Tag: United Kingdom

India Canadian

Requested Partner Countries Not To Give Space To Khalistanis: Jaishankar

By LokMarg

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on Monday, said that India has requested partner countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia not to give space to the Khalistanis as these radical extremist ideologies are not good for their relationship.

On names of Indian diplomats in Khalistani posters in Canada, Jaishankar said, “We have requested our partner countries, like Canada, UK, Australia, US that they should not give space to these Khalistanis. These radical extremist ideologies aren’t good for us, them, or our ties. Will raise the issue of these posters.”
The EAM’s remarks came after the reports of posters being circulated in Canada informing pro-Khalistan residents of a rally. These posters caused concerns for the Indian government as it threatened the ambassador and consulate general in Toronto.

In March this year, Khalistan supporters protested outside the Indian Embassy in Canada. They raised pro-Khalistan slogans and allegedly assaulted Indian-origin journalists present on the spot.

Khalistan supporters in March, protested outside the Indian Embassy in Canada. They raised pro-Khalistan slogans and allegedly assaulted Indian-origin journalists present on the spot.

Earlier this month, a tableau parade was organized in Ontario celebrating the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi, which drew severe criticism from New Delhi.

Last month also, Jaishankar reacted to the rise of Khalistanis activities in Canada. While speaking at a town hall meeting at the India International Centre, here in the national capital, the minister said that Ottawa seems to be driven by “vote-bank politics” and this has also impacted the ties between the two countries lately.

Speaking to the reporters, Jaishankar said, “How Canada has dealt with the Khalistani issue is a longstanding issue for us, because very frankly, they seem to be driven by vote bank politics. Their responses have been constrained by what they regard as vote bank compulsions. We made it very clear that if there are activities which are permitted from Canada that impinge on our sovereignty, territorial integrity and our security, then we will have to respond.”

“It is something which is a continuing conversation with Canada, not always satisfactory, but something on which we have been very clear. And over the last few years, you can see that this has impacted our ties in many ways,” he added. (ANI)

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Pakistan defence minister on Blocking Social Media

Pak Def Min Hints Towards Blocking Social Media If Need Arises

By LokMarg

Stating that the seeds of the violence perpetrated on May 9 were planted on social media, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has hinted at the possibility of blocking social media networks if the need arises, Dawn reported.

Dawn is a Pakistani English-language newspaper.
Asif said that countries such as the US, the UK and China all regulated social networks.

“There are rules and a regulatory framework, it is monitored. In our country, the medium is used to incite people to mutiny against the state,” he told Geo News on Tuesday, the Dawn reported.

“The script of the May 9 violence was prepared via social media,” Asif said, as per the Dawn.

Notably, to stem the riots that broke out in the aftermath of PTI chief Imran Khan’s arrest, the government had cut off internet access and blocked social media networks across the country for several days, the Dawn said.

The minister while referring to the action being taken against the perpetrators of the violence that unfolded on May 9, said that after the military has taken actions against their own personnel and their family members, it was the duty of the government to ensure the accountability of the perpetrators behind the riots.

Khawaja Asif appreciated the ‘swift accountability’ carried out by the military but noted that civilian authorities faced many challenges and roadblocks.

“The law [to try civilians under the army act] has been challenged in various courts, the Supreme Court is hearing arguments as well… these hurdles are holding us back,” he said, adding that these obstacles could be overcome.

When asked about the possibility of placing a ban on the PTI — something the government has hinted at in the past as well — the defence minister was of the opinion that unless the perpetrators of the May 9 violence were not punished, imposing any restrictions on the party could prove ‘counterproductive’, as per Dawn. (ANI)

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Shankar With Honorary Doctorate By Top UK University

Shankar Felicitated With Honorary Doctorate By Top UK Univ

By LokMarg

Indian singer Shankar Mahadevan received an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University (BCU) for his outstanding contribution to music and the arts on June 23 in a ceremony held at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Talking exclusively to ANI, Mahadevan shared his experience and said, “This is truly special, I feel privileged, I feel honoured and this is just the result of body of work that I have done. I would like to thank Birmingham City University and all the people who decided to confer this legendary, honourable doctorate on me. All I can say is that this is an occasion which tells that I need to work even harder, come up with even more beautiful songs and spread the joy of music which is Indian classical music all around the world.”
Andy Street, the mayor of West Midlands County in the UK, made the announcement during a trade mission event in Mumbai in November last year.

