Hong Kong's first "new style Legco dialogue" with Chief Executive John Lee focused on enhancing communication. Lawmakers proposed revamping the 1823 public inquiry hotline with AI, mirroring Beijing's 12345 model, and transforming post offices into resident service centers to improve public services and accountability.
Wong's resignation from Legco, following his arrest for suspected drink-driving and a hit-and-run, is deemed appropriate for the administration and legislature. Experts suggest the loss of his seat will not significantly impact legislative operations.
Traffic volume at three harbour crossings has surpassed pre-toll peak levels, despite improved overall peak-hour conditions. Congestion on connecting routes persists, prompting suggestions for future toll structure adjustments. The effectiveness of current tolls may wane due to economic growth and inflation.
Hong Kong transport authorities suggest cross-harbour tunnel tolls may need future adjustments as traffic volumes have surpassed pre-reform peaks. Congestion persists during certain times, impacting connecting roads, and the initial toll's effectiveness is expected to wane.
A Legislative Council member resigned Friday following a scandal. Starry Lee Wai-king stated that the council routinely reviews its code of conduct for members, and this incident will serve as a reference for future amendments.
Lawmaker Wong is suspected of drink-driving, careless driving, and failing to stop and report after a traffic accident. He allegedly failed to inform the legislature or fellow lawmakers before the incident became public, potentially breaching the members' code of conduct.
Hong Kong lawmaker William Wong Kam-fai has apologised for "causing inconvenience" after his arrest for suspected drink-driving, careless driving, and failing to stop and report an accident on the CUHK campus. The incident involved his car crashing into two parked vehicles. He was granted bail and is due to report to police in late July.
Hong Kong proposes updating sexual offence laws, criminalising same-sex rape, introducing new minors' protections, and setting a uniform age of consent at 16.
Hong Kong's civil service chief pledged a future "reasonable and attractive" pay adjustment after the Legislative Council approved a flat 2% rise for civil servants. Lawmakers criticized the 2% increase, effective retroactively from April, as insufficient compared to survey recommendations and union demands, raising concerns about civil service appeal and the local economy.
Hong Kong's Cantonese restaurants saw revenue plunge 27.9% in Q1, while non-Chinese eateries grew. Leaders urge cultural export promotion, citing South Korea's success, and call for innovation and dedicated food streets to revive the sector.
Ride-hailing platforms Amap and Didi Chuxing have expressed support for Hong Kong's proposed cap on new licenses, a move aimed at balancing demand, preventing excessive competition, and reducing traffic congestion. The new regulatory regime is expected to be passed by lawmakers in July.
The Mahayuti alliance secured a landslide victory in the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, winning 16 out of 17 declared seats. The BJP was the largest gainer with 11 seats, followed by Shiv Sena (3) and NCP (2). An independent BJP rebel won the sole non-alliance seat in Nashik.
Ride-hailing platforms Amap and Didi Chuxing have expressed support for Hong Kong's proposed cap on new licenses, a move aimed at balancing demand, preventing excessive competition, and reducing road congestion.
Karnataka BJP will hold a legislature party meeting at Dharmasthala to investigate alleged cross-voting by BJP MLAs in recent council elections. Party president B Y Vijayendra stated legislators may take an oath before Lord Manjunatha to reveal the truth, calling the act "betrayal".
Hong Kong and Shenzhen are discussing implementation details for a pilot project to ease the cross-border flow of data, materials, and capital within the Hetao Innovation Zone. The initiative aims to foster collaboration and support Hong Kong's ambition to become a global innovation hub.
Hong Kong and Shenzhen will pilot new measures this year to ease cross-border flows of data, materials, and capital within the Northern Metropolis development, focusing on the Hetao Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone. The initiative aims to foster collaboration and support Hong Kong's ambition to become an international I&T hub.
Hong Kong and Shenzhen will launch pilot initiatives this year to ease cross-border flows of data, materials, and capital within the Northern Metropolis development. The measures aim to foster collaboration and support Hong Kong's ambition to become an international I&T hub.
Cross-voting impacted Rajya Sabha elections in Jharkhand and Legislative Council polls in Karnataka. While NDA gained in Jharkhand, Congress outmaneuvered BJP in Karnataka. Both parties exhibit double standards regarding cross-voting.
The Congress party achieved a significant victory in the Karnataka Legislative Council elections, winning all five contested seats. Leaders attributed the success to strong support for the state government's policies and welfare guarantees, with CM DK Shivakumar crediting party unity.
The ruling Congress secured five out of seven seats in Karnataka's legislative council elections, exceeding expectations due to alleged cross-voting from BJP and JD(S) members. BJP won two seats, while JD(S) lost its candidate. The results are seen as a boost for CM D.K. Shivakumar's government.
Hong Kong plans to implement mandatory health checks for commercial vehicle drivers aged 65 and above by mid-2025. The age threshold will be lowered from 70, and licenses will require annual renewal with medical assessments to enhance road safety.
Hong Kong officials stated that new legislation allowing certain criminal cases to be handled under national security procedures will be used rarely. The regulation empowers the chief executive to classify offenses as endangering national security, leading to stricter procedures like longer detention and tougher bail conditions.
Industry leaders in Hong Kong are calling for the government to expand its planned mandate for driver-monitoring systems on public buses to other transport modes and upgrade road infrastructure to reduce traffic accidents.
Hong Kong introduces real-name reservations for Po Pin Chau trail to prevent scalping and no-shows, considering ballot systems and potential future fees after pilot evaluation.
