Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the initial phase of the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC), Yashobhoomi, in Delhi’s Dwarka region, on his 73rd birthday. As he unveiled Yashobhoomi, echoing chants of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ filled the convention centre. 

He inaugurated the extension of the Delhi Airport Metro Express line from Dwarka Sector 21 to a newly established metro station ‘Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25’ and on his way to the Convention Centre, the Prime Minister took the metro ride, engaging in conversations with fellow commuters. 

With the inauguration of this new metro station ‘Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25, Yashobhoomi will be connected to the Delhi Airport Metro Express line. Reaching the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, PM Modi interacted with the artisans and craftspeople.

PM Modi inaugurated the PM Vishwakarma scheme

After Yashobhoomi and the extension of the Delhi metro airport line, PM Modi unveiled his government’s ambitious initiative, “PM Vishwakarma”. This scheme aims to support artisans, craftsmen, and individuals engaged in traditional skills, particularly those from the Other Backward Classes.

With a considerable budget of Rs 13,000 crore, the scheme is also being seen as the ruling BJP’s outreach to this politically significant segment.

During his address at the event, Prime Minister Modi announced that the government would offer loans of up to Rs 3 lakh without requiring any bank guarantees under the PM Vishwakarma scheme.

All you need to know about Yashobhoomi

Yashobhoomi is going to be one of the world’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities, spanning a project area exceeding 8.9 lakh square meters and possessing a total built-up area of more than 1.8 lakh square metres.

This expansive convention centre, covering over 73,000 square metres, comprises 15 convention rooms. Among these, you’ll find the main auditorium, a grand ballroom, and 13 meeting rooms, with a collective capacity to accommodate up to 11,000 delegates.

Here are the key details of this newly introduced convention centre-

• As per the Press Information Bureau, the Convention and Expo Centre amounts to approximately Rs. 5400 crore.

• The total project area of Yashobhoomi is over 8.9 lakh square metres, solidifying its position as one of the world’s largest MICE destinations.

• Boasting a spectacular Convention Centre, multiple Exhibition halls, and various other facilities, Yashobhoomi’s Convention Centre has a seating capacity for more than 11,000 delegates. 

• After the inauguration of the new metro station at Dwarka Sector 25 on the same day, Yashobhoomi will be connected to the Delhi Airport Metro Express line, the extension of which is also inaugurated by the PM.

• Delhi Metro will also elevate the operational speed of Metro trains on the Airport Express Line from 90 to 120 Km/hr, reducing the travel time. The complete journey from ‘New Delhi’ to ‘Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25’ will now approximately take 21 minutes.

• As per the official statements, the convention centre in Yashobhoomi possesses the largest LED media facade in the country.

• The convention centre has been carefully crafted with materials and elements inspired by the Indian culture, such as terrazzo floors featuring brass inlay that represent rangoli patterns, suspended sound-absorbent metal cylinders and lit-up pattern walls.

Due to what’s been called ‘operational reasons’, India has temporarily halted its visa services in Canada. This move comes in the middle of escalating tensions between the two nations, particularly concerning the recent killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

A private agency, BLS, responsible for the initial review of visa applications from Canadians, posted a notice on its website, stating that as will effect from September 21, 2023, Indian visa services will be suspended until further notice. They have also advised applicants to stay updated through the BLS website for any further updates.

The Argument over Khalistani Terrorism

The dispute surrounding Khalistani terrorism intensified following a discussion between the Indian and Canadian prime ministers during the recent G20 meeting in Delhi, earlier this month. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that his government is investigating “credible allegations” that the Indian government agents were linked to Nijjar’s fatal shooting on June 18 in Surrey, British Columbia outside a Sikh Cultural Center.

While Trudeau emphasized that Canada is not seeking to provoke India, he stressed the need for strong measures. As per Reuters, he emphasized, "The Indian government must approach this issue with the highest level of gravity. We are committed to addressing it without any intention of provocation or escalation."

The Tit-for-Tat Dynamic

India, however, has categorically denied any involvement in the incident, dismissing the allegations as baseless. The diplomatic rift continues to escalate further as both countries are taking measures reflecting a tit-for-tat dynamic in their diplomatic relations.

Additionally, India has cautioned its citizens to avoid traveling to specific areas in Canada following a diplomatic row sparked by the allegation that New Delhi was involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist near Vancouver.

Will it affect the immigration process?

In the middle of this diplomatic discord, potential Canadian immigrants are worried that strained international relations may affect their immigration process. In response to such queries, immigration experts suggest that, ultimately, Canada may have no alternative but to welcome immigrants to help strengthen its economy. However, they anticipate some temporary restrictions may be implemented.

India firmly demolished the accusation and reciprocated by expelling a Canadian diplomat, contending that Canada shelters terrorists and supporters of Khalistan. India emphasized its longstanding apprehensions about Canada's lack of action against extremists.

In response, the Canadian government dismissed India's advisory on Wednesday, asserting that Canada remains a secure nation.