Inderjeet Singh Gosal says he is not afraid to die for an independent Sikh homeland in India’s Punjab region.

The 35-year-old’s declaration sounds incongruous as he sits in his comfortable home in Toronto’s suburbs. But after the assassination of his predecessor as head of the Khalistan movement, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the risk is real.

“I know what I signed up for, death doesn’t scare me,” Gosal said. “India’s threats or any assassination attempts would not stop my effort for . . . Khalistan.”

This week Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister, expelled six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, because of their alleged involvement in the killing of Nijjar, who was gunned down in Vancouver in June 2023.

Trudeau on Monday said: “We will never tolerate the involvement of a foreign government in threatening and killing Canadian citizens on Canadian soil, a deeply unacceptable violation of Canada’s sovereignty and of international law.”

India, which sees the Khalistan activists as terrorists, has denied any involvement and expelled six Canadian diplomats in response. It accuses Ottawa of tolerating violent extremism that has cost the lives of its citizens.

India has levelled the same accusation at the US. Last week, federal prosecutors charged an Indian government official with orchestrating a plot to murder a Sikh activist in New York City. India has designated that activist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a terrorist under its Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The tit-for-tat expulsions between India and Canada are the latest episode in the increasingly fraught relations between Ottawa and New Delhi over the activities of Canada’s large Sikh community.

The movement for a sovereign Sikh state called Khalistan dates back to India’s independence from Britain in 1947 and gained momentum after anti-Sikh killings in the wake of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination in 1984.

Sikhs such as Gosal describe the violence as a “genocide” that forced thousands to flee India, many to Canada. Some 771,790 Canadians identified as belonging to the Sikh faith in the 2021 census, making it the largest Sikh community outside India.

Canada’s relations with India have soured in recent years as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become increasingly critical of what he says is Ottawa’s failure to clamp down on Sikh extremism.

The worst mass murder in Canadian history, the bombing of an Air India flight travelling from Montreal to London in June 1985, has been blamed on Sikh extremists. All 329 people on board were killed. Two pro-Khalistan diaspora Sikhs were charged in the incident but later acquitted.

While the majority of Canadian Sikhs are peaceful or not engaged in the Khalistan movement, Ottawa has listed other Sikh groups such as Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation as terrorist organisations.

The rift also highlights the complex nature of diaspora politics in Canada.

“We are a migrant nation, and diaspora politics is a real facet of Canadian politics,” said Colin Robertson, a former diplomat who is vice-president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute in Ottawa. “This complicates our foreign policy because you always have to make allowance to minority groups. Sometimes you have to turn a blind eye to extreme views, as it has an impact on various ridings [constituencies].”

India has long pleaded with Canada to curb behaviour it considers a terrorist threat and which Ottawa sees as permissible political activism.

Pannun admitted to Indian media last year that he posted flyers outside the Sikh temple near Vancouver where Nijjar was killed that read “Kill India” and featured names and photos of Indian diplomats.

In turn, Canada has alleged growing Indian interference in its Sikh communities. That came to a head last year when Trudeau accused the Modi government of being involved in the fatal shooting of Nijjar.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police on Monday warned Canadians about suspected Indian involvement in “serious criminal activity”, including drive-by shootings, home invasions, violent extortion and even murder. The Indian government denies any involvement.

A public inquiry that has been running since last year has also heard evidence that India directly interfered in Canada’s 2019 and 2021 general elections.

Former Canadian intelligence agent Phil Gurski said the inquiry highlighted how Trudeau’s government had either ignored, played down or repeatedly missed warnings of foreign meddling in Canadian life, whether political or in diaspora communities.

“Canada’s intelligence community is not happy,” he said. “They’ve been saying this for a while.”

Gurski said Canada was caught between global pressures from superpowers China and India, and local politics and security concerns. It is also aware India is strategically important for the Five Eyes alliance of the US, Canada, the UK, New Zealand and Australia.

“The political power of Sikh diaspora is real,” he said. “Trudeau could kiss the Sikh vote goodbye if they did favours for India, like sending a wanted separatist back. Canada does not want to upset the diaspora vote, they rely on it.”

For Gosal, the claims made last week about Indian government involvement in Nijjar’s death came as no surprise.

