Anirudh Bhattacharya is a Toronto-based commentator on North American issues, and an author. He has also worked as a journalist in New Delhi and New York spanning print, television and digital media. He tweets as @anirudhb.
Articles by Anirudh Bhattacharyya
Experts believe Canada’s anti-immigrant sentiments will change post economic revival
As sentiment in Canada turns decisively against high levels of immigration, experts believe that the current mood will change once economic stresses causing it are alleviated.
Published on Dec 11, 2023 12:10 PM IST
Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Toronto
Mistaken identity behind death of Sikh man and family in Canada, say police
Canadian police believe a shooting spree that left 2 Indian nationals dead was targeted but the victims were killed because of mistaken identity.
Updated on Dec 11, 2023 12:07 PM IST
ht_print | Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Toronto
Canada doubles cost-of-living requirements for international students
An announcement in this regard by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) states that for new study permit applications received on or after January 1 next year, a single applicant will “need to show they have CA$20,635 (approximately ₹12.7 lakh), as against CA$10,000 (about ₹ 6.14 lakh) earlier
Updated on Dec 09, 2023 06:40 AM IST
Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Toronto
Canada raises cost-of-living requirements for international students
Amid a cost-of-living crisis in the country, Canada is more than doubling the amount of funds that international students will have to bring in to support themselves.
Published on Dec 08, 2023 12:17 PM IST
Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Toronto
Cyber spy agency warns foreign adversaries could ‘weaponize’ AI to influence next federal election
Canada’s cybersecurity intelligence agency has warned that foreign adversaries and hacktivists could “weaponize” artificial intelligence in an attempt to influence Federal elections in the country scheduled for late 2025.
Published on Dec 07, 2023 11:38 AM IST
Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Toronto
Three Toronto-area theatres evacuated after unidentified substance sprayed inside
Hundreds of moviegoers attending screenings of Hindi films at three different cinema locations in the Greater Toronto Area or GTA had to be evacuated following an unidentified substance being sprayed within the theatres.
Published on Dec 07, 2023 11:31 AM IST
Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Toronto
Panel examining foreign interference in Canada to include India within its ambit
Relations between India and Canada are already at their nadir after PM Justin Trudeau’s statement in the House of Commons on September 18 that there were “credible allegations” of a potential link between Indian agents and the killing of Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Updated on Dec 05, 2023 03:00 PM IST
40% decline in applications from India for study permits to Canada in the second half of 2023
More and more international students have been posting on social media about the hardships they faced in Canada, specifically calling out the high cost of living and lack of opportunities promised
Published on Dec 05, 2023 10:51 AM IST
Former Canada intelligence officials say US indictment confirms Trudeau’ allegations against India
Former National Security Advisor Richard Fadden told the outlet CBC News that the indictment of Indian national Nikhil Gupta in a Federal court in New York “gives weight” to the statement made by Trudeau on September 18.
Published on Dec 01, 2023 11:20 AM IST
Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Toronto
India needs to work with us, cannot take it lightly: Trudeau on Nijjar probe
The unsealed indictment against Nikhil Gupta, 52, in a federal court in New York, linked the Pannun attempt to the killing of Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18
Updated on Dec 01, 2023 06:16 AM IST
India needs to take our concerns seriously, Canada PM Trudeau says after US charge
Reacting to an Indian national being indicted in an American Federal Court in connection with a thwarted plot to murder Sikhs for Justice or SFJ general counsel Gurpatwant Pannun, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that India needs to take “seriously” concerns over its link to the killing of Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18.
Published on Nov 30, 2023 11:18 AM IST
Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Toronto
Series of volcanic eruptions may have aided extinction of dinosaurs on Earth: Study
The research based their findings on studying the Deccan Traps in western and central India, which were formed from lava spewed out during the volcanic events
Published on Nov 28, 2023 02:27 PM IST
India investigating attempt on Pannun’s life: Indian envoy to Canada
In an interview to the network CTV News, which aired on Sunday, Sanjay Kumar Verma said, “If you look at the most recent incident to where there are some allegations put out in one of the newspapers against India, the US did provide us inputs. And we have already started following up on that.”
Updated on Nov 27, 2023 03:40 PM IST
Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Toronto
Indian consular camps in Surrey go ahead despite heavy protests
Devotees and members of the Indo-Canadian community in the town of Surrey in British Columbia confronted pro-Khalistan elements who had come to protest a consular camp at the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir on Sunday.
Published on Nov 27, 2023 12:21 PM IST
Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Toronto
‘Working with allies’ on alleged plot to kill Sikh separatist, says Trudeau
A readout from the Canadian said that Trudeau “highlighted the importance of coordinated G20 leadership and action to uphold the rule of law and international law,” among other matters. Interestingly, the readout did not mention the virtual summit was hosted by Modi.
