4 April 2023_

BRAMPTON'S DEPUTY MAYOR, HARKIRAT SINGH & WIFE BLESSED WITH A BABY BOY

CANADA'S GDP INCREASED 0.3% IN FEB Advance information indicates that Canada's real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 0.3 per cent in February, the national statistical agency said.

Statistics Canada said on Friday that increases in the mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction, manufacturing, and finance and insurance sectors in February were slightly offset by decreases in construction, wholesale trade, and accommodation and food services, reports Xinhua news agency.

I CONTD. ON PAGE 9 WATCH Y MEDIA'S GROUP EDITOR AND CEO, YUDHVIRJASWAL EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH KUNWAR VIJAY PRATAP SINGH, AAP'S MLAAMRITSAR NORTH & FORMER INSPECTOR GENERAL (IG) OF PUNJAB POLICE, ONLY ON CHANNEL Y BELL 828, TELUS 2418, ROGERS 857, IGNITE 707, LISTEN ON RADIO Y 91.9 FM, VISIT SOUTHASIANDAILY.COM FOR MORE DETAILS.

Y MEDIA EXCLUSIVE: CANADA WILL USE IMMIGRANTS TO ADDRESS SKILL AND LABOR SHORTAGE IN HOUSING: MINISTER HUSSEN

'WEST HAS BAD HABIT OF COMMENTING ON OTHERS:' INDIA'S EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER S JAISHANKAR SLAMS US-GERMANY

POOJA LUTHRA

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has criticized the West for its habit of commenting on internal matters of other countries.

"The West thinks it has a God-given right to comment on internal matters of other countries," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday.

Jaishankar made the above remarks during a Sunday morning 'Meet and Greet' interaction organised by Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya and Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan with over 500 young voters, joggers and visitors at Cubbon Park. It was the Foreign Minister's reaction to a question on Germany and the United States' remarks on the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a Member of Parliament. Jaishankar said, "I will give you the truthful answer (on why we see West commenting on India). There are two reasons. It is because the West has a bad habit of commenting on others. They somehow think it is some kind of God-given right. They will have to learn only by experience that if they keep doing this, other people will also start commenting and they will not like it when it happens. And I see that happening." He added, "The second part of the truth - In our arguments, you are inviting the people to comment on you. Then more and more people are tempted to comment. We also need to stop giving generous invitations to the world saying there are problems in India, and (urging) America and the world (by saying), why are you standing by doing nothing? So if somebody from here goes and says why are you standing by and saying nothing, then obviously they are going to comment. Part of the problem is them, and part of the problem is us. And I think both need fixing."

Slamming the culture of freebies by political parties, Jaishankar said, "This freebie culture - which some people in Delhi are masters of, they are doing it because they do not have the responsibility of raising resources.

Canada has recently introduced its Budget 2023 projecting a deficit of $40.1 billion in 2023-24, and the spending plan will cost $490.5 billion. In an exclusive interview with Y Media Group Editor and CEO Yudhvir Jaswal, Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Youth of Canada, said, "This year's budget is about making life more affordable for Canadians. It is about building stronger public health and dental care, growing a greener economy, helping create more jobs and building on our progress. Our government is providing grocery rebates to help people pay for groceries. We are investing significant amounts of money to strengthen our universal public health care system and rolling out a comprehensive Canadian dental care plan for millions of Canadians."

During the interview with Y Media, Minister Hussen focused on how Budget 2023 is delivering on its promises of building homes and increasing employment. He added, "We are providing relief to mortgage holders by providing more flexibility and issuing guidelines for banks and financial institutions. Starting April 4, the $40,000 First time home savings account and first-time homebuyer student account will be implemented."

He explained to Y Media's audience that a taxfree First Homes Savings Account (FHSA) is available to help Canadians buy their first home.

The account will allow potential homebuyers to save up to 15 years once they open an account, with an annual $8,000 deposit cap and a lifetime contribution limit of $40,000.

I CONTD. ON PAGE 9

INDIAN FAMILY DROWNED TRYING TO ILLEGALLY CROSS INTO US FROM CANADA: OFFICIALS Members of an Indian family were among those who drowned while trying to illegally cross a river from Canada to the US, according to authorities.

I CONTD. ON PAGE 9

PAKISTAN: FORMER ARMY CHIEF GENERAL BAJWA PUT PRESSURE ON ME TO RESTORE TIES WITH INDIA: EX-PM IMRAN KHAN Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has said former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa had pressurised him to restore friendship with India, the media reported.

I CONTD. ON PAGE 10

CONGRESS LEADER NAVJOT SINGH SIDHU WALKS OUT OF PATIALA CENTRAL JAIL AFTER SERVING HIS TERM IN 1988 ROAD RAGE DEATH CASE Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu was released from Patiala Jail on Saturday, about 10 months after he was sentenced to one-year jail by Supreme Court in a three decades old road rage case. The Congress leader was sentenced to one year I CONTD. ON PAGE 12

NASA'S ARTEMIS 11 MISSION: JEREMY HANSEN BECOMES THE FIRST CANADIAN ASTRONAUT TO FLY TO THE MOON POOJA LUTHRA After over 50 years, the first humans to fly to the Moon in 2024 on the Artemis II mission includes a woman and a man of colour, NASA announced. The crew includes NASA astronauts Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover I CONTD. ON PAGE 9

Y MEDIA TEAM AT TORONTO SMASHERS BADMINTON CLUB'S AWARDS NIGHT & DINNER GALA POOJA LUTHRA Y Media Group Editor and CEO, YudhvirJaswal, along with CFO Preet Jaswal and Marketing Specialist, Imran Mohamed, reached Toronto Smashers Badminton Club's Annual Awards Night & Dinner Gala on Sunday, April 1, 2023, at Scarborough Convention Centre. I CONTD. ON PAGE 24

TRUMPHITWITH34SERIOUSCRIMINALCHARGES AFTER HISTORIC ARREST; DENIES THEM

WATCH Y MEDIA'S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MP FOR CARLETON& FEDERAL CONSERVATIVE LEADER, PIERRE POILIEVRE, ONLY ON CHANNEL Y BELL 828, TELUS 2418, ROGERS 857, IGNITE 707, Y MEDIA PLUS LISTEN ON RADIO Y 91.9 FM, VISIT SOUTHASIANDAILY.COM FOR MORE DETAILS

CONTD. FROM PAGE 1 After he made history as the first former US President to be arrested, former President Donald Trump was hit with 34 serious criminal charges relating to hush money allegedly paid to three people.

I CONTD. ON PAGE 7

CIRCULATED THROUGH : TORONTO, MARKHAM, SCARBOROUGH, RICHMOND HILL, VAUGHAN, WOODBRIDGE, ETOBICOKE, NORTH YORK, MALTON, REXDALE, BRAMPTON, MISSISSAUGA, OAKVILLE, HAMILTON, MILTON, STONEY CREEK, BURLINGTON

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MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2023

MIDWEEK NEWS NEWS WEEKLY WEEKLY TUESDAY, AUGUST TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 28, 2012 2023

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MidWeek 3 Y MEDIA TEAM AT TORONTO SMASHERS BADMINTON CLUB'S AWARDS NIGHT & DINNER GALA

24 Y MEDIA TEAM MEETS CANADA'S DEPUTY PM & FINANCE MINISTER CHRYSTIA FREELAND

Y MEDIA TEAM AT ONTARIO SCHOOLS CRICKET ASSOCIATION PREMIERS' CUP SCHOOL CRICKET LAUNCH & TORONTO SCHOOL CRICKET RECOGNITION AWARDS, 2023

04 Y MEDIA TEAM AT 'BREAK A FASTANNUAL IFTAR DINNER' PRESENTED BY AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMA'AT BRAMPTON

34 Y MEDIA TEAM AT ONTARIO TELUGU FOUNDATION'S SRI SITA RAMA KALYANAM

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Y MEDIA TEAM AT ONTARIO SCHOOLS CRICKET ASSOCIATION PREMIERS' CUP SCHOOL CRICKET LAUNCH & TORONTO SCHOOL CRICKET RECOGNITION AWARDS, 2023

MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2023

UK TO JOIN TRADE PACT WITH 11 ASIA AND PACIFIC NATIONS The UK has signed a deal to join a trade pact with 11 Asia and Pacific nations, three years after it officially left the European Union, BBC reported. Joining the group will boost UK exports by cutting tariffs on goods such as cheese, cars, chocolate, machinery, gin and whisky, the government said. However, the government's own estimates show being in the bloc will only add 0.08 per cent to the size of the UK's economy. The trade area covers a market of around 500 million people, BBC reported. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) was established in 2018, and includes Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Membership of the CPTPP loosens restrictions on trade between member countries and reduce tariffs - a form of border tax - on goods. Together, the 11 members account for about 13 per cent of the world's income and after 21 months of negotiations, the UK has become the first European country to join, BBC reported. The government said the agreement is the UK's "biggest trade deal since Brexit". However, the gains for the UK from joining the bloc are expected to be modest.

The UK already has free trade deals with all of the members except Brunei and Malaysia, some of which were rolled over from its previous membership of the EU. But Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the deal demonstrated the "real economic benefits of our post-Brexit freedoms". "As part of CPTPP, the UK is now in a prime position in the global economy to seize opportunities for new jobs, growth and innovation. British businesses will now enjoy unparalleled access to markets from Europe to the south Pacific," he said. Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said the agreement is like "buying a startup", BBC reported.

BJP EXPECTS EUPHORIA OVER NEW RAM TEMPLE TO DRIVE 2024 NARRATIVE

Toronto School Cricketers Receive Mayor’s School Cricket Awards at the Launch of OSCA Premier’s Cup School Cricket 2023 The Ontario Schools Cricket Association [OSCA] launched the spring school cricket program in Ontario at the York Memorial CI, where the much-anticipated 2023 version of the Premier’s Cup School Cricket was initiated and the Toronto Mayor’s School Cricket Awards were presented.

Premier Ford, Toronto Consular representatives, Toronto City Councillor Frances Nunziata, Minister Lecce, Minister Lumsden, TDSB Chair Rachel Chernos Lin, TDSB Vice Chair Neethan Shan, TCDSB Associate Director Adrian Della Mora and school board officials were on hand to recognize school cricketers who excelled in the 2022 school cricket program.

OSCA was established in 2020 to support the province-wide expansion of the Toronto Mayor’s School Cricket program initiated by the Mayor of Toronto in 2011. The Premier’s Cup 2023 will help OSCA grow this Toronto program across all communities in Ontario. OSCA is particularly proud of the partnership with the Toronto Parks Forestry & Recreation (PFR), TDSB, TCDSB and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants [CIMA] who have supported the sport in every resourceful way, beginning with the very successful CIMA Mayor’s School cricket in 2011. PFR, TDSB, TCDSB and CIMA continue to support the OSCA cricket initiatives in Toronto schools. “OSCA’s objectives for students who participate in their cricket initiatives are consistent with the stated values of the province. These include but are not limited to diverse team building, gender equity, reaching out to Northern and indigenous communities and promoting positive mental health,” said Ken Jeffers, President of OSCA. “OSCA looks forward to partnering with both the public and private sector to achieve these common objectives together.”

“Thank you to everyone at OSCA for providing more young people the opportunity to participate in the great sport of cricket and to live healthier,

more active lifestyles,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We wish all the young cricketers a great season on the field.”

“This initiative has been making a huge impact in the lives of young people across the province,” said Toronto City Councillor Frances Nunziata “it is an example of how partnerships between government, community organizations, and private institutions can create positive change.” “Cricket is a phenomenal game that requires determination, discipline and teamwork to win. It’s where players learn from each other daily.” said Brenda Foreman, Honorary Consul for St Kitts and Nevis, Toronto and the Chair of Caribbean Consular Corps. “These are some of the reasons; I believe this initiative in our schools has added a vital component to a well-rounded education and will help to produce strong future leaders. “ “I am really excited to have had the opportunity to attend the OSCA cricket awards school launch as my first event in Toronto!”, said Fouzia Younis in-coming British Consul General for Toronto. “We are better when we learn from different communities and cultures and sport plays a unifying role in this. I have a soft-spot for cricket myself and fully support the OSCA’s mission to instill a life-long love of healthy and active living.”

OSCA has been actively providing cricket programs to children and youth well beyond the GTHA school boards during the past year as well as capacity building initiatives in schools through the generous support from OSCA’s public and corporate sector partners. These students were able to engage with their peers to develop skills that will stay with them for a lifetime.

Ontario Schools Cricket Association (OSCA) is a federally incorporated not for profit organization formed to promote healthy lifestyles and opportunities for play among school children through inclusive cricket programs. Building on the community, municipal and education sector partnerships developed through CIMA, OSCA is enabling a lifelong love of healthy active living among school children through cricket.

When the grand Ram temple is unveiled in Ayodhya in January 2024, the BJP will experience the most glorious moment in its history. The Ram temple will be a milestone in the history of BJP and also mark the culmination of a movement that catapulted it to absolute power in the country.

The Ram temple has been the fulcrum of BJP's politics since it came into being in 1980, and the party has faced some turbulent times in the temple movement in the past decades.

When the doors of the Ram temple open in 2024, it will be only the ground floor that would have been completed by then. The Ram Lalla idols would be installed there and will be opened for public in January next year.

The temple trust is not waiting for the entire temple to be ready before opening it for the public. The first and the second floors of the temple will take another year to complete and the entire premises over 71 acres would be completed by 2025.

The BJP wants the temple to open next year so that the Lok Sabha polls can be held under the saffron hue.

The opening of the temple, according to sources, will be preceded by a massive publicity blitzkrieg that will be designed to raise Hindu passions and create a frenzy of sorts for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Other constituents of the Sangh Parivar, according to sources, are planning programmes to create a build-up for the grand occasion. The temple's construction will cost Rs 1,800 crore, which will come entirely from donations.

The Yogi Adityanath government expects the pilgrim footfall to go up to around one lakh devotees per day when the temple opens.

The government is preparing to simultaneously create a new Ayodhya that will, in itself, be a major tourist attraction for pilgrims.

"When one comes to Ayodhya to see the Ram temple, we would like them to see a new state-of-art city - the new Ayodhya," said a government official. The Uttar Pradesh government is gearing up to develop Ayodhya with a mega Rs 32,000 crore plan, involving 264 projects executed by as many as 37 agencies to transform the face of Ayodhya into a global tourism and spiritual destination. A big network of highways, roads, infrastructure, townships, grand entrance gates, multi-level parking facilities and a new airport is coming up in Ayodhya.And this is something that no political party in the country can deny.

EX-ARKANSAS GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES 2024 PRESIDENTIAL BID

Asa Hutchinson, former Governor of the US state of Arkansas, announced that that he is running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

Hutchinson, who served as governor from January 2015 to January 2023, made the announcement during an interview with ABC News on Sunday. "I have made a decision, and my decision is I'm going to run for president of the US," said Hutchinson, the 72-year-old Republican. He will make a formal announcement on April 26 in his hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas, according to a statement.

The Republican primary field is still in its early stages.

Former President Donald Trump announced a third presidential campaign last year, while Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and US ambassador to the UN, became the first major rival to challenge him when she announced her bid in February.

A number of other Republicans, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence and Indian-American tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, have been making moves suggesting they are considering presidential bids. In his announcement, Hutchinson also doubled down on his call for Trump to drop out of the race as the latter is facing criminal charges.

"The office is more important than any individual person. So for the sake of the office of the presidency, I do think that's too much of a sideshow and distraction... He needs to be able to concentrate on his due process," CNN quoted the former Governor as saying.

"This is one of the most unpredictable political environment that I've seen in my lifetime... So my message of experience, of consistent conservatism, of hope for our future and solving problems that face Americans, I think that resonates."

MIDWEEK NEWS NEWS WEEKLY WEEKLY TUESDAY, AUGUST TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 28, 2012 2023

INDEX

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Y MEDIA GROUP AT NEWGEN ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY IN MISSISSAUGA

31 CANADA'S DEFENCE MINISTER ANITA ANAND VISITED SHRI RAM DHAM HINDU TEMPLE IN KITCHENER- WATERLOO, ONTARIO

Y MEDIA TEAM AT 7 SPICE BISTRO’S GRAND OPENING IN BRAMPTON

Y MEDIA EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH EMILIE CLAIRE BARLOW, CANADA'S MULTI-JUNO AWARDWINNING SINGER, PRODUCER, SOUND WRITER, AT MARKHAM JAZZLICIOUS WINTERFEST

35 Y MEDIA GROUP EDITOR & CEO, YUDHVIR JASWAL, WITH CHANDRA SHEKHAR GHOSH, FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BANDHAN BANK (3RD PIC FROM LEFT) & PARMINDER GILL, ANOKHI RESTAURANT OWNER, (2ND PIC FROM RIGHT), AT ANOKHI RESTAURANT IN BRAMPTON. WATCH Y MEDIA'S GROUP EDITOR AND CEO, YUDHVIR JASWAL EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CHANDRA SHEKHAR GHOSH, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BANDHAN BANK, ONLY ON CHANNEL Y BELL 828, TELUS 2418, ROGERS 857, IGNITE 707, Y MEDIA PLUS & LISTEN ON RADIO Y 91.9 FM.

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MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2023

TORONTO MAYOR ELECTION: VOTERS WILL HEAD TO POLLS ON JUNE 26, WITH NOMINATIONS OPENING APRIL 3 & CLOSING MAY 12

WATCH Y MEDIA'S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AHMED HUSSEN, MINISTER OF DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND YOUTH OF CANADA, ONLY ON CHANNEL Y BELL 828, TELUS 2418, ROGERS 857, IGNITE 707, Y MEDIA PLUS LISTEN ON RADIO Y 91.9 FM, VISIT SOUTHASIANDAILY.COM FOR MORE DETAILS.

Y MEDIA EXCLUSIVE: CANADA WILL USE IMMIGRANTS TO ADDRESS SKILL AND LABOR SHORTAGE IN HOUSING: MINISTER HUSSEN CONTD. FROM PAGE 1 When asked how the government is helping Canadians save with the fund, Hussen pointed to the Canada Child Benefit, eliminating interest payments on student loans and the Canada Workers Benefit as examples.

When Yudhvir Jaswal asked how someone could purchase some residential properties being a work permit holder, Minister Hussen said Canada has made amendments to the foreign homebuyers ban. "These amendments will allow newcomers to put down roots in Canada through home ownership and businesses to create jobs and build homes by adding to the housing supply in Canadian cities."

When asked how Canada will address housing shortage demands due to increasing immigration, Minister Hussen said, "There's a labour shortage and skill shortage in the housing sector. Canada needs to utilize innovation to allow people to come in so that they can help us build more homes for Canadians."

Yudhvir Jaswal asked Minister Hussen how the Canadian government is planning to work with provincial and municipal counterparts to boost the housing supply. To this, Minister replied we have introduced the Housing Accelerator fund designed to speed up home building. "(It's) meant to

incentivize the building of additional housing supply. Initially, 100,000 additional housing units, and then through system changes and removal of barriers that slow down the approval and delivery of housing, we want to set up Canada to be in a position to double the number of new homes built in the next 10 years."

When asked what the government is doing to tackle rising hate crimes across Canada, the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Youth of Canada, said, Canada combats hate in all its forms. Budget, 2023 contains additional investments of $35 million toward combating racism. Fighting against hate crime is a top priority for our government, including combating online health.

You can watch this exclusive interview only on Channel Y Bell 828, Telus 2418, Rogers 857, Ignite 707 and Y Media Plus. For more information, you can also visit our websites, southasiandaily.com and ymediaplus.com. Follow us on our Twitter and Facebook pages: Y Media, to stay updated with the latest events. Read our 'Midweek' newspaper published every Tuesday, to know what is happening in Canada and worldwide.

CANADA INVESTS $1.6 MILLION TO ENHANCE TOURISM AND COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE IN BRAMPTON SOUTH FEDDEV ONTARIO SUPPORTS 3 PROJECTS IN BRAMPTON SOUTH TO DRIVE COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION, TOURISM AND LOCAL ECONOMIC GROWTH.

BRAMPTON: The Government of Canada is committed to supporting tourism and community infrastructure in southern Ontario by ensuring local businesses, and the organizations that support them, have the tools they need to position themselves for a strong and resilient economic future.

On behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South, announced a total combined investment of $1.6 mln to support 3 in Brampton South under the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) and the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF). The announcement was made at an event hosted by the City of Brampton, which is receiving a nonrepayable contribution of $1.6 mln, under the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF)/Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), to the City of Brampton.

In addition, Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South highlighted the effective results of the local investments through the My Main Street Project to the City of Brampton. The City of Brampton was approved for a $945,000 non-repayable contribution through the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program to support the revitalization of six main street communities in Brampton: Downtown, Mount Pleasant, Uptown, Kennedy Road (from Orenda Court to south of Glidden Road), Bramalea GO and Queen Street (Centre Street to 410, Dixie Road to Bramalea Road and Torbram Road to CN rail line).

These six main street communities were supported by a dedicated Main

Street Ambassador within the City's Economic Development Office. As part of the program, the communities received customized market research, data analysis and non-repayable funding contributions to support new and existing small businesses. The program was delivered over two years and focused on creating and maintaining vibrant and inclusive local main streets while providing residents, new entrepreneurs, and existing businesses with economic opportunities in the main street communities.

Quick Facts o The projects announced today include the retrofitting of a building to create a community kitchen and food incubator, the expansion and re-building of the Brampton Tennis Club clubhouse at Roselea park in Brampton including fully accessible interior and outdoor spaces, and the purchase and installation of a BRAMPTON tourism sign downtown. o With a national investment of $500 million over two years, the Canada Community Revitalization Fund suppor ts projects that build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets, bring people back to public spaces safely and stimulate local economies. This includes $139 million for projects in southern Ontario, delivered by FedDev Ontario. o The Government of Canada's $500-million Tourism Relief Fund is helping tourism-oriented businesses and organizations recover from the pandemic and prepare for future growth, with a minimum of $50 million of the Fund allocated to supporting Indigenous-led projects or Indigenous-focused projects. FedDev Ontario is delivering nearly $120 million of the Tourism Relief Fund across southern Ontario.

At its meeting today, Toronto City Council officially declared the Mayor’s seat vacant and passed a bylaw requiring a by-election. City Clerk John D. Elvidge has set the by-election for Monday, June 26.

Beginning Monday, April 3, until 2 p.m. on Friday, May 12, a person qualified to hold the office of Mayor can file a nomination to run in Toronto’s 2023 mayoral by-election. To run for the office of Mayor, a person must: File a nomination paper with original signature Provide proof of qualifying address within the city of Toronto Pay a $200 nomination filing fee Provide at least 25 endorsements of nomination from eligible Toronto voters with original signatures.

Until a nomination is filed, a person cannot raise or spend money on their campaign.

Individuals are strongly encouraged to book a timeslot to file their nomination through the online appointment booking system.

Having an appointment will ensure quick service, minimize wait times and reduce crowding. Appointments can be booked on the Toronto Elections webpage .

Nominations must be filed in person at the Toronto Elections City Hall office, 100 Queen St. W., first floor. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding statutory holidays).

