Latest news with #SatvinderSingh
BusinessToday
4 days ago
- Business
- BusinessToday
ASEAN Signals Readiness To Upgrade Trade Pact With Japan
ASEAN has declared its readiness to modernise its free trade agreement with Japan, aiming to align the decades-old pact with today's fast-evolving economic landscape. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Economic Community, said the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP), signed in 2008, needs a refresh to reflect new trade priorities. 'The agreement we have today was framed decades ago…Timing-wise, it may be like how we have upgraded agreements with China, Australia, New Zealand and India,' he told reporters at a joint press conference with Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz during Expo 2025 Osaka. Recent ASEAN trade upgrades have introduced pillars such as e-commerce, innovation, supply chain resilience and sustainability, areas Satvinder believes should also be part of a revised deal with Japan. He stressed that shifting geoeconomic realities and Japanese firms' interest in reconfiguring ASEAN operations make the upgrade 'more valuable than ever'. Tengku Zafrul said upcoming meetings, including the ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting in September and the ASEAN Leaders' Summit in October, will be key opportunities to deepen economic ties. 'Constant dialogue builds trust, and that trust will build a better ASEAN and Asia,' he said.
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Time of India
How a Bengaluru bus stand cleaner's sharp eye helped avert a bomb scare days before CM's event
Just days before a high-profile event, gelatine sticks and detonators were discovered in an abandoned bag at a private bus stand toilet in Bengaluru's busy KR Market. The discovery, near the venue for the bus station renaming ceremony, triggered immediate security measures. Bengaluru Bomb Scare at Kalasipalya BMTC Bus Stand: A bag containing six gelatine sticks and detonators was found abandoned in a toilet at a private bus stand in Bengaluru's Kalasipalya, just days before a major public event involving the Chief Minister and Deputy CM. The discovery triggered panic in the crowded area. Police secured the scene and launched an investigation using CCTV footage. The man who left the bag is yet to be identified. A case has been registered under the Explosives Act. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Bag found inside toilet, handed over by staff CCTV footage reveals key suspect Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Area secured, investigation underway A security scare unfolded in central Bengaluru on Wednesday afternoon when six gelatine sticks and detonators were found in an unattended bag inside a toilet at a private bus stand near KR Market. The site is just a short walk from the BMTC Kalasipalya bus stand, where Karnataka's Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are scheduled to attend an official renaming ceremony in three incident caused immediate concern among police and led to panic in Kalasipalya, a transit hub that sees thousands of commuters and traders pass through every bag was discovered by Satvinder Singh, the staff member responsible for maintaining the toilet facilities. He noticed the unattended item and, sensing something was off, brought it to the local police station without quickly alerted the anti-sabotage squad, who arrived with sniffer dogs and cleared the area. They carried out a thorough two-hour sweep of the surroundings. No other suspicious objects or explosives were part of the investigation, police reviewed CCTV footage from the premises. The video reportedly shows a man carrying a bag, entering the toilet, and exiting shortly after, empty-handed."It looks like the abandoned gelatin sticks were similar to those used in quarrying. We suspect the man, who was carrying the sticks for a reason, might have abandoned them in the toilet, worried by police presence. We're looking for the man," said S Girish, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) told materials, while capable of triggering fear, appeared not to be part of an active device. Their presence in such a public and politically sensitive location has raised major concerns about intent and immediate area around the toilet was cordoned off, and the bomb disposal team safely secured the explosives and detonators. No injuries or damage were reported. The swift response helped restore order, though anxiety lingered throughout the DCP confirmed that a case has been filed under the Explosives Act. 'The police are investigating the matter, but an FIR has not been registered yet,' he discovery came just before a planned event to rename the BMTC bus stand near KR Market. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are expected to attend. With security already tightened in anticipation, this incident has prompted a further review of all continue to scan video footage and pursue leads to identify the man who left the bag behind. His motive remains now, city police are on alert. Investigators say they are treating the case with utmost seriousness, given the location and timing.(With inputs from TOI)
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Time of India
How alert Bengaluru bus stand worker spotted explosives, foiled possible bomb plot ahead of CM event
Just days before a high-profile event, gelatine sticks and detonators were discovered in an abandoned bag at a private bus stand toilet in Bengaluru's busy KR Market. The discovery, near the venue for the bus station renaming ceremony, triggered immediate security measures. BENGALURU: Three days before a big-ticket event to rename a bus station to be attended by the CM and the deputy CM, six gelatine sticks and detonators were found in an abandoned bag in the toilet of a private bus stand in KR Market -very close to the venue - on Wednesday afternoon. The incident sent police officials into a tizzy and panic gripped Kalasipalya, a transit hub in the heart of the city teeming with thousands of traders and commuters. After seizing the bag, the police department's anti-sabotage squad, with sniffer dogs, scanned the area for over two hours and found no suspicious objects or explosives. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru The incident came to light when Satvinder Singh, who was in charge of the toilet, came across the unattended bag. DCP: Gelatin sticks similar to those used in quarrying He took the bag to the police station and informed cops, who immediately summoned an anti-sabotage squad. An officer said they collected CCTV footage from the premises, showing a man carrying a bag, entering the toilet and returning empty-handed after a while. "It looks like the abandoned gelatin sticks were similar to those used in quarrying. We suspect the man, who was carrying the sticks for a reason, might have abandoned them in the toilet, worried by police presence. We're looking for the man," DCP (West) Girish S said. A case under the Explosives Act has been registered.
