World
India forwards candidature for re-election to global maritime body
London, Nov 28 (IANS) India on Tuesday forwarded its candidature for re-election to the Council of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in Category-B, representing the developing countries and countries with largest interests in international sea-borne trade.
Announcing this here, Union Minister of Shipping Nitin Gadkari said in the event of India being re-elected, it would rededicate herself with renewed commitment towards the development of the objectives of the IMO.
“It would leverage the opportunity to further strengthen the implementation of the IMO instruments, for the accelerated and sustained growth of the global maritime community,” said Gadkari at the IMO.
The IMO, known as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO) until 1982, is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping.
Gadkari also said that India was committed to contributing to various efforts and initiatives of the IMO for safe, efficient, clean and secure maritime transportation for the benefit of mankind.
Emphasising that India was alive to the possibility of a quantum jump in maritime activities on the Indian coasts, Gadkari said that India was upgrading the infrastructure and reforming the regulatory framework for ease of doing business.
“Under flagship project of Sagarmala, six new major ports, 150 projects to modernise existing ports including construction of new berths, and 130 projects in rail and road sectors for last-mile connectivity have been identified requiring investment of $100 billion by 2025, of which, about $40 billion already stands spent,” said Gadkari.
“Also, 111 inland waterways fit for river navigation have been identified, of which 32 will be developed in the first phase at an estimated investment of $800 million. These projects provide major investment opportunities for the international community,” he added.
India is one of the founder members of the IMO and part of the IMO Council since, except in 1983-84.
Gadkari expressed happiness that application of the “Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System or IRNSS” in the maritime field was being pursued in the IMO.
“I am sure, the maritime community will benefit with the induction of this additional new facility,” he said.
–IANS
rup/nir/bg
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.