On his three-nation tour to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana, Prime Minister Modi presented unique gifts from various regions of India to global leaders. Among the notable gifts were eight from Maharashtra, including an exquisite Silver Candle Stand for Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and an engraved Silver Fruit Bowl with peacock and tree motifs for the CARICOM Secretary General. The gifts, rich in cultural heritage, reflected India’s diverse craftsmanship.
23 November,2024 12:46 PM IST
India’s ties with Canada have seen sharp deterioration with India repeatedly expressing its deep concern about anti-India activities in Canada. Canada’s PM Trudeau had claimed that he has “credible allegations” of India’s hand in the killing of K-terrorist Hardeep Nijjar. Now taking a U-turn on the same, Ottawa has officially denied the reports of the Canada-based Newspaper that claimed India’s link in the K-terrorist Nijjar killing. The action came after India strongly objected to a report in Globe & Mail newspaper that drew a connection between Nijjar’s death to PM Modi. On Nov 20, India had strongly refuted the reports and said it should be dismissed with the “contempt they deserve”. The Ministry of External Affairs had emphasised that “smear campaigns” like this only “further damage our already strained ties”.
22 November,2024 05:40 PM IST
DRDO successfully tested another Pinaka Weapon System. DRDO flight tests of Guided Pinaka Weapon System as part of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) validation trials. The flight tests have been conducted in three phases at different field firing ranges. PSQR parameters and rate of fire for multiple target engagement in a salvo mode have been also assessed by extensive testing of rockets. Earlier, French Army officer revealed evaluating the Indian Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems for their requirements. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO and the Indian Army for the successful PSQR Validation Trials. He stated that the induction of this Guided Pinaka Weapon System will further boost the artillery firepower of the Armed Forces. The Pinaka MBRL is developed by the DRDO and produced by agencies including Solar Industries, L&T, and Tata. The rocket system which can hit targets at 75 kilometres and beyond with its multiple variants has already been an export success.
15 November,2024 12:00 PM IST
A Trump presidency could shift the dynamics of the ongoing India-Canada dispute, although it's uncertain whether it would lead to a quick resolution. Donald Trump has shown a strong rapport with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and tends to prioritize strategic alliances over issues like internal policy differences. Some experts suggest that Trump’s alignment with Modi might push Canada to adjust its stance, potentially cooling tensions if Canada feels sidelined in the U.S.-India relationship. Trump’s focus on transactional diplomacy, especially with economically or militarily strategic partners like India, may favor India’s position over Canada’s in this dispute.
11 November,2024 10:51 AM IST
Amid the ongoing India-Canada Row, Canada made another ‘provocative’ move. Canada blocked Australia’s Prominent diaspora outlet hours after coverage of EAM Jaishankar's presser in Canberra. Now, the Managing Editor of ‘The Australia Today’ issued a press statement condemning Canada’s action. The press statement said that the publication would continue to advocate for open media. During the press conference, Jaishankar condemned Canada’s actions, mentioning “unsupported allegations” against India. For a year now India-Canada diplomatic ties have been ‘sailing in rough waters’ over growing tensions driven by several key issues. Following Canada’s action of blocking ‘The Australia Today’, MEA criticised Canada’s free speech “hypocrisy”. India highlighted Canada’s inconsistency on freedom of speech, especially when dealing with issues critical of its stance toward India. In a recent act of violence against Hindus & Indian diaspora in Canada, a mob of Khalistanis vandalized Brampton’s Hindu Sabha Temple on Nov 03. India condemned vandalism at Brampton’s Hindu Sabha Temple and called on Canada to ensure justice.
08 November,2024 05:59 PM IST
In a new diplomatic low, Canada blocked Australia Today’s social media accounts shortly after it broadcasted a presser involving EAM Jaishankar. India's Ministry of External Affairs criticised Canada for its "hypocrisy towards freedom of speech". Australia Today’s accounts were blocked shortly after airing a press conference with EAM Jaishankar, Australian FM Penny Wong. During the press conference, Jaishankar condemned Canada’s actions, mentioning “unsupported allegations” against India. EAM S Jaishankar also exposed Canada for “unacceptable surveillance of Indian diplomats”. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the timing of Australia Today’s social media blackout in Canada "peculiar and troubling". India highlighted Canada’s inconsistency on freedom of speech, especially when dealing with issues critical of its stance toward India. The EAM's visit to Australia included meetings with business community, CEOs, participation in the 15th India-Australia Framework Dialogue. India condemned vandalism at Brampton’s Hindu Sabha Temple on November 3, calling on Canada to ensure justice. India also expressed concerns about the safety of the Indian diaspora in Canada amid recent attacks on Hindu Temples. The Indian Consulate in Toronto had to cancel upcoming consular camps due to inadequate security.
08 November,2024 12:24 PM IST
In the wake of the India-Canada diplomatic crisis, Canadian National Security Expert Joe Adam George highlighted a troubling rise in fake asylum claims. In the first eight months of 2024 alone, Canada recorded 13,000 international students seeking asylum, with a significant number reportedly from Punjab, India. Many claim persecution for supporting the Khalistan movement, a narrative George suggests may not reflect the truth. He argues that this influx indicates an abuse of Canada's asylum and immigration system, prompting the Canadian government to recognize and respond to the issue, albeit belatedly. The situation underscores the complexities and challenges within Canada’s immigration policies, particularly amid geopolitical tensions. As the government moves to address these concerns, the integrity of its asylum process hangs in the balance.
18 October,2024 02:59 PM IST
Bollywood actress Neelam Kothari Soni may have returned to the screen space with the reality show ‘Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives’, but the stint that allowed the icon to show her acting prowess decades later was ‘Made In Heaven’ season 2 which also featured her husband Samir Soni. Those who have watched the show are aware of Neelam braving a liplock, something she’d never done before. She tells mid-day.com what happened behind the scenes. Watch the video for more.
16 October,2024 06:44 PM IST
Amid escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, a past statement by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has gained renewed attention online. In an old video, Jaishankar remarked that "Newton's law of politics" would also apply in Canada, suggesting that actions would have corresponding reactions in the political realm. This statement is being revisited as relations between the two nations become increasingly strained, particularly following allegations surrounding the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The resurfacing of this video highlights the ongoing complexities and implications of international diplomacy between India and Canada. Watch the viral video of EAM.
15 October,2024 05:10 PM IST
Amid the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, a previous statement by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has resurfaced online. During a press conference on June 8, 2023, he addressed reports of celebrations in Canada marking the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi. Dr. Jaishankar expressed confusion over why such actions occur, suggesting they stem from vote bank politics rather than genuine sentiment. He emphasized the concerning trend of allowing separatists and extremists to gain a platform, stating that this undermines relations and is detrimental to Canada. Additionally, he responded to comments from Canada's National Security Advisor regarding alleged Indian interference in domestic politics, referencing the proverb "Ulta chor kotwal ko daante," implying that those accusing India might themselves be engaging in questionable practices. Dr. Jaishankar's remarks highlight the complexity and sensitivity of the evolving diplomatic landscape between the two nations.
15 October,2024 01:21 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT
