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Watch top headlines of the hour: - Russia, North Korea fighting US hegemony: Putin - US-Israel differences grow over military aid - UN Rights reports slams Israel on Gaza ops - 'Won't let China choose Dalai Lama's successor' - Starlink satellites harm Ozone layer: Report

Russia, N Korea fighting US hegemony: Putin | Starlink satellites harm Ozone layer

<p>Israel has been&nbsp;reportedly working to modernise its nuclear weapons systems in recent months and has also upgraded its production facilities in southern Israel amid raging war in Gaza which began after October 7 Hamas attack last year, an event Israel widely described as the biggest existential threat to Jewish people since World War II.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Israel is believed to have around 90 nuclear weapons in its arsenal. The SIPRI annual report assessed the state of global armament and security to examine developments throughout 2023 and until January 2024.</p>

<p>Additionally, SIPRI examined the nuclear arsenals of the eight other states – the US, UK, Russia, France, China, India, Pakistan and North Korea.</p>

<p>As of January 2024, there are an estimated 12,121 nuclear warheads held worldwide, of which some 9,585 are kept in military stockpiles for potential use.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States and Russia possess a combined 90 per cent of all nuclear weapons.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-nuclear-arsenal-now-larger-than-pakistans-china-far-ahead-report-732744">India's nuclear arsenal now larger than Pakistan's, China far ahead: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>SIPRI claimed that there was evidence Israel was in the process of upgrading its nuclear reactor in the southern town of Dimona.</p>

<p>"Israel which does not publicly acknowledge possessing nuclear weapons — is also believed to be modernising its nuclear arsenal and appears to be upgrading its plutonium production reactor site at Dimona," the report added.</p>

<p>The SIPRI report suggests that any work done between the US and Iran to de-escalate tensions was undone by Israel-Hamas war and the subsequent proxy attacks on US targets by Iran-backed proxy forces in Iraq and Syria.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India's nuclear stockpile tops Pak's for the first time in 25 years</strong></p>

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<p>The SIPRI report coincided with a new report from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) that found that in 2023 alone, nuclear weapons spending globally increased by $10.8 billion from a year earlier. The United States accounts for 80 per cent of entire spending.</p>

<p>The US share of total spending, $51.5 billion, “is more than all the other nuclear-armed countries put together,” said ICAN. The next biggest spender was China, at $11.8 billion, followed by Russia, spending $8.3 billion.</p>


Israel has been reportedly working to modernise its nuclear weapons systems in recent months and has also upgraded its production facilities in southern Israel amid raging war in Gaza which began after October 7 Hamas attack last year, an event Israel widely described as the biggest existential threat to Jewish people since World War II.

Israel has been reportedly working to modernise its nuclear weapons systems in recent months and has also upgraded its production facilities in southern Israel amid raging war in Gaza which began after October 7 Hamas attack last year, an event Israel widely described as the biggest existential threat to Jewish people since World War II. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Israel is believed to have around 90 nuclear weapons in its arsenal. The SIPRI annual report assessed the state of global armament and security to examine developments throughout 2023 and until January 2024. Additionally, SIPRI examined the nuclear arsenals of the eight other states – the US, UK, Russia, France, China, India, Pakistan and North Korea. As of January 2024, there are an estimated 12,121 nuclear warheads held worldwide, of which some 9,585 are kept in military stockpiles for potential use. The United States and Russia possess a combined 90 per cent of all nuclear weapons. Also read | India's nuclear arsenal now larger than Pakistan's, China far ahead: Report SIPRI claimed that there was evidence Israel was in the process of upgrading its nuclear reactor in the southern town of Dimona. "Israel which does not publicly acknowledge possessing nuclear weapons — is also believed to be modernising its nuclear arsenal and appears to be upgrading its plutonium production reactor site at Dimona," the report added. The SIPRI report suggests that any work done between the US and Iran to de-escalate tensions was undone by Israel-Hamas war and the subsequent proxy attacks on US targets by Iran-backed proxy forces in Iraq and Syria. Also watch | India's nuclear stockpile tops Pak's for the first time in 25 years × The SIPRI report coincided with a new report from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) that found that in 2023 alone, nuclear weapons spending globally increased by $10.8 billion from a year earlier. The United States accounts for 80 per cent of entire spending. The US share of total spending, $51.5 billion, “is more than all the other nuclear-armed countries put together,” said ICAN. The next biggest spender was China, at $11.8 billion, followed by Russia, spending $8.3 billion.

