Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Working President Balwinder Singh Bhunder on Tuesday condemned incidents of violence outside religious places in Canada and appealed to people of Indian origin to defeat the conspiracies to divide them on communal lines.
He called upon the Canadian government to ensure all places of religious worship were secure from such acts of violence. “Attempts are afoot to divide Sikhs and Hindus in Canada on communal lines. This is against the teachings of our Guru Sahiban who have preached the concept of ‘sarbat da bhala’,” said Balwinder Singh Bhunder. The Akali Dal has always stood for communal harmony and has also made numerous sacrifices to uphold this principle.
The Shiromani Akali Dal head appealed to people from both communities in Canada to recognise their common roots, exercise utmost restraint and maintain communal harmony at this critical juncture. Bhunder also appealed to the Canadian government to ensure the safety of all persons of Indian origin as well as the safety of their places of worship. “Everyone should have the right to free access to their religious places. It appears these acts of violence have been engineered as part of a larger conspiracy. The Canadian government should unmask the conspiracy behind these incidents,” he said.
The SAD Working President also urged the Canadian government to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats on Canadian soil. He also urged the Indian government to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of Indo-Canadians and make attempts at genuine reconciliation amongst both communities. Responding to the incidents, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has expressed concern over the attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, calling it “deeply concerning” during a press conference with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong at Parliament House, Canberra, on Tuesday.
“What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning. And, you would have seen the statement first by the official spokesperson and also the expression of concern by the Prime Minister yesterday. So, that should, I think, convey to you how deeply we feel about it,” Jaishankar said.
–IANS
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A government staffer committed suicide, allegedly over the injustice meted out to him by his seniors and Personal Assistant to State Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar in Karnataka’s Belagavi district. The deceased, identified as Rudaranna Yadavanna who worked as the Second Division Assistant (SDA) at the Tehsildar’s office, named the Personal Assistant of Hebbalkar in his death note.
Following the incident, the Karnataka BJP demanded the minister’s resignation. Yadavanna sent a message in the staffer’s WhatsApp group mentioning the names of Tehsildar Basavaraja Nagarala and the Minister’s PA Somu holding them responsible for his death. He also stated that too much injustice was taking place in the office and he could not bear it. The deceased officer had asked other employees of the Tehsildar’s office to fight the “injustice” unitedly. Even as the victim posted the message around 7.30 p.m. on Monday, no action was taken. Yadavanna, who was working for many years, was recently transferred. Yadavanna’s wife also works as the village accountant in the Tehsildar’s office.
The jurisdictional Khadebazar police have taken up the investigation. Preliminary reports suggested that Yadavanna had committed suicide early in the morning and the incident came to light after other staff arrived at the office. Sources said the deceased officer had also recorded a video in which he mentioned that he was committing suicide due to harassment by the senior officers. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, BJP Legislative Council Member N. Ravi Kumar has called for Minister Hebbalkar’s resignation following the suicide of Yadavanna.
He mentioned that Yadavanna left a note attributing his death to Hebbalkar’s private secretary, stating he had “suffered” for many days. Speaking to media representatives at the BJP State Office in Bengaluru, Kumar demanded Hebbalkar’s resignation, saying that the BJP government had taken the resignation of former minister K. S. Eshwarappa under similar circumstances.
–IANS
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When the left-leaning media sought to press Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud on the issue of delay in granting bail to individuals like Umar Khalid, Stan Swamy, and GN Saibaba—attempting to present them as important figures fighting for a cause—CJI Chandrachud responded calmly, in his usual manner, with a sharp rebuke.
He made it clear that the judiciary remains impartial, stating that it does not show favoritism and judges cases solely based on their merits, not on public sentiment or media influence. With a pointed remark, he noted, “The media creates a narrative around a case, but when a judge examines the merits, it is very different from the portrayal in the media.”
The 50th Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, was the guest of honor at the “Express Adda” event in New Delhi, where he engaged in a discussion with National Opinion Editor Vandita Mishra and National Legal Editor Apurva Vishwanath. During the conversation, he emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue between the judiciary and the executive, even in informal settings. CJI Chandrachud underscored that such interactions are a routine and necessary part of the court’s functioning and urged the public to place their trust in judges, stating, “Deals are never made in such exchanges, so please trust us; we are not here to cut deals.”
The Chief Justice addressed concerns raised about photographs showing him praying with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 11 September 2024, clarifying that the meeting was purely private. He stated that such interactions, even at a social level, are part of the continuing relationship between the Judiciary and the Executive.
