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VOL 26 - ISSUE 24
CBSA raids Punjabi students protest in Calgary
Officers from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) visited — 'raided' — a protest site in Calgary where international graduates have been demonstrating, with participants reporting that officials checked their immigration documents. The CBSA is responsible for enforcing immigration laws, investigating potential violations and carrying out removals across Canada. Continued on Page 4...
US court sentencing in Pannun murder plot in Nov
www.theasianstar.com SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026
Canadian wildfire that forced 20,000 to flee may signal ‘new normal’
PENTICTON — A wildfire that forced more than 20,000 people from their homes in western Canada moved so quickly that crews had to abandon firefighting to help residents escape, a pace British Columbia’s premier said Wednesday may represent a “new normal.” The Bald Range wildfire erupted Friday near Summerland, a community of about 12,000 in British Columbia’s Okanagan region. By Wednesday, it had grown to about 184 square kilometers (71 square miles) after destroying homes and killing an 80-yearold woman. “There’s an important set of lessons for us to take about how quickly this moved and that this may be our new normal for fire speed,” Premier David Eby said. He said the blaze outpaced wildfire modeling and left some residents with little time to evacuate. Continued on Page 7...
Parliament panel finds Justice Varma guilty in cash-at-home case Justice Yashwant Varma, facing removal proceedings over the alleged discovery of unaccounted cash at his official residence, has been found guilty on all three articles of charge by the three-member Lok Sabha inquiry committee.
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WHOLESALE TIRES The committee, in its report tabled in both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday, concluded that “Article I is proved”, “Article II is proved” and “Article III is proved”, leaving little ambiguity in its findings on the controversy that erupted after burnt currency was allegedly found at the judge’s residence last year. Continued on Page 3...
Indian professor wins eminent Dirac Medal, joins Hawking and other physics giants
A US federal court has deferred the sentencing of Nikhil Gupta, who pleaded guilty to plotting the assassination of Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, to November 20. The federal court for the Southern District of New York had originally scheduled Gupta's sentencing for September 25 but delayed the hearing following a request from the “intended murder victim”. Continued on Page 7...
Deepak Dhar, an IINSA distinguished professor and one of India’s most respected theoretical physicists, has been awarded the 2026 Dirac Medal by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), a recognition considered among the highest honours in the field of physics. The award, instituted in 1985, has over the decades been associated with some of the biggest names, including Stephen Hawkings, in theoretical physics. Dhar is one of four physicists selected this year in
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recognition of their significant contributions to statistical mechanics. ICTP said the 2026 Dirac Medal recognises physicists whose work has significantly advanced the understanding of statistical mechanics, the branch of physics that studies how systems with a very large number of particles behave collectively. The field is not limited to theoretical research. Scientists say it provides tools that are increasingly useful in understanding artificial intelligence, complex networks, and even financial markets. Continued on Page 2...
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026
Transit workers in Metro Vancouver and Victoria serve 72-hour strike notice
Three local union chapters representing transit workers in Metro Vancouver and Victoria have issued 72-hour strike notices to the employers. A statement from Unifor says transit operators in Local 111 and skilled-trade workers in Local 2200 will start a uniform ban on Monday after issuing strike notice to Coast Mountain Bus Company, though there will be no change in service for riders. Unifor says subsequent mediated talks did not produce a settlement as issues around wages and working conditions remain unresolved, and union members have rejected two tentative agreements previous reached in collective bargaining this summer.
A separate statement says BC Transit workers in Victoria represented by Local 333 will also take part in a ban on uniforms starting Monday. Those members voted 97 per cent in favour of strike action on May 28 after more than a year of bargaining, with the union saying wages and working conditions, including recovery times, have been sticking points in the talks. Unifor says the parties met this week, but no further bargaining dates have been set. “Our members have been at this table for more than a year, and they have been very patient,” Unifor national president Lana Payne says in the statement.