South China Morning Post
28-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
South China Sea tensions ‘won't stop' Asean's blue economy growth, official says
Southeast Asia's plans to grow its blue economy – especially its fisheries sector – will not be hindered by tensions in the South China Sea , according to a senior Asean official, despite warnings from observers that ongoing maritime disputes with China could threaten the region's economic and environmental progress. Satvinder Singh, deputy secretary general of the Asean Economic Community, said disputes involving claimant states such as the Philippines and Vietnam would not hamper the bloc's efforts to grow the industry as part of a broader push to become the world's fourth-largest economy before 2045. 'Fisheries are one of the key sectors in the blue economy for the region,' Singh said at a Friday media briefing on the Asean Community Vision 2045 and the bloc's coming economic strategic plan. 'Those specific incidents that happen in the South China Sea are not going to stop the industry from progressing.' The blue economy – which encompasses maritime industries such as fisheries, tourism, offshore energy and marine transport – is a key component of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ' push for sustainable development. According to Singh, it sits alongside other major regional initiatives, including the Asean Strategy for Carbon Neutrality and frameworks focused on circular economies, agriculture, energy and transport. Fishermen pull a net onto a beach in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. The blue economy is a key component of Asean's push for sustainable development. Photo: AFP Singh confirmed that the implementation plan for the Asean Blue Economy Framework, adopted in 2023, would be completed this year. The framework outlines regional cooperation on a sector projected by the United Nations Development Programme to generate US$3 trillion in economic value and 43 million jobs by the end of the decade.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Myanmar stays committed to ASEAN despite domestic challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: Despite grappling with ongoing domestic challenges, Myanmar continues to play an active and constructive role within the ASEAN framework, particularly in driving the region's economic agenda forward, ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Satvinder Singh said. Speaking at a recent engagement, he emphasised Myanmar's unwavering commitment to ASEAN's initiatives, noting that the country remains an essential and cooperative member of the bloc. 'In the last couple of years, when they are undergoing so much turmoil domestically, it hasn't stopped them from contributing what they need to contribute in every single initiative of ASEAN. 'Even meetings, where they need to host, they have hosted when there are key agreements where they need to vote, they did - knowing that in ASEAN, if one country doesn't vote, the agreement doesn't pass through,' he said at a pre-event briefing on the AEC Strategic Plan 2026-2030 recently. Hence, Myanmar's contributions to ASEAN have not wavered, he said. Satvinder also praised the camaraderie and solidarity among ASEAN's economic leaders, including those from Myanmar, calling it a vital force behind the grouping's recent progress. 'When I sit next to the ASEAN Secretary-General, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, and watch how these leaders discuss and align on economic matters, the unity they show is remarkable. That solidarity is exactly what's powering the progress of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC),' he said. He also noted that Myanmar's proactive stance on regional trade and development efforts deserves recognition, especially at a time when internal difficulties could have easily led to disengagement. 'Credit must be given where it's due. Myanmar hasn't just participated; they have contributed meaningfully,' he added. To recap, the 2021 military coup in Myanmar that deposed democratically elected National League for Democracy (NLD) leader Suu Kyi further worsened its situation, prompting the bloc to bar its junta leaders from its summits and ministerial meetings. Nevertheless, Myanmar's senior officials have continued to attend preparatory meetings for ASEAN summits, including the 46th ASEAN Summit. ASEAN Foreign Ministers have agreed that efforts to continue engaging with all stakeholders in Myanmar must persist to find a long-term solution to the protracted crisis in the country. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said that Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, planned to visit Myanmar to formally present a 'wishlist' gathered from various stakeholders to the State Administration Council (SAC). ASEAN will also conduct internal consultation on the proposal for a permanent ASEAN Special Envoy to Myanmar, he said.