The occasion was also attended by the Table Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain and the legendary guitarist, John McLaughlin.

He added, “When an honorary doctorate like this is conferred upon an artist that you look up to then you’ve a goal to achieve. The youngster feel that their dreams are coming true in front of their eyes. They also start working hard and they would also like to achieve and would like to reach possibly where I reached today. I used to look up at maestros like John McLaughlin and Ustaad Zakir Hussain like they have come to confer this upon me. So it’s nice to set a kind example for the next generation.”

After a formal ceremony the students of Birmingham City University performed the songs composed by the singer like ‘Mitwa’ from ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna’.

Later the choir was joined by the legendary Shakti trio- Ustad Zakir Hussain, Shanar Mahadevan, and John McLaughlin on stage who performed Bollywood numbers and Mahadevan also enchanted the audience with his timeless claasic ‘Breathless’.

Mahadevan is known for his hit tracks like ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’, ‘Aaj Kal Zindagi’, ‘Uff Teri Ada’, ‘Tere Naina’, ‘Kay Sera Sera’, and ‘Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe’ among others. (ANI)

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US and Russian Crisis

US Is Closely Watching Russian Crisis With Allies

By LokMarg

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with the Foreign Ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the EU, saying they will stay ‘in close coordination’ amid the Russia crisis.

In a statement, a State Department spokesperson on Saturday said, “Secretary Blinken spoke today with Foreign Ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to discuss the ongoing situation in Russia.”

“Secretary Blinken reiterated that support by the United States for Ukraine will not change. The United States will stay in close coordination with Allies and partners as the situation continues to develop,” she added.

This statement came after the Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a Telegram post, announced that his men had crossed the border from Ukraine into southern Russia and were ready to go “all the way” against the Russian military.

He said he and his men would destroy anyone who stood in their way. “But we will destroy anyone who stands in our way,” he said, adding, “We are moving forward and will go until the end.”

As the Wagner troops were said to be driving into the Russian city of Rostov, Prigozhin said that border guards greeted his mercenaries, reported ABC News.

He said young conscripts at checkpoints stood back and offered no resistance, adding that his forces “aren’t fighting against children.”

After Prigozhin’s statement, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in a televised address to the nation said that the “armed mutiny” by the Wagner Group is a “stab in the back” and vowed to punish those who were on the “path of treason” or anyone who takes up arms against the Russian military.

In the latest development of the case, Prigozhin said that the Russian President is “deeply mistaken” and the group is a patriot, the Washington Post reported.

In an audio message posted by his press service, Prigozhin said on Saturday, “Regarding the betrayal of the motherland, the president is deeply mistaken”.

Calling Russia, a country of “corruption, deceit and bureaucracy”, he said that the group will continue to fight.”

We are patriots of our motherland, we have been fighting and continue to fight, all Wagner fighters and no one plans to go and confess at the request of the president, the FSB [Federal Security Service] or anyone else, because we do not want the country to continue to live in corruption, deceit and bureaucracy,” the Post quoted Prigozhin. (ANI)

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UK-India Partnership

‘UK-India Partnership A Defining One For Our Times’: Sunak

By LokMarg

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed the UK-India partnership on Wednesday, calling it “a defining one for our times”, informed an official release.

His remarks have come ahead of India Global Forum’s flagship UK-India Week 2023.
Praising the role of IGF in fostering closer ties between India and the United Kingdom, Sunak said the event is a catalyst for forging new trade ties.

“India Global Forum’s annual UK-India Week is a highly anticipated fixture in the bilateral calendar of our two great nations. It is a catalyst for forging new trade ties, lasting collaborations, and a better future for our people. I am confident this partnership will be a defining one for our times,” the British PM said.

Responding to Sunak’s remarks, Manoj Ladwa, founder and chairman of India Global Forum, said that given the geopolitical upheaval and economic turbulence, it is more important than ever for India and UK to forge closer ties.

