Police investigating Khalistan graffiti at Surrey Hindu temple, Vancouver gurdwara
Police in Surrey and Vancouver are investigating after places of worship were targeted with graffiti over the weekend.
Vancouver police are looking for witnesses after a Sikh gurdwara was vandalized, while a Hindu temple in Surrey was defaced with spray-paint, organizers say. The Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara on Vancouver's Ross Street
said the vandalism is part of "an ongoing campaign by extremist forces that seek to instil fear and division within the Canadian Sikh community."
Meanwhile, organizers at Surrey's Lakshmi Narayan Mandir believe the vandalism is part of an effort to divide people of different faiths.
Tight race in federal election, but Liberals still in the lead days before voting day: polls
The federal election is only days away and latest polling numbers show a tight race between the Liberals and Conservatives nationally, but experts say the Liberals still hold a strong lead.
A poll released by Liaison Strategies on Wednesday shows the Liberals leading with 42 per cent, and the Conservatives following closely behind with 39 per cent. The poll saw the Liberals lose one percentage point and the Conservatives gain two percentage points when compared to a Liaison Strategies poll released on Tuesday.
The poll surveyed 1,500 Canadians using voice interactive technology, with a margin of error of plus 2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
A Nanos Research poll released on Thursday also shows the Liberals leading with 42 per cent and the Conservatives climbing to 39 per cent.
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Vancouver police say suspects spray-painted on the walls outside the Ross Street gurdwara with graffiti written in both English and Punjabi. A statement put out by the society when the vandalism was discovered says the walls were defaced with pro-Khalistan slogans.
The pro-Khalistan movement calls for the establishment of an independent Sikh state, called Khalistan, in parts of northern India.
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Shy schoolboy Vaibhav Suryavanshi is in dreamland at just 14, becoming the youngest player in Indian Premier League history and marking the occasion with an audacious first-ball six. The fearless young left-hander is being touted as a superstar in the making after his instant impact opening the batting for Rajasthan Royals on Saturday, when he scored 34 off 20 balls in Jaipur with three sixes and two fours.
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Americans start arriving in Nanaimo to show support for Canada
Americans have started descending on Nanaimo in what will be a show of support for Canada. Julie Wilson flew the final leg of her nearly 4,000-kilometre journey to arrive in Nanaimo on Wednesday.
“I live in Kalamazoo, Michigan,” said Julie. “First of all, I did not know Vancouver Island was a place.” Julie is among a group of Americans arriving in Nanaimo to visit after an open invitation was posted on social media following
Indian man sentenced for smuggling non-citizens into USA from BC
An Indian man has been sentenced to five months in a United States prison for helping to smuggle eight Indian nationals into the country by illegally crossing the border between British Columbia and Washington state.
A statement from the U.S. District Attorney’s office in Seattle says 27-year-old Rajat Rajat was connected to two smuggling incidents at the Peace Arch border crossing in late 2023.
Authorities say surveillance video caught five people jumping a fence near the Boundary
Village Apartments in Blaine, Wash., approximately 400 metres east of the Peace Arch crossing, and then running into a white minivan on Nov. 27, 2023.
U.S. border officials stopped the van and arrested five citizens of India and a 68-yearold California man who was behind the wheel. Three of the Indian nationals told authorities that Rajat had instructed them on how to cross the border illegally, according to the statement.
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www.gabaautodetaling.com
Trump’s threats to Canadian sovereignty. Continued on Page 10...
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Lawyers for Langley Township have responded to a petition that was trying to force MLA Misty vanPopta out of her role on council, alleging a conflict of interest.
VanPopta was elected as a Township councillor in 2022 and a B.C. Conservative MLA for Langley-Walnut Grove in the October 2024 election. While running, she had said she planned to continue serving in both elected roles until her council term ends in 2026.
Earlier this year, Barbara Sharp and a group of signatories petitioned the B.C. Supreme Court, claiming that vanPopta is in a conflict of interest, and asking the judge to disqualify her from her Township position.
MLA salary, which it claimed was a financial benefit due arising from the conflict.
The response filed in March by the Township's lawyers argues that the petitioners don't have a case, as well as alleging that some of them didn't actually sign on to the legal action.
It's legal in B.C. to hold elected office at more than one level of government, but the Sharp petition said that vanPopta's conflict of interest comes from a Dec. 16, 2024 vote that allowed her to attend some Township council meetings remotely. The petition alleges that this allowed vanPopta to collect her $119,000 in provincial
"At least three petitioners did not consent to being a petitioner on this proceeding," the response alleges.
It says that on March 14, one petitioner emailed a senior staff member at the Township to indicate that she, her brother, and sister-in-law "did not put our names on the petition but were rather included by my elderly parents as a favour to someone." At least 10 names are required on petitions to the court when residents raise a conflict of interest challenge, and if proven, this allegation would reduce the number of signatures to nine. The response also focuses on the central allegation of conflict of interest, and takes aim at the vote to allow vanPopta to attend meetings remotely.
Here's how much it costs to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Metro Vancouver in April
Metro Vancouver rent prices have dropped this April after increasing slightly in March.
The price for an unfurnished, one-bedroom rental unit decreased by $28 from $2,306 to $2,278 this month, according to the latest report from liv.rent.
All five of Canada's most expensive cities are located in Metro Vancouver this April. Typically, Markham in Ontario appears on the list.
Liv.rent notes that "average prices have decreased for all types of unfurnished units in Vancouver, Surrey, Langley and North Vancouver. This trend was not mirrored for furnished units. Vancouver and Langley actually saw prices increase for one-, two- and threebedroom furnished units this April."
West Vancouver remains the most expensive place to rent a newly listed unfurnished, onebedroom unit, despite average prices for newly listed, one-bedroom units dropping by over $200 in April. Prices for these units averaged $2,595, up $269 from $2,864 in March. The city is also the most expensive place to rent a twoor three-bedroom unit, averaging $3,561 and
$4,297, respectively.
North Vancouver continues to rank as the second-priciest rental market, with the same units averaging $2,528 (down from $2,609 last month).
The City of Vancouver is the third most expensive market, with its one-bedroom units averaging $2,432. These prices were also down from last month's average of $2,460.
Coquitlam has cracked the top five most expensive cities list for the first time this year, with its one bedrooms averaging $2,369. Richmond rounded out the top five, with its units averaging $2,343.
Renters looking for the most affordable options will have the best luck in Surrey, with one-bedroom rental units averaging $1,857, two-bedroom units averaging $2,331, and threebedroom units averaging $2,896.
