Category: News

ICC Cricket World Cup final Sadguru

Don’t Try To Win, Just Hit The Ball: Sadhguru To Indian Cricket Team

By LokMarg

With India reaching the ICC Cricket World Cup final, sports fever has gripped the country like never before. As the nation fervently supports the ‘Men in Blue,’ questions about how to secure victory in the final match are dominating the thoughts and discussions of everyone rallying behind the team.

In the now-viral video, shared on Sadhguru’s social media handles, a person asked Sadhguru for a tip for the Indian cricket team to bring the World Cup back. Responding in his inimitable style, Sadhguru said, “Don’t try to win the Cup, just hit the damn ball! If you think of this 1 billion people baying for the Cup, you will miss the ball, or if you think of all the other fanciful things that will happen if you win the World Cup, the ball will knock off your wickets.”

“So, how to win this World Cup? Don’t think about that. How to hit the damn ball? How to knock off the opposition’s wickets. That’s all you have to think about. Don’t think about the World Cup. Then you will knock off the World Cup.”

Earlier, sharing best wishes with the Indian cricket team before the semi-final match against New Zealand, Sadhguru’s channel on X posted a video highlighting the importance of the process: “Nobody can work on a consequence; you can only work on a process… Now, the process is a daily ongoing thing. Success is only in other people’s eyes. They think you are successful; they think you are a failure. But essentially, what you are doing is the process, right?” he said.

The final of the Cricket World Cup 2023 is set to take place at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat between India and Australia on Sunday. With the Indian team winning all 10 matches including the semi-final, the summit clash promises to be an electrifying one as the Australian team is also coming after registering eight consecutive win.

India breezed through the group stage, finishing on the top with 18 points after winning all their matches. The semi-final against New Zealand, in which India batters piled up a huge total, did produce some tense moments for Indian fans but Mohammed Shami struck at the right time to relieve the pressure. India won by 70 runs in the match played in Mumbai.

Australia also pulled through in the other semi-final and defeated South Africa by three wickets in Kolkata.

If India win, it will be their third World Cup title, and second on home soil. (ANI)

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Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai

Air Pollution Persisting In Entire North India: Rai Seeks Centre’s Intervention

By LokMarg

As a layer of haze continued to cover the national capital on Friday, and the air quality was recorded in the ‘severe’ category in several parts of the city, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has sought Central Government’s intervention to curb the pollution.

Speaking to ANI, Rai said that the issue of pollution persists not only in Delhi but the entire north India and cannot be resolved only if the national capital becomes active.

“This situation is persisting in all of north India. Besides Delhi, Haryana is showing severe category air quality in 12 districts…There are 14 such locations in Rajasthan…There are several districts in western Uttar Pradesh where there is a similar situation,” he said on Friday.

He further requested Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav to hold a meeting with environment ministers of states to address the issue of air pollution.

“In Delhi, we formed a special team yesterday for the strict implementation of GRAP regulations…I think this is a problem for the entire north India. It can’t be resolved if only Delhi becomes active. I think it is time for the Central Government to intervene. I also request the Union Environment Minister to conduct a meeting of Environment Ministers…” Rai added.

Earlier on Thursday, Rai said that a 6-member special task force has been formed, under the leadership of the Environment Special Secretary for proper implementation and monitoring of GRAP rules.

“The task force includes the Special Commissioner of Transport, DCP (HQ) Traffic Police, Deputy Commissioner, Revenue (HQ), Chief Engineers of MCD and PWD. The main work of this task force will be to coordinate daily with the concerned departments and remove the problems faced by them and give the implementation report to the government,” he said after a review meeting at the Delhi Secretariat with the concerned officers to ensure strict compliance with GRAP-IV rules in the city.

The city was engulfed in a thick layer of smog on the night of Diwali and the toxic haze continued the next day following the bursting of firecrackers, despite the Supreme Court order.

However, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data recorded at 8 am on Friday, the air quality in RK Puram was recorded at 461, it was at 454 at New Moti Bagh, 465 at the IGI Airport area and 475 at Nehru Nagar, all in the severe category.

Nine out of 11 state capitals analysed in India recorded higher pollution in the first 12 hours after Diwali celebrations this year as compared to last year. The government’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) tracker analysed PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter) data for 11 capital cities.