Chandrachud explained, “At a doctrinal level, the separation of powers concept does not postulate that the judiciary and the executive are antagonistic in the sense that they will not meet or engage in recent dialogue. In the states, there is a very well-established protocol in several states, including states where I have served as a judge and then as a chief justice. The administrative committee of the high court meets the chief minister, and on the next occasion, the chief minister meets the chief justice in their residence. In most of these meetings, for instance when I took over the Allahabad High Court, we were discussing basic issues concerning the judiciary such as budgeting, infrastructure, homes for new judges, new courtrooms, and technology. Because the budget has to come from the executive, unless you talk to. This robust dialogue takes place between the executive and judiciary on the administrative side, which has nothing to do with the judicial work that you do as judges.”
He emphasized that the separation of powers between the executive and judiciary means that judges cannot make laws, just as the executive cannot issue judgments—each branch must respect its defined role.
When asked if he would have preferred a different composition for the photo, such as including other judges or the Leader of the Opposition, he quipped, “That would have made it a selection committee,” referring to the process of appointing key officials.
Discussing the pressure faced by the judiciary, CJI Chandrachud noted that interest and pressure groups, particularly through social media, attempt to influence judicial outcomes. “Some groups say, ‘If you decide in my favor, you’re independent; if not, you’re not independent,’ and that’s what I object to,” he said.
Then when question was raised about the delays in granting bail to individuals like Umar Khalid, Stan Swamy, and GN Saibaba, Chandrachud slammed the media straight in its face, he said, “Very often, what happens is that in the media, particularly in the journalistic media, a particular case assumes prominence, and the court is either criticized or critiqued based on one particular case.” He went on to explain that since taking office, he has made prioritizing bail a key focus, given its significant impact on personal liberty. He pointed out that in his two years as CJI, the court had disposed of 21,358 bail cases, surpassing the 21,000 cases filed during the same period.
Chandrachud continued, “For the one or two cases which you did mention, I can tell you at least a dozen cases. These are sensitive cases, somebody will call them politically sensitive cases or politically important personality cases whose names I shouldn’t be mentioning as the CJI. We have dealt with those cases and bail has been granted. It has happened for the past several months and even before. Now, what happens is that very often in the media, a certain facade or a certain atmosphere of a case is made out. When a judge applies their mind to the record, what emerges from the record may be very different from what is being portrayed in the media on the merits of that particular case. The bench of the court which deals with that case decides, for example, whether to grant bail or not. I’m not commenting on any particular case because none of these cases have been dealt with by me, and I would like to respect the fact that my colleagues have dealt with them. I respect those colleagues for the work which they do. Ultimately, the judge has to apply their mind to the record of the particular case. Whether they are right or wrong is something for everybody else to critique, but the judge looks at the record and then decides what to do.”
When the panel further pressed him CJI Chandrachud casually emphasized that bail should be the rule, not the exception. “I have granted bail from A to Z from Arnab to Zubair,” he said, highlighting his philosophy of granting bail when appropriate.
On the issue of judicial appointments, CJI Chandrachud stated that the Collegium has done its part and hopes the government clears the pending recommendations. “We’ve done everything within our power to ensure the constitutional process is followed, including evaluating and discussing the names,” he said, adding that some recommendations are still awaiting government approval.
Regarding the government’s delay in appointing judges, CJI Chandrachud asserted that both the Collegium and the government hold a veto power. “No appointment can go through unless we clear it,” he explained, also noting that the Collegium exercises its veto if it deems a candidate unworthy of appointment.
On the Collegium’s track record under his leadership, CJI Chandrachud reported that 18 of the 18 Supreme Court judge recommendations had been appointed, 40 out of 42 Chief Justices had been appointed, and 137 out of 164 High Court judge recommendations had been cleared, with 27 still pending with the government.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the European Union’s Proba 3 Sun Observation Mission in December, said Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, on Tuesday.
Speaking to IANS on the sidelines of the Indian Space Conclave 3.0 in New Delhi, he said the space scientists from India will partner with those in Europe to unravel the mysteries of the Sun. Proba-3, which aims to study the Sun’s faint corona closer to the solar rim, will be launched on the PSLV-XL rocket, operated by the ISRO.
“The European Union’s large orbiter Proba 3, which will observe the Sun, will go to space from Sriharikota in December,” Singh said. “Space scientists from ISRO and the European Union will observe the Sun’s atmosphere jointly,” he added.
