Tag: Indian

Vandalism at Indian High Commission raised in UK Parliament

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London: The vandalism by pro-Khalistan extremists at the Indian High Commission here was on Thursday raised in the House of Commons, with British MPs demanding action against “Khalistani hooligans” and the safety of India’s diplomatic staff.
While Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman called for a debate in Parliament to discuss steps to ban groups behind the violence, Opposition Labour Party MP Gareth Thomas asked the Leader of the House of Commons about the steps being taken to ensure there is “no repeat of such behaviour”.
The Cabinet minister addressing the Business of the House, Penny Mordaunt, responded by reiterating Foreign Secretary James Cleverly earlier statement announcing a review of the protection measures around the Indian mission here.
“We strongly condemn the vandalism and violent acts that took place outside the Indian High Commission in London. It was a completely unacceptable action against the High Commission and its staff,” Mordaunt told MPs.
“There is ongoing work with the Metropolitan Police to review the protection measures around the High Commission, and any changes will be made to ensure the safety and security of its staff so that they can go about their business, serving both this country and India,” she said.
Blackman pointed out that the attack on Sunday was the sixth time in as many years that the Indian High Commission has been attacked in a similar way.
“The hooliganism of Khalistani hooligans outside the Indian high commission on Sunday is a disgrace to this country,” he said.
“Khalistani militants are operating across the world; Canada, the US and Australia saw similar attacks over the weekend. We are harbouring Khalistani terrorists in this country right now. Can we have a debate in government time on what action we can take to ensure that these terrorists are held to account and banned in this country,” he said.

Earlier on Thursday, Blackman as chair of the India (Trade and Investment) All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) raised the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the Commons and sought an update from the Business and Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston, who confirmed that the eighth round of FTA negotiations are currently under way.
“Both nations have committed to and are working together for a mutually ambitious deal. We are working through substantive issues such as goods, market access, services and investment,” said Huddleston.
Asked if the FTA is likely to be concluded by Diwali this year, having missed the Diwali 2022 deadline, the minister stressed that “it is about the deal, not the date”.
“We will not tie our hands by setting an arbitrary deadline,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in London has been working to counter disinformation being spread on social media alleging that the objects hurled during Wednesday’s planned pro-Khalistan demonstration came from India House.
“Fact check: the truth is, a small minority of protesters threw water bottles, ink balloons, eggs and flares at the High Commission in London, some of which hit other protestors and the police. Nothing was thrown by mission staff at our own brethren. We have proof,” the High Commission tweeted.
“Do not believe disinformation aimed to disrupt harmony. Indians will always respect the religious beliefs of all,” it said, alongside videos showing water bottles and coloured flares being hurled by Khalistan flag-bearing protesters towards India House.
The UK government has condemned the attacks as “unacceptable” and committed to “robustly respond” to such incidents of violence.
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#Vandalism #Indian #High #Commission #raised #Parliament
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 23, 2023
Negi 24pcs Mini Stainless Steel Utensils Non Toxic Indian Kitchen Set Great Kitchen Toys for Girls (Kid’s Love Kitchen Set) ( It Has Sharp Edges Not Suitable for Small Baby )

Price: [price_with_discount]
(as of [price_update_date] – Details)

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Negi brings this 24pcs Beautiful and Realistic kitchenware set for kids. Let your Kids transform into a junior master-chef by playing with this amazing kitchen set.
Material: Stainless Steel and Plastic. Not Suitable for Small Baby
Its Mini Stainless Steel Utensils Role Play Toy for kids( Not for real cooking)
Excellent for children to innovate things and express their ideas
Designed for imaginative play , to create unforgettable pretend kitchen play atmosphere and experience

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#Negi #24pcs #Mini #Stainless #Steel #Utensils #Toxic #Indian #Kitchen #Set #Great #Kitchen #Toys #Girls #Kids #Love #Kitchen #Set #Sharp #Edges #Suitable #Small #Baby

March 23, 2023
Pro-Khalistan protesters hurl objects at Indian mission in London

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London: Around 2,000 protesters waving Khalistan flags descended upon the Indian High Commission here on Wednesday for a planned demonstration and hurled objects and chanted slogans amid a heightened security presence and barricades.
The Indian High Commission countered by unfurling an additional humongous tricolour on the roof of its building, which seemed to rile the protesters further who then hurled coloured flares and water bottles towards the mission building and at police officers and media covering the protest.
Scotland Yard reacted by further blockading the area outside India House and several additional uniformed and mounted officers on horseback were deployed immediately to the area.
Unlike the violent disorder on Sunday when India House came under attack, the protesters were barricaded across the road with uniformed officers standing guard and patrolling the area throughout. The protesters, including turbaned men, and some women and children, had been bused in from different parts of the UK and chanted pro-Khalistan slogans.
The organisers used mikes to make anti-India speeches and attack the Punjab Police for alleged human rights violations. The speeches switched between English and Punjabi to make allegations of Indian media bias for calling them fringe elements and backed by Pakistan’s spy agency ISI.
Banners for the so-called “National Protest”, organised by groups such as the Federation of Sikh Organisations (FSO) and Sikh Youth Jathebandia, have been circulating on social media since before a protest on Sunday, which ended in violent disorder at India House.
The Indian government had registered a strong protest over the lack of security measures at its diplomatic mission, which ended in Khalistan flag-waving protesters smashing windows of the Indian High Commission and attempting to pull down the Tricolour.
Since the weekend, several uniformed officers have been patrolling the area in Aldwych and Metropolitan Police vans have been stationed at India Place.