On Friday, May 12, the last day of the nomination period, the office will be open to accept nominations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More information, including the qualifications to become a candidate, is available on the Toronto Elections webpage .

Third party advertiser registration Between Monday, April 3 and Friday, June 23, individuals, corporations and trade unions who plan to spend money to promote, support or oppose a candidate in Toronto’s 2023 mayoral by-election must register as a third party advertiser.

Third par ty adver tisers are strongly encouraged to use the appointment booking system to schedule a time to register.

Appointments can be booked on the Toronto Elections webpage.

The Notice of Registration for third party advertisers must be filed in person at the Toronto Elections City Hall office, 100 Queen St. W., first floor.

Registrations can be filed Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from April 3 to June 23 (excluding statutory holidays).

The City Clerk must certify the registration before a third party advertiser can spend money on their campaign, accept contributions or begin advertising. Registered third party advertisers must identify themselves on advertisements and comply with requirements under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.

MIDWEEK NEWS NEWS WEEKLY WEEKLY TUESDAY, AUGUST TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 28, 2012 2023

SPECIAL REPORT

MidWeek 7 WORLD BANK CUTS INDIA’S GDP GROWTH TO 6.3% FROM 6.6% FOR 2023-24

TRUMP HIT WITH 34 SERIOUS CRIMINAL CHARGES AFTER HISTORIC ARREST; DENIES THEM CONTD. FROM PAGE 1 Appearing in the New York State Supreme Court on Tuesday, he pleaded not guilty -- a denial of the charges and a declaration to fight them.

The 34 criminal charges are each about falsifying business records for the payoffs made before the 2016 election to porn actor Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal, both of whom asserted that they had affairs with him, and the doorman at his Trump Tower, who claimed to have known about an illegitimate child Trump fathered.

If he is convicted on all the 34 charges he could theoretically face 136 years in prison -- four years for each offence -- under the creative way Manhattan prosecutor Alvin Bragg framed the charges breaking out separate transactions into individual charges.

Under New York's legal system, a grand jury -- a panel of citizens -investigated the case in secret hearings and voted on Thursday that there was a prima facie case against him, enabling Manhattan prosecutor Alvin Bragg to file charges.

Trump is the leading candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, and in a poll aggregation, he is only two points behind US President Joe Biden.

The next hearing in the case is set for December when the campaigns get heated and the trial could impinge in the race for the presidency.

The US Constitution does not bar an undertrial -- or even a convict -- from running for the President.

Trump is under at least three other investigations, two by federal authorities on his role in the attack on the US Congress by his rioting supporters in January 2021 and his handling of top secret documents, and a local investigation in Georgia State whether he tried to manipulate the 2020 presidential election result.

In a rambling speech to his supporters Tuesday night after returning home to Florida, he restated his versions that the case and the investigations were political persecutions and an "insult to the country".

As he headed from his penthouse to the courthouse, he posted on his social media, "Seems so SURREAL -- WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can't believe this is happening in America."

The scene of his arrest was indeed surreal as it was carried out under the watchful eyes of the Secret Service that is mandated to guard former Presidents.

After being booked without being handcuffed or asked to pose for identification pictures but made to give his fingerprints, he was taken to the courtroom of Acting New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan.

He did not react to TV reporters in the hallway and sat somberly at the defendant's table flanked by his lawyers as he was formally charged.

The judge admonished him against making incendiary statements.

Trump had attacked the judge, saying that he hated Trump.

Merchan released him without bail and Trump left for a local airport from

where he flew on his private Boeing 757 to his Mar-a-Lago home.

He arrived at the courthouse early afternoon in a black sports utility-type vehicle instead of a limousine in a motorcade with escort vehicles as news helicopters circled overhead.

In a park across from the courthouse supporters and opponents of Trump held opposing demonstrations, separated by barricades, exchanging insults but there was no violence.

A right-wing Republican member of the House of Representatives, Marjorie Taylor Greene had called for a protest there.

But she was shouted down by Trump opponents and fled.

Bragg, whose election was helped by an organisation that received $500,000 from George Soros, the billionaire activist who meddles in the internal affairs of countries around the world, including India, made the falsification of business records into felonies or serious crimes while they are usually treated as misdemeanours or minor offences.

He has, on the other hand, downgraded half of the serious violent crimes in Manhattan into minor offences, according to statistics from his office.

Explaining why he went for the more serious charges against Trump, Bragg said at a news conference, "Under New York state law, it is a felony to falsify business records with intent to defraud and intent to conceal another crime. That is exactly what this case is about: 34 false statements made to cover up other crimes."

A prosecutor on Bragg's staff said in court that Trump "falsified New York business records in order to conceal an illegal conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 presidential election and other violations of election laws".

Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche said that "Bragg has turned what is actually a completely political issue into a political prosecution".

The hub of the cases against Trump is a series of payments that were made to his former lawyer Michael Cohen, who in turn paid off Daniels with $130,000 to silence her.

The prosecution alleges that the Trump business records falsely classified the payments as lawyer's fees when in fact they were payoffs to Daniels.

Cohen was prosecuted by federal officials for tax evasion and federal election law violations and was sentenced to three years in prison.

He is the prime witness in the case against Trump.

Federal prosecutors as well as Bragg's predecessor Cyrus Vance decided not to prosecute Trump.

The doorman's case and that of Playboy model McDougal involve American Media Inc. (AMI), a magazine publisher, according to court documents filed by the prosecutors.

AMI made deals with the doorman and the model to stay silent and "falsely characterised" the payments on its books, the documents said.

Calling it a "'catch and kill' scheme", Bragg said, "That is a scheme to buy and suppress negative information to help Mr. Trump's chance of winning the election."

5 INDIAN-AMERICANS AMONG 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN US FINANCE Five Indian-Americans are in Barron's fourth annual list of the 100 Most Influential Women in US Finance for achieving positions of prominence in the financial-services industry and are helping to shape its future.

The list includes Anu Aiyengar of JP Morgan, Rupal J. Bhansali of Ariel Investments, Meena Lakdawala-Flynn of Goldman Sachs Group, Sonal Desai from Franklin Templeton and Savita Subramanian of BofA Securities.

Aiyengar is the global head of Mergers and Acquisitions at JP Morgan -- a role she assumed in January after serving as co-head of the division since 2020. She offers clients equal measures of expertise and steadiness when navigating challenging markets.

According to Barron's, she "has long credited her love of number crunching, legal contracts, and building client relationships for bringing her to the mergers-and-acquisitions sphere". Bhansali, 55, chief investment officer and portfolio manager of Ariel Investments' global equity strategies, sees the current state of the market as a time when investors should reposition their portfolios, because what worked in the past is "unlikely to work in the next decade". She believes that managing money is what she was born to do, and is passionate about encouraging women to work in finance.

Desai, 58, became the first woman chief investment officer in Franklin Templeton's history in 2018. She oversees $137 billion in assets. She joined the firm in 2009 after working for the International Monetary Fund, Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, and Thames River Capital. Lakdawala-Flynn, Co-Head, Global Private Wealth Management, Goldman Sachs Group, wears several hats, including co-chairing the global inclusion and diversity committee. According to Barron's, her career in finance began soon after a sports injury. A zealous gymnast who at one point wanted to compete in the Olympics, Lakdawala-Flynn had to stay at George Washington University one summer to rehabilitate her knee. She did an internship at Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group, working on the institutional equity sales desk. Subramanian is head of US equity and quantitative strategy at Bank of America Securities. She is responsible for recommending US sector allocations for equities and determining forecasts for the S&P 500 and other major US indices, as well as developing and marketing the firm's quantitative equity strategy to institutional and individual clients. Barron's is a leading source of financial news, providing in-depth analysis and commentary on stocks, investments and how markets are moving across the world.

INDIAN-ORIGIN STUDENT GETS ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY'S TEACHING AWARD An Indian-origin student has received the 2022 Outstanding University Graduate Student Teaching Award for making outstanding contributions to teaching as part of his program and educational experience at Illinois State University.

Viraj Patel, a second-year doctoral student in the University's School of Communication, was recognised for his "exemplary skill and dedication".

Patel has always been heavily involved in public speaking and communication, which became his way of defining himself, according to a University statement."It's amazing to receive recognition for teaching a subject that means so much to me and especially to be chosen by people who have seen and awarded incredible teachers throughout the years is an honor," Patel said in a statement.

According to his LinkedIn profile, the student's areas of teaching expertise include public speaking, rhetorical communication, and media theories. Patel said he has a love for public speaking and finds a sense of accomplishment when guiding students through the class.

"Public speaking is so overwhelming, so I really like seeing those 'a ha' moments in students when they realise they can do this and that it isn't as scary as they thought it would be," he said in a statement released by the University.

He recently served as the Program Coordinator in the Office of Orientation Services at Illinois Wesleyan University, helping plan summer and fall semester orientation programs for 400-plus first year students.

The Outstanding University Graduate Student Teaching Award recognises graduate teaching assistants who demonstrate persistent, focused, and purposeful dedication to striving for excellence.

India’s GDP is expected to slide down to 6.3 per cent in 2023-24 as against its earlier estimate of 6.6 per cent, mainly due to consumption falling owing to higher borrowing costs, according to a World Bank report released on Tuesday. Since May last year, the Reserve Bank of India has been hiking interest rates to control inflation. In its “India Development Update”, the World Bank said that economic growth is likely to be impacted due to sluggish consumption growth, coupled with challenging external factors. “Rising borrowing costs and slower income growth will weigh on private consumption growth and government consumption is projected to grow at a slower pace due to the withdrawal of pandemic-related fiscal support measures,” it said. According to the report, India’s current account deficit is also likely to come down to 2.1 per cent in 2023-24, as against 3 per cent in 2022-23. On inflation, the World Bank report said that it is likely to ease to 5.2 per cent in the current fiscal as against 6.6 per cent in the previous fiscal.

WORLD BANK PROJECTS MASSIVE DECLINE IN PAKISTAN'S GDP GROWTH

Projecting a massive decline in Pakistans GDP growth to 0.4 per cent, the World Bank has warned that the non-completion of IMF programme, failure to secure financing from key bilateral partners and political instability may result in eruption of a major macroeconomic crisis.

While the Asian Development Bank (ADB), in a separate report, projects a significantly lower GDP growth rate of 0.6 per cent, ballooning inflation of up to 27.5 per cent and an ongoing foreign exchange crisis in Pakistan, The News reported.

The World Bank says: "The country's outlook is subject to major downside risks, which, if they materialise, could result in a macroeconomic crisis. The non-completion of the IMF programme and failure to secure expected rollovers, refinancing, and new financing from key bilateral partners presents major risks."

According to the World Bank report, approximately four million people fell below the poverty line as poverty increased by one percentage point in Pakistan during the last year.

The poverty measured at the lower middle-income poverty line is projected to increase to 37.2 per cent in FY23 against 36.2 per cent in FY22 pushing an additional 3.9 million people into poverty as compared to FY22, The News reported.

The World Bank's Country Director NajyBehhassine stated in reply to a question that securing of external financing needs was must for the revival of the IMF programme.

He said that Pakistan would have no choice but to seek the programme as it would help restore confidence.

He said that there was no trust deficit in the case of Pakistan as the disbursement of project loans remained historically high, The News reported. When asked about prospects of regional trade, the World Bank official said that Pakistan's exports potential in case of regional integration stood at $68 billion out of which trade with India could jack up exports up to $10 billion over the medium term while it could go up by $13 billion with China.

STUDY SUGGESTS PERIODIC BOOSTERS TO KEEP COVID-19 IN CHECK Updated Covid booster shots will be important for shoring up population immunity as new variants emerge, suggests a study.

However, the trick is to target a variant for the booster that is so different from the original strain of the virus that it triggers the maturation of new and diverse antibody-producing cells, said scientists from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The first Covid vaccines reduced the risk of severe illness and death by more than 90 per cent. But then the virus changed. The antibodies that had worked so well against the original strain proved less effective at recognising and neutralising emerging variants, leading to breakthrough infections. The obvious solution was to update the vaccines to target new variants, but the success of the first vaccines against the original strain made designing an effective variant booster shot tricky, said Ali Ellebedy, Associate Professor of pathology and immunology, of medicine, and of molecular microbiology at the varsity. In the study, published in the journal Nature, the team showed that it's possible to design a variant-specific booster that doesn't just strengthen the antibodies people already have but elicits new antibodies.

"This means that periodically giving boosters targeting new variants would allow population-level protection to be maintained even as the virus evolves," Ellebedy said. "The whole point of making boosters against new variants is to teach the immune system to recognise features in the new variants that are different from the original strain.

"But the new variants still share a lot of features with the original strain, and it's possible that the response to these shared features could dominate the response to new features. The boosters could end up just engaging immune memory cells that are already present rather than creating new memory cells, which is what we need for protection against new variants," he said. To gauge the effectiveness of boosters at eliciting new antibodies, the researchers looked at 39 people who had received the two-shot primary sequence of the Pfizer/ BioNTech or Moderna Covid-19 vaccines, followed by an experimental booster shot targeting the Beta and Delta variants.

8

MidWeek

OPINION

MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2023

REFORMED MULTILATERALISM D.C. PATHAK It is an established principle that if you get the 'macro-picture' right you will be less troubled by 'details' - even when some of them look unsettling at first sight. It is a sign of civilisational confidence of India that it has for its G20 Presidency adopted the motto - 'VasudhaivaKutumbakam', which means 'the whole world is one family'.

Nothing can be more comprehensive and higher as the global mission for a world conference, than this thought embracing the entire humanity. A basic advantage here - from India's point of view - is that any 'small thinking' will show itself to all, producing if anything, a certain degree of embarrassment for the dissenter. It is in line with this approach that India favours reformed Multilateralism as a desirable idea to define international relations.

In one word this is multilateralism that produces a positive environment and no negative fall out at all. It goes to the credit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his foreign policy is marked by a consistent adherence to three seminal ideas that added up to this kind of multilateralism.

First is India's belief in a multi-polar world. This helps to diffuse the danger of the reappearance of the Cold War that was basically the product of a bipolar world order. Multiplicity of major powers makes it more likely that they would make a competitive contribution for improving the world economy and global peace - in their keenness to project a good image for themselves, internationally.

It is India's independent foreign policy that made Prime Minister Modi the first world leader to reach out to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and advise them upfront to stop the armed conflict in favour of negotiated peace.

Through the year long Ukraine-Russia confrontation, India has retained its image as a world counsel for peace because it maintained that 'this is not an era of war', abstained from anti-Russia resolutions in the UN and also did not endorse the supply of war equipment and arms to Ukraine by the US-led West in the proxy mode that had only prolonged the war-like situation.

India maintains that concerns of both Russia and Ukraine have to be addressed for working out a peace pact between the two neighbours. Significantly, India has in this period maintained the best of relations with the US, the UK and Europe and with a strategic finesse checked the drift of the world towards another Cold War between US on one hand and the Russia-China combine, on the other.

The second point about India's foreign policy that paved the way for a reformed multilateralism is that the latter is a natural by-product of India's favoured option of going in for bilateral relations which were mutually beneficial to both sides in terms of economic and security interests. This policy effortlessly pursued by the Modi regime had ensured that bilateral relations were not at the cost of any other country.

The Sino-Pak axis on the other hand follows an opposite philosophy as it is geared to executing plans 'against' India. The unholy alliance between a Marxist dictatorship and a fundamentalist regime is driven by hostility towards this country and is a perpetual threat not only to the security of South Asia but to that of the entire democratic order. For upholding the case of Pakistan in Afghanistan, China has in fact entered into a give-and-take arrangement with Pakistan on Taliban Emirate

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and even gone along with the Pak-sponsored faith- based terrorism that threatened global security. Western democracies led by the US must realise that the motivation of faith that Islamic extremists and radicals brought to bear on the new global terror, has created a perpetual danger for the entire world. This threat had to be countered jointly by all peace-loving countries through exchange of Intelligence and coordinated action. Extremism in the name of Islam can enforce an 'asymmetric' war because the motivation here was strong enough to produce 'suicide bombers' to take down the opponent. India with its transparent advocacy of 'all religions being given equal respect' provides a standing counter to the 'supremacist' outlook of a particular faith - in the process it is best placed to act as the anchor of world security against the new threat of radicalisation.

Even as the agenda of G20 is exclusively about economic growth and elimination of the crippling gulf between the North and South, security concerns plaguing the world have also to be addressed during India's Presidency of the event. It is a matter of great satisfaction that G20 outreach is designed to fulfil the task of shaping both the global economy as well as world security. To go about it in a mission mode carries the stamp of the Modi government - the latter in fact was living up to the 'sabjansukhayesabjanhitaye' philosophy.

Finally, 'multilateralism' is not 'alignment' - it is in fact a negation of the latter.

An alignment is always 'against' somebody or some country. Reformed multilateralism does not create conflict and India goes for it with that mindset.

India is an active participant in Quad because this forum stands for 'maintenance of rules based order in the Indo-Pacific' - it is not against any particular country but against unwarranted aggressiveness wherever it came from. It needs to be mentioned that India's bilateral relations with the US, Japan and Australia are on an upswing independently of the geopolitical objective of Quad.

If India also sees in it a preemptive arrangement to counter any hostile encroachment in the Indian Ocean, there is nothing wrong with it. Since China seeks to 'win a war without fighting a battle' through the strategy of salami slicing, India has every right to expose and put down that hidden agenda of the adversary and do whatever it takes to counter it.

India is working for the return of sanity in international relations and is set to improve upon the traditional thinking of somehow preserving national interests even when that meant not caring for the global commons. India has an opportunity of playing this profound role at the world stage and it is a matter of pride that Prime Minister Modi had the political will to rally the international opinion in favour of maintaining global peace so that the cause of economic advancement of the world as a whole, could be served.

In a way the slogan of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' at home is in complete sync with the G20 call of 'VasudhaivaKutumbakam'. If it can establish the feasibility of reconciliation between national growth and human advancement across the globe, G20 would be achieving an unprecedented mission where the world would truly be one- eliminating the menace of conflict and divisions forced in the name of religion, region and race. This would be happening for the first time in the post- Cold War era. Think20 is providing the much needed ideation to the G20 events to enable the latter to fulfil this mission.

Bilateralism enlarging into multilateralism without causing harm to any

national entity is perhaps a political philosophy whose time had come - it shows the determination at the national level, to do what was right. While every nation has to have military strength to safeguard its sovereignty, seeking prosperity and gains through arms export and economic destruction of a rival has its limitations - those having such a mindset should realise that.

Some countries will always be richer than others but they all must work for a sustainable human existence in order to minimise conflict and violence that detracted from the idea of making the world a better place for everybody.

The good news is that the approach of India steers clear of ideological contradictions that had marred international and national politics so far and shows a new light to the world on the strength of its civilisational moorings.

Democracy ultimately is rule for the people and whether it is the regional setting that produced the Ukraine- Russia armed conflict or an alliance like Sino-Pak axis that was driven by malice against India, the vision set by the thought of universal good and human dignity would win the battle for the people. India has set this higher mission and there is every hope that at the end of India's G20 Presidency it will make a difference to the world. The world can do with injecting some 'philosophy' of life in 'realpolitik'.

To sum up, India has come of age as a major power influencing geopolitical trends. It is an advocate of world peace but also a believer in a firm rebuttal of the attempts of a few to disturb it for their own vested interests or hegemonist traits. It looks upon multilateralism as a constructive pathway to economic well- being that would keep the international community from armed combat and destruction.

Competitive success in the economy may bring in advantages but these should not lead to a temptation for usurping other 'territories' or 'subjugating' people. Prime Minister Modi's pithy reminder that this is not an era of war, has made an impact on the world and certainly checked the trend of third parties covertly adding fuel to the fire in an ongoing conflict.

Peace brings in long-term gains while wars produce losses for all parties. A complication in the times we live in, has risen because of the advent of proxy wars that technology - particularly social media and cyber space - had aided.

It enabled covert offensives to succeed in creating a sense of victory in combat because violence and destruction went undetected or remained unattributable in specific terms.

Multilateralism has therefore, not only to facilitate mutual economic advancement but also highlight the importance of exchange of Intelligence for countering terrorism and other forms of proxy war. It stands to reason that liaison at the level of National Security Advisors so successfully achieved by India, is becoming the bedrock of India's international relations and foreign policy strategies. This confirms the reality that global security presaged the world's economic development and that the two had to be pursued with equal vigour.

Disclaimer: The writer is a former Director of Intelligence Bureau. The opinions expressed within this article are the personal ideas of the author.

The facts and conclusions appearing in the ar ticle do not reflect the views of Y Media and Midweek Newspaper, and Y Media does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

MIDWEEK NEWS NEWS WEEKLY WEEKLY TUESDAY, AUGUST TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 28, 2012 2023

MidWeek 9

CANADA

NASA'S ARTEMIS 11 MISSION: JEREMY HANSEN BECOMES THE FIRST CANADIAN ASTRONAUT TO FLY TO THE MOON

MP SHAFQAT ALI HIGHLIGHTS BUDGET 2023 INVESTMENTS TO MAKE LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE AND STRENGTHEN PUBLIC HEALTHCARE IN BRAMPTON AND ACROSS CANADA MP Shafqat Ali, met with the members of the Filipino community in Brampton Centre to highlight Budget 2023’s investments in healthcare, seniors, families, and immigration. Canada has made a remarkable recovery from the COVID recession. Canada’s economic growth was the strongest in the G7 over the last year, and today, 830,000 more Canadians are employed than before the pandemic, 361,600 here in Ontario. Inflation in Canada has fallen for eight months in a row, our unemployment rate is near its record low, and, supported by our Canada-wide system of affordable early learning and childcare, the labour force participation rate for women aged 25 to 54 reached at a record high of 85.7 per cent in February. Budget 2023 builds on this important progress.

To make life more affordable, Budget 2023 delivers the new Grocery Rebate, offering targeted inflation relief for 11 million Canadians and families who need it most with up to an additional $467 for eligible couples with children; an additional $234 for single Canadians without children; and an additional $225 for seniors, on average. A tax-free payment of $500 to help low-income people who are struggling with the cost of rent. Budget 2023 announces that the government will work to implement a right to repair, with the aim of introducing a targeted framework for home appliances and electronics in 2024. Financial institutions will be able to start offering the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account to Canadians as of April 1, 2023. The government is also taking action to crack down on junk fees and predatory lending, lower credit card transaction fees for small businesses, and help Canadians keep more money in their pockets. To strengthen Canada’s universal public health care system, the budget delivers $198.3 billion, including $77.006 billion here in Ontario to reduce backlogs, expand access to family health services, and ensure provinces and territories can provide the high quality and timely health care Canadians expect and deserve. Budget 2023 also introduces a new Canadian Dental Care Plan, to help up to 9 million Canadians and ensure no Canadian has to choose between taking care of their health and paying the bills at the end of the month. Supporting about 3.5 million families annually through the tax-free Canada Child Benefit, with families this year receiving up to $6,997 per child under the age of six, and up to $5,903 per child aged six through 17. Reducing fees for regulated childcare by 50 percent on average, delivering regulated childcare that costs an average of just $10 a day by 2026—with six provinces and territories reducing child care fees to $10 a day or less by April 2, 2023—and strengthening the child care system in Quebec with more child care spaces. Enhancing the Canada Workers Benefit for our lowest-paid—and often most essential—workers, to provide up to $1,428 for a single worker without children, up to $2,461 to a family, and an additional $737 for workers with disabilities. $1.6 billion over six years and $315 million ongoing to welcome 500,000 new permanent

residents each year by 2025, as well as an additional $50 million to address immigration application backlogs; $100 million since 2020 to increase the federal contribution to legal aid services. Increasing Old Age Security benefits for seniors aged 75 and older by ten percent as of July 2022, which is providing more than $800 in additional support to full pensioners; Strengthening the Canada Pension Plan, which will eventually raise the maximum retirement benefit by up to 50 percent. The federal government knows that the higher cost of living still means that students still need support to afford an education and pursue their dreams. Budget 2023 proposes to enhance student financial assistance for the school year starting August 1, 2023. This includes increasing Canada Student Grants by 40 percent—to provide up to $4,200 for full-time students; Raising the interest-free Canada Student Loan limit from $210 to $300 per week of study; and, Waiving the requirement for mature students, aged 22 years or older, to undergo credit screening in order to qualify for federal student grants and loans for the first time. This will allow postsecondary students to access up to $14,400 in enhanced Canada Student Financial Assistance for the upcoming school year. Students with disabilities and dependants will also receive an increase in Canada Student Grants.