Liv.rent notes that the average Metro Vancouver rent for a "furnished one bedroom is now $2,491, $213 higher than unfurnished units, which cost $2,278. This is a big jump from March, when the gap was just $47."
District makes funding plea as Surrey schools run short of paper
The Surrey School District is calling on the B.C. government to increase provincial funding after reports of multiple schools running short of paper.
This follows the recent announcement made on Feb. 28 by the Surrey Board of Education of a $16 million budget shortfall for the upcoming 20252026 school year.
The board says provincial funding is lacking due to inflation and Surrey’s growing population.
Surrey Board of Education Chair Gary Tymoschuk says, because each school is responsible for managing its budget throughout the school year, “it’s possible that some schools are in fact running a bit low [on paper].”
Tymoschuk says the district is able to reallocate resources when schools report running short. But he says funding for public education has changed over the years.
“Twenty years ago, the provincial government used to fund public education. About 15 per cent of their total budget,” Tymoschuk says. “That’s
dropped down to about eight per cent of their total budget.”
In response to the shortfall, Tymoschuk says inflation and infrastructure needs are a priority.
“[Inflation] is not funded, and we’ve got to find ways to make that balance throughout the district,” says Tymoschuk.
“We’ve got a lot of schools, a lot of structures that we [have] to heat. Things like business infrastructure or technology. Or all of the buildings we [have to] maintain and make sure they’re in good repair all the time,” says Tymoschuk.
Tymoschuk says the board met last week with the Education Minister to express their concerns.
Indian student killed by stray bullet in Hamilton
A 21-year-old student hailing from Tarn Taran in Punjab and studying in Canada’s Hamilton was killed after she was accidentally hit by a stray bullet during a shooting incident.
The deceased, identified as Harsimrat Randhawa, was studying at Mohawk College. She was standing at a bus stop on her way to work when she was killed. According to the Hamilton police, they received reports of a shooting near Upper James and South Bend Road at 7.30 pm on April 17. “When the police arrived, they found a 21-year-old female with a gunshot wound to the chest. She was transported to a hospital and later died from her injuries,” the police said. After collecting relevant videos, including the CCTV feed, the investigators found that a passenger of a black Mercedes SUV had fired at the occupants of a white sedan, and Harsimrat was caught in between. The two cars quickly fled the scene after the shooting.
the gunfire.
“Investigators are asking anyone with dashcam or security camera footage between 7.15 pm and 7.45 pm near Upper James and South Bend,” the police said, adding the probe was still on. Meanwhile, the Indian consulate in Toronto confirmed the incident and expressed condolences.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Harsimrat in Hamilton, Ontario. As per the local police, she was an innocent victim, fatally struck by a stray bullet during a shooting incident involving two vehicles. A homicide investigation is currently underway. We are in close contact with her family and are extending all necessary assistance. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time,” the consulate said.
“Bullets had also entered the rear window of a residence on Allenby Avenue where the occupants were watching television a few feet away. Fortunately, no one was injured,” the police said. While there was no video of the incident, the police believe that Harsimrat was an innocent bystander who was struck by a stray bullet during
Meanwhile, the family of the student has urged the Centre and the Punjab Government for their assistance in bringing back her body.
“We came to know from our relatives yesterday. She was standing on the road and then a bullet hit her,” Harsimrat’s grandfather Sukhwinder Singh in said Tarn Taran. The family urged both governments to expedite the process to bring back her body to India.
Suspect in Coal Harbour attack on tourist out on bail
A man suspected of an assault on a tourist in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour neighbourhood earlier this month has been released on bail.
Court records show Peterhans Jalo Nungu, who was arrested immediately after an attack around 12:30 a.m. on April 15, was given an interim release during a court appearance on Wednesday.
The Toronto tourist who was attacked gave a detailed, chilling account of her fight for survival in a series of social media videos that were widely shared. She described beating at her attacker with a bag of seltzers she’d just purchased and kicking at him repeatedly, trying everything she could to fight him off.
The same day Nungu was released on bail, Vancouver police confirmed the April 15 attack, saying that the public wasn’t informed earlier
because a suspect was in custody and there was no safety risk. Court records show Nungu, who was born in 1991, was released on bail two days before the alleged Vancouver assault. He is facing separate charges for allegedly attacking a peace officer in Surrey on April 13 and is expected to appear in court on those charges on May 5. Despite a lack of public notice at the time of the alleged Coal Harbour incident, VPD Sgt. Steve Addison praised the woman for her bravery and for sharing her story with the public.
“The level of detail she has provided is beyond what police would typically be permitted to release in a case that is before the courts,” said Addison. “However, we welcome the opportunity to provide more information now that she’s chosen to come forward.” Nungu is due for his next court appearance in Vancouver on May 20.
You could get an insurance break from ICBC if you drive less than 15,000 km a year
B.C. drivers who travel less than 15,000 kilometres a year in their vehicles will soon be eligible for an expanded discount program from the provincial insurer.
ICBC announced Wednesday that drivers’ optional insurance premiums — for things like third-party liability and collision coverage — can be 10 to 15 per cent lower beginning June 1 if their annual travel is below that threshold.
It’s a boost over the existing Insurance Corp. of B.C. program, which offers such discounts for those driving under 10,000 km annually.
Usage-based discounts were first introduced by ICBC in 2019. Drivers who travel less than 5,000 km per year, for instance, already qualify for a 10 per cent discount on basic insurance.
“Driving less not only lowers your risk
of getting into a crash, it’s also better for the environment,” said ICBC president and CEO David Wong in a statement.
The new 15,000 km discount applies to most of ICBC’s optional coverage, including extended third-party liability, collision, comprehensive and specified perils (coverage for events like fire, flood, hail and downed trees).
Drivers may be eligible if they:
• Drive less than 15,000 km a year
• Provide two odometer readings a year apart proving their driving distance
• Have a 12 month Autoplan policy with optional coverage
• Have an eligible vehicle (motorbikes, RVs, collector vehicles and some others aren’t included)
Bettors strongly back Conservative win, despite a Liberal polling lead
Parliamentary bureau chief Stuart Thomson talks to reporter Christopher Nardi about why bettors might be putting money on the Conservative party, despite national polls showing the party several points behind the Liberals.
A recent Postmedia-Leger poll last week found that the Liberals are hanging onto the lead in the federal election with 43 per cent of support nationally, five points ahead of the Conservatives who are at 38 per cent support.
But the sports betting site FanDuel, which only operates in Ontario and carries odds for political events, says that 70 per cent of the bets placed on the winner of the federal election are on the Conservative party, with only 28 per cent of bettors wagering on the Liberals. The company says that more than 80 per cent of the bets on the Conservatives were placed after March 25, when the election was underway and the Liberals were pulling away as favourites. Canadians go to the polls on April 28.
