World
Merkel urges CDU members to unite behind SPD coalition
Berlin, Feb 26 (IANS) Ahead of a key vote on Monday on a coalition deal with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to get behind the proposal to ensure a stable government.
Merkel addressed party delegates at a convention in Berlin, where CDU members were expected to pass a tabled agreement with Bavarian sister party the CSU and the centre-left SPD of Martin Schulz, bringing Germany one step closer to ending months of political uncertainty following an inconclusive federal election, Efe news reported.
“This congress is important for the country and for the CDU, the party destined to set the tone for a stable government,” said Merkel, who was looking at a fourth possible term as chancellor should the so-called grand coalition be revived.
The meeting came a day after Merkel announced ministerial candidates for a new government, which included the notable ascendancy of Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer to CDU secretary-general.
Her suggested shake-up also saw the 37-year-old Jens Spahn, one of the Chancellor’s more outspoken and conservative critics, proposed as the future Minister of Health, which is expected to be a tough role given the SPD’s campaign to push through health reforms.
Only two of the CDU’s Cabinet members have been put forward for the new arrangement: Ursula von der Leyen has been lined up to continue her role as Defence Minister, while Peter Altmaier looked set to move from Minister of the Chancellery to Economy.
The SPD, whose youth wing steadfastly rejects the idea of a coalition with Merkel, is due to vote on the coalition proposal on March 4.
–IANS
soni/dg
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.