'The Guardian' exits X, citing platform’s “Toxic Environment”
London, Nov 14: The Guardian, a prominent UK-based media outlet, has announced it will no longer post content on its X account (formerly Twitter), citing a “toxic media environment” as the reason for its exit. In a statement on its website, The Guardian said that the “benefits of being on X are now outweighed by the negatives” and indicated that its resources would be better allocated to other platforms that effectively promote its journalism.
The Guardian has raised concerns over “disturbing content” frequently promoted on X, including far-right conspiracy theories and racist rhetoric, which has intensified during the US presidential election campaign. “This is something we have been considering for a while,” the statement read, adding that the platform’s influence under Elon Musk’s ownership has “shaped political discourse” in concerning ways. The statement also mentioned that the media outlet’s presence on X “plays a diminished role in promoting our work,” urging readers to support its journalism directly on its website.
Although The Guardian will stop posting on X, it confirmed that users will still be able to share its stories on the platform. Additionally, the organization may embed posts from X in its articles, and reporters will continue to use the platform for “news-gathering purposes.”
Meanwhile, Elon Musk, widely criticized for his transformation of Twitter into X after acquiring the platform in 2022, was appointed head of a new government department by President-elect Donald Trump. Alongside politician Vivek Ramaswamy, Musk will co-lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In his announcement, Trump praised Musk and Ramaswamy as “two wonderful Americans” who will work to “dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies” in line with his administration’s “Save America” movement.
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India to pursue extradition of Khalistani separatist Arsh Dalla with Canada following his arrest
New Delhi, Nov 14: India on Thursday said it will pursue an extradition request with Canada for Arsh Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, the de-facto chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force, following his arrest in that country.
Dalla was designated in India as a terrorist in 2023.
In July 2023, India had requested the Canadian government for his provisional arrest.
"In view of the recent arrest, our agencies will be following up on an extradition request," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
"Given Arsh Dalla's criminal record in India and his involvement in similar illegal activities in Canada, it is expected that he will be extradited or deported to face justice in India," he added.
Dalla was reportedly arrested by the Canadian Police late last month.
"We have seen media reports circulating since November 10 on the arrest in Canada of proclaimed offender Arsh Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, the de-facto chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force," Jaiswal said.
"Canadian print and visual media have widely reported on the arrest. We understand that the Ontario Court has listed the case for hearing," he added.
Jaiswal was replying to media queries regarding the arrest of Dalla.
"Arsh Dalla is a proclaimed offender in over 50 cases of murder, attempt to murder, extortion and terrorist acts, including terror financing. In May 2022, a Red Corner Notice was issued against him," Jaiswal said.
"He was designated in India as an individual terrorist in 2023. In July 2023, the Government of India had requested the Canadian government for his provisional arrest. This was declined," he added.
Jaiswal said India had provided additional information in the case to the Canadian authorities.
"A separate request was also sent to Canada under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) to verify Arsh Dalla's suspected residential address, his financial transactions to India, moveable/immovable properties, details of mobile numbers etc - all of which were provided to Canadian authorities in January 2023," Jaiswal said.
"In December 2023, the Department of Justice of Canada sought additional information on the case. A reply to these queries was sent in March this year," he added.
Our response to media queries regarding the arrest of a designated terrorist in Canada:https://t.co/c6CasRuteb pic.twitter.com/XfH4S5UzUr
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 14, 2024