Liberals lead by 4 points over Conservatives with gap narrowing on preferred prime minister question
The Liberals have a four-point advantage over the Conservatives on Day 33 of the 36-day federal election campaign, with the gap narrowing on both national ballot preference and who Canadians want as prime minister.
A three-day rolling sample by Nanos Research conducted on April 21-23 has the Liberals at 43 per cent over the Conservatives, who are up over the past three days at 39 per cent nationally.
The New Democratic Party is at seven per cent, followed by the Bloc Quebecois (six per cent), Green Party of Canada (three per cent) and the People’s Party of Canada (one per cent).
“The gap is narrowing on both ballot preferences and who Canadians want as prime minister concurrent with the full release of the Conservative platform,” said Nik Nanos, official pollster for CTV News and the Globe and Mail. “As of last night, it is the tightest since the tracking began this election.” Regionally, Liberals are ahead in the Atlantic, Ontario and Quebec while Conservatives remain dominant in the Prairies and have a slight edge in B.C.
In Ontario, the Liberals went from a doubledigit advantage earlier in the week to eight points and they’re at 48 per cent versus the Conservatives at 40. The NDP is at seven.
The Liberals continue their lead in Quebec and are at 41 compared with the Conservatives at 25. The Bloc Quebecois is in second place at 27 per cent.
In the Prairies, the Conservatives remain far ahead with 57 per cent of those surveyed backing them, versus 30 for the Liberals. The NDP is at eight.B.C. remains a toss-up with the Liberals at 41 per cent versus 42 per cent for the Conservatives. The NDP is at 11. The Liberal lead in the Atlantic region remains strong at 60 per cent versus 30 per cent for the Conservatives. The NDP remains far behind in the region at seven per cent. When it comes to whom Canadians prefer as prime minister, Liberal Leader Mark Carney has a ninepoint advantage, with 46 per cent choosing him over Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who is at 37 per cent. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh remains a distant third at five per cent.
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OPINION
Smith putting American interests above Canadians’, yet again
By Liam Hodder
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith did an interview with American far right-wing news outlet Breitbart on March 8, 2025. She called for the United States (U.S.) government to pause tariffs, stating that it has caused an increase in support for the Liberal Party. Additionally, she said the Conservative Party of Canada‘s (CPC) goals align with U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for America.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the CPC, didn’t outright disagree with her statements. Instead he vaguely said “people are free to have their own comments, I speak for myself.” This interview highlights Smith’s willingness to undermine the best interests of Canada for her own goals. She wants the CPC to win federally and is seemingly willing to advocate for foreign interference to make it happen. Ironically, in doing so, she is actively harming the likelihood of a Tory victory in the upcoming election.
In the interview, Smith detailed that she believes the tariffs are pushing Canadians to support the Liberal Party. To remedy this, she wants the U.S. government to pause tariffs so that the Conservatives have a better chance of winning. This statement is alarming due to how closely it seems to fit the definition of foreign interference. Since her interview she has been called out by the Alberta New Democratic Party‘s (NDP) official opposition House Leader, Christina Gray. Some have even begun circulating the link to the Commissioner of Elections Canada to report her for foreign interference.
At the root of her request is her belief that tariffs are pushing people to support the Liberal Party and its leader and current Prime Minister, Mark Carney. Carney has been running on an “elbows up,” pro-Canada campaign, fostering a sense of healthy nationalism. If Smith feels Canadian nationalism threatens the CPC, is Canada really the main priority of the CPC? At the very least, it makes me question Smith’s priorities. This is also on par with her track record of putting the U.S. over Canada.
She refused to align with every other premier in the country to retaliate against threatened tariffs. Smith’s government also recently amended the Alberta Bill of Rights to include American-style freedoms. The group that lobbied for these amendments also has ties to separatists. Her giving her time and power to those who don’t have Canada’s benefit in mind could indicate that she shares — or at least sympathizes with — their views. Smith hasn’t been shy about her admiration for U.S. Republicans, and that’s on full display now.
After a chilly start to spring, Metro Vancouver residents will be in for some warm weather over the next few days.
The region can expect sunshine and temperatures in the low-to-mid 20s C inland, or about 17 to 18 C closer to the water on Thursday and Friday, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. Friday looks the warmest, with highs of 18 and 24 C inland.
As for the weekend, it looks like a perfect day for the thousands of runners and spectators taking part in The Vancouver Sun Run, as the rain is forecast to hold off until Monday.
The federal weather agency is predicting a mix of sun and cloud, with highs of 15 and 18 C inland. Then it’s back to that springtime rain on Monday, with highs of 12 C, followed by a chance of showers on Tuesday. Colin Fong, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said the temperatures are slightly above normal for this time of year, which is about 13 C during the
day and 6 C at night. “We are experiencing nice weather thanks to a ridge of high pressure,” he said, adding the above average temperatures will start to cool off again after the weekend.
“It’s generally about five degrees above normal with those numbers … but nothing that really blows the doors off any records.”
Fong said meteorologists are forecasting a warmer than normal May but added that it’s too soon to say whether it will be drier than usual.
“For May, our forecast and the models have been fairly consistent with a warm scenario, so aboveaverage temperatures … but as far as precipitation goes that always is the real tricky one, and there isn’t a strong signal, either way towards really wet or dry,” said Fong.
Meantime, allergy sufferers may have been experiencing symptoms this week as the sun came out, but, according to the Weather Network’s daily pollen report, Thursday’s pollen count is considered “very low.”
Vancouver Police Department to be over budget by millions: report
The Vancouver Police Department is expecting to be millions of dollars over budget by the end of year, according to a report.
The Q1 Variance Report, which covers the first quarter ending on March 31, states the VPD is over budget by 3.7 per cent or $3,868,735, and is projected to finish the year over budget by 1.6 per cent or $6,999,302.
The VPD attributes the overspend in the first quarter to backfilling vacancies, policing protests, and equipment purchases for its body-worn camera initiative.
Salaries and benefits for the first quarter were over budget by 2.9 per cent or $2,582,827.
The report states the Q1 trend is expected to continue through the year. The VPD’s report said the overspending is partly due to a higher
costs for officer and civilian overtime to backfill current vacancies.
The budget projection includes $5 million in overtime costs related to ongoing work for Task Force Barrage. Those funds are to be received from the city before the end of the year, the report says. Task Force Barrage was announced in February and significantly increased the police presence in the Downtown Eastside.