Updated on Nov 23, 2023 02:47 PM IST
Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Toronto
India resumes e-visas for Canadian nationals
A release issued by India’s High Commission in Ottawa on Wednesday morning stated that “All e-visa services have been restored” with effect from November 22 and will be applicable “for Canadian citizens holding regular/ordinary Canadian passports.”
Published on Nov 22, 2023 08:17 PM IST
Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Toronto
SFJ asks pro-Khalistan elements to ‘picket’ Air India’s flights from Canadian airports on Dec 1
The call from SFJ’s general-counsel Gurpatwant Pannun came soon after the NIA filed charges against him and the separatist organisation under several sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act on November 20
Published on Nov 22, 2023 02:44 PM IST
Amid diplomatic stand-off, Canada’s PM to take part in virtual G20 leaders’ summit hosted by India today
It is expected to deliberate on the Delhi Declaration that was adopted at the summit and will be the final meeting under India’s presidency of the G20 which is till the end of this month
Updated on Nov 23, 2023 05:16 AM IST
Indo-Canadian community group launches ‘Reclaim Swastika’ campaign
Canada is cracking down on display of Nazi hate symbols in the wake of a spate of anti-Semitic attacks. The difference between the Nazi hate symbol and the swastika considered sacred by Hindus and other communities has also been recognised by Canada’s leading Jewish group
Published on Nov 21, 2023 01:05 PM IST
Indian consular camps arranged across Canada under heavy security
Indian officials held consular camps across six locations in Canada over the weekend amid significant police presence due to threats of disruption by pro-Khalistani elements.
Updated on Nov 20, 2023 04:04 PM IST
Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Toronto
Canadian man convicted of murdering Muslim family in 2021 truck attack
A jury in Canada has found a 22-year-old guilty on four counts of murder and one of attempted murder, in a case that horrified the country when he ran over a Muslim family out for an evening stroll in June 2021 in the town of London in Ontario.
Published on Nov 17, 2023 11:13 AM IST
Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Toronto
Focus on Nijjar probe, rather than on resuming trade talks with India: Canada
Talks towards an Early Progress Trade Agreement were “paused” by Canada, prior to PM Justin Trudeau allegations of India's link in killing of Hardeep Nijjar.
Updated on Nov 17, 2023 04:51 AM IST
Police escort Canadian PM from restaurant after he’s mobbed by pro-Palestine protesters
Two persons were arrested after pro-Palestine protesters swarmed restaurants visited by Canadian PM Justin Trudeau in Vancouver, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. Trudeau had to leave the second venue under police protection.
Updated on Nov 16, 2023 10:33 AM IST
Pro-Khalistanis in Canada threaten to disrupt routine activities of India’s missions
Pro-Khalistani elements held protests at a consular camp for issuing life certificate to the Indian government pensioners. The venue was the Khalsa Diwan Society’s gurdwara in Abbotsford in British Columbia
Updated on Nov 16, 2023 11:09 AM IST
Indo-Canadian organisation asks authorities to act against SFJ over its alleged threat to Air India flights
Toronto-based law firm Brauti Thorning LLP on behalf of the Hindu Forum Canada, called upon law enforcement authorities to “conduct the necessary investigation and take appropriate steps to classify Gurpatwant Pannun as a criminal inciting violence and hate speech
Published on Nov 15, 2023 11:03 AM IST
Ex-province premier says ongoing tensions with India not good for Canada
The former Premier of Canadian province British Columbia has said Canada could suffer if a trade agreement with India is not secured amid ongoing tensions.
Updated on Nov 11, 2023 12:04 PM IST
Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Toronto
Indo-Canadian man, son killed in shooting in Canada
Police's Homicide Section is investigating the murders, and detectives have determined “this was a targeted event.”
Updated on Nov 11, 2023 12:07 PM IST
Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Toronto
Canada says taking SFJ's Air India threat ‘seriously’, enhanced security
In a video SFJ’s general counsel Gurpatwant Pannun warned Sikhs, “Don’t fly Air India after November 19, your lives may be in danger.”
Published on Nov 10, 2023 08:12 AM IST
Canada Post issues new stamp to mark arrival of Diwali
This is the fifth year that Canada Post has marked Diwali by issuing a special stamp for the festival. The first time was in 2017.
Published on Nov 10, 2023 07:46 AM IST
SFJ threat: India asks Canada to step up security on Air India flights
India’s high commissioner to Ottawa said, “We shall take up the threat against Air India flights originating from and terminating in Canada, with authorities.”
Updated on Nov 06, 2023 09:03 AM IST