“We knew it was India from the minute they killed Nijjar. We knew there was a threat or it was dangerous, but we didn’t think it would go this far, that they’d kill a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil.”

He claimed that in February, months after he took over leadership of the Khalistan movement, a bullet was fired into a window at a site run by his construction business. An Indian account on X had posted about the shooting before police arrived.

In August, local police called him to warn he was the target of a murder plot, he said. “All this is absolutely tied to the government of India,” said Gosal. “They are posting tweets about it, openly making threats. They’re not trying to hide it.”

Beginning law school is sure to be exciting. But it’s crucial that you effectively manage your finances from the start.

Staying on top of your money ensures you experience less stress and more focus on what truly counts – your education.

By proactively tackling financial aspects, you will set the stage for a stable future in the legal world. Small steps taken today lay down a solid foundation for tomorrow’s success.

1. Master Financial Literacy Early On

Understanding your finances sets a strong foundation for future success. Financial literacy extends beyond just tracking expenses. It’s about learning key concepts like compound interest and credit scores.

Here’s how you can start:

• Gain familiarity with essential financial terms.
• Use apps that track spending and set savings goals.
• Read books focused on financial planning for students.
• Attend in-person workshops or utilise online courses.

2. Strategically Explore Student Loans

Managing student loans is crucial for aspiring lawyers. Before borrowing, research different loan types and interest rates to make informed decisions.

In the US, federal loans often offer better terms than private options.

Familiarise yourself with repayment plans early, so you’re prepared once the grace period ends.

Consider these strategies:

• Evaluate loan forgiveness programs that cater to public service roles.
• Calculate potential monthly payments post-graduation to avoid surprises.
• Keep an eye on interest accrual while in education.

Proactively managing loans now helps ensure financial stability when entering the legal field as a professional lawyer.

3. Create a Sustainable Budget

Developing a budget tailored for law school life ensures financial stability and reduces stress.

Start by listing your fixed expenses like tuition, housing, and utilities. Then, estimate variable costs such as groceries, transportation, and study materials.

Prioritise essentials but leave room for occasional leisure to avoid burnout.

Regularly review your budget to adjust it based on any changes in income or expenses.

Make sure you:

• Identify all sources of income including loans and scholarships.
• Track monthly spending using apps designed for budgeting.
• Set aside an emergency fund for unexpected costs.

By maintaining this approach, you will cultivate sound financial habits that benefit you throughout your legal education journey.

4. Consider Working Part-Time

Working part-time while in law school offers valuable experience and additional income.

However, it can be challenging to balance part-time work with your studies – but not impossible. Efficient time management is key. Prioritise tasks by setting clear schedules for both work hours and study sessions.

Here are some ideas to help you maintain the balance:

• Choose jobs offering flexible hours or remote work.
• Communicate clearly with employers about your academic commitments.
• Allocate specific times for job duties separate from personal downtime.
• Use effective study resources (like a Florida bar study guide) that help you focus your efforts on essential topics without overwhelming you with excess information. Such resources can be used during break times at work.

Balancing work and study well ensures steady financial progress alongside academic success.

5. Explore Legal Internship Stipends

Finding paid internships during law school is a strategic way to gain valuable experience while earning extra income.

Start by researching firms and organisations known for offering stipends or compensation. Many legal offices, especially those in the public sector, provide financial support as they recognise the need to nurture future talent.

Engage with career services at your institution; they often have listings of paid opportunities tailored for students.

And don’t overlook networking events – personal connections can lead to internship offers that aren’t widely advertised.

Keep an eye on deadlines and prepare strong applications highlighting relevant skills and academic achievements.

6. Implement Smart Saving Habits

Lastly, even with limited funds, saving money during law school could be achievable.

Start by identifying areas where you can cut back without sacrificing quality of life. Simple changes make a significant difference in the long run.

Use student discounts whenever possible.

Automate savings by setting up regular transfers to a separate account, even if it’s just a small amount each month.

Here are some practical tips:

• Prepare meals at home rather than dining out.
• Buy or rent used textbooks instead of new ones.
• Share living expenses with roommates to reduce costs.

Developing these smart saving habits helps build financial resilience, easing the transition from student life to professional practice after graduation.

