Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 9, 2025/APO Group/ —
The Mining in Motion 2025 Summit is pleased to announce the participation of Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Ghana as a keynote speaker.
Held under the theme Sustainable Mining & Local Growth – Leveraging Resources for Global Impact, the summit brings together Ghana’s policymakers, gold mining stakeholders and international investors to explore strategies for unlocking Ghana’s full mining potential.
Minister Buah’s participation will be instrumental in highlighting opportunities across Ghana’s gold mining value chain, discussing regulatory reforms designed to attract new investments and promoting local content development. The event will showcase Ghana’s initiatives to formalize and strengthen the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector.
Under the leadership of Hon. Bauh, Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has driven the growth of the ASGM sector and its contribution to economic growth and community development. The sector employs over one million people and has generated $5 billion in gold export revenue in 2024, strengthening the mining sector’s contribution to revenue generation.
In partnership with the World Bank, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is implementing the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project to empower District Mining Committees and formalize the ASGM sector. Additionally, Ghana is establishing a Gold Board to improve access to finance and markets for small-scale miners. The Cooperative Mining Policy of 2024 further strengthens the sector by fostering community mining cooperatives and enhancing their technical and financial capacity.
Minister Buah will use the summit as a platform to position Ghana as a model for ASGM formalization and sustainable sector growth. Beyond panel discussions, he will also participate in exclusive networking sessions and high-level meetings with global investors, exploration and production firms, government representatives and key mining stakeholders. These engagements will facilitate deal signings and partnerships aimed at accelerating the expansion of Ghana’s mining sector.
Stay informed about the latest advancements, network with industry leaders, and engage in critical discussions on key issues impacting ASGM and medium to large scale mining in Ghana. Secure your spot at the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit by visiting www.MiningInMotionSummit.com. For sponsorship opportunities or delegate participation, contact Sales@ashantigreeninitiative.org.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 9, 2025/APO Group/ —
Namibia is expanding its uranium industry through a combination of established operations and new Exploration and Production (E&P) initiatives. With an average production of 5,613 metric tons in recent years, Namibia has solidified its position as the world’s third-largest uranium producer.
As global interest in uranium increases to meet growing demand for nuclear electricity, the country is intensifying cooperation with international E&P companies to unlock the full potential of its uranium market. The upcoming African Mining Week – taking place October 1-3 in Cape Town – will connect investors with lucrative prospects within Namibia.
2025 Milestones
Recent developments highlight Namibia’s growth trajectory in the uranium sector. In February 2025, Canada’s Snow Lake Resources launched Phase 2 drilling at its Engo Valley project, targeting up to 7,500 meters of reverse circulation and diamond drilling. A maiden resource estimate for the project is expected in the second half of the year. Pioneer Lithium also acquired Rodon Metals, operator of the Warmbad Project, committing A$1.675 million to geological surveys and exploration to expand the mine.
Meanwhile, Connected Minerals commenced drilling at the highly prospective Swakopmund project in January 2025, after securing a prospecting license from the Namibian government. The company is also exploring the Etango North-East project, where high-grade uranium mineralization was confirmed in November 2024. Deep Yellow Limited is expected to make a final investment decision for its 79-million-pound Tumas Expansion Project in the first quarter of 2025. The project is projected to produce 6 million pounds per annum over 30 years as from 2026, increasing Namibia’s production capacity.
2024 Achievements
Namibia experienced several market growth milestones in 2024, with new discoveries made and new exploration and production campaigns launched. Australia’s Paladin Energy achieved a record production of 1.2 million pounds in the second half of 2024. The company aims to set a new record of 3.6 million pounds by June 2025. Beyond large-scale operations, Namibia has seen a surge in new market entrants and partnerships. Madison Metals and Star Minerals partnered to accelerate the development of the Cobra Project. Australia’s Gibb River Diamonds secured three new licenses in the Erongo District, while Hertz Energy applied for two prospecting licenses. Oar Resources secured A$1 million in funding from shareholders to finance two greenfield uranium projects.
Amidst these developments, African Mining Week will feature high-level panel discussions and exclusive networking sessions, connecting global investors with Namibia’s rapidly growing uranium sector. The event will foster collaboration between global mining firms and Namibian stakeholders, laying the foundation for accelerated growth across the country’s uranium market.
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
One million NHS staff to benefit from new support measures
Government delivers on promise to support frontline staff with new action to tackle violence, improve working lives and enhance career progression
Measures include improved reporting and prevention of violence and aggression in the workplace as incidents against healthcare workers reach alarming levels
New measures will make sure staff are paid correctly for the work they are asked to deliver
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, will today announce a comprehensive support package to tackle violence and improve the working lives of NHS staff.
The measures are part of a range of recommendations accepted by the government under the Agenda for Change contract – which covers over a million frontline NHS workers – following the agreement of the 2023 pay deal.
Violence against healthcare workers has become a critical issue, with the 2024 NHS Staff Survey revealing that one in seven experienced physical violence from patients, their relatives or other members of the public.
A quarter of NHS staff experienced at least one incident of harassment, bullying or abuse in the last 12 months. Many incidents currently go unreported, hampering efforts to address the problem systematically.
New measures will be put in place to encourage staff to report incidents of violence or aggression towards them, and to ensure this information is collected at national level. Data will also be analysed to better understand if certain staff groups – whether by race, gender, disability status, or role – face disproportionate risks, allowing trusts to protect the most vulnerable workers.
In a keynote speech to UNISON’s National Health Care Service Group Conference in Liverpool, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said:
No one should go to work fearing violence. Yet one in every seven people employed by the NHS have suffered violence at the hands of patients, their relatives, or other members of the public.
Protecting staff from violence is not an optional extra. Zero tolerance for violence and harassment of NHS staff. It’s a commitment to make sure healthcare workers can focus on saving lives without fear for their own safety.
I owe my life to the NHS staff who cared for me through kidney cancer. I owe a debt of gratitude that I will never be able to repay, but I certainly intend to try. You were there for me, and I’ll be there for you.
The package of measures will also address longstanding issues around ensuring staff are paid correctly for the work they deliver. Staff being routinely required to work beyond their job description with no compensation has led to a number of local disputes, such as those relating to clinical support worker roles in the Midlands at Kettering General Hospital and University Hospitals of Leicester.
The Department of Health and Social Care is working closely with NHS England, NHS Employers and the Staff Council to implement a national digital system to support the fair and consistent application of the Job Evaluation Scheme.
This will ensure staff are placed in the appropriate pay band recognising the skills and knowledge required for the role.
Further measures include:
enhanced career progression support for nurses such as more learning and development, leadership training and career coaching for managers
new guidance for employers on how to recognise overseas experience on appointment into the NHS and share best practice on recruitment and selection processes
steps to reduce reliance on expensive agency workers by making it easier for NHS staff to take up flexible working and developing good practice guidance on working patterns for existing staff
encouraging six-month career reviews tailored specifically for ethnic minority nurses to identify progression pathways and provide targeted interview preparation support
In total, 36 recommendations have been accepted by ministers. These measures are expected to have a considerable and positive impact on the NHS workforce, improve staff morale and enhance recruitment and retention.
Ajay Sharma named new British High Commissioner to Malaysia
Mr Ajay Sharma CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to Malaysia in succession to Ms Ailsa Terry CMG.
Mr Ajay Sharma CMG
This is Ajay’s fourth Head of Mission role. He was the UK Chargé d’affaires to Iran from 2013 to 2015, the British Ambassador to Qatar from 2015 to 2020 and Chargé d’affaires to Turkey from 2022 to 2023. Ajay has also served in Moscow and in Paris as the Deputy Ambassador to France.
Prior to taking up this role, Ajay was a Director International Affairs in the National Security Secretariat of the Cabinet Office and a Director in the Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office.
During his 30-year career as a diplomat, Ajay has been involved in several international negotiations, including as the UK Representative for a Cyprus Settlement from 2021 to 2022 and as the Deputy Negotiator for the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA).
Born in London, Ajay is a graduate of Oxford University. He is fluent in French and Turkish, and is currently learning Bahasa Melayu.
Ajay is set to arrive in Malaysia with his family in the next few weeks to commence his appointment. David Wallace remains the Acting High Commissioner until Ajay arrives.
Environment Agency opens world of construction to young people
Pupils from a local high school joined the Environment Agency and project partners last week on the Bewdley Flood Risk Management Scheme in Worcestershire.
Constructing Change team photo
The day was part of a new social initiative Constructing Change which is encouraging young people, especially girls, to consider careers in the construction industry.
Founded last year by Elizabeth Griffin-Bennett and supported by the Environment Agency, Constructing Change is working to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within the construction industry.
A number of students from Bewdley High School are pictured on site where they received careers advice from Environment Agency officers, project designers ARUP and contractors Jackson Civil Engineering and NuWeld.
As part of the day, the group was safely escorted around the site and also joined in construction activities, such as bricklaying and surveying.
Constructing Change team at work
The first Constructing Change initiative was organised earlier this year by the project team for the Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme in Rochdale. Further events are being planned across the country.
David McKnight, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for the Environment Agency, said:
“Constructing Change seeks to improve the diversity of the construction industry by bringing young people safely into construction sites.
“The Environment Agency fully supports this initiative and the opportunity to provide valuable insights into the construction methods we have employed in the Bewdley flood scheme.”
Ravi Darigala, Regional Director for Jackson Civil Engineering, said:
“Jackson are committed to investing in the next generation, challenging stereotypes and promoting an inclusive and diverse culture.
“We are delighted to be among the first to host a Constructing Change event, and welcome the opportunity to showcase the exciting and varied opportunities within the construction industry.
“The Bewdley Flood Risk Management Scheme aims to improve flood protection for the community, and we hope that it can also help to inspire industry professionals of the future.”
More Information on the Bewdley Flood Risk Management Scheme
MOFA response to statements by Swedish Defence Minister Jonson opposing China’s threats and supporting deepening relations with Taiwan
Date：2025-04-04 Data Source：Department of European Affairs
April 4, 2025
Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Jonson stated in response to a question from Member of the Riksdag Björn Söder on April 2 that the security of Europe and Asia was closely linked, that Sweden and the European Union were paying close attention to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, that China’s actions towards Taiwan were worrying, and that military threats were unacceptable. Sweden reiterated that differences across the Taiwan Strait must be resolved peacefully and that the will of the Taiwanese people must be respected.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely thanks the Swedish government for monitoring cross-strait peace and stability and expresses Taiwan’s hope of continuing to deepen relations with Sweden through long-term and comprehensive cooperation. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will work with like-minded partners to urge China to stop threatening Taiwan and unilaterally escalating the situation in the region.
MOFA response to IPAC statement strongly condemning China’s military exercises around Taiwan
Date：2025-04-05 Data Source：Department of European Affairs
April 5, 2025
The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) issued a statement on April 4 strongly condemning Beijing’s recent military exercises around Taiwan. It pointed out that the actions of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command were escalatory, provocative, and without justification. It also stated that Beijing’s calculated escalations around Taiwan had gone on for far too long and that the international community could not stand idly by as the cross-strait status quo was eroded, harming the people of Taiwan and global stability. It added that Taiwan’s security was inextricably linked to the security of the global economy. IPAC called on governments worldwide to condemn the PLA’s military activities and violent rhetoric and reiterated its appeal to the international community to develop a coordinated response plan to prevent the situation from further deteriorating.
The IPAC statement has already been signed by 43 members of parliament as well as prominent political figures from 25 countries and the European Parliament, underscoring a high degree of international consensus on the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes the statement, thanks like-minded friends for supporting Taiwan through concrete action, and urges democratic countries to unite in the face of China’s military threats. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are indispensable to global security and prosperity and that Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with the international community to safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Tel-Aviv, Israel, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ellomay Capital Ltd. (NYSE American; TASE: ELLO) (“Ellomay” or the “Company”), a renewable energy and power generator and developer of renewable energy and power projects in Europe, USA and Israel, today announced that it entered into an investment agreement (the “Clal Agreement”) with Clal Insurance Ltd., a leading Israeli institutional investor, and several of its affiliates (together, “Clal”), for an aggregate investment by Clal of approximately €52 million.
