzbek educational institutions. He expressed confidence that this meeting would enhance the diplomatic and parliamentary relations between India and Uzbekistan, marking a new chapter in their collaborative efforts.

Shri Birla and members of Indian delegation also paid floral tributes at the bust of the former Prime Minister of India Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri in Tashkent. 

LOK SABHA SPEAKER CONGRATULATES UZBEKISTAN FOR SUCCESSFULLY HOSTING 150TH IPU ASSEMBLY

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla also met Chairperson of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, H.E. Ms. Tanzila Norbaeva in Tashkent on Sunday on the sidelines of the 150th IPU. He congratulated the Chairperson for successfully hosting the Assembly and for the warm welcome accorded to the Indian Parliamentary Delegation. Mentioning Uzbekistan’s progress in various sectors, Shri Birla highlighted the growing and strengthening diplomatic ties between India and Uzbekistan.

Shri Birla noted that both countries share deep historical connections and have fostered collaboration in various multilateral forums such as the SCO, the UN, and BRICS. Shri Birla also emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in emerging fields like digital technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and nuclear energy, alongside traditional sectors.

LOK SABHA SPEAKER CALLS FOR EXPANDING COOPERATION BETWEEN THE PARLIAMENTS OF INDIA AND ISRAEL

A day before at Tashkent, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla held a bilateral meeting with Speaker of the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) H.E. Mr. Amir Ohana. On this occasion, Shri Birla fondly recalled the pleasant memories of their previous meeting in New Delhi in April 2023 and acknowledged Mr. Ohana’s extraordinary contributions to Israel’s development.

He highlighted the long-standing strategic partnership between India and Israel, based on shared democratic values and mutual aspirations. He added that both countries have strengthened their ties through high level leadership meetings and collaborative efforts in various sectors, such as technology, agriculture, and defense. He commended the establishment of a parliamentary friendship group between India and Israel, recognizing it as a significant step toward enhancing parliamentary cooperation.

LOK SABHA SPEAKER CALLS FOR REGULAR DIALOGUES AND SHARING BEST PRACTICES BETWEEN PARLIAMENTS OF INDIA AND KAZAKHSTAN

On Sunday, on the sidelines of the 150th IPU Assembly, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla held a bilateral meeting with the Chairperson of the Mazhilis of Kazakhstan H.E. Mr. YerlanKoshanov. Shri Birla at the congratulated Kazakhstan on the 30th anniversary of its Constitution and highlighted that India also celebrated 75 years of the adoption of its Constitution the previous year, marking a significant milestone in both countries’ democratic journeys.

He also emphasized that India’s progress in the past 75 years has been guided by constitutional values aimed at building a welfare state. Shri Birla proposed that the parliaments of India and Kazakhstan establish regular dialogues to exchange best practices and enhance cooperation. He acknowledged the growing political and economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly in defense, security, digital technology, energy, and space.

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AM

 

(Release ID: 2119920) Visitor Counter : 55

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 10:56PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri PiyushGoyal, on Monday said that India is well poised to convert the current global situation into an opportunity, just as it did during the Covid-19 pandemic and in the late 1990s when the Indian IT sector leveraged the Y2K bug crisis to mark its emergence on the global stage.

Addressing the foundation day of FICCI,  in Mumbai, Shri Goyal underscored the need for unity and collaboration among nations and industries to tackle evolving global challenges. “We are all in it together. All well-meaning countries and businesses must address these challenges collectively and convert them into opportunities,” he said.

He emphasized that the collective consciousness of the Indian industry can help drive the country towards self-reliance and sustained growth. “We need to support each other. We need to have a nationalist outlook,” he said, adding that Indian companies must work in the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.

Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s 1931 address to FICCI, the Minister said that Indian industry should place nationalism at the heart of its work. “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi truly embodies this spirit through his vision of Viksit Bharat, inclusive growth, and delivering the benefits of economic progress to the last person in the queue,” he said.

Shri Goyal urged Indian businesses to support each other, focus on quality, and avoid the pitfalls of short-term gains. He warned against predatory pricing and over-dependence on cheap imports. “Low-cost goods may seem attractive today, but in the long run, they can hurt businesses and economies. This has been evident in several parts of the world where supply chains have collapsed due to over-dependence on a single geography,” he noted.

He pointed out that resilient and diversified supply chains, along with energy and food security, have become global priorities. “More and more developed countries are recognising that this is not just about geopolitics, but about national resilience and self-reliance, especially in critical technologies,” he said.

The Minister stressed that India’s demographic dividend, a 1.4 billion-strong consumer base, and the fastest-growing economy in the world present an unparalleled opportunity. “From a $4 trillion economy today, India is poised to grow to $30-35 trillion in the next 25 years. We have an opportunity of a lifetime,” he declared.