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This article is part of a guide to Venice from FT Globetrotter

The contemporary-art juggernaut that is the Venice Art Biennale draws to a close on November 24. With 30 pavilions at the Giardini and 25 at the Arsenale, there is plenty of art to see in the Biennale’s two main locations. Yet beyond the two principal sites are a multitude of national pavilions and sidebar events scattered all over the city, many of them in places otherwise inaccessible to the public. The following selection of exhibitions slices through the city from south to north, carving a straight(ish) path that takes you to some exceptional spaces. You could do them all in a day or simply dip into the list and pick what takes your fancy. Catch them now while you can. 

‘With My Eyes’, The Holy See Pavilion

This groundbreaking collective exhibition is being held in the women’s prison on the Giudecca. The project is dedicated to the theme of human rights and people living on the margins of society. Brazilian artist Sonia Gomes fills the space of the ex-convent’s church with an installation of fabric pieces that dangle from the ceiling. Filmmaker Marco Perego’s Dovecote stars his wife Zoe Saldaña as a detainee. French artist Claire Tabouret has depicted the prisoners as children and young women, while ex-enfant terrible Maurizio Cattelan has painted a pair of feet on the prison façade. Many of the detainees contributed to the works’ making and act as guides to the exhibition. A physical and figurative breaking down of barriers occurs: the solitary becomes collective, prejudices and conventions are questioned, and worlds that rarely meet come together in this remarkable initiative. Due to its location, booking is essential, ID is required and under-18s are not permitted entry. Casa di Reclusione Femminile di Venezia-Giudecca, 713 Fondamenta delle Convertite, 30133 Venice. Open Thursday–Tuesday, 10am–6pm. Website; Directions

‘Nigeria Imaginary’, Nigeria Pavilion

Veering a little off course takes you to Palazzo Canal to the south of Campo Santa Margherita, which has become the temporary home of the Nigeria Pavilion. Spread over three floors, the Nigeria Imaginary exhibition includes works that focus on topics such as the country’s colonial past and its enduring relationship with the UK, as well as a look at Nigeria’s possible futures. British-born Onyeka Igwe’s installation “No archive can restore this chorus of (diasporic) shame” is an immersive aural and visual look at some of these themes. Ndidi Dike’s “Blackhood: A Living Archive” is both a memorial to Black lives lost and a rallying call to Black people on the African continent in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. The ground floor contains a model of the new Museum of West African Art in Benin, where this exhibition will soon be heading. Palazzo Canal, 3121 Rio Terà Canal, Dorsoduro, 30123 Venice. Open Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–6pm. Website; Directions

‘The Neighbours’, Bulgaria Pavilion

On the Zattere is the Don Orione Artigianelli Cultural Centre. Walking through its green and pleasant cloisters leads to the Bulgaria Pavilion’s dark and unsettling “The Neighbours”. The installation brings together artist and researcher Krasimira Butseva, history professor and documentary filmmaker Lilia Topuzova and multimedia artist and researcher Julian Chehirian. The trio have created a work that examines Bulgaria’s state violence between 1945 and 1989. Walking around the installation, made to look like three domestic environments, visitors hear the disembodied voices of survivors from the country’s labour camps and prisons testify to their experiences. A combination of meticulous academic research and artistic imagination, the work is harrowing but at the same time gives voice to the victims and bears witness to an all-but-forgotten past. Centro Culturale Don Orione Artigianelli, 919 Fondamenta Zattere, Dorsoduro, 30123 Venice. Open Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–6pm. Website; Directions

‘Selva’, Museo Fortuny

Crossing the Accademia Bridge from Dorsoduro leads to one of Venice’s hidden treasures: the Museo Fortuny. Once home to Spanish designer, photographer, painter and all-round Renaissance man Mariano Fortuny, the imposing palazzo is now a public museum. The museum itself is a joy and the admission price includes entry to Eva Jospin’s Selva exhibition. The French artist has used everyday materials such as cardboard, pieces of metal and textiles to meticulously craft strange and magical landscapes. Panelled passageways, arches encrusted with stalactites and walls of dense woods are all made of cardboard. Darkened rooms house embroidered paintings that evoke images from children’s fairy tales but also speak to the ecological issues of the present. San Marco 3958, 30124 Venice. Open Wednesday–Monday, 10am–6pm until October 31; 10am–5pm from November 1 to March 31 2025 (ticket office shuts one hour before closing time). Website; Directions

