Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Home Blog Page 1543

As videos of clashes between BRS and Congress workers go viral, here is how the two parties have been at loggerheads in poll-bound Telangana

OpIndia Staff
-
0
As videos of clashes between BRS and Congress workers go viral, here is how the two parties have been at loggerheads in poll-bound Telangana

On Wednesday, November 15, a video of workers of the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and Congress clashing in the poll-bound Telangana went viral on social media. The incident reportedly took place late at night on Tuesday, Tuesday, November 14 in the state’s Vikarabad area.

Hindustan Times reported a similar incident in the Kodangal assembly constituency of Telangana’s Narayanpet district. The report stated that a clash broke out between two rival groups belonging to the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and the Congress late on Tuesday night leaving at least 5 people injured.

Inspector G Janardhan Goud of the Kosgi police informed that the incident took place at Sarjekhan village, where a convoy of BRS officials partaking in the election campaign was allegedly attacked by Congress workers.

Goud added that the Congress workers pelted stones at BRS leaders and also damaged their vehicles. “The window panes of the BRS leaders’ vehicles were broken,” the police official said.

Meanwhile, Congress workers claimed that Somasekhar Reddy, a BRS leader from Hyderabad came to Kosgi to distribute money among the voters. He also allegedly insulted the representatives of the ruling party and blocked the vehicles.

“The BRS workers retaliated by hurling stones at the Congress workers, leading to clashes between both groups, which created a tense situation in the village. In all, five persons, including three workers belonging to the BRS and two Congress workers, were injured in the stone pelting,” Goud said.

Police pacified the protesters, dispersed the crowd and took the situation under control. “We have booked a case of rioting under Section 146 of the Indian Penal Code against both the groups and are investigating the matter,” the inspector added.

After learning about the incident, BRS candidate Patnam Narender Reddy travelled to Kosgi, where he staged a dharna at the statue of Ambedkar and raised anti-Congress and anti-PCC slogans.

Reddy lodged a complaint with the Kosgi police stating that the Congress workers assaulted the BRS workers.

Congress workers also lodged a complaint in which they claimed that BRS leaders indulged in violence when questioned about the distribution of money among the voters.

Congress and BRS at loggerheads in Telangana

With the state gearing up for the Assembly election, political tensions between the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Congress party in Telangana have reached their peak. Only today, the Telangana Congress took to X to take a dig at BRS supremo and Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao. Calling the BRS government in the state ‘The Toilet Government,’ the Telangana Congress wrote, “Telangana governance is so bad that it clearly seems that all decision KCR takes are from the ‘Toilet’ !

The Congress shared a clip of an interview that senior leader Ajoy Kumar had with India Today, in which he listed the problems the state has faced under the KCR government’s leadership and the promises that the government has not been able to deliver on.

On November 14, Tuesday, BRS Working President and Telangana Minister K T Rama Rao accused the Congress of using minority communities as a vote bank, the result of which, he said, is that they are still living in poverty.

KTR further attacked Congress by asserting that farmers from Karnataka who came to Telangana regretted their decision to elect the Congress in Karnataka. they stated that this had only made their issues worse.

Another incident, which made it evident how the two parties have been at loggerheads with each other in the state, was when in September this year, BRS put up posters ahead of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, taking potshots at the grand old party.

The posters critical of prominent members of Congress who were accused of corruption were installed in the state capital before the crucial meeting in which CWC was referred to as the Corrupt Working Committee. Furthermore, a corruption scandal is attached to the name of every significant Congress leader. The poster advised people to “beware of scamgress scammers.”

Voting for the Telangana Assembly election 2023 will be held on November 30 and the results will be announced with four other states on December 3.

Starlink among nine companies to provide free internet service in Mexico, secures $90 million contract

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Starlink among nine companies to provide free internet service in Mexico, secures $90 million contract

On Wednesday (November 15), the government of Mexico announced that Starlink, the satellite internet company operated by Elon Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX, secured a contract a 1.56 billion peso ($89.80 million) contract to offer free internet in Mexico until the end of 2026.

Carlos Emiliano Calderon, head of Mexico’s digital strategy, stated during a regular government morning press briefing that Starlink won the contract because it offered the cheapest costs in the public tender offer. Calderon stated that Mexico had signed contracts for free internet service with nine companies, and Starlink is one of them.