Quebec, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, which do not participate in the program, can receive federal funding to provide their own comparable support. With a responsible fiscal plan that will see Canada maintain the lowest deficit and the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7, Budget 2023 will help to build a Canada that is more secure, more sustainable, and more affordable for people from coast to coast to coast. MP Ali also shared the recent announcement by Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, for the opening of a new application processing centre in Manila, Philippines. This initiative supports Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and helps boost immigration application processing within Canada’s centralized network, as well as abroad. The new centre is located within Canada’s Embassy in Manila and will be supported by 37 new employees. The added capacity is part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to accommodate the high volume of visa applications from around the world and will support ongoing efforts to also improve client service and help achieve Canada’s planned increases to immigration levels in the years to come. By expanding its presence overseas, Canada is making strategic investments, with the goal of bringing more people to Canada— whether to visit, study, work or immigrate permanently.

Members of the Filipino community displayed a great deal of excitement upon learning about the 2023 Budget and the investments made by our Federal Government to facilitate Canadians and newcomers. The guests enthusiastically provided their valuable feedback to MP Ali, who took the opportunity to explain the budget plan and progress in detail.

CONTD. FROM PAGE 1 Mission Specialist 1 Christina Hammock Koch, and Mission Specialist 2 Jeremy Hansen, who is part of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Ontarioborn astronaut Jeremy Hansen, 47, will be the first Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut to fly around the Moon as part of NASA's Artemis II mission, announced François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada. "Being part of the Artemis II crew is both exciting and humbling. I'm excited to leverage my experience, training, and knowledge to take on this challenging mission on behalf of Canada. I'm humbled by the incredible contributions and hard work of so many Canadians that have made this opportunity a reality. I am proud and honoured to represent my country on this historic mission," Hansen said. The 47-year-old mission specialist will be one of four astronauts on the 10-day mission set to launch in November 2024, according to NASA and the Canadian Space Agency. They will work as a team to execute an ambitious set of demonstrations during the flight test. "The Artemis II crew represents thousands of people working tirelessly to bring us to the stars. This is their crew, this is our crew, this is humanity's crew," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in a statement.

CANADA'S GDP INCREASED 0.3% IN FEB CONTD. FROM PAGE 1 GDP rose 0.5 per cent in January, following a slight contraction in December 2022. Both goods-producing and services-producing industries were up in January, as 17 of 20 industrial sectors posted increases, the statistical agency said. According to a recent survey conducted by the Finance Ministry, with higher interest rates, as well as slower economic growth in the US and around the world, private sector economists expected the Canadian economy to enter a shallow recession in 2023. With a peak-to-trough decline of just 0.4 per cent, the contraction in real GDP is less severe than the 1.6 per cent decline considered in the 2022 Fall Economic Statement downside scenario. On an annual basis, real GDP growth is projected to decelerate from a strong 3.4 per cent in 2022 to 0.3 per cent in 2023, before rebounding to 1.5 per cent in 2024.

INDIAN FAMILY DROWNED TRYING TO ILLEGALLY CROSS INTO US FROM CANADA: OFFICIALS CONTD. FROM PAGE 1 The eight people, whose bodies were found in a marsh near the St Lawrence River in a Native Canadian reservation in Quebec, included persons “believed to be citizens of India” who “are believed to have been attempting illegal entry into the US from Canada”, Lee-Ann O’Brien, the deputy chief of the local police, said on Friday. Six of the bodies were discovered on Thursday during an air search, she said. The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Ser vice (AMPS) later repor ted that two more bodies were found on Friday. One was of a woman believed to be an Indian citizen and the other was of an infant of Romanian descent with a Canadian passport, it said.

The identities of those whose bodies were found were not revealed.

O’Brien said at the videocast news conference that the AMPS was working with immigration and Homeland Security officials to confirm the identities of the dead and inform their relatives.

ONTARIO INCREASING MINIMUM WAGE TO $16.55 AN HOUR FROM OCTOBER 1 The Ontario government is increasing the minimum wage to $16.55 an hour on October 1, 2023. This 6.8 per cent pay raise for low-income workers builds on the government’s steady and predictable increases every year to help families offset the rising cost of living. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is putting workers in the driver’s seat of their careers, and their lives,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labor, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“This latest increase is a fair and balanced approach that means more money in their pockets so they can support their families and continuing building a stronger Ontario for all of us.” A worker making the general minimum

wage and working 40 hours per week will see an annual pay increase of nearly $2,200. There were 942,400 workers earning $16.55 per hour or below in 2022, the majority of whom are women. This minimum wage increase builds on the government’s work to make Ontario the best place to live, work and raise a family. Most recently, the government introduced the Working for Workers Act, 2023, which will, if passed, provide ground-breaking protections for millions of workers in Ontario.

General Accounting & Bookkeeping

10 MidWeek

COMMUNITY

GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY SERVICE HOURS AT PEEL REGION Peel Region offices and non-emergency services will be closed for the Good Friday holiday on Friday, April 7, 2023.

The following non-emergency services are closed and will reopen on Monday, April 10, 2023: * Access Peel Counters (by appointment only) * Dental Services Contact Centre * Family Health Call Centre * Healthy Sexuality Clinic * Peel Living Head Office * Early Years and Child Care Services * EarlyONcentres The following non-emergency services are closed and will reopen on Tuesday, April 11, 2023: * Ontario Works in Peel * Housing Services, Client Services * Needle Exchange Program and Harm Reduction - Mobile Van Vaccination clinics Vaccination clinics continue to be open. To book your appointment, visit: COVID-19 vaccine.

Emergency shelter, food, or personal support For urgent homelessness supports, including food, supplies, referrals, and shelter, call the Street Helpline 24/7 at 1-877-848-8481. For information on emergency shelter, visit the emergency shelter webpage or call 905450-1996.

Peel Living Maintenance Requests For Peel Living maintenance requests, contact the 24-hour request line at 905-790-7335.

TransHelp All trips for Friday, April 7, and Saturday, April 8 must be booked by 7 p.m.

on Thursday, April 6. On April 7 (Good Friday): * TransHelp will operate from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. * All subscription trips will be cancelled, with the exception of dialysis trips. * The TransHelp office will be closed and unable to process applications, payments, or feedback.

Email transhelp@peelregion.ca or call 905-791-1015 with any questions.

Public Transit Visit Brampton Transit and Mississauga Transit for holiday schedules.

Waste collection Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon Waste collection will not be affected on Friday, April 7. Check your collection calendar to find your pickup day or sign up to receive free waste collection reminders. Waste Collection will occur on Monday, April 10 (Easter Monday) as scheduled.

All Community Recycling Centres (CRC's) will be closed Friday, April 7, Sunday, April 9, Monday, April 10. CRC's will be open Saturday, April 8 and will return to regular schedule on Tuesday, April 11.

Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) PAMA will be closed on Friday, April 7 but visit us on Monday, April 10 for a special family fun activity celebrating Spring!

TORONTO POLICE REQUESTING PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE IN IDENTIFYING FOUR SUSPECTS WANTED IN ROBBERY INVESTIGATION The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance identifying four suspects wanted in a Robbery investigation.

On Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 3:30 p.m., police responded to a Robbery call in the Danforth Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue area.

It is reported that: * four suspects entered a grocery store * the loss prevention officer noticed two of the suspects putting numerous items into a shopping cart * the two suspect then walked past the cash register without paying for the items * the loss prevention officer approached the two suspects * one of the suspects indicated he had a firearm in his possession * the loss prevention officer obtained two bags of groceries before the two suspects fled the store * the third suspect then assaulted the loss prevention officer prior to fleeing with the fourth suspect * all four suspect fled the area in an unknown direction Suspect #1 is described as male, 30-35 years old, 6’0"-6’2", with a mark under his left eye. He was last seen wearing a red baseball hat, a black sweater with a gold “OVO” logo on the front, black sweatpants, and white headphones.

Suspect #2 is described as male, 27-28 years old, 5’9"-5’10”, 170 lbs., with short hair. He was last seen wearing a blue baseball hat, a navy blue jacket, track pants, white shoes, riding a black scooter.

MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2023

PEEL POLICE LOOKING TO IDENTIFY UNKNOWN SUSPECT IN SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION IN MISSISSAUGA

Investigators from the Peel Regional Police Special Victims Unit are looking to identify an unknown suspect in a sexual assault investigation.

On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, the victim, a 21-year-old woman, was walking along the Waterfront Trail located in the area of Lakeshore Road and Stavebank Road South in Mississauga. The suspect approached the victim and sexually assaulted her.

The suspect is described as male, light-skinned, 5’7, large build, with a full beard, shaved head on the sides, and hair on the top. The suspect was wearing a red jacket, dark color pants, a blue fanny pack, and black & white running shoes.

The vehicle the suspect was believed to be operating was a Toyota Yaris, 2012-2014, 4-door, grey in color.

Anyone with information on this or any similar incident is asked to contact investigators at the Special Victims Unit at 905-453-2121, extension 3460. Anonymous information may also be submitted by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.

‘TARGETED INCIDENT’: PEEL POLICE INVESTIGATING BREAK-IN ATTEMPT AT ROY MCMURTRY YOUTH CENTRE IN BRAMPTON

Suspect #3 is described as male, 5’6"-5’10”, and 155 lbs. He was last seen wearing a blue baseball hat, a blue jacket, and riding an electric scooter with a light on the front.

Suspect #4 is described as female, 25-35 years old, 5’6", with long brown hair. She was last seen wearing a white/grey “Nike” jacket, black pants, and riding a black scooter.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

Members from the 22 Division Criminal Investigative Bureau are investigating an early morning break-in attempt at the Roy McMurtry Youth Centre in Brampton.

On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at approximately 2:10 a.m., police responded to the Youth Centre for several suspects attempting t o a c c e s s t h e y o u t h f a c i l i t y. T h e s u s p e c t s w e r e unsuccessful and fled the area before police arrived.

Investigators believe this was a targeted incident, and there was no risk to public safety.

This remains an ongoing investigation, and there are no further suspect descriptions. Anyone with information on this incident, including surveillance or dashcam footage, may contact 22 Division Criminal Investigative Bureau at 905-453-2121 extension 2233.

Anonymous information may also be submitted by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.

MIDWEEK NEWS NEWS WEEKLY WEEKLY TUESDAY, AUGUST TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 28, 2012 2023

COMMUNITY

MidWeek 11 WITH ROOTS DATING BACK TO 1800S, APRIL IS SIKH HERITAGE MONTH IN CANADA

CANADA’S WONDERLAND TO DELIVER A SWINGING SEASON WITHNEW 360-DEGREE THRILL RIDE, NEW FAMILY LAUNCH COASTER AND A FULL LINEUP OF WORLD-CLASS EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Canada’s Wonderland opens May 5 and today it released the full lineup of exciting events and entertainment in store for the 2023 season, including a new Brazilian food festival and the return of guest favourites: spectacular long weekend fireworks, Celebration Canada and KidZFest.

The park is also introducing two exciting new rides. Thrill seekers will marvel at Tundra Twister, a giant 360-degree spinning swing ride coming to Frontier Canada. The only one of its kind in the world, Tundra Twister will have guests spinning, twisting and twirling upside-down at heights of 47 metres (154 feet) and speeds of 75 km/h.

Families will enjoy Snoopy’s Racing Railway, a launch coaster coming to Planet Snoopy. Snoopy’s Racing Railway is the park’s 18th roller coaster and will accelerate from zero to 50 km/h in a matter of seconds before taking guests through the dips and turns of a wild railway adventure.

“We’re proud to offer such a diversity of experiences to our guests,” said Norm Pir tovshek, general manager. “Through four seasons we have more than 200 attractions at the park, rides for guests of all ages and world-class events and entertainment that can’t be missed.”

The 2023 event lineup includes: * Fireworks (May 21, July 1, Aug. 6, Sept. 3) – Witness spectacular fireworks display of explosive light and colour high over the park skyline choreographed to a lively soundtrack. New this year, guests will be able to purchase VIP fireworks viewing and dining packages at Lazy Bear Lodge where they’ll have the best seats in the house for the big show.

Limited availability. * Splash Works Opening (May 27) – Spend the summer poolside in our 20-acre water park, featuring 17 slides, cliff jumping, water playgrounds, the Lazy River and more! * Celebration Canada (July 1-9) – We’re throwing Canada a party and you’re invited! Join us for live music, street enter tainment, cultural performances and interactive family games. Then indulge in authentic Canadian foods from across the country like beef sliders, poutine, Halifax donair and more. * KidZfest (July 15-July 30) – This party is perfect for families and kids!

Presented in partnership with Treehouse, enjoy special guest appearances from your favourite TV characters like Bluey! Get moving at our dance party, enjoy interactive games, activities, and live kids’ entertainment. * Taste of Portugal (Aug. 12-13) – Returning for its second year, this festival celebrates the time- worn charm of Portugal, with lively street entertainment and traditional foods including succulent roast chicken and the sweet, rich and perfectly crisp Portuguese custard tarts. * NEW! Taste of Brazil (Aug. 19-20) – New for 2023, this food festival is not to be missed! Treat your tastebuds to the lively and fresh Latin American flavours of Brazil, including grilled meats and chimichurri, bolinho de bacalhau (salt cod fritters), crispy pastel de carne (meat-filled pastries) and feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew). As you peruse the

food stalls for your next dish or drink, enjoy the styles, colours and music of traditional Brazilian performers. We bet you won’t be able to help dancing and moving along to these samba beats! * Taste of the Caribbean (Aug. 26-27) – Back for its second year, enjoy island flavours at this festival from jerk chicken to specialty seafood, rum cake and coconut sweets, plus fruity summer drinks while the sounds of steel drum music fill the air. * Oktoberfest (Sept. 9-10, 16-17) – For two weekends, guests will be treated to German-themed food, drink specials and traditional festival bands in Medieval Faire. Enjoy classic sausage, schnitzel, Bavarian pretzels, and a tall stein of refreshing lager. * Camp Spooky (weekends Sept. 23-Oct. 29) – This family-friendly Halloween event returns with trick-or-treating, mazes, costume parades, live shows with The PEANUTS gang, interactive games, rides and more!

In addition to these events, Canada’s Wonderland will also feature world-class live enter tainment through the summer, including the return of the daring Ultimate Thrills Circus, the stunt dive show Fall Out, the Victoria Falls High Divers, Woofjocks and performances with Snoopy and the PEANUTS gang. We are also excited to announce the return of our inaugural cirque-style show, Cirque Ambiente, which first debuted 10 years ago.

All events and shows noted above are included with park admission.

Halloween Haunt returns this fall on select nights Sept. 22 to Oct. 29 with eight mazes, expanded immersive areas, hundreds of monsters and amazing live entertainment including the return of the Day of the Dead Festival. Guests can explore four new mazes including “Dark Ride” where guests must face the horrors waiting for them in an abandoned carnival attraction. Then the park transforms into a world of holiday magic for WinterFest, running select nights Nov. 17 to Dec. 31.

Guests can get unlimited access to all four seasons of fun with a Gold Pass, which is on sale now for seven easy payments of $17.85. For more information on events or hours of operation visit www.canadaswonderland.com About Canada’s Wonderland Canada’s Wonderland, located in Vaughan, Ontario (just outside Toronto), is a 300-acre theme park with more than 200 attractions including 18 roller coasters, and is the home to Splash Works, a 20-acre water park.

Canada’s Wonderland is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a publicly traded par tnership and one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. The Company owns and operates 13 properties, consisting of 11 amusement parks, four separately gated outdoor water parks, and resort accommodations totaling more than 2,300 rooms and more than 600 luxury RV sites. For more information, see www.cedarfair.com.

NEW BRAMPTON LICENSING PROGRAM TO HOLD LANDLORDS ACCOUNTABLE A motion to approve a new a two-year pilot program for a rental landlord registration/licensing program was passed unanimously at the March 29th Committee of Council. The motion was championed by Councillor Santos to protect the health and safety of residents, to protect human rights of persons, provide protection for consumers, mitigate risks within the rental sector and protect the residential amenity, character and stability of residential areas.

The program also helps to proactively mitigate risks that may exist within a particular business sector and provide enforcement mechanism to respond to complaints relating to that sector.

"Landlords who rent out units are held to lower health and safety standards compared to businesses which have more stringent licensing requirements.

We need to prioritize the health and safety of residents, especially in light of the increase in additional rental units, garden suites, and lodging homes in our communities" says Santos.

Councillor Santos brought forward a series of motions in the fall of 2022 to directly address ongoing resident concerns and complaints about the physical appearance of local neighbourhoods across the city with specific focus on the impact of increasing conversions of rental units. This complimented the initiative by Councillor Santos to address the health, safety and living conditions of international students in Brampton.

Staff reviewed existing registration and licensing programs for rental properties in Brampton and from other municipalities.

A report (pg 41-88) related to pro-active bylaw enforcement

of property standard violations was also referenced in the approved motion.

"As the city gets Provincial pressure to increase housing and affordable housing continues to be in high demand, the business of providing rental units cannot prioritize profit over the safety and health of tenants," says Santos. "We have also received a significant increase in complaints related to property standards and parking, particularly in two-unit dwellings and illegal lodging houses. Enforcement faces challenges in addressing these complaints, such as difficulty in contacting property owners."

City staff will report back in Fall 2023, with an implementation plan to start the pilot program in 2024, to include wards 1 and 5, which Santos represents.

The Registration/Licensing program would include but is not limited to: * Required application and renewal fees, fines * Escalating fines for rental units without a license or for those who fail to renew, and a demerit point system for landlords * Annual and/or random inspections * Checklist or protocol to help bylaw enforcement determine if a property may be operating as a business without a license.

"This pilot program will help us ensure that rental properties in our city are held to a high standard of safety and maintenance, and that landlords are held accountable for their properties," concluded Santos. "It is important to prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents, and this program is a step in the right direction towards achieving that goal."

With roots dating back to the 1800s, April is Sikh Heritage Month — a time to celebrate and honour the rich history and culture of Canada’s Sikh community. “With 800,000 Sikhs calling Canada home, we have the largest Sikh diaspora, with roots of the first Sikh in Canada dating back to the 1800s,” said Punjab-origin Member of Parliament (MP) from Brampton West, Kamal Khera.

At 26, Khera was the youngest to have won in the elections in Canada in 2015. She represents Canada’s ruling Liberal party.

“As a Sikh, I am proud of the contributions and achievements of our community!” she tweeted.

In one of her visits to Punjab, she said: “My counterpart in India is always with heavy security, I move freely.”

Proud of vibrant Sikh community, Sonia Sidhu, MP from Brampton South, tweeted, “April 1 marks the beginning of Sikh Heritage Month in Canada and as Canadians, we are proud of our country’s strong and vibrant Sikh community.” “This month, let’s continue to learn about Sikh Heritage in Canada.”Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, said this year “we celebrate 10 years of Sikh Heritage Month in Ontario”.

Among many of the events listed, he said he would also be hosting a special event to award Gurbax Singh Malhi the key to the Brampton city on April 18. As a mark of respect for Canada making it the second largest Sikh population in the world, the Mississauga Civic Centre clock tower was lighted with orange, part of the city’s Community Recognition Programme.

Learning the faith of the Sikhs, another MP Francesco Sorbara said, “During this month we recognise the contributions to our country by the more than 800,000 Canadians of Sikh heritage, learn about their faith and rich history.”

Randeep Sarai, Member of Parliament for Surrey Centre, said, “This month, I encourage you all to take this opportunity to learn more about the Sikh faith!”

India-origin Minister of National Defence, Anita Anand, said Sikh Heritage Month “is a time to recognise the many contributions of the Sikh community across Canada. Today, I joined members of the Oakville and Halton Sikh community at the flag raising at Oakville Town Hall”.

“This is an opportunity for Ontarians to come together to learn more about the Sikh faith and celebrate the many ways Sikh Ontarians help build a stronger and better Ontario,” said Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Michael Ford. MP for Vancouver South, Harjit Sajjan, said, “Learn about how the Sikh values of equality and ‘seva’ (selfless service) are reflected in what we as Canadians strive toward.” Another Punjab-origin Aman Singh, MLA for RichmondQueensborough, added, “On behalf of our British Columbia New Democratic Party government, our caucus and colleagues at your opening gala for Sikh Heritage Month. I know there are many events planned throughout the month.”

According to Sikh Heritage British Columbia, its philosophy is providing a space where the Sikh community can connect with each other and with neighbouring communities to help each other prosper, learn and grow. Its promise is, “Create a space where Sikhs and non-Sikhs can come together to create connections and relationships for prosperity.”

YOUTH AND SENIORS RIDE OAKVILLE TRANSIT FOR FREE STARTING MAY 1, 2023 The Town of Oakville is looking for community input on the long-term vision for Oakville. The community is also being encouraged to share what actions they think can be taken during Town Council’s four-year term in office to ensure Oakville continues to be one of the best places to live. Starting the week of March 20, 2023, residents may receive a call from Deloitte Canada, on behalf of the town, to participate in a 1012 minute phone survey. The town is also inviting the community to participate in an online survey opening on March 20 through to April 10 and take part in a community open house taking place in each of Oakville’s seven wards in late March, early April.

The community feedback will be reflected in the Council Strategic Plan so that it continues to be forward thinking and sets the direction for the Oakville community. Engagement will also help identify areas of focus that will help shape the first draft of the 2023-2026 Business Plan. A draft Council Strategic Plan and 2023-2026 Business Plan will be ready in June with a final report for Council to review in July.

To learn more, including updates on the dates, times and locations of community open houses, visit the Strategic Plan page on oakville.ca.

ONTARIO PROVIDING MORE SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR VULNERABLE PEOPLE The Ontario government is investing an additional $202 million annually in homelessness prevention programs to help those experiencing or at risk of homelessness and to support community organizations delivering supportive housing.

