Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ22: Overseas Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices
| ETO(Revised Estimate)(number of posts)(HK$ million)(number of posts)(HK$ million)(number of posts)(HK$ million)*Total operational expenses include personal emoluments, personnel related expenses, departmental expenses and other charges. The Dubai, Bangkok, Jakarta and Singapore ETOs altogether account for 28 per cent of the total staff establishment of the 14 existing overseas ETOs, and about 24 per cent of their total operational expenses.Issued at HKT 16:38 NNNN DH releases “Student Health Service Annual Health Report for 2023/24 School Year”Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region The Department of Health (DH) today (April 2) released the “Student Health Service (SHS) Annual Health Report for 2023/24 School Year”, which summarised the key findings of the annual health assessment service provided to primary and secondary school students in Hong Kong during the school year. Among these findings, there has been an improvement regarding the overweight condition of primary school students but the proportion of students spending two hours or more using the Internet or electronic screen products for recreational purposes has increased, which is a situation that warrants attention. In the 2023/24 school year, around 257 000 primary school students and 173 000 secondary school students received annual health assessment services at the DH’s Student Health Service Centres (SHSCs). Students were provided with a series of health services, including growth monitoring, physical examinations, screenings for vision, hearing and scoliosis, health assessment questionnaires on health behaviours and psychosocial well-being, individual health counselling, health education and mop-up vaccinations. The health assessment revealed that the weight problems and dietary patterns among Hong Kong students remain unsatisfactory. The prevalence of being overweight (including obesity) among primary school students has decreased from 19.5 per cent in the 2022/23 school year to 16.4 per cent in the 2023/24 school year, which was a record low since the 2014/15 school year. However, the prevalence of being overweight (including obesity) among secondary school students remained high at 20.0 per cent. In the 2023/24 school year, 94.4 per cent of students reported insufficient physical activity, meaning that they were not able to engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity per day. About 89.9 per cent of students (83.5 per cent primary and 97.0 per cent secondary school students) reported an inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables per day (i.e. an average of less than four servings for primary school students and less than five servings for secondary school students). “To prevent childhood and adolescent obesity from developing into a lifelong threat to health, the DH encourages students to adopt healthy lifestyles and maintain a balanced diet. The DH will continue to offer weight management advice through the SHSCs to students in need. Dietitians of the SHS will provide dietary counselling to individual students if indicated,” the Consultant Community Medicine (Family and Student Health) of the DH, Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan, said. The inappropriate use of electronic screen products should not be overlooked. The DH recommends children aged between 6 and 12 years old to limit recreational screen time to less than two hours a day. The health assessment questionnaire revealed that 43.3 per cent of primary school students indicated that they spent two or more hours in using Internet or electronic screen products (including computers, tablets, smartphones, video games and television) for recreational purposes on a typical school day. The proportion was higher than in the pre-COVID years of around 30 per cent. For secondary school students, the proportion was higher at 80.9 per cent, which is a cause for concern. Dr Chuang noted that, apart from reminding students of the appropriate recreational screen time, the DH has set up a webpage on Healthy Use of Internet and Electronic Screen Products to assist parents and teachers in handling related issues. The state of vision among Hong Kong students remains less than ideal. The proportion of primary one students wearing glasses was 14.3 per cent which was similar to that of the previous school year (14.8 per cent), but still much higher than that of the pre-COVID years of about 11 per cent. The proportion of students wearing glasses was higher among students at higher grades, up to 53.8 per cent among Primary Six students. Among the primary and secondary school students with a visual acuity test done in the 2023/24 school year, 18.5 per cent required further assessment by optometrists in the SHS or private sector due to a failed preliminary visual acuity test, other eye or visual problems. Regarding psychosocial health, a majority of students reported they very much enjoyed family life (94.3 per cent) and school life (92.4 per cent). However some students were identified to have psychosocial problems warranting attention. In the 2023/24 school year, 2.2 per cent and 1.0 per cent of students reported that they had planned or attempted to commit suicide in the past 12 months respectively, which were slightly lower than that in the previous school year (2.8 per cent planned and 1.3 per cent attempted to commit suicide) and are similar to the levels in the 2018/2019 school year. Professional staff of the DH promptly provided the students concerned (including some with emotional or mental health problems) with an immediate risk assessment, support or arranged referrals for further evaluation and management. In the 2023/24 school year, 1.4 per cent of students receiving annual health assessment services at the SHSCs were referred to the clinical psychologists of the SHS or other organisations, for further assessment and management of their psychosocial and behavioural problems. The Government has set up the 18111 – Mental Health Support Hotline to provide one-stop, round-the-clock support for people with mental health needs. The Government has also implemented the Three-Tier School-based Emergency Mechanism through cross-departmental collaboration of the Education Bureau, the Health Bureau and the Social Welfare Department in all secondary schools in Hong Kong to ensure early identification and support for students at high risk, and provide timely assistance and seek professional counselling or treatment services for them. Furthermore, “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” announced that the Whole School Health Programme (WSHP) will be strengthened. Besides publishing this territory-wide health report, health reports will be compiled for each participating school to recommend targeted school‑based health promotion measures for physical activities, diet and other matters, to improve students’ physical and psychological wellbeing. So far, more than 760 schools