The highest spike (recorded at 15-minute intervals) was seen in the national capital Delhi. It was 999.5 ug/m3 at Pusa on November 13 at 1:30 am. (ANI)

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Punjab Bhagwant Mann

Punjab ASI Shot Dead In Amritsar, SAD Leader Attacks CM Mann

By LokMarg

An assistant sub-inspector of Punjab was shot dead here on Thursday night, officials said.

As per the police, ASI Saroop Singh posted to the city’s Nawad Pind police post was on a two-day leave.

“In fact, (he) went on leave yesterday evening itself. Then, according to his family members, he had an argument with someone over the phone. After that, when he was going from Khankot towards Dupurji via Link Road. A scuffle broke out there,” Sucha Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Amritsar Rural), said, adding that the deceased cop sustained a bullet wound near his ear.

Meanwhile, the former Punjab minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia has criticised the Bhagwant Mann government over the deteriorating law and order in the state.

“Look at the situation in Punjab…This morning, assailants attacked and fatally shot ASI Saroop Singh, who was stationed at the Jandiala Guru police station, near the Khankot. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been busy organising big events first at Jalandhar, and yesterday in Ludhiana. Meanwhile, incidents of murder, robberies, and dacoities in Punjab have been rising every day. Punjab is now in God’s hands… Have some shame, Bhagwant Mann,” the SAD leader said in a post on the social media platform, X.

However, DSP Sucha Singh has denied any political angle in the matter and said that the murder has been carried out of a ‘personal enmity’.

“We have traced the accused, the case has turned out to be of a personal enmity. Police parties have been dispatched to arrest the accused. There is no political angle,” he said. (ANI)

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Looming Threat Of Deep Fakes In Digital Media A Big Concern: Modi

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted the threats of deep fakes in new-age digital media content and said that it was important to understand how Artificial Intelligence (AI) works since they could be used to purposefully spread false information or have malicious intent behind their use.

Addressing the gathering at the Diwali Milan program at the BJP Headquarters on Friday, Prime Minister Modi spoke to the journalists about the dangers of deep fakes in digital media.

The prime minister urged the media persons to educate the people about the negative effects of using artificial intelligence to spread harmful content such as misrepresentation of individuals in deep fakes.

“I recently saw a video in which I was seen singing a Garba song. There are many other such videos online,” said PM Modi adding that the looming threat of Deepfake has become a great concern and can create a lot of problems for all of us.

Deepfakes are used to purposefully spread false information or they may have a malicious intent behind their use. They can be designed to harass, intimidate, demean and undermine people. Deepfakes can also create misinformation and confusion about important issues.

The Centre has said that creation and circulation of Deepfakes carry strong penalty – Rs 1 lakh in fine and three years in jail.

Misrepresentation of individuals in Deepfakes has led to the generation of blackmail materials to falsely incriminate people. As these videos and audio recordings can be difficult to verify, the negative impact on reputation can be difficult to recover from, even when verified as a Deepfake.

The Prime Minister further said that the ‘Vocal for local’ campaign has found people’s support and that the idea of a fully developed India was not just mere words but had touched ground reality.

The PM further said that local businesses had blossomed under the vocal for local campaigns and stated that we all must prioritise our local products.

“We now have a strong position on a global level, the world now acknowledges our achievements,” added the prime minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the BJP leadership arrived for the ‘Diwali Milan’ program at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) central office in the national capital. Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda have also arrived at the event that has been organised by the ruling party.

Additionally, journalists from the Indian media were invited by BJP party chief JP Nadda to attend the program. (ANI)

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Madhya Pradesh elections

Assembly Elections: MP Records 60.52% Polling Till 3 PM

By LokMarg

A voter turnout of 60.52 per cent was recorded till 3 pm in 230 assembly constituencies in Madhya Pradesh elections which are underway on Friday, the Elections Commission of India said.

Madhya Pradesh recorded a voter turnout of 45.40 per cent till 1 pm.

However, as per the poll commission, Agar Malwa of MP recorded 69.96 per cent of voter turnout, while Alirajpur recorded 50.66 per cent till 3 pm.

62.47 per cent voter turnout was recorded in Anuppur, 63.66 in Betul, 45.34 per cent in the capital city- Bhopal, and 67.09 per cent in former Chief Minister and Congress candidate Kamla Nath’s constituency- Chhindwara.