Pursuant to the Clal Agreement, Clal and Ellomay will set up a new Israeli limited partnership (the “Israeli LP”) in which an entity wholly-owned by Ellomay will be the general partner and Ellomay will hold 51% of the limited partner interests and Clal will hold the remaining 49%. The Israeli LP will wholly-own a newly founded Luxembourg entity, to which Ellomay’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Ellomay Luxembourg Holdings, S.à.r.l. (“Ellomay Luxembourg”), will transfer all of the issued and outstanding shares of seven Italian project companies, who hold a solar portfolio in an aggregate capacity of approximately 198 MW (the “Italian Solar Portfolio”). The Italian Solar Portfolio consists of (a) solar facilities with an aggregate capacity of 38 MW that are connected to the grid and operating and (b) additional solar facilities with an aggregate capacity of 160 MW that have reached Ready-to-Build status and with respect to which Engineering, Procurement and Construction agreements were executed. Project finance agreements were executed with respect to the Italian Solar Portfolio in March 2025.
The Clal Agreement includes customary representations and warranties of Ellomay and Clal and an indemnification mechanism for breaches of representations, warranties and undertakings, subject to customary caps and limitations, as a sole remedy, subject to customary exceptions. The Clal Agreement provides Clal with a right of first look commencing with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Clal Agreement with respect to investment in other solar projects currently developed or that will be developed by Ellomay and its subsidiaries in Italy for an investment under similar terms as the Clal Agreement, mutatis mutandis. Pursuant to the right of first look mechanism, Ellomay will provide Clal certain information with respect to each project that has reached Ready-to-Build status and Ellomay decided to advance its construction, and Clal will have a few months to notify Ellomay that it is interested in investing up to 49% in such projects or any portion thereof upon the terms set forth in the notice provided to Clal by Ellomay.
The Clal Agreement provides that upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Clal Agreement, Ellomay and Clal will sign a partners agreement (the “Clal PA”) and Ellomay will issue Clal a warrant (the “Clal Warrant”).
The Clal PA sets forth the relationship between the general partner and the limited partners, the governance and management of the Israeli LP, the funding and financing of the Israeli LP and the mechanism for future transfers of interests in the Israeli LP. Pursuant to the Clal PA, Clal undertakes to provide its pro rata portion of the amounts required for the development of the Italian Solar Portfolio to the Israeli LP, which in turn will fund the Luxembourg subsidiary and the Italian project companies. Ellomay’s aggregate funding commitment in the Italian Solar Portfolio has already been provided by Ellomay. The Clal PA also provides for the payment of annual management fees to Ellomay. The Clal PA provides each limited partner with customary rights, including a full tag-along right in the event of a change in control of Ellomay and includes customary veto rights. The Clal PA provides that following repayment of partners’ loans, the Israeli LP’s surpluses will be distributed to the limited partners, pro rata to their holdings, on a semi-annual basis, subject to maintaining the working capital required by the Israeli LP for the two following quarters.
The Clal Warrant covers 416,000 ordinary shares of Ellomay, with an exercise price of NIS 69.7 (approximately $18.5) per share. The Clal Warrant is for a term of twenty-six months and may only be exercised on a cashless basis. In the event Ellomay’s shares are traded at a price higher than NIS 80 (approximately $21.2) per share when the Clal Warrant is exercised, Ellomay, at its discretion, may choose to issue shares on a cashless basis assuming a market price per share of NIS 80 and pay Clal the remainder in cash.
The consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Clal Agreement is subject to the fulfillment or waiver of several customary conditions to closing, including receipt of regulatory approvals, that are not entirely within the control of Ellomay, Ellomay Luxembourg, Clal or the Israeli LP. There can be no assurance as to whether or when the conditions to closing will be satisfied.
Ran Fridrich, CEO and a board member of Ellomay, commented: “Ellomay is pleased to announce the establishment of a partnership with Clal Insurance, which will invest in a 198 MW solar portfolio in central and northern Italy. The Company sees great importance in the entry of a quality institutional investor as a partner to part of its Italian solar portfolio, and in Clal’s interest in examining participation in the future in building the remainder of the Company’s Italian portfolio and views this as a vote of confidence in the Company, its management and its operations. The Company thanks the investment team of Clal, led by Barak Bensky, for their professional work in a complex cross-border transaction.”
About Ellomay Capital Ltd.
Ellomay is an Israeli based company whose shares are registered with the NYSE American and with the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “ELLO”. Since 2009, Ellomay focuses its business in the renewable energy and power sectors in Europe, USA and Israel.
To date, Ellomay has evaluated numerous opportunities and invested significant funds in the renewable, clean energy and natural resources industries in Israel, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Texas, USA, including:
●
Approximately 335.9 MW of operating solar power plants in Spain (including a 300 MW solar plant in owned by Talasol, which is 51% owned by the Company) and approximately 38 MW of operating solar power plants in Italy;
●
9.375% indirect interest in Dorad Energy Ltd., which owns and operates one of Israel’s largest private power plants with production capacity of approximately 850MW, representing about 6%-8% of Israel’s total current electricity consumption;
●
Groen Gas Goor B.V., Groen Gas Oude-Tonge B.V. and Groen Gas Gelderland B.V., project companies operating anaerobic digestion plants in the Netherlands, with a green gas production capacity of approximately 3 million, 3.8 million and 9.5 million Nm3 per year, respectively;
●
83.333% of Ellomay Pumped Storage (2014) Ltd., which is involved in a project to construct a 156 MW pumped storage hydro power plant in the Manara Cliff, Israel;
●
Solar projects in Italy with an aggregate capacity of 294 MW that have reached “ready to build” status; and
●
Solar projects in the Dallas Metropolitan area, Texas, USA with an aggregate capacity of approximately 27 MW that are placed in service and in process of connection to the grid and additional 22 MW are under construction.
Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements that are based on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding the Company’s plans and objectives, expectations and assumptions of management are forward-looking statements. The use of certain words, including the words “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those that may be expressed or implied by the Company’s forward-looking statements, including the inability to fulfill all of the conditions to closing set forth in the Clal Agreement, changes in the market price of the Company’s shares, changes in electricity prices and demand, regulatory changes increases in interest rates and inflation, changes in the supply and prices of resources required for the operation of the Company’s facilities (such as waste and natural gas) and in the price of oil, the impact of the war and hostilities in Israel and Gaza, the impact of the continued military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, technical and other disruptions in the operations or construction of the power plants owned by the Company and general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates, including Israel, Spain, Italy and the United States. These and other risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business are described in greater detail in the filings the Company makes from time to time with Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 20-F. The forward-looking statements are made as of this date and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Responding to reports that the Prime Minister is considering tax cuts for Musk, Bezos and other tech billionaires as part of his negotiations with President Trump, Green Party Co-Leader, Adrian Ramsay MP said,
“I’m calling on the Prime Minister to take this morally reprehensible suggestion off the negotiating table. The very idea that he would cut tax obligations for some of the biggest companies in the world, controlled by some of the very richest people in the world, in an effort to appease President Trump is an insult to each and every person struggling to get by at the moment. The Prime Minister has made much of “the hard choices” he has had to make: cutting winter fuel allowance to our elderly, removing benefits from disabled people, capping child benefits, and taking huge chunks out of the international aid budget. These decisions, which are awful in isolation, are morally deplorable in the context of offering tax cuts to the likes of X, Amazon and other big tech companies.
He continued, “The crisis in our public finances is partly caused by corporations free riding on public services but avoiding paying their taxes. This is how the US tech billionaires have accumulated such excessive fortunes. The Digital Services Tax is a first step towards fair taxation of digital companies that dominate the global economy.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Acting Traffic Commissioner for Scotland appointed
The Secretary of State for Transport has appointed Richard Turfitt as Acting Traffic Commissioner for Scotland.
This appointment is a temporary measure pending the recruitment of a full time Traffic Commissioner for Scotland. This recruitment campaign is currently underway.
This appointment ensures that Scotland is supported by a dedicated Traffic Commissioner for devolved matters.
Mr Turfitt has already been covering the jurisdiction in his current capacity as Deputy Traffic Commissioner for Scotland and Senior Traffic Commissioner since the resignation of the previous Traffic Commissioner for Scotland. He will continue to be supported in this role by deputy traffic commissioners.
They also deal with professional drivers at conduct hearings.
Matters related to local bus services is devolved to the Scottish Government. The Traffic Commissioner for Scotland is also uniquely responsible for Taxi Farescale appeals.
If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301 in England, 0300 303 8268 in Wales or your local Field Services Office in Scotland.
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) affects cloven-hoofed animals including:
There are currently no cases in the UK, but there have recently been confirmed cases in:
Germany (January 2025)
Hungary (March 2025)
Slovakia (March 2025)
The last outbreak in the UK was in 2007.
Restrictions
Bringing food into Great Britain for personal use
You must not bring meat or dairy products from certain animals (including cows, sheep, pigs and goats) into Great Britain for personal use if those goods are from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia or Austria.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Williamsdale battery will deliver 250MW of storage.
The ACT Government has reached a major milestone in its work to future-proof Canberra’s energy supply.
The development application has been approved to deliver Stream 1 of the project – a grid-scale battery in Williamsdale.
This ACT Government has partnered with Eku Energy on this project. Construction will begin later this year.
The Big Canberra Battery will be capable of delivering 250 MW of power – more than a third of Canberra’s peak electricity demand. It will be able to deliver this power for two hours.
The Big Canberra Battery will have 500 MWh of capacity, which on a single charge could supply 23,400 households with their daily energy use.
Approximately 180–200 jobs will also be created through the project.
More batteries for Canberra
The Government has also finalised the installation of batteries at nine government sites in the ACT as part of its work on Stream 2 of the project.
The sites include:
Belconnen Parks Depot
Gungahlin Family and Child Centre
Allara Depot
Kambah Depot
Ron Reynolds Centre
Chifley Community Hub
Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm
Cotter Depot
Greenway Ambulance Station.
The batteries capture energy generated from rooftop solar panels. This will help power the sites and will reduce government spend on electricity, benefitting the broader network during peak electricity consumption times.
Two further batteries will be installed at Mount Stromlo High School and 255 Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick in early 2025.
The ACT Government has also partnered with the Commonwealth Government and Evoenergy through the Community Batteries for Household Solar Program.
Through this, three medium-sized neighbourhood-scale batteries will be installed in Casey, Dickson and Fadden.
A battery operator will be selected in late 2024 following a procurement process.
The Big Canberra Battery project will provide renewable energy security across the electricity grid.
It will help grow the ACT’s renewable energy sector, provide more local employment opportunities, and deliver a positive financial return for the territory.
Building a cleaner future
Battery storage technology is a critical component of the ACT’s net-zero emissions future.
The ACT has delivered 100 per cent renewable electricity since 2020.
Initiatives like this build on that achievement and demonstrate the viability of renewable energy in supporting a robust, affordable and sustainable energy grid.
Find out more about the Big Canberra Battery Project and other ways Canberra is leading the way on climate action by visiting climatechoices.act.gov.au
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
A new trial is helping parents access government payments and services more easily when having a baby.
Parents having a baby at Canberra Hospital or North Canberra Hospital can now take part in the Birth of a Child Newborn Enrolment Trial.
In partnership with Services Australia, the ACT Government is trialling an Australian-first where parents can register the birth of their baby across federal and territory government agencies using myGov.
The trial makes it easier for parents to access government services and register their baby’s birth.
