India Strongly Protest Over Baseless Allegations Against Amit Shah
On Saturday, India summoned a representative from the Canadian High Commission to formally protest allegations made against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) characterized the claims, which suggested Shah was involved in plots against Sikh separatists in Canada, as "absurd and baseless." MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal warned that such "irresponsible actions" could severely impact bilateral relations. This diplomatic confrontation follows earlier tensions after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian government agents were involved in the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In response, India recalled its High Commissioner and expelled six Canadian diplomats, marking a significant deterioration in ties. The situation has drawn international attention, with the U.S. State Department describing the allegations as "concerning" and signaling ongoing consultations with Canada. As both nations navigate this crisis, the potential for further diplomatic fallout looms large.
Two Terrorists Killed in Anantnag Encounter, Including One ‘Foreigner’
Security forces killed two terrorists during an encounter in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday. The clash occurred near Halkan Gali in the Shangus-Larnoo area, with one terrorist identified as a foreign national and the other as local. The operation is ongoing, with further details pending. In a related incident, an exchange of fire is happening in the Khanyar area of Srinagar, though no casualties have been reported. This follows a series of recent attacks, including one in Budgam where two laborers from Uttar Pradesh were injured. Local leaders have condemned the rising violence, questioning the increase in attacks since the recent elections.
Diwali Celebration turns tragic; ‘Onion Bomb’ Kills 1, Injures 6 In Andhra Pradesh
A man named Sudhakar was killed in Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh, when a sack of handmade firecrackers, or 'onion bombs,' exploded while he was riding his scooter. The explosion occurred after the scooter hit a pothole, triggering the firecrackers. Sudhakar suffered fatal injuries, and five others were injured in the blast. The incident highlights the serious dangers of transporting fireworks during festive celebrations.
PM Modi’s Strong Diwali Message: “Today, Bharat cannot compromise on even an inch of its borders”
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with personnel from the Border Security Force, Army, Navy, and Air Force near the Indo-Pak border in Gujarat's Kutch district. In the contested Sir Creek area, he distributed sweets to soldiers and reaffirmed, “My government will never compromise with even an inch of the country's land.”Emphasizing modernization, he stated that the government is equipping the armed forces with cutting-edge resources to align with the demands of the twenty-first century. “When the world looks at you, it sees India's strength,” he noted, highlighting the significance of unity among the military branches. Continuing a tradition since 2014, PM Modi's visit aimed to boost troop morale and reaffirm the commitment to national integrity.
Bank holidays: Are banks closed on October 31 or November 1 for Diwali?
Diwali, the festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness, will lead to bank holidays across India from October 29 to November 3, 2024. The specific dates for bank closures vary by state, with many observing holidays on October 31 and others on November 1 due to regional customs. Despite physical bank closures, online banking services will remain operational, allowing customers to access their accounts and perform transactions through apps and ATMs during the festive period.