have joined the WSHP, covering over 65 per cent of all primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong. The DH will continue to encourage more schools to join through various channels and work towards realising the vision of “Making every school a health-promoting school”. At the same time, the Primary Healthcare Commission is actively promoting the Life Course Preventive Care Plan via the District Health Centres (DHCs), DHC Expresses and family doctors. A personalised preventive care plan will be formulated to address the health needs of citizens, including vaccinations required by children as well as prevention of infectious diseases, cancers and chronic diseases. The DHCs and DHC Expresses also provide children-targeted services, such as emotion management, weight management and healthy diet classes as well as collaborate with schools to provide outreach health education, health-risk factors assessment, low salt and sugar diet education and promotion activities. In the long run, the Government will integrate some of the DH’s primary healthcare services into the primary healthcare system, in order to enhance children’s healthcare services in Hong Kong and create a better environment for children’s medical care and healthy development. “The DH has been safeguarding both the physical and psychological health of school children through health promotion and disease prevention services. The annual health assessment service aims to identify students with health problems at an early stage for timely advice and intervention, including referrals to appropriate organisations for further assessment or management. Enrolment is now open for the annual health assessment service of the 2024/25 school year. Students who have not yet enrolled are encouraged to enrol through their school or directly with the SHSCs,” Dr Chuang said. For more information on a healthy lifestyle, members of the public are welcome to browse the “@DH mobile application“, DH’s social media accounts, and scan the QR codes attached. PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SPECIAL CAMPAIGN FOR DE-ADDICTION IN THE COUNTRYSource: Government of India Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:11PM by PIB Delhi Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was launched on 15th August 2020 by Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in 272 identified most vulnerable districts and now it has been extended to all districts of the country. NMBA has reached out to the masses and spread awareness about substance use with focus on higher educational Institutions, university campuses and schools by reaching out and identifying dependent population and providing counselling and treatment facilities in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Year-wise details of total amount spent on NMBA, which was launched in the year 2020-21 is as below:
The achievements of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan are as follows:
This information was provided by MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT, SHRI B.L.VERMA, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today. ***** VM (Rajya Sabha US Q3652) (Release ID: 2117694) Visitor Counter : 49 DH requires manufacturer to recall unregistered proprietary Chinese medicine for external use (with photo)Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region The Department of Health (DH) today (April 2) announced that a licensed manufacturer of proprietary Chinese medicines (pCm), Merika Medicine Factory Ltd (Merika), located on Wong Chuk Yeung Street, Fo Tan, New Territories, had not manufactured a pCm for external use called “Golden Statue Cinnamon Oil & Embrocation” according to the registered particulars and was therefore suspected of illegal sale and possession of unregistered pCm. The DH has immediately requested Merika to recall the batch of product concerned (batch number: 427141) from the market. The DH is continuing to investigate the case and will closely monitor the recall. So far, no adverse reports related to the use of the above product have been received by the DH. Apart from returning the product to Merika, people who have the batch of the product concerned may submit it to the DH’s Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office on 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, during office hours for disposal. National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) celebrates 7th Foundation Day, Strengthening its Commitment to Tribal EducationSource: Government of India Posted On: 02 APR 2025 1:24PM by PIB Delhi The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) proudly commemorated its 7th Foundation Day celebrating its unwavering dedication to the education and empowerment of tribal students across India. Established in year 2019 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, NESTS has been instrumental in transforming the educational landscape for tribal communities through the administration of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). The event, held at Akashwani Bhavan, was graced by Shri Jual Oram, Hon’ble Minister of Tribal Affairs along with Shri Durgadas Uikey, Hon’ble Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Antar Singh Arya, Hon’ble Chairman, National Commission for Schedule Tribes (NCST)and dignitaries from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, educationists, and key stakeholders of EMRS. The celebrations featured inspiring addresses, vibrant cultural performances, and a short film showcasing the remarkable impact of EMRS over the last year in advancing quality education for tribal children.
Lighting of lamp
Key Highlights of the Event: The momentous occasion address was delivered by Shri Jual Oram, Hon’ble Minister of Tribal Affairs, while the keynote speech was given by Shri Durgadas Uikey, Hon’ble Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening tribal education and outlining the vision for the future,the Chairman, (NCST) highlighted the crucial role of education in driving tribal development, emphasizing how EMRS has been instrumental and crucial to it. Outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements of EMRS students were recognized and celebrated, with twelve students felicitated in the morning session. Further, the staff of NESTS who excelled in the Sports meet, received awards in the program. Tribal students from various EMRS institutions captivated the audience with performances showcasing their rich cultural heritage. A dedicated segment highlighted the achievements of EMRS over the past year, demonstrating its impact on fostering quality education, holistic development, and promising futures for tribal youth across the country.
Shri Jual Oram Shri Durgadas Uikey Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, Commissioner, NESTS stated,“NESTS has played a pivotal role in ensuring quality education for tribal students. With the expansion of EMRS and new initiatives, we aim to empower the next generation with knowledge and skills for a brighter future.”
EMRS students & teachers with dignitaries. Transforming Education for Tribal Communities NESTS has made significant strides, expanding to 477 functional schools with an enrolment of over 1,38,000 students. Additionally, successful recruitment efforts have resulted in the appointment of a total 9075 teaching and non-teaching staff, further strengthening the educational eco system. NESTS aims to enhance infrastructure, digital learning and skill development programs, ensuring that quality education reaches every tribal student across India. Various capacity-building programs, including specialized training initiatives, have fortified the foundation of EMRS schools, equipping educators with the necessary tools to foster excellence and shape a promising future for tribal children. About NESTS The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) was established in 2019 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide high-quality education to tribal students through Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). These schools offer holistic learning, combining academics with sports, arts and life skills, ensuring inclusive and equitable education for tribal communities. ***** RN/PIB (Release ID: 2117667) Visitor Counter : 64 Government launches consultation on proposed regulation of basketball betting activitiesSource: Hong Kong Government special administrative region Having considered the proposal submitted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), views from the Betting and Lotteries Commission (BLC), and other related issues concerning illegal basketball gambling, the Government today (April 2) launched a consultation on the proposed regulation of basketball betting activities. Persons in custody at Lo Wu Correctional Institution attain good examination results (with photos)Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region Persons in custody at Lo Wu Correctional Institution attain good examination results ??? NNNN LCQ6: Regulation of use of electronic screen products by children and adolescentsSource: Hong Kong Government special administrative region LCQ6: Regulation of use of electronic screen products by children and adolescents NNNN Mining Tenement SystemSource: Government of India Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:24PM by PIB Delhi The comprehensive report on States Best Practices in Mining documents the best practices adopted by various States in mineral administration to promote peer learning among the States and contribute to the overall growth of the mining sector. The key recommendations made in the report, focusing on improving exploration efficiency, promoting sustainability, simplifying regulations, and enhancing community benefits, inter-alia include streamlining mining clearances and approvals, integration of exploration data with National Geoscience Data Repository, Star Rating for minor minerals, strengthening State Directorates of Mining and Geology for building technical capacity, operationalization of auctioned mineral blocks, adoption of Mining Surveillance System (MSS) and Mining Tenement System (MTS) for minor minerals to curb illegal mining, and creation of land banks to facilitate compensatory afforestation. The main objectives of the newly launched Mining Tenement System (MTS) are to digitize & streamline the mining related processes, enhance transparency, facilitate better data management, enhance collaboration among stakeholders, provide a flexible system to accommodate future technology advancements and improve efficiency of mineral resource management. By adopting best mining practices, small and medium scale mining operations in India can increase their competitiveness & operational efficiency, ensure sustainability, and hence, lead to overall growth of mining sector. The 3rd National Mining Ministers’ Conference, held in January 2025, was attended by the Mining Ministers from mineral-rich States, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders. A major focus was on the National Critical Mineral Mission, which aims at securing long-term sustainable supply of critical minerals and strengthening India’s critical mineral value chains, encompassing all stages from mineral exploration, mining, processing and recycling. During the Conference, State Governments were encouraged to take proactive steps to promote exploration, mining, processing, Research & Development (R&D) in critical minerals, fast-track the operationalization of auctioned mines, integrate exploration data into the National Geoscience Data Repository and encourage industries to acquire and bring critical minerals from abroad to strengthen domestic supply. The Conference also marked the launch of auction of the fifth tranche of 15 critical mineral blocks across eight States including critical minerals like Graphite, Tungsten, Rare Earth Elements (REEs), and Nickel. These initiatives are intended to build and strengthen domestic supply chains and contribute to India’s long-term goal of achieving self-sufficiency in critical minerals. This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today. **** Sunil Kumar Tiwari (Release ID: 2117706) Visitor Counter : 55 Mining Leases Issued in 5th And 6th Schedule AreasSource: Government of India Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:23PM by PIB Delhi State-wise total number of Mining Leases for the major minerals in States included under the 5th and 6th Schedule areas of the country alongwith total areas and number of operational mines is given at Annexure I. As per the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957 and the rules framed thereunder, the State Governments are empowered to grant mineral concessions for the minerals located within their respective jurisdiction and to collect the revenue generated there upon. The revenue from the mining leases accrues to the State Governments. The subject matter of rehabilitation of displaced people is in the purview of State Governments. During the last 5 years (2020-21 onwards) 7 leases have been granted in the Scheduled areas for the State of Madhya Pradesh covering total area of 107 hectares. For Gujarat, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, no mining lease has been granted in the past 5 years in Scheduled areas. As per the information received from the State Government of Madhya Pradesh, above 7 leases have been granted after obtaining all requisite permissions. Annexure I
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO AT PART ‘A’ & ‘B’ IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5224 REGARDING ‘MINING LEASES ISSUED IN 5TH AND 6TH SCHEDULE AREAS’. State-wise total number of Mining Leases for the major minerals, in in States included under the 5th and 6th Schedule areas of the country with total area and number of operational mines.
This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today. **** Sunil Kumar Tiwari (Release ID: 2117705) Visitor Counter : 52 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||