Gaza war: Israel upgraded its Dimona nuclear facility in recent months, says SIPRI report

Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has arrived at Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra airport to meet Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in Dharamshala. Pelosi is part of a six-member high-level US delegation that has come to India to meet the Dalai Lama. Watch in for more details!

US lawmakers discuss Tibet-China dispute bill, Nancy Pelosi calls meeting with Dalai Lama 'blessing'

<p>At least 68 Indian nationals are confirmed to have died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage, a significant event for Muslims worldwide that has been marred by scorching temperatures this year, a diplomat in Saudi Arabia told AFP news agency on Wednesday (June 19).</p>

<p>"We have confirmed around 68 dead... Some are because of natural causes and we had many old-age pilgrims. And some are due to the weather conditions, that's what we assume," the diplomat told the agency on condition of anonymity.</p>

<p>The diplomat also mentioned that there are Indian pilgrims reported missing, but declined to specify the exact number, the agency report said.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-h-1b-rules-are-set-to-release-on-july-8-what-are-controversial-provisions-that-could-hit-indians-733220">New H-1B rules are set to release on July 8. What are controversial provisions that could hit Indians?</a></p>

<p>"This happens every year... We can't say that it is abnormally high this year," the diplomat said adding,&nbsp;"It's somewhat similar to last year but we will know more in the coming days."&nbsp;</p>

<p>This brings the total death toll to 645 in this Hajj season.&nbsp;More than 200 pilgrims died last year.</p>

<p>More than 2,000 pilgrims were hit by heat stress during the pilgrimage as temperatures went up to 48℃.</p>

<p>The Hajj pilgrimage, one of Islam's Five Pillars, draws millions of Muslims annually to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.</p>

<p>It is a profound religious obligation that every able-bodied Muslim is required to undertake at least once in their lifetime.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/house-ethics-committee-interviews-women-witnesses-in-gaetz-sex-trafficking-probe-733216">House Ethics Committee interviews women witnesses in Gaetz sex trafficking probe</a></p>

<p>This year's pilgrimage coincided with searing temperatures typical of the Saudi summer, exacerbated by a reported increase in local temperatures over recent decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Temperatures in the ritual area&nbsp;saw an uptick of 0.4 degrees Celsius each decade, a Saudi study said last month.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>550 deaths reported earlier&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier reports citing&nbsp;Arab diplomats on Tuesday (June 18) indicated a total of 550 deaths during Hajj, including 323 Egyptians and 60 Jordanians, primarily attributed to the extreme heat.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dozens-of-members-of-minority-ahmadi-community-arrested-in-pakistan-733224">Dozens of members of minority Ahmadi community arrested in Pakistan</a></strong></p>

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<p>Deaths have also been reported from pilgrims of other nationalities, including Iran, Indonesia, Tunisia, Senegal and Iraq's Kurdistan region.</p>

<p>However, authorities in the respective countries have not specified the causes of the deaths so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least 68 Indian nationals are confirmed to have died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage, a significant event for Muslims worldwide that has been marred by scorching temperatures this year, a diplomat in Saudi Arabia told AFP news agency on Wednesday (June 19).

