Ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023, Sachin Tendulkar wished the Indian team in a special way by posting a picture with legends Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, and Ravi Shastri. He wrote: "Grew up admiring one and had the opportunity of sharing the field with the other two. They laid the foundation with the 1983 victory, and I experienced the joy in 2011! Here's to hoping the current squad brings it home in 2023!" The post highlights Tendulkar's nostalgia about past triumphs while hoping the current team continues the legacy in the 2023 edition. His message wonderfully captures the dreams of Indian fans. [image courtesy: Sachin Tendulkar X account @sachin_rt]

Representatives of Canadian universities have advised Indian students interested in pursuing higher education in Canada to consider deferring admission to the fall 2024 term, citing apprehensions of visa processing delays due to political tensions between Canada and India. At an education fair in Hyderabad, they raised concerns that with just three months before the spring 2023 session, visa delays could disrupt academic plans. Many universities are assessing potentially pushing back admission offers over uncertainty in securing Canadian study permits for Indian applicants. They are urging students not to rush travel plans and be prepared for disrupted sessions amid the ongoing diplomatic row.

Canadian federal ministers have condemned a viral video threatening Hindus, without directly naming it, amid tensions with India. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc affirmed that acts of hate have no place in Canada, stating that Hindus are safe and welcome. The video was released by pro-Khalistan group leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau accused India over a Khalistani extremist's killing. Multiple Canadian politicians voiced support for the Hindu community following the provocative video. The condemnations indicate Canadian efforts to de-escalate tensions despite unresolved differences with India over terrorism allegations.

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has confiscated properties owned by Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu in Chandigarh and Amritsar. The seizures were made under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act based on a 2020 NIA case declaring Pannu a proclaimed offender. Notices were posted marking the seizure of Pannu's Chandigarh residence share and 46 kanals of ancestral farmland in Amritsar. Pannu heads the US-based SFJ, which was banned in India for promoting secessionism. The confiscations signal the NIA's crackdown on Khalistani extremism and terror funding channels.

The Indian High Commission in London has initiated the 'Home Away from Home' initiative to assist fresh Indian students who arrived for the September 2023 intake. Students can visit special kiosks at the India House at Aldwych from Sept 26-Oct 9 on weekdays to avail of services like documentation help, consular assistance, opening local bank accounts, and registering with the High Commission for future needs. Complimentary lunch will also be provided as a welcome gesture to students who come for registration. The outreach by the High Commission of India, London aims to help new Indian students settle smoothly in the UK during the critical transition period.

At the India-Brazil-South Africa ministerial meeting in New York, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed counterparts on India's new law reserving parliamentary seats for women. South Africa's foreign minister Naledi Pandor applauded the move, leading to applause from delegates. Separately, in talks with UK and Bahrain foreign ministers, Jaishankar received congratulations on India's successful G20 presidency. The praise comes amidst global debates over Canada's allegations against India. India's women's reservation bill and G20 leadership have bolstered its diplomatic credentials on the world stage

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has applauded the passage of India's landmark bill to reserve one-third of seats in parliament and state legislatures for women. USISPF President Mukesh Aghi praised the legislation as a major step towards gender equality in India's political sphere. He lauded Prime Minister Modi and the Indian government for pushing through this transformative quota to boost women's representation, which currently stands at just 15% in parliament. Aghi emphasized the importance of empowering more women leaders in the world's largest democracy. The quota bill recently received unanimous backing in India's upper house.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed the US has been closely consulting and coordinating with Canada regarding allegations that Indian government agents were behind the killing of a Khalistani terrorist on Canadian soil. While describing India as a vital partner, Blinken emphasized the investigation must proceed unimpeded and said it is critical India cooperates fully with Canadian authorities to ensure accountability. He expressed deep US concern over the alleged transnational repression, stressing the broader importance of addressing such issues beyond just this case. Blinken's remarks indicate the Biden administration is walking a diplomatic tightrope in balancing strategic ties with India and defending principles.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau disclosed that his government notified India weeks ago regarding allegations that Indian agents were involved in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia."Canada has shared the credible allegations that I talked about on Monday with India. We did that many weeks ago," Trudeau was quoted by Reuters as having said at a press conference in Ottawa. This follows Trudeau's initial accusations which provoked an angry Indian response. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed concerns and said the US has been closely coordinating with Canada, wanting to see accountability from India over the alleged killing on Canadian soil. However, Trudeau has not provided details on evidence backing Canada's allegations.

According to former Pentagon official Michael Rubin, the US would prioritize ties with India over Canada if forced to choose between the two countries. Rubin stated that Trudeau appeared motivated by domestic politics rather than prudent foreign policy in accusing India over a killed terrorist. He warned that Trudeau risks damaging long-term relations with the world's largest democracy for short-term political gain. Rubin emphasized that the U.S. values its strategic partnership with India and would choose those ties over Canada if forced to decide between the two countries.