Reportedly, Starlink will also provide infrastructure for Mexico’s state energy firm through December 2026. The contract with Mexico’s Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE) is worth between 887.5 and 1.8 billion pesos.

The development comes just two months after Starlink announced that it had reached 2 million active users in over 60 countries across all seven continents. Starlink went from 500,000 users to over 2 million active Starlink customers in just four months.

At present, Starlink allows consumers to try out its service for 30 days, and if they are not satisfied with it, they can return the connection and receive a full refund.

Starlink is also attempting to obtain all necessary governmental licences for the Indian market. If the government approves, the company could shortly receive the GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite) licence. Apart from the GMPCS licence, Starlink is seeking clearance from other agencies such as the Department of Space and IN-SPACe.

Last month, Elon Musk announced that Starlink will connect internationally recognised organisations in Gaza. This move by Musk has angered Israel who said that Hamas would use this internet for its terrorist activities.

Starlink provides satellite internet service through a constellation of around 5000 small satellites in low earth orbit launched by SpaceX. Consumers need a terminal including a small dish antenna to access the service.

India again asks Canada to respect Vienna Convention after Khalistani disturbance at Indian consular event in Vancouver

ANI
-
0
India again asks Canada to respect Vienna Convention after Khalistani disturbance at Indian consular event in Vancouver

India reiterated its call for Canada to respect the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations amid reports of Khalistani elements disturbing a consular camp organised in Indian High Commission in Canada.

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, however, also said that there have been some inaccurate social media reports regarding the incidents.

Addressing the briefing, Bagchi said, “Our High Commission and consulates in Canada regularly organize consular camps. One such camp was organized near Vancouver on November 12 to provide life certificates to pensioners. The event was held successfully despite attempts by a few radical elements to cause trouble. Our Consul General was not present at that site”.

“We reiterate the need for nations to respect the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations so that our diplomats can discharge their diplomatic obligations,” he added.

Speaking on the reports of an alleged attack on the Indian community during Diwali celebrations in Canada, the MEA spokesperson said that the consulate has not received any complaint regarding the incident.

“As regards to events that you alluded to near Brampton or Mississauga in Diwali. I think that was more in the nature of unrest between the two groups. To be honest, I don’t think there has been any complaint that our consulate has received. I saw some social media reports. We also understand that the authorities there are looking into that incident, so I don’t have anything further to add to that,” he further said.

This come amid the diplomatic standoff between New Delhi and Ottawa which erupted after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the involvement of “agents of the Indian government” in the killing of the Khalistani terrorist.

India rejected the allegations as “absurd and motivated” and expelled a Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move after Ottawa asked a senior Indian diplomat to leave.

Notably, Canada has not been able to present any evidence to back its claims over the killing, according to the MEA.

Last month, Canada pulled out 41 diplomats from India and also halted its visa and consular services in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru consulates in the wake of the Union government’s decision to strip them of their immunity.

This came after New Delhi conveyed its concerns to Ottawa over the disproportionate number of diplomats in India and sought a ‘parity’ in diplomatic strength.

Canada accused India of violating the Vienna Convention. However, MEA responded by saying that no international norms were violated in India seeking parity in the mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa.

New Delhi also halted visa services to Canada but later decided to resume services for four categories after a “considered review of the security situation”.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Delhi LG VK Saxena slams AAP govt for inaction on air pollution, says ‘politics can wait, other states can’t be blamed for rising pollution in Delhi’

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Delhi LG VK Saxena slams AAP govt for inaction on air pollution, says ‘politics can wait, other states can’t be blamed for rising pollution in Delhi’

On Thursday (16th November), the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena slammed the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi for failing to curb the rising pollution. The LG Delhi also advised AAP leaders, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to focus on the work rather than politics. “We can achieve sustainable goals within a fixed timeline. Let’s do it. Politics can wait,” he said.

In a series of tweets posted on 16th November, LG Delhi while slamming Delhi CM said that blaming other states for the rising pollution in Delhi is not the solution. “The real solution to pollution in Delhi lies in Delhi itself,” he said. This is after a thick layer of smog concealed the national capital Delhi on Thursday (16th November) morning, with air quality in several parts of the city classified as “severe.”

“We can do little to stop crop residue smoke from other states, apart from pleading with them. Despite States, especially Punjab playing truant, we are, but petitioners for mercy. AQI yet hovers around 400, making the capital gasp,” the LG Delhi said.