At least 68 Indian nationals are confirmed to have died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage, a significant event for Muslims worldwide that has been marred by scorching temperatures this year, a diplomat in Saudi Arabia told AFP news agency on Wednesday (June 19). "We have confirmed around 68 dead... Some are because of natural causes and we had many old-age pilgrims. And some are due to the weather conditions, that's what we assume," the diplomat told the agency on condition of anonymity. The diplomat also mentioned that there are Indian pilgrims reported missing, but declined to specify the exact number, the agency report said. Also Read | New H-1B rules are set to release on July 8. What are controversial provisions that could hit Indians? "This happens every year... We can't say that it is abnormally high this year," the diplomat said adding, "It's somewhat similar to last year but we will know more in the coming days." This brings the total death toll to 645 in this Hajj season. More than 200 pilgrims died last year. More than 2,000 pilgrims were hit by heat stress during the pilgrimage as temperatures went up to 48℃. The Hajj pilgrimage, one of Islam's Five Pillars, draws millions of Muslims annually to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is a profound religious obligation that every able-bodied Muslim is required to undertake at least once in their lifetime. Also Read | House Ethics Committee interviews women witnesses in Gaetz sex trafficking probe This year's pilgrimage coincided with searing temperatures typical of the Saudi summer, exacerbated by a reported increase in local temperatures over recent decades. Temperatures in the ritual area saw an uptick of 0.4 degrees Celsius each decade, a Saudi study said last month. 550 deaths reported earlier Earlier reports citing Arab diplomats on Tuesday (June 18) indicated a total of 550 deaths during Hajj, including 323 Egyptians and 60 Jordanians, primarily attributed to the extreme heat. Watch | Dozens of members of minority Ahmadi community arrested in Pakistan × Deaths have also been reported from pilgrims of other nationalities, including Iran, Indonesia, Tunisia, Senegal and Iraq's Kurdistan region. However, authorities in the respective countries have not specified the causes of the deaths so far. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 68 Indian nationals die in Hajj pilgrimage amid scorching temperatures: Diplomat

British actor Ian McKellen has been hospitalised after falling off the stage during a performance on the West End in London on Monday. Watch in for more details!

British actor Ian McKellen hospitalised in London after falling off stage

Brazilian President Lula De Silva has urged his government to speed up actions to combat organised crimes in the Amazon. The world's largest tropical has faced systematic destruction from illegal logging and gold mining as the rainforest is being used as a conduit for drug trafficking.

Brazilian President Lula demands faster action against crimes in Amazon forest

Anouk Aimée, the French film icon known for “A Man and a Woman,” “La Dolce Vita” and “Lola,” has died in Paris. She was 92. Watch in for more details!

Anouk Aimee, French star of ‘A Man and a Woman’ dies in Paris

As Russian President Vladimir Putin makes his first visit to North Korea in more than two decades. The visit comes as the two nations strengthen their alliance against increasing pressures from Washington. Watch in for more details!

Russian President Vladimir Putin makes a rare visit to North Korea

Cyril Ramaphosa, leader of South Africa's ruling African National Congress, took oath as the nation's president for the next five years on Wednesday at a ceremony in Pretoria, the administrative capital. Watch in for more details!

South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa sworn in for second term

Israel is widely regarded as an undeclared nuclear power over five decades. Israel has been known to possess nuclear weapons but the Israeli government steadfastly neither confirms nor denies its possession of nukes. Watch in for more details!

Israel maintains a policy of nuclear ambiguity

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War of the Koreas: At least 30 North Korean soldiers breach border, South Korea releases images

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Kashmir: Gunbattle between terrorists, securitymen - Putin, Kim sign strategic partnership pact - Russia holds naval drills - IDF: Struck Hezbollah targets in South Lebanon - Ramaphosa returns as South Africa President - High volatility in Indian markets

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TikTok is facing a fresh investigation in the US into potential violations of children’s privacy. Federal Trade Commission also investigating Chinese video app over potential breaches of act outlawing ‘unfair practices’. Watch in for more details!

FTC probes TikTok over child privacy

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The Israeli army on Tuesday said plans for an offensive in Lebanon were "approved and validated" amid escalating cross-border clashes with Hezbollah and a relative lull in Gaza fighting. Watch in for more details!

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The Biden administration on Tuesday approved a new USD 360 million weapons sale to Taiwan, sending the island hundreds of armed drones, missile equipment and related support material, the State Department said in a statement that is sure to draw condemnation from China.

