National
China’s actions in South China Sea confronting rules: Australian Envoy
New Delhi, Nov 14 (IANS) Speaking of an “increasing pressure” on the global rules-based order, Australian envoy Harinder Sidhu on Tuesday criticised China’s actions in the south China sea, saying they have been “confronting the rules we have lived by for decades”.
Delivering the Alfred Deakin Lecture here, Australia’s High Commissioner to India Sidhu said the economic success that presents opportunities for growth and prosperity also translates into larger strategic investments like large military budgets.
“By 2020, the combined military budgets in our region are forecast to exceed $600 billion,” she said.
“This year, China established its first overseas military base in Djibouti. It is expected to build at least 30 new submarines and an additional aircraft carrier… India has been the world’s largest arms importer over the last five years,” said Sidhu.
Asserting that such developments can generate uncertainty, anxiety and a risk of miscalculation, she said: “This is why Australia and India are such champions of the international rules-based order.”
Such order comes from a shared values of freedom, liberty and a respect for the sovereign equality of all states — whether big or small, she said.
Stressing that such understanding and respect for the international principles has allowed “countries like ours” to pursue their national interest while managing rivalries, the envoy said that enduring this international order is a shared interest of India and Australia.
“However, it is coming under increasing pressure. For instance, China’s actions in the South China Sea are confronting the rules we have lived by for decades,” Sidhu said
She pointed out that North Korea’s continued missile testing is raising risks to stability in the region.
“A narrow conception of national interests is driving a more transactional approach to negotiations and an inclination toward unilateral action.”
On the trade ties at bilateral level, the High Commissioner said: “We remain committed to Free Trade Agreements including to concluding a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with India.”
“Beyond the CECA, we need to look at all the ways that our two countries can build our economic relationship for the future. Prime Minister (Malcolm) Turnbull has commissioned the development of an India Economic Strategy,” she said.
The lecture also included several other important points, including climate change and women’s rights.
“India and Australia share a commitment to advancing gender equality in all aspects of life — in politics, in business, in education and at home,” she said.
However, citing a World Bank Report, released in March 2017, she also pointed out that the rate of women’s workforce participation in India had worsened over the years.
“This is despite decades of economic growth and increasing levels of women’s education,” the envoy said.
–IANS
kd/him/dg
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.
Foodman Vishal Singh Honored for Hunger Free World Mission in Bangkok
Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
Cheers and Cheers: Barzilla’s Joyful Ode to Inclusivity and Celebration
Casino Days Reveal Internal Data on Most Popular Smartphones
Meghalaya Reserves Legalized Gambling and Sports Betting for Tourists
IPL 20202 UPDATE: KXIP vs MI IPL Dream11 Team Prediction for Today Match, Update Point Table of all Team.
In a Live debate AAP leader Syed Asad Abbas hurls abuses to BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.
‘India’s Most Wanted’ trailer out Arjun Kapoor on hunt of Osama-Bin-Laden
Time to move on: Sonakshi on Shatrughan’s joining Congress
