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India Suspends Visa Services In Canada

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India’s official visa processor in Canada said Thursday it had been told to stop handling applications, before taking down the notice amid a diplomatic row sparked by Ottawa’s accusation New Delhi was involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist.

Shortly after the announcement was splashed across Indian media, BLS removed the notice from their website. There was no immediate comment from India’s foreign ministry.

An official at New Delhi-headquartered BLS said they did not want to be quoted and referred AFP to Indian authorities.

“Important notice from Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice,” BLS International had posted on their website Thursday.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has demanded India treat with “utmost seriousness” allegations that Indian agents played a role in the June murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver.

The fallout prompted tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions and a forceful denial from India, which said any suggestion it played a role in Nijjar’s killing was “absurd”.

The suspension of visas comes a day after India’s foreign ministry said it was concerned for the safety of its citizens in Canada because of “politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence”.

“Threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda,” a ministry statement said Wednesday.

“Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents.”

The advisory did not name specific cities or locations for Indians to avoid.

Nijjar was shot dead by two masked assailants outside the Sikh temple he presided over in Surrey, an outer suburb of Vancouver.

An activist for the creation of a Sikh state known as Khalistan, Nijjar was wanted by Indian authorities for alleged terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder.

He had denied those charges, according to the World Sikh Organization of Canada, a nonprofit organisation that says it defends the interests of Canadian Sikhs.

The Indian government accuses Ottawa of turning a blind eye to the activities of radical Sikh nationalists who advocate the creation of an independent Sikh state to be carved out of northern India.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFP

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International News

Maguire: Tuchel Told Me By Video Call I Was Out And I Said I Was Very Disappointed

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On “The Rest is Football” podcast, Manchester United center-back Maguire discussed how Tuchel informed him via video call that he had not been selected for the World Cup squad.

 

Maguire revealed: “He (Tuchel) video-called everyone. It was quite an awkward call. I first received a message asking if he could talk to me around 4 PM. It was quite a unique approach, and certainly difficult, because he could see everyone’s reactions.

“I said directly that I was really very disappointed. I felt I had done well enough to deserve to be in the squad, and I felt I could have helped the team, playing a role on and off the pitch. He said he couldn’t give me any excuses, but he chose the four players who had helped him through a difficult period last autumn.

“It was hard to accept. After being called up by him for the first time in the March training camp, I did think I would be in the squad. I performed well in both games and then returned to Manchester United, finishing the season with a very strong performance.”

Tuchel ultimately chose to take Stones, Guehi, Konsa, Quansah, and Dan Burn to the World Cup.

No Plans to Retire from England Duty
Furthermore, even with Tuchel’s contract extending to Euro 2028, Maguire is unwilling to close the door on playing for England.

He added: “I don’t think I’ll retire from England duty. I still feel I can shine. Sooner or later there will be a time and a point where I no longer deserve to be selected for England, but even then, I most likely won’t proactively step out and announce my retirement. If I can play for England one more time, it will all be worth it.”

Maguire will use the off-season to fully recover and prepare for Manchester United’s return to the Champions League in the 2026-27 season. While his England teammates face the immense pressure of a major international tournament, the experienced defender will strive to maintain his excellent club form. If he is to earn a recall to the England squad later this year, proving his endurance in the Premier League remains crucial.

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W/C: Tunisia Head Coach Sacked After Opening Game Defeat

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Tunisia head coach Sabri Lamouchi has been sacked after defeat on World Cup opening game against Sweden.

 

Plans are under way ‌to appoint ‌Mondher Kebaier as the new national team ‌coach on an interim basis, Federation confirm.

A statement released on the Tunisian FA Instagram read:

“An agreement has been officially reached to dismiss coach Sabri Lamouch.

“Plans are under way ‌to appoint ‌Mondher Kebaier as the national team ‌coach [on an interim basis].”

Tunisia play Japan in their second group game on Saturday before facing the Netherlands.

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Isak Relishes Glorious World Cup Debut After Tunisia Trashing

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On June 15th , following Sweden’s 5-1 victory over Tunisia, the team’s striker Isak was interviewed.

 

Tunisia had not conceded a single goal in 10 World Cup qualifiers, but their clean-sheet record at this World Cup was broken immediately by Sweden. Isak delivered an exceptional performance in the match, directly contributing to 4 of the team’s 5 goals.

Isak said after the match: “It was incredible. We have a lot of players making their World Cup debuts, so to do it this way is really special.”

He was also satisfied with his performance: “Everyone played well, as did the whole team. We scored early, which made the game easier to manage.”

Speaking about his partnership with Gyökeres, he said: “The plan was to use the speed of our two forwards to counter-attack, make high-intensity runs, and then recover. We worked very well together.”

Swedish commentator Erik Niva said after the match: “No team will want to face Sweden in the matches ahead.”

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