The Proba-3 Sun observation mission includes two satellites that will work together to create a 144-metre-long instrument known as a solar coronagraph. This instrument will help scientists study the Sun’s corona, which is difficult to observe due to the brightness of the solar disk.
The ‘world’s first precision formation flying mission’ will enable scientists to study the Sun’s elusive corona with unprecedented proximity and detail.
Meanwhile, Singh said the space sector, which was “kept under wraps for 60-70 years,” has now been opened to the public sector with the 2023 New Space policy, leading to a significant boom in the industry. He also listed out the ambitious goal of establishing the Indian space station Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) by 2035 and landing the first Indian on the Moon by 2040.
Addressing the Indian Space Conclave 3.0, the Minister highlighted that almost every sector in the country is using space technology. He added that space technology fosters the creation of smart cities by providing navigation, satellite imaging, and terrain mapping, among other benefits.
He also underscored India’s vision to increase its contribution to the global space economy from 2 per cent to 10 per cent in the coming years.
–IANS
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The Indian government has formally notified Wikipedia, expressing concerns over alleged editorial bias and misinformation within its articles. According to an ANI report citing government sources, the notice to Wikipedia addresses mounting complaints from stakeholders about inaccuracies and potential bias on the platform.
Govt of India puts Wikipedia on notice. Govt writes to Wikipedia pointing out many complaints of bias and inaccuracies in Wikipedia, points out a small group having editorial control and asks why Wikipedia shouldn’t be treated as a publisher instead of an intermediary: Sources
The government’s notice challenges Wikipedia’s designation as an “intermediary” under Indian law, questioning whether it should instead be classified as a “publisher.” This distinction is significant, as intermediaries are largely shielded from legal responsibility for user-generated content, while publishers could face accountability for content accuracy and potential defamation.
This formal action follows a defamation lawsuit recently filed by Asian News International (ANI) against Wikipedia. ANI is seeking damages of ₹2 crores, alleging that Wikipedia allowed defamatory edits labelling ANI as a “propaganda tool” for the Indian government. The Delhi High Court has taken up the case and questioned Wikipedia’s claim of being an “encyclopaedia,” given its open editing model. The court expressed concerns over Wikipedia’s refusal to remove the disputed content, particularly given its influence as an information resource.
In response to the defamation case, the High Court has directed Wikipedia to disclose the identities of three editors involved in these controversial edits. However, the Wikimedia Foundation has since appealed this directive, and the matter is under review by a division bench. ANI’s petition also demands the removal of content accusing it of disseminating information from “fake news websites.”
The court criticized Wikipedia’s open editing system as “dangerous,” pointing out that it allows any user to make changes to articles, raising risks of misinformation. The Wikimedia Foundation has responded, stating that Wikipedia enforces guidelines to uphold content integrity and that contributors are expected to comply with legal standards.
Founded in the early 2000s, Wikipedia now hosts over 56 million articles in more than 300 languages, with approximately 89 percent available in languages other than English. It remains a crucial source of information for millions worldwide.
The DMK stance on opposing the imposition of Hindi, which it has long used for its divisive political agenda, appears to be backfiring. This became evident when an administrative recruitment advertisement requiring knowledge of Hindi went viral, attracting widespread criticism. In response to the backlash, the party withdrew the advertisement, blamed the officials responsible, and suspended them.
A Joint Director in the Tamil Nadu government’s Directorate of Child Welfare and Special Services has been suspended following an a recruitment advertisement, which listed Hindi communication skills as a qualification for the position of call responders for the women’s helpline.
Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, P. Geetha Jeevan, confirmed that departmental disciplinary action was being taken against the Joint Director. She explained that the inclusion of Hindi as a required qualification was a “mistake.”
This statement came after Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman raised concerns about the advertisement issued by the Department of Social Welfare, which sought to hire five call responders for the 181 women’s helpline. The ad had listed proficiency in Tamil, English, and Hindi as qualifications.
வன்முறைக்கு இலக்காகும் பெண்களுக்கு உதவுவதற்காக அமைக்கப்படும் தனி மையத்தில் பணிபுரிய தமிழ், ஆங்கிலம், இந்தி என மும்மொழி தெரிந்த பெண்கள் மட்டுமே விண்ணப்பிக்க முடியும் என்று திமுக அரசு அறிவிப்பு… pic.twitter.com/EdDgA5j2xg
After the issue was brought to the government’s attention, the advertisement was removed from the portal. A revised version was subsequently uploaded, specifying that the qualifications would only include communication skills in Tamil and English.