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<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his support and invited him to visit Moscow during a meeting that the two leaders held on Wednesday (Jun 19) following a grand welcome ceremony at the Kim II Sung Square in Pyongyang, reported the Russian news agencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his visit, Putin signed a&nbsp;new treaty with North Korea which would provide&nbsp;"mutual assistance" in case&nbsp;either country faces aggression.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin receives grand welcome</strong></h2>

<p>Putin arrived in the North Korean capital on Wednesday morning for his two-day visit to the isolated nation amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and the rise in tensions on the Korean Peninsula.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian president was greeted by the North Korean leader upon his arrival. The two leaders were seen shaking hands, embracing and talking before leaving in Putin’s Russia-made Aurus limousine for the Kumsusan State Guest House.</p>

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<p>In contrast to the relatively subdued welcome at the airport, Putin was greeted by cheering crowds and lavish ceremonies at the square by the Taedong River running through the capital, reported Reuters citing a broadcast by Russian media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two leaders then left for the Kumsusan Palace for summit talks, reported the Russian media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the North Korean media, the two leaders shared “pent-up inmost thoughts” on the ride to the state guest house.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russian president invites Kim to visit</strong></h2>

<p>“We highly appreciate your consistent and unwavering support for Russian policy, including in the Ukrainian direction,” Russian state news agency RIA quoted Putin as saying at the start of the talks with Kim.</p>

<p>This comes after Putin&nbsp;thanked North Korea for supporting what Moscow calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine despite “US&nbsp;pressure, blackmail and military threats” in a letter, ahead of his visit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I am very happy about our new meeting, I hope that the next one will take place in Russia, in Moscow,” said the Russian president during the meeting with the North Korean leader, as per news agencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ties with Russia entering new era: Kim</strong></h2>

<p>The North Korean leader, during the meeting, reportedly said that the relations between Pyongyang and Moscow are entering a new era.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Relations between our countries are entering a new era of blossoming, which cannot be compared even with the period of Korean-Soviet relations of the last century,” said Kim as per Russian news agencies.</p>

<p>The North Korean leader also believed that the Russian president’s visit would further “strengthen” their countries’ friendship.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia and North Korea sign treaty</strong></h2>

<p>Russia and North Korea, during Putin's historic visit also signed a new&nbsp;agreement upgrading their countries' ties to a "comprehensive strategic partnership".</p>

<p>"The comprehensive partnership treaty signed today provides, among other things, for mutual assistance in case of aggression against one of the parties to this treaty," said the Russian president.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-hails-north-koreas-support-for-ukraine-war-vows-trade-security-ahead-of-visit-to-pyongyang-732803">Putin lands in Pyongyang, commences his first visit to North Korea in 24 years</a></strong></p>

<p>He also hailed the agreement&nbsp;as a&nbsp;"breakthrough" that would take ties between Moscow and Pyongyang to a "new level".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin also said Russia "does not rule out military-technical cooperation with the DPRK in connection with the treaty that was signed today,"&nbsp;referring to North Korea by its official name.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kim called Putin&nbsp;the "dearest friend of the Korean people" and said that his country&nbsp;"expresses full support and solidarity to the Russian government" over the Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin’s visit to Pyongyang</strong></h2>

