Amid escalating tensions between India and Canada over the expulsion of diplomats, security was heightened outside the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday. Personnel from CRPF and Delhi Police were deployed after India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat asking him to leave within 5 days. This tit-for-tat expulsion comes after Canada ejected an Indian intelligence officer over allegations of India's role in a Khalistani activist's assassination. India rejected the charges as absurd. The beefed up security and expulsion underscore the rapidly deteriorating relations between the two countries centered on the contentious Khalistan issue and alleged interference in each other's affairs. (Image courtesy: TOI)  For more details, click on the link below 

The UK said on Tuesday it is closely engaged with Canada regarding Ottawa's "serious allegations" of Indian government involvement in the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. A UK spokesperson stated they are in touch with Canadian partners about the claims but it would be improper to comment further during Canada's ongoing investigation. This comes after Canada accused Indian agents of links to Nijjar's killing and expelled an Indian diplomat, which India dismissed as "absurd" and instead urged action against anti-India elements in Canada. The UK is closely monitoring the diplomatic tensions between Canada and India stemming from the high-profile murder allegations.

The Congress has backed the government amid escalating tensions with Canada over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. After Canadian PM Justin Trudeau alleged Indian agents were involved, the Centre denied the "absurd" charges. Congress communications head Jairam Ramesh stated the party believes India's fight against terrorism must be uncompromising, especially when sovereignty and integrity are threatened. He said the country's interests and concerns must come first. Opposition parties commonly support the government on international issues despite domestic differences. Tensions have risen as both countries expelled diplomats over the murder on Canadian soil, which India says shelters Khalistani extremists.

Amid an escalating row over the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat on Tuesday in retaliation for Canada's expulsion of an Indian diplomat on Monday. The two countries have traded accusations over possible links to Nijjar's killing. India's move reflects growing concerns over perceived Canadian interference in India's internal affairs and engagement in anti-India activities. The expelled Canadian diplomat has been given 5 days to leave as diplomatic tensions continue to rise between the two countries over the high-profile murder case.

India rejected Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's allegations of the Indian government's involvement in the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement dismissing Trudeau's claims in the Canadian Parliament as 'absurd and motivated.' The statement said: "We have seen and reject the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister. Allegations of Government of India's involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated...We are a democratic polity with a strong commitment to rule of law." In the statement, India also criticized the Canadian government for sympathizing with Khalistani terrorists by sheltering them on Canadian soil, which threatens India's sovereignty. 

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said intelligence suggests the Indian government could be behind the fatal shooting of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Trudeau termed it an 'unacceptable violation if proven. He is said to have raised the issue with PM Modi at G20. India earlier denied any involvement in Nijjar's murder. Nijjar, a Khalistan leader, was killed by masked gunmen outside a gurdwara on June 18, 2023. Trudeau said the shooting has outraged Canadians, leaving Sikhs worried. He has also expelled an Indian diplomat over the case and vowed to firmly press India for investigation cooperation.

The iconic Hoysala temple complexes of Belur, Halebid and Somnathapura in Karnataka have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. The intricately sculpted sacred ensembles representing the Hoysala architectural style now join India's 40 other World Heritage Sites. The temples were on UNESCO's Tentative List since 2014 before getting the prestigious designation. The 12th century sites protected by the Archaeological Survey of India feature distinctive temple art and sculpture that showcase the craftsmanship of the Hoysala dynasty. Their World Heritage inscription celebrates Karnataka's glorious heritage and enhances global recognition of India's cultural wealth.

Faced with astronomical visa wait times in India spanning over a year in major cities, the US has opened a special visa processing window at its Frankfurt consulate. Appointment wait times in Indian consulates range from 441 days in Hyderabad to over 600 days in Kolkata. However, the US consulate in Frankfurt is offering visa interviews to Indians within just 3 days. The move aims to provide faster visa services by bypassing the severe backlog in India due to overwhelming demand. Indians can now opt for the Germany route to expedite their US visa rather than wait endlessly in India.

A former UK cop Rebecca Kalam has alleged routine racism within the West Midlands Police force against Sikhs, including officers using slurs and failing to distinguish Sikhs from Muslims. Her most startling claim was that protection officers for Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai referred to her as "tikka masala". A Sikh group advisor said the community has long complained of racism by the police. Kalam also cited misogyny and toxic masculinity in the force. While the Police accepted most of her complaints, a spokesperson said the accused represent a small minority tarnishing the wider force's professionalism. The Police aim to engage with Sikhs to address diversity and respect. (Pic 1 Image Courtesy: CHannel 4)

Australia's High Commissioner Philip Green said India has become the first country to return to and surpass pre-pandemic travel levels to Australia. In a tweet, he noted 100,000 Australians visited India last year, double the pre-COVID number. The envoy highlighted direct flights between the countries have nearly tripled. His remarks came after Australian PM Anthony Albanese's India visit. Green emphasized growing exchanges between the strategic partners, with India driving the tourism rebound. He termed people the "living bridge" between the nations. The upbeat assessment by the High Commissioner underscores strengthening India-Australia ties.