By signing up to the trial, the hospital will share information with Services Australia to:
enrol their baby in Medicare and receive a new Medicare card with their baby added
enrol their baby in the Australian Immunisation Register
register for their family’s Medicare Safety Net
register their baby for a My Health Record
let Centrelink know about the birth of their child to finalise their application for family assistance
register their baby’s birth with ACT Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
How to access the trial
To enrol in the trial, new parents will need to ensure they:
check their details with the hospital are up to date
link their Medicare and Centrelink accounts to their myGov account
complete a pre-birth claim (as early as 3 months before the baby is born)
complete a new consent form (provided when your baby is born)
provide the completed consent form to the hospital before being discharged.
When they agree to participate in the trial, they are agreeing to let Canberra Health Services share information about them and their baby with Services Australia.
A collaborative approach
The ACT Government is working with Services Australia to lead the trial.
The trial automates newborn enrolment and birth registration processes across the state, territory and Commonwealth government agencies.
It supports a cross-jurisdictional ‘tell us once’ approach – reducing the need for parents to re-supply information the government already holds.
When a parent agrees to participate in the trial, they agree to Canberra Health Services (CHS) sharing information about them and their baby to Services Australia.
The Birth of a Child Newborn Enrolment Trial helps remove administrative burden from parents, giving them more valuable time with their baby.
The trial is part of a range of improved maternity services initiatives in the ACT.
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Following the news that the 10% US import tariff, including a 46% hike specifically targeting Vietnamese goods, will take effect on 09 April 2025;
Annapurna Pillutla, Analyst, Economic Research atGlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view:
“In response to the US tariffs, Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to fair trade and transparency. Diplomatic engagement has been stepped up, with efforts to negotiate exemptions and clarify Vietnam’s trade and monetary policies. Vietnam is eliminating tariffs on US imports following Trump’s announcement of a 46% levy. Vietnam also proposed zero tariffs on the US goods and requested a delay of 45 days in tariff implementation, aiming for a mutually beneficial agreement.
“Vietnam’s economy is heavily dependent on the export of goods and services, which constitute nearly 100% of its GDP. In 2024, goods exports to the US amounted to $136.6 billion, representing 30.1% of Vietnam’s GDP. The sharp escalation in tariffs on Vietnamese imports signals a critical juncture in Vietnam-US trade dynamics. Given the US accounts for close to a third of Vietnam’s GDP through goods exports, the latest measures introduce significant downside risks, particularly to export-reliant industries such as textiles and footwear, where cost pressures and competitive positioning are already under strain. “Against this backdrop, GlobalData has revised the forecast of Vietnam’s GDP growth to 6.5% in 2025, down from 6.7%, as demand from one of its largest trading partners softens.
“This development is expected to fast-track Vietnam’s strategic shift toward economic diversification. Beyond intensified trade negotiations, the government is now likely to double down on initiatives to attract high-value foreign investment, scale up digital capabilities in manufacturing, and strengthen bilateral trade ties with economies in the EU, India, and Latin America. Over time, such moves could reduce Vietnam’s exposure to single-market volatility and set the foundation for more resilient and balanced growth.”
PICC Property and Casualty and Assicurazioni Generali shares surge 40%
Elevance Health and Cigna Group lose over 15%
Berkshire Hathaway retains top spot
The aggregate market capitalization (MCap) of the top 25 global insurers grew 17% to $3.5 trillion year-on-year (YoY) during the first quarter (Q1) ended on 31 March 2025. Most of the stocks recorded a sharp growth in Q1, benefiting from the higher premium pricing amid inflationary trends, improved investment income driven by elevated interest rates, and favorable underwriting performance due to fewer large-scale catastrophic events in the period, according to GlobalData, a leading data analytics and research company.
Murthy Grandhi, Company Profiles Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The global insurance industry showed signs of recovery in early 2024, with property and casualty insurers implementing premium increases to counter inflation and rising natural disaster claims, while life insurers continued adapting to shifting interest rate environments. The sector accelerated digital transformation efforts through AI and automation investments, expanded parametric insurance offerings for climate risks, and focused on customer experience improvements.”
PICC P&C, the largest non-life insurance company in mainland China, shares registered a remarkable 40.5% growth in market value during the period, driven by strong FY2024 results on the back of strategic optimization of its motor vehicle insurance business structure with 38.8% market share in household motor vehicle insurance, coupled with accelerated growth in non-motor vehicle insurance segments and enhanced operational efficiency through technology-enabled expense management.
Generali’s excellent 2024 results exceeded financial targets and completed the “Lifetime Partner 24” strategic plan through consistent organic growth and successful business integrations, positioning the company to pursue its new “Lifetime Partner 27” plan focusing on earnings growth, cash generation, and increased shareholder returns while leveraging AI capabilities to address evolving customer needs. Consequently, the company’s market valuation also rose by 39.5%, reaching $55.1 billion by the end of Q1 2025.
Grandhi continues: “Berkshire Hathaway witnessed a 25.7% increase in market value attributed to its strong investment portfolio performance, particularly in energy and infrastructure assets, and resilient insurance underwriting results across GEICO and Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group. Furthermore, strategic investment decisions by Warren Buffett, and investor confidence in the company’s substantial cash reserves perpetuated the stock’s upward trajectory, affirming Berkshire Hathaway’s status as a coveted asset.”
Elevance Health and The Cigna Group saw sharp YoY declines of -18.6% and -17.0%, respectively. This downturn was largely influenced by declining enrolment in individual and group health plans, elevated medical loss ratios, and ongoing antitrust scrutiny affecting sentiment. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) also fell 15.4% due to underwhelming policy growth, weak equity market returns in India and limited foreign institutional investment.
Grandhi concludes: “Looking ahead to Q2 2025, the global insurance industry faces a nuanced outlook. The US Federal Reserve has signalled a potential pause in interest rate hikes, which could stabilize fixed-income yields and benefit life insurers’ investment portfolios. However, geopolitical developments—such as recent tariff escalations between the US and China—may pressure global trade insurance demand and raise claims risk, particularly in marine and credit insurance lines.
“Moreover, inflationary pressures in Europe and selective tightening in Asian economies could compress margins, though they also prompt upward repricing, supporting premium growth. On the positive side, increased awareness of climate and cyber risks are expected to drive further growth in specialty insurance lines.”
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the Navkar Mahamantra Divas Navkar Mahamantra is not just a mantra, it is the core of our faith: PM
Navkar Mahamantra embodies humility, peace and universal harmony: PM
Navkar Mahamantra along with the worship of Panch Parmeshthi symbolises the right knowledge, perception and conduct, and the path leading to salvation: PM
Jain literature has been the backbone of the intellectual glory of India: PM
Climate change is today’s biggest crisis and its solution is a sustainable lifestyle, which the Jain community has practiced for centuries and aligns perfectly with India’s Mission LiFE: PM
PM proposes 9 resolutions on Navkar Mahamantra Divas
Posted On: 09 APR 2025 11:06AM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and participated in Navkar Mahamantra Divas at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the profound spiritual experience of the Navkar Mantra, emphasizing its ability to bring peace and stability to the mind. He remarked on the extraordinary feeling of tranquility, which transcends words and thoughts, resonating deeply within the mind and consciousness. Shri Modi underscored the significance of the Navkar Mantra, reciting its sacred verses and described the mantra as a unified flow of energy, embodying stability, equanimity, and a harmonious rhythm of consciousness and inner light. Reflecting on his personal experience, he shared how he continues to feel the spiritual power of the Navkar Mantra within himself. He recalled witnessing a similar collective chanting event in Bengaluru years ago, which left a lasting impression on him. The Prime Minister highlighted the unparalleled experience of millions of virtuous souls across the nation and abroad coming together in a unified consciousness. He remarked on the collective energy and synchronized words, describing it as truly extraordinary and unprecedented.
Remarking on his roots in Gujarat, where the influence of Jainism is evident in every street, the Prime Minister highlighted how, from a young age, he had the privilege of being in the company of Jain Acharyas. “Navkar Mantra is not just a mantra but the core of faith and the essence of life”, he emphasised. He underlined its significance, which extends beyond spirituality, guiding individuals and society alike. He highlighted that every verse and even every syllable of the Navkar Mantra holds profound meaning. He added that when reciting the mantra, one bows to the Panch Parmeshthi and elaborated on the same. Shri Modi said Arihants, who have attained “Keval Gyan” and guide “Bhavya Jeevas,” embody 12 divine qualities while the Siddhas, who have eradicated eight karmas, attained Moksha, and possess eight pure qualities. He added that Acharyas follow Mahavrat and serve as pathfinders, embodying 36 virtues while Upadhyayas impart knowledge of the Moksha path, enriched with 25 qualities. He further added that Sadhus refine themselves through penance and progress toward Moksha, possessing 27 great qualities. He highlighted the spiritual depth and virtues associated with each of these revered beings.
“One bows to the 108 divine qualities and remembers the welfare of humanity when reciting the Navkar Mantra”, said Shri Modi highlighting that the mantra reminds us that knowledge and action are the true directions of life, with the Guru as the guiding light, and the path emerging from within. He emphasized the teachings of the Navkar Mantra, which inspire self-belief and the initiation of one’s own journey. He stated that the true enemy lies within—negative thoughts, distrust, hostility, and selfishness—and conquering these is the real victory. He underlined that Jainism motivates individuals to conquer themselves rather than the external world. “Self-conquest leads one to become an Arihant”, he added, stating that the Navkar Mantra is not a demand but a path—a path that purifies individuals from within and guides them toward harmony and goodwill.
“Navkar Mantra is truly a mantra of human meditation, practice, and self-purification”, exclaimed the Prime Minister highlighting its global perspective and its timeless nature, which, like other Indian oral and scriptural traditions, has been passed down through generations—first orally, then through inscriptions, and finally through Prakrit manuscripts—continuing to guide humanity even today. “The Navkar Mantra, along with venerating the Panch Parmeshthi, embodies right knowledge, right perception, and right conduct, serving as a path to liberation”, he emphasised. Underlining the importance of the nine elements of life, which lead to completeness, Shri Modi noted the special significance of the number nine in Indian culture. He elaborated on the prominence of the number nine in Jainism, mentioning the Navkar Mantra, nine elements, and nine virtues, as well as its presence in other traditions, such as the nine treasures, nine gates, nine planets, nine forms of Durga, and Navadha Bhakti. He highlighted that the repetition of chants—whether nine times or in multiples of nine like 27, 54, or 108—symbolizes the completeness represented by the number nine. The Prime Minister explained that the number nine is not just mathematics but a philosophy, as it represents completeness. He remarked that after achieving completeness, the mind and intellect stabilize and ascend, free from the desire for new things. Even after progress, one remains rooted in their essence and this is the essence of the Navkar Mantra, he stated.
Underlining that the philosophy of the Navkar Mantra aligns with the vision of a developed India, the Prime Minister reiterated his statement from the Red Fort, emphasizing that a developed India signifies both progress and heritage—a nation that will neither stop nor falter, will reach new heights, yet remain rooted in its traditions. He highlighted that a developed India will take pride in its culture. He emphasized the preservation of the teachings of the Tirthankaras. Recalling the nationwide celebration of the 2550th Nirvana Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir, Shri Modi noted the return of ancient idols, including those of the Tirthankaras, from abroad. He proudly shared that over 20 Tirthankara idols have been brought back to India in recent years. He highlighted the unparalleled role of Jainism in shaping India’s identity and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving this legacy. Referring to the new Parliament building in New Delhi, describing it as the temple of democracy, he pointed out the visible influence of Jainism. He mentioned the depiction of Sammed Shikhar in the architectural gallery at the Shardul Gate entrance, the Tirthankara idol at the entrance of the Lok Sabha, which was returned from Australia, the magnificent painting of Lord Mahavir on the ceiling of the Constitution Gallery and the depiction of all 24 Tirthankaras together on the wall of the South Building. The Prime Minister remarked that these philosophies guide India’s democracy and provide the right path. He highlighted the profound definitions of Jainism, encapsulated in ancient Agama scriptures, such as “Vatthu Sahavo Dhammo,” “Charittam Khalu Dhammo,” and “Jivana Rakkhanam Dhammo.” He reaffirmed that the government is advancing with the mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” inspired by these values.
“Jain literature has been the backbone of India’s intellectual heritage, and preserving this knowledge is a duty”, said Shri Modi, highlighting the government’s decision to grant classical language status to Prakrit and Pali, enabling further research on Jain literature. He emphasized that preserving language ensures the survival of knowledge, and expanding language leads to the growth of wisdom. The Prime Minister noted the existence of centuries-old Jain manuscripts in India, describing each page as a mirror of history and an ocean of knowledge, quoting profound Jain teachings. He expressed concern over the gradual disappearance of many significant texts and mentioned the launch of the “Gyan Bharatam Mission”, announced in this year’s Budget. He shared plans to survey millions of manuscripts across the country and digitize ancient heritage, connecting antiquity with modernity. He described this initiative as an ‘Amrit Sankalp’. “New India will explore possibilities through AI while guiding the world with spirituality”, he stressed.
Highlighting that Jainism is both scientific and sensitive, offering solutions to global challenges such as war, terrorism, and environmental issues through its core principles, the Prime Minister said the Jain tradition’s emblem, which states “Parasparopagraho Jivanam,” emphasises the interdependence of all living beings. He underscored Jainism’s commitment to non-violence, even at the most subtle levels, as a profound message of environmental conservation, mutual harmony, and peace. He acknowledged the five major principles of Jainism and emphasized the relevance of the philosophy of Anekantavada in today’s era. He stated that belief in Anekantavada prevents situations of war and conflict, fostering understanding of others’ emotions and perspectives. He emphasized the need for the world to embrace the philosophy of Anekantavada.
Underscoring that the world’s trust in India is deepening, with India’s efforts and results becoming a source of inspiration, Shri Modi highlighted that global institutions are now looking towards India because of its progress, which opens pathways for others. He connected this to the Jain philosophy of “Parasparopagraho Jivanam,” emphasizing that life thrives on mutual cooperation. He noted that this perspective has raised global expectations from India, and the nation has intensified its efforts. Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, he identified sustainable lifestyles as the solution and highlighted India’s launch of Mission LiFE. He remarked that the Jain community has been living the principles of simplicity, restraint, and sustainability for centuries. Referring to the Jain principle of Aparigraha, he emphasized the need to spread these values widely. He urged everyone, regardless of their location, to become flag bearers of Mission LiFE.
Prime Minister remarked that in today’s world of information, knowledge is abundant, but without wisdom, it lacks depth. He emphasized that Jainism teaches the balance of knowledge and wisdom to find the right path. He highlighted the importance of this balance for the youth, where technology must be complemented by human touch, and skills must be accompanied by the soul. He stated that the Navkar Mahamantra can serve as a source of wisdom and direction for the new generation.
Shri Modi urged everyone to take nine resolutions after the collective chanting of the Navkar Mantra. The first resolution being ‘Water Conservation’, he recalled the words of Buddhi Sagar Maharaj Ji, who predicted 100 years ago that water would be sold in shops. He emphasized the need to value and save every drop of water. The second resolution is to ‘plant a tree in Mother’s Name’. He highlighted the planting of over 100 crore trees in recent months and urged everyone to plant a tree in their mother’s name and nurture it like her blessings. He also recollected his efforts in Gujarat in this regard to plant 24 trees related to 24 Tirthankaras which could not be completed due to non-availability of few trees. Stressing the importance of cleanliness in every street, neighborhood, and city, urging everyone to contribute to this mission, Shri Modi mentioned ‘cleanliness mission’ as the third resolution. ‘Vocal for Local’ being the fourth resolution, he encouraged the promotion of locally made products, turning them global, and supporting items that carry the essence of Indian soil and the sweat of Indian workers. The fifth resolution is to ‘explore India’ and he urged people to explore India’s diverse states, cultures, and regions before traveling abroad, emphasizing the uniqueness and value of every corner of the country. ‘Adopting Natural Farming’ being the sixth resolution, the Prime Minister referred to the Jain principle of One living being should not harm another and called for freeing Mother Earth from chemicals, supporting farmers, and promoting natural farming. He proposed ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ as the seventh resolution and advocated for a return to Indian dietary traditions, including millets (Shri Anna), reducing oil consumption by 10%, and maintaining health through moderation and restraint. He proposed ‘Incorporating Yoga and Sports’ as the eighth resolution and emphasized making yoga and sports a part of daily life, whether at home, work, school, or parks, to ensure physical health and mental peace. Highlighting the importance of assisting the underprivileged, whether by holding a hand or filling a plate, as the true essence of service, he proposed ‘Helping the Poor’ as the ninth and final resolution. He emphasised that these resolutions align with the principles of Jainism and the vision of a sustainable and harmonious future. “These nine resolutions will infuse new energy into individuals and provide a fresh direction to the younger generation. Their implementation will foster peace, harmony, and compassion within society”, he added.
Noting that the principles of Jainism, including Ratnatraya, Daslakshan, Solah Karan, and the festivals like Paryushan, pave the way for self-welfare, Shri Modi expressed confidence that the World Navkar Mantra Day will continuously enhance happiness, peace, and prosperity globally. He expressed satisfaction at the unity displayed by all four sects coming together for this event, describing it as a symbol of unity, emphasising the importance of spreading the message of unity across the nation. He stated that anyone who chants “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” should be embraced and connected, as this energy strengthens the foundation of a developed India.
Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the blessings of Guru Bhagwants being received at various locations across the country. He extended his respects to the entire Jain community for organizing this global event. He offered his salutations to Acharya Bhagwants, Muni Maharajs, Shravak-Shravikas, and all those participating in the event from across India and abroad. He congratulated JITO for their efforts in organizing this historic event and acknowledged the presence of Home Minister of Gujarat, Shri Harsh Sanghavi, JITO Apex Chairman Shri Prithviraj Kothari, President Shri Vijay Bhandari, other JITO officials, and dignitaries from around the world, extending his best wishes for the success of this remarkable event.
Background
Navkar Mahamantra Divas is a momentous celebration of spiritual harmony and ethical consciousness that seeks to unite people through the collective chanting of the Navkar Mahamantra—the most revered and universal chant in Jainism. Rooted in the principles of non-violence, humility, and spiritual elevation, the mantra pays homage to the virtues of enlightened beings and inspires inner transformation. The Divas encourages all individuals to reflect on the values of self-purification, tolerance, and collective well-being.
People from more than 108 countries joined the global chant for peace and togetherness. They participated to foster peace, spiritual awakening, and universal harmony through the sacred Jain chant.
Navkar Mahamantra embodies humility, peace and universal harmony. Delighted to take part in the Navkar Mahamantra Divas programme. https://t.co/4f4r6ZuVkX
Climate change is today’s biggest crisis and its solution is a sustainable lifestyle, which the Jain community has practiced for centuries. This aligns perfectly with India’s Mission LiFE. pic.twitter.com/4p1FzlYyEB
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following are the speaking notes of the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, on welfare, poverty alleviation and children policy areas tabled at the special meeting of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee today (April 9):
Chairman and Honourable Members,
In 2025-26, government recurrent spending on social welfare is estimated to be $130.4 billion, accounting for 22.2 per cent of the total recurrent government expenditure of the year, first amongst all policy area groups. Compared with the revised estimate for 2024-25 of $118.7 billion, there is an increase of about $11.7 billion in recurrent spending on social welfare. The increase is about 9.8 per cent. Now, let me highlight how the Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) will make use of these resources.
Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities ($2 Scheme)
The Financial Secretary has announced in the 2025-26 Budget the adjustments of the $2 Scheme. On the basis that the targeted beneficiaries remain unchanged, the Government will change the concessionary fare to “$2 flat rate cum 80 per cent discount”, which means that beneficiaries will continue to pay $2 for trips with full adult fare below or equal to $10. For trips with full adult fare above $10, the beneficiaries will have to pay the amount after 80 per cent discount of the full fare. Furthermore, the number of concessionary trips will also be limited to 240 per month. This fine-tuned proposal preserves our policy intent while striking a balance between enhancing the sustainability of the scheme and minimising the impacts to the beneficiaries. Our preliminary estimate at the time of the Budget announcement was that the “$2 flat rate cum 80 per cent discount” proposal would be implemented no later than September 2026. Upon liaison with the Octopus Cards Limited and public transport operators, the “$2 flat rate cum 80 per cent discount” proposal can be implemented in April 2026, which is around five months earlier than the original estimate. The amount of additional savings is about $260 million. As for the “concessionary trips limit” proposal, we expect that it will be implemented about one year after the implementation of the “$2 flat rate cum 80 per cent discount” proposal.
Elderly services
The recurrent government expenditure on elderly services this year is estimated to reach about $17 billion, representing an increase of about 50 per cent over about $11 billion five years ago (i.e. 2020-21).
The Government will continue to strengthen residential and community care services for the elderly. We will add 1 000 Residential Care Service Vouchers for the Elderly (RCSV) and 1 000 Community Care Service Vouchers for the Elderly (CCSV) starting from the second quarter this year, so that the numbers of RCSV and CCSV will reach 6 000 and 12 000 respectively. The annual expenditure involved is about $1,710 million and $900 million respectively.
Cash assistance
This year’s Budget proposes to provide a one-off extra half-month allowance to eligible recipients of social security payments, which will incur an expenditure of about $2,988 million and is expected to benefit about 1.71 million persons. Similar arrangements will apply to recipients of the Working Family Allowance Scheme. It is expected that around 56 000 households will benefit from this initiative, incurring an expenditure of about $96 million.
Enhance support for persons with disabilities
Starting from the third quarter of this year, the Government will regularise the Pilot Project on Enhancing Vocational Rehabilitation Services to enhance services and training models in Sheltered Workshops and Integrated Vocational Rehabilitation Services Centres to build a better vocational rehabilitation and training ladder for persons with disabilities. This initiative involves an annual expenditure of about $100 million, and it is expected to benefit about 10 000 people.
The Government will set up 14 Integrated Community Rehabilitation Centres across the territory in phases to provide persons with disabilities who require medium to high-level care with flexible and integrated community support services through a case management approach. Moreover, 1 280 additional day community rehabilitation and home care service places will be provided for persons with severe disabilities. Additional annual expenditure involved is around $160 million.
In addition, in view of the remarkable effectiveness of peer support services for persons in mental recovery, the Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that peer support services will be expanded to other types of disabilities, with 90 additional peer supporter posts added in District Support Centres for Persons with Disabilities and Parents/Relatives Resource Centres. Annual expenditure involved is around $21 million.
Online youth emotional support platform
The Government will enhance the services of the five existing Cyber Youth Support Teams in the second quarter of 2025 by providing an online youth emotional support platform. Total additional expenditure involved is around $150 million.
District Services and Community Care Teams – Scheme on Supporting Elderly and Carers
The Government launched the District Services and Community Care Teams – Pilot Scheme on Supporting for Elderly and Carers in Tsuen Wan and Southern Districts in March last year. Care Teams were engaged to help identify households of singleton/doubleton elderly persons and carers of elderly persons/persons with disabilities in need, providing them with caring and support services. In light of the satisfactory results of the Pilot Scheme, the Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that the Scheme will be extended to across the territory in the second quarter of 2025, supporting elderly persons and carers in all 18 districts. This initiative involves an annual expenditure of about $111.9 million.
Rehabilitation services places
The Government is committed to building an inclusive society and supporting persons with disabilities in developing their physical, mental social capabilities to the fullest possible extent, and to promote their integration into the community. To this end, the Government is committed to increasing the number of rehabilitation (including day, residential and respite care) service places from about 37 300 in 2023-24 to about 39 900 by 2028-29 and providing about 1 040 additional day care, residential care and pre-school rehabilitation service places in 2025-26. These involve an annual expenditure of about $186 million.