Minister Jeevan emphasized that all official communications within Tamil Nadu government departments are conducted in Tamil, and interactions with the Union government are in English. She also outlined the steps the DMK government has taken to promote the Tamil language.
In response to the controversy, Jeevan expressed frustration, stating, “It is unfortunate that some are trying to politicize the mistake of one official.” She added that there was no need for anyone to lecture the government on Tamil and that such attempts would not sway the people.
An attempt to export 28 metric tons of bull meat from Chennai Port to Sharjah was foiled when officials discovered that it had been falsely labeled as buffalo meat. Chennai Customs authorities intervened and halted the export after receiving a tip-off.
The Uttar Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department had issued a certificate for buffalo meat as bull meat, which initially appeared legitimate. However, suspicions led to an inspection of the meat, and subsequent testing by Chennai Customs confirmed it was bull meat.
As a result, a case has been filed under the Customs Act against Universal Food Exports, a Delhi-based company, for attempting to export the product with misleading information. Mohammad Khalid Alam, the manager of Universal Food Exports, was arrested in connection with the incident but was later granted bail.
In response, Universal Food Exports has filed a case in the Madras High Court, and a hearing is scheduled to take place soon.
According to the red meat policy outlined by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the export of beef (including meat from cows, oxen, and calves) as well as bone-in buffalo meat is strictly prohibited under the current Foreign Trade Policy. However, the export of sheep and goat meat, as well as boneless buffalo meat, is allowed without restriction, provided that the conditions specified in the policy are met. Additionally, the policy requires that all exported meat must be sourced from abattoirs and meat processing plants that are registered with APEDA.
In a low-down act of violence, Khalistani supporters stormed the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Canada, disrupting an Indian consular camp to attack devotees, including women and children. As disturbing footage spread across social media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the assault as a “cowardly attempt to intimidate” Indian diplomats, demanding justice from Canadian authorities. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who frequently champions minority rights abroad, stayed silent on this attack on Hindus, despite his vocal stance on similar issues for other communities.
Gandhi’s silence is particularly striking given his grandmother, Indira Gandhi, was assassinated by Khalistanis. His silence raises pressing questions about his commitment to defending Hindus at home and abroad.
Khalistanis Attack Hindu Sabha Temple
The Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Canada, was violently attacked on 3 November 2024 amid ongoing tensions between India and Canada. In a video shared widely on social media, Khalistani supporters were seen trespassing on the temple grounds and assaulting devotees. The attack took place at an Indian consular camp hosted by the temple, where Khalistani extremists reportedly disrupted proceedings, targeting women and children, according to the Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit supporting Canada’s Hindu community.
A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today. The attack by Khalistanis on the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen has Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada. I begin to feel… pic.twitter.com/vPDdk9oble
In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the assault, calling it a deliberate attack and a “cowardly attempt to intimidate” Indian diplomats. In a statement posted on X, he said,“I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.”
I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.
His statement followed an official condemnation from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which denounced the violence and emphasized concerns for the safety of Indian nationals in Canada. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called on Canadian authorities to protect Indian communities and places of worship.
“We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada,”he stated. “The outreach of our Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment, and violence.”
However, Leader of Opposition and Congress scion Rahul Gandhi has been mum for the past 2 days and has not issued any statement on the attack on Hindus by Khalistani supporters in Canada.
It is noteworthy that his grandmother and former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by the very same Khalistani supporters in 1984.
The same Rahul Gandhi made grand statements about the “plight of Sikhs” in India during his US trip in September 2024. During a gathering with Indian Americans in Herndon, Virginia, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke about religious freedom in India, emphasizing the “struggles” faced by minority communities. Gandhi asked a Sikh attendee to share his name and highlighted issues concerning the Sikh community. He stated,“The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to a Gurdwara.”
The BJP has been spreading lies about my remarks in America.
I want to ask every Sikh brother and sister in India and abroad – is there anything wrong in what I have said? Shouldn't India be a country where every Sikh – and every Indian – can freely practice their religion… pic.twitter.com/sxNdMavR1X
He blamed the RSS for the existing situation and clarified that this issue extends beyond Sikhs, affecting all religions, and argued that it’s about fundamental freedoms rather than politics.