In Damoh it was recorded at 64.83 per cent, Datia at 58.34 per cent, Guna at 63.10 per cent while in Indore, it was 54.89 per cent till 3 pm.

Voting for 230 Assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh began at 7 am on Friday.

Madhya Pradesh is proving to be a tough fight for the BJP, with the fatigue factor associated with sitting Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who has been in power for close to two decades.

Webcasting has also been made available at about 42,000 polling stations.

Nearly 700 companies of the central forces and two lakh police personnel of the state have been deployed for security during the poll.

The election will decide the electoral fates of over 2,500 candidates.

Nearly 5.59 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise. It includes 2.87 crore male and 2.71 crore women voters. There are over 5,000 booths run by women and 183 polling stations run by the disabled, officials said.

The polls, coming nearly six months ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, are crucial for both the BJP and Congress for various reasons.

The counting of votes for the five states including Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram will be done on December 3. (ANI)

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Israel Defence Forces

Hamas Terrorist Tunnel Uncovered In Shifa Hospital: IDF

By LokMarg

Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has said that a Hamas terrorist tunnel was uncovered in the Shifa Hospital complex in Gaza.

According to IDF, IDF troops found another terrorist tunnel in the Rantisi Hospital. It further said that a large amount of weaponry and ammunition were found in the Al-Quds Hospital.

In a post shared on X, IDF stated, “Exposing another layer of Hamas’ exploitation of three of the largest hospitals in Gaza: Inside the Shifa Hospital complex, a Hamas terrorist tunnel was uncovered.” In another post, it stated, “Inside the Rantisi Hospital, yet another terrorist tunnel was unearthed by IDF troops.”

“The Shaldag SF unit, the 7th Brigade, and additional SF units exposed Hamas’s tunneling infrastructure inside the Shifa Hospital. They also discovered a booby-trapped vehicle that was prepared for the October 7th massacre, containing a large amount of weapons and ammunition,” Israeli Air Force posted on X.

Taking to X, IDF shared pictures of weapons and ammunition found in what they said was the Al-Quds Hospital. “Inside the Al-Quds Hospital, a large amount of weaponry and ammunition were found. This was all found over the past 24 hours,” IDF posted on X.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said fighter jets struck several more Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon. The IDF said that the attacks were carried out in response to attacks on the northern border, The Times of Israel reported.

According to IDF, anti-tank guided missiles were fired at a number of army posts on the border near the Biranit base and the northern community of Rosh Hanikra. No injuries were reported in the attacks, according to The Times of Israel report.

On Thursday, Israel Defence Forces shared a video showing weapons inside Gaza’s Al Shifa Hospital. In the video posted on X, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Lt Col Jonathan Conricus toured Al-Shifa Hospital’s MRI building.

In the video, he said, “We’re inside the MRI centre of the Shifa Hospital. Israeli troops breached here a few hours ago and we have cleared the area, made sure that it’s safe. A few of the most interesting things that we have found totally confirmed without any doubt that Hamas systematically uses hospitals in their military operations in violation of international law and what we have found. I think, it is only the tip of the iceberg.”

“Let me show you a few examples. Security cameras have been obstructed, all of the security cameras are covered, and this isn’t the only one. You’ll see the rest of them here,” he added.

Conricus also said Israel Defence Forces had found a laptop in an MRI room, which is now being analysed by Israel’s intel personnel. He also showed medical equipment, including bandages.

While sharing the video on X, the IDF stated, “Watch as LTC (res.) Jonathan Conricus exposes the countless Hamas weapons IDF troops have uncovered in the Shifa Hospital’s MRI building.”

IDF also said that IDF fighter jets hit the home of exiled Hamas’ Political Bureau head, Ismail Haniyeh in the Gaza Strip. The IDF said that the house was used as terrorist infrastructure and a meeting point for Hamas’ senior leaders to direct terrorist attacks against Israel.

The head of the Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, resides in Qatar, but his family home is in the Gaza strip, The Times of Israel reported.