‘By the Means at Hand’, Croatia Pavilion

The final leg of this art-athon leads to the Croatia Pavilion in northern Cannaregio. Vlatka Horvat’s By the Means At Hand deftly tackles the Biennale’s “Foreigners Everywhere” theme head on. Housed in an old carpentry workshop, which doubles as exhibition space and the London-based artist’s home during her residency, the exhibition comprises works by artists living as foreigners all over the world — Horvat invited them to send her a custom-made piece to Venice. But she added a caveat: it could not arrive by courier or delivery service. The works are thus in situ thanks to an extensive network of relationships and an inherent trust in the kindness of others. The result is an outstanding assemblage by a collective bound together by a brilliant idea and their willingness to participate. In return, Horvat reciprocates by sending a collage to each artist that reflects on migration and displacement, but also on the support networks we rely on when living far from home. It is a dynamic, constantly changing exhibition with a sense of connectedness that is a cause for optimism in our fragmented times. Fàbrica 33, Calle Larga dei Boteri 5062, Cannaregio, 30121 Venice. Open Tuesday–Sun, 10am–6pm. Website; Directions

Share your Venice Biennale highlights — off-site and on-site — in the comments below. And follow FT Globetrotter on Instagram at @FTGlobetrotter

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Good morning and welcome to your Morning Briefing for Monday 21 October 2024. To get this in your inbox every morning click here.

Social enterprise to solve the advice gap

Financial advice firms are increasingly aware of their social responsibilities and are meeting them in numerous ways, from pro bono and charity work to B-Corp certification, which assesses the social and environmental impact of business practices.

Some firms are focusing their efforts on addressing the ‘advice gap’, where people who would benefit from financial advice cannot afford it.

But could social enterprises — businesses that trade for a social and/or environmental purpose — provide a longer-term solution?

MM Talks with Kim, Lois an Tom

Join Kimberley Dondo, Lois Vallely and Tom Browne from the Money Marketing team for the third episode of MM Talks.

This episode explores the FCA’s consolidation review, and speculation of the upcoming budget’s impact on financial advisers, and shares chillingly true finance horror stories from the internet. Listen now:

Quote Of The Day

Remember how your granny always told you that if something seems too good to be true then it probably is? You’d do well to apply this advice to investments too.

– Victoria Hasler, head of fund research at Hargreaves Lansdown, talks about how to avoid investment scams, in honour of Scams Awareness Week, which starts today

In Other News

Janus Henderson today announces the launch of its first active ETF in Europe: the Janus Henderson Tabula Japan High Conviction Equity UCITS ETF (JCPN).

The launch of this active ETF provides investors with an alternative way of accessing the firm’s “deep knowledge and insights” in this market.

The fund will adopt a high conviction approach and invest in an actively managed all-cap concentrated portfolio of 20 to 30 holdings, providing exposure to companies that are set to benefit from structural themes and trends in the Japanese Equity market, and showcasing the best of Janus Henderson’s stock selection skills.

The launch of this active ETF represents an important milestone for Janus Henderson, allowing the firm to cater to client demand globally for its investment strategies to include a UCITS ETF wrapper.

It also builds upon the firm’s active ETF proposition in the US where it is fourth largest provider of actively managed fixed income ETFs.

Europe markets watchdog bids to become EU’s version of SEC (Financial Times)

Chinese banks slash lending rates to bolster ailing economy (Bloomberg)

UBS sells its 50% stake in Swisscard to American Express (Reuters)

Did You See?

It has been 10 years since financial education was introduced to the national curriculum for secondary schools in England.

At primary school level, the national curriculum provides a framework for young children to recognise coins and learn how to use money through simple ‘number problems’ in maths lessons.

The ‘real life’ context comes later, during citizenship or ‘personal, social, health and economic’ education from age 11.

However, says Amanda Newman Smith, some schools do not follow the national curriculum, adding weight to the criticism that financial education is inconsistent in England.

Earlier this year, a report by the House of Commons Education Committee found widespread evidence that financial education in England’s primary schools was “insufficient and should be expanded”.

So, how should financial education be presented to younger children and what role do financial advisers have in this?