Canada has officially denied recent media reports from The Globe and Mail that attempted to link the death of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. This clarification comes days after India vehemently objected to the allegations, calling them baseless. In a statement issued by the Privy Council Office, Nathalie G Drouin, Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Canadian Prime Minister, dismissed these claims. According to ANI, the statement highlighted, “On October 14th, because of a significant and ongoing threat to public safety, the RCMP and officials took the extraordinary step of making public accusations of serious criminal activity in Canada perpetrated by agents of the Government of India.” It further clarified, “The Government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada.” The statement categorically concluded, “Any suggestion to the contrary is both speculative and inaccurate.” India had earlier reacted strongly to these media reports, dismissing them as part of a “smear campaign.” On November 20, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that such claims should be treated with "the contempt they deserve." MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiwal, as reported by ANI, said, “We do not normally comment on media reports. However, such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. Smear campaigns like this only further damage our already strained ties.” India-Canada relations have hit a new low in recent months, with New Delhi raising concerns about the rise of extremism and anti-India activities in Canada. India has repeatedly urged Canadian authorities to take action against such elements operating within its borders. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had earlier claimed "credible allegations" of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing, a claim India has rejected outright as “absurd” and “motivated.” In retaliation, India recalled six diplomats from Canada after they were declared "persons of interest" by the Canadian government in relation to the case. Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist designated by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), was killed outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 last year. The case continues to strain the already frayed ties between the two nations. (With inputs from ANI)
22 November,2024 09:34 AM IST | OttawaCulture, cuisine and cricket deeply connect India and Guyana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, asserting that the commonalities provide a strong foundation for friendship between the two nations. Addressing a community programme in Guyana on Thursday, the prime minister praised the Indo-Guyanese community and their contribution to the development of the Caribbean nation. He stressed that the shared values between the two nations provide a strong foundation for their friendship. "Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply. Culture, cuisine and cricket," he said. Modi said both countries are proud of their rich and diverse culture. "We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength," he said. Noting that Indians traditionally carry food wherever they go, the prime minister highlighted that the Indo-Guyanese community has a unique food tradition that blends both Indian and Guyanese elements. "The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity," he said. "Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T20 World Cup that you hosted this year. Your cheers for the 'Team in Blue' at their match in Guyana could be heard even back home in India!" he added. Saluting the spirit of the Indo-Guyanese community, he said, "You have fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest-growing economies." "From humble beginnings, you have risen to the top," he added. Referring to the diaspora as "rashtradoots", Modi said that they are ambassadors of Indian culture and values. The prime minister underscored that the Indo-Guyanese community is "doubly blessed" as they have Guyana as their "motherland" and "Bharat mata" as their "ancestral land". Recalling his visit to Guyana two decades ago, Modi said he came to the country as a "traveller, full of curiosity". Noting that a lot has changed now that he visited as the Indian prime minister, he said, "The love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remain the same!" "My experience has reaffirmed - you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian," he said. Modi also highlighted the "shared history" that binds India and Guyana. "Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, and respect for diversity," he said. "We have a shared future that we want to create. Aspirations for growth and development, commitment towards economy and ecology, and, belief in a just and inclusive world order," Modi said. The prime minister noted that the top leadership of the two countries has worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation. "Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration -from energy to enterprise, Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, and data to development." "Our partnership also holds significant value for the wider region. The second India-CARICOM summit held yesterday is a testament to the same," he added. On Wednesday, Modi co-chaired the second India-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Summit here, during which he proposed seven "key pillars" to strengthen ties between India and the Caribbean Community. During the address, Modi asserted that India and Guyana believe in reformed multilateralism as members of the UN and as developing countries, understand the power of the Global South. "We seek strategic autonomy and support inclusive development. We prioritise sustainable development and climate justice. And, we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises," he said. Talking about India's growth, he said it has not only been inspirational but also