All eyes are on how the Financial Secretary will boost the local economy and drive future growth in his budget proposals on Wednesday morning. With the government's financial position on the mend, Paul Chan is being urged by different groups to offer more sweeteners and return wealth to the people. Damon Pang has this report on what to expect:

Hong Kong could inaugurate an Intellectual Property Academy by the end of the year, according to sources. The move is part of the measures that are expected to be announced in the financial chief's Budget. Chloe Feng reports.

Tourist arrivals during the Lunar New Year holiday rose about 14 percent to 1.77 million compared to a year ago, according to government data. As Frank Yung reports, the majority of travellers came from the mainland.

The Fire Services Department says it has implemented a comprehensive package of reforms following the blaze at Wang Fuk Court to prevent similar tragedies and boost public safety. Hailey Yip has the details.

The government says it will consider expanding a buyout plan to include the only block at Wang Fuk Court that was not ravaged by last November's deadly inferno, if half of the homeowners reach a consensus. Raymond Yeung has this story:

Thirteen parents and an intermediary have been found guilty of bribing a kindergarten administrator with HK$1.1 million to secure priority admission for 12 children between 2019 and 2022. The defendants were remanded in custody, and the case was adjourned to the end of next month. Frank Yung has more:

The MTR Corporation says a new signalling system will go live on the Tsuen Wan Line on March 15, replacing the existing system that has been in operation for two decades. Elvis Yu reports.

The government is seeking HK$4 billion to install more CCTV cameras. Security Secretary Chris Tang told lawmakers that the money is needed not only to keep the city safe, but also to build the CCTV network and data systems to go with them. Natale Ching reports.

The government is now developing a "Round-the-Island Trail" on Hong Kong Island by connecting waterfront promenades on the northern shore and a number of existing promenades and countryside walking trails in Southern District. The project, which began in 2023, is now 85 percent complete. Authorities aim to have 90 percent of the 60km path linked by next year, and all works completed by 2031. Local hiking expert DJ Clark told Azam Khan what hiking enthusiasts are looking forward to:

A tourism sector representative says the proposal to allow greater access to ecologically rich Mai Po should be carefully managed so as not to disrupt the wildlife. The plan by the Security Bureau will allow people to visit several places, including the frontier area, without having to apply for a permit from police. Travel Industry Council executive director Fanny Yeung told RTHK's Backchat programme how the proposal can balance preserving the ecological habitat and boosting tourism:

Standard Chartered says its pre-tax profit for last year climbed 16 percent year on year to nearly US$7 billion. As Chloe Feng reports, robust global banking and strong wealth inflows boosted revenue.

The Hong Kong government has expressed its strong opposition to Panama's takeover of ports run by CK Hutchison. A stern protest was delivered to the Panamanian Consul-General. The Foreign Ministry says China will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and ⁠interests of relevant companies. Damon Pang has the details.

China is banning the export of dual-use items to 20 Japanese entities on national security grounds. Twenty other Japanese companies have been placed on a watch list. According to the Commerce Ministry, the measures are aimed at curbing Japan's re-militarisation and nuclear ambitions. Azam Khan reports.

There was a sharp increase in travel on China's railways during the Spring Festival holiday, which ended Monday. Official data showed there were 121 million passenger trips, an increase of 11-and-a-half-percent from last year's holiday period. Frank Yung reports.

The Kremlin says the conflict in Ukraine has evolved into a much wider confrontation with the West. The comments came as the conflict entered a fifth year on Tuesday - as Jamie Clarke reports:

US President Trump will deliver the State of the Union address later this morning. He's expected to tout his first year back in office and lay out the Republican agenda heading into the midterm elections. Our Washington correspondent Simon Marks lays down some possible pointers for the speech:

Nancy Guthrie's family have offered a US$1 million reward to bring home their missing mother. Ms Guthrie's daughter, American television host Savannah Guthrie, says the family is "aching" for their mother's return. Jamie Clarke has more:

A political analyst says Washington's tightening embargo on Cuba is part of its broader plan to establish economic dominion over the region by force. The comment comes on the eve of a Caribbean summit during which US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to push for regime change in Havana. Cuba has accused the United States of trying to trigger a "humanitarian catastrophe" with the embargo that now extends to blocking oil from coming in. Dennis Small, Latin America Director of the Schiller Institute, told RTHK's Backchat programme that the prospects are dire:

In football... Bodo Glimt's fairytale run in the Champions League continues. The Norwegian side knocked out last season's runners-up Inter Milan in stunning fashion to progress into the last 16, winning the second leg of their play-off tie at the San Siro 2-1. Todd Harding has more: