Iran labels Canadian Navy a terrorist entity in retaliation for IRGC ban
Tehran: Iran designated the Royal Canadian Navy as a terrorist organisation, escalating tensions with Ottawa nearly a year after Canada blacklisted Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Iranian foreign ministry, Tehran said the move was taken “within the framework of reciprocity” in response to Canada’s decision to label the IRGC as a terrorist group in 2024. The ministry described Ottawa’s action as being “contrary to the fundamental principles of international law,” and announced that the Canadian naval force would now be treated in the same manner. No details were provided on the practical consequences of the designation.
Canada formally listed the IRGC as a terrorist organisation on June 19, 2024, a step that barred its members from entering the country and prohibited Canadians from engaging in any dealings with the force or its affiliates. The decision also enabled authorities to seize any assets linked to the IRGC or its members held within Canada, as reported by AFP news.
Ottawa has defended the action by claiming that the IRGC consistently violates human rights and threatens the international rules-based order. A major contributing element to the designation, according to Canadian officials, was the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 in January 2020. Shortly after taking off from Tehran, the plane was shot down, killing all 176 passengers, including 85 nationals and permanent residents of Canada. The aircraft was wrongly designated as a hostile target, according to the IRGC, which later admitted responsibility.
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Karnataka leads in AI: Minister Priyank Kharge at Impact Summit
Bengaluru (PTI): Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday highlighted the state’s leadership in AI and deep technology while engaging with global industry leaders and startups at a four-day summit held in New Delhi, officials said.
During the event, Priyank witnessed the signing of a strategic MoU between H Company and St John’s Medical College & Research Institute, Bengaluru, to pilot advanced enterprise AI for hospital operations and workflow automation, strengthening responsible AI in healthcare, the minister’s office said in a statement here.
Speaking on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit, the minister said Karnataka is ahead of the curve in AI.
“We are already home to leading global AI players such as Harvey AI and Anthropic, and The Walt Disney Company is expanding its AI network in Bengaluru,” he added.
Noting Bengaluru’s position among the top global cities for AI talent, he added, “Under our DeepTech Decade, we are supporting startups with grants of up to Rs 1 crore. We are engaging with global leaders and innovators to ensure responsible AI use, build the right skill sets, create strong incubators, and establish Centres of Excellence that can foster startups and strengthen e-governance.”
The minister also attended a roundtable organised by the US-India Business Council (USIBC), where discussions focused on strengthening technology collaboration, investment partnerships, and innovation-led growth between Karnataka and global enterprises.
He met Timo Harakka, Member of Parliament of Finland, to explore possibilities for collaboration between Karnataka and Finland in AI and deep-tech sectors, including joint research, innovation partnerships, and startup exchanges.
The Karnataka IT Minister also visited the Indian Army showcase at the summit, which featured advanced AI-driven defence and strategic technology applications, highlighting the role of AI in national security and modernisation efforts.
He toured the Karnataka Pavilion and the ArtPark Pavilion, interacting with founders and teams from Karnataka’s innovation ecosystem and reviewing emerging AI and deep-tech solutions, the statement added.