Observing that firecrackers undoubtedly contribute to the danger, he stated that those most affected in this ‘gas chamber’ are those who travel on roads for their jobs. “Crackers certainly add to the menace. The most affected in this gas chamber are those who commute on roads to earn their daily bread. The poor and the hapless living in slums and unauthorized colonies whose lungs are frying because they can’t afford to sit at home and buy air purifiers,” he said on Twitter.

He went on to say that we can reduce choking smog by reducing the dust caused by unrepaired roads, unpaved pavements, and construction sites. “We can employ effective means to curb our vehicular emissions,” he added.

He also went on to say that blaming others cannot and should not be used as an excuse for years of inaction.

“Since the deadly smog in 2016, this has become a recurrent issue subjected to nothing but platitude and rhetoric. Blaming others cannot and should not be an alibi for gross inaction over the years. Publicity around props like smog towers mean little and politics of propaganda that involve overhyped events like Red Light On, Gaadi Off, and Odd-Even cannot hold the life of people of Delhi to ransom,” he added.

Nothing concrete has been attempted since the implementation of CNG in Delhi and the construction of a maze of flyovers, the LG Delhi stated. 

“Delhi requires action, not mere rhetoric. We can achieve sustainable goals within a fixed timeline. Let’s do it. Politics can wait,” he said. The national capital is currently undergoing pollution control measures as part of CRAP stage four.

As was reported on 6th November, the AAP government accused Haryana of the alarmingly bad air quality in Delhi. In a statement during a press conference, AAP’s Chief National Spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said that the air in Delhi had got much cleaner, with a drop of 31 percent in pollution, the best in eight years. 

She further asserted that there had been a reduction in stubble burning in Punjab, and the stubble being burnt in Punjab was not affecting Delhi as it is 500 KM away. However, Haryana, which is close to Delhi, was burning stubble only 100 KM away. Accusing the Khattar government of not taking any steps to reduce pollution, she added that the Haryana government had not formulated the plan to buy 100 EV buses. Furthermore, the buses that enter Delhi from Haryana run on fuel banned in Delhi, she said.

The AAP spokesperson also claimed that the Haryana government was not supporting the industries so that they could shift to cleaner fuel like Delhi. In a nutshell, the AAP has tried to throw BJP-ruled Haryana under the bus for the pollution in Delhi’s air.

‘They are really selfless who only care about national interest, no matter how much the criticism’: Shehla Rashid on why her opinion on Modi and Shah changed

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘They are really selfless who only care about national interest, no matter how much the criticism’: Shehla Rashid on why her opinion on Modi and Shah changed

On Thursday (16th November), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) alumna Shehla Rashid shared on her X handle a video snippet from her recent interview in the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash wherein she explained the reason behind her change of heart. This comes a day after the podcast episode was released in which she commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for securing a “bloodless” political resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

In her X post, Shehla Rashid wrote, “What caused my change of heart is the realisation that the Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi is a selfless man who is taking radical decisions to transform India. He has braved intense criticism but remained steadfast to his vision of inclusive development that leaves no one behind.”

In the video attached to the post, she said, “It actually doesn’t matter what we do. Because the state needs to have the will to take action, to take some bold actions, and for that – you know – I really congratulate and I am really impressed by how the government of India has handled the whole Kashmir situation. Because – you know – I used to think that I have said a lot of things about the BJP. I have said a lot of things about the Prime Minister, the Home Minister.”

Shehla Rashid added, “But look at them. They have taken so much criticism domestically, and internationally. India has been castigated for the abrogation. But they took all that criticism on them. And it doesn’t make sense to me why somebody would – you know – make such a risky, unpopular – whatever you want to call – decision? And I have arrived at one conclusion which is what caused my change of heart also.”

Shehla Rashid further said, “I have realised that the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Home Minister – they are really selfless people who only care about the national interest, no matter how much the criticism. I mean I know how much criticism we have made of the government. How much criticism the government faced internationally, domestically, and from the opposition? Why would anyone take so much criticism – you know – if it were not for the national interest? and it has ended up serving the national interest. And of course, I understand, that it is not a deontological position. It is a consequentialist position that – you know – now we are judging the actions. But certainly, I should not continue to believe that I am the Miss Know-All.”

