September 19, 2023

*) Canada expels Indian diplomat over murder of Sikh leader Canada has expelled an Indian diplomat over his alleged link to the murder of a Sikh leader in western Canada last June, Canada's foreign minister said. India rejected the allegations of its involvement in any act of violence in Canada, noting the claims are "absurd and motivated". New Delhi also expelled a Canadian diplomat in a tir-for-tat move. India urges Canada instead to take legal action against anti-Indian elements operating from its soil. *) Only Russian, Ukrainian presidents can decide when war will end: Erdogan Only the Russian and Ukrainian presidents can determine when the war in Ukraine will come to an end, said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In an interview with an American public broadcaster, President Erdogan emphasised that he could not provide a timeline for the war's conclusion. Asked about his discussions with Putin regarding the war's progress, President Erdogan noted that the conflict is expected to continue for "a long time." *) Biden, 80, confronts age issue: Seeking re-election as 'democracy is at stake' US President Joe Biden has acknowledged concerns about his age but said he was running for re-election because democracy was still at stake. “Let there be no question, Donald Trump and his MAGA Republicans are determined to destroy American democracy,” Biden said, referring to the former president's slogan, “Make America Great Again.” Opinion polls show American voters have concerns about Biden's age ahead of a likely rematch next year against Trump, whom he beat in 2020. *) Australia to spend $966M to boost maritime surveillance Australia will spend $966 million to boost maritime surveillance of its northern approaches. The country is buying more long-range drone aircraft and upgrading Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The fleet of 14 Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft will have anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike and intelligence collection capabilities upgraded, Minister for Defence Ind