Police have said its goal is to target organized crime, repeat violent offenders, and street disorder. In December, Vancouver city council approved the department’s 2025 net operating budget of $425,947,189, which is an increase of $14,639,956, or 3.6 per cent from the 2024 budget.
The VPD is one of the country’s highest-paid police forces.
Police in Delta, B.C., are searching for a hit-andrun driver after a boy was reportedly struck by a car and sent to hospital with minor injuries on Wednesday.
A statement from the Delta Police Department says the young male pedestrian was crossing 112 Street and Bridlington Drive outside of Burnsview Secondary School just before 3 p.m. when he was struck by a black vehicle travelling south on 112 Street.
“The black vehicle failed to stop and continued driving southbound on 112 Street,” the statement said.
Investigators are appealing to the driver to come forward and speak with officers about the incident.
Police are also asking witnesses or those with surveillance video from the scene to contact the Delta Police Department at 604-946-4411 and quote file number 2025-7255.
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Authorities say Rajat collected money from the migrants and paid the minivan driver to transport them from the border.
The U.S. attorney’s office says Rajat met with three more Indian citizens in Peace Arch Park the following month, directing them to cross the border through the park and get into a car waiting on the American side.
The car was stopped and searched by U.S. border officials, and the occupants allegedly told investigators they had promised to pay Rajat later for smuggling them into the U.S. Rajat was arrested near the border and charged with conspiracy to bring in and transport aliens for profit.
“Mr. Rajat was a mid-level manager of this smuggling scheme, directing noncitizens where and how to cross the border, and even fronting some travel costs for them and for coconspirators,” acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller said in a statement announcing his prison sentence Wednesday.
“We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to stop the illegal border crossings that undermine U.S. security.”
Prosecutors in the case described the
smuggling operation as an “organized, coordinated, transnational scheme that operated repeatedly, over an extended period of time,” according to the attorney’s office.
“Mr. Rajat’s role in the organization was not one that can be considered minor. Rather, he was essential to its function,” the statement said, noting Rajat purchased flights for his Indian clients and instructed them on how and when to clandestinely enter the U.S. U.S. District Judge Tana Lin in Seattle sentenced Rajat to five months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. However, the attorney’s office said Rajat, who had been living in California prior to the charge, is likely to be deported following his release from prison.
Sushil Kumar, a 36-year-old co-conspirator in the smuggling operation, was sentenced to six months in prison and three years of supervised release in March. Bobby Joe Green, the minivan driver, was sentenced to four months in prison and three years of supervised release.
A fourth defendant, a 20-year-old Indian woman who is in the United States on a student visa, is scheduled to go to trial for her alleged role in the operation early next year, according to the statement.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old with stunning IPL debut
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He finished on the losing side but stole the limelight as, at 14 years and 23 days, he made his debut for Rajasthan after being bought for $130,500 in November’s auction of players at the age of only 13.
An explosive free-scoring batsman, who can also bowl spin, Suryavanshi comes from India’s poorest state, Bihar, and his father is a farmer and part-time journalist, according to Indian media reports.
The teenager’s rise has been swift. He made his domestic debut aged 12 in the Ranji Trophy in January 2024 before being selected for India’s under-19 squad against a touring Australia team. He hit a 58-ball century – the second fastest in youth Tests after England’s Moeen Ali in 2005. But it was the bidding war at the IPL player auction in 2024 that catapulted the youngster into global headlines. Now he finds himself among the cricketing elite in the world’s most popular and lucrative T20 tournament and has been lauded by former players after his first show. Former England captain Michael Vaughan tagged a clip of Suryavanshi hitting his first ball for six off seasoned India seamer Shardul Thakur and wrote on X: “This is incredible.”
“He is 14 but has the mind of a 30-year-old,” former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar said. “Vaibhav Suryavanshi looked confident against bowlers who have been bowling for years.”
Former India batsman Suresh Raina said, “He will rule cricket in the future. Vaibhav Suryavanshi will show what he is capable of.” Rajasthan coach and India great Rahul Dravid was impressed by the youngster in trials before the auction, saying Suryavanshi had “some really good skills”.
His father, Sanjeev, expressed astonishment
after what happened in the auction.
“I am speechless … I don’t know what to say. It’s a massive thing for our family,” he was quoted as saying by The Indian Express newspaper.
“I had a gut feeling that he would get picked, but never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that there would be a bidding war.”
He believes his son is in the right team to realise his potential.
“Over the years, Royals have groomed the youngsters. Be it Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel or Riyan Parag, all are products of the Rajasthan Royals franchise,” said Sanjeev. “I sincerely hope that Vaibhav will also follow the same path.”
Vaibhav’s state coach, Pramod Kumar, described him as a quiet boy who loves his cricket.
“He is the kind of player who has come on Earth to play cricket; he settles for nothing else,” Kumar told The Times of India newspaper.
“He hardly talks. But ask him about cricket and he can go on day and night.”
Born on March 27, 2011, Suryavanshi is the first IPL cricketer born after the tournament’s inception in 2008.
Prayas Ray Barman was the previous youngest IPL player. He was 16 years and 157 days in 2019 when he made his debut for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Police investigating vandalism at Vancouver gurdwara, Surrey Hindu temple
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A Vancouver Police Department (VPD) statement included images of a vehicle and two people who were outside the gurdwara when it was vandalized Saturday morning. Police say they believe a truck drove through the area around the time of the offence and two people then walked near the front entrance of the temple. VPD Sgt. Steve Addison said they are looking at the incident as a potential hate crime.
Organizers at Surrey's Lakshmi Narayan Mandir say the Hindu temple was also defaced over the weekend.
Vinay Sharma, secretary of the Vedic Hindu Cultural Society, said two people spray-painted the outside of the temple on Saturday at around
3 a.m. The word "Khalistan" was scrawled across the sign at the front gate.
Sharma says they have shared photos and video footage with Surrey police, who are working on the case.
The temple secretary believes the vandalism is part of an effort to scare people and foment hostility.
"We are mature enough as Hindus and Sikhs that we do not fight with each other," Sharma said.
"We know these people just want to divide and create a rift."
Addison said police in Vancouver and Surrey are working together to determine whether the incidents are connected.
Hastings fire that destroyed historic businesses now considered suspicious
The fire that destroyed a number of businesses along Hastings Street on Wednesday morning is now considered suspicious.
Vancouver police confirmed on Thursday morning that Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services has now engaged the police’s major crime section as investigators believe the fire is suspicious. Police confirmed the investigation had been launched but did not have any further details as of Thursday morning.
At least three businesses were destroyed in the blaze, including Wohlford & Company, formerly known as Dayton Boots. Vancouver Fire and
Rescue Services was called around 4 a.m. on Wednesday to East Hastings near Garden Drive.
More than 40 firefighters responded to the blaze.
Missing woman found dead in Dawson Creek
Police say the recent discovery of a missing woman’s body in Dawson Creek is being investigated as a murder.
Emily Ogden, 24, was reported missing from Fort St. John on March 29. Her remains were found April 14 in Dawson Creek and a suspicious death investigation was launched by the local RCMP detachment.
The death is now being treated as a homicide and the RCMP E Division major crime section has taken over the case.
“We would like to know if anyone saw or heard from Emily during the time she was reported missing, until the discovery of her body,” said Staff Sgt. Kris Clark of the B.C. RCMP.
Police say fatal hit and run on Haida Gwaii was targeted
RCMP say a fatal hit-and-run on Haida Gwaii Tuesday was likely targeted.
It happened after 1 p.m. PT on the 200 block of Front Street in Skidegate, a village of about 700 people.
Police say the North District major crimes unit is en route to the community to investigate, and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Skidegate Band Council, which governs the
BC woman shot in face, suspect dead and up to 30 people out of their homes in apartment attack and fire
A man suspected of setting an apartment building on fire is dead after he drove his vehicle into the blaze, RCMP say, but not before he shot one person and displaced roughly two dozen others.
The string of events happened Friday afternoon in the city of Fort St. John, in northeast B.C.
Police say they were called to a shooting in front of an apartment complex on 103 Avenue at about 1:20 p.m. PT on April 18, where they found the building on fire.
"The initial investigation suggests that the suspect in the vehicle had set the fire and then drove his vehicle into the blaze, where he was then located deceased," said Sgt. Kris Clark of the B.C. RCMP.
emergency support services.
The two people in the truck have been identified as Corey Macdonald and his fiancée, Remi Boutilier, through public social media
Clark also said that the man had fired shots at a black pickup with two people inside, and that the occupants fled to the hospital, which was briefly placed on a lockdown out of concern for public safety.
City of Fort St. John spokesperson Ryan Harvey says the 14-unit building has been deemed a "total loss," displacing between 20 and 30 residents who have been accessing
posts from Macdonald and an online fundraiser posted on the couple's behalf by family friend Josh Gaudet.
CBC News has been in touch with Macdonald via Facebook, who said Gaudet was acting as a spokesperson for the couple while they recover.
According to Gaudet, the couple had been out running errands and were returning home when they saw the suspect outside their apartment shooting a gun.
village, enacted a curfew following the incident that it said was in response to "the current crisis," but did not immediately provide further details.
In a followup post on Facebook Wednesday morning, the band said its offices are closed "out of respect to everyone impacted by the tragic loss in our community."
"Please hold each other close, look after one another in these challenging times," the post said.
Tight
race in federal election, but Liberals still in the lead days before voting day: polls
Continued from Page 1...
Principal at Liaison Strategies David Valentin says that “it’s a tight race nationally,” but the Conservatives are still being held back by an “inefficient vote” in prairie provinces.
“They have a lot of popular vote, but it’s stuck in all the wrong places, stuck in places where they can’t win any more seats because there’s only so many seats in Alberta to begin with,” Valentin said.
Due to this factor, Valentin says that the race may not be as close as some people think.
“I’m pretty confident at this particular point that unless there is a massive polling error, or there is a lot of movement over the weekend, that is, it’s going to be a Liberal government,” he said. Despite this, whether or not a potential Liberal win will result in
a majority or minority government still remains a mystery, according to Valentin.
However, that does not mean a Conservative win is impossible at the moment, Valentin says that there are a few different paths that could result in a win, such as voter turnout, which most pollsters expect to be around 70 per cent according to Valentin, an improvement from the last three elections.
“But if turnout is 80 per cent well, none of us have modeled or looked at what the possibility for that would be. So, there are ways for the Conservatives to win, there’s just very few paths,” Valentin said.
More than seven million voters cast their ballot during advanced voting from Apr. 1821 in a record-breaking turnout, according to Elections Canada.
Messi
fever grips Vancouver as fans seek brush with soccer royalty
It’s Messi mania in Vancouver. The Inter Miami star, deemed soccer’s greatest living player by many, has officially touched down in Vancouver ahead of a key international match against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
On Wednesday night, fans flocked to the University of British Columbia where Inter Miami was training, some trying to push through hedges or climb trees in hopes of catching a glimpse — only to be pushed back by security.
Thursday is the first of two matches between the teams, the second to be played in Miami, that will decide which club advances to the final of the CONCACAF Champions League, where they will face off with a pro team from Mexico. Inter Miami has not confirmed whether Messi will actually play.
Whitecaps CEO and sporting director Axel Schuster said the star’s presence is good news for the game. “To see that excitement and also to see how soccer is growing, also how he is helping with that, it’s a great thing for us, because we do this for many many years because we believe in the growth of the sport and having more kids playing the sport will help the whitecaps in the long term,” he said.
Thursday’s game is sold out, with a club record attendance of more than 54,000.
Tickets are still going on the resale market starting in the $200 range and climbing into the thousands.
Soccer fan Mark Hicken was outside BC Place early Thursday, hoping to score last-minute tickets.
LNG could help break Canada's dependence on the USA energy economy — but there are no guarantees
There's something new on the scenic skyline in Kitimat, B.C., more than 600 kilometres up the coast from Vancouver.
A bright orange flare, burning above LNG Canada's sprawling export terminal as tests on the facility are conducted ahead of the very first shipment of liquefied natural gas from Canada to Asia, scheduled to happen in the next few months.
Teresa Waddington, vicepresident of corporate relations with LNG Canada, was in Kitimat earlier this month when the Greek tanker Maran Gas Roxana, made its way through the Douglas Channel carrying a load of LNG that will be used for equipment testing before the project comes online. "It was a big moment for me as a
Canadian," she said.
"It is going to diversify Canada's energy export market ... Canadian gas offers a whole new opportunity." With the backing of Shell, Petronas, PetroChina, Mitsubishi Corporation and the Korea Gas Corp., the $40 billion LNG Canada project has been described by the federal government as the "largest single private sector investment in the history of the country." And set against the backdrop of the trade war with the United States, both LNG Canada and the entire liquefied natural gas industry have taken centre stage in a federal election which has centred around major party leaders promising to support more projects like this one in order to diversify Canada's energy economy.
Americans start arriving in Nanaimo to show support for Canada
Continued from Page 1...
“I liked the fact that Nanaimo was going to be welcoming Americans despite some of the difficulties that were going on,” said Julie.
