By Kamran Khan
Amid India-Canada Diplomatic Tensions, Justin Trudeau tells a few things
As the diplomatic stand-off between India and Canada persists, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has, for the first time, acknowledged the presence of Khalistani supporters in Canada. Speaking at a Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Trudeau confirmed the existence of a Khalistan support base, but was quick to clarify that these individuals do not represent the entire Sikh community.
This statement comes amid heightened tension following the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani militant, outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Trudeau’s earlier suggestion that the Indian government could have been involved in Nijjar’s death, had sparked a diplomatic crisis between the two nations, which remains unresolved.
In his Diwali address, Trudeau also made a parallel comment about the Indian government’s supporters in Canada, emphasizing that they, too, do not represent the broader Hindu community. “There are supporters of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole. Similarly, there are supporters of the Modi government in Canada, but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians,” he said.
Gasping for breath: SC directs Delhi Police to ensure ban on firecrackers
With post-Diwali pollution still hanging like a death sentence on the citizens of Delhi, on Monday, November 11, 2024, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to establish a special cell dedicated to ensuring the effective implementation of the ban on firecrackers. The court emphasized that, based on its preliminary view, no religion promotes activities that contribute to pollution or harms public health.
The Supreme Court further instructed the Delhi Police Commissioner to submit a personal affidavit detailing the steps taken by the police to enforce the firecracker ban. Additionally, the Court directed all states within the National Capital Region (NCR) to appear before it and provide information on the measures they have implemented to minimize pollution levels in the region.
The directive reflects the Court’s concern over the extremely harmful environmental and health impacts of firecrackers, particularly during festivals like Diwali, when their use tends to surge. The court’s action aims to strengthen enforcement and ensure that pollution levels are kept under control in the NCR.
As is well-known, Delhi has become one of the most polluted cities in the world, and there seems no way to control the pollution. Epidemics, flu and different kind of viral fevers are constantly appearing, making the lives of ordinary citizens miserable. People with breathing problems, and asthma patients are especially suffering. Indeed, even without stubble burning, the air quality of Delhi has declined abysmally.
JD(S) accused of bribing Muslim Voters in Channapatna with money and a Quran
According to South First, the case filed by Election Commission officials in Channapatna against the Janata Dal (Secular) party over allegations of attempting to influence Muslim voters with money, a Quran and a prayer rug, has stirred controversy in the state. The incident, which occurred in the Kasaba locality on Saturday, November 9, has led to public outrage due to perceived disrespect towards religious sentiments of a section of people.
The allegations suggest that the JD(S) made these gestures in a bid to sway voters ahead of assembly elections in Channapatna, which has raised concerns about ethical campaigning and the the misuse of religion for political gain. The use of religious symbols like the Quran and prayer rugs, especially when paired with financial incentives, has sparked strong reactions among local communities, accusing the party of undermining the sanctity of religious practices for electoral benefits.
The case is likely to draw attention to broader questions of electoral integrity, the role of religion in politics, and the protection of voters’ rights. If the situation escalates, it could have legal and political ramifications for the JD(S) as well as implications for the upcoming elections in the region. JD(S) is an alliance partner of the BJP in Karnataka.
Maharashtra assembly polls: Amit Shah says CM name after results Candidate
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed confidence on Sunday, November 10, that the ruling Mahayuti alliance would retain power in Maharashtra, as he unveiled the BJP’s manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections. Shah stated that the decision regarding the chief ministerial candidate would be made by the alliance partners only after the elections are concluded.
“Currently, Eknath Shinde is the chief minister. After the elections, the three alliance partners will decide on the next chief minister,” Shah said.
He also commented on the split within the Shiv Sena and NCP, attributing them to Uddhav Thackeray’s preference for his son over Eknath Shinde and Sharad Pawar’s favouring his daughter over Ajit Pawar. “These parties prioritized their family members, leading to the split. They blame the BJP without reason,” he remarked.
There have been speculation that Devendra Phadnavis is being sidelined by certain forces in the BJP in Delhi. He has been anyway demoted to the position of deputy CM after Eknath Shinde split from the Shiv Sena with his MLAs. It is also believed that the RSS in Nagpur has backed him totally, and that is why the BJP leadership seems to be backing off.
51st Chief Justice of India
Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday, November 11. The swearing-in ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 10:30am, where President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Khanna. He takes over the position from Justice DY Chandrachud, who retired after reaching the age of 65 years.
The ceremony was attended by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, the outgoing CJI Chandrachud, as well as sitting and former judges of the Supreme Court.
Justice Khanna was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India on January 18, 2019. His appointment as CJI was officially notified by the Centre on October 24, following a recommendation from Justice Chandrachud on October 16. Justice Khanna will serve as CJI for a six-month tenure and is set to retire on May 13, 2025.
Photograph of Justin Trudeau and Donald Trump has been taken from the X handle of the Canadian prime minister.