inclusive. "India's journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability," he said. In a post on X, Modi shared pictures of the event and called it a "very special community programme". "Connecting with the larger Indian family!" the Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on X. "PM commended the Indian diaspora for preserving their culture and traditions. He highlighted India's growth story and invited them to visit their ancestral land," it said. The prime minister arrived here in Guyana on Wednesday, making it the first visit by an Indian head of state to the country in more than 50 years. He was conferred the highest national award in Guyana -- the 'Order of Excellence'. Modi thanked the people of Guyana for the gesture. "This is an honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is the recognition of the 3 lakh-strong Indo-Guyanese community and their contributions to the development of Guyana," he said during the address. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 November,2024 09:17 AM IST | Georgetown | PTIUS intelligence officials warned American defence companies on Thursday to increase security precautions following several acts of sabotage in Europe that officials have blamed on Russia. The public bulletin issued by the National Counterintelligence and Security Centre advised companies involved in defence work ' particularly those providing support to Ukraine in its war against Russia ' to step up their defences in the face of Russia's escalating aggression toward Ukraine's allies. 'Russia's sabotage activities in Europe increase the risk to US companies abroad and potentially at home," the officials wrote in the warning. 'Such sabotage operations can sow fear and doubt, damage important infrastructure, disrupt commerce, or cause injury and death.' US and European intelligence officials have said Russia perpetrated several recent acts of sabotage targeting European defense companies, logistics facilities, public utilities and military installations. Often, the officials said, Russian intelligence has hired local criminals to carry out the acts, which include arson attacks in the United Kingdom and Poland. Earlier this month, security officials blamed Russia for a plot to smuggle incendiary devices onto cargo planes headed to North America, including one that caught fire at a courier hub in Germany and another that ignited in a warehouse in England. Along with disinformation and propaganda, it's part of a larger hybrid effort to undermine the ability of Ukraine's allies to support its defense against Russia's invasion. Russia has denied the allegations. A message left with Russia's embassy in Washington was not immediately returned Thursday. The National Counterintelligence and Security Center is an agency within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, focused on protecting national assets from intelligence threats. Thursday's bulletin was jointly issued by the FBI and several Department of Defence agencies. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 November,2024 09:13 AM IST | Washington | APNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his past negotiations with the United States only confirmed Washington's 'unchangeable' hostility toward Pyongyang and described his nuclear buildup as the only way to counter external threats, state media said Friday. Kim spoke Thursday at a defence exhibition where North Korea displayed some of its most powerful weapons systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles designed to target the US mainland, the North's Korean Central News Agency said. While meeting with army officers last week, he had pledged a 'limitless' expansion of his military nuclear programme. Kim has yet to comment directly on Donald Trump's reelection as US president. During his first term, Trump held three highly orchestrated summits with the North Korean leader in 2018 and 2019, before the diplomacy collapsed over disagreements in exchanging the release of US-led economic sanctions and the North's steps to wind down its nuclear programme. During the speech at the exhibition, Kim touched on the failed summits without naming Trump. 'We have already gone as far as possible with the United States with negotiations, and what we ended up confirming was not a superpower's will for coexistence, but a thorough position based on force and an unchangeable invasive and hostile policy,' toward North Korea, Kim said. Kim accused the United States of raising military pressure on North Korea by strengthening its military cooperation with regional allies and increasing the deployment of 'strategic strike means,' apparently a reference to major US assets like long-range bombers, submarines and aircraft carriers. He called for accelerated efforts to advance the capabilities of his nuclear-armed military, saying the country's only guarantee of security to build up the 'strongest defense power that can overwhelm the enemy.' Kim's expanding nuclear weapons and missile programme includes various weapons targeting South Korea and Japan and longer range missiles that have demonstrated the range to reach the US mainland. Analysts say Kim's nuclear push is aimed at eventually pressuring Washington into accepting the North as a nuclear power and to negotiate economic and security concessions from a position of strength. In recent months, the priority of Kim's foreign policy has been Russia, as he tries to strengthen his international footing, embracing the idea of a 'new Cold War' and aligning with President Vladimir Putin's broader conflicts with the West. Washington and its allies have accused North Korea of providing Russia with thousands of troops and huge amounts of military equipment, including artillery systems and missiles, to help sustain its fighting in Ukraine. Kim in return could possibly receive badly needed economic aid and possible Russian technology transfers that would possibly enhance the threat posed by his nuclear-armed military, according to outside officials and experts. Even with Trump returning to the White House, a quicky resumption of diplomacy with Pyongyang could be unlikely, according to some experts. North Korea's deepening alliance with Russia and the weakening sanctions enforcement against Pyongyang are presenting further challenges in the diplomatic push to resolve the nuclear standoff with Kim, who also would have a greater perception of his bargaining powers following a rapid expansion of his arsenal in recent years. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 November,2024 09:08 AM IST | Seoul | APThe US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, along with Sagar Adani and Cyril Cabanes, a former executive of Azure Power Global Ltd., for their alleged involvement in a bribery scheme linked to a multi-billion-dollar solar energy project. According to ANI, the SEC’s complaint alleges that Gautam and Sagar Adani orchestrated a scheme to pay or promise bribes to Indian government officials to secure above-market-rate energy purchase commitments. This scheme reportedly enabled Adani Green and Azure Power to capitalise on a massive solar energy project awarded by the Indian government. The SEC stated that Adani Green raised over USD 175 million from US investors during the alleged misconduct, while Azure Power's stock was actively traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Cyril Cabanes, who served on Azure Power’s Board of Directors, was also charged under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for allegedly facilitating and authorising bribes both in the United States and abroad. Sanjay Wadhwa, Acting Director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement, said, “As alleged, Gautam and Sagar Adani induced U.S. investors to buy Adani Green bonds through a process that falsely claimed the company had a strong anti-bribery compliance programme and that its senior management had not and would not engage in bribery.” Wadhwa emphasised that the SEC would continue to hold corporate executives accountable for violating securities laws. The SEC's complaint seeks permanent injunctions, civil penalties, and bans on both Gautam and Sagar Adani from serving as officers or directors. Similarly, Cyril Cabanes faces a permanent injunction, civil penalties, and a bar from holding similar positions. The case was filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Additionally, the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York unsealed criminal charges against Gautam Adani and other executives linked to the alleged bribery scheme. Responding to the allegations, the Adani Group issued a strong denial. A spokesperson stated, “The charges made by the US Department of Justice and the SEC against Adani Green directors are baseless. We will take all legal recourse to address these allegations.” The group also highlighted the presumption of innocence, as noted by the US Department of Justice itself. Following these developments, Adani Green Energy informed stock exchanges that its subsidiaries have postponed their planned US dollar-denominated bond offerings. This case has brought significant attention to the Adani Group’s operations and has raised questions about corporate governance in global markets, ANI reports. (With inputs from ANI)
22 November,2024 08:37 AM IST | WashingtonPrime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded a momentous three-nation tour, departing from Georgetown, Guyana, on Thursday (local time) to return to New Delhi. This tour, as per ANI, began with engagements in Nigeria, continued with the 19th G20 Summit in Brazil, and concluded with a historic State visit to Guyana, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the South American nation in over 50 years. The journey symbolised India's growing global footprint and its efforts to enhance bilateral and multilateral relations. During his visit to Guyana, PM Modi co-chaired the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, engaging with leaders from the Caribbean region to strengthen India's relations with the CARICOM nations. This summit provided an opportunity to explore collaborative avenues in sectors such as trade, technology, healthcare, and education. On the sidelines of the summit, the Prime Minister held bilateral discussions with several leaders, including Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad ‘Chan’ Santokhi, as well as heads of state from Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Lucia. ANI reports that these meetings focused on reviewing ongoing partnerships and identifying new areas for mutual cooperation. PM Modi also participated in various cultural and diplomatic engagements during his time in Guyana. On Thursday, he visited the Saraswati Vidya Niketan Secondary School in Georgetown, where he interacted with students. The school welcomed the Prime Minister with bhajans and a captivating Kathak dance performance. Reflecting on the visit, PM Modi commended the school’s efforts in promoting Indian values and holistic education, a sentiment echoed by Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, in a social media post. Additionally, PM Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in Georgetown’s historic Promenade Gardens, reinforcing India’s enduring commitment to peace and non-violence. Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali hosted a dinner in the Prime Minister's honour, which featured vibrant cultural performances by the Guyanese community. This red carpet reception underscored the strong and warm ties between the two nations. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal tweeted, “A very warm & productive State visit to Guyana concludes. PM Narendra Modi emplanes for New Delhi.” As per ANI, the three-nation tour highlighted India's expanding role in global diplomacy, with critical discussions in Nigeria, active engagement in the G20 Summit in Brazil, and a landmark visit to Guyana aimed at deepening ties with the Caribbean region.
22 November,2024 07:44 AM IST | GeorgetownA Scottish dairy is offering the UK’s most expensive cup o’ joe: 272 British pounds ($344) for a flat white—a double shot of espresso topped with a layer of steamed milk and a fleeting work of foam art. The costly cup is actually a perk for purchasing shares in Mossgiel Organic Dairy’s crowdfunding campaign to enlarge its sustainable operation and produce more milk. Investors who buy 34 shares in the farm get a certificate for a flat white that can be redeemed at one of 13 coffee shops in Scotland that use the dairy’s milk. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 November,2024 07:26 AM IST | London | AgenciesPrime Minister Narendra Modi will mark a special occasion on his visit to Guyana on Thursday when he addresses a Special Session of the Guyanese Parliament, marking yet another significant moment in his global diplomatic outreach. This will be the 14th such instance when Modi will speak on behalf of the people of India in the Parliaments of foreign nations. He holds the distinction of being the Indian PM with the highest number of addresses to foreign Parliaments. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had delivered 7 such addresses while PM Modi has delivered 14 addresses to foreign Parliaments. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had addressed foreign legislatures four times, while former PM Jawaharlal Nehru did it three times. Rajiv Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee delivered two such addresses while others like Morarji Desai and PV Narsimha Rao addressed only once. Over the years, Modi has delivered speeches in legislative chambers across the world, from the Americas to Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia. Modi is visiting Guyana as a part of his three-nation tour wherein he previously was in Nigeria and then Brazil. His visit to Guyana becomes significant as he is the first Indian PM to visit the country in over 50 years. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 November,2024 07:25 AM IST | Georgetown | AgenciesGunmen opened fire on a convoy of passenger vehicles carrying Shiite Muslim civilians in restive northwest Pakistan on Thursday, killing at least 50 people and wounding 20 others in one of the deadliest such attacks in recent years in the region, police said. The attack happened in Kurram, a district in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where sectarian clashes between majority Sunni Muslims and minority Shiites have killed dozens of people in recent months. No one has claimed responsibility. The latest violence came a week after authorities reopened a key highway in the region after keeping it closed for weeks following deadly clashes. The local police said the dead included eight women fivechildren. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 November,2024 07:24 AM IST | Peshawar | AgenciesA piece of conceptual art consisting of a simple banana, duct-taped to a wall, sold for $6.2 million at an auction in New York on Wednesday. ‘Comedian’, by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, debuted in 2019 at Art Basel Miami Beach, as festivalgoers tried to make out whether the fruit affixed to a white wall with silver duct tape was a joke on questionable standards among art collectors. At one point, another artist took the banana off the wall and ate it. The piece attracted so much attention that it was withdrawn from view. But three editions sold for between $1,20,000 and $1,50,000. Five years later, Justin Sun, founder of cryptocurrency platform TRON, now paid over 40 times that higher price point. Or, more accurately, Sun purchased a certificate of authenticity that gives him the authority to duct-tape a banana to a wall and call it ‘Comedian’. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 November,2024 07:23 AM IST | New York | AgenciesThe world’s top war-crimes court issued arrest warrants on Thursday for the leaders of Israel and Hamas, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing them of crimes against humanity. The warrants against Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant focus on allegations Israel has used food as a weapon in its campaign against Hamas in Gaza, a charge Israeli officials deny. The action by the International Criminal Court came as the death toll from Israel’s campaign in Gaza passed 44,000 people, according to local health authorities, who say more than half of those killed were women and children. The decision turns Netanyahu and the others into internationally wanted suspects. Netanyahu condemned the arrest warrant against him, saying Israel “rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions” by the court. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 November,2024 07:22 AM IST | Netherlands | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