All-party committee, including 3 NDP MLAs, calls for government to scrap PST expansion The provincial government should scrap its plans to expand the PST to a range of professional services like accountants, security companies, engineers and architects, according to an allparty finance committee that includes three NDP MLAs. The B.C. Conservatives say the recommendation shows the NDP government’s own backbenchers aren’t on board with the new tax hike, which business groups say will make things more expensive for business owners and consumers. “Hopefully this signals that at least some MLAs in the government benches have heard what small businesses have been shouting from the rooftop since the day this poorly timed, tone-deaf tax hike was introduced,” said B.C. Conservative jobs critic Gavin Dew. Accountants, engineers, architects and security companies are set to start charging the seven per cent tax on their services come this October. The job of the select standing committee on finance and government services is to hear from
hundreds of interest groups trying to shape the direction of the 2027 budget. One of the recommendations was to repeal the PST expansion introduced in last year’s budget. The committee is made up of three NDP MLAs — Paul Choi, Rohini Aurora, Debra Toporowski — and two Conservative MLAs — Donegal Wilson and Bryan Tepper. “We now have three MLAs signing off on a report that directly contradicts the finance minister and government policy,” Dew said. Soliciting ideas But the NDP MLA who chairs the committee says that's not the case. Paul Choi said in a written statement, “The purpose of the committee’s report is to solicit ideas from across the province and ensure that those are considered in the budget process, not to reflect the views of individual MLAs.” Choi says the committee's recommendations reflect what its members heard from stakeholders, but he and the other NDP committee members still support the government's position.
2 Romanians accused of installing cash-trapping devices on ATMs
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Two Romanians are facing more than three dozen charges after allegedly tampering with ATMs with cash-trapping devices in York Region. York Regional Police (YRP) said financial institutions reported 14 incidents between June 17 and July 27. The suspects would attend ATMs, police said, and install double-sided tape inside the cash-dispensing slot, preventing victims from retrieving their money. The suspects would then return to the machines and allegedly take out the trapped money. As a result of their investigation, two suspects were arrested last week. YRP said officers also recovered a large quantity of double-sided tape and fabricated metal slides, which were believed to have been used in making the cash-trapping devices. In a news release on Thursday, the suspects were identified as 41-year-old Razvan Zenica and 52-year-old Vasile Stoean, both from Romania. The two suspects are facing a combined 19 counts of theft under $5,000 and 19 counts of mischief under $5,000. The charges have not
been tested in court. Police said the suspects are known to travel throughout southwestern Ontario and they believe there may be more victims. “If you observe anything suspicious or believe an ATM has been tampered with, please report it to police and notify the financial institution immediately,” YRP said. “When using an ATM, always confirm that the amount of cash dispensed matches the amount you requested to withdraw. If the cash does not dispense, or if only a partial amount is dispensed, do not leave the area until you have contacted the financial institution and reported the incident.”
Indian professor wins eminent Dirac Medal
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Continued from Page 1... Dhar has long been associated with the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Bengaluru, and has spent decades working on problems related to complex physical systems. Born in 1951 in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Dhar grew up in a Hindi-medium environment. His mother hoped he would become an IAS officer, but his father encouraged a different kind of curiosity. He once recalled that his father regularly brought home science magazines. One magazine in particular, Understanding Science, left a lasting impression on him. Dhar studied at Allahabad University before moving to IIT Kanpur for his MSc. He later went to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in the United States, where he received a Richard Feynman fellowship. At Caltech, he worked closely with the legendary physicist Richard Feynman and served as his teaching assistant. Dhar completed his PhD in 1978. For many young scientists, such a path would
naturally lead to a career in the United States. Dhar, however, chose to return to India. After finishing his doctorate, Dhar joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai. He also served as a professor at IISER Pune for almost 8 years, says his LinkedIn profile, contributing to the development in the field of Physics and taught hundreds of students. At TIFR, he worked without a formal mentor but became part of a strong community of theoretical physicists. Over the next four decades, he made major contributions to statistical physics. Among his best-known achievements is Dhar’s burning algorithm, developed in connection with sandpile models, which has become an influential concept in the study of self-organised criticality and complex systems. The Dirac Medal is the latest in a string of international and national honours received by Dhar. In 2022, he became the first Indian to receive the Boltzmann Medal, widely regarded as the highest honour in statistical physics.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026
Tens of thousands of Canadians call for U.S. Ambassador Hoekstra to be expelled
Tens of thousands of Canadians have signed a petition calling for U.S. President Donald Trump's representative in Ottawa to be kicked out of the country. The online petition, which is set to be presented in the House of Commons in the fall, says Pete Hoekstra should be declared persona non grata and the Canadian government should request his removal as U.S. ambassador to Canada. Nearly 60,000 people had signed the petition as of Wednesday morning, almost double the number of signatures 24 hours earlier. The petition accuses Hoekstra of making statements that undermine the Canada-U.S. diplomatic relationship and of "making repeated interventions in Canadian political discourse inconsistent with diplomatic protocol." The petition, which was launched by a woman from Calgary, will be presented in Parliament by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. Members of Parliament can table petitions in the House of Commons without endorsing their contents. The petition also says Hoekstra has normalized the Trump administration's threats to annex Canada. Hoekstra made headlines in June by saying that Canada's annexation by the United States would be a great topic of discussion for Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump. Hoekstra told a crowd in Halifax last September that he was disappointed and frustrated by the "anti-American" tone in the most recent federal election campaign. He said it was dangerous for Canadian political leaders to describe the Trump administration's tariff campaign as a trade war.