“We know Ontario’s housing supply crisis impacts all Ontarians, no matter their background or budget,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “That’s why we’ve increased funding for our homelessness prevention programs by more than 40 per cent.

These measures complement the bold and transformational change we are implementing to tackle the housing supply crisis and get more homes built faster across Ontario.”

This new funding, announced in the 2023 Budget, will be provided through the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program, and builds on the government’s investment of nearly $4.4 billion over the past three years to grow and enhance community and supportive housing. “During a time of economic challenges and change, our government is supporting those who have fallen on hard times and are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, homelessness,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Ontario’s 2023 Budget: Building a Strong Ontario is the right plan to support those who need it the most today while laying a strong fiscal foundation for future generations.”

12 MidWeek

INDIA

MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2023

KANJHAWALA CASE: DELHI COURT POSTS MATTER FOR APRIL 13, POLICE FILES CHARGESHEET

RAHUL GETS BAIL IN DEFAMATION CASE, NEXT HEARING ON APRIL 13 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was sentenced to two years in prison in a criminal defamation case, was granted bail extension by a sessions court in Gujarat's Surat on Monday. The court will hear his appeal against conviction in the case on April 13.

Earlier, the former president of Congress, arrived in Surat to file the appeal in sessions court against a lower court's order that found him guilty of criminal defamation. The charges stemmed from a remark he made in April 2019 while campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka's Kolar. The court accepted Gandhi's petition and scheduled it for a hearing on April 13. However, he also faces another deadline to vacate his official residence in New Delhi, which was allotted to him as an MP, by April 22.

During his campaign, Gandhi stated that "all thieves have Modi surname", equating Prime Minister Narendra Modi with fugitives like Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi. On March 23, a lower court in Surat found him guilty of defaming the entire Modi community in a case filed by BJP MLA Purnesh Modi. The former Congress president was subsequently disqualified from the Lok Sabha under a rule that bars convicted MPs from holding Lok Sabha membership.

Gandhi was given the maximum 2-year jail term for his offence, but the sentence was suspended for 30 days for him to file an appeal against the order. If the conviction is not overturned, he will be disqualified from contesting elections for the next eight years.

GROSS DIRECT TAX COLLECTIONS FOR 2022-23 RISE 20% TO RS 19.68L CR Gross direct tax collections (provisional) for 2022-23 stand at Rs 19.68 lakh crore, registering a growth of 20.33 per cent, according to figures released by the Finance Ministry on Monday.

Direct tax collections (provisional) for 2022-23 have exceeded the revised estimates by 0.69 per cent. The budget estimates (BE) for direct tax revenue in the Union Budget for 2022-23 were fixed at Rs 14.20 lakh crore, which were revised to Rs 16.50 lakh crore.

The provisional direct tax collections (net of the refunds) have exceeded the budget estimates by 16.97 per cent and revised estimates by 0.69 per cent. The provisional figures of direct tax collections for 2022-23 show that net collections are at Rs 16.61 lakh crore, compared to Rs 14.12 lakh crore in 2021-22, representing an increase of 17.63 per cent.

The gross collections (provisional) of direct taxes (before adjusting for refunds) for 2022-23 stand at Rs 19.68 lakh crore, marking a growth of 20.33 per cent over the gross collections of Rs 16.36 lakh crore in 202122. The gross corporate tax collections (provisional) in 2022-23 stand at Rs 10,04,118 crore, showing a growth of 16.91 per cent over the gross corporate tax collections of Rs 8,58,849 crore of the preceding year.

On the completion of investigation in the Kanjhawala case, in which a 20-year-old woman was killed after being dragged for several kilometers by a car, the Delhi Police on Saturday filed a 800-page charge sheet against seven accused.

Metropolitan Magistrate Sanya Dalal of the Rohini Court has posted the matter for consideration of the final report on April 13. On Tuesday, the court had asked the police to conclude its investigation and file a charge sheet on Saturday.

“During the course of investigation, seven men were arrested and upon its completion, a charge sheet of around 800 pages was prepared with around 120 witnesses,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer), Harendra Singh said.

The police said, “On the basis of the material and evidence collected during the investigation, to the best of capabilities, sufficient material has come on record to prosecute the accused.” Amit Khanna, Krishan, Mithun, and Manoj Mittal have all been booked for murder, according to the charge sheet. Amit Khanna and Ashutosh were also booked in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Act’s rules.

It said all the accused were booked for criminal conspiracy, destr uction of evidence, harbouring offender, common intention and false information, with intent to cause public servant to use his lawful power to the injury of another person.

Amit Khanna has been charged with additional offences by the Delhi Police for reckless driving and causing hurt by endangering their lives or personal safety.

Initially, the case was registered under Sections 279 and 304 of the IPC but later, police had added section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code in the matter.

On January 21, the Rohini court had dismissed Deepak Khanna’s bail plea. Earlier, two other accused, Ankush and Ashutosh, were granted bail. Anjali died an agonising death on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1 in the Kanjhawala area after her scooty was hit by the car and her clothes had gotten entangled in one of its wheels, which led to her being dragged for a considerable distance.

KEJRIWAL APPEALS TO PM TO ALLOW FREE TRAIN TRAVEL FOR SR CITIZENS

NCERT REMOVES PORTIONS RELATED TO RSS, GANDHI & GODSE FROM BOOKS National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has removed paragraphs from Class 12 Political Science textbooks that contained information about the ban briefly imposed on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) by the then government after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Along with this, paragraphs which stated that Gandhi's quest for Hindu-Muslim unity provoked Hindu extremists have also been removed from the curriculum.

Significantly, NCERT had made several changes in the textbooks of Class 6 to Class 12 last year. Among these, chapters titled 'Rise of Popular Movements' and 'Era of One Party Dominance' were removed from Class 12 textbook, 'Politics in India since Independence'.

Similarly, chapters on 'Democracy and Diversity', 'Popular Struggles and Movements', and 'Challenges to Democracy' were removed from Class 10 textbook 'Democratic Politics-II'.

Significantly, since the last 15 years, Nathuram Godse was referred in the History book of Class 12 as a 'Brahmin from Pune' who assassinated Gandhi, which has been removed now.

As per NCERT, they had been receiving complaints of Godse's caste mentioned in the books from CBSE and several state education boards since long, stating that one's caste should not be unnecessarily mentioned in school textbooks.

Speaking on the matter in Parliament, Minister of State for Education Annapurna Devi stated that the syllabus of books was rationalised in view of the loss of education in the pandemic and it was done to reduce the stress faced by students.

NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani said that the load of textbooks was reduced as the students had suffered a lot in the pandemic and it was an attempt to help the stressed students and as a responsibility towards society and the nation.

Along with this, the NCERT has categorically rejected allegations that the changes have been made to suit a particular ideology.

OVER 500% RISE IN NUMBER OF CASES REGISTERED BY ED IN LAST 4 YEARS Amid a spike in raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) during the past few years, with several persons, including political leaders having been booked in cases of money laundering under various provisions of Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), there has been a stupendous rise of over 500 per cent in the number of cases recorded by the agency in the last four years.

According to finance ministry sources, between 2018-19 and 2021-22, cases registered by ED rose by 505 per cent, as from 195 cases recorded

by ED in 2018-19, the cases recorded by the agency went up to 1,180 in 2021-22.

Even the number of searches conducted by ED have rise by a huge 2,555 per cent between 2004-14 and 2014-22.

As per finance ministry's own data, only 112 searches were carried out by ED between 2004-14 which resulted in attachment of proceeds of crime worth Rs 5,346 crore.

However between 2014-22, the number of searches rose to 2,974, a rise of 2,555 per cent, which resulted in attachment of proceeds of crime worth Rs 95,432.08 crore. The humongous rise in the number of cases recorded and searches conducted by ED in the past few years, has led to allegations of witch-hunting by the opposition parties against the BJP-ruled central government.

Opposition parties have repeatedly blamed the central government for using agencies like the ED and CBI against them as political weapons.

The government on its part however says that the increase in the number of searches shows it's commitment to prevent money laundering and improved systems for gathering financial intelligence through use of technology. Official sources say that concerted efforts to complete pending investigations in old cases and probe in complex money laundering cases that have multiple accused requiring multiple searches, are some of the reasons for the increase in number of searches in recent times. ED is an investigation agency, which is mandated with the task of enforcing provisions of FEMA, PMLA and Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018.

CONGRESS LEADER NAVJOT SINGH SIDHU WALKS OUT OF PATIALA CENTRAL JAIL AFTER SERVING HIS TERM IN 1988 ROAD RAGE DEATH CASE CONTD. FROM PAGE 1 of imprisonment by the Supreme Court in May last year in the 1988 case of road rage in which he allegedly thrashed one Gurnam Singh, who later died in hospital.

Punjab Minister Brahm Shankar Jimpa said on Friday that the Punjab government has no objection to Sidhu’s release. “The issue of the release of prisoners whose sentence has been completed is approved by the cabinet. Those who have completed their sentence will be released,” Jimpa said. The Supreme Court allowed the review application on the issue of sentence against Sidhu “We have allowed review application on the issue of sentence. In addition to the fine imposed, we impose a sentence of imprisonment of one year to be undergone by respondent Sidhu,” the court said. The order was delivered by a bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar and Sanjay Kishan Kaul. The case has gone through Sessions Court, High court and Supreme Court.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to allow senior citizens to travel free of cost by trains.

Sharing the letter on Twitter on Monday, Kejriwal wrote: "Please don't end the concession given to elderly in Railways. Crores of elderly people benefit from this concession."

In the letter, Kejriwal called the decision by Modi government "unfortunate" and stated that the country cannot progress without the blessings of the elderly.

He appealed to the Prime Minister to restore it, and said that the Delhi government organises pilgrimage for senior citizens free of cost and spends Rs 50 crore from its budget for the same to avoid any loss to the Centre.

He added that the Central government should follow and ensure that all senior citizens are completely exempted from paying the fare. Kejriwal stated that it is wrong to end the relaxation just to save Rs 1,600 crore.

Significantly, in view of the poor financial condition during the Covid19 pandemic, the Railways had discontinued granting fare concession to senior citizens. This relief was not restored even after the pandemic's threat subsided and other activities in the country were back to normal.

UP DY CM MAURYA MEETS PM; SAYS BJP WILL WIN ALL 80 SEATS IN 2024 LS POLLS Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Monday exuded confidence in BJP winning all 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

While emerging from Parliament House complex after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi here, Maurya told the waiting media persons that the PM has guided him regarding the 2024 general elections.

He claimed that the entire atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh is BJPoriented. The party is extremely strong and continuous efforts are being made to strengthen it further. "Lotus is set to bloom again in the municipal elections in 2023 and the Lok Sabha elections in 2024," he stated. Notably, being the most populous state in the country, the BJP's campaigns are focused on Uttar Pradesh. Even the Muslim community outreach programme is also quite active and effective in the state.

MIDWEEK NEWS NEWS WEEKLY WEEKLY TUESDAY, AUGUST TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 28, 2012 2023

MidWeek 13

INDIA

AMARINDER SEEKS TIME-BOUND CROP DAMAGE RELIEF, SUKHBIR DEMANDS RS 50K PER ACRE

IMPASSE BETWEEN DOCTORS AND RAJASTHAN GOVT ENDS AFTER 16 DAYS The impasse between the Rajasthan government and doctors, who were on strike for 16 days against the Right to Health bill, ended on Tuesday as both sides came to an agreement.

Consensus was reached between doctors and the government on eight demands on the Right to Health (RTH) Bill at a meeting of a doctors' delegation with Chief Secretary Usha Sharma.

In the meeting, Principal Secretary, Medical Education, T. Ravikanth and the representatives of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), United Private Clinics' & Hospitals' Association of Rajasthan (UPCHAR) and Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Society (PHNS) discussed and agreed on various points. According to the agreement, private multi-specialty hospitals having less than 50 beds will be kept out of the purview of this law in the first phase of its implementation. The law will also not be binding on those private hospitals that have not taken any concession from the government or any rebate in allotment of land for the hospital. As per the agreement, this law will be implemented in private medical colleges and hospitals, hospitals running on PPP mode, those hospitals that have been allotted land free of cost or on subsidised rates, and hospitals run by a trust that got land on concession or subsidised rates.

It was also agreed to consider the regularisation of hospitals functioning in different places in the state as per the 'Kota Model', under which relaxation in building rules will be considered for those hospitals that are functioning in residential premises.

Also, police cases and other cases registered during the agitation will be withdrawn. It will be considered to bring a single window system for

licenses and other approvals. Similarly, giving fire NOC to private hospitals every five years will be considered. Along with this, it was also agreed that changes in the rules in the Right to Health law would be made in consultation with the representatives of the IMA. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot welcomed the end of this deadlock, saying: "I am happy that finally an agreement has been reached between the government and the doctors and Rajasthan has become the first state in the country to implement Right to Health.

"I hope that the doctor-patient relationship will remain the same in future as well."

Gehlot said that the state government's objective to bring in the Right to Health bill was that no one should suffer due to lack of treatment, and expressed satisfaction that the doctors fraternity agreed to the proposals put forth by the state government regarding Right to Health.

He said that all the people of the state have extended their cooperation to the state government in the favour of the bill and have welcomed this propeople bill. "Now the doctors agreeing to this important bill is a good sign," he added, expressing hope that all doctors will immediately join their duty and that private and government hospitals will make the Right to Health, and schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima Yojana and RGHS successful. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the way private and government hospitals had set an example with excellent management of Covid, they will similarly successfully implement these schemes on the ground and present the 'Rajasthan Model of Public Health'.

DRUG TRAFFICKERS WON'T BE SPARED: PUNJAB CM Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said on the directions of Punjab and Haryana High Court the state will soon initiate action against those named in report pertaining to drug trade and those who have ruined youth through drugs won't be spared.

In a statement here, the Chief Minister said the drug trade which had flourished during the previous Akali-BJP and the Congress regime had ruined the future generations of the state.

He said the affluent leaders of both these parties had patronised this illegal trade in connivance of bureaucrats and drug smugglers to mint money illegally.

Mann said the perpetrators of this heinous crime will not be spared at any cost and they will be put behind the bars.

The Chief Minister said the probe report on this issue had been hanging in fire since long as none of the previous government was sincere to take action against those forces which had ruined the future of Punjab.

However, Mann said now when he had received the report in three packets of reports from High Court, severest of severe action will be taken against the forces inimical to state and its youth. He assured the Punjabis that exemplary action will be taken against those people whose hands are drenched with blood of countless youths who fell prey to drug menace.

Pertinently, these reports were pending for five years and the previous Congress government had not taken any action but after assuming the charge of office, the Chief Minister had given consent to the High court on February 15. Mann had given his consent to bring into public domain all sealed reports submitted before the Punjab and Haryana High Court that establish a nexus between police officers and drug traffickers.

These reports were submitted by a Special Investigating Team, which enquired into the matter deeply. This action paved way for stern action against the strong nexus of officers-politicians and drug peddlers who have been involved in this trade since long.

UP: CRIMINAL WANTED IN MURDER OF SURESH RAINA'S KIN SHOT DEAD IN ENCOUNTER A criminal from Rajasthan, who was an accused in the murder of cricketer Suresh Raina's relatives in Punjab in 2020, was killed in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Police in Shahpur village of Muzaffarnagar district on Saturday, police said. The accused, identified as Rashid a.k.a.

Sipahiya, carried a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head and had nearly a dozen criminal cases registered against him. Vinay Kumar Gautam, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Budhana), said, "Rashid was hiding in Moradabad and had come to Muzaffarnagar to execute his next crime. He was intercepted but he opened fire and was killed in retaliatory firing on Saturday. Station House Officer of Shahpur, Bablu Kumar, sustained a bullet injury. Rashid's associate managed to escape." Muzaffarnagar Senior Superintendent of Police, Sanjeev Suman, said, "We are now scanning records to collect more information about his activities." In August 2020, Raina's uncle Ashok Kumar, his son Kaushal Kumar, wife Asha Rani and two more members of the family were attacked by the 'Chhah Maar gang' (part of the notorious Bawariya gang) from Uttar Pradesh at Tharial in Punjab's Pathankot district. Kumar died on the spot while his wife and son succumbed to injuries later at a hospital. The gang of robbers had allegedly barged into their house and beaten up the family with sticks before decamping with cash and other valuables. Following the incident, an FIR was registered against unidentified men at Shahpur Kandi police station in Pathankot under IPC sections 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting with weapons), 149 (offence committed in prosecution of common object), 458 (housebreaking), 459 (grievous injury due to housebreaking) and 460 (causing death due to housebreaking).

PM MODI HOLDS TALKS WITH BHUTAN KING; FOCUS ON BILATERAL TIES.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Punjab Chief Minister CaptAmarinder Singh on Tuesday demanded time-bound compensation for the farmers whose wheat crop has been damaged by recent rains, while Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Badal demanded release of crop relief at the rate of Rs 50,000 per acre. CaptAmarinder Singh said the government should also consider providing interim relief for the farmers till the actual compensation is worked out after special 'girdawari', which is likely to take some time. He said Rs 15,000 compensation announced by the government was too less as the losses to farmers were quite enormous and demanded that the compensation must be at least Rs 30,000 per acre. The former chief minister said the unprecedented rains had caused devastating damage to the standing wheat crops across the state. He said most of the farmers have been badly hit. This, he added, will also affect the yield and eventually the income of the farmers who are already reeling under severe economic crisis. Slamming Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the SAD president said "what is the Chief Minister waiting for? The complete destruction of the wheat crop in nearly half of the state is there for all to see. It has also been corroborated by agricultural exper ts. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had also promised to give compensation immediately after crop damage on the 'Delhi Model' and should make good its promise instead of delaying the assessment procedure to deny relief to farmers as it had done last year also.

Farmers have not received compensation for damage done to wheat and cotton crops last year which should also be given immediately, Badal added. CaptAmarinder said while the government has been claiming to have ordered a special girdawari, the ground reports suggest that no official has reached out to farmers as yet to assess their losses. "This means that it will take more time and till then the farmers should be provided some interim relief to enable them to sow the next crop and manage day-to-day affairs," he added, while urging the government to take the relief measures at war-footing.

PUNJAB CM ASKS MLAS TO EXPEDITE WHEAT CROP LOSS RELIEF Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday asked the MLAs and officers to enhance their field visits for expediting the process of girdwari (harvest inspection) and redress problems of farmers.

"The MLAs should meet the farmers and listen to their grievances, likewise the officers should make sure that the special girdwari is completed soon so that we can disburse the compensation before Baisakhi," said the Chief Minister.

Expressing solidarity with the farmers who have lost their crop due to incessant untimely rain and hailstorms, the Chief Minister said the government is with the food growers in this hour of crisis.

He said the loss worth every single penny will be compensated and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause. He was well aware about the agony faced by the farming community due to the whopping loss suffered by them on account of inclement weather conditions. The Chief Minister said he is personally monitoring the entire drive on a day-to-day basis to ensure that the affected farmers are compensated in a most transparent and expeditious manner.

Mann said as he hails from a common family so he is aware of the anguish of the farmers at the personal level, and duly compensating them remains the top priority of the government.

DELHI'S SOURCE OF DRUGS, HIMACHAL NOW FACES AN ADDICTION SURGE Himachal Pradesh, the picturesque state nestled in the Himalayas, is known for its natural beauty and tranquility. However, in recent years, the state has been grappling with a rising drug problem that is threatening to tarnish its reputation. It has become a major cause for concern, particularly among the youth.

The state which is also known for widespread illegal cultivation of cannabis and its derivatives -- hashish, charas and the very popular malana cream -- is now being flooded by 'chitta' and pharmaceutical drugs, quite like its neighbouring state, Punjab.

The Himachal Pradesh police data analysis of 'Register 29' maintained in all police stations to keep a track of drug peddlers reveals that about 60 per cent of those active in the state have taken to 'chitta'. It has added a new dimension to the drug menace in the state. According to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity, Himachal Pradesh currently houses 3,000 jail inmates, with 40.8 percent of them incarcerated for drug-related offences.

Of these inmates, 68 percent are undertrials while the remaining 32 percent have been convicted. The official revealed that the state's correctional department has requested the government to expand prison capacity to 5,000 in response to the escalating drug problem.

Furthermore, there are over 8,000 ongoing NDPS cases in different courts, with approximately 7,000 awaiting trial.

Once upon a time, the state's drug headache was limited to illegal cannabis plantations in the Kullu Valley. According to sources, the demand is still high and the illegal business of the drug cartel is still booming. Himachal Pradesh's ancient Aryan village of Malana is known all over the world as a haven for those looking for a high in the hills. An oily and aromatic strain of hashish called Malana Cream is considered to be the purest form of hashish and is derived by the locals from the cannabis grown illegally in the surrounding Parvati Valley. The international popularity of the drug still brings thousands of tourists to the village. The economy of the area has boomed following the explosion in the demand for Malana Cream.

Malana Cream is not limited to Himachal Pradesh because it is trafficked to other states across the country.

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MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2023

PAKISTANIS DROWN UNDER COST OF LIVING AS INFLATION HITS ALL-TIME HIGH OF 35.4%

EX-NZ PM ARDERN APPOINTED SPECIAL ENVOY FOR COMBATING TERRORISM New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins on Tuesday appointed his predecessor Jacinda Ardern as Special Envoy for the Christchurch Call, a Wellington-led global initiative to fight terrorism and extremism after the deadly March 2019 mosque shootings.

The Special Envoy for the Christchurch Call will repor t directly to the Prime Minister, repor ts Xinhua news agency.

Ardern has declined to receive any remuneration for the new post and will commence her role on April 17, Hipkins said.

"The Christchurch Call is a foreign policy priority for the government and Jacinda Ardern is uniquely placed to keep pushing forward with the goal of eliminating violent extremist content online," the Prime Minister said.

"Terrorist and violent extremist content online is a global issue, but for many in New Zealand it is also very personal," he said, adding that the

Christchurch Call is part of the response to the March 15, 2019, terror attacks on the two Christchurch mosques which killed 51 people.

The special envoy will serve as New Zealand's senior representative on Christchurch Call-related matters, working closely with France as coleaders, according to the prime minister.

The Christchurch Call is a global initiative working across governments, the tech sector and civil society to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.

It has delivered new safety tools and systems online, backed by many of those running the platforms on which this content is shared, he said.

"Work is also underway in new areas, like the way algorithms affect radicalization and how the implications of fast rising tech such as AI and augmented reality can be exploited by terrorists and violent extremists," Hipkins said.

LAVROV READY TO MEET BLINKEN IF THERE’S WILLINGNESS FROM US: RUSSIAN UN ENVOY On the sidelines of his upcoming visit to New York on April 24-25, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is ready to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken if there is willingness from Washington, says Moscow’s Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday on Russia’s assumption of the rotating presidency of the Security Council for the month of April, Nebenzya said: “I think that depends on two factors. First, where Secretary Blinken will be at that time, and on his ability and willingness to meet with our Foreign Minister,” TASS News Agency reported.

The Russian side has never “run away from whatever meetings with those people who want these meetings”, the envoy claimed.

“If such a meeting is requested, I presume that Minister Lavrov will be ready to meet Secretary Blinken,” he added.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will meet Lavrov “when he is in town”, Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief’s spokesman, told reporters on Monday.