Wednesday’s planned demonstration claims to be in response to alleged discriminatory actions of the police in Punjab.
The Indian High Commission in London has been working to counter disinformation circulating around developments in Punjab, related to enforcement action against the separatist group ‘Waris Punjab De’.
“Let me assure all our friends here in the UK, especially brothers and sisters with relatives in Punjab, that there is no truth to the sensationalist lies being circulated on social media,” Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami said in a video posted on Twitter.
“The situation in your ancestral homeland is not what is being reported. The elected chief minister of the state and the local police authorities have put out detailed information, including interviews on television, please watch these. Do not believe the small handful of people putting out fiction and disinformation,” he said.
In an update on the enforcement action since March 18, Doraiswami said that the Punjab Police launched an operation against elements of ‘Waris Punjab De’ against whom criminal cases have been recorded, in particular against Amritpal Singh, the chief of this organisation. He added that the constitutional rights to a legal defence for all those arrested will be protected and reiterated that all communication services, including mobile telephone networks and internet, are up and running in the state.
British Sikh MPs, Labour’s Tanmanjeet Singh and Preet Kaur Gill, were among those to express concern for their UK constituents with relatives in Punjab.
“Monitoring developments surrounding the Punjab. So many of my constituents are concerned for their loved ones given an internet blackout. Ministers should engage with Indian authorities so UK families who can’t reach their relatives regain contact as soon as possible,” Gill tweeted on Sunday.
On being alerted to the violent protest at the High Commission, she added: “No one should resort to such attacks. This is unacceptable.”
An attempted pull down by the extremists of the Indian tricolour that flies at the Indian High Commission was quashed by an official and has been followed up by an additional larger Tiranga on the main facade.
Several diaspora groups gathered for a “We Stand By High Commission of India” festive demonstration outside India House in London on Tuesday as a show of solidarity following vandalism.
The Metropolitan Police said its “enquiries continue” and one person arrested on suspicion of violent disorder has since been bailed to appear in court in mid-June.
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#ProKhalistan #protesters #hurl #objects #Indian #mission #London
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 22, 2023
“I want whole world to hear stories of Indian women”: Rani Mukerji

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Mumbai: Rani Mukerji has portrayed a number of versatile characters in a career spanning almost three decades. She has treated audiences to some of the most loved women protagonists on screen through her performances in films like ‘Black’, ‘Hichki’, ‘Mardaani’ and ‘No One Killed Jessica’.
And now with ‘Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway’, she has once again shown the woman of substance and strength who stands for her rights and raises her voice against injustice.
In the film, Rani essays the role of a mother battling the state for her kids. The film is based on Sagarika Chakaraborty’s book The Journey of a Mother.
Sagarika Chatterjee stood up against the government of Norway to fight for the right to be reunited with her children after they were allegedly taken away from her and placed in foster care and were told that they will not be returned until the age of 18.
Rani’s role as a mother is being hailed by many.
Expressing her happiness about the film’s success, Rani told ANI, “It always feels great to see stories of our Indian women being heard globally. I have always tried my best to take the stories of our Indian women to a global platform. I am an Indian woman and know our powers…so I always ensure that our stories are heard with my work.”
Rani further said that a good film will always resonate with people. “If your content is good then it will definitely find its audience irrespective of the medium. By gods grace, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway has found its audience! I am really happy to see people showering love on our film,” she added.