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Parliament panel finds Justice Varma guilty in cash-at-home case
He has repeatedly criticized Canadian politicians for discouraging travel to the U.S. and for pulling American liquor off of shelves. Responding to reporters in Canada who have challenged his comments, Hoekstra said it's his job to "present the president's views." A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa declined to comment on the petition except to say the embassy is aware of it. A persona non grata declaration is a tool in the UN's Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations that allows a government to strip diplomatic immunity from an individual and force them to leave the country. Canada has expelled diplomats in the past — most recently representatives of China and India over allegations of foreign interference. In 2023, the Canadian government declared Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei persona non grata after an intelligence report accused him of targeting Conservative MP Michael Chong by gathering information about his family in Hong Kong. A year later, Canada expelled six diplomats and consular officials from India after the RCMP made a stunning public allegation that agents of the Indian government were involved in a campaign targeting Canadian citizens. The police linked the campaign to the June 2023 murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C. In July of this year, an indictment released by U.S. authorities alleged the infamous Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi ordered Nijjar's assassination. Under Carney's leadership, the federal government has worked to improve relations with both China and India.
Continued from Page 1... On the first charge, the panel said “substantial unexplained Rs 500 denomination currency notes” were found in the storeroom situated within Justice Varma’s official residential premises at 30, Tughlak Crescent, New Delhi. The judge, it said, “failed to furnish a satisfactory explanation regarding the presence, source or ownership thereof”. The panel also held Justice Varma responsible for the failure to preserve material evidence. Finding Article II proved, it said the evidentiary condition of the storeroom had been disturbed before lawful sealing and inspection, while the later non-availability of the currency notes remained unexplained. Significantly, the committee clarified that its finding did not rest on proof
that Justice Varma personally removed the cash. Instead, it said the finding was based on his “failure to preserve, acquiescence in disturbance through the establishment attached to the premises, and resulting loss of material evidence”. The committee was equally scathing about the explanation furnished by the judge. Finding Article III proved, it said Justice Varma’s explanation, particularly his reply dated March 22, 2025, and the subsequent stand taken by him, “did not exhibit the candour, transparency and institutional responsibility expected in the circumstances”. The explanation, the panel said, “remained evasive and unsatisfactory” when tested against the evidence of independent official witnesses and corroborative material.
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Targeted shooting in Whalley leaves one man in hospital
A man is in hospital after a Friday night shooting in Whalley that police believe was targeted. After a call near midnight Friday of a shooting, Surrey police found one man with a gunshot wound who was near a house in the 88 Ave and 127 Street area. He was taken to hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. The suspect had fled the scene prior to police arriving. The shooting, despite being targeted, is not believed to be extortion related. Statistics released by SPS in June show there have been 46 shootings in 2026, a 35 per cent increase from the same point last year. Anyone with information about this incident, including CCTV or dashcam footage can contact
the SPS non-emergency line at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www. solvecrime.ca and quote file number 26-83549.
CBSA raids Punjabi students protest in Calgary Continued from Page 1... The protest involves more than 1,000 international graduates, most of them Indian students from Punjab. The demonstrators have been protesting on the streets and participating in a chain hunger strike for nearly 10 days after their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications were widely rejected. They are urging authorities to reconsider their cases, saying they enrolled in and completed their programmes believing they were eligible for the permits. The issue is reportedly linked in part to an immigration consultancy based in Jalandhar, Punjab. Families in the state often make substantial financial investments to send their children abroad, and the affected graduates
say they paid significant tuition fees under the understanding that they would qualify for poststudy work permits. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has said its June 2026 update merely clarified existing eligibility requirements for non-credit programmes and did not change the core criteria for PGWP eligibility. The graduates, however, argue that their applications were submitted in good faith based on earlier interpretations of the rules and should be reassessed. The ongoing dispute has expanded from individual application rejections into a major public demonstration, drawing reactions from Canadian immigration authorities and the Alberta provincial government as affected graduates seek legal remedies and administrative reviews.