Taking to X, the IDF stated, “IDF fighter jets struck the residence of Ismail Haniyeh, the Head of Hamas’ Political Bureau. The residence was used as terrorist infrastructure and a meeting point for Hamas’ senior leaders to direct terrorist attacks against Israel.” (ANI)

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Modi Condemns Civilian Deaths In Israel-Hamas War

By LokMarg

Condemning the mounting civilian deaths in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said new challenges are emerging from the events in West Asia.

Reiterating India’s condemnation of the Hamas terror attacks in southern Israel on October 7, PM Modi also highlighted that New Delhi has also sent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine.

In his opening address at the Voice of Global South Summit earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Modi said, “For global prosperity, sabka saath and sabka vikas is parmount. We all are seeing that new challenges are emerging from the events in the West Asia region.”

“India has condemned the terrorist attack in Israel on October 7. We have laid emphasis on exercising restraint, dialogue and diplomacy,” he added.

PM Modi said that India has also sent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine.

“We also strongly condemn the deaths of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. After talking to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, we have also sent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine,” he added.

“This is the time when the countries of the Global South should unite for the greater global good,” Prime Minister Modi stated.

The Second Voice of Global South Summit is taking place in a virtual mode. The Second Voice of the Global South Summit would focus on sharing with countries of the Global South the key outcomes achieved in various G20 meetings over the course of India’s Presidency.

The challenges posed by global developments are also likely to be discussed. Further, the summit will serve as a platform to discuss ways to sustain the momentum generated towards our common aspiration of a more inclusive, representative and progressive world order.

Recently, Israel President Isaac Herzog said India advocates peace and can definitely pursue the voice of reason, security for Israel and peace for the region.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Herzog described India as “a very important nation in the world” and “one of the greatest countries on earth”.

“India is a very important nation in the world and it was my true honour to speak at the joint session of US Congress in Washington in July, just a few weeks after PM Modi spoke. We believe India advocates peace and is a very impressive country, one of the greatest on earth and India can definitely pursue the voice of reason, security for Israel and peace for the region,” the Israel President said.

He was asked about India’s position on the sequence of events following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7. The war between Israel and Hamas has entered the 41st day.

Asked if India can play a role to mediate or moderate the conflict, the Israel President talked about the need to rebuild Gaza as a peaceful place and noted that there can then be talk about true dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians and India has a lot to contribute to these ideas.

“I don’t know, I’m not sure but I say that the day after, part of the issue will be how do we rebuild Gaza again and how we make sure that Gaza is a safe haven and a peaceful place and then we can speak about doing business with the Mediterranean and having Israelis and Palestinians have a true dialogue. India has a lot to contribute to all these ideas,” he told ANI.

Israeli Ambassador to India Naor Gilon had last month urged New Delhi to designate Hamas as a terror organisation in India as well.

He stated that both India and Israel have a “shared war” against terror and counter-terrorism is one of the areas where the countries align.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first global leaders to condemn the terror attack on Israel.

India has said it sees the attack by Hamas on Israel as “a terrorist attack” and that it has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine that lives side by side at peace with Israel.

The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages.

Israel has characterised its Gaza offensive as targeting Hamas’ infrastructure with the goal of eliminating the entire terror group while making efforts to minimize civilian casualties. (ANI)

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A350 Aircraft

India’s Maiden A350 Aircraft Takes Ferry Flight, To Join Air India Fleet Soon

By LokMarg

Air India on Friday informed that it operated its first ferry flight of its A350-900 aircraft having its new livery. The flight was from Singapore to Toulouse.

The new livery signifies a fresh chapter for Air India and reflects the airline’s commitment to offering a modern and visually appealing experience for passengers.

The airline shared the first image of the A350 aircraft on Friday on X.

“Another step closer to the arrival of India’s most-awaited aircraft. Our Airbus A350-900 takes off on its first ferry flight from Singapore to Toulouse in the new Air India colours,” it wrote on X.

According to a senior official at Air India, the aircraft’s livery has been painted in Singapore, and it is currently en route back to Toulouse for additional processes before the scheduled delivery in December 2023.

The recently Tata-owned Air India has outlined ambitious expansion plans, with an order for 40 Airbus A350 aircraft set to be integrated gradually in the upcoming years.

“Total 40 Airbus A350s on order (6 A350-900s and 34 A350-1000s). First A350-900 is expected in December 2023, and the remainder 5 A350-900 expected by March 2024,” the Air India official noted.

