Avoid Air India flights from November 1-19: Khalistani seperatist Pannun issues new threat
New Delhi: Khalistani seperatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has issued a fresh warning, urging passengers to avoid flying Air India between November 1 and 19. The threat, according to Pannun, is linked to the 40th anniversary of the anti-Sikh riots.
Pannun, the founder of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), had made similar threats last year around the same time. His recent warning comes amid increased security concerns as airlines in India have been facing multiple hoax bomb threats in recent months.
This development coincides with the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, following allegations by the Canadian government that India is targeting Khalistani elements within its borders. The diplomatic row intensified after the killing of Khalistani seperatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, an incident for which India has denied any involvement.
Pannun's previous threats included a claim in November 2023 that Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport would be shut down on November 19, warning passengers to avoid flying Air India that day. He has also been involved in other high-profile threats, such as an alleged plan to attack the Indian Parliament in December last year.
Pannun, who holds dual citizenship in Canada and the US, has been designated a terrorist by India's Ministry of Home Affairs since July 2020. He has been charged with criminal conspiracy and promoting enmity under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
In a related incident, on October 17, the United States charged a former officer of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) for allegedly directing a foiled plot to assassinate Pannun, a claim India has dismissed as baseless.
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Karnataka offers extensive incentives in its proposed IT policy
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has proposed a new Information Technology Policy for 2025–2030, offering extensive financial and non-financial incentives aimed at accelerating investments, strengthening innovation and expanding the state's tech footprint beyond Bengaluru.
The Karnataka Cabinet gave its nod to the policy 2025–2030 with an outlay of Rs 445.50 crore on Thursday after the Finance Department accorded its approval.
The policy introduces 16 incentives across five enabler categories, nine of which are entirely new, with a distinctive push to support companies setting up or expanding in emerging cities.
Alongside financial support, the government is also offering labour-law relaxations, round-the-clock operational permissions and industry-ready human capital programmes to make Karnataka a globally competitive 'AI-native' destination.
According to the policy, units located outside Bengaluru will gain access to a wide suite of benefits, including research and development and IP creation incentives, internship reimbursements, talent relocation support and recruitment assistance.
The benefits also include EPF reimbursement, faculty development support, rental assistance, certification subsidies, electricity tariff rebates, property tax reimbursement, telecom infrastructure support, and assistance for events and conferences.
Bengaluru Urban will receive a focused set of six research and development and talent-oriented incentives, while Indian Global Capability Centres (GCCs) operating in the state will be brought under the incentive net.
Incentive caps and eligibility thresholds have been raised, and the policy prioritises growth-focused investments for both new and expanding units.
Beyond incentives, the government focuses on infrastructure and innovation interventions.
A flagship proposal in the policy is the creation of Techniverse -- integrated, technology-enabled enclaves developed through a public-private partnership model inside future Global Innovation Districts.
These campuses will offer plug-and-play facilities, artificial intelligence and machine learning and cybersecurity labs, advanced testbeds, experience centres, and disaster-resistant command centres.
There will also be a Statewide Digital Hub Grid and a Global Test Bed Infrastructure Network, linking public and private research and development, and innovation facilities across Karnataka.
The government has proposed a Women Global Tech Missions Fellowship for 1,000 mid-career women technologists, an IT Talent Return Programme to absorb experienced professionals returning from abroad, and broad-based skill and faculty development reimbursements.
Shared corporate transport routes in Bengaluru and tier-two cities will be designed with Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other transport entities to support worker mobility.
The government said the policy is the outcome of an extensive research and consultation process involving TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, HCL, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant, HP, Google, Accenture and NASSCOM, along with sector experts and stakeholder groups.
It estimates an outlay of Rs 967.12 crore over five years, comprising Rs 754.62 crore for incentives and Rs 212.50 crore for interventions such as Techniverse campuses, digital grid development, global outreach missions and talent programmes.