“Hey Americans who support Canadians, I have an idea,” starts Tod Maffin in a video he posted online.
When Nanaimo resident and content creator Maffin posted an open invite online, he wasn’t expecting the response.
“I put my phone down to do some dishes, and it just started dinging and ringing all the time. It was crazy,” he tells CHEK News.
Two thousand people told Maffin they would come. He says if 10 per cent arrive, it will make a huge difference for the local economy.
“As I speak right now, there’s already people in the community that have already arrived, some
came a week early, there’s people from Texas that are driving up, as we speak, there’s two separate groups from Australia that are coming,” he said.
The big event happens at Maffeo Sutton Park at 10 a.m. Saturday, and everyone is invited.
“Locals are welcomed and encouraged. It’s a family photo. Just want everyone to come by and get a photo of us with our American neighbours in front of the Nanaimo sign at Maffeo Sutton Park,” said Maffin.
A few dignitaries will also be on hand, including Nanaimo’s mayor, who will officially welcome the visitors.
“I’m thrilled that he’s done it. I’m delighted to welcome our American friends. People, I suspect, who are sympathetic to this country, unsympathetic to the mad king in the white house,” said Leonard Krog, Nanaimo’s mayor.
2 police officers charged with raping a minor in Savusavu
Two police officers have been charged with allegedly raping a minor in Savusavu earlier this month.
Police say following the conduct of investigation by officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was consulted for the sanctioning of charges.
The two have been charged with one count of rape each and will appear in the Savusavu
Magistrates Court today.
Police say they are committed to ensuring the thorough conduct of investigations against police officers upon receipt of official complaints.
They confirm due processes in the conduct of investigation as well as independent review and sanctioning of charges is sought from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure transparency.
Trainee teacher abducted from Labasa school found safe in Savusavu
A trainee teacher who was allegedly abducted from a prominent secondary school in Labasa has been found at an accommodation in Savusavu.
The incident allegedly occurred on Tuesday at about 8am.
Students who were in school at the time say they saw a man forcefully take the woman in a taxi.
Police say the man and the teacher are in good health. They will question the individual, as she was allegedly forcefully taken.
Free eye clinics around the country soon
People with eye issues stand to benefit from free eye clinics which will begin across the country next month.
This is an initiative by Island Eye Clinic in partnership with New Vision of Fiji.
The eye clinic, a subsidiary of Island Group of Companies, has been providing free clinics at Island Medical Centre on Extension Street in Suva since April 1. Managing director Azad Ali says the free eye clinics will continue until the end of this month before they embark on the free mobile eye clinics around the country with
New Vision of Fiji.
He says they are in the process of getting the vehicle that will be used for the mobile eye screenings ready and plan to be out in the communities from next month.
He says the eyes are just as important as the heart or any other organ in the human body and people need to get them checked before it is too late and they lose their eyesight.
Ali says anyone that needs an eye checkup or know someone who does, should visit either Island Eye Clinic or New Vision of Fiji.
Fiji Airways fuels tourism boom with record profits
Fiji is climbing higher on the global tourism map, powered by strong gains in aviation and an enhanced visitor experience.
At the heart of this shift is Fiji Airways, which has surpassed a billion dollars in revenue and now flies to more than 23 international destinations.
Minister for Civil Aviation and Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka says aviation has become a key pillar supporting the country’s tourism success. He adds that with record profits and growing global recognition, the national airline is setting new standards for Fiji.
“Just recently, they became a full member of Oneworld, joining a family of big, global names. Fiji Airways has consistently been winning a number of international awards, and they are trading very profitably.”
Online threats
to
Gavoka says the airline’s success is helping transform Fiji’s entire tourism ecosystem from air travel to accommodation and beyond.
He says domestic transport is improving, resorts are levelling up, and global recognition is surging.
Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill says the focus now is on smart growth and unforgettable experiences.
“We’re still really focused on how we can commit to our goals and reach the numbers we’re aiming for, which represent a slight increase from last year. At the moment, we’re tracking just slightly below last year.”
Hill says with stronger airline connectivity, premium service, and a fresh push to diversify experiences, Fiji is shifting gears from recovery to reinvention and fast becoming one of the most competitive tourism destinations in the region.
children spark strong response
Fiji is ramping up efforts to protect children from online abuse and exploitation, with the Ministry of Trade now exploring accession to the Lanzarote Convention.
The convention is a European treaty dedicated to safeguarding children from sexual exploitation and abuse.
Permanent Secretary Shaheen Ali says the move is part of a broader push to align Fiji’s child protection policies with international standards and strengthen legal tools to tackle exploitation in all its forms.
At the same time, Fiji is making its presence felt on the global stage through its participation in the WeProtect Global Alliance, a coalition committed to ending online child sexual abuse.
Ali says that while the internet offers powerful opportunities for children to learn and connect,
it also exposes them to real dangers. The Ministry is also reviewing existing laws and policies, and working to strengthen cybercrime investigations, a crucial step in ensuring children are protected in today’s fast-moving digital world.
Ali says a multi-agency approach is key, and the government is working with partners across justice, education, law enforcement, and civil society to build a safer digital space for the next generation.
"This kind of barbarism totally unacceptable": World leaders stand in solidarity with India after heinous Pahalgam Terror Attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received calls from leaders from across the world, who strongly condemned the dastardly terrorist attack which took place in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. PM Modi received condolences from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron and Egyptian President Al Sisi on Thursday, amongst several other leaders.
The details were shared by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a series of posts on X.
Italian PM Meloni strongly condemned the terrible terror attack on Indian soil and conveyed her thoughts and prayers for the victims. She reiterated Italy's full support in the fight against terrorism. PM Modi appreciated her call and the clear message of support against terrorism and
those behind it.
"Prime Minister @GiorgiaMeloni called Prime Minister @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terrible terror attack on Indian soil. She conveyed her thoughts and prayers for the victims and wished a speedy recovery of those injured. She expressed full support of Italy in the fight against terrorism. PM Modi appreciated her call and the clear message of support against terrorism and those behind it. India and Italy will continue to work together including in international platforms to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts", MEA wrote on X.
French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed his condolences on the brutal killing of innocent people in the heinous terror attack. He called this kind of barbarism "totally unacceptable" and expressed full support from France to India.
Indian airlines issue travel advisory after Pakistan announces closure of airspace
Following the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, Pakistan announced airspace restrictions for all Indian airlines. Several airlines, including SpiceJet, Air India, and IndiGo, have issued travel advisories for their passengers.
Air India shared an important update on X, citing "unforseen Pakistan airspace closure" for Indian airlines. This comes after India announced measures against Pakistan in response to the attack, which resulted in the deaths of 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen.