“Given the geopolitical upheaval and economic turbulence around the world, I believe that it is more important now than ever before that the UK and India forge closer and deeper ties. I am therefore grateful to Prime Minister Sunak for recognising the role that IGF is playing in bringing our two great democracies closer to unlocking the true potential of the partnership,” he said.

Last year, as Chancellor, while speaking at IGF’s UK-India Awards, Sunak had emphasised the importance of forging a partnership of equals.

“India isn’t looking to the past. And nor can we. We need to move forward. Because the UK does not have a natural right to sit at the table with one of the world’s largest, fastest-growing, and most dynamic economies. We must earn it,” he said.

In the backdrop to the 2030 Roadmap agreed upon by both governments and the ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations, Prime Minister Sunak’s comments are a key indicator of his ambition to transform and elevate UK-India ties, the release stated.

On the sidelines of the recent G-7 Summit in Hiroshima, Sunak and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while taking stock of the progress in the FTA negotiations.

The British government has estimated that a trade deal could increase UK’s GDP by approximately 3.3- 6.2 billion euros and India’s by around 3.7-8.6 billion euros by 2035.

Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party who will be opening UK India Week this year, said ahead of his participation, the time has now come to look to the future and work on all areas where there is scope for mutual benefit.

“I am looking forward to speaking at India Global Forum. The Labour Party has a long and strong relationship with India which I am very proud of. The time has now come to look to the future and work on how we can deepen and widen our cooperation in critical areas such as trade and investment, technology and innovation, climate action, diversity and inclusion, and healthcare, the future of work, skills and education — all areas where I see huge scope for mutual benefit.”

Union Minister for Power, New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh, and UK Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan will be among the several senior political and business figures from the UK and India participating at India Global Forum.

“India Global Forum’s UK-India Week is a six-day series of events that brings together business leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders from India, UK and across the world to discuss and explore opportunities for further collaboration and growth. The event features a series of discussions, keynote speeches, and exclusive networking opportunities from the 24 to 30 June 2023 in London and Windsor. Over 2000 in-person participants will attend IGF UK- India Week 2023 over 12 marque events in iconic locations,” the release stated. (ANI)

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Indian diaspora in UK

Since Modi Became PM, Indian Diaspora In UK Saw Change: Jitendra

By LokMarg

Ever since Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India, the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom has seen visible change, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Saturday.

In an interview with ANI, Union Minister Singh, after interacting with the Indian diaspora in London, said, “Ever since Prime Minister Modi has taken over the last eight, nine years, each of the members, the diaspora is appreciative of the fact that they can see a change.”
He also stated that his observation was supported by all the others in the room who had been to India recently.

“The Indian diaspora said they could see a visible change. And I think also many of those professionals who had come over to the United Kingdom or the other parts of the world out of some kind of disillusionment back home, are now looking back. They have some kind of also regret that they came, didn’t possibly destiny allow them to wait till PM Modi had taken over?” Union Minister said.

Singh said that the esteem of the Indian diaspora has gone up tremendously. The third generation of post-independence Indians is coming up and they are being seen as a force to reckon with across the world, he added.

Union Minister, who is on a six-day visit to the UK, interacted with the Indian Diaspora on Saturday.

Singh said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised the esteem of the Indian Diaspora abroad, according to the statement released by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The Minister said, the world is looking up to the Indian Diaspora with great hope and expectation and it is high time that they also rise to the occasion and contribute to the well-being of the entire humankind in the true spirit of the theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ as given by PM Modi during India’s G20 presidency.

Interacting with the Diaspora, Jitendra Singh said that the Indian Diaspora should try to channelise their resources to support the important initiatives taken up by the Government back home in India. He emphasised that India is on a path of transformation.

PM Modi has, on several occasions, emphasised the significance of science and technology in driving economic growth and rising living standards. He urged the Diaspora to be a part of this growth story, the statement read.

The Minister expressed happiness in addressing the Indian diaspora and said that many of them have demonstrated extraordinary leadership positions in academia, industry and government in the United Kingdom, the statement added.