Assist working families in childbearing
Over the three years starting from 2024, the Government is setting up 11 more aided standalone Child Care Centres (CCCs) in phases, increasing the number of CCCs from 15 to 26, and increasing the service places from about 1 000 to about 2 000. Four of the new CCCs have commenced service in 2024, providing a total of 344 service places. The Social Welfare Department (SWD) will also further enhance the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project by further increasing the number of service places from 2 000 to 2 500, with the estimated number of beneficiaries to be increased from 20 000 to 25 000.
Child protection
The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance will come into effect on January 20, 2026, creating a wider and more effective protection web for children. In this connection, the Government will provide an additional annual provision of $186 million to increase the number of emergency places for residential childcare service and strengthen professional support for child abuse victims and their families.
To strengthen the prevention of child abuse at its source, the Government will allocate an additional provision of $96.9 million from 2025-26 to 2029-30 for setting up four Community Parents and Children Centres on a pilot basis. The Centres will promote parent-child interaction through play-based services and instil positive parenting skills in parents, and render support for families with parenting needs. The four Community Parents and Children Centres will commence operation progressively starting from 2026.
Implementation of Productivity Enhancement Programme (PEP)
The Financial Secretary has announced in the 2025-26 Budget that the Government would step up the PEP. On the premise that the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance and Social Security Allowance will not be affected, the rate of reduction of recurrent government expenditure will be increased from the original 1 per cent to 2 per cent in 2025-26. This arrangement will be extended for two more years to 2027-28. Taking into account the 1 per cent cut in 2024-25, the cumulative rate of reduction will be 7 per cent in total. After considering various factors and trying the best to redeploy internal resources, the LWB and the SWD rolled out four support measures to assist non-governmental organisations operating subvented welfare services (subvented NGOs) in implementing the PEP, including (i) shouldering part of the financial impact on subvented NGOs and exempting multiple items that are subject to reduction in expenditure; (ii) increasing subvented NGOs’ flexibility and certainty in utilising the reserves of Lump Sum Grant subvention; (iii) reducing the workload of handling cost apportionment; and (iv) enhancing Funding and Service Agreements.
I have met with heads of subvented NGOs immediately after the announcement of the Budget to explain the support measures. I would like to thank the senior management of the subvented NGOs for leading their staff to rise to the challenges, and for working with the Government in a concerted manner to make the best use of public resources to implement the PEP together and continue to provide quality services to the needy.
Chairman, this concludes my opening remarks. Members are welcome to raise questions.
Almost One in Five (17%) Canadians Reported Losing Money Due to Fraud in Last Year with Median Loss of $2,013
Gaming, Government and Communities were Most Targeted Sectors by Digital Fraudsters in Canada
Key Study Findings:
39% of Canadians surveyed said fraud concerns is the top reason why they abandon online shopping carts.
46% prioritize security of personal data as the #1 quality (more than cost savings or quality of goods and services) when deciding what online company to do business with.
13% report taking no action when discovering they became a victim of fraud.
43% who said they were targeted by fraud involved phishing.
11% of attempted digital gaming transactions (including online betting, poker, etc.) where consumer was in Canada were suspected of digital fraud in 2024.
TORONTO, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — According to the newly-released TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) H1 2025 Update to the State of Omnichannel Fraud Report, more than half (56%) of 1,000 Canadians surveyed said they were targeted by fraudsters through email, online, phone call or text messaging channels from August to December 2024. Nearly one in 10 (9%) of those reporting being targeted said they fell victim to it. Furthermore, when surveyed from Nov. 21 to Dec. 6, 2024, nearly one-fifth of Canadians (17%) said they lost money due to email, online, phone call or text messaging in the past year. The number of Canadians targeted and who fell victim may be significantly higher, but people may be unaware they were targeted.
“Our research indicates that many Canadians don’t take the proper steps if they have fallen victim to Digital Fraud,” said Patrick Boudreau, head of identity management and fraud solutions at TransUnion Canada. “These steps should include reporting the suspected fraud to your bank or credit card company to freeze accounts and changing all passwords. Consumers should also notify credit bureaus, including TransUnion, to place a fraud alert on their file, as well as report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If personal information was compromised or large sums of money were involved, it should be reported to the local police as well.”
Fraud concerns have major influence on who Canadians choose to do business with online. When engaging online, concerns around security and fraud has a significant impact on Canadians’ preferences and behaviours, including when making purchases or choosing who to do business with.
According to the survey that was part of TransUnion’s State of Omnichannel Fraud Report:
91% of Canadians said having confidence that their personal data will not be compromised is important when choosing who to transact with online.
46% said security of personal data is the number one consideration when deciding what company to do business with online, significantly higher than prioritizing cost savings (25%) and quality of goods and services (19%).
70% said fraud concerns would cause them not to return to a website.
31% said they have switched doing online transaction to another website due to fraud or security concerns.
39% said fraud and/or security concerns is a top reason to abandon their online shopping cart. Conversely, 16% said having too many security steps is a top reason to abandon their online cart.
35% said they have abandoned an online application for a financial or insurance product before completing it.
While many Canadians took various actions after discovering they had become a victim of fraud, more than 1 in 10 (13%) reported no action at all. Among Canadians who said they fell victim to email, online, phone call or text messaging fraud from August to December 2024, they reported taking the following actions:
51% contacted relevant impacted companies such as credit card issuers, retailers, etc.
48% placed a freeze on their credit.
29% placed a fraud alert on their credit report.
16% called the police.
15% contacted a company that compiles and provides credit reports.
13% said they took no action.
While Canadians were targeted by a mix of fraud schemes, phishing was the most reported kind. Among those who said they were targeted by email, online, phone call or text messaging fraud in the second half of last year, the most common reported method by them was phishing (43%). Phishing is when a fraudster uses an email, website, social post or QR code that appears to legitimate meant to trick a consumer into sharing personal information. Other common fraud attempt methods reported by those who said they were targeted include:
Smishing (40%), where fraudulent text messages try to trick recipients into revealing data.
Vishing (35%), where fraudulent phone calls try to induce recipients into revealing personal information.
Third-party seller scams on legitimate online retail websites (19%).
Gaming, Government and Communities Were the Top 3 Industries Targeted by Digital Fraudsters in Canada. Gaming (including online betting, poker, etc.) had the highest rate of suspected digital fraud1 attempts where the consumer or fraudster was in Canada when transacting. Over 11% of all attempted digital gaming-related transactions were suspected of fraud in 2024, an 80% increase from 2023. This was followed by government (9%), communities which includes online dating sites and forums (7%) and video gaming (6%).
The logistics industry, which has seen growth in shipping fraud (often perpetrated by organized crime rings), saw the greatest suspected digital fraud attempt rate and volume growth among industries analyzed, up 203% and 180% respectively for transactions from Canada YoY compared to 2023. However, the suspected digital fraud attempt rate for that industry was a relatively modest 2% in 2024. Conversely, telecommunications saw the biggest YoY suspected digital fraud attempt rate and volume decrease from 2024 (-88% and -86%) from Canada in that time period.
Canadian Sectors that Experienced Shifts in YoY Suspected Digital Fraud in Many Cases Differed from Global Changes:
Industry
Canada suspected digital fraud attempt rate 2024
Change from 2023
Global suspected digital fraud attempt rate 2024
Global change from 2023
Gaming (online sports betting, poker, etc.)
11.1%
+80%
7.8%
+20%
Government
8.5%
+21%
1.7%
+6%
Communities (online dating, forums, etc.)
7.0%
-19%
11.6%
+9%
Video gaming
6.4%
+15%
10.8%
-23%
Financial services
4.7%
+13%
4.9%
+3%
Retail
4.6%
+9%
7.6%
-45%
Insurance
3.3%
+54%
2.0%
-29%
Logistics
1.9%
+203%
2.6%
+101%
Telecommunications
0.3%
-88%
3.0%
-79%
Travel & leisure
0.2%
-26%
0.9%
-38%
Source: TransUnion TruValidate™
“While cybercriminals will attack at any time using any channel, they appear to focus on channels most popular in the regions they are targeting,” added Boudreau. “Emails are widely used in Canadians’ personal and business lives, while many use their mobile phones for everything from work calls to ordering groceries and organizing their families’ lives. Fraudsters view these channels as the most likely way that they’ll be able to trick people into sharing personal information, which is why all Canadians need to be vigilant about responding to messages of any kind on their digital platforms.”
TransUnion came to its conclusions about digital fraud based on intelligence from TransUnion TruValidate.
Specific country and regional data in the report includes Canada, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States and Zambia. Download the TransUnion H1 2025 Update to the State of Omnichannel Fraud Report for more information and insights about the global fraud trends.
About TransUnion® (NYSE: TRU) TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries, including Canada, where we’re the credit bureau of choice for the financial services ecosystem and most of Canada’s largest banks. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this by providing an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care.
Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world.
For more information or to request an interview, contact: Contact: Katie Duffy E-mail:katie.duffy@ketchum.com Telephone: +1 647-772-0969
1 The rate or percentage of suspected digital fraud attempts reflects those which TransUnion customers determined met one of the following conditions: 1) denial in real time due to fraudulent indicators, 2) denial in real time for corporate policy violations, 3) fraudulent upon customer investigation, or 4) a corporate policy violation upon customer investigation — compared to all transactions assessed. The country and regional analyses examined transactions in which the consumer or suspected fraudster was located in a select country or region when conducting a transaction. Global statistics represents every country worldwide and not just the select countries and regions.
VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has launched an exclusive BTC Fixed Saving Event offering an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of up to 99%, in anticipation of the upcoming Babylon (BABY) token listing. This event not only brings substantial rewards to users but also underscores MEXC’s commitment to supporting the development of diverse ecosystems and projects across the cryptocurrency space.
High APR Opportunity Through BTC Fixed Saving Event
The BTC Fixed Saving Event, running from April 8 – May 9, 2025 (UTC), offers new users the opportunity to earn up to 99% APR on their BTC deposits. Event features include:
High Earnings: New users can earn up to 99% APR on BTC deposits.
Low Minimum Entry: Start with as little as 0.0015 BTC.
Short-Term Commitment: Stake for just 3 days to enjoy high returns.
Babylon Airdrop+ Event with a Total Prize Pool of 150,000 USDT
In addition to the BTC Fixed Saving Event, MEXC is also hosting the Babylon (BABY) Airdrop+ Event, which runs from April 3 – April 24, 2025. Users can participate and share the prize pool in the following ways: Benefit 1: New users can deposit to share 80,000 USDT in Futures bonuses. Benefit 2: Trade in the Futures Challenge to share 50,000 USDT in Futures bonuses (open to all users). Benefit 3: Invite new users and share 20,000 USDT in Futures bonuses (open to all users).
In addition to the BTC Fixed Saving Event and the Babylon Airdrop+ Event, MEXC continues to prioritize the interests of its users. By offering high APR opportunities, 0 Trading Fee, and other user-centric services, MEXC demonstrates its commitment to delivering value and supporting its global user base.
Looking to the future, MEXC remains focused on upholding its mission of being the easiest way to crypto. The platform is committed to fostering industry development and reinforcing its advantages in fast token listings and a broad selection of trending tokens. According to the latest TokenInsight report, from November 1, 2024, to February 15, 2025, MEXC led the industry with an impressive 461 spot listings. Additionally, during the bi-weekly periods, MEXC maintained a high listing frequency, consistently ranking among the top six exchanges and demonstrating its ability to quickly capture market trends. Through these efforts, MEXC empowers global users to seize market opportunities and unlock greater investment potential.
About MEXC
Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding. MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC
Risk Disclaimer: The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.
Disclaimer: This press release is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announced a collaboration with BNB Chain. Through this collaboration, BNB Chain projects will benefit from faster listing opportunities and enhanced market support, allowing them to expand on a global scale. Investors will also have the chance to access high-potential assets and support promising projects at an early stage.
This collaboration will focus on two core areas, each designed to accelerate the success of BNB Chain ecosystem projects and provide them with the essential tools and support needed to thrive in the global market.