"Due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America,
UK, Europe, and the Middle East will take an alternative extended route," Air India wrote on X.
"Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure that is outside our control. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority," it added.
IndiGo also issued a travel advisory on X and said that, "due to the sudden announcement of airspace closure by Pakistan, a few of our international flights are being impacted. "
Further, IndiGo acknowledged the inconvenience and advised the passengers to check the latest flight status.
India donates 4.8 tons of vaccines to Afghanistan
India on Thursday donated 4.8 tons of vaccines to Afghanistan, including vaccines for rabies, tetanus, hepatitis B, and influenza, according to the XP Division, Ministry of External Affairs.
In a similar effort, India recently handed over a fresh relief consignment to Myanmar under Operation Brahma in April
The Indian Embassy in Myanmar stated that relief aid recently dispatched from India has been handed over to Mandalay Chief Minister Myo Aung under Operation Brahma.
The newly dispatched aid from India was handed over by the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur. It contained an RO water plant, a Genset, rice, noodles, cooking oil, atta, sugar, dal, salt, MRES, blankets, and medicines.
As the first responder to the devastating earthquake on March 28, India has provided over 750 metric tons of relief material, including medical aid, food, shelters, and essential supplies. In April, India also sent a consignment of 1,000 metric tons of rice to Cameroon on Wednesday for food grain assistance.
Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said the effort is in the spirit of a committed partnership with the Global South.
In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "India: A committed partner to the Global South. India sends food grain assistance to the people of Cameroon. A consignment of 1000 mt of Rice departed today from Nhava Sheva Port to Cameroon."
Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that India has sent the first tranche of assistance to Botswana in response to the floods.
The MEA said that the tranche comprised of 10 tons of essential medicines, surgical supplies, mosquito nets, water purifiers, among other things.
In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "India sends humanitarian assistance to Botswana. In the wake of floods in Botswana, the first tranche of approx 10 tons of assistance comprising essential medicines, surgical supplies, mosquito nets, water purifiers, etc, was dispatched for Botswana."
Pak Deputy PM defers Dhaka visit
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has postponed his planned Dhaka visit next week amid escalation of tensions between his country and India following the terrorist attack in Kashmir.
“Owing to unforeseen circumstances, the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan is unable to undertake the visit to Bangladesh on April 27-28, 2025,” the Pakistan High Commission said in a statement quoting the country’s Foreign Ministry. It said a new date for the visit would be finalised through mutual consultations.
Govt to provide Rs 5 crore annually for development in each constituency
The Punjab Government on Thursday announced the Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme, wherein a sum of Rs 5 crore will be provided every year for carrying out development works in each of the 117 Assembly constituencies in the state.
The scheme, approved by the Council of Ministers at its meeting chaired by CM Bhagwant Mann, is similar to the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) of the Centre.
MLAs of the ruling AAP had been demanding that they be allocated funds for carrying out development in their respective constituencies.
With the Assembly elections around two years away and the MLAs getting restive over lack of tangible infrastructure projects to showcase, the government has decided to introduce this scheme. The money under the scheme can be used for creating public assets, purchasing moveable public assets like computers or other equipment for schools or hospitals and infrastructure
development. The scheme seems to be on the lines of the Punjab Nirman Scheme introduced by the Congress while it was in power (2002-2007 and 2017-2022). The scheme was introduced at the fag end of the government’s tenure on both those occasions. It was originally the brainchild of former Finance Minister Surinder Singla and was first introduced in 2006. During the last term of the Congress government, it was introduced during the Capt Amarinder Singh’s tenure as CM in 2021. At that time, Rs 1,100 crore was set aside for the 117 constituencies. However, Capt Amarinder resigned before the scheme could be rolled out. Under the AAP government, a sum of Rs 585 crore has been set aside for the scheme. The money would be disbursed from the Consolidated Fund of the state. The fund would be administered by the deputy commissioners and spent based on the recommendations of MLAs, community organisations, citizen groups and public spirited citizens.
Punjab Govt set to recruit 1,000 doctors in biggest hiring drive in decades
In a major boost to the state’s healthcare infrastructure, the Punjab Government has announced a massive recruitment drive to fill 1,000 vacancies for medical officers (MBBS doctors).
This recruitment drive is said to be the largest in decades, which would address longpending shortages in government hospitals and health centres across the state.
The interested candidates can apply through the website of Baba Farid University of Health
The details regarding eligibility, selection criteria and application procedures are expected to be available on the BFUHS website. Meanwhile, the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) has welcomed the state government’s decision.
Terrorist laughed after shooting her husband, says Gujarat victim's wife INDIA
The terrorist who shot her husband laughed as his victim collapsed and died, the wife of Surat resident Shailesh Kalathiya said on Thursday, while also questioning the lack of security in Pahalgam.
Shitalben Kalathiya, who lost her husband in the massacre, asked why no security personnel were present at the spot and why "taxpayers do not get the services" that "VIPs" get; while her son also vented his anger claiming that authorities came to know about the events late.
Three men from Gujarat were among the 26 people killed in the terror attack in south Kashmir on Tuesday. Shailesh Kalathiya was from Surat while Yatish Parmar and his son Smit were residents of Bhavnagar city.
They were cremated at their native places on Thursday as locals joined funeral processions amid outpouring of grief and anger. Shitalben was visibly anguished when her husband's mortal remains were being taken to a crematorium in Surat city.
"A terrorist came up to us, and shot my husband after learning that he is a Hindu. Other Hindu men were also shot in front of their children. The terrorist was laughing after shooting my husband and did not leave till he died," she said.
As Union minister CR Paatil, a BJP leader from Gujarat, tried to console her during the funeral procession, Shitalben said there was no security for tourists in Pahalgam.
"Neither police nor the army was present there. On the other hand, leaders and VIPs get all the facilities, be it a convoy on the road and helicopters in the air. It's the taxpayer who pays for all this. Then why do taxpayers not get the service which VIPs get?" she asked.
Army personnel deployed at the base camp were unaware of the attack on the hills, claimed
Shitalben.
"Terrorists came close and killed all the Hindu men after separating them from Muslims. What was our army doing? Lakhs of personnel are there (in Kashmir). Yet, despite Pahalgam being a tourist spot, there were no policemen, no army-men, nor was there was any first-aid kit," she claimed.
Seeking answers from Paatil, she also claimed that an army personnel asked survivors why they went up to the hills in the first place.
"Please tell me why you (government) are allowing us to go there if the situation is so serious. I appeal to people not to vote, because the government is only concerned about its own facilities. Just look at the number of vehicles in your cavalcade. So, only your life is precious? what about the life of a taxpayer?" asked Shitalben.