Sharing some of the key achievements of India in S & T like India’s massive jump in its ranking on the Global Innovation Index (GII) from 81st in the year 2015 to 40th in 2022 among 132 economies of the world, 3rd rank in terms of number of StartUps, Unicorns, scientific publications and PhDs awarded, the Minister said that India has in recent years made some unprecedented progress in S & T areas.

Dr Jitendra Singh proposed an active engagement of the Indian diaspora with Indian Institutions and individuals considering the transformative research happening in our country, according to the statement. (ANI)

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My Daughter Made Her Husband A PM

My Daughter Made Her Husband A PM: Sudha Murty

By LokMarg

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s mother-in-law, Sudha Murty said that her daughter, Akshata Murty, “made her husband a Prime Minister.”

Rishi Sunak’s quick ascension to power has been highlighted before but his mother-in-law claims it was her daughter who made that possible.
His mother-in-law, Sudha Murty, has claimed in a video circulating online that because of her daughter, Rishi Sunak became the youngest prime minister of UK.

In the video, Sudha can be heard saying: “I made my husband a businessman. My daughter made her husband Prime Minister of the UK.”

“The reason is the glory of the wife. See how a wife can change a husband. But I could not change my husband. I made my husband a businessman, and my daughter made her husband a Prime Minister,” said Sudha Murty in an Instagram post.

Rishi Sunak married Akshata Murty in 2009, and the Prime Minister made a quick rise to power in the years that ensued.

The daughter of one of the world’s wealthiest billionaires and with an estimated personal fortune of around Pound 730 million, Akshata Murty is a powerful woman. Her parents, who are from India and own a tech company worth billions, similarly kept out of the limelight.

Narayana Murthy, father of Akshata Murty is one of India’s richest men and founder of the Infosys tech company.

Sunak is the youngest prime minister of UK in modern history at age 42, as well as the MP who became the Prime Minister in just seven years.

In the video of Murty’s mother, she also speaks about how her daughter has influenced the prime minister’s life in other ways, particularly his diet.

The Murthy family, she says, have long followed a tradition of fasting every Thursday.

“Yes, what should be started on Thursday, they started Infosys on Thursday, not only that! Not only that, but our son-in-law, who married our daughter, has been in England for 150 years from their ancestor’s time, but they are very religious. After getting married, he asked why you start anything on Thursday. They said that we will go to Raghavendra Swami. He fasts every Thursday after just saying good day. Our son-in-law’s mother fasts every Monday but our son-in-law fasts on Thursdays,” said Sudha.

Rishi Sunak and his wife have been subject to repeated scrutiny over the last four years due to the billionaire status of his wife’s father, which has raised questions about whether he has declared the full extent of his family’s financial interests. (ANI)

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UK Deputy PM Raab Resigns

UK Deputy PM Raab Resigns Over Bullying Allegations

By LokMarg

UK Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab on Friday resigned in the wake of bullying allegations.

“I am writing to resign from your government, following receipt of the report arising from the inquiry conducted by Adam Tolley KC. I called for the inquiry and undertook to resign if it made any finding of bullying whatsoever. I believe it is important to keep my word,” read Raab’s statement.
Allegations surfaced about Raab in November, with former staff claiming he created a “culture of fear” in their departments.

He denied the allegations and requested an investigation into himself after two formal complaints were made.

The Dy PM and Justice Secretary, Raab was appointed by Rishi Sunak after he took power in October.

“It has been a privilege to serve you as Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work as a Minister in a range of roles and departments since 2015, and pay tribute to the many outstanding civil servants with whom I have worked,” he said.

Raab’s departure follows Sunak’s decision to dismiss Tory party chairman Nadhim Zahawi from his post in January after the former chancellor was found to have broken the ministerial code over his tax affairs. (ANI)

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United Kingdom's Asylum Policy

Pro-Khalistani Elements Misusing Asylum Policy: India to UK

By LokMarg

India on Wednesday raised concerns on the misuse of the United Kingdom’s asylum status by pro-Khalistani elements to aid and abet terrorist activities in India and requested better cooperation with the UK.

India also requested better cooperation with the UK and increased monitoring of UK-based Pro-Khalistan extremists and to take appropriate proactive action.
During the 5th India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue held in New Delhi earlier today, India also pointed out its concerns over the breach of security of the Indian High Commission in London.

The Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary, Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the UK delegation was led by Permanent Secretary, Home Office, Sir Matthew Rycroft. The meeting was also attended by other senior officials of both countries.

Both sides reviewed the ongoing cooperation and identified further steps that can be taken to explore opportunities and synergies in advancing cooperation in counter-terrorism, cyber security and global supply chains, drug trafficking, migration, extradition, and anti-India activities in the UK including Pro-Khalistan Extremism among other issues.

“The Indian side specifically conveyed its concerns on the misuse of UK’s asylum status by the Pro-Khalistani elements to aid and abet terrorist activities in India and requested better cooperation with the UK and increased monitoring of UK-based Pro-Khalistan Extremists and take appropriate proactive action. India’s concerns over the breach of security of the Indian High Commission were also emphasized,” a statement issued from the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction with the ongoing partnership and agreeing to deepen bilateral engagement and maintain the momentum for enhanced security cooperation between the two countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) last month summoned the UK deputy high commissioner after pro-Khalistan protestors took down the Indian flag at the high commission in London. The pro-Khalistan groups were protesting against the Punjab police’s crackdown on Sikh hardliner Amritpal Singh. (ANI)

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Lalit Modi contempt case

Lalit Modi: Will Take Rahul To Court

By LokMarg

IPL founder and ex-chairman Lalit Modi on Thursday in a series of acerbic tweets lashed out at Rahul Gandhi stating that he will take the Congress leader to court in the United Kingdom over allegations made by the “bag men” of the disqualified MP that he is a “fugitive of justice”.

Rahul Gandhi earlier on March 23 was convicted by a Surat disctrict court and sentenced to two years imprisonment in a defamation case over his ‘Modi surname’ remark made in 2019 during an election rally in Karnataka.
In a series of tweets, Lalit Modi wrote that the opposition leaders are “either ill-informed or just vendetta prone” and he looks forward to Rahul Gandhi “make a complete fool of himself” in court.

“i see just about every Tom dick and gandhi associates again and again saying i ama fugitive of justice. why ?How?and when was i to date ever convicted of same. unlike #Papu aka @RahulGandhi now an ordinary citizen saying it and it seems one and all oposition leaders have nothing else to do so they too are either ill informed or just vendetta prone. i have decided to take the @RahulGandhi at least him to court in uk right away. i am sure he will have to come-up with some solid evidence. i look forward to seeing him make a complete #fool of himself. #rkdhawan #sitaramkesri #motilalvohra #satishsharna all bag men of #gandhi family. not to forget #naraindutttewari. how do u all have overseas assets.

In another tweet he tagged “mrkamalnath” and wrote, “i can send addresses and photos etc. lets not fool the people of india who are the real crooks. #Gandhifamily who have made it as if they the entitled ones to rule our country. yes i will return as soon as u pass stringent liable laws.”

“not even a penny to date has been proven i took in last 15 years. but what is clearly proven i created the greatest #sporting event in this world that has generated close to 100 billion dollars. let not 1 one #congress leader forget that from early 1950’s the #modi-family has done more for them and our country then they can ever imagine. i too have done more then can ever dream of doing. so keep barking scam tainted looters of india like the very own Gandhi family,” the embattled IPL founder tweeted.

Lalit Modi is the man who is credited for conceptualising IPL and under his tenure, the second edition was played in South Africa due to Lok Sabha Elections in 2009.

Meanwhile, the IPL 2023 tournament is set to begin on March 31 with a clash between heavyweights Chennai Super Kings and defending champions Gujarat Titans. The T20 cricket extravaganza will be played across 12 venues with the Narendra Modi Stadium hosting the opener on March 31 and the final of the tournament will be played on May 28 at the same venue in Ahmedabad.

On March 23, Rahul Gandhi was convicted by a Surat district court and sentenced to two years imprisonment in the defamation case over his ‘Modi surname’ remark made in 2019 during an election rally in Karnataka. After being convicted by the court, Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from the Lok Sabha

The BJP and Congress have been trading charges against each other stating that the Congress leader was “a habitual loose cannon” and the Congress alleging that Rahul Gandhi was “deliberately disqualified”. (ANI)

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