1.Exclusive Listing Support & Priority Access to MEXC Alpha BNB Chain is recognized for its low gas fees, high transaction throughput, and rapid confirmation times, providing an optimized environment for decentralized applications. The recent rise of memecoins on BNB Chain has greatly boosted trading volumes, emphasizing the growth opportunities for early-stage alpha tokens.
To empower this momentum, MEXC will strengthen its support for BNB Chain ecosystem projects by providing expedited listing channels and priority reviews for inclusion in the MEXC Alpha Ranking. It aims to identify early-stage, high-potential blockchain projects. This feature helps MEXC’s over 36 million global users stay ahead of market trends and easily capitalize on the next big wave in the crypto industry. Additionally, it simplifies the transition of these projects to MEXC’s spot and futures markets, further enhancing the exposure and liquidity of the entire ecosystem. Through these supports, MEXC aims to help BNB Chain high-quality projects enter the global market more efficiently.
2. Ecosystem Collaboration & Strategic Market Empowerment MEXC is not just a cryptocurrency exchange but also a key driver of growth in the crypto market. Through this collaboration, MEXC will leverage its strengths to provide comprehensive market support for BNB Chain ecosystem projects. By integrating resources, both parties will work together to fuel the growth of various BNB Chain ecosystem projects while contributing to the sustainable development of the entire ecosystem.
By addressing key aspects of listing opportunities, market exposure, and ecosystem growth, both parties aim to create a lasting impact and sustainable development within the blockchain space. Through exclusive listing support and the provision of robust market resources, MEXC enhances the market exposure and liquidity of BNB Chain ecosystem projects, positioning them for greater success and broader reach in the global marketplace. Leveraging the BNB Chain $100M Liquidity Incentive Program, BNB Chain will also offer up to $500,000 in rewards to projects through its collaboration with MEXC.
“We are committed to providing our users with a diverse range of trading options by facilitating efficient token listings, ensuring rapid transaction processing, and implementing industry-leading security measures. This collaboration will also offer our users exclusive early access to high-potential investment opportunities within the BNB Chain ecosystem, as well as other emerging and promising ecosystems. By collaborating with innovative and high-growth ecosystems like BNB Chain, we aim to expand the horizons for our users and contribute to the broader blockchain industry’s evolution. We are excited about the transformative impact this strategic collaboration will bring, not only to our users but to the entire industry,” Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC, stated.
“At BNB Chain, we empower early-stage developers to build from zero to one. Through our collaboration with MEXC on priority listing and market support, we’re enabling BNB Chain’s high-performance innovators to thrive—driving global blockchain innovation and transformation.” Sarah, Head of Business Development at BNB Chain, stated.
Looking ahead, MEXC and BNB Chain will further strengthen their strategic partnership and explore new opportunities for collaborative innovation in emerging and cutting-edge sectors.
About BNB Chain BNB Chain is a community-driven blockchain ecosystem that is removing barriers to Web3 adoption. It is composed of:
BNB Smart Chain (BSC): A secure DeFi hub with the lowest gas fees of any EVM-compatible L1; serves as the ecosystem’s governance chain.
opBNB: A scalability L2 that delivers some of the lowest gas fees of any L2 and rapid processing speeds.
BNB Greenfield: Meets decentralized storage needs for the ecosystem and lets users establish their own data marketplaces.
Setting a high bar for security, the AvengerDAO community protects BNB Chain users while Red Alarm provides a real-time risk-scanner for Dapps. The ecosystem also offers a range of monetary and ecosystem rewards as part of its Builder Support Program. For more, follow BNB Chain on X or start exploring via our Dapp library.
About MEXC Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding. MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC
Disclaimer:This press release is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
TEL AVIV, Israel, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR), a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments, will announce its first quarter results on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Conference Call Details Radware management will host a call on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT to discuss its first quarter 2025 results and outlook for the second quarter of 2025. Participants are advised to join the call approximately 15 minutes before the start time.
A replay of the call will be available for seven days, starting two hours after the end of the call, on telephone number 1-844-512-2921 (toll free) or 1-412-317-6671. Access ID: 13752770.
About Radware Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR) is a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments. The company’s cloud application, infrastructure, and API security solutions use AI-driven algorithms for precise, hands-free, real-time protection from the most sophisticated web, application, and DDoS attacks, API abuse, and bad bots. Enterprises and carriers worldwide rely on Radware’s solutions to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and protect their brands and business operations while reducing costs. For more information, please visit the Radware website.
Radware believes the information in this document is accurate in all material respects as of its publication date. However, the information is provided without any express, statutory, or implied warranties and is subject to change without notice.
The contents of any website or hyperlinks mentioned in this press release are for informational purposes and the contents thereof are not part of this press release.
Safe Harbor Statement This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements made herein that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about Radware’s plans, outlook, beliefs, or opinions, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may,” and “could.” Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, could differ materially from Radware’s current forecasts and estimates. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to:the impact of global economic conditions, including as a result of the state of war declared in Israel in October 2023 and instability in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, tensions between China and Taiwan,financial and credit market fluctuations (including elevated interest rates), impacts from tariffs or other trade restrictions, inflation, and the potential for regional or global recessions; our dependence on independent distributors to sell our products; our ability to manage our anticipated growth effectively; our business may be affected by sanctions, export controls, and similar measures, targeting Russia and other countries and territories, as well as other responses to Russia’s military conflict in Ukraine, including indefinite suspension of operations in Russia and dealings with Russian entities by many multi-national businesses across a variety of industries; the ability of vendors to provide our hardware platforms and components for the manufacture of our products; our ability to attract, train, and retain highly qualified personnel; intense competition in the market for cybersecurity and application delivery solutions and in our industry in general, and changes in the competitive landscape; our ability to develop new solutions and enhance existing solutions; the impact to our reputation and business in the event of real or perceived shortcomings, defects, or vulnerabilities in our solutions, if our end-users experience security breaches, or if our information technology systems and data, or those of our service providers and other contractors, are compromised by cyber-attackers or other malicious actors or by a critical system failure; our use of AItechnologiesthat present regulatory, litigation, and reputational risks; risks related to the fact that our products must interoperate with operating systems, software applications,and hardware that are developed by others; outages, interruptions, or delays in hosting services; the risks associated with our global operations, such as difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations, compliance costs arising from host country laws or regulations, partial or total expropriation, export duties and quotas, local tax exposure, economic or political instability, including as a result of insurrection, war, natural disasters, and major environmental, climate, or public health concerns; our net losses in the past and the possibility that we may incur losses in the future; a slowdown in the growth of the cybersecurity and application delivery solutions market or in the development of the market for our cloud-based solutions; long sales cycles for our solutions; risks and uncertainties relating to acquisitions or other investments; risks associated with doing business in countries with a history of corruption or with foreign governments; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; risks associated with undetected defects or errors in our products; our ability to protect our proprietary technology; intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties; laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting our business; compliance with open source and third-party licenses; complications with the design or implementation of our new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system; our reliance on information technology systems; our ESG disclosures and initiatives;and other factors and risks over which we may have little or no control. This list is intended to identify only certain of the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Radware, refer to Radware’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC),and the other risk factors discussed from time to time by Radware in reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except as required by applicable law, Radware undertakes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statement in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made. Radware’s public filings are available from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or may be obtained on Radware’s website atwww.radware.com.
TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — One of the world’s most influential events in the Web3 space, the 2025 Hong Kong Web3 Festival, concluded successfully at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 6th to 9th. Co-hosted by Wanxiang Blockchain Labs and HashKey Group, the event attracted over 50,000 attendees, 300+ top industry leaders, and 150 cutting-edge projects. As a pioneering innovator in Web3 infrastructure, InitVerse stood out as one of the spotlight projects at the festival with its strong technical foundation and global strategy. Hakan Sezikli, Chief Business Officer of InitVerse, was invited to participate in several major panel discussions, sharing with global developers and investors how InitVerse is reshaping the future of Web3 through privacy protection and automation.
Since its debut in 2023, the Hong Kong Web3 Festival has become a key bridge connecting blockchain ecosystems across Asia and Europe. This year’s theme, “Web3 Globalization: Technology, Compliance, and Innovation,” brought together notable guests such as Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, Binance founder CZ, and Telegram CEO Pavel Durov. Covering hot topics like infrastructure, DeFi, and AI+Web3, the event once again positioned Hong Kong—Asia’s first Web3 event with full government support—as a magnet for global capital and innovation. InitVerse’s participation not only highlighted its globally competitive technical solution but also marked a strategic step forward in the Asia-Pacific region.
On the main stage and across various sub-events, InitVerse showcased the core strengths of its next-generation Web3 infrastructure to developers worldwide. Built on the INIChain blockchain, InitVerse is an all-in-one platform committed to offering full-lifecycle solutions for DApps—from development to deployment and scaling. Thanks to its technological innovation, InitVerse has already garnered significant attention from industry media and top-tier investment institutions.
During the panel discussion titled “AI + DePIN: New Possibilities for All Things,” InitVerse CBO Hakan Sezikli remarked:
“The core contradiction facing current cloud and AI ecosystems lies in the imbalance between data utilization and privacy protection. InitVerse’s TfhEVM technology combines Fully Homomorphic Encryption (TFHE) with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), delivering a highly secure, private, and fully functional decentralized computing environment. This allows developers to run AI models directly on encrypted data—without needing to decrypt the original information. This breakthrough is crucial for fields like healthcare and finance, where compliance and trust are paramount.”
InitVerse adopts a modular architecture, separating the INIChain base layer, privacy computing layer, and AI service layer. This ensures decentralization and security while allowing INICloud to dynamically scale computing resources. Developers can flexibly access computing power based on their needs, ensuring DApps maintain high performance even during traffic surges.
In the forum, Hakan Sezikli further elaborated on InitVerse’s technical vision and community ecosystem. He emphasized that InitVerse’s tech roadmap always seeks a balance between decentralization, performance, and usability. He also revealed that InitVerse is collaborating with multiple institutions to build the next generation of encrypted applications.
The Hong Kong Web3 Festival marks the third stop in InitVerse’s 2025 globalization strategy. With the unique value of its technology stack, InitVerse has drawn attention from top institutions including **HashKey Capital**, and plans to expand its global influence through the following events:
Jakarta, Indonesia (April 12): Community meetup with local leaders to explore the Southeast Asian market
Moscow (April 23): First appearance at the Eastern European Blockchain Forum, pushing for enterprise collaborations in Russian-speaking markets
Dubai (April 30): Participation in Token2049, expanding into regulated financial use cases in the Middle East
(More locations are being planned and will be announced soon)
InitVerse’s globalization efforts are not only reflected in technology deployment but also in its ongoing efforts to build a decentralized community. Through incentive programs and outreach, the official community grew by over 2,000 new members during the event—demonstrating the market’s strong demand for privacy technology.
The 2025 Hong Kong Web3 Festival once again proved that the future of Web3 belongs to projects that can balance technical innovation with real-world needs. With TFHE encryption, modular architecture, and AI empowerment, InitVerse is offering developers the ultimate toolkit for privacy and performance. As Hakan Sezikli aptly put it during the panel: “If the future of AI is private, encrypted, and decentralized—InitVerse is building it.”
About InitVerse
the next-generation platform designed to simplify the development, deployment, and scaling of decentralized applications (DApps). Powered by INIChain, an advanced blockchain infrastructure, InitVerse provides a secure, efficient, and scalable ecosystem for Web3 projects.By leveraging INIChain’s robust blockchain processing and dynamic scalability, InitVerse offers developers a complete solution for the entire DApp lifecycle. From secure deployment to seamless scaling, InitVerse makes Web3 development accessible and efficient for developers at all levels.
Disclaimer:This press release is provided by INIChain. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
Trastuzumab deruxtecan approved to treat adults with HER2-positive cancer that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery
As with all products, the MHRA will keep its safety under close review.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today (9 April 2025) approved trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) to treat people with solid tumours that have mutations in human epidermal growth factor 2 (known as HER2 positive cancers) that have spread to other parts of the body (metastatic disease) or cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable), and who have no alternative treatment options.