Calling on industry stakeholders to seize this moment, he said, “Be a part of the solution, be a part of this moment in history. If we all come together with determination, India is unstoppable.”

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Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2119919) Visitor Counter : 95

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Shri C R Patil inaugurates Symposium on “Dam Safety Act, 2021: Towards Integrated Dam Safety Management” in New Delhi

Shri C R Patil lauds the role of NDSA in Dam safety Management

Union Minister highlights how the Act has created a structured safety framework and institutional set up in ensuring compliances of the provisions of the Dam Safety Act

Three Years of NDSA’s Journey marked with Key Releases and Discussions on Implementation Challenges

Posted On: 07 APR 2025 9:43PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister Shri C R Patil inaugurated  Symposium on “Dam Safety Act, 2021”: Towards Integrated Dam Safety Management”organised by National Dam Safety Authority” (NDSA) ,DoWR, RD & GR, Govt. of India in the presence of Minister of State for Jal Shakti Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary  in SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi today.This event highlighted the progress made in improving dam safety, and it emphasized the need for integrated dam safety management through involvement of all Stakeholders.

Shri C. R. Patil,outlined the efforts in implementation of the Dam Safety Act. Union minister highlighted how the Act has created a structured safety framework and institutional set up in ensuring compliances of the provisions of the Dam Safety Act.  While lauding the role of NDSA in Dam safety Management, HMoJS  encouraged stakeholders to view dam safety not merely as compliance; but, as a commitment to human safety, ecosystem preservation, and national resilience. HMoJS emphasized that every specified dam owner must earmark sufficient funds as mandated; and uphold global best practices and advanced technology for a secure water future. He highlighted that dams are getting old and more efforts are needed to take preventive measures for Dam Safety.

Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary,  Minister of State for Jal Shakti urged states to adopt risk-based prioritization tools and integrate startups and private sector innovation into dam safety practices. Also emphasised on the importance of Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring Application, i.e. DHARMA  Portal as a repository of data of all th.e specified dams of the country.

Key releases during the Symposium:

• The National Register of Specified Dams-2025 was released, providing a comprehensive database of all the 6628 Specified dams in the country.
• Guidelines for Preparing Operation & Maintenance Manual for Ungated Dams was released, aimed at improving safety protocols of dams.
• A Compendium  on regulations published under the Dam Safety Act, 2021
• The National Strategy for Developing Dams as Sustainable and Responsible Tourism Destinations was introduced to explore eco-friendly tourism opportunities.

 

Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR elucidated the efforts made by NDSA in implementation of provisions of Dam Safety Act, 2021 in close association with all other stakeholders. She outlined that India is one of the leading countries in Dam Safety management. However, she cautioned the dam fraternity that any complacency in dam safety efforts could derail the process. She stressed upon the need for integrated Dam Safety Management, by taking care of each & every aspect related to Dam Safety in a holistic manner and need to have plans in place for ground implementation of various measures required to improve the safety performance of the dams. She also pointed out that dam safety is becoming increasingly difficult with climate change.

Shri Anil Jain, Chairman, NDSA highlighted the achievements during the Authority’s three-year journey and reiterated that dams are not just engineering marvels, but lifelines critical for irrigation, power generation, and flood protection. He stressed that ensuring dam safety is a shared national responsibility.

Shri R.K. Choudhary. CMD, NHPC presented a perspective on dam safety compliance and risk mitigation strategies. He elaborated on best practices in structural health monitoring and adaptive management strategies adopted by NHPC to enhance dam resilience. He shared about the best practices being followed by them for all the Dams of NHPC. He emphasised that NHPC is maintaining their Dam Safety Dam Management data through their In-house portal of NHPC, which is called “SAHAJ SEWA”.

Dr. Sanjay Belsare, Secretary CAD & WM, Maharashtra highlighted on-ground progress, particularly in enhancing inspection protocols and capacity building, while also pointing out challenges like funding constraints and manpower shortages.

The technical sessions by NDSA focused on the evolution and key regulatory provisions of the Dam Safety Act, 2021, emphasizing the significance of a structured legal framework in ensuring the long-term safety and maintenance of dams. Further, the role of NDSA in implementing the Act and the challenges ahead was discussed. The need for capacity building among dam owners and state agencies, particularly in monitoring, inspection, and emergency action planning was highlighted.

State representatives from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Meghalaya shared their experiences and challenges in implementing the Act. They highlighted key issues such as fund constraints, trained manpower.

Senior officials from the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), and key stakeholders from states and public sector organizations were also present at the event. More than 250 delegates from 18 states attended the event, representing various sectors involved in dam safety management.

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Dhanya Sanal K

Director

 

(Release ID: 2119911) Visitor Counter : 86