Shehla Rashid said, “Maybe there are some people who have a better reading of the situation. They have taken certain steps. And has it resulted in the saving of human lives in Kashmir? Yes, it has. Has it resulted in progress and development? It has. Has it resulted in us enjoying better freedom? Like, now, children can go to the play area at the mall. These are very superficial things. But actually, they are not. Now there is sports infrastructure. I mean there is a Kashmiri in the cricket team and there are Kashmiris in sports who are doing very well in the Asian Games. There are so many athletes who have performed.”

In the promo trailer of her interview with Smita Prakash in the ANI podcast, it was seen that Shehla Rashid lauded PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. This pulled much traction to the podcast episode released on 15th November. She credited the duo for bringing up a bloodless political solution to Jammu and Kashmir.

The former JNU student was questioned if her sympathies were with the stone pelters at that stage to which she replied, “In 2010, yes” and further elaborated, “But today when I see it, I am much more grateful for today’s situation. Kashmir is not Gaza, it has become clear that Kashmir is not Gaza, because Kashmir was just involved in these back-and-forth protests and sporadic incidents of insurgency and infiltrations.”

She also credited PM Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah’s initiatives for the developments that have occurred in Jammu and Kashmir. “All of those things, somebody needed to break the ice, and for that, I would like to credit the present government, especially the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. They have ensured a political solution to it, which I would say is bloodless.”

Notably, this is not the first time that Shehla Rashid has openly come in support of the actions of the Modi government. She recently praised India’s firm stand on the Israel-Palestine conflict. It is important to note that Shehla Rashid, who was once vehemently opposed to the Centre, is now frequently seen taking a stand for the country and endorsing the policies of the Modi government, particularly in light of the revocation of Article 370.

Israeli troops found Hamas weapons, combat gear in Al Shifa hospital in Gaza: Watch video

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Israeli troops found Hamas weapons, combat gear in Al Shifa hospital in Gaza: Watch video

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has published a video on social media in which it was reported that Israeli troops have successfully seized countless Hamas weapons inside Gaza’s largest hospital Al-Shifa a day after they stormed the hospital on 15 November and strengthened their control over the establishment.

Israeli officers reported finding weapons, ammunition, body armour and other military equipment in a radiology section while soldiers searched and questioned people who were present inside. A military spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus showed approximately ten guns, ammunition, protective vests and Hamas military uniforms in a video shot at the hospital. He claimed that some of the weapons were concealed behind M.R.I. machines, others were in nearby storage units and a few were behind a “blast-proof door.”

The Israeli military official entered the MRI centre of the Shifa hospital with the cameraman and asserted, “A few of the things that we found, totally confirms, without any doubt that Hamas systematically uses hospitals in their military operations in violation of international law. These weapons have absolutely no business being inside a hospital,” and added that he believed the material was “just the top of the iceberg.”

The hospital’s surveillance cameras, according to the Israeli military, were completely blocked. The Israeli commander contended that Hamas employs firearms and other weaponry for their illegal military operations in other Gaza Strip hospitals and ambulances.

After days of battle with Hamas gunmen on the facility’s perimeter, the IDF conducted room-by-room searches in the building. The Israeli military had surrounded the structure for days and claimed that Hamas kept a major operations command centre under the hospital as well as used the citizens, employees, and patients who were taking refuge there as cover for terrorists.

On November 14 the United States of America affirmed that Islamic Jihad and Hamas employed tunnels beneath Al Shifa and other Gaza hospitals “to conceal and to support their military operations and to hold hostages.” Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari informed, “In the hospital, we found weapons, intelligence materials, and military technology and equipment.”

He further mentioned, “We also found an operational headquarters with communication equipment belonging to Hamas and Hamas uniforms. These findings unequivocally prove that the hospital was used for terror, in complete violation of international law.”

The IDF shared a video from inside Shifa that showed three duffel bags that were allegedly discovered stashed near an MRI lab. Inside each bag were an assault rifle, grenades and Hamas uniforms. Furthermore, there was a closet that held multiple assault guns devoid of ammunition clips and a laptop was also located and sent for analysis. Although the military stated that the search was ongoing, no signs of tunnels or an extensive military facility were found right away.

Israeli soldiers “did not find any equipment or weapons in the hospital” the Gaza health ministry which is administered by the terror group Hamas alleged in response to the accusations and charged that Israeli bulldozers “destroyed parts of the southern entrance” of the hospital.

According to the military, it conducted a “precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the hospital” with medical teams accompanying the soldiers and providing supplies like incubators. The areas of the hospital below where it is believed that Hamas had its main command centre were not accessible to the army.

The statement indicated that it would continue working at Al Shifa Hospital to locate intelligence data and Hamas assets. It also mentioned that the military was looking for hostages however they had not yet located anyone.

The United States stated that its own intelligence suggested terrorists have exploited tunnels beneath Shifa and other hospitals to assist military operations and keep hostages, hours before Israel’s strike. On 16 November, the IDF persisted in its operations at Al-Shifa Hospital, which it noted is a Hamas command centre concealed behind 2,000 people who are taking refuge there.

California: Vials labelled HIV, SARS-CoV 2 and other pathogens, freezer marked Ebola & other items found in illegal biolab run by Chinese individual, CDC refused to probe

OpIndia Staff
-
0
California: Vials labelled HIV, SARS-CoV 2 and other pathogens, freezer marked Ebola & other items found in illegal biolab run by Chinese individual, CDC refused to probe

Thousands of vials of biological substances, including some labelled “HIV”, and a freezer marked “Ebola”, were found inside a secret illegal Chinese-owned biological laboratory in California, according to a US House committee report released Wednesday. Notably, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and FBI initially refused to investigate the lab after it was discovered last year.

Laboratory equipment, manufacturing devices, medical-grade freezers, vials of biological substances including Coronavirus 2, transgenic mice and Chinese individuals in lab coats were some of the findings made by US Code Enforcement Officer Jesalyn Harper in December 2022 inside a warehouse located in Reedley, California.

According to the report released by the House Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, thousands of these vials contained pathogens, some were labelled “HIV” and a freezer marked “Ebola” was found inside this illegal laboratory.

The report has also criticised the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FBI for initially refusing to investigate the matter and showing reluctance despite alarms raised by local authorities and citizens.

The illegal laboratory was discovered by Jesalyn Harper when she noticed a green garden hose sticking out of a hole drilled into the side of a warehouse located at 850 I Street in Reedley, a town of 26,000 residents. The hose was in clear violation of the town’s building code in a building that was known to be vacant for over a decade.

“Upon entering, Officer Harper found a vast warehouse filled with laboratory equipment, manufacturing devices, and what appeared to be medical-grade freezers. She observed several individuals who identified themselves as PRC nationals wearing white lab coats, glasses, masks, and latex gloves working inside. As she stepped further into the warehouse, she noticed that some of the freezers and containment units had glass doors,” the report states.

It further adds, “Inside, she saw thousands of vials of biological substances. Many were unlabeled. Others were labeled in a foreign language later identified as Mandarin. Others still were labelled in some kind of code. A few of the vials, however, had labels in English. Some of these labels listed substances that Officer Harper at the time did not recognize. She did, however, recognize the names listed on several labels, such as HIV.”

Further inside the hallways of freezers, Harper found a makeshift storage room emanating a foul smell. “Inside were 1,000 laboratory mice in crowded conditions. Officer Harper would later learn that these were transgenic mice, specifically genetically modified and bred to stimulate the human immune system for the purpose of laboratory experimentation,” the report stated.

Moreover, the mice were unwell, abused, and had fraying hair, rashes and distended bellies.

Further investigation uncovered a laboratory filled with thousands of vials containing pathogens and other unknown biological and chemical substances. It was found that the lab was operated by a wanted fugitive from Canada, who is a People’s Republic of China (PRC) citizen.

The finding of the illegal lab prompted an investigation that revealed systemic and profound risks in American biosecurity “that merit Congressional attention”. According to the report, “evidence alongside interviews of local officials and other investigative steps revealed troubling gaps in federal pathogen safeguards. These gaps allowed a wanted fugitive from Canada, who is a PRC national who had previously stolen millions of dollars of American intellectual property, to operate an illegal facility that contained thousands of vials of potentially infectious agents.”

The report stated that when local authorities repeatedly tried to attain assistance from CDC ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), they refused to speak with them or hung up mid-conversation several times. “Local officials were similarly unable to get any help from other federal agencies that may have concurrent authority to investigate and/or remediate the biohazardous substances found at the Reedley Biolab,” the report stated.

Finally, on 2nd May 2023, the CDC conducted an onsite review and learnt that the Reedley facility contained “at least 20 potentially infectious agents,” including HIV, Tuberculosis and the deadliest known form of Malaria.