Air India’s management has yet to finalise the routes for its Airbus A350. According to an official, “the aircraft will initially be deployed to domestic routes for crew familiarisation purposes.”

Air India has solidified its order for 250 Airbus aircraft and 220 new Boeing flights, collectively valued at USD 70 billion at list prices.

This strategic move comes as the airline aims for a turnaround under its new ownership – Tata. Air India secured purchase agreements for these aircraft with Airbus and Boeing during the Paris Air Show in June of this year. (ANI)

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Rahul Gandhi

I Am Not Modi, I Do Not Lie: Rahul

By LokMarg

As the Rajasthan assembly poll date of November 25 nears, Congress’ Rahul Gandhi joined the campaign trail along with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and party leader Sachin Pilot. Speaking at a rally in Churu, Rahul accused the BJP-led Modi government of promoting Adani and big businessmen and alleged that demonetization had finished all small businessmen.

“Narendra Modi implemented GST. For the first time in India, farmers have to pay taxes. He (PM Modi) did demonetization and finished all small businessmen. Wherever you look, Adani is doing some or the other business; airports, ports, cement plants, and roads are all his. So, he works for the rich. He helps Adani; Adani earns money, and that money is used abroad. Foreign companies are purchased,” said Rahul Gandhi while addressing a rally in Churu, Rajasthan.

“(PM) Narendra Modi travels in an aeroplane worth Rs 12,000 crore and a car worth Rs 12 crore. In the last 10 years, have you seen PM Modi with any farmer or labourer or small shopkeeper? You won’t see him. You will see him travelling to the USA in an aeroplane and meeting the US President. You will see his picture with Adani, but not with poor farmers, unemployed youth” the former Congress president further said.

The Congress leader claimed that unlike the BJP he and his party always fulfilled their commitments to the people

” Whatever money there is the BJP has given to the likes of Adani. That money is what I want to give to the people of India, into the pockets of the poor. I am not Narendra Modi, I do not lie or make false promises. What I promise I make sure that is done” Rahul Gandhi said.

Lauding the Congress government of Rajasthan, Rahul Gandhi said, “The state government has worked for you a lot. Remember one thing: if the BJP government is formed here, whatever we did–be it a pension scheme, a health scheme, a Rs 500 gas cylinder, or Rs 10,000 for women–will all be scrapped by them and they will once again start helping billionaires. If you vote for Congress, the poor, farmers, and small businessmen will benefit. Here, we run a government of the poor; we protect you.”

Amid frenzied speculation of infighting among Congress members in Rajasthan, party leader Rahul Gandhi was seen with Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress leader Sachin Pilot in Jaipur, saying that “we are not only seen together but we are also united.”

Meanwhile, the BJP’s manifesto outlines several key resolutions aimed at improving the lives of citizens. The party plans to increase the financial assistance provided to farmers under this scheme to Rs 12,000 per year under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

The Laho Incentive Scheme aims to support poor families by providing a savings bond at the birth of their daughters. The bond will mature over time, providing Rs 26,000 in class 6, Rs 18,000 in class 9, Rs 10,000 in class 10, Rs 12,000 in class 11, Rs 14,000 in class 12, Rs 50,000 in the first and last year of vocational courses, and a lump sum of Rs 1 lakh at the age of 21.

BJP also aims to help the economically weaker families’ students, who will receive annual assistance of Rs 1,200 to purchase school bags, books, and uniforms through Direct Benefit Transfer.

It also plans to invest Rs 40,000 crores in the health sector under the Bhamashah Health Infrastructure Mission, which aims to expand and modernize health infrastructure. The party plans to form a Special Investigation Team to quickly investigate paper leak cases and take strict action against the culprits.

Rajasthan is set to undergo assembly polls on November 25 and the counting of votes will be done on December 3.

The BJP won 163 seats in the 2013 Legislative Assembly elections and formed the government in Rajasthan. In the 2018 assembly elections, the Congress won 99 seats, while the BJP won 73 seats in the 200-member House. Gehlot eventually took the oath as CM with the support of BSP MLAs and Independents. (ANI)

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India Canada

India Urges Canada To Respect Vienna Convention

By LokMarg

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”. (ANI)


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