“I have no doubt that when Lavrov is here, he and the Secretary-General will have a sit-down,” Xinhua news agency quoted Dujarric as saying.

“The sit-down would be about going through the long list of issues and agenda items between the Russian Federation and the UN Secretariat,” he added.

The development comes two days after Blinken spoke on the phone with Lavrov and conveyed the US’ grave concern over Russia’s “unacceptable detention” of American journalist Evan Gershkovich over espionage charges.

A State Department statement said that during the call on Sunday, Blinken called for The Wall Street Journal reporter’s “immediate release and also urged “the Kremlin to immediately release wrongfully detained US citizen Paul Whelan”.

The two top officials met last month for the first time since Russia waged its ongoing war against Ukraine in February last year.

The brief meeting took place on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi.

Before this, Blinken and Lavrov met in Geneva in January 2022.

PAK-CHINA KHUNJERAB PASS TRADE ROUTE OPENS AFTER 3 YEARS In a major development for Pakistan-China trade relations, Khunjerab Pass, one of the pivotal trade route between the two countries, has reopened after being shut down for almost three years due to the Covid19 pandemic in 2020.

However, the route has been reopened as authorities from both sides have directed relevant quarters to complete all necessary measures to contain Covid-19 before the arrival of goods from Pakistan.

Official sources confirmed that the Chinese authorities have shared a letter with Pakistani authorities regarding the reopening of the pass for trade while por t authorities have put in place, all pre-testing and precautionary measures to check all shipments from Pakistan.

On the other hand, Pakistani authorities have also been instructed to take all measures regarding Covid-19 and to ensure the containment of the disease. As per routine procedures, the Khunjerab Pass normally opens from April 1 to November 30 every year and remains closed from December 1 to March 31 primarily due to the cold weather and lack of oxygen in the high altitude.

However, in view of the urgent needs and other supplies, as well as smooth custom clearance of Pakistan's supplies, the port was temporarily opened twice this year.

"Despite difficulties including extremely cold weather, heavy snow and lack of oxygen, the local customs have worked round the clock to ensure

transportation of cargo," said an official source.

"The two temporary opening lasted for 12 days between January 30 and February 10, while the first port opening was between January 19-20.

The two temporary openings facilitated 128 cross-border personnel visits, 328 transportation vehicles' passes, and more than 6,000 tonnes of goods exported." The reopening of the Khunjerab Pass trade route is being seen as a major boost to the economic activities between Pakistan and China.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his delight over the reopening of the border, calling it a major pillar of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

"Reopening of Khunjerab Pass is critical to accelerating trade between Pakistan and China. The government is determined to unpack the full potential of CPEC by making it the centerpiece of our economic diplomacy for the region. Trade and connectivity are the building blocks of prosperity, he maintained.

"CPEC was a gift of progress and prosperity given by former Prime Minster Nawaz Sharif and the Chinese leadership for the region and the people."

The Khunjerab Pass at 4,693-meter-high (15,397 ft), is the highest paved international border crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway.

It is located in a strategic position on the northern border of Pakistan (Gilgit Baltistan'sHunza and Nagar districts) and on the southwest border of China (Xinjiang).

Pakistans monthly inflation blew past forecasts in March and soared to a nearly all-time high level — 35.4 per cent — from a year earlier, with people feeling more pain from some of the fastest rising consumer prices amid straining budgets as cost of living continues to outstrip average incomes, according to a media report.

The fresh inflation reading issued by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Saturday also multiplied the prospects of a fur ther rise in interest rates in the upcoming monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting scheduled for April 4, Geo News reported.

The pace of increase in the prices endorsed the expectations of the Finance Ministry that said inflation was expected to stay at an elevated level owing to market frictions caused by relative demand and supply gap of essential items, exchange rate depreciation, and recent upward adjustment of administered prices of petrol and diesel, the report said.

The monthly inflation rate, however, declined to 3.7 per cent in March over February.

The inflation situation has worsened to its worst, steeping the masses, whose purchasing power has eroded by leaps and bounds, into misery, as the price of almost every edible item has gone through the roof over a period of months.

Core inflation, which was calculated after excluding the volatile energy and food prices, increased in March to 18.6 per cent in urban areas and 23.1 per cent in rural areas.

Analysts believe Pakistan is now heading towards hyperinflation a situation when prices are out of control and in the territory of a 50 per cent surge, Geo News reported.

PAKISTAN: FORMER ARMY CHIEF GENERAL BAJWA PUT PRESSURE ON ME TO RESTORE TIES WITH INDIA: EXPM IMRAN KHAN CONTD. FROM PAGE 1 Bajwa wanted friendship with India and put pressure on him for this, Khan was quoted as saying by The News.Bajwa said something one day and retracted it the next day. His accountability should be initiated within the army, he said.

Answering a question about the general elections, the PTI chairman said if the elections were not held in 90 days, there would be no Constitution left in the country and then he would take direct action.

Earlier this month, Pakistan again denied it was holding any “backchannel” talks with bordering India but reiterated its desire for a peaceful neighbourhood, The Express Tribune reported.

“At this stage, there is no back channel (talks) between Pakistan and India,” said Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch while responding to a question at a weekly briefing, The Express Tribune reported. Relations between the two neighbouring countries have remained at a standstill for the last many years.

Pakistan had not only downgraded diplomatic ties but suspended bilateral trade with India. However, there was a chance of a possible thaw in ties when two countries engaged in backchannel talks in 2021. The secret meetings between senior security officials of Pakistan and India in the UAE led to the renewal of ceasefire understanding along the Line of Control (LoC) in February 2021, The Express Tribune repor ted. The next move was to restore bilateral trade but the process came to a halt when the government of then premier Khan turned down the decision to import sugar and cotton from India.

Some reports later claimed that backchannel talks even discussed the possibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Pakistan.

PAKISTAN APPROVES BILL TO CURTAIL POWERS OF CHIEF JUSTICE

CURRENCY DEALERS OFFER $24B IN LOANS TO PAKISTAN TO STAY AWAY FROM IMF PACKAGE Currency dealers in open market in Pakistan have offered loans of $24 billion to the government for the next two years to help it stay away from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, which has badly hit the nations economy.

Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP) President Malik Bostan said: “We have offered $1 billion a month in financing to the government for the next two years to get rid of the IMF,” The Express Tribune reported.

The government must pass an order to allow exchange companies to borrow US dollars directly from overseas Pakistanis, foreign firms and global exchange companies, he emphasised.

The loans will be free of cost and can be rolled over, if required.

“We are in contact with millions of expatriate Pakistanis as they are our clients. They are ready to lend $1 billion a month to us (exchange companies) over the next 24 months, in addition to the usual inflows received by exchange companies.”

Bostan, along with other office-bearers of the association, floated the proposal in a meeting with Senate Standing Committee on Finance Chairman Saleem Mandviwala in Islamabad, The Express Tribune reported.

Central bank officers and other high officials were present in the huddle.

“Exchange companies are already supplying $300-400 million a month, totalling $4 billion a year, to the inter-bank market,” he revealed, adding that the IMF had continued to come up with new conditions one after another, making it tough for Pakistan to give a push to its economy.

He asked the government to further review its laws, rules and regulations for IT freelancers, who had deposits of billions of dollars in foreign banks. “If the regulations are softened, they will bring these deposits to Pakistan.”

After the Pakistan federal cabinet approved a ‘controversial’ bill to deprive the office of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) of powers to take suo motu notice in an individual capacity, the proposed legislation was referred to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice by National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf for further deliberations. The amendments which have been proposed in the Supreme Court’s rules, have sparked a fresh debate in legal and political circles and it is expected that the bill may be struck down by the apex court, Dawn reported. Soon after the approval of the bill, called the “Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023”, by the federal cabinet in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, it was tabled in the National Assembly. The bill was introduced in the assembly through a supplementary agenda, as it was not included in the original orders of the day. It is expected that the standing committee will pass the bill in its meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Dawn reported. The bill proposes a committee of three judges headed by the chief justice which will be empowered to take suo motu notice as opposed to the earlier practice, which allowed the CJP to initiate proceedings under Article 184(3) in an individual capacity.

MIDWEEK NEWS NEWS WEEKLY WEEKLY TUESDAY, AUGUST TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 28, 2012 2023

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MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2023

SALMAN KHAN JOINS SHAH RUKH KHAN'S FAMILY GAURI, ARYAN & SUHANA AT AMBANI'S EVENT; POSE TOGETHER

TIGER STEPS IN FOR PATHAAN! IT’S WAS A BIG DAY FOR BOLLYWOOD AND HOLLYWOOD AS ALL THE STARS CAME UNDER ONE ROOF FOR THE LAUNCH OF NITA MUKESH AMBANI CULTURAL CENTRE (NMACC). THE KHANS ATTENDED THE NITA MUKESH AMBANI CULTURAL CENTRE OPENING IN MUMBAI NIGHT IN STYLE AND ELEGANCE. WHILE SALMAN KHAN ARRIVED SOLO, HE DECIDED TO FILL IN FOR SHAH RUKH KHAN AS HIS FAMILY POSED WITHOUT HIM ON THE RED CARPET. BOLLYWOOD'S BHAIJAAN WAS SPOTTED POSING ALONE AND LATER JOINED GAURI KHAN, ARYAN KHAN AND SUHANA KHAN FOR PHOTOS. THEY ALSO INDULGED IN SOME CONVERSATION AND LAUGHTER. IT WAS A SIGHT TO BEHOLD FOR THE PAPARAZZI AND MADE FOR A PICTURE-PERFECT MOMENT. A VIDEO FROM THE EVENT SHOWED SHAH RUKH KHAN'S WIFE GAURI KHAN POSING WITH ARYAN KHAN AND SUHANA KHAN. GAURI WORE A NUDE-COLOURED SAREE WITH SEQUINS DETAILING. SUHANA KHAN, ON THE OTHER HAND, LOOKED GORGEOUS IN A RED GOWN WITH A THIGH-HIGH SLIT ON THE SIDES AND ARYAN KHAN LOOKED DAPPER IN BLACK PANTS THAT HE PAIRED WITH A WINE COLOURED BLAZER WITH GOLDEN WORK ON IT. AFTER THE FAMILY WAS DONE POSING, SALMAN QUICKLY JUMPED INTO THE FRAME. AS GAURI SPOTTED HIM, SHE ASKED HER KIDS TO STAY BACK FOR ANOTHER PHOTO. ALL FOUR POSED FOR PHOTOS TOGETHER.

TIFF ANNOUNCES TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX REJUVENATION AND PARTNERSHIP WITH OCAD U TORONTO: TIFF is delighted to announce exciting changes to its visitor experience and Membership community. Renovations to the TIFF Bell Lightbox’s third floor are well underway as part of its commitment to create a welcoming and inspiring space for all film lovers and audiences to gather. The highlight of this project is an elegant reimagining of the third-floor public spaces and the Bell Blue Room, which will reopen as a new destination for all guests of TIFF Bell Lightbox. The TIFF Membership programme is also being relaunched based on feedback from our 12,000+ Members, with new benefits to reflect and strengthen the year-round and Festival offerings TIFF Members value most. Also announced today is TIFF’s new partnership with OCAD U, which welcomes students in the Experimental Animation program as well as students who produce content for OCAD U LiVE into TIFF Bell Lightbox. “We’ve been glad to welcome millions of visitors to TIFF Bell Lightbox over the past 13 years,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “Now, it’s time for a refresh. When film lovers walk into our new third floor, they’ll feel a warmer, more inviting environment, perfect for gathering with friends over coffee to talk film, art, or whatever sparks their imagination that day.”

Slated to open in time for the Festival, TIFF’s third-floor public spaces are being redesigned by Toronto-based design studio DesignAgency to reflect the classic and nostalgic sentiment of film, and will feature an inviting cafébar in the Bell Blue Room.

I CONTD. ON PAGE 23

FORMER INDIA CRICKETER SALIM DURANI PASSES AWAY AT 88

KANGANA FINDS 'DESI KIDS WHO LADY GAGA DISPLAYS HER VOCAL DIANA PENTY ROPED IN FOR SPEAK HINDI IN SECOND-HAND PROWESS, SINGS & DANCES AMITABH BACHCHANBRIT ACCENT' ANNOYING DURING 'JOKER 2' FILMING STARRER 'SECTION 84'

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KANGANA RANAUT SAID THAT SHE FINDS ENGLISH SPEAKING “DESI KIDS” WHO SPEAK HINDI IN A TACKY SECOND HAND BRITISH ACCENT IRRITATING.

OVER THE WEEKEND, THE 37-YEAR-OLD WAS SEEN SHOOTING SCENES FOR THE SEQUEL AT A FAMILIAR PLACE.

23 DIANA PENTY WILL BE SEEN SHARING SCREEN SPACE WITH MEGASTAR AMITABH BACHCHAN IN THE UPCOMING COURTROOM DRAMA THRILLER 'SECTION 84'.

Salim Durani, one of the finest all-rounders that have played for India, passed away at his home here after a prolonged battle with cancer, on Sunday. He was 88, according to a family source. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Durani had Pashtun origins and was known for his batting and bowling prowess that left the spectators thrilled. “He will always be remembered for hitting sixes when spectators demanded. Hitting sixes during that period was rare,” remembered a family friend in Mumbai. A slow left-arm orthodox bowler and left-handed batsman, Durani was the hero of India’s series victory against England in 1961-62, claiming 8 and 10 wickets in India’s wins in the Calcutta and Madras Tests, respectively. He also played a key role in India’s maiden Test win against the West Indies in 1972, taking the wicket of key batters Clive Llyod and Gary Sobers. He is the first cricketer to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award and was awarded the C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award by the BCCI in 2011. In 29 Tests, Durani scored 1202 runs at an average of 25.04 hitting one century and seven half-centuries. In his 50 innings, Durani scalped 74 victims at an average of 35.42, claiming 5 wickets in an innings on five occasions and 10 wickets in a match once. He had a best haul of 6/73 in an innings.

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ALL ABOUT NMACC! FROM PRIYANKA-NICK TO BOLLYWOOD'S A-LIST, GLOBAL CELEBS THRONG NMACC OPENING

The who's who of the arts and entertainment world, both Indian and international, gathered for the grand inauguration of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) at the Jio World Gardens, BandraKurla Complex, Mumbai, on Friday evening.

The Ambani family was in full attendance at the opening of Nita Ambani's dream cultural project -- Mukesh Ambani arrived with his

daughter Esha and her father-in-law, Dilip Piramal, Akash Ambani came with wife Shloka Mehta, and Anant Ambani with fiancee Radhika Merchant. And then the red carpet saw a procession of celebrities, from 'Citadel' star Priyanka Chopra and her husband Nick Jonas, who had landed in Mumbai on Friday afternoon, along with their daughter Malti Marie, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar (with wife Anjali

FUSING CULTURE & FASHION: KARISMA KAPOOR POSES WITH TOM HOLLAND, ZENDAYA Actress Karisma Kapoor shared a slew of photographs posing with Hollywood stars Tom Holland and Zendaya at the opening events of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC).

Karisma took to Instagram, where she shared photos from the night, as she posed with American actors Zendaya, Tom Holland and Nita Ambani. "All heart to Nita Ji, Mukesh Ji, Isha & the Ambani Family @nnmac.india is an alchemy of art and culture which draws from centuries of tradition. Proudly bringing Indian culture & heritage to a global platform. The last 2 days have been nothing but immersing myself in culture, fashion, beauty and so much more! Truly a grand edition to Mumbai City," wrote Karisma.

Other celebrities who attended the gala included Gigi Hadid, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Penelope Cruz, Karlie Kloss, Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, and global icon Priyanka Chopra and her husband Nick Jonas, Kareena Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan. All at NMACC: From 'GallanGoodiyan' to India's influence on global fashion Social media critics may have carped over Varun Dhawan's antics with Gigi Hadid at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) Day 2 after party -- the actor claims it was all planned -- but they just loved Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra reprising their 'GallanGoodiyan' song from Zoya Akhtar's 2015 romance drama 'DilDhadakne Do'. Priyanka, who's awaiting the release of the sci-fi action drama series 'Citadel' later this month, looked clearly out of touch with Bollywood moves -- she was in 'DilDhadakne Do' when Ranveer and she were much younger.

Nonetheless, she sportingly tried to keep pace with Ranveer Singh, who was his usual sprightly self. At the end of the performance, Ranveer planted a kiss on his old co-star, who's now an international celebrity. The stars and their gigs may have grabbed the media's attention, but the big event coinciding with the NMACC opening that has got the international fashion world talking is the exhibition showcasing the global influence of Indian art and fine fabrics since the 1600s. In the words of the show's curator, 'Vogue' magazine's global editor at large, Hamish Bowles, "The treasury of India's sartorial and textile traditions have provided inspiration that led to imitation at the court of Louis XVI and the couturiers of Jazz Age Paris, the sportswear designers of midcentury America, and the hippies of the Summer of Love."

Unsurprisingly, the exhibition drew high praise from people in the know, one of them being Radhika Raje Gaekwad of the House of Baroda. "The exquisitely represented and mounted exhibition by @hamishbowles on India-inspired world fashion spanning centuries is not to be missed," wrote Radhika Raje on her Instagram. Her comments accompanied pictures from the exhibition, including one of her with Hollywood star Penelope Cruz. Raje added: "From Chintz from the Tapi Collection to @ysl and @chanelofficial runways, this one is a feast for craft, textile and fashion lovers."

'TRULY WONDERFUL': TOM HOLLAND THANKS AMBANIS FOR INVITE TO NMACC LAUNCH 'Spider-Man' Tom Holland has thanked the Ambani family for inviting him and his actress-girlfriend Zendaya to the launch of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre.

Holland took to Instagram, where he shared a string of pictures of himself dressed in a black suit and bow tie at the event.

Zendaya, who appeared in a peacock-blue Rahul Mishra sari, and Holland were the stars of Day 2 of the opening. "Thank you to the Ambani family for inviting us to celebrate the opening of the @nmacc.india. A truly wonderful experience that I'll never forget," said Holland in the image caption.

The Ambani family was in full attendance at the multi-day opening of Nita Ambani's dream cultural project -- Mukesh Ambani arrived with his daughter Esha and her father-in-law, Dilip Piramal, Akash Ambani came with wife Shloka Mehta, who's carrying their second child, and Anant Ambani showed up with fiancee Radhika Merchant.

ZENDAYA SHIMMERS IN DEEP-BLUE SARI ON DAY 2 OF NMACC OPENING If Day One of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) opening in Mumbai on Friday night was all about the entertainment world -- from Rajinikanth to SRK -- with a sprinkling of politicians added to the mix, Day Two on Saturday night was dedicated to the power of haute couture.

From archival pieces carrying the creative stamp of John Galliano and the House of Dior to the Big Three of Indian couturiers -- Anamika Khanna, Tarun Tahiliani and Sabyasachi Mukherjee -- the NMACC cast a swish spell.

Topping the list of A-list attendees were 'Euphoria' star Zendaya in a flowing sultry deep blue sari with a playful floral border and goldembellished blouse and supermodel Gigi Hadid, who exuded in the words of 'Vogue', "a modern Devdas look with an ivory and gold sari", with a gold bangle stack and jewelled blouse to complete the look. Zendaya's significant other, 'Spider-Man' Tom Holland, stuck to a black suit and bow tie.

Also seen were Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor (she in an embellished jumpsuit paired with a cape by Rahul Mishra), Anusha Dandekar(in vinetinted lehenga with a cape and layered jewellery), footballer-politician Sunil Chhetri (in black sherwani and matching pants), Aditi Rao Hydari (in a heavily embroidered lehenga and an embellished white shir t), Lisa Ray (in chic white sari with a jewelled belt), and celebrated sculptor Jeff Coons, who opted for a long, knee-length kurta and cream pyjama set with jacket to complete the look.

and daughter Sara), to Bollywood's Great Khans -- Shah Rukh (with wife Gauri, Aaryan and Suhana), Salman, Aamir (dressed down in casual kurta and blue jeans, and with his many children).

The A-plus list included 'Thalaivar' Rajinikanth, who came in tees, jeans and sandals, Uddhav, Rashmi and Aditya Thackeray, celebrated sculptor Jeff Coons, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya, 'Never Have I Ever' star Poorna Jagannathan, and the American supermodel Gigi Hadid. Giving them competition in getting paparazzi attention were Saif Ali Khan and Kareena (striking in red), Ranveer Singh and Deepika (looking lovingly into each other's eyes for the cameras), Alia Bhatt (with Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdan), Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput, Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, Ektaa Kapoor with father Jeetendra and brother Tusshar, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon and Sonam Kapoor. The centre opens with an exhibition titled 'Sangam/Confluence', which features the works of ar tists Bharti Kher, Bhupen Khakhar, RanjaniShettar, Ratheesh T., and Shantibai, and international trend-setters such as Anselm Kiefer, Cecily Brown, Francesco Clemente, Lynda Benglis, and Raqib Shaw.

The exhibition has been curated by Jeffrey Deitch and Ranjit Hoskote.

The second opening exhibition is centred around the world of fashion and history. Curated by Hamish Bowles, global editor-at-large, 'Vogue', and designed by Patrick Kinmonth and Rooshad Shroff, the exhibition will showcase Western couture inspired by India.

The Centre's opening will also feature the expansive musical, 'Civilization to Nation: The Journey of Our Nation'. Playwright and director Feroz Abbas Khan has put up this kaleidoscopic narration of Indian history and culture told through the Natya Shastra, the ancient Sanskrit treatise on the performing ar ts.

This performance boasts over 700 performers and will feature dance, music, and puppetry.

PM MODI CONGRATULATES NITA AMBANI FOR THE OPENING OF NMACC IN MUMBAI Prime Minister Narender Modi has congratulated Nita Ambani for the opening of Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), a first-of-its-kind, multi-disciplinary cultural space in the sphere of arts, that was launched in Mumbai recently.

In a letter dated on March 29, the Prime Minister said, "It is hear tening to learn about the opening of Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai. Hear tiest congratulations and greetings to everyone associated with the Cultural Centre on the occasion. "It is indeed commendable that Smt. Nita Ambani Ji is leading this endeavour of the Ambani family with the aim of popularising our arts and culture. This showcases the unique Indian phenomenon of staying rooted to one's roots while also being committed to progress.

"This endeavour will go a long way in making our art and culture accessible to a larger section of society and at the same time also encourage a vibrant socio-cultural interaction between different parts of the country and the world. I am positive that this Cultural Centre will provide a platform to budding ar tists and performers to showcase their talent, which in turn encourages more people to take up art professionally. "Best wishes for the opening of Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre."

Bollywood and Hollywood celebrities, sports personalities and other dignitaries were present at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai for the launch of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre last week.

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PRIYANKA CHOPRA-NICK JONAS’ SPECIAL AUTO RICKSHAW DATE NIGHT IN MUMBAI

Priyanka Chopra posted pictures of her "date night" with her husband Nick Jonas in Mumbai after the conclusion of two days of events at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC). They had a spontaneous photo shoot with a rickshaw on the streets of Mumbai, which she added to her Instagram story and later dropped pictures on her feed. Malti Marie Jonas, Priyanka's one-year-old daughter, and Nick are touring India for the first time in a long time.

