World
Australia may turn republic once Queen’s reign ends
Canberra: Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said Australia may turn republic but only after Queen Elizabeth II’s reign ends, reports said on Sunday. Speaking at Australian Republican Movement’s (ARM) 25th anniversary dinner overnight, Turnbull said Australians were unlikely to back the republican push while the Queen was still ruling.
He, however, did not rule out a vote in the near future, Xinhua news reported. Turnbull headed the republican movement from 1993 to 1999, including the group’s failed vote in 1999. “I do not believe Australia would welcome, let alone support, another public referendum during her (Queen Elizabeth II’s) reign,” Turnbull said on Saturday night.
He said any push for Australia to formally become a republic would be a “slow burn,” which must be thought out and embraced by all Australians regardless of how they vote. “We would need to have an advisory plebiscite which would offer a choice between two republican models, presumably direct election and parliamentary appointment,” he said.
Turnbull’s comments came a day after the current head of the ARM, Peter FitzSimons, said for the first time, there was majority support in the parliament for an Australian republic.
Following Turnbull’s cautious approach to the subject on Saturday night, FitzSimons acknowledged the challenge ahead for the group. “He’s the prime minister – he’s experienced in this field and he’s saying make no mistake you have a long hill to climb,” FitzSimons said.
“The point that I’m about to make in return is … we are climbing that hill, we’ve got extraordinary enthusiasm.” The plan has also received backing from the nation’s opposition leader, Bill Shorten. Shorten posted on social media: “My offer still stands – let’s work together to deliver an Australian head of state.” In 1999, Australia narrowly voted against leaving the British monarchy to become a republic.
National
Foodman Vishal Singh Honored for Hunger Free World Mission in Bangkok
Lucknow: Vishal Singh, a renowned social worker from Lucknow, also known as Foodman, has once again made India proud. He was honored by the Happy Hands Gloves Cooperative Limited Company in Korathai, Thailand, for his work with the Hunger Free World Mission.
The Hunger Free World Mission’s meeting was held in Korathai, Thailand, under Vishal Singh’s leadership. Representatives from several countries, including Mr. Raja Dwivedi (Managing Director of Happy Hands Gloves Limited), Thailand Coordinator Mr. Raja Mishra, and member Mr. Varun Singh, attended the event.
Under Vishal Singh’s leadership, the attendees took a pledge to work together toward creating a hunger-free world.
Speaking on the occasion, Vishal Singh explained that the main goal of the Hunger Free World Mission is social participation. He said the mission is not just about feeding people but also about meeting other basic needs of those who are struggling. The mission focuses on helping families of terminally ill patients in hospitals by providing food and shelter. It also works to fulfill essential needs like education, jobs, and care for the elderly.
For the last 16 years, the Vijay Sri Foundation has been providing free services, benefiting thousands of people. Vishal Singh highlighted that the mission aims to gain global recognition like other organizations such as WHO, WWF, and Red Cross, which work for social causes.
During this meeting, Vishal Singh was appointed as the Chairman of the Hunger Free World Mission by representatives from various countries. They also discussed holding regular meetings in different countries to push the mission forward.
Business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has also supported this humanitarian mission, vowing to promote the idea of “Seva Parmo Dharma” (Service is the highest duty) worldwide. Vishal Singh praised him, stating that people like Dr .Abhishek Verma inspire others to work for the betterment of society.
Recently, Romania’s Ambassador, Mr . Daniela Sezonov Ţane, invited Vishal Singh to the Romanian Embassy in Delhi, where they discussed the mission in detail. Impressed by his humanitarian work, she honored Vishal Singh and invited him to Romania to take the mission forward .
Food man Vishal Singh has been serving the people of India for the past 16 years. Through the Vijay Sri Foundation, he provides free meals to cancer patients & their families ,shelter, and education for women & children along with running free old-age homes in Lucknow.
In addition to his humanitarian work, Vishal Singh also addresses issues like crime and corruption through his role as Chairman of Seva Path Media and Managing Director of Vijay Sri Foundation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vishal Singh and his team worked tirelessly to provide food and help to the needy, including starving children, elderly citizens, and pregnant women. Despite contracting the virus himself, he continued to assist others after his recovery. He even created a life-saving oxygen regulator using household items, which was praised by doctors both in India and abroad.
In his address at the meeting, Vishal Singh spoke about his mission to create a hunger-free world. He pointed out that India’s large population, along with issues like unemployment and poverty, has caused the country to fall on the Hunger Index. He urged people to contribute just one handful of grains daily to help create a hunger-free world.
He concluded by saying that through social participation, we can empower the people around us, meet their basic needs, and work together to build a stronger, more prosperous, and developed society.