Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:35pm on 27 Nov 2023,Monday India Global
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, marking Guru Nanak Jayanti, lauded the substantial impact of British Sikhs on the UK, citing it as a "source of pride and inspiration." Sunak, of Punjabi Indian heritage, emphasized the significance of the Sikh community's contribution on the 554th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Born to Hindu Punjabi parents with roots in Ludhiana and Gujranwala, Sunak expressed joy in extending Gurpurab wishes. Recognizing the Sikh community's immense role in the country, he concluded, "You are a source of pride and inspiration to us all." The celebration aligns with Sunak's acknowledgment of his familial Indian roots.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:45pm on 27 Nov 2023,Monday India Global
Indian Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, was assaulted by pro-Khalistani elements during a Gurpurab visit to a Gurdwara in Long Island, NYC. Video footage shows Sandhu being confronted by extremists mentioning about designated terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Sing Pannun. The Indian envoy left the gurdwara as a lone protestor raised the Khalistani flag. This incident follows a global rise in pro-Khalistani activities, with recent incidents in Canada, the UK, Australia, and the US. In July, Khalistani extremists attacked the Indian consulate in San Francisco. This also echoes the September heckling of Indian envoy to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, in a Glasgow Gurdwara. Concerns about diplomats' security were raised with UK authorities, and India is taking follow-up actions.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:05am on 27 Nov 2023,Monday India Global
Gurmit Kaur, a 78-year-old Indian Sikh woman residing in Smethwick since 2009, is confronting deportation from the UK, sparking widespread community support. An online petition, amassing over 65,000 signatures since July 2020, champions her cause. Taranjit, a local Sikh community member, affirms, "Gurmit Kaur has no family here; Smethwick's Sikh community has adopted her." Despite applying to stay, the UK Home Office argues she can adapt to Punjab. Salman Mirza, an immigration advisor for the Brushstroke Community, initiating the petition, states, "It's like water torture, a slow death—she's never had the right to work." The Home Office maintains a careful consideration of applications. Kaur, estranged from her family, now relies on the kindness of strangers, finding solace in her local community where she volunteers at charities.
Khalistanies tried to heckle Indian Ambassador @SandhuTaranjitS with basless Questions for his role in the failed plot to assassinate Gurpatwant, (SFJ) and Khalistan Referendum campaign.
— RP Singh National Spokesperson BJP (@rpsinghkhalsa) November 27, 2023
Himmat Singh who led the pro Khalistanies at Hicksville Gurdwara in New York also accused… pic.twitter.com/JW5nqMQSxO
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:38am on 27 Nov 2023,Monday India Global
Pro-Khalistani activists confronted India’s Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, during his Guruprab visit to a New York gurudwara. A viral video captures the activists referencing designated terrorists, Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. This incident echoes a similar one in the UK involving India's envoy Vikram Doraiswami. Protests escalate outside Indian embassies following Canada's claims of "possible" Indian agent involvement in Nijjar's killing in British Columbia. Mr Sandhu later posted on X about his visit to the gurdwara but did not mention the heckling. Investigations continue amidst diplomatic tensions, including Canada's allegations of Indian involvement in Nijjar's killing and the recent US report on a foiled plot against Pannun.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:50pm on 26 Nov 2023,Sunday India Global
Tragedy struck as the Raptor, a Comoros-registered cargo ship, sank near Lesbos in stormy seas. Thirteen crew members, including four Indians, are missing after the vessel, en route from Alexandria, Egypt, to Istanbul with 6,000 tons of salt, reported a mechanical problem. Amid northwesterly winds exceeding 80 kph, one Egyptian crew member has been rescued. The search involves eight merchant ships, two helicopters, and a Greek navy frigate, while rough seas pose challenges for three coast guard vessels. The ongoing rescue operation unfolds against the backdrop of challenging weather conditions in the region. [ photo courtesy: htTweets/X ]
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:48am on 26 Nov 2023,Sunday India Global
On the 15th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Israeli Ambassador Naor Gilon aligns with PM Modi, condemning the "horrendous" event and likening it to Hamas' disruptive tactics. Expressing unequivocal solidarity, Gilon emphasizes joint efforts in the fight against terrorism, echoing Modi's call for a united global front. As India and Israel commemorate the solemn occasion, Gilon assures unwavering support, stating, "When you come to fight terrorism, there are no ifs or buts." The shared commitment signifies a poignant alliance against terrorism, marking the solemn memory of the tragic 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:03pm on 25 Nov 2023,Saturday India Global
A 20s Indian-origin student pursuing a master's at the University of Tasmania is in a medically induced coma after a November 5 assault in Tasmania. The student, who has not been identified, is suffering 'extradural bleeding' and a collapsed lung, he underwent brain surgery. Benjamin Dodge Collings, charged with criminal assault, was taken into custody. Granted bail, he faces court on December 4. The university, in contact with the family, provides support but is limited in statements due to the court process. The incident raises concerns about student safety abroad.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:43am on 25 Nov 2023,Saturday India Global
Russia positively assessed the results of the G20 summit under India's "extremely productive" chairmanship. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov said "good results" were achieved at the timely summit despite differences on Ukraine. He stated it was significant leaders could express views and be heard. President Putin thanked India for focusing the G20 on pressing socio-economic issues. Peskov said Biden's absence did not negatively impact outcomes. Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said India's Global South-centric presidency brought development issues back to the G20's center.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:07am on 25 Nov 2023,Saturday India Global
Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, raised concerns over the handling of the investigation into the death of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Speaking to CTV, Verma highlighted that India felt "convicted" before the probe concluded, challenging the notion of the rule of law. He emphasized India's willingness to cooperate if provided with specific and relevant information. The ongoing dispute has strained Delhi-Ottawa ties, with Verma asserting that no substantial details have been shared for Indian assistance. The diplomat questioned the legitimacy of evidence, alleging a high-level direction to taint India's image in the case.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:14pm on 24 Nov 2023,Friday India Global
To mark the 15th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks, a day-long poster exhibition was organised in Geneva on Thursday, November 24. The demonstration was held at the Broken Chair in front of the United Nations. The day-long exhibition depicted the four-day Lashkar-e-Taiba siege that left 175 dead and over 300 wounded. Human Rights activist and author who organised the exhibition, Priyajit Debsarkar, said: "It's fundamental that the world and especially the free Western world democracies take cognisance and take punitive steps so that the impunity with which the deep state of Pakistan operates doesn't go unpunished." The spine-chilling attacks saw 10 LeT gunmen carry out 12 coordinated bombings and shootings across Mumbai in 2008. To commemorate the lives lost, the exhibition visually highlighted the gruesome events from 15 years ago for the Geneva public and United Nations representatives.