Sharing the pictures, Chopra wrote: “Date night and a [auto rickshaw emoji] with my forever guy Nick Jonas. Thank you, Ami Patel; as always for your amazing collaboration. I knew I wanted to wear an upcycled vintage look with a modern twist. So, my outfit was an

amalgamation of the east and the west. Like me.”

In the pictures, Chopra is looking glamorous in Amit Aggarwal's brocade saree dress. While Nick is donning a blue colour suit. The actress thanked Amit Agggarwal and wrote, “Thank you Amit Aggarwal for coming through and creating this handcrafted beauty with a story that is so apt for an evening celebrating Indian art and Fashion. This beautiful outfit was created using a 65-year-old vintage Banarasi patola (brocade) saree with silver threads and gold electroplating on khadi silk. It is paired with a sequin sheet holographic bustier to reflect the nine colours of the ikat weave that the brocade is set in.

Thank you for your genius, Amit and your gifted team.”

DEEPIKA PADUKONE IS 'DEAD' SEEING SHAH RUKH KHAN'S BLACK SUIT LOOK

AKSHAY KUMAR BECOMES PRANK INSPIRATION FOR FANS The Khiladi of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar is not only known for his out-of-the-box stunts but also for his pranks on sets.

How can the prankster of Bollywood not celebrate April Fool's day? The actor took to Instagram Reels to share a hilarious video of his latest prank. The person Akshay pranked was his clothing brand FORCE IX's co-founder Manish Mandhana. Towards the end of the video, Akshay also shared a clip of his Bhagam Bhag character. Akshay shared a video in which he is seen asking his clothing brand co-founder Manish Mandhana to lift him up. In the video, Akshay can be seen lifting Manish with utmost ease.

Actress Deepika Padukone had an epic reaction on seeing Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's look from the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre event.

Shah Rukh suited up in a black V-neck t-shirt, black pants and a black blazer, paired with a diamond pendant for the event. He was joined by wife Gauri Khan, daughter Suhana Khan and son Aryan Khan at the event. Stylist ShaleenaNathani shared a picture of SRK's look for the event. She wrote: "DEADDDD !!!! @iamsrk today for the opening of @nmacc.india."

Soon after, Deepika Padukone commented on the post: "Me Too!" SRK and Deepika were seen sharing screen space in this year's blockbuster 'Pathaan', which also stars John Abraham, Dimple Kapadia and Ashutosh Rana. On the work front, SRK has 'Jawan' and 'Dunki'. Deepika will next be seen in 'Fighter' starring Hrithik Roshan.

MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2023

ISHAAN KHATTER TO STAR ALONGSIDE NICOLE KIDMAN IN 'THE PERFECT COUPLE'

Bollywood actor Ishaan Khatter will be seen starring alongside Hollywood star Nicole Kidman in the upcoming limited series 'The Perfect Couple' on Netflix.

He will play Shooter Dival, the best friend of the groom in 'The Perfect Couple'. 'The Perfect Couple' also stars Liev Schreiber, Dakota Fanning and others.

The actor took to Instagram to announce the project, and wrote in the caption: "New beginnings." Netflix also shared the cast announcement and tweeted: "The Perfect Couple casting is actually per fect." Ishaan was earlier seen in Mira Nair's 'A Suitable Boy'. He was last seen in the film Katrina Kaif and Siddhant Chaturvedi-starrer film 'Phone Bhoot'.

LADY GAGA DISPLAYS HER VOCAL PROWESS, SINGS & DANCES DURING 'JOKER 2' FILMING

Singer-actress Lady Gaga is making use of her vocals for her role in 'Joker: Folie a Deux'. The 13-time Grammy Award winner has shown off her singing prowess as she filmed the movie in New York City, repor ts aceshowbiz.com. Over the weekend, the 37year-old was seen shooting scenes for the sequel at a familiar place. She was photographed at the same staircase where Joaquin Phoenix's titular character boogied down in the 2019 film. In pictures and videos taken by onlookers, Gaga was walking the iconic staircase connecting Shakespeare and Anderson avenues at West 167th Street in the Bronx. As she ascended the graffiti-laced staircase, she busted a few moves. When she almost reached the top of the staircase, she can be heard singing a few lines from Ar thur Schwartz and Howard Dietz's 'That's Enter tainment' and dancing before walking back down.

SALMAN, VENKATESH JOIN RAM CHARAN TO REJIG 'NAATUNAATU' HOOKSTEP FOR 'YENTAMMA' Superstars Salman Khan and Venkatesh have tightened their 'lungis' as they did a revamped version of the 'NaatuNaatu' hookstep with Ram Charan for the song 'Yentamma' from 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan'. 'Yentamma' features Salman, Venkatesh and Ram in bright yellow shir ts, white with gold bordered mundu and black boots. The song features Salman and Venkatesh with full swag dancing on the high powered song on stage. Actress Pooja Hegde joins while Ram comes in a different frame. The song also features Shehnaaz Gill, Palak Tiwari, Raghav Juyal and Siddharth Nigam.

Directed by Farhad Samji, the film marks the Bollywood debut of Shehnaaz Gill and Palak Tiwari and will also star Jagapathi Babu, Bhumika Chawla and also have glimpses of Abdu Rozik, Bhagyashree and others. The film will release in theatres on April 21.

‘BRAHMASTRA 2’ IN 2026, ‘BRAHMASTRA 3’ IN 2027: AYAN MUKERJI ANNOUNCES TIMELINE After ‘Brahasmtra Part 1: Shiva’ had a successful run at the box-office, its filmmaker Ayan Mukerji has now announced the timeline for ‘Brahmastra Part 2: Dev’ and ‘Brahmastra Part 3', which is scheduled to release in 2026 and 2027 respectively.’ Ayan took to Instagram, where he made the announcement along with a post he penned. He wrote: “The Time has come – for some updates on the Brahmastra Trilogy, the Astraverse, and my Life! After absorbing all the love and the feedback on Part One… I have been focused on creating the Vision for Part Two and Part Three – which I now know will be bigger and more ambitious than Part One! have learnt that we need a little more time to perfect the script of BrahmAstra Two and Three!” He shared the second and third installment will be made together.

“And…have decided that we are going to make the two films… Together!

Allowing them to also release closer together! I have a timeline in place to achieve this, which I am sharing with you all today!” He had another “piece of news to share…”

Without divulging much, he said: “The Universe has presented me with a very special opportunity recently – a very special movie – to step into and direct! What the movie is… More on that when the time is right. An opportunity that challenges me and terribly excites me… one where I will learn, be inspired and where I will grow! So, I have decided to take it up!! Opening myself up to all the positive energies in this universe so I can do my best and contribute to that one thing that matters most to me – Indian Cinema!” Produced by Star Studios Dharma Productions, Prime Focus, and Ayan Mukerji, the first part of Brahmastra shattered box office records and captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

AFTER HIS GIGI HADID PECK, VARUN GETS FUNKY ON 'CITADEL' BLUE CARPET Varun Dhawan stirred a controversy with his on-stage act with American supermodel Gigi Hadid during one of the events at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre launch in Mumbai.

On Tuesday, he walked the 'Citadel' blue carpet and got noticed by choosing a funky avatar for his appearance.

The actor was seen wearing black t-shirt and black cargo pants paired with a jacket with shades of cobalt blue and sand. He chose a clean-shaven look for the event.

On the blue carpet, Varun also posed for the paparazzi as he swung around one of the long belts of his cargo pants.

Meanwhile, Gigi, the recipient of Varun's peck on the cheeks, took to Instagram Story and shared a video of their performance. She thanked Varun and star ted following Varun on Instagram. She wrote: "@varundvn making my Bollywood dreams come tru (laughter emojis)." Choreographer Shiamak Davar, who directed the performances at the NMACC opening gala, said it was "Gigi's idea" and that "she asked Varun to do so".

REKHA MAKES HEADS TURN, JOKES WITH PAPS ON 'CITADEL' BLUE CARPET The legendary Rekha, who is often called the eternal beauty, lived up to the title as she walked the 'blue carpet' of the upcoming streaming series 'Citadel', which sees Priyanka Chopra and 'Games of Thrones' alum Richard Madden in the lead. Rekha chose a hybrid silk outfit in the shades of rose gold and purple. She spor ted heavy earpieces and her tresses were tied in a traditional bun rounded up with gajra.

On the blue carpet, the celebrated actress also joked with the paparazzi stationed at the venue and she playfully made a gesture of slapping one of the paps after a brief verbal exchange in jest.

The actress is a Padma Shri recipient and also served as nominated member of the Rajya Sabha member from 2012 to the end of her tenure in 2018.

JIM SARBH PUTS BEST FASHION FOOT FORWARD AT A-PAC PREMIERE OF 'CITADEL' Actor Jim Sarbh, who was recently seen in the second season of the streaming show 'Rocket Boys', put his best fashion foot forward at the blue carpet of the Asia-Pacific premiere of the Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden-starrer streaming show 'Citadel'. For the occasion, Jim's sar torial choice included shades of black in prominence teamed with sea green and crimson.

He wore a black coloured t-shir t paired with black pants and broke the colour with a floral -skull print blazer. He rounded up his look with salt and pepper hairdo and a light stubble. Jim recently bid adieu to his par t of India's pioneer in the field of nuclear physics - Dr. Homi Bhabha after his character died in the series during an air crash.

Meanwhile, 'Citadel' which will see Priyanka stepping into the shoes of an elite spy, will tell the story of the eponymous spy agency as it puts together its resources to get back the memories of its agents from across the world after one of their own agents goes rogue.

The series will drop on Prime Video on April 28, 2023.

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MidWeek 21 AYAN MUKERJI TO DIRECT HRITHIK ROSHAN-STARRER 'WAR 2' FOR YASH RAJ FILMS

PRIYANKA EXPLAINS WHY SHE SPOKE UP ON BOLLYWOOD AFTER SO LONG Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who recently stirred a controversy with her statement on how she was cornered in Bollywood by a certain set of influential people, has explained why she decided to speak up about the incident at this juncture.

Priyanka was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the AsiaPacific press conference for the upcoming sci-fi spy thriller series "Citadel", where she plays the lead role opposite Richard Madden.

Sharing the reason for speaking up after such a long time, she said:

"First, I spoke during the podcast about my journey across my childhood, teenage years, the initial phase of my career and eventually the incident that changed a few things for me." She added: "I have had tumultuous times back then, but today, I feel confident to speak about it in the hope that people at large would take notice of it, empathise (with me) and understand where I'm coming from. I felt it was a safe space for me to open up about the rocky patch in my professional journey." "Citadel" is set to premiere on Prime Video on April 28.

SONI RAZDAN POSTS THROWBACK PIC OF LITTLE ALIA BHATT FROM 'PAPA KEHTE HAIN' SHOOT Veteran actress Soni Razdan shared a throwback picture from the sets of the 1996 film 'Papa Kehte Hain' in Seychelles and it features actress Alia Bhatt looking adorable as a toddler.

Soni took to Twitter, where she shared the picture. In the image, little Alia can be seen in a white frock standing in front of her father Mahesh Bhatt as they hold hands.

Beside them, Soni is standing with Shaheen in front of her.

"This one is from Seychelles when the girls were small and we were shooting 'Papa Kehte Hain' there. Search for 'water' in your camera roll and quote tweet the pic #water #family #shootlife #whenwewereyoung @aliaa08 @MaheshNBhatt #shaheenbhatt," she wrote as the caption. 'Papa Kehte Hain' starred Jugal Hansraj, Mayuri Kango, Soni Razdan, Anupam Kher, Reema Lagoo and Alok Nath.

S.S. RAJAMOULI'S 'RRR' GETS OVER 1 MN FOOTFALLS IN 164 DAYS IN JAPAN Filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli's magnum opus 'RRR' has got over 1 million footfalls in Japan and is reportedly the first Indian film to do so in the country.

The Ram Charan and NTR Jr.-starrer film was released in October last year. The official Twitter handle of RRR movie shared news about the movie getting 1 million footfalls in 164 days of its theatrical run. The tweet read: "#RRRMovie records 1 Million+ footfall in 164 Days and continues its rocking run." An excited Rajamouli too wrote: "Showered with 1 Million hugs from Japanese fans...ArigatoGuzaimasu #RRRinJapan."

HRITHIK ROSHAN HOLDS GIRLFRIEND SABA'S HEELS, PIC TAKES OVER THE INTERNET A picture of Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan holding his girlfriend Saba Azad's stilettoes has been doing the rounds on social media. Hrithik and Saba were seen attending the star-studded launch of Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai. In the picture posted by a Twitter user, Hrithik is seen holding Saba's heels. Several celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood added sparkle to the event including Tom Holland Zendaya, Gigi Hadid, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas and Varun Dhawan.

Hrithik and Saba have remained tight-lipped about their relationship status and recently opened up about it. The two keep making appearances together. On the work front, Hrithik will next be seen in Siddhar th Anand's next directorial 'Fighter' with Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor.

KAJOL CALLS DAUGHTER NYSA DEVGN 'MINI ME' IN HILARIOUS PICTURE STRING Bollywood star Kajol has shared a string of photographs featuring her daughter Nysa Devgn and her before attending the inauguration of Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) and even gave a glimpse of the behind-the-scene moment from the photoshoot.

Kajol took to Instagram, where she shared a string of pictures. The first few images feature Nysa looking gorgeous in a silver outfit she wore for the launch. Then comes the actress, who poses with her and the two in the last image are seen laughing.

"Mini me and me! Started off all graceful and then we became human," she wrote as the caption.

The NMACC launch was a star-studded affair, where the who's who of the showbiz world were seen attending it. The names include Gigi Hadid, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Penelope Cruz, Karlie Kloss, Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, and global icon Priyanka Chopra and her husband Nick Jonas, Kareena Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan.

Filmmaker Ayan Mukerji has been roped in by Yash Raj Films's head honcho Aditya Chopra to direct the second installment of the blockbuster film 'War' starring Hrithik Roshan. A source on condition of anonymity said, "Aditya Chopra is choosing the captain of the ship for each YRF Spy Universe film strategically.

Ayan has delivered big hits which appeals to all audience segments and has the pulse of Indian audiences. He has shown that he knows how to mount a film with a huge scale, which is essential for someone to direct War 2. "Plus, he is a young film-maker who can bring a different kind of newness to the Spy Universe. Ayan will have his unique take on how to make an epic action spectacle with War 2. Aditya Chopra trusts him to take the franchise forward. Ayan directing 'War 2' is probably the most exciting announcements of recent times. All eyes on him to make the franchise and the YRF Spy Universe bigger." Speculations that Ayan is directing 'War 2' star ted when the director uploaded a note this morning and hinted at directing a very special movie!'

'War' released in 2019. It was directed by 'Pathaan' maker Siddharth Anand. The film also starred Tiger Shroff.

CHRIS HEMSWORTH TRIES TO FIGHT HIS WAY OUT OF RIOT IN 'EXTRACTION 2' TEASER TRAILER Hollywood star Chris Hemswor th has shared a glimpse of his latest action film 'Extraction 2' amid a report he is planning to slow down his acting career.

Hemswor th, who is repor tedly planning on reducing his workload after discovering he could be vulnerable in later life to Alzheimer's while he filmed his National Geographic and Disney+ docuseries 'Limitless', featured in a clip he and Netflix released on Instagram celebrating the shooting of his upcoming sequel 'Extraction 2', reports aceshowbiz.com.

"Two things are very different from the last film. One - it's very, very cold. Two - I'm alive. How? You'll have to find out - watch the movie," he shouts in the clip, filmed on the back of a speeding train in the snow while its director Sam Hargrave stands behind him. Filmmaker Sam Hargrave said on Instagram, "That's a wrap on day one of 'Extraction 2' with the train location. We got a lot of snow today, but it looks pretty great on camera, so we'll take it." The first "Extraction" movie left fans on a cliffhanger as Hemsworth black ops mercenary character Tyler appeared to have been left for dead, though there was a hint he could still be living. The sequel is said to pit Tyler against a ruthless Georgian gangster, when he is tasked with rescuing a family he has imprisoned. Hemswor th will also be reprising his Thor role in an upcoming 'The Avengers' sequel, and a part in an untitled biopic of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan.

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CANNES CONFIRMS IT'LL HONOUR HARRISON FORD, SCREEN 'DIAL OF DESTINY' The Cannes Film Festival has confirmed the world premiere of "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny", the news that was first revealed by 'Variety' last week.

James Mangold and Harrison Ford will climb the steps of the Palais des Festivals on May 18 alongside Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas, John Rhys-Davies, Toby Jones, Boyd Holbrook, Ethann Isidore, and Mads Mikkelsen. The film will be screened out of competition. The festival will also pay a special tribute to Ford for his career. The film has been produced

by Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Simon Emanuel, with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas serving as executive producers. This instalment will repor tedly be Ford's last time playing the titular character, repor ts 'Variety'. Details of the film's plot are being kept under wraps that are tighter than those of a mummy, in the words of 'Variety', but based on the trailer this one does find Dr Jones facing off against former Nazis in a flashback sequence that uses 'de-aging technology' to zap Ford back in time. Mangold said: "In 1995, I was honoured to come to Cannes with my first film 'Heavy', as part of Director's Fortnight; 28 years later, I am proud to return with a slightly larger spectacle. My legendary collaborators and I are very excited to share a brand new and final Indiana Jones adventure with you."

'MOANA' LIVE-ACTION REMAKE SET WITH DWAYNE JOHNSON RETURNING

'DATING FOR 2 MONTHS': EMILY RATAJKOWSKI AFTER LIP-LOCK WITH HARRY STYLES The visuals of Harry Styles locking lips with actress Emily Ratajkowski sent many in a frenzy. While things settle on the viral imagery, Emily seems to have admitted she is secretly dating Harry Styles after the pair were spotted passionately kissing in Tokyo.

The model, 31, has revealed she has been in a relationship since early February and described her new par tner as "kind of great", repor ts 'Mirror.co.uk'. Speaking on a podcast which was recorded before the pair were caught locking lips, Emily said: "I just star ted dating someone that I think I like, so that is different. I was like, 'He's kind of great'."

She said her love life hasn't always been so good, "If you had been talking to me four weeks ago, absolutely. I would be seeing someone and then suddenly the way he would walk would be like, ugh."

'Mirror.co.uk' fur ther states that Emily revealed to the Going Mental with Eileen Kelly podcast that she had been going to therapy to help her stop dating the wrong type of men before she met Harry.

"I was drawn to a specific type of par tner before I went to therapy.

Now I feel I'm not as attracted to that same type of person," she said.

"I don't like a lot of men. I don't go on dates if I'm not sure about them."

She further mentioned, "I can get the ick. I've found that men - at least the guys that are attracted to me - always say they like superwoman, a woman that is successful and all these things. They say that is what they want. But when they are actually in the relationship, they start to get resentful. I will say, 'I thought that's what you liked about me, that I had this big life?' They get emasculated and resentful. That's been my experience across the board. I'm hoping that won't always be true."

Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson announced a new live-action remake of 'Moana' during the Disney shareholders meeting on April 3. "Humbled to say we're bringing Moana's beautiful story to the live-action big screen! Maui changed my life (miss you grandpa) and I'm honoured to par tner with Disney to tell our story through the realm of music and dance, which at the core is who we are as Polynesian people," Johnson tweeted, reports 'Variety'. The 2016 animated feature was a hit for Disney, making over $680 million at the box office. The new film will be produced

by Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia through their Seven Bucks Productions and Beau Flynn via Flynn Picture Co. Executive producers include AuliaiCravalho, the voice of Moana in original film, and Scott Sheldon of Flynn Picture Co. Jared Bush and Samoan industry leader Dana Ledoux Miller will also take part in the production. "I'm deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of 'Moana' to the liveaction big screen," Johnson said in a statement. "This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people's grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime oppor tunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me. I want to thank my partners at Disney for their strong commitment to this special endeavour, because there is no better world for us to honour the story of our people, our passion and our purpose than through the realm of music and dance, which is at the core of who we are as Polynesian people."

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MidWeek 23 GIGI THANKS UNDER-FIRE VARUN FOR MAKING HER 'BOLLYWOOD DREAMS COME TRUE'

BHOLAA BOX OFFICE COLLECTION DAY 4: AJAY DEVGN-TABU FILM DOES WELL ON WEEKEND, EARNS OVER RS 44 CRORE Ajay Devgn directorial Bholaa has had a good weekend, if early estimates regarding its fourth day run at the box office is to be believed.

The action-thriller, also starring Tabu, minted Rs 14 crore on its day four at the ticket counter, according to Sacnilk’s early estimates. As of now, its total collection stands at an impressive Rs 44.7 crore. It had earned Rs 11.20 crore on day one, Rs 7.40 crore on day two and Rs 12.01 crore on day three. The film passed with flying colours in its first weekend, but its real test will actually be on Monday, when the audience returns to their daily routine after enjoying their weekends off. If the film manages to pull up a decent figure of around Rs 10 crore, Bholaa would have done well for itself. However, the IPL, which began on Friday, might affect the chances of the movie’s performance during weekdays.

Despite the obstacles that lies ahead, Bholaa has done decently at the box office till now. In fact, it happens to be the third highest opener at the ticket counter post the successes of Shah Rukh Khan-led Pathaan (Rs 57 crore), and the Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor romantic

drama Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (Rs 15.73 crore). This also comes as a relief to Ajay Devgn’s record as a director; his past movies, including U Me Aur Hum, Shivaay and Runway 34 had failed to churn up the expected numbers at box office. Bholaa is the official Hindi remake of the Tamil hit, starring Karthi, which was helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.

Apart from Devgn and Tabu, the film also features Deepak Dobriyal, Sanjay Mishra among others in pivotal roles. The film had received a mixed response from critics, with The Indian Express’ reviewer Shubhra Gupta giving it three stars in her review. “There’s enough going on to keep everything going, as Shiv bhakt Bholaa, aided by holy ‘vibhooti’, his valiant cop companion pointedly named Diana, and a brave informer called Aijaz, makes sure that he is the last man standing.

Again, fortunately, we aren’t left too much time to dwell on the powersharing in the trinity– obviously, our Bholaa has pole position– as the plot gets back to its relentless cracking of bones, showering of blood, skewering of bodies, and par ts thereof. For the faint-hear ted? No way. Bang-for-the-buck? Oh yes,” read a section of her review.

SHEHNAAZ GILL ASKS SARA ALI KHAN ABOUT HER MARRIAGE PLANS, ACTOR SAYS SHE ‘NEEDS AN ANDHA PAGAL’ Fans were in for a treat when Shehnaaz Gill hosted Sara Ali Khan on her chat show Desi Vibes. The two actors, who discussed how they are ‘similar’ in terms of their candid personalities, were seen indulging in some fun conversations. Mid-way through the episode, Shehnaaz even inquired about Sara’s wedding plans, which left her dumbstruck.

Trying to evade the question first, Sara finally replied that she is trying to find an ‘andha pagal’ (blind and crazy). When asked to elaborate on the same, the Gaslight actor said that if the person gets to know who she is in real life, there are chances he might run away.