New St. Paul's Hospital, Surrey rapid transit and Highway 1 expansion among $4 billion in capital budget not spent by province The new St. Paul’s Hospital, the Surrey rapid transit expansion and improvements to Highway 1 in the Fraser Valley are among projects impacted by what the province is calling budget “slippage,” delays due to labour shortages, and supply chain challenges. On Monday, the NDP government admitted that $4 billion of its $15 billion capital plan for the 202526 fiscal year went unspent, representing roughly 25 per cent of the total. Following that revelation, Postmedia and other news organizations asked for a breakdown of the projects, learning that it covers everything from schools to cancer centres to hospitals. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey said Monday that unlike projects that had their contracts cancelled or were sent back to the drawing board as part of the fiscal 2026-27 budget announcement in February, including Phase 2 of the Burnaby Hospital expansion and seven longterm care homes, the projects that account for the unspent money are still proceeding — but at slower speeds. “It’s not the same thing as repacing. Repacing is a deliberate pulling back of a project and looking at when we can deliver it and how to keep the costs down,” said Bailey. “The projects that are experiencing slippage, maybe it’s a five-year build, and part of the build didn’t happen in year two but will happen in year three as part of a longer project. So they’re different things.” A list of the projects provided to Postmedia by the ministry of finance shows that spending on health care infrastructure was $1.8 billion less than expected last year, with $120 million of slippage occurring on the new St. Paul’s Hospital, which is scheduled to open next year. A similar amount, $119 million, went unspent on the new Cowichan
District Hospital, which is also scheduled to open next year. Smaller amounts of $78 million and $61 million were budgeted but not used for Phase 1 of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment and the new hospital and cancer centre in Surrey. Capital spending by the B.C. Transportation and Financing Authority on infrastructure projects was also $1.2 billion less than anticipated, with $178 million and $117 million not spent on the Surrey rapid transit expansion and Highway 1 improvements between Mt. Lehman and Highway 11, respectively. The Broadway subway project also spent $105 million less than expected last year, and efforts to repair damage from a landslide on Highway 97 near the Cottonwood River north of Quesnel also fell $108 million short of what was anticipated. Post-secondary institutions and school districts have slowed down projects, with $350 million going unspent for post-secondary school expansions, including Vancouver Community College’s Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation. School districts deferred $116 million of spending, including on Burke Mountain Secondary in Coquitlam and the new East Side Elementary in Chilliwack.
Are bigger vehicles more deadly? Alberta groups call for probe into role of pickups, large SUVs in road deaths
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Road safety advocates in Alberta are calling on the province’s chief medical examiner to investigate whether pickup trucks and large SUVs pose a disproportionate risk of death to pedestrians and cyclists involved in collisions. Multiple Alberta organizations penned an open letter Wednesday to Dr. Akmal Coetzee-Khan, Alberta’s chief medical examiner, calling for a review under the Fatalities Inquiries Act of road crashes involving pickup trucks and large SUVs. The letter’s signatories, which include Bike Calgary and Youth en Route, are part of the Coalition to Reduce Auto Size Hazards (C.R.A.S.H.), a national effort seeking to reduce dangers posed by increasingly large vehicles. “The proliferation of pickup trucks and large SUVs . . . constitutes a real and preventable danger on our roads to the lives of pedestrians, cyclists and persons with disabilities,” the letter states. “The chief medical examiner is well-positioned to provide the public with an expert assessment of the evidence, and appropriate recommendations for action.” Bike Calgary president Doug Clark said the objective is to determine whether larger vehicles pose an increased safety risk to Alberta road users and, if they do, what measures could reduce those risks. “There may be a significant risk to pedestrians and cyclists from pickup trucks and SUVs, which are getting larger every year,” Clark said. “We need proper analysis of what’s happening in Alberta so we can make the right decisions based on good data.” Groups involved with the coalition would
like to see the federal government require vehicle front ends be designed in ways that reduce the likelihood of death when pickups and large SUVs strike pedestrians or cyclists. They also propose requiring safety warnings about risks posed by large vehicles to accompany advertising, similar to warnings required for cigarettes. And at the provincial level, advocates propose the government introduce driver’s licence requirements for people operating pickups and large SUVs, as well as a sliding scale for vehicle registration fees based on the danger a vehicle poses to pedestrians and cyclists.
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India’s rise is creating a new strategic web from Washington, Jerusalem and Riyadh - opinion Ph: 604-591-5423 Fax: 604-591-8615 editor@theasianstar.com Editor: Umendra Singh Marketing and Sales: Ravi Cheema 604