She also asked what will be the future of the couple's two children.
"I want justice. Apart from income tax, you collect various other taxes, including toll tax. Then why did my husband not get the required facilities when he needed them? Please tell me what you are going to do for the families of all the victims," said Shitalben. The couple's son Naksh performed the last rites of his father in Surat.
Will punish Pahalgam culprits beyond their imagination: PM
In his first public remarks after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India will pursue the perpetrators of the dastardly act to the ends of the earth, break their backs and raze them to the ground.
The PM termed the attack as an assault not just on the innocent tourists, but the very soul of India and said the “perpetrators and conspirators of the act would get a punishment they would never have imagined”.
Sending out a firm warning to Pakistan, the PM, addressing the country and the world from Madhubani in election-bound Bihar, said India would identify, track and punish every terrorist and his backer and none would go unpunished. “Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world that we will pursue them to the ends of the earth. India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism.
Every effort will be made to ensure justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us in these times,” said the PM, switching to English in between as he spoke on the occasion of a National Panchayati Raj Day event.
The tone and tenor of Modi’s maiden public statement on the Pahalgam attack was a strong reiteration of India’s policy of zero tolerance to terror and a signal that the country would employ whatever was deemed necessary to send out a befitting national response. “Hear me loud and clear. The perpetrators and conspirators of this attack are in for a punishment beyond their imagination. Time has come to raze the remaining ground of terror operatives forever,” he said in the presence of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and ruling NDA partners in the state.
At all-party meet, opposition backs govt on national response to Pahalgam attack
Closing ranks with the government after the Kashmir terror attack, the opposition fully backed it on the national response to the act even as the government briefed leaders on the lapses and the ways to prevent recurrence.
After the all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the opposition fully supports the government on the national response to the attack.
Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge also said the leaders asked for measures to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Briefing on the government's behalf after the meeting, parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said the opposition is with the government
and against terror.
"All parties said they are with the government and against terror. Leaders were briefed by Intelligence Bureau and Ministry of Home Affairs officials on the lapses and the steps being taken to prevent recurrence," Rijiju said amid evidence of intelligence failure in Pahalgam. Rijiju said the government has assured leaders of action against terror.
BSF jawan detained by Pakistan Rangers after accidentally crossing border; talks for release on
A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan has been detained by Pakistan Rangers after he accidentally crossed the Punjab border and talks are on between the two forces to secure his release, officials said on Thursday.
Constable PK Singh of the 182nd battalion was apprehended by the Pakistan Rangers across the Ferozepur border on Wednesday, they said.
The jawan was in uniform and carried his service rifle. He was accompanying farmers
when he moved ahead to rest in shade and was apprehended by the Rangers.
A flag meeting is on between the two forces to secure the release of the BSF jawan, the officials said. They said such incidents were not uncommon and have happened in the past between the two sides. The incident comes against in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack with India taking a slew of measures against Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism.
United with India in grief: UK minister Lisa Nandy on Pahalgam terror attack
UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy joined in a moment’s silence as a gesture of respect and mourning for the 26 innocent victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, as she expressed her “deepest sympathies” on behalf of the British Government.
At a joint reception hosted by her department and the High Commission of India in London on Wednesday evening, Nandy began by acknowledging the “very difficult time” as the world absorbed the impact of the “appalling terror attacks”.
“The loss of innocent lives in such a brutal and senseless manner is a tragedy that transcends borders, and I want to offer our deepest condolences on behalf of the UK government to the families and to the victims and to offer our full support in their pursuit of justice and peace,” said Nandy. “The relationship between India and the UK has always been strong and deep, and at times like this, friends matter. So, on behalf of all of us,
as the Prime Minister [Keir Starmer] has already said, we offer our deepest sympathies and we stand united with you in grief,” she said.
As a precursor to her first official ministerial visit to India for the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai next week, the reception brought together artists and creative minds working across both countries as a celebration of the India-UK cultural partnership.
The British Indian minister reflected upon her very “personal” bond with India through her Calcutta-born father Dipak Nandy.
“I am deeply, deeply proud of my Indian heritage… As the daughter of a dad who was born and grew up in India, who made his home here in the UK, I really understand that it gives you a different perspective on the world. It gives you a different perspective on society. And I’ve always felt very much a global citizen with a deep, deep sense of connection to India, to Indian culture and to the Indian people,” said Nandy.
The Government on Thursday issued an official notification on holding the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, sources said.
Meanwhile, India also informed Pakistan of its decision to keep the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance with immediate effect, saying it breached the treaty conditions, government said.
India said the sustained cross-border terrorism by Pakistan targeting J&K impeded India's rights under the Indus Water Treaty.
The decision was detailed in a letter from Debashree Mukherjee, India's Secretary of Water Resources, to her Pakistani counterpart, Syed Ali Murtaza. Sustained cross-border terrorism by Pakistan targeting Jammu and Kashmir impedes
Centre issues notification on holding Indus Water Treaty in abeyance Indian American organisations rally against terrorism after
Several Indian American organisations have strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, including tourists.
The incident, which occurred on April 22, has drawn widespread outrage and grief from the diaspora community across the United States.
Leading the condemnation, the Coalition of Hindu Americans in North America (CoHNA), the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), and the Kashmir Overseas Association (KOA) denounced the attack as a cowardly act of terrorism targeting unarmed civilians. FIIDS has called upon the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to break its silence and explicitly denounce the killing of Hindus, urging the commission to acknowledge the religious dimension of the tragedy.
In response to the attack, CoHNA, in collaboration with its youth arm CoHNA Youth
India's rights under the Indus Water Treaty, the letter said. “What we have seen instead is sustained cross-border terrorism by Pakistan,” the letter stated, noting that these actions have created “security uncertainties” that impede India's ability to fully utilise its treaty rights.
Action Network (CYAN) and Hindu Yuva, organised a candlelight vigil on the evening of April 22 at the University of California, Berkeley campus. The vigil served as a moment of mourning and solidarity, honouring the memory of those who lost their lives. It was led by Vamsee Juluree, an academic and CoHNA leader, who emphasised the importance of standing united against terrorism and remembering the victims with dignity. Adding to these efforts, Hindu Action in collaboration with the Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora, will organise a high-level policy briefing titled "Pakistan's Proxy War Against Hindus - Global Implications". Scheduled for May 5, 2025, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC, the briefing aims to engage US Members of Congress, foreign policy analysts, human rights advocates, and community leaders. Terrorism is a brutal tactic that targets innocent lives to instil fear and disrupt peace.