As Shehnaaz agreed that it’s not easy for men to handle women like them, Sara got emotional, making the host question if she was crying.

Later in the conversation, Sara revealed that she does want to get married but is not in a hurry. Shehnaaz Gill also got Sara Ali Khan to open up about her ‘royal upbringing’. As she asked whether nawab palaces have dozens of helpers around and even a pool with flowers,

Sara laughed to say that she hasn’t seen anything like this in her life.

She joked that she was made a ‘fool’ by not being treated to these luxuries even though she comes from a royal family.

American supermodel Gigi Hadid put to rest the controversy surrounding Varun Dhawan lifting her in his arms onto the stage on Day 2 of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) opening on Saturday night.

Sharing the viral video of Varun's action on her Instagram Stories, Gigi wrote: "@Varundvn making my Bollywood dreams come true". It looked spontaneous, but Varun said it was planned, and the video even shows RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani cheering Gigi after she's brought back by Varun to the spot where the celebrity guests had gathered. Social media users, however, slammed Varun for mishandling a woman and alleged that Gigi looked affronted. Gigi, incidentally, carried off effortlessly her white and gold Chikankari saree paired with a gold statement blouse, both by Mumbai's bestknown fashion designers, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla. Responding to the outpouring of criticism, Varun said: "I guess today you woke up and decided to be woke. So lemme burst ur bubble and tell u it was planned for her to be on stage so find a new Twitter cause to vent about rather than going out and doing something about things."

ARE WEDDING BELLS RINGING FOR BADSHAH AND ISHA RIKHI?

Rapper Badshah, whose real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, is said to await his wedding with his longtime girlfriend and Punjabi actress Isha Rikhi whom he met at a party of a common friend. As per the media reports, the couple is planning a gurdwara wedding in nor th India this month which will be attended by close family members and friends. However, neither Badshah nor Rikhi has commented anything about their wedding plans. Badshah was rumoured to be dating her since last year after they met at a party and shared similar interests. Badshah was married to Jasmine Masih in 2012 and in 2017, the two became parents to their daughter Jessemy Grace Masih Singh. However, they separated in 2020.

KANGANA FINDS 'DESI KIDS WHO SPEAK HINDI IN SECOND-HAND BRIT ACCENT' ANNOYING

RANI MUKERJI SAYS HER SEVEN-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER DEMANDS ‘ME TIME’: ‘ADITYA CHOPRA HAS TAUGHT HER THIS WORD’ Bollywood actor Rani Mukerji, who was recently seen in the film Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway, opened up about daughter Adira Chopra in a recent chat. The actor said that Adira, who is only seven-years-old demands her own space and sweetly requests Rani to leave her room when she wants some alone time. In a conversation with Kareena Kapoor Khan for Mirchi Plus, Rani said, “I try to spend more time with her and she is like ‘yeah mama now it’s my me time’, which my husband (Aditya Chopra) has taught her, this word ‘me time.’ So she is like, very sweetly, she will not ask me to leave the room, so she will be like how do I tell mum, in a very nice way. So she is saying, mama it’s my me time.” Rani said that she is not a ‘me time’ person and added “I am like, all my time is for you my child.”

Talking about motherhood, Rani said, “I think what happens to women when they become mothers is that there’s something in us that changes immediately. The minute you see the baby out of your system and you look at that baby’s face, you suddenly realise that you’re not important anymore. There’s somebody else more important than you. It’s the first time in our lives that we realise we love somebody more than ourselves. When that moment happened in my life, for me, there was nothing more impor tant than my child.”

TIFF ANNOUNCES TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX REJUVENATION AND PARTNERSHIP WITH OCAD U CONTD. FROM PAGE 17 Under the stewardship of TIFF Chief Operating Officer, Beth Janson, the physical improvements at TIFF Bell Lightbox and the TIFF Membership programme relaunch are part of a three-year plan to build an exciting film destination and community in one of the great film cities in the world. Under the new Membership offering, each level comes with its own suite of benefits. The structure and pricing of Membership levels will also change for the first time since 2015. More information is available at tiff.net/membership.

Starting today, two free tickets to TIFF Cinematheque screenings for Members at the TIFF Bell Lightbox are a permanent benefit — representing 300+ screenings of the best of classic films and new essentials year-round. The new Membership benefits will also include even earlier access to dedicated ticketing windows for Festival screenings, new year-round exclusive programming, and larger discounts at Concessions, among other benefits. Until April 21, Members and the public can renew, upgrade, or join to take advantage of current Membership pricing before increases take effect on May 1.

“TIFF’s Members are the foundation of our organization, and to that end, we have taken steps to improve both the offerings and value of a TIFF Membership,” said Janson.

In keeping with the revitalization of the TIFF Bell Lightbox experience, TIFF is also pleased to announce that OCAD University (OCAD U) has a physical presence in the main floor annex gallery and the Learning Studios, located on the third floor. OCAD U’s new Experimental Animation program will be delivered out of TIFF Bell Lightbox, helping TIFF to forge relationships with emerging filmmakers and artists, while at the same time activating TIFF Bell Lightbox's public spaces with student showcases and installations.

“We have an exciting vision for TIFF underway,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “We are inspired to reinvent the spirit, space, and future of TIFF Bell Lightbox as a centre for diverse communities including young creators, Canadian cultural industries, and international artists. The new partnership with OCAD U represents TIFF’s investment in the next generation of artists and creative leaders of the future. Our new younger audiences are also inspiring our new programming launching this spring. I would love to see TIFF as the place where all generations of Torontonians from all walks of life, visitors from across Canada and around the world, families, creators, movers and shakers, and those in the know can come for inspiration and an exciting collective experience.” “By partnering with TIFF, we’re enriching the experiential learning experience of students in our Experimental Animation program and those students who produce content for OCAD U LiVE, our 24/7 digital streaming channel,” said OCAD U President and ViceChancellor Ana Serrano. “This collaboration is a natural fit between two leading arts and cultural institutions in Toronto, and will further drive positive impact to the creative economy and provide students with opportunities to gain employable skills, explore innovative ideas, find community, and develop a fulfilling career.” In the coming weeks, TIFF will be welcoming young audiences to the 12th edition of the Next Wave Film Festival for a weekend (April 14–16) of bold new films and special events, with free movies for anyone under 25. Programmed for youth, by youth, the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival, supported by Ontario Arts Council and the City of Toronto, is a one-of-a-kind talent incubator in the world, and features a lineup of Canadian and North American premieres, creator Q&As, workshops, and collaborations with leading filmmakers to celebrate new voices in cinema. Leading into the Summer season, audiences can look forward to the most-anticipated New Releases. TIFF Cinematheque will be presenting a showcase on South Korean cinema and a spotlight on magic realism including films that mix the ordinary with the extraordinary and classics from this genre.

To become a TIFF Member visit tiff.net/join.

The Toronto International Film Festival takes place September 7–17, 2023.

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who does not shy away from speaking her mind, said that she finds English speaking "desi kids" who speak Hindi in a tacky second hand British accent irritating. Kangana took to Twitter, where she was replying to a tweet by a social media user. The user had shared a link to an article which talks about Italy introducing a bill in Parliament seeking ban on English and other foreign languages for formal communication. The user wrote: "Hate me but we need to do the same, kids in Gurugram only speak in English but they only barely understand Hindi and forget about speaking Hindi."

DIANA PENTY ROPED IN FOR AMITABH BACHCHAN-STARRER 'SECTION 84'

Actress Diana Penty will be seen sharing screen space with megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the upcoming courtroom drama thriller 'Section 84' directed by Ribhu Dasgupta. Diana expressed her excitement about working with Bachchan and collaborating with Ribhu Dasgupta.

"Section 84 is very special to me. Not only because it is a riveting story, but also because it is a privilege to work with the legendary, Mr Bachchan. A dream finally realised, to be honest! Ribhu Dasgupta has a very clear vision of what he wants and I am so happy to be collaborating with him on this film. I know this is going to be an experience I will remember, with much to learn from the very best!" Diana said. Filmmaker Ribhu Dasgupta's next film, a courtroom drama thriller, 'Section 84' stars the legendary thespian Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role.

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MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2023

Y MEDIA TEAM AT TORONTO SMASHERS BADMINTON CLUB'S AWARDS NIGHT & DINNER GALA

CONTD. FROM PAGE 1 They joined as special guests at the event that was organized by MahenVaheesan, Club Director of "Toronto Smashers Badminton Club".

Since 2018, Toronto Smashers have contributed a lot to the Toronto badminton community. They are operating in 8 cities across the Greater Toronto Area with over 200 players. They have made many positive impacts on the local badminton community. League Badminton and tour nament par ticipationand the depth in the skills have increased. Kids Training & Development have produced lots of talented competitive young ones. Their Social Events have brought nonbadminton players into badminton awareness.

As usual, The Toronto Smashers hosted their Annual Awards Night & Dinner Gala in a Smashing way. Over 400 people attended the Gala held in Toronto at The Scarborough Convention Center on 1st April this year. The event was well planned and executed nicely with a variety of per formances. The main highlight was their on-time schedule. With many per formances from various ar tists, each one was on time. This was accomplished purely by the huge effor t and dedication from the players.

The club director Mr. MahenVaheesan mentioned in his welcome speech, "Toronto Smashers Badminton Club is a non-profit organization and none of the directors & coordinators are paid any salary. Passion is our strength and clear vision is our success! Without any hard work & dedication, we can't be here now." Mr.Niranchan Nadarajah, the head coach and a director for The Toronto Smashers had the

privilege to present the Journey of Smashers. He emphasized how the club has grown in numbers as well as expanded to several cities. This was purely by the dedication and pride of the players to the organization considering the fact that it is a non-profit club. A surprise appreciation award was honored for MrMahenVaheesan from the players and the committee for his tireless contribution to the club.

The annual Souvenir was released during the evening. The Souvenir documents all the events for the year with eye capturing photos. Fur ther, during the night there was a fabulous surprise. The launch of a new Spor ts Brand called TSmahser. TSmashers decided to release two new versions of their badminton racquets and gave out 10 racquets.

Throughout the evening, all Sponsors, Club committee, Club coordinators were awarded with appreciation shields and the Tournament winners were awarded with Trophies.

Now Toronto Smashers Badminton Club have definitely set a precedent as an example and role model not just for badminton clubs but for all the sports clubs. Y Media Team was the proud media partner of the entire event.

Y Media Team was the proud media par tner of the entire event. You can watch this exclusive event coverage only on Y Media Plus, available on IPTV box; Channel Y- Bell 828, Telus 2418, Rogers 857, Ignite 707 and listen on Radio Y 91.9 FM. You can also visit our website southasiandaily.com to know more information about the same. Follow us on our Twitter and Facebook pages: Y Media, to stay updated with the latest events. Read our 'Midweek' newspaper published every Tuesday to know what's happening in Canada and worldwide.

'I AM USED TO PLAYING WITHOUT JASPRIT BUMRAH': ROHIT SHARMA CHALLENGES MI BOWLERS TO STEP UP

CLINICAL GUJARAT TITANS BRUSH ASIDE DELHI CAPITALS COMFORTABLY Gujarat Titans have won their second consecutive game of the ongoing 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). They brushed aside Delhi Capitals in an away game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium by six wickets with 11 balls to spare. Sai Sudharsan and David Miller kept their cool in the chase as they gunned down 163 runs in the 19th over of the innings. The former scored a brilliant half-century holding the innings from one end and making sure there were no hiccups at any moment in the chase. Earlier, Delhi Capitals got off to a quick start but Mohammed Shami struck twice with the new ball that was moving significantly. David Warner yet again fought a lone battle but his strikerate was under the scanner, not for the first time. He scored 37 runs off 32 balls while Sarfaraz Khan also struggled for the most parts of his innings. Debutant Abishek Porel looked like he belongs at this stage smashing 20 runs off 11 balls while Axar Patel was left with too much to do in the end. He scored 36 runs off just 22 balls with two fours and three sixes to propel DC's score to 162 runs in their 20 overs. The score seemed competitive at the halfway mark given the

way pitch was playing. To make it look like a tough task, DC needed early wickets but they let the Titans off the hook early in the powerplay overs. Anrich Nor tje strangely was introduced in the third over only for him to pick up a wickets off his first ball of IPL 2023 castling Wriddhiman Saha and then dismissed Shubman Gill in his next over.

Hardik Pandya's wicket reduced GT tp 54/3 that gave some hope to the Capitals. But Sai Sudharsan was the man for the Titans who stood up to make it look like a walk in the park. Impact player Vijay Shankar also played his part in stabilising the innings with a 53-run partnership with the former. Though Shankar's wicket kept DC in the hunt, David Miller, playing his first game in IPL 2023, came out and played his natural game to thrash all the hopes of opposition.

Sudharsan, at the other end, got to his half-century and made sure that he remained not-out on 62 runs while Miller scored 31 runs off 16 balls as the duo took the Titans home in the 19th over to secure their second win of the season in as many outings. Meanwhile, DC are left with pondering with a lot of things as they have lost both their matches.

Mumbai Indians bowling appeared listless in their IPL 2023 campaign opener as Royal Challengers Bangalore raced away to the target of 172 inside 17 overs for a big eight-wicket in on Sunday night. Such was RCB’s dominance that their opening pair of Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli looked set to chase down the total on their own before the partnership was broken in the 15th over with the scorecard reading 148. Barring Piyush Chawla and Jofra Archer to an extent, all other MI bowlers copped brutal punishment. Naturally, the the name Jasprit Bumrah became a topic of discussion - a bowler who has been quite vital to MI’s plans. Bumrah is missing the entire season as he continues recovery from a back surgery. MI captain Rohit Sharma, who also leads the Indian men’s team, admitted he’s become used to playing Bumrah who hasn’t played competitive cricket since September last year. He has thrown up the challenge to other MI bowlers to step up in the fast bowler’s absence.

YUZVENDRA CHAHAL REACHES INCREDIBLE LANDMARK, FIRST INDIAN TO 'TRIPLE HUNDRED' IN T20S

Yuzvendra Chahal spun a web around the batters as Rajasthan Royals (RR) thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in match number four of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday. Chahal, who has found himself out of the Indian team picture recently, achieved the feat of reaching 300 T20 wickets. RR’s Chahal became the first Indian bowler to reach the landmark as he bowled SRH’s costly buy from the auction Harry Brrok with a bamboozling flipper.

Chahal reached the 300-wicket mark in the 265th T20 match. The leg spinner has taken a total of 91 wickets in 75 T20 Internationals for India.

'EASY TO WRITE ABUSES, THOSE MESSAGES KILL YOUR MOTIVATION': MOHAMMED SIRAJ OPENS UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA TROLLING

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS OPEN THEIR ACCOUNT AT IPL 2023, BEAT LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS IN HIGH-VOLTAGE MATCH Chennai Super Kings registered a victory at their home ground, MA Chidambaram stadium, Chennai on Monday as they defeated Lucknow Super Giants in their second game at the IPL 2023. Coming to bat first, CSK registered a target of 218 runs. On the other hand, LSG managed to score 205/7 in 20 overs. The high-voltage ended with MS Dhoni-led CSK winning by 12 runs. Interestingly, this was CSK's first win against LSG in the IPL. Before this, both teams locked horns in the previous edition of the tournament, when LSG had won.

The openers of Lucknow Super Giants made an explosive star t as Kyle Meyers and KL Rahul hit boundaries all over the ground. However, their batting line-up started collapsing after Mayers' dismissal. Mayers played an innings of 53 runs off 22 balls. On the other hand, Deepak Hooda scored 2 runs and Krunal Pandya scored 9 runs. Marcus Stoinis contributed 21 runs and Nicholas Pooran registered 32 runs.

Moeen Ali bowled brilliantly for Chennai Super Kings. He took 4 wickets for 26 runs in four overs. Apart from this, he also scored 19 runs from his bat. Tushar Deshpande and Mitchell Santner took 1 wicket each for CSK. Rituraj Gaikwad and Devon Conway stitched an amazing partnership for Chennai Super Kings. Gaikwad scored 57 and Conway scored 47.

On the other hand, Shivam Dubey contributed 27 runs. Ambati Rayudu and Mahendra Singh Dhoni batted brilliantly in the last over. Rayudu scored 27 runs and Dhoni smashed back-to-back sixes and added 12 runs. Mark Wood and Ravi Bishnoi took 3 wickets each for LSG and Avesh Khan got 1 wicket. CSK has a winning percentage of around 80 on this ground. The team has won 40 matches here and lost 16. CSK have won 26 matches while batting first on this ground, and while chasing they have won 14 times.

Social media has provided unprecedented access to celebrities for fans enabling them to share messages and interact with their favourite athlete or a movie star from the comfort of their home. The ugly side of this open channel though is the vitriol that a user can direct towards another including and not limited to public figures on the various platforms, some times openly and at others, under the garb of anonymity. Indian cricketers know how quickly their perception changes in the mind of fans, especially on social media. One eye-catching performance and a player becomes the ‘next big thing’ but one mistake and the fury is unleashed.

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MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2023

IT'S GETTING FRUSTRATING: MUMBAI INDIANS BOWLING COACH ON TEAM'S UNWANTED LOSING STREAK

IPL 2023: KOHLI, DU PLESSIS POWER RCB TO THUMPING 8-WICKET WIN OVER MUMBAI INDIANS Scintillating half-centuries from Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli powered Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a thumping eight-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in an IPL 2023 match, marking a happy homecoming at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, here on Sunday.

As RCB took the field in Chinnaswamy Stadium after 1247 days, chants of the franchise engulfed the whole arena. To their credit, RCB didn’t disappoint at all, as bowlers got wickets in power-play and middle overs to keep Mumbai to 171/7, though young Tilak Varma shined with an outstanding 84 not out off just 46 balls. In reply, du Plessis and Kohli put out an exhibition of majestic strokeplay and rattled Mumbai’s bowling attack to enthrall home fans. While du Plessis made 73 off 43

balls, including five fours and six sixes, Kohli was in sublime touch to be 82 not out off 49 balls, laced with six fours and five sixes to chase 172 in 16.2 overs to get their IPL 2023 campaign off to a winning start.

In defence of 171, Mumbai brought in Jason Behrendorff as an impact player in place of Suryakumar Yadav to share the new-ball with Arshad Khan. After making a watchful start, du Plessis cut down on the swing by dancing down the pitch to hit a four and two sixes on both sides of the wicket off Behrendorff. Jofra Archer put down Kohli on his first ball of the match. Kohli then followed it up by placing a steer between backward point and short third man for four, and smacked a six over long-off. Kohli and du Plessis took a boundary each off Piyush Chawla

Mumbai Indians lost their opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday. The Rohit Sharma-led team suffered a loss by 8 wickets in the game which was played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. With the loss, team MI has registered an unwanted losing streak. Mumbai Indians have lost every opening match of the tournament since 2013. The last time MI won their opening game was way back in 2012 when they defeated Chennai Super Kings. The team's bowling coach Shane Bond has expressed that the inability to win their first game season after season is "frustrating". "This is my ninth season and we haven’t won our opening game. So it's getting frustrating. At the end of the day, it’s tough competition. It's always better to have more wins than losses. It’s a tough way to start," Bond said.

MARK WOOD CLAIMS 5-14 AS LSG HAND DELHI CAPITALS A 50-RUN DEFEAT

HYDERABAD SUFFER EMBARRASSING LOSS AS RAJASTHAN BEGIN SEASON ON HIGH NOTE Sunrisers Hyderabad suffered an embarrassing loss in their season opener against the 2022 finalists Rajasthan Royals. Sanju Samson's team dominated the one-way traffic at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium and won the match by 72 runs. RR batters displayed brilliance and were backed by the bowlers. Batting first, Rajasthan Royals got a big score of 203 on a decent batting track as their top three showed their mettle. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson smashed the fifties. Hetmyer provided the finishing touches with his 22-run knock as Rajasthan became the first team in the tournament to get over 200 runs. In the chase, SRH were rocked back by two wickets in the first over off Trent Boult. SRH were never let come in the game as they never picked the pace. Chahal then joined the par ty with his historic wicket. The downfall continued as SRH played with mere run-a-ball. Abdul Samad and Umran Malik helped SRh get something in the end overs as they scored 36 runs for the 9th wicket. Earlier in the match,Rajasthan Royals spinner Yuzvendra Chahal etched his name in the history books as the leggie starred against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Rajasthan Royals got a great start in defence of their 203-run total. Boult provided them with early wickets and then Chahal joined the party. Notably, Yuzvendra Chahal registered himself in the history books with his wicket of Harry Brook. Chahal got his 300th wicket in T20s and became the first Indian bowler to scale the feat in the format. The Indian leggie has played 265 matches in T20s and is the 16th player to get 300 or more wickets.

Two morale-shattering blows by English pacer Mark Wood in his first five-wicket haul (5-14) as Lucknow Super Giants rode on some disciplined efforts by their bowlers to overpower Delhi Capitals by 50 runs in their first match of IPL 2023 here on Saturday. Lucknow skipper K.L Rahul brought Mark Wood in the fifth over and the English pacer made an immediate impact as he bowled Prithvi Shaw (12) and Mitchell Marsh (0) off successive deliveries, beating the batsmen with sheer pace.

He came back to claim the wickets of Sarfaraz Khan (4), Axar Patel (16) and Chetan Sakariya (4), getting his first fifer for Lucknow Super Giants as they restricted Delhi Capitals to 143/9 after Kyle Mayers had slammed a 38-ball 73 to help the hosts reach 193/6 in 20 overs.

MIDWEEK NEWS NEWS WEEKLY WEEKLY TUESDAY, AUGUST TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 28, 2012 2023

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MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2023

MALAIKA ARORA DROPS MAJOR HINT ABOUT MARRIAGE WITH ARJUN KAPOOR, SAYS 'WE'RE READY...'

AJAC NAMES MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER BEST MID-SIZE UTILITY VEHICLE IN CANADA FOR 2023

MALAIKA ARORA HAS HINTED THAT SHE IS OPEN TO MARRYING ARJUN KAPOOR. THE ACTRESS, IN A NEW INTERVIEW, OPENED UP ABOUT HER PLANS TO MARRY HER LONGTIME BOYFRIEND AND SAID THAT SHE IS READY TO MAKE A HOME WITH HIM. FOR THE UNVERSED, MALAIKA BEGAN DATING ARJUN AFTER HER DIVORCE FROM ARBAAZ KHAN. SPEAKING ABOUT HER NEXT STEP WITH ARJUN, MALAIKA SAID SHE IS READY TO TIE THE KNOT AGAIN. “OUR WORLD IS SO OBSESSED WITH TAGS… THERE IS AN AGE DIFFERENCE, BUT IT HAS NEVER BEEN AN ISSUE BETWEEN US. I THINK HE IS INSANELY WISE FOR HIS AGE, AND THAT HE HAS A VERY DEEP AND STRONG SOUL. HE IS SOMEONE WHO’S VERY LIBERATED AND EXTREMELY CARING. I DON’T THINK THEY MAKE MEN LIKE THAT ANYMORE. I COULD GO ON AND ON, BUT I ADMIRE THESE QUALITIES THE MOST,” MALIKA ARORA TOLD BRIDES TODAY.