This approval is an extension to the indication (use) of the medicine, which has previously been approved for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancers, who have received two or more prior anti-HER2-based regimens for non-small cell lung cancer with an activating HER2 mutation and HER2-postivie gastric cancer.
Trastuzumab deruxtecan has been approved through Project Orbis, a global partnership between the MHRA, the Therapeutics Goods Administration in Australia, Health Canada, the Health Sciences Authority in Singapore, Swissmedic, Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária in Brazil and Israel’s Ministry of Health, coordinated by the US Food and Drug Administration. This programme reviews and approves promising cancer drugs, helping patients to access treatments more quickly.
As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of trastuzumab deruxtecan under close review. Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.
Notes to editors
The variation to the marketing authorisation was granted on 9 April 2025 to Daiichi Sankyo UK Ltd.
The aim of Project Orbis is to deliver faster patient access to innovative cancer treatments with potential benefits over existing therapies. For more information, see: Project Orbis
More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgments to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.
Find out about our financial support for SME Housebuilders
Homes England is helping hundreds of small and medium sized housebuilders to kickstart projects by providing development loans from £250,000 to over £10 million.
The Home Building Fund is designed for housebuilders based in England that are struggling to access finance from traditional lenders. Loans can be tailored to your individual circumstances and can be used to meet the development costs of building homes for sale or rent. Financing is also available to support community-led housing projects, serviced plots for custom and self-builders, off-site manufacturing, new entrants to the market and groups of small firms working in consortia to deliver larger sites.
Our flexible approach, along with our in-depth knowledge of the housing sector, makes us uniquely placed to support businesses of all sizes to deliver new homes.
The Home Building Fund can help if you:
are a UK-registered corporate entity or limited liability partnership
plan to build 5 or more homes on a site in England
have a controlling interest in the land, with outline planning permission in place
More information about the fund can be found in our Home Building Fund guidance, and you can also arrange a call with one of our regional specialists by:
Change of British High Commissioner to Mauritius: Paul Brummell
Mr Paul Brummell CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Mauritius.
Mr Paul Brummell
Mr Paul Brummell CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Mauritius in succession to Ms Charlotte Pierre who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Brummell will take up his appointment during July 2025.
Curriculum vitae
Full name: Paul Brummell
Year
Role
2021 to present
Riga, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2018 to 2021
FCDO, Head of Soft Power and External Affairs Department
2014 to 2018
Bucharest, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2013 to 2014
Pre-posting training (including Romanian language training)
2009 to 2013
Bridgetown, British High Commissioner to the Eastern Caribbean
2005 to 2009
Astana, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2002 to 2005
Ashgabat, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2001
FCO, Afghanistan Emergency Unit
2000 to 2001
FCO, Deputy Head of Eastern Department
1995 to 2000
Rome, First Secretary (Political, Press and Public Affairs)
1993 to 1994
FCO, Environment, Science and Energy Department
1992
New York, Conference Support Officer, UK Mission to the United Nations
1989 to 1992
Islamabad, Third later Second Secretary (Political)
The final meeting of UNDRR’s Polish Aid-funded “Strengthening Critical Infrastructure Resilience in the Republic of Moldova” project called on the government and development partners to take action to protect critical infrastructure from growing disaster risks.
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development (MIRD) hosted a meeting to present the final findings of the project, gathering key stakeholders, including Secretaries of State from MIRD and other government ministries, the Polish Ambassador, the UN Resident Coordinator, UN agencies, development partners, and international financial institutions.
Launched in July 2024 with financial support from the Government of Poland, the project applied a global methodology developed by UNDRR and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure to assess the resilience of Moldova’s critical infrastructure, focusing on energy, ICT, transport, and water sectors. Moldova became the first country in Europe and Central Asia to adopt this approach, which has been implemented in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America.
Moldova is highly vulnerable to natural hazards such as floods, storms, and droughts, as well as broader impacts of climate change. These risks pose significant threats to critical infrastructure, which is vital for providing essential services and supporting key economic sectors.
The final meeting in Chisinau brought stakeholders together to advance the risk-informed recommendations from the project’s national roadmap report, aimed at strengthening Moldova’s resilience across sectors and governance levels.
The roadmap report examines vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure systems against disaster risks, highlighting systemic and cascading impacts, as well as interdependencies during disruptions. It identifies gaps and proposes improvements in policies, regulations, and their implementation, along with areas for enhanced coordination across sectors and governance levels. The report outlines cross-sectoral and sector-specific Resilience Action Plans, balancing short-term preparedness with long-term strategies, aligning with Moldova’s National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and the EU National Accession Programme.
Mr. Corneliu Cirimpei, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development said that “effective disaster risk management in Moldova is currently focused more on response, rather than on proactive disaster risk reduction measures, and therefore there is a significant opportunity in updating and harmonizing the regulatory framework to strengthen preparedness and ensure the continuity of essential services in the face of disruptions.”
H.E. Tomasz Kobzdej, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland, underlined the “importance of efforts to strengthen critical infrastructure resilience in the face of complex disaster risks and threats in Moldova”, emphasizing “the linkages of the project recommendations with Moldova’s EU accession process.”
Ms. Yesim Oruc, UN Resident Coordinatorin the Republic of Moldova, welcomed “the findings of this comprehensive initiative as a steppingstone for developing both sectoral and cross-sectoral plans to strengthen infrastructure resilience in Moldova”, underlining “the resilience of critical infrastructure systems and the key services as a prerequisite for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”
Ms. Natalia Alonso Cano, Chief of the UNDRR Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, called for a “whole-of-government and multi-stakeholder approach to advance the priority actions identified in the roadmap report, ensuring continuity and coherence across partners in strengthening infrastructure resilience”, adding that “UNDRR remains committed to supporting Moldova in building its critical infrastructure resilience across sectors, in alignment with national priorities and global best practices.”
The project was supported by a Technical Working Group co-chaired by UNDRR and MIRD, comprising representatives from six ministries, the State Chancellery, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, and the Agency for Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre, along with UN agencies and civil society organizations. The initiative included consultations, webinars, and workshops, such as the Stress Test and Resilience Scorecard Workshop held in Chișinău in November 2024, with participation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
About the project
Launched in July 2024 with financial support from the Government of Poland, the “Strengthening critical infrastructure resilience in the Republic of Moldova” employs a global methodology developed by UNDRR and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure to assess the level of critical infrastructure resilience, identify gaps, foster collaboration among key stakeholders, and to formulate an implementation plan to enhance governance and investments in infrastructure resilience, in line with government priorities.
About UNDRR
UNDRR is the lead agency in the United Nations on disaster risk reduction. It provides leadership, expertise, and tools to enable countries to understand and act on disaster risks before they become disasters. UNDRR’s work is guided by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which aims to achieve a substantial reduction in disaster risk and losses by the year 2030.
The first batch of three non-locally trained dentists recruited by the Department of Health started working at government dental clinics in the first quarter.
The Legislative Council passed the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024 in July 2024, which introduced new pathways for admitting qualified non-locally trained dentists, including limited registration for all dentists, and special registration targeting specialist dentists.
The department launched a global recruitment drive in the same month. It received over 90 applications from non-locally trained dentists and issued 12 letters of appointment after a rigorous selection process.
Three of the applicants, after obtaining the Dental Council of Hong Kong’s approval for limited registration in February, took up their appointments with the department on March 10.
The three newly recruited dentists have practised in the Mainland, the UK and Australia after obtaining their professional qualifications in dentistry from Mainland and overseas institutions respectively.
Proficient in Cantonese, they have been assigned to work in government dental clinics with general public sessions after taking a one-week induction course.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following are the speaking notes of the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, on labour, manpower development and retirement protection policy areas tabled at the special meeting of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee today (April 9):
Chairman and Honourable Members,
Recurrent government spending on labour and manpower development in 2025-26 is estimated to be $3,480 million, representing an increase of about $350 million (11.1 per cent) over the revised estimate of $3,140 million last year. It accounts for 0.6 per cent of the total recurrent government expenditure. I will highlight the key areas of work in respect of the relevant areas in the coming year.
Abolishing the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) offsetting arrangement
The abolition of the MPF offsetting arrangement will take effect on May 1 this year, alongside the launch of a 25-year subsidy scheme on the same date. I would like to remind employers again that the abolition has no retrospective effect, and the pre-transition portion of severance payment (SP) and long service payment for existing employees can still be offset after May 1. Dismissing employees before the abolition takes effect will not save money.
Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS)
The Labour Department (LD) has implemented the ESLS since September 4, 2023, to suspend the general exclusion of the 26 job categories as well as unskilled or low-skilled posts from labour importation under the previous Supplementary Labour Scheme for two years. As at March this year, the ESLS received over 12 000 applications for importing about 107 000 workers. During the period, over 7 800 applications involving around 54 000 imported workers were approved. The LD is reviewing the ESLS, including its coverage, operation and implementation arrangements; measures to promote and ensure employment priority for local workers; measures to protect the rights and benefits of imported workers; as well as other requirements and matters relating to the ESLS. The Government will take full account of the views of stakeholders, including employer associations and labour organisations, in mapping out the way forward.
Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW)
The SMW rate will be raised from the prevailing level of $40 per hour to $42.1 on May 1, providing further protection to low-income employees. Moreover, the Government is firming up a new annual review mechanism for future SMW rates. The first rate derived under the new mechanism is expected to take effect on May 1 next year.
Amending the Trade Unions Ordinance (TUO)
The Government also proposes to amend the TUO to better safeguard national security and strengthen the regulatory regime for trade unions. The Labour Advisory Board (LAB) and the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Manpower supported the amendment proposals. The Government will introduce the Bill into the LegCo this month.
Relaxing the “continuous contract” requirement under the Employment Ordinance (EO)
Based on the consensus reached by the LAB, the Government is amending the EO to relax the working hours threshold of the “continuous contract” requirement, enabling more employees to enjoy fuller protection. The Government will introduce the Bill into the LegCo this month.
Increasing the ceiling of ex gratia payment on SP under the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund (PWIF)
The Government on March 21 this year increased the ceiling of ex gratia payment on SP under the PWIF from $100,000 plus 50 per cent of any excess entitlement to $200,000 plus 50 per cent of any excess entitlement, further strengthening the protection for the rights of employees affected by business closures.
Strengthening youth employment services
The LD in January this year enhanced the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Youth Employment Scheme to relax the eligibility requirements to include young people aged 29 or below with sub-degree or higher qualifications, and increase the limit of allowance granted to enterprises to $12,000 per young person per month. The LD also raised the upper age limit for participants of the Youth Employment and Training Programme to 29 and introduced workplace attachment opportunities in the GBA to enhance young people’s employability.
Re-employment Allowance Pilot Scheme
The LD on July 15 last year launched the three-year Re-employment Allowance Pilot Scheme. The response is very favourable. As at March this year, the Scheme recorded over 38 000 participants and more than 16 000 placements, mobilising more older and middle-aged persons to join the employment market.
Enhancing occupational safety and health (OSH)
The LD is highly concerned about the levels of OSH risks across different industries, as well as the changes in these risks, with a particular focus on the construction industry. On top of routine OSH inspections, the LD conducts special enforcement operations, safety audit inspections and in-depth inspections targeting high-risk processes and construction sites with poor safety performance. In addition, the LD has stepped up district patrols targeting minor repair, maintenance, alteration and addition works to curb unsafe work activities.
The LD will also enhance the application of technology by introducing small unmanned aircraft in the second half of this year to assist with inspections, evidence collection, law enforcement operations, etc.
Last year, the LD brought the remaining four elements of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Safety Management) Regulation into operation and revised the Code of Practice on Safety Management to strengthen the safety management system. The LD also revised the Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety and the Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces to further strengthen bamboo scaffolding safety and enhance OSH in confined space works. Following the revision of the Guidance Notes on Prevention of Trapping Hazard of Tail Lifts in March this year, the LD will revise the Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes and the Guidance Notes on Safe Use of Power-operated Elevating Work Platforms in 2025-26 to enhance the safety requirements for operating the relevant machinery.