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#world #hear #stories #Indian #women #Rani #Mukerji
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 22, 2023
Video: ‘Argentina football house’ gifted to Kerala farmer by UAE-based Indian bizman

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An ‘Argentina Football House’ is making rounds on social media platforms as it was gifted by an United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Indian businessman to a farmer from Kerala whose unique commentary went viral during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Afi Ahmed, managing director of UAE-based Smart Travels, built the house for Zubair Vazhakkad, a farmer in Vazhakkad village in Kerala’s Malappuram district.
During the FIFA World Cup matches, Zubair’s commentary in a regional Malay accent became viral on social media. Despite not having professional qualifications, the farmer was familiar with all the teams and players.
When Afi learned of Zubair’s passion for soccer and his love for Messi and Argentina, the business tycoon offered to fly with Zubair to Qatar to watch his favorite games live.
However, Zubair had to decline the offer as he had to take care of his ailing family members. After this, Afi offered to restore Zubair’s dilapidated house and gifted him a house with an Argentinian theme.
“It is my dream home. I don’t have words to thank him,” Zubair was quoted as saying by Gulf News.
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#Video #Argentina #football #house #gifted #Kerala #farmer #UAEbased #Indian #bizman

( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 21, 2023
Indian students urge UK PM Rishi Sunak to act over English test scandal

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London: A group of international students, including many from India, have delivered a petition to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urging him to act against the “unjust” revocation of their visas following an English test scandal.
The issue dates back to 2014 when a BBC Panorama’ investigation showed some cheating had occurred at two of the UK’s testing centres for a compulsory language test required for visas.
The UK government responded by a widespread crackdown on such centres, which had the fallout of the revocation of tens of thousands of students’ visas linked with those centres.
The Migrant Voice voluntary group has been supporting the students impacted and coordinated the latest petition delivered at 10 Downing Street on Monday.
“This is one of the biggest scandals in contemporary British history. The initial government reaction was unjust and has been allowed to drag on for years,” said Nazek Ramadan, director of Migrant Voice.
“It could have been resolved by a simple solution, such as allowing the tests to be retaken. The students came here to get a world-class education and best student experience in the world, but instead their lives have been wrecked. It is time for the government to step in and end this nightmare. All it takes to bring this to an end is leadership,” she said.
With no right to stay, work or in a few cases to appeal, most of the accused students returned home.
Those who stayed to clear their names have struggled with homelessness, huge legal fees, stress-induced illnesses and have missed family weddings, births and deaths, the petition appeals.

Parliamentary and watchdog reports over the years have highlighted some flaws in the Home Office evidence used in the case in the past. Although some students won their legal challenges, scores of other students many of them Indian are still in limbo.
Migrant Voice is now underlining the importance of Sunak “addressing the injustice at a time when numbers of students and migrant workers form part of UK-India trade negotiations”.
The group has been running the #MyFutureBack campaign for the affected students for over nine years now and urging the UK government to allow these students the chance to clear their names of alleged cheating.
Sarbjeet is a 46-year-old Indian student who has been separated from her children for 13 years, as she feels she cannot return home to India with the allegations hanging over her.
Sanjoy, another Indian student impacted, is being sued by the company that sponsored him and has also been denied the ability to go to the US because his visa withdrawal prevents him from resuming his studies in another country.
The BBC programme had revealed cheating on a compulsory language test, known as the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), at two London test centres by some international students.
The UK government reacted by placing Educational Testing Service (ETS), the company that ran 96 TOEIC test centres, under criminal investigation, while also asking the company to investigate the allegation.
As a result of the investigation by ETS, the UK Home Office suddenly terminated the visas of over 34,000 overseas students, making their presence in the UK illegal overnight.
A further 22,000 were told that their test results were “questionable”. More than 2,400 students have been deported and thousands left voluntarily. The remaining, estimated in hundreds, have been campaigning to clear their name over the years.
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#Indian #students #urge #Rishi #Sunak #act #English #test #scandal
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 21, 2023
Sambit Patra calls Rahul Gandhi present-day Mir Jafar of Indian politics

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New Delhi: BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra on Tuesday called Congress leader Rahul Gandhi present-day Mir Jafar of Indian politics and sought an apology over the latter’s speech in the UK.
Addressing a press conference, Patra said, “Rahul will have to apologise, we will keep raising voice for it.”
Sambit Patra said, “Rahul Gandhi is the Mir Jafar of today’s politics. What Mir Jafar did to become Nawab and what Rahul Gandhi has done in London – is exactly the same. The prince wants to become the Nawab for which he is seeking help from foreign powers.”
Patra said, “Rahul insulted the country and sought foreign intervention. We believe that this is not an issue, but a conspiracy. Rahul will have to apologise. Rahul cannot do away without apologising. He had to apologise in the Rafale case, and he will have to apologise in Parliament for his remarks in Cambridge.”]
Rahul, while in his address in London recently, said, “Everybody knows and it’s been in the news a lot that Indian democracy is under pressure and under attack. I am an Opposition leader in India, we are navigating that (Opposition) space. The institutional framework which is required for a democratic Parliament, free press, the judiciary, just the idea of mobilisation, moving around all are getting constrained. So, we are facing an attack on the basic structure of Indian democracy.”
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#Sambit #Patra #calls #Rahul #Gandhi #presentday #Mir #Jafar #Indian #politics

( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 21, 2023
Top 5 expensive, lavish vanity vans owned by Indian celebrities