Bacterial agents included Chalmydia trachomatis, E.Coli, while infectious viral agents included Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Dengue, Herpes 1, Herpes 5, Respiratory, Rubella, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

“The CDC did not test the samples to asses whether the listed labels were correct or otherwise in a cipher that the workers used for a more dangerous pathogen,” the report states adding that CDC did not even test the wholly unlabeled samples. “It did not test the samples labelled COVID even though both SARS-CoV and a chimeric version of the currently endemic COVID-19 are both Select Agents-biological agents that the US government has determined “have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety”.

The report states, “Even though it had not tested any samples from the Reedley Lab, the CDC concluded that there was no evidence of select agents or toxins. According to local officials, the CDC knew that absent testing, local officials would have to destroy all samples pursuant to a forthcoming abatement order. The CDC likewise instructed state officials not to test any remaining samples of transgenic mice based on concerns over the accuracy of potential testing.”

The House committee in its report has stated that the “CDC’s response was unacceptable and raises serious questions about its standard practices. “The CDC’s refusal to test any samples is likewise baffling,” the report stated.

‘I would not justify it. I would look into it’: EAM Dr Jaishankar says India is open to probe in Nijjar’s murder case if Canada provides evidence

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘I would not justify it. I would look into it’: EAM Dr Jaishankar says India is open to probe in Nijjar’s murder case if Canada provides evidence

On 15th November, India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar responded to questions on the allegations made by the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, regarding Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder. The accusations revolved around the involvement of Indian agents, directly or indirectly, in the killing of the Khalistani separatist leader in Canada.

Lionel Barber conducted the interview in association with Wilton Park and the Indian High Commission in the UK. In his query to Dr Jaishankar, Barber emphasised the gravity of such accusations and sought clarity from Dr. Jaishankar.

In his reply, Dr Jaishankar categorically denied any evidence pointing to the involvement of the Indian government, direct or indirect, in the murder of Nijjar. He stated that Canada did not provide any basis for the allegations.

When questioned about Nijjar’s involvement in terrorist activities, Dr Jaishankar acknowledged the presence of his controversial social media record. However, he left it to the judgment of the public to form an opinion about him based on the available information. Notably, Nijjar is a designated Khalistani Terrorist by the Government of India under UAPA. The GoI has submitted an extradition request of Nijjar several times along with the list of other most wanted criminals taking shelter in Canada.

During the conversation, Dr. Jaishankar contextualized the situation by highlighting political figures in Canada who back separatist ideology. He added that such ideologies sometimes come with violent means. He expressed his concerns about views in Canadian politics as they provide a shield to the anti-India elements, leading to attacks and threats to Indian diplomats.

The minister underscored the importance of exercising freedom of speech and expression. Dr Jaishankar expressed discontent over the lack of action against the perpetrators who attacked Indian diplomats and Indian embassies in Canada.

Responding to Trudeau’s allegations, Dr Jaishankar informed that India had requested the Canadian government to provide evidence to back the claims. He further emphasized that India is not running away from the investigation. However, Canada has not provided any evidence so far.

Disagreeing with Barber’s assertions based on a previous conversation with someone who has experience in international politics and diplomacy that other countries like Iran, the United States, Israel, and Saudi Arabia indulge in extraterritorial assassinations, and the attempt to put India in a similar situation, Dr Jaishankar disagreed with this comparison, emphasising the need for presenting evidence rather than justifying actions based on historical precedents. He added if presented with the evidence, “I would not justify it. I would look into it.’

India-Canada relationships and murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar

The diplomatic relationships between India and Canada have been deteriorating consistently. The last nail to the coffin was the false allegations leveled by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau against India during an address in the Canadian Parliament, where he accused India of being involved in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Canada almost immediately fired an Indian diplomat after levelling the allegations. In retaliation, India also fired one of the top Canadian diplomats and issued a statement denying the allegations.

India accused Canada of false accusations and said Canada never presented any solid evidence supporting the allegations. Furthermore, India revoked the diplomatic immunity of 41 Canadian diplomats and asked them to leave the country. India has stopped visa services for Canadians. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs called Canada a safe haven for criminals, terrorists and gangsters. India also accused Canada of not fulfilling the terms of the extradition treaty as the latter failed to take action against the 20 most wanted criminals that India wanted Canada to extradite. Canada has yet to provide any evidence of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s murder.