Talent attraction
To address the labour shortage across industries, the Government, on top of the ongoing promotion of local training, has also implemented various well-received talent attraction measures, including the launch of the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) since the end of 2022.
As at end-March this year, over 460 000 applications were received under various talent admission schemes, of which over 300 000 were approved. During the same period, a total of about 203 000 talents arrived in Hong Kong. Some of them brought along families to settle in Hong Kong, and about 189 000 spouses of the approved applicants and their children under the age of 18 arrived in Hong Kong. These incoming talents and their families bring about a positive impact on Hong Kong’s labour force and add new impetus to the local economy. The first batch of visas under the TTPS have started to expire from end-December last year, with nearly 10 000 TTPS visas estimated to expire by the middle of the year. As only a small number of applications have been processed at present, we will analyse in detail the relevant statistics when a certain number of applications for extension of stay have been accumulated and release them at an opportune time.
The Government is reforming various aspects of the talent admission regime to continue to strive to trawl for and retain talents. We have also initiated the arrangements under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme for proactively inviting top-notch and leading talents to come to Hong Kong for development, which have been endorsed by the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents led by the Chief Secretary for Administration. Under the new mechanism, we will, having regard to various development needs of our country and Hong Kong, proactively persuade the target top-notch talents to settle in Hong Kong, promoting Hong Kong as the focal point of international high-calibre talents. The Government will provide throughout the process various personalised facilitations to the invitees. It is well appreciated that these top-notch talents are highly sought after worldwide. To avoid affecting the lobbying, we will not disclose the specific operational details about the invitation mechanism.
In addition, to address the acute manpower shortage in the local skilled trades, we will enhance the General Employment Policy and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals to allow young and experienced non-degree talents with relevant professional and technical qualifications to come to Hong Kong to join the skilled trades facing acute manpower shortage. Meanwhile, the 2023 Policy Address announced the launch of the two-year pilot Vocational Professional Admission Scheme (VPAS). The number of eligible programmes in the 2025/26 admission cohort will be increased to 34. While applications will be only open next year upon the graduation of the first batch of eligible non-local students, we have noticed that since the announcement of VPAS, many non-local students have been attracted to enrol in the eligible programmes that had difficulties enrolling local students in the past. The Vocational Training Council will enhance its promotional efforts and support non-local graduates in applying under the scheme for staying in Hong Kong for one year to seek jobs relevant to their disciplines.
Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) provides comprehensive one-stop support to incoming talents. It organises online and offline workshops (including Cantonese learning courses), seminars and job fairs centred on living, employment and entrepreneurship in Hong Kong, as well as social inclusion activities (including the Talent+ Volunteer Programme), to help incoming talents settle in Hong Kong, and promote Hong Kong’s advantages to the world and recruit talents. HKTE organised the inaugural Global Talent Summit．Hong Kong (GTS) in May 2024 and will organise the second GTS early next year to reinforce Hong Kong’s status as an international hub for high-calibre talents.
Reform of the Employees Retraining Board
The Employees Retraining Board (ERB) is taking forward its reform and has since early this year implemented short-term measures to enhance its services, including lifting the restriction on educational attainment of trainees. In the medium to long term, the ERB will rename the organisation, enhance training and employment support services, strengthen research capabilities, and formulate a pertinent training framework. The ERB will submit an implementation plan to the Government by the end of this year. The Government will continue to work with the ERB to implement the reform, with a view to enhancing local manpower training, upskilling and re-skilling.
To encourage more young people to participate in the Apprenticeship Scheme and join the relevant trades, each registered apprentice, for a period of three years starting from 2024-25, is provided with an additional training allowance of $1,000 per month, and graduated apprentices will be subsidised to undertake upskilling courses of relevant trades. Meanwhile, the VTC receives subvention to organise short in-service training courses with a view to meeting the market demand.
Manpower projection
The LWB released the report on the 2023 Manpower Projection in 2024, projecting that Hong Kong will face an overall manpower shortage of 180 000 by 2028, with over one-third being skilled technical workers. We would commence a mid-term update of the 2023 Manpower Projection in late 2025, with the findings expected to be available in 2026.
Chairman, this concludes my opening remarks. Members are welcome to raise questions.
Evidence-Based Rural Development Gets a Push with Rollout of First-Ever Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) Baseline Report for FY 2022-23 PAI 2022–23: Out of 2.16 Lakh Validated Panchayats,
35.8% Gram Panchayats Recognized as Performers; 61.2% Identified as Aspirants; Gujarat and Telangana Lead as Front Runners
Posted On: 09 APR 2025 1:43PM by PIB Delhi
In a major stride towards localizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and empowering grassroots governance, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) — a transformative tool to measure the progress of over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) across India. The PAI captures Panchayats’ performance across nine themes of Localized SDGs (LSDGs) ie. Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihoods in Panchayat, Healthy Panchayat, Child-Friendly Panchayat, Water-Sufficient Panchayat, Clean and Green Panchayat, Panchayat with Self-Sufficient Infrastructure, Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayat, Panchayat with Good Governance and Women-Friendly Panchayat. These themes align global goals with rural realities, helping local governments tailor their strategies for holistic development.
State-wise, Gujarat led the pack with 346 Gram Panchayat as Front Runners, followed by Telangana with 270 Front Runners. States with a high number of Performers include Gujarat (13781), Maharashtra (12,242), Telangana (10099) along with Madhya Pradesh (7,912), and Uttar Pradesh (6593) while Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh have a significant share of Aspirant Gram Panchayats, highlighting areas needing focused development efforts. The 2022-23 PAI data reveals that out of 2,55,699 Gram Panchayats, 2,16,285 submitted validated data. While 699 (0.3%) Panchayats emerged as Front Runners, 77,298 (35.8%) were Performers, 1,32,392 (61.2%) were Aspirants while 5,896(2.7%) Gram Panchayats were at the Beginner Level.None of the Gram Panchayat is qualified as an Achiever. As of now, no inter-state comparison has been done.
About Panchayat Advancement Index
Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) is a composite Index & has been compiled based on 435 unique local Indicators (331 mandatory & 104 optional) consisting of 566 unique data points across 9 themesof LSDGs (Localization of Sustainable Development Goals)aligned with National Indicator Framework (NIF) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) , the PAI reflects India’s commitment to achieving the SDG 2030 Agenda through participatory, bottom-up development. Based on the PAI scores & thematic Scores achieved by different Gram Panchayats, these GPs are grouped into one of the categories of performance – Achiever: (90+), Front Runner: (75 to below 90); Performer: (60 to below 75); Aspirant: (40 to below 60) and Beginners (below 40).
PAI aims to assess and measure the progress made by grassroots-level institutions in achieving localized SDGs, thereby contributing to the attainment of SDG 2030. The Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) is a multi-domain and multi-sectoral index that is intended to be used to assess the overall holistic development, performance & progress of Panchayats. The index takes into account various socio-economic indicators and parameters to gauge the well-being and development status of the local communities within the jurisdiction of a Panchayat. One of the purposes of the PAI is to identify the development gaps of the Panchayats through the scores achieved across various LSDG themes and enable the Panchayat for evidence-based planning at grassroots level. The outcomes of the PAI, over time, will reflect incremental progress based on the scores achieved by Panchayats, highlighting their advancement toward realizing the LSDGs. The first ever baseline Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) FY 22-23, will play a vital role in setting local targets, identifying actionable points, and facilitating the preparation of evidence-based Panchayat Development Plans aimed at achieving the desired goals. The index resonates with the needs of rural India making them contextually meaningful at the grassroots level. The PAI serves as a tool for assessment and promotes healthy competition among Panchayats. Moreover, the data collected through PAI serves as a foundation for evidence-based planning, enabling Panchayats to identify development gaps, set clear targets, and allocate resources more effectively, thus driving more strategic and impactful governance at the local level. Crucially, it enables policymakers at all levels from State Governments to Members of Parliament to assess ground-level progress and fine-tune strategies accordingly.
Release of the Panchayat Advancement Index has been possible due to the collaboration with various Union Ministries, State Governments and UN Agencies. These stakeholders have shared essential data that forms the backbone of the index, making it a comprehensive tool for monitoring development. Over 2.16 lakh Gram Panchayats from 29 States/UTs have already entered their data into the dedicated PAI Portal with each entry rigorously validated before being included in the final index. The PAI portal (www.pai.gov.in) serves as a robust, multilingual data management platform enabling Panchayats to enter and track their development metrics. Data from over 2.16 lakh Panchayats has been processed, with validation by States/ UTs. Data for 11,712 Panchayats from five States/UTs (Meghalaya, Nagaland, Goa, Puducherry, and West Bengal) were not included due to pending validation.
As India continues its journey towards the 2030 SDG targets, the PAI stands as a landmark innovation in rural governance promoting transparency, efficiency, and community-centered development. For further insights and access to detailed reports, visitwww.pai.gov.in.
State Wise Number of Panchayats in Each Performance Category
Stretch, Breathe, Stay Updated: IDY 2025 Newsletter Goes Live IDY Newsletter reflects the spirit of IDY 2025 theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, as envisioned by the Prime Minister: Ayush Minister
Posted On: 09 APR 2025 1:59PM by PIB Delhi
In the run-up to the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY), the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush has launched a dedicated newsletter to provide timely updates, foster awareness, and encourage public participation in the global celebration of yoga. With just weeks to go for the event, the newsletter will serve as a vital communication tool to engage stakeholders and audiences worldwide.
The Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav highlighted the thought behind the initiative and mentioned that, “This newsletter is a vital step towards ensuring timely and transparent updates for citizens and stakeholders alike. It reflects the spirit of IDY 2025 theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, as envisioned by the Prime Minister in Mann Ki Baat. I commend MDNIY for its dedicated efforts in bringing this initiative to life.”
The Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha mentioned, “The publication of this newsletter is an effort to bring citizens closer to yoga. It encourages widespread participation in IDY 2025 and promotes holistic well-being, aligning with our shared vision of health and harmony for all.
The Joint Secretary, Ms. Monalisa Dash mentioned, “This newsletter reflects our integrated approach to International Day of Yoga 2025. It brings together voices and efforts from across institutions, helping ensure that the IDY message resonates strongly and inclusively across all sections of society.”
The Director, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Dr. Kashinath Samagandi emphasised that “Publication of this newsletter has been a collaborative journey. Timely cooperation from IDY event organisers nationwide is crucial to ensure accurate, comprehensive updates that reflect our collective commitment to promoting yoga and wellness at every level of society.”
The newsletter aims to disseminate timely information and keep the public informed about the latest developments, including event plans, milestones, and logistical preparations. It will also generate excitement and awareness among citizens, institutions, media houses, and international partners, reinforcing the central message of holistic health and well-being through yoga.
Designed to promote participation, the newsletter will share details on registration portals, participation guidelines, and community-led initiatives. It will also showcase the country’s preparedness, including ground-level activities, rehearsals, and signature campaigns like Harit Yoga.
A key objective of the newsletter is to strengthen stakeholder engagement, aligning government bodies, yoga institutions, educational organisations, and global missions under a common vision. The Ministry will also use the platform to highlight innovative campaigns, digital tools like yoga apps, and the special theme ‘Yoga for One Earth One Health’ introduced for the year.
Functioning as a communication bridge, the newsletter will regularly feature updates on pre-events, curtain raisers, and international collaborations. It will spotlight success stories from previous editions and include expert insights from renowned yoga practitioners and scientists.
With the Prime Minister’s vision of making yoga a unifying force for humanity, the newsletter will further promote government messaging, celebrating India’s role in leading this global wellness movement.
This initiative also aims to foster global outreach, highlighting activities of Indian embassies and diaspora communities, ensuring that the spirit of IDY resonates across continents.