LUXURY SALES EXPECTED TO CLIMB IN THE SECOND QUARTER AS PENT-UP DEMAND BUOYS REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN MOST MAJOR MARKETS ACROSS CANADA, SAYS RE/MAX® CANADA Growing demand for residential properties has trickled into the upper-end of the Canadian real estate market, with luxury sales posting gains in the first quarter of 2023 over the fourth quarter of 2022 in most major Canadian markets, according to the 2023 Spotlight on Luxury Report released today by RE/MAX Canada.

RE/MAX Canada examined 15 Canadian housing markets from coast to coast -- including Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, HamiltonBurlington, London-St. Thomas, Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ottawa, Island of Montreal, Halifax-Dartmouth, Moncton and St. John's - and found rapid depletion in housing stock is placing upward pressure on values at lower price points and sparking an uptick in demand in the luxury segment. While upper-end sales in the first quarter of 2023 have fallen short of peak levels reached in Q1 2022, activity is on par or ahead of Q4 2022 figures in 10 of the 15 markets surveyed. The ascending pattern is expected to continue in the upcoming quarter, as both sales and temperatures heat up. Saskatoon, underpinned by strong economic fundamentals, bucked the national trend, with luxury home sales exceeding Q1 2022 levels in Q1 2023.

"Much of the activity in the market can be attributed to pent-up demand, which has been building since mid-2022," says Christopher Alexander,

JANHVI KAPOOR

ELLI AVRAM

President of RE/MAX Canada. "Bolstered by lower fixed-term mortgage rates and attractive housing values, buyers are taking advantage of this window of opportunity to secure home ownership. Listings, however, are few and far between in most areas of the country and finding the right home has proved challenging." Sidelined buyers jumped back into the market in Q1, as anticipated inventory failed to materialize and housing values stabilized, according to the RE/MAX Canada 2023 Spotlight on Luxury Report. Supply levels are now tighter than they were during the pandemic in some markets. In the Fraser Valley, for example, listings recently hit a 30-year low and, in St. John's, Newfoundland, a property recently listed for sale at the $800,000 price point experienced 15 showings and three offers and sold on its first day on the market. "Inventory continues to be the lynchpin of the Canadian housing market," explains Alexander. "The pattern of heating and cooling housing markets emerges time and time again, and it is directly linked to our issues with supply and the inability of governments at all three levels to get shovels in the ground across our nation, which is now approaching 40 million people in population. We welcome the news that our country is growing, but with one million new Canadians added in 2022, we also need to be certain that adequate housing, not to mention vital infrastructure, is in place to support the influx of newcomers."

SUNNY LEONE

Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announced that the Mitsubishi Outlander has been named the "Best Mid-Size Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2023." Recently completely re-designed and re-engineered, the Outlander is the company's flagship delivering safety, confident performance and striking, distinctive appearance both outside and within.

"This selection is an honour and an important recognition of the performance, style, and excitement the Outlander delivers to Canadian families," confirms Steve Carter, Director, Marketing at Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc. "Mitsubishi continues to offer value for consumers by providing its long list of safety and comfort features plus remarkable reliability throughout its trim levels. Every Outlander delivers comfort and esthetics usually found only on top trims. As a result, Canadian drivers have chosen the Outlander in record numbers." AJAC journalist members, who collectively comprise the most esteemed group of professional automotive media in Canada, submitted more than 1700 ballots over nearly an entire calendar year.

YOGA AND NATUROPATHIC RITUALS FOR SOUND SLEEP

Sufficient sleep is a fundamental aspect of good health. However, over 30 per cent of people suffer from insomnia, and this figure increases to 40 to 60 per cent for those over 60 years old. In India, sleep disorders are prevalent, with the country ranking as the second most sleep-deprived nation in the world.

According to a Lancet study, approximately 5.4 per cent of Indians aged 30-69, or around 28.8 million people, are at moderate or severe risk of sleep apnea, which is a prevalent sleep disorder. Inadequate sleep has been linked to several health problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, a suppressed immune system, and endocrine disorders. Studies have also shown a correlation between lack of sleep and premature ageing, as well as the exacerbation of chronic diseases such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and kidney disease. Sleep specialists caution that individuals with insomnia should avoid becoming reliant on medication and instead consider lifestyle adjustments and rule out underlying conditions such as depression, which may be the root cause of their sleeplessness.

RAKUL PREET SINGH

RADHIKA APTE

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MIDWEEK NEWS NEWS WEEKLY WEEKLY TUESDAY, AUGUST TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 28, 2012 2023

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MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2023

5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD INCORPORATE PEPTIDES IN YOUR SKINCARE

LUXURY SALES EXPECTED TO CLIMB IN THE SECOND QUARTER AS PENT-UP DEMAND BUOYS REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN MOST MAJOR MARKETS ACROSS CANADA, SAYS RE/MAX® CANADA A lack of available homes listed for sale have served to prop-up housing values across the country, despite softer overall demand, explains Alexander. After double-digit declines from peak to trough in the second and third quarters of 2022, prices have held up relatively well in major centres. The year-over-year value of luxury homes in markets such as Calgary and Moncton increased, while the GTA, Hamilton-Burlington, Ottawa and Greater Vancouver have fallen just short of peak Q1 levels.

In an effort to maintain supply and curtail demand from foreign buyers, the government implemented its Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act on January 1, 2023, which had unintentional consequences on the construction of purpose-built residential rentals and mixed-use projects across the country, as well as sports and entertainment figures and corporate transfers throughout the first quarter.

Amendments to the Act, effective March 27, 2023, included: * Enabling more work permit holders to purchase a home to live in while working in Canada. * Repealing existing provisions so the prohibition doesn't apply to vacant land; provide an exception for development purposes. * Increasing the corporation foreign control threshold from three per cent to 10 per cent.

The bulk of purchasers, however, remain local in most Canadian markets, with the exception of some out-of-province activity in the first quarter. Centres such as Kelowna on the west coast and in markets throughout Canada's east coast have seen an influx of buyers driven largely by lifestyle, as strong value for the dollar proved enticing to move-up purchasers.

After a tumultuous 2022, cautious optimism is growing in major centres across the country. The ripple effect is starting to work its way through the housing market, with all segments working in tandem.

Competitive offers, once again on the table from St. John's to Greater Vancouver, are becoming increasingly common, especially in areas such as the GTA where nearly 20 per cent of freehold homes over $3 million sold at or above list price in Q1 2023.

Turn-key and renovated properties remain most sought after, as higher building costs have dampened the appetite for new construction to some extent. While softer, due to limited inventory in many markets, the uber-luxe segment is starting to pick up in line with overall activity in the upper end. Inventory, at this level, however, is even more scarce.

"Home-buying activity is expected to ramp up in the months ahead, with stronger demand and upward pressure on price characterizing the second quarter of 2023," says Elton Ash, Executive Vice President, RE/ MAX Canada. "Recent stock market volatility and bank failures south of the border that have sent shockwaves throughout the financial markets may provide an additional boost for Canadian housing markets as buyers turn to the security of bricks and mortar yet again. While concerns exist over the possibility of rising overnight rates and recessionary pressures later in the year, the spring market appears to be shifting into full swing."

MARKET-BY-MARKET OVERVIEW HAMILTON-BURLINGTON * February sales showed increased strength at higher price points, with affluent buyers typically seeking newer, high-end product or older homes that have been completely gutted. * Inventory levels are up over last year in the luxury segment but remain in balanced market territory. * The uber-luxe segment of the market, priced between $4 million and $5 million, has performed relatively well as it is somewhat insulated from the overall market stressors.

While sales activity at the $2 million price point was down considerably from last year's record levels in Hamilton-Burlington, demand for luxury properties during the first quarter of 2023 show improvement over the previous quarter. Forty-three sales were recorded in the first three months of 2023, down from 171 during the same period one year ago but are well ahead of Q4 sales. The luxury segment now represents less than one per cent of overall sales in the Hamilton-Burlington market. Homebuying activity in the top end bottomed out in early in the year, with February sales showing increased strength at higher price points, with affluent buyers typically seeking newer, high-end product or older homes that have been completely gutted. Demand is greatest in southeast Burlington as luxury buyers move closer to the coveted Oakville area and proximity to the Toronto core. Popular high-end areas also include Ancaster, Dundas, and southwest Hamilton including Kirkendall. Inventory levels are up over last year in the luxury segment but remain in balanced market territory. The Bank of Canada decision to pause interest rate hikes has provided some stability to the marketplace, with both buyers and sellers returning to the market. To that point, there has been a notable uptick in showings of properties over $2 million in Hamilton in recent weeks. The uber-luxe segment of the market, priced between $4 million and $5 million has performed relatively well as it is somewhat insulated from the overall market stressors. Prices have held relatively stable at the top end, down approximately four per cent from year ago levels.

GREATER TORONTO AREA * Hungry buyers returned to the market, expecting bargains and selection, but finding neither. * Limited inventory has placed upward pressure on values and prompted a new round of competitive offers on well-priced homes in desirable areas. * Buyers are feeling frustrated with the lack of selection available, particularly in the $3 million to $5 million prince range. Midtown communities such as Summerhill, Forest Hill, Annex, South Hill/Casa Loma, Bedford Park, and Lytton Park are most popular with this segment of the market.

Pent-up demand for housing in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) was released with the Bank of Canada's decision to temporarily pause interest rates increases early in the first quarter of 2023. The move provided the impetus for homebuying activity to roar back to life throughout the city and in outlying areas. Hungry buyers returned to the market, expecting bargains and selection, but finding neither. Limited inventory has placed upward pressure on values and prompted a new round of competitive offers on well-priced homes in desirable areas.

Momentum has since trickled into the luxury market over the $3 million price point, especially at the entry level. Year to date, more than 260 homes have sold at $3 million plus, down substantially from the peak level of 702 sales reported in the first quarter of 2022 but ahead of Q4 2022 levels. The average price for high-end freehold and condominium properties has remained relatively stable, falling about 2.7 per cent in Q1 2023 from frothy first quarter 2022 levels ($4,056,809 vs. $4,165,593). Of the close to 250 freehold sales reported over $3 million, 48 sold at or above list price, representing almost 20 per cent. Activity star ted to shift into high gear in late March, with more showings and sales repor ted, including two sales over $8 million. Buyers are feeling frustrated with the lack of selection available, par ticularly in the $3 million to $5 million range. Midtown communities such as Summerhill, Forest Hill, Annex, South Hill/Casa Loma, Bedford Park and Lytton Park are the most popular with this segment of the market. While entry and mid-level price points are heating up, the uber-luxe market remains soft, with just two sales occurring over the $10 million benchmark so far this year.

Inventory levels are in large par t responsible, with only two proper ties listed for sale in the sought-after Forest Hill and Rosedale neighbourhoods and 22 listed over $10 million throughout the remainder of the 416-area code. The foreign buyer ban has had a minor impact on the GTA thus far, given domestic buyers have dominated most of the movement in the market in recent years. Greater stability in the overall market has been noted with the Bank of Canada holding on interest rate hikes, with consumer confidence improving from last year's levels. As of late in the quar ter, as a result of the SVB bank failure there seems to be a new wave of buyers wanting to make bigger purchases to get more of their cash into real estate. If the current trending continues in the high-end, the market will likely experience upward pressure on values once again.

OTTAWA * Homebuying activity at the entry-level to luxury - between $1.25 million and $1.5 million - is particularly brisk, with more than half of all luxury sales occurring at that price point. * Momentum is strong heading into the spring market, a direct contrast to Q4 2022, when uncertainties plagued the housing market. * The stage is set for an active first quarter, with demand for luxury homes expected to gain traction in the coming months.

Rising consumer confidence levels contributed to a notable uptick in demand for housing in Ottawa's residential real estate market in the latter half of the first quarter. More than 90 luxury freehold and condominium properties changed hands over $1.25 million in the first three months of the year, surpassing Q4 levels for 2022 by seven per cent.

Values are firming up at the top end of the market, given the limited supply of homes listed or sale. Homebuying activity at the entry-level to luxury - between $1.25 million and $1.5 million - is particularly brisk, with more than half of all luxury sales occurring at that price point. The average price of sales over $1.25 million was $1,593,310 in the first quarter of the year, off just five per cent from year-ago levels. Momentum heading into the spring market is strong, a direct contrast to the fourth quarter of the year when uncertainties plagued the housing market. Both buyers and sellers breathed a collective sigh of relief with the temporary pause in interest rate hikes in January and buyers ventured back into the market in February and March as mortgage rates fell. Luxury buyers in the nation's capital have typically been drawn to turn-key homes in established neighbourhoods, including Rockcliffe, Manor Park, Glebe, Old Ottawa, Golden Triangle, Westboro, Greeley and Manotick.

Uber-luxe over the $3 million price point is on the road to recovery, with three sales posted year-to-date, down from five during the same period in 2022. The stage is set for an active second quarter, with demand for luxury homes expected to gain traction in the coming months. An influx of new listings is anticipated as the weather improves, with supply meeting demand.

Over the past few years, skincare and the patterns related to it have changed significantly. Every two months, we notice a particular ingredient or product trending strongly in the market, but it's important to know what would be best for your complexion and avoid following trends without doing your research. Among these popular ingredients is peptide. Peptides are amino acids that can pass through the skin's protective layer and assist your body in producing collagen on its own, internally. Malini Adapureddy lists five ways that peptides can improve your complexion in order to help you learn more about this miraculous ingredient.

Anti-aging properties When peptides are applied directly to the skin, they can pass through the outer layer and penetrate deeper, where collagen is formed, and further stimulate the formation of collagen. Peptides are thus a promising ingredient in skincare products for their ability to stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of peptides in skincare products may vary depending on the specific peptide used and the product formulation. Deconstruct's Retinol & Peptide Serum may be the best choice as this power combination of Retinol and Peptides (Proteasyl) works effectively on minimising the signs of ageing and also nourishes and moisturises skin to fight fine lines and wrinkles.

Improved skin barrier The body's first line of defence against bacteria, UV radiation, pollution, and other particles, is the skin barrier. Over-exfoliation, exposure to cigarette smoke and other pollutants, and even poor sleep, can harm the skin barrier. Peptides can help improve this barrier function by stimulating the production of new skin cells, increasing the production of collagen and elastin, and promoting the retention of moisture in the skin.

Reduced inflammation Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to tissue damage and accelerate the ageing process. Peptides can help reduce inflammation in the skin by modulating the activity of certain molecules involved in inflammatory response, leading to a healthier, more youthful appearance.

Helps achieve even skin tone Uneven skin tone, also known as hyperpigmentation, can be caused by various factors, such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, and ageing. Peptides can help achieve even skin tone by regulating the production of melanin, the pigment that gives colour to the skin. By preventing the skin from various harmful external factors, peptides can also reduce the formation of dark spots and other signs of skin damage.

Improves skin hydration Peptides can help with skin hydration by promoting the production of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's moisture levels. Peptides have enzymes that can help to maintain the levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin, leading to increased hydration and improved skin texture, keeping the skin hydrated and plump. Peptides have the potential to increase collagen synthesis, increase skin elasticity, and lessen the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles in skincare products.

THE IMPACT OF ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS ON TEENS FOR TODAY'S GENERATION

The teenage years are a critical period for growth and development, and the endocrine system plays a crucial role in regulating these processes. The endocrine system produces hormones that control a wide range of bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Unfor tunately, many common chemicals in our environment can disrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine system, leading to serious health problems for teenagers.

Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are substances that mimic the body's own hormones and obstruct their regular operation. Plastics, cosmetics, and even tap water contain these chemicals, as do many other goods.

Endocrine disruptors, such as triclosan, parabens, bisphenol A (BPA), and phthalates, can be detrimental to teenagers.

During puberty, endocrine disruptor exposure can have a significant negative impact on a person's health, particularly reproductive health.

The growth of the reproductive system depends heavily on hormones, and any interference with this process can have long-lasting consequences.

Endocrine disruptors have been related to a variety of adolescent reproductive issues, including infertility, early puberty, and lowered male sperm quality and motility. These disruptions may have a substantial negative effect on the general reproductive health of both sexes, specifically on their capacity to conceive and sustain a healthy pregnancy. To ensure normal reproductive system development during the teenage years, it is essential to limit exposure to endocrine disruptors. Exposure can affect not only sexual health but also how the brain develops. Hormones control how the brain develops and operates, and any disturbance with this process can have serious repercussions. Research has connected endocrine disruptor exposure to a range of neuro behavioural issues, such as ADHD, autism, and cognitive disabilities. These problems may significantly affect a person's ability to study, interact with others, and carry out daily activities, as well as their overall quality of life.

MIDWEEK NEWS NEWS WEEKLY WEEKLY TUESDAY, AUGUST TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 28, 2012 2023

LIFESTYLE

MidWeek 33 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD STOP MULTITASKING RIGHT NOW

ARE YOU DYEING YOUR HAIR REGULARLY? HERE ARE SOME SIDE EFFECTS Hair dyeing has become a trend among people of all ages, as it allows them to experiment with different hair colors and styles. However, while hair coloring may be an exciting experience, it can also have some adverse effects on your hair and overall health.

Hair damage: The chemicals used in hair dyes can weaken your hair strands, making them susceptible to breakage and split ends. This can lead to dry and brittle hair that is prone to tangling and falling out.

Scalp irritation or allergic reactions: The chemicals in hair dyes can cause itching, redness, and burning sensations on your scalp. In severe cases, it can even lead to hair loss or scarring.

Altering its natural texture and shine: Hair dyeing can also impact the quality of your hair by altering its natural texture and shine. Dyes strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it looking dull and lifeless. This is especially true for bleached hair, which is more prone to damage and breakage.

Effects on fertility: While some research suggests that hair products have limited systemic absorption and may not impact fertility or pregnancy, prolonged exposure to hair dyes carries potential risks. As a precautionary

measure, it is advisable to refrain from using hair dyes if you are planning to conceive or currently pregnant.

Health risk: Moreover, hair dyes contain several harmful chemicals such as ammonia, peroxide, and para-phenylenediamine (PPD) that can pose long-term health risks. These chemicals can increase the risk of cancer, respiratory problems, and skin allergies.

Conjunctivitis: If proper precautions are not taken while dyeing your hair, the chemicals used in the dye can come into contact with sensitive areas of your face. This can result in inflammation and severe discomfort. In addition, if the chemicals make contact with your eyes, it can lead to conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. It is crucial to take necessary precautions such as wearing gloves when applying hair dye and performing a patch test to ensure that you are not allergic to any of the chemicals in the dye. Additionally, using natural hair dyes or opting for low-chemical hair dyes can help minimize the risk of adverse effects on your hair and health. Ultimately, it is essential to prioritize the health of your hair and overall well-being over temporary trends and fads.

FIVE GLYCOLIC ACID SERUMS THAT ARE ABSOLUTELY PERFECT FOR EVERY SKIN L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Skin Brightening Serum With its ability to lighten the skin and delay the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation by up to five years, this serum is a game-changer in the beauty industry. It is a necessity for anybody trying to obtain a beautiful complexion since it promotes cell regeneration, which also helps to display a more even skin tone.

Pilgrim Salicylic and Glycolic Acid Anti-Acne Serum With the help of this serum, you can enhance the texture of your skin and get rid of any apparent imperfections, giving you a visibly cleaner complexion. This serum can give you the healthy, glowing skin you've always desired if you use it frequently.

Neemli Naturals Glycolic and Salicylic Acid Serum This serum from Neemli Naturals not only controls germs and

removes dead skin cells but also softens the skin. It is loaded with the benefits of glycolic acid and salicylic acid.

Plix Guava Shine Bright Dewy Serum This Plix serum brightens the face and impar ts a natural shine thanks to the beneficial properties of fruits and active ingredients.

It thoroughly cleanses your skin to get rid of dir t and dead skin cells and also deals with black spots effectively.

St. Botanica AHA Glycolic Acid 8% + Pro Vitamin B5 Texture Correcting Skin Peel St. Botanica's serum makes the skin appear lighter and more uniformly toned. It has an exfoliating effect to help remove layers of dead skin cells, exposing skin that looks healthier.

Multitasking has become a way of life for many of us, as our world becomes more fast-paced and demands more from us. We pride ourselves on our ability to juggle multiple tasks at once and to stay on top of things. But did you know that multitasking can actually be detrimental to your productivity, mental health, and overall well-being?

Here are five reasons why you should stop multitasking now and focus on one task at a time.

Multitasking reduces productivity Contrary to popular belief, multitasking does not actually make you more productive. In fact, it can do the opposite. When you switch from one task to another, your brain needs time to adjust, and this can take a toll on your productivity.

Multitasking increases stress Multitasking can be incredibly stressful. When you try to do too many things at once, you can easily become overwhelmed and stressed out. This can lead to burnout and even depression. By focusing on one task at a time, you can reduce your stress levels and improve your mental health.

Multitasking decreases accuracy When you try to do too many things at once, you are more likely to make mistakes. Your brain can only handle so much information at once, and when you overload it, you are more likely to miss important details.

Multitasking hampers learning When you try to learn something new while multitasking, your brain is not able to focus properly. This can make it more difficult to retain information and learn new skills.

Multitasking is bad for your health Multitasking can have a negative impact on your physical health as well. When you try to do too many things at once, you may neglect your own self-care. You may skip meals, neglect exercise, and lose sleep. This can have serious consequences for your health and well-being.

Multitasking may seem like a valuable skill to have, but it can actually be detrimental to your productivity, mental health, and overall well-being. Next time you feel the urge to multitask, remember the above mentioned reasons why you should stop and focus on one task at a time.

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MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2023

Y MEDIA TEAM AT ONTARIO TELUGU FOUNDATION'S SRI SITA RAMA KALYANAM GRAND 'SRI SITA RAMA KALYANAM' EVENT IN GREATER TORONTO

Ontario Telugu Foundation had organized a grand event to celebrate 'Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam' on April 01, 2023 at an event hall in Mississauga. The event was attended by over 1200 devotees from across the regions of Toronto, Peel, Durham, York, Halton Hills, Kitchener and Niagara Falls.

A prominent sports club Batts Athletic sponsored and arranged the amenities for the event in association with a top real estate broker of record, Vikram Kondathasula. MPP Deepak Anand graced as a chief guest who addressed the gathering about the impor tance of organizing such socio cultural events.

Raghu Kondatasula, the founder of Batts Athletic, said he considered himself to be fortunate to sponsor such prestigious and divine event which also served as an oppor tunity to bring Telugu diaspora of Greater Toronto together.

Vikram Kondatasula said he would look forward to making this event a regular affair every year as this could uphold the cultural fabric of the society. Special thanks to Priest Narasimha Chary founder of Ontario Telugu Foundation.

Y MEDIA TEAM AT 'BREAK A FAST- ANNUAL IFTAR DINNER' PRESENTED

BY AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMA'AT BRAMPTON

MIDWEEK NEWS NEWS WEEKLY WEEKLY TUESDAY, AUGUST TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 28, 2012 2023

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Y MEDIA TEAM AT MARKHAM'S 2023 OPENING NIGHT OF SERIES 3 OF MARKHAM JAZZLICIOUS WINTERFEST

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MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2023