Canada's Deputy PM Struggles to Explain Tribute to Controversial Khalistani Activist

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:52am on 22 Jun 2024,Saturday India Global

Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland stumbled over a question about why the government is honoring Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist who was on the no-fly list and had his bank accounts frozen before his death. Despite past actions against him, Nijjar was recently paid tribute in Parliament. Freeland failed to explain the paradox, instead emphasizing the solemn anniversary of his death and condemning his murder on Canadian soil. She praised Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's stance after the assassination, calling it necessary but challenging. The exchange has gone viral on social media, raising questions about the government's stance on Nijjar's activities.

Read More at The Tribune

Hinduja Family Expresses Shock Over Swiss Court Jail Terms, Files Appeal

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:31am on 22 Jun 2024,Saturday India Global

Britain's wealthiest family, the Hindujas, have reacted with shock to Swiss court rulings sentencing some members to jail for exploiting Indian domestic workers in Geneva. Their legal team emphasized the family's acquittal on human trafficking charges but swiftly filed appeals against the verdicts. The case alleged workers were subjected to severe conditions and underpaid wages, with accusations of passport confiscation and restricted movement. Despite the setback, the family, renowned for their extensive global business empire, remains confident in the judicial process and hopes for a favorable outcome on appeal.

Read More at NDTV

Hinduja Family Sentenced in Swiss Court for Exploiting Underpaid Workers: Prison Terms from 4 to 4.5 Years

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:37am on 22 Jun 2024,Saturday India Global

The Hinduja family, Britain's wealthiest of Indian origin, was convicted in Geneva for exploiting underpaid domestic workers. Prakash (78) and Kamal Hinduja (75) received 4.5-year sentences, while Ajay Hinduja and his wife Namrata were sentenced to 4 years. Workers, paid in rupees to inaccessible accounts in India, endured long hours for minimal wages. The court found the family guilty of exploiting vulnerable staff, rejecting severe human trafficking charges. Assets were confiscated to cover legal penalties. The family plans to appeal the decision.

Read More at Mint

India Condemns Canadian Parliament's Tribute to Pro-Khalistani Activist Nijjar

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:01pm on 21 Jun 2024,Friday India Global

India criticized the Canadian Parliament's June 18 tribute to Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistani activist. Nijjar was killed a year ago, and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau had implicated India, straining diplomatic ties. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s stance against political support for extremism and urged Canada to act against anti-India activities. He condemned the formation of Khalistani 'Citizen’s Courts' in Canada, demanding Ottawa curb extremist elements and their gatherings.

Read More at The Indian Express

India Calls for End to Recruitment of Nationals by Russian Army

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:37pm on 21 Jun 2024,Friday India Global

India has demanded a "verified stop" to the recruitment of Indian nationals by the Russian Army after the deaths of four Indians on the Ukraine frontlines. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that discussions are ongoing with Russian authorities to repatriate Indians and ensure no further recruitment. Reports indicate up to 100 Indians were recruited, often misled by promises of high-paying jobs. India is also coordinating with Russia for the return of the bodies of the deceased. The Indian government has urged citizens to exercise caution regarding employment opportunities in Russia.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Four Members of Hinduja Family Sentenced for Exploiting Servants in Switzerland

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:18pm on 21 Jun 2024,Friday India Global

Four members of the Hinduja family were sentenced to up to 4.5 years in prison by a Swiss court for exploiting their servants. Prakash Hinduja and his wife Kamal received 4.5-year sentences, while their son Ajay and his wife Namrata were sentenced to four years each. The court rejected human trafficking charges but found the family guilty of underpaying and overworking their staff at their Lake Geneva villa. The workers received less than one-tenth of the standard pay and minimal health benefits. The Hinduja family plans to appeal the ruling.

Read More at India Today

Indian Embassy in Washington Celebrates International Day of Yoga

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:16pm on 21 Jun 2024,Friday India Global

The Indian Embassy in Washington celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga on June 16 at the Wharf, overlooking the Potomac River. The event started with Indian classical dance performances, followed by a yoga session promoting "Yoga for Self and Society." Deputy Indian Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan highlighted yoga's global appeal and its 5,000-year history. She emphasized yoga's role in promoting harmony and balance. The program also encouraged the use of millets and eco-friendly practices. The Embassy and Consulates across the US organized various events leading up to the celebration.

Read More at New India Abroad

US Lawmakers' Meeting with Dalai Lama in Dharamshala Sparks China's Anger

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:08pm on 21 Jun 2024,Friday India Global

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers, led by Congressman Michael McCaul and Nancy Pelosi, visited the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, India, prompting strong criticism from China. The meeting follows US Congress passing a bill urging talks between China and Tibetan leaders, frozen since 2010. Pelosi affirmed the bill's impending signing by President Biden, emphasizing US support for Tibet's freedom. China's embassy in India condemned the visit, labeling the Dalai Lama a political exile engaged in separatist activities. The Tibetan leader, advocating peace, stepped down from political duties in 2011.

Read More at India Today

India Refutes French Journalist's Claim of Forced Exit; Permit Still Under Review

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:02pm on 21 Jun 2024,Friday India Global

India has denied allegations by French journalist Sébastien Farcis that he was forced to leave the country after his work permit was denied. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that Farcis, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, had applied for a work permit in May 2024, and the application is still under consideration. Jaiswal emphasized that the decision to leave India was Farcis's choice. Farcis, who has been in India for over 13 years, claimed he left after difficulties in obtaining the permit, which the MEA firmly denies.

Read More at India Today

India Protests Khalistani Extremists' 'Citizens Court' Outside Vancouver Consulate in Canada

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:32pm on 21 Jun 2024,Friday India Global

India has lodged a strong protest with Canada over Khalistani extremists staging a "citizens court" and burning an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi outside the Indian consulate in Vancouver. The protest follows a Canadian parliamentary tribute to slain Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, further straining bilateral relations. India's diplomatic note to the Canadian High Commission expressed serious concerns about the Trudeau government's tolerance of pro-Khalistan activities on Canadian soil. The incident underscores ongoing tensions, with India urging Ottawa to take decisive action against these extremist elements.

Read More at India Today

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