Samajwadi Party wants no discussion on religion: Akhilesh Yadav after party leader Swami Prasad Maurya’s controversial remarks on Goddess Laxmi

ANI
-
0
Samajwadi Party wants no discussion on religion: Akhilesh Yadav after party leader Swami Prasad Maurya’s controversial remarks on Goddess Laxmi

Amid the controversy surrounding a post by Swami Prasad Maurya Akhilesh Yadav, the supremo of the Samajwadi Party (SP), on Wednesday, stated, “The stand of the Samajwadi Party on religion is clear. There should be no discussion about it”.

“The stand of the Samajwadi Party on religion is clear. There should be no discussion about it.., but keep talking about caste census. If someone is giving such a statement about religion, then you (media) don’t show it.” Akhilesh Yadav said.

This statement was made in response to the controversy surrounding a post by Swami Prasad Maurya, made on November 13, where the Samajwadi Party leader questioned the birth of Hindu goddess Lakshmi and said, “How can Lakshmi be born with four hands?

In a post on X, Swami Prasad Maurya said that every child born anywhere in the world has two hands, two legs, two ears, and two eyes and if a child with eight hands, and ten hands has not been born till now, how can goddess Lakshmi be born with four hands?

“While worshipping and honouring wife on the occasion of Deepotsav, I say that every child born in every religion, caste, race, colour and country of the whole world has two hands, two legs, two ears, two eyes and a nose with two holes. There is only a head, stomach and back. If a child with four hands, eight hands, ten hands, twenty hands and a thousand hands has not been born till date, then how can Lakshmi be born with four hands?” Swami Prasad said on X.”

After stoking controversy by making remarks on Goddess Laxmi, Swami Prasad Maurya on Monday said that his comments are of a practical nature, based on truth, scientific and not hinged on someone’s imagination.

Speaking to ANI, Swami Prasad Maurya said, “I had not spoken about four arms alone, I also spoke about eight arms, ten arms, 1000 arms – no such child has ever been born in the country. If it did happen, I challenge them to tell me and I will accept it.”

“We can make somebody with 1000 arms or 20 arms or 10 arms on the basis of our imagination. Imagination is just imagination. I said what is practical, based on truth, scientific and Sanatan too. I also spoke as per Sanatan Dharma and I said that people must respect their wives as she is the ‘Grih Laxmi’ in the real sense,” he added.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Rajasthan: Behror MLA Baljeet Yadav ‘welcomed’ by locals with garland of shoes, video viral

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Rajasthan: Behror MLA Baljeet Yadav ‘welcomed’ by locals with garland of shoes, video viral

In Rajasthan’s Behror, independent MLA Baljeet Yadav was ‘welcomed‘ with a garland of shoes and slippers in Gadoj village on Wednesday (15th November). The locals were upset with the Behror MLA who recently filed his nomination for the upcoming elections. After a local youth garlanded Baljeet Yadav with shoes, the MLA’s supporters clashed with the locals.

The locals raised “MLA Baljeet Yadav Murdabad” slogans as the conflict escalated. Seeing the situation taking a serious turn, the MLA ran away from the spot pausing his election campaign. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. It has been reported that several youths from Behror were taken into custody later without any evidence of criminal offence.

Notably, MLA Baljeet Yadav is regularly facing the anger of locals in his constituency as in September this year, the MLA was welcomed with black flags and sloganeering in Bichpuri village in the constituency. The locals said that Baljeet Yadav was claiming credit for the construction of a road built by BJP MP from Alwar, Mahant Balaknath Yogi.

MLA Baljeet Yadav formed his own political party named Rashtriya Janta Sena Party earlier this year. In 2018, Yadav was elected as an independent MLA from the Behror assembly constituency for the first time. Yadav gained attention after he campaigned in 200 assembly constituencies across the state, dressed in black clothes as a mark of protest against corruption, with 14 requests. However, he has been accused of corruption amounting to crores of rupees.

MLA Baljeet Yadav is also accused of doing a multi-crore scam in the purchase of cricket bats, balls, helmets, batting pads, stumps, and gloves for children studying in government schools.

1...1,5421,5431,544...7,563Page 1,543 of 7,563

Contact: infoopindia.com

About us

News and opinion website that brings you reports and narrative from a perspective often ignored or suppressed by the mainstream media of India.

Follow us

© OpIndia.com