<p>There are several events on the agenda for Wednesday, including one-on-one discussions between the two leaders, a gala concert, state reception, honour guards, document signings and a statement to the media,&nbsp;Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov reportedly said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, while Moscow and Pyongyang have been allies since North Korea’s founding after World War II, with Putin being isolated from the international stage due to the Ukraine war, the two nations have become even closer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his support and invited him to visit Moscow during a meeting that the two leaders held on Wednesday (Jun 19) following a grand welcome ceremony at the Kim II Sung Square in Pyongyang, reported the Russian news agencies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his support and invited him to visit Moscow during a meeting that the two leaders held on Wednesday (Jun 19) following a grand welcome ceremony at the Kim II Sung Square in Pyongyang, reported the Russian news agencies. During his visit, Putin signed a new treaty with North Korea which would provide "mutual assistance" in case either country faces aggression. Putin receives grand welcome Putin arrived in the North Korean capital on Wednesday morning for his two-day visit to the isolated nation amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and the rise in tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The Russian president was greeted by the North Korean leader upon his arrival. The two leaders were seen shaking hands, embracing and talking before leaving in Putin’s Russia-made Aurus limousine for the Kumsusan State Guest House. In contrast to the relatively subdued welcome at the airport, Putin was greeted by cheering crowds and lavish ceremonies at the square by the Taedong River running through the capital, reported Reuters citing a broadcast by Russian media. The two leaders then left for the Kumsusan Palace for summit talks, reported the Russian media. According to the North Korean media, the two leaders shared “pent-up inmost thoughts” on the ride to the state guest house. Russian president invites Kim to visit “We highly appreciate your consistent and unwavering support for Russian policy, including in the Ukrainian direction,” Russian state news agency RIA quoted Putin as saying at the start of the talks with Kim. This comes after Putin thanked North Korea for supporting what Moscow calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine despite “US pressure, blackmail and military threats” in a letter, ahead of his visit. “I am very happy about our new meeting, I hope that the next one will take place in Russia, in Moscow,” said the Russian president during the meeting with the North Korean leader, as per news agencies. Ties with Russia entering new era: Kim The North Korean leader, during the meeting, reportedly said that the relations between Pyongyang and Moscow are entering a new era. “Relations between our countries are entering a new era of blossoming, which cannot be compared even with the period of Korean-Soviet relations of the last century,” said Kim as per Russian news agencies. The North Korean leader also believed that the Russian president’s visit would further “strengthen” their countries’ friendship. Russia and North Korea sign treaty Russia and North Korea, during Putin's historic visit also signed a new agreement upgrading their countries' ties to a "comprehensive strategic partnership". "The comprehensive partnership treaty signed today provides, among other things, for mutual assistance in case of aggression against one of the parties to this treaty," said the Russian president. Also Read | Putin lands in Pyongyang, commences his first visit to North Korea in 24 years He also hailed the agreement as a "breakthrough" that would take ties between Moscow and Pyongyang to a "new level". Putin also said Russia "does not rule out military-technical cooperation with the DPRK in connection with the treaty that was signed today," referring to North Korea by its official name. Meanwhile, Kim called Putin the "dearest friend of the Korean people" and said that his country "expresses full support and solidarity to the Russian government" over the Ukraine war. Putin’s visit to Pyongyang There are several events on the agenda for Wednesday, including one-on-one discussions between the two leaders, a gala concert, state reception, honour guards, document signings and a statement to the media, Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov reportedly said. Notably, while Moscow and Pyongyang have been allies since North Korea’s founding after World War II, with Putin being isolated from the international stage due to the Ukraine war, the two nations have become even closer. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin signs new strategic treaty with N Korea, invites Kim to visit Moscow

<p>In yet another show of support for anti-India separatism, Canada's parliament on Tuesday (June 18) held a moment of silence to mark the first anniversary of&nbsp;Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death. The move is similar to one&nbsp;previously held by India's western neighbour Pakistan, who&nbsp;used the platform of its National Assembly in Islamabad to valourise terrorist Burhan Wani.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nijjar was designated&nbsp;a terrorist by New Delhi for fostering separatism in India's Punjab state and related acts of terrorism. He was the chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and&nbsp;was killed in a targeted shooting in Canada's Surrey, outside a British Columbia&nbsp;Gurudwara&nbsp;on June 18 last year.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/khalistani-terrorist-hardeep-nijjar-shot-dead-in-canadas-surrey-605893">Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar shot dead in Canada's Surrey</a></strong></p>

<p>Four Indian nationals,&nbsp;Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh, are accused of killing Nijjar.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Amidst strained ties with India, Canadian Parliament observes a moment of silence for Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar<br />
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HardeepSinghNijjar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HardeepSinghNijjar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canada?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canada</a> <a href="https://t.co/FUaXIWbtKh">pic.twitter.com/FUaXIWbtKh</a></p>
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<p>In response to Canada's so-called 'moment of silence', the Indian Consulate General in Vancouver announced a memorial service in memory of 329 people killed in the 1985 Khalistani bombing of an Air India Kanishka aircraft.</p>