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Hyderabad: Actors use vanity vans during their breaks from shoots and they have now become the symbol of their status and personal style. Most of the actors modify their vanity vans according to their own taste. From bars and gyms to lavish restrooms, a few actors and actresses own vanity vans which have everything almost inside it and they are nothing less than their luxurious homes when it comes to lavish interiors. In this write-up, we will tell you about the most expensive vanity vans owned by Indian celebrities.
1. Kangana Ranaut
The ‘Queen’ actress recently hit the headlines after she spent around Rs 65 lakh to modify her vanity van. It is reported that Kangana Ranaut wanted the design her vanity van to look similar to her house. The furniture of her vanity van is made of the original wood. Kangana owns one of the most expensive vanity vans among India celebrities.
2. Allu Arjun
Pushpa star Allu Arjun owns one of the most luxurious vanity vans in India. His van named Falcon is said to be worth Rs 7 crore. The vanity van has luxurious items, a compact bed, imported lights and a separate sitting area. It has been reportedly designed by Reddy Customs caravan.
3. Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan’s 14- meter-long vanity van reportedly cost around Rs 4 to 5 crore. King Khan’s Volvo 9BR comes with a gym, living area, bedroom, restroom and more. It is customised with the latest gadgets and technology. It is also the first Indian vanity van to have a hydraulic system.
4. Salman Khan
Salman Khan’s vanity van also reportedly costs around Rs 4 crore. According to the reports, Bhaijaan’s vanity van is made by Van Morface. The vanity van boasts of all latest gadgets and a big Salman Khan portrait. It has meeting room, gym and luxurious furniture.
5. Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar gives several films every year and is among the busiest actors in Bollywood. The actor has bought a luxurious vanity van which costs approx Rs 5 crore.
Akshay Kumar Allu Arjun Bollywood Kangana Ranaut Salman Khan Shah Rukh Khan

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#Top #expensive #lavish #vanity #vans #owned #Indian #celebrities
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 20, 2023
Sonali Kulkarni apologises over ‘Indian girls are lazy’ remark

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Mumbai: Actress Sonali Kulkarni, who is known for her work in Marathi cinema and Hindi films like ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ and ‘Taxi No. 9211, recently said at an event that “Indian girls are lazy.”
She said that girls look for well-to-do boyfriends or husbands to fulfil their needs instead of being passionate about their own careers. Soon after the statement came out, the actress started receiving the flak on the Internet.
The actress took to her Instagram and shared an apology note. She wrote in the caption: “But you were right! Women who haven’t understood the context probably are hurt but on an honest note, whatever you said was right. Also, it wasn’t about every woman, it was about a few women who genuinely want it easy.”
The note started off as it read: “I’m overwhelmed with the feedback I’m receiving. I would like to thank all of you, especially the entire press and media for the extremely mature conduct of connecting with me. Being a woman myself, my intention was not to hurt other women. In fact, I have extensively expressed myself time and again in support of us and what is it being a woman.”
The actress continued in her note: “I’m grateful to all of you for reaching out to me personally to appreciate or to criticise. Hope we will be able to have a more open exchange of thoughts. In my capacity, I am trying to think, support and share warmth not only with women, but with the entire mankind. It will be only strengthening if we women with our vulnerabilities and wisdom shine through as fair and able beings. If we are inclusive and empathetic, we will be able to create a healthier, happier place to be.”
“”Having said that, if unknowingly, I may have caused pain, I want to apologise from the bottom of my heart. I do not thrive upon headlines neither do I want to be the centre of sensational situations. I’m a diehard optimist and I strongly believe that life indeed is beautiful. Thanks for your patience and support. I have learned a lot from this incident,” the actress concluded.
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#Sonali #Kulkarni #apologises #Indian #girls #lazy #remark
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 20, 2023
UK envoy summoned after Khalistan supporters take down Tricolour at Indian High Commission in London

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New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) late on Sunday summoned the senior-most UK diplomat in India to convey its strong protest after some pro-Khalistani groups allegedly took down the Tricolour at the Indian High Commission in London.
MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted: “India lodges strong protest with UK”, along with a ministry statement.
Some pro-Khalistani groups staged a demonstration at the Indian High Commission in London over Punjab government’s crackdown against self-styled radical preacher Amritpal Singh.
The MEA, in a statement, said an explanation was demanded for the complete absence of the British security that allowed these elements to enter the High Commission premises.
“She was reminded in this regard of the basic obligations of the UK government under the Vienna Convention,” it said.
A statement said it finds unacceptable the indifference of the UK government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK.
“It is expected that the UK government would take immediate steps to identify, arrest and prosecute each one of those involved in today’s incident, and put in place stringent measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents,” it added.

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#envoy #summoned #Khalistan #supporters #Tricolour #Indian #High #Commission #London
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 20, 2023