Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:26pm on 26 Sep 2023,Tuesday International
London's Gatwick Airport has imposed a daily limit of 800 flights until Sunday amid staff shortages in air traffic control. Around 30% of air traffic control staff are currently off sick, including from Covid-19. The flight cap aims to prevent last-minute cancellations and delays for passengers. EasyJet will be the most affected airline, with other carriers like BA and Ryanair also asked to cancel flights. Gatwick apologized for the disruptions but said the limits were necessary given the staff absences. The airport is working on improving air traffic control's resilience.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:42pm on 26 Sep 2023,Tuesday International
The UK is bracing for Storm Agnes this week, with heavy rain and winds up to 80mph bringing disruption and "danger to life" warnings across much of the country starting Wednesday. However, hopes for a mini October heatwave are still alive as forecasters predict warmer than usual temperatures next month, potentially reaching 23C. Meteorologists cite the chance of an "Indian summer" once Storm Agnes passes. But first, yellow wind and rain warnings are in effect for most areas outside the southeast from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. Though Storm Agnes threatens damages, forecasts suggest pleasant weather could return quickly, offering optimism for an unseasonably warm October.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:57am on 26 Sep 2023,Tuesday International
The 2024 US Presidential election sees Indian American voters divided over Republican candidates of Indian origin, Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley. Indian Americans make up about 16% of eligible Asian American voters, and their influence could sway swing states like Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Nevada. Many Indian Americans express frustration with both candidates' hard-line positions, with concerns that Ramaswamy's vow to dismantle the Department of Education could harm institutions crucial to Indian American success. The ideological diversity within the South Asian American community is highlighted, with some acknowledging the significance of having two Indian American candidates but also recognizing ideological differences.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:31am on 26 Sep 2023,Tuesday International
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called the honoring of a Ukrainian Nazi veteran in Parliament "deeply embarrassing" after facing backlash. Trudeau was among those who applauded 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka, a veteran of a Nazi SS division, who was introduced as a war hero after Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed Parliament. Jewish groups and opposition conservatives slammed the incident, with Trudeau admitting it was "clearly unacceptable." The Speaker of the House also apologized for recognizing Hunka as a "Ukrainian hero." The controversial recognition came amid Canada's diplomatic row with India over allegations of involvement in a Sikh separatist's murder.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:34pm on 25 Sep 2023,Monday International
Canadian House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota has issued an apology for felicitating Yaroslav Hunka, who was revealed to have fought in World War II as a member of the SS (Schutzstaffel), a notorious Nazi organization responsible for the execution of civilians. The felicitation occurred during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Cabinet members present. Jewish organizations, including the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre, demanded an apology for the blunder. Rota regretted his decision and extended apologies to Jewish communities while claiming the Ukrainian delegation didn't inform his office about Hunka's background.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:18am on 25 Sep 2023,Monday International
The Consul General of China, Zha Liyou, has called for stable relations between India and China, emphasizing their shared status as major countries with over a billion in population. Zha expressed China's willingness to work with India and other parties for world peace and global development. He addressed the recent controversy where China denied visas to Indian wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh for the Asian Games. While Zha labeled it a bilateral issue, India's Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur canceled his visit to the games in protest. India strongly rejected differential treatment based on domicile or ethnicity and the Olympic Council of Asia is investigating the matter.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:46pm on 24 Sep 2023,Sunday International
A Singapore Chinese cab driver is under probe for abusing a Eurasian woman and her daughter during a ride, wrongly assuming she was Indian. Janelle Hoeden recorded the driver shouting racist insults and calling her "very stupid" for being "Indian". When she corrected him, he called her "the very worst kind". The abuse occurred over seatbelt rules for her child's height. Hoeden feared he may get violent. The incident, shared online, sparked outrage. Cab operator Tada condemned the racism, began an investigation and promised action. The abuse highlights issues of racial profiling and mistreatment of minorities by service providers in Singapore.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:57am on 24 Sep 2023,Sunday International
Following the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, the FBI visited several Sikh activists in California to warn them about potential threats to their lives, according to The Intercept. Pritpal Singh, a US citizen and coordinator for the American Sikh Caucus Committee, revealed that he and two other Sikh Americans engaged in political activities received calls and visits from the FBI after Nijjar's death. This warning has gained significance following Canada's recent disclosure of credible intelligence suggesting Indian government involvement in Nijjar's assassination, leading to strained relations between Canada and India.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:59am on 24 Sep 2023,Sunday International
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau is isolated diplomatically after accusing India over a killing on Canadian soil, the BBC reports. While allies expressed worry, none offered full support given India's rising geopolitical heft. Trudeau's fading popularity limits his leverage, making him appear isolated globally amidst the India spat. However, the row offers some distraction from recent domestic woes like alleged Chinese election interference and a serial killer's controversial transfer. Though highlighting Canada's challenges, the confrontation could bolster Trudeau's diminished standing at home. But he seems constrained internationally over the escalating diplomatic clash with increasingly influential India.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:55am on 24 Sep 2023,Sunday International
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the persistence of "double standards" in the world, with influential countries resisting pressure for change. Speaking at a Ministerial Session, Jaishankar emphasized that political pressure, rather than political will, is driving the need for change. He noted resistance from those in influential positions, especially in the UN Security Council. He stressed the importance of cultural rebalancing, respecting diversity, and acknowledging other traditions. Jaishankar mentioned India's G20 Presidency and its potential to initiate reforms in international financial institutions. The event also featured discussions on pressing global issues like debt, SDGs, climate action, digital access, nutrition, and gender.