<p>The memorial service is scheduled to be held later this week on Sunday (June 23).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/motivated-and-absurd-india-slams-canadas-accusations-over-terrorist-hardeep-singh-nijjars-killing-637339">'Motivated and absurd': India slams Canada's accusations over terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing</a></strong></p>

<p>Taking to X, the Indian Consulate General said, "India stands at the forefront of countering the menace of terrorism and works closely with all nations to tackle this global threat. 23 June 2024 marks the 39th anniversary of the cowardly terrorist bombing of Air India flight 182 (Kanishka), in which 329 innocent victims, including 86 children, lost their lives in one of the most heinous terror-related air disasters in the history of civil aviation."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Canada: Three arrested in Nijjar's killing, yet to prove Indian gov't link with suspects</strong></p>

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<p>Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who moved to Canada in 1997 under a fake passport, was&nbsp;described as a Canadian national in the country's parliament by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Indian agencies, Nijjar was actively recruiting and training people for Khalistan Tiger Force, a banned terrorist organisation. India had sought his extradition as he was wanted in a number of cases for disseminating terrorism in India's Punjab state. He was also wanted in the 2017 Ludhiana blast which claimed the lives of six people and left 42 injured.</p>


In yet another show of support for anti-India separatism, Canada's parliament on Tuesday (June 18) held a moment of silence to mark the first anniversary of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death.

In yet another show of support for anti-India separatism, Canada's parliament on Tuesday (June 18) held a moment of silence to mark the first anniversary of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death. The move is similar to one previously held by India's western neighbour Pakistan, who used the platform of its National Assembly in Islamabad to valourise terrorist Burhan Wani. Nijjar was designated a terrorist by New Delhi for fostering separatism in India's Punjab state and related acts of terrorism. He was the chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and was killed in a targeted shooting in Canada's Surrey, outside a British Columbia Gurudwara on June 18 last year. Also read | Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar shot dead in Canada's Surrey Four Indian nationals, Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh, are accused of killing Nijjar. Amidst strained ties with India, Canadian Parliament observes a moment of silence for Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar . . .#HardeepSinghNijjar #Canada pic.twitter.com/FUaXIWbtKh — WION (@WIONews) June 19, 2024 × In response to Canada's so-called 'moment of silence', the Indian Consulate General in Vancouver announced a memorial service in memory of 329 people killed in the 1985 Khalistani bombing of an Air India Kanishka aircraft. The memorial service is scheduled to be held later this week on Sunday (June 23). Also read | 'Motivated and absurd': India slams Canada's accusations over terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing Taking to X, the Indian Consulate General said, "India stands at the forefront of countering the menace of terrorism and works closely with all nations to tackle this global threat. 23 June 2024 marks the 39th anniversary of the cowardly terrorist bombing of Air India flight 182 (Kanishka), in which 329 innocent victims, including 86 children, lost their lives in one of the most heinous terror-related air disasters in the history of civil aviation." Also watch | Canada: Three arrested in Nijjar's killing, yet to prove Indian gov't link with suspects × Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who moved to Canada in 1997 under a fake passport, was described as a Canadian national in the country's parliament by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. According to Indian agencies, Nijjar was actively recruiting and training people for Khalistan Tiger Force, a banned terrorist organisation. India had sought his extradition as he was wanted in a number of cases for disseminating terrorism in India's Punjab state. He was also wanted in the 2017 Ludhiana blast which claimed the lives of six people and left 42 injured.

Canada pulls off a Pakistan act, holds 'moment of silence' for terrorist Hardeep Nijjar in parliament

UK PM Sunak said his predecessor Boris Johnson's endorsement for the conservatives will make a difference to the party's prospects in the upcoming general elections this.

UK PM Sunak: Boris Johnson's endorsement for Tories will make the difference

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