Gandhi Silent On Hindu Persecution In Bangladesh
Similarly, when Muhammad Yunus took over as the head of the interim government in Bangladesh, he wrote, “Congratulations to Professor Muhammad Yunus on being sworn in as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government. A swift restoration of peace and normalcy is the need of the hour.”
Congratulations to Professor Muhammad Yunus on being sworn in as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government.
A swift restoration of peace and normalcy is the need of the hour.
He did not mention a word on the ongoing genocide. He has not made any statement whatsoever regarding the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh.
However, during the all-party meeting called by the Centre to apprise the opposition about the situation in the neighbouring country, Gandhi is said to have highlighted concerns over the plight of minorities in Bangladesh, referencing reports of attacks on their properties. He emphasized that the safety and well-being of these communities are of considerable importance to India, given the strong cultural and historical connections shared between the two countries.
The Indian National Congress, through its communications chief Jairam Ramesh, called for the interim government to take “forceful steps” to ensure the safety and security of minority communities in Bangladesh.
While Rahul Gandhi goes around town speaking for various “minorities”, he has no words to say about Hindus across the world when they are attacked for real.
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A temple in Shamshabad on the outskirts of Hyderabad was vandalised on Tuesday, police said. When the priest of the temple in Airport Colony came in the morning to perform daily rituals, he found idols vandalised.
Alerted by the priest and the locals, the police rushed to the spot and began investigations. The police suspect the miscreants entered the temple and vandalised it late Monday night.
On receiving the information, local BJP leaders also reached the temple and demanded stringent punishment for those involved. The police have reportedly picked up a suspect and were questioning him.
The latest incident came nearly three weeks after an act of vandalism at Muthyalamma temple in Secunderabad.
On October 14, a man barged into Sri Muthyalamma Temple located at Kummarguda, in the Market Police Station limits and damaged the idol. Locals caught hold of him, thrashed him and later handed him over to police.
As the accused was critically injured, he was admitted to a hospital. Two days later, police revealed that the accused was Salman Salim Thakur alias Salman, a native of Mumbra, Near Mumbai.
The police investigations revealed that the 30-year-old came to Hyderabad in October to attend a month-long personality development workshop.
Last week, the accused was produced in the court, which sent him to judicial custody. The vandalism had triggered protests by VHP, Bajrang Dal and other organisations.
–IANS
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Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena President Eknath Shinde has slammed the opposition for moving court against the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’ and said that if the scheme was a crime, he was ready to go to jail. “I am ready to go to jail for the Ladki Bahin (beloved sisters),” he said after the inauguration of the office of the party nominee Vishwanath Bhoir from Kalyan West late Monday night.
The Chief Minister asked the women voters to support Shiv Sena and the MahaYuti for defeating the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which has been pressing for discontinuing the Ladki Bahin Yojana. “Dear sisters will get Rs 1,500 every month under the Ladki Bahin Yojana. The opposition has been consistently advocating the closure of the Ladki Bahin Yojana. If they (the opposition) approach you (women voters) during the poll campaign, ask them why they are opposing the Ladki Bahin Yojana,” CM Shinde said. Further, the Chief Minister called upon the women to grill the opposition asking them why they went to court to stop the scheme. “This is the government of the common man. So whoever comes to you – the stepbrothers, rivals or opponents – show them their place for opposing the Ladki Bahin Yojana,” he advised.
He further claimed that those who will close down the Ladki Bahin Yojana and other welfare schemes will face a backlash. The Chief Minister said that Shiv Sena and MahaYuti were counting on a slew of development projects launched during the last two and half years. “Let the Maha Vikas Aghadi tell about the development works during its rule. We are ready to give our account. Is Maha Vikas Aghadi ready for this?” he asked. At another rally after the inauguration of the election office of the party nominee from Worli seat Milind Deora, the Chief Minister accused the Uddhav Thackeray-led government of putting speed breakers by stalling various development projects including the Mumbai Coastal Road, Aarey Metro car shed, Mumbai Metro 3, Atal Setu and park in Mahalakshmi Race Course.
“The MahaYuti removed all speed rakers and completed these projects. Had it not been done, then these projects would not have been completed in 15 years,” he claimed. He said that the MahaYuti government will work to bring back the Marathi Manoos, who were thrown out of Mumbai, to the metropolis.
He criticised the Shiv Sena-UBT for running a campaign that Mumbai will be separated from Maharashtra after the elections were over. “It won’t happen. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the Centre’s desire for Mumbai to become a world-class city and a powerhouse. The double engine government means a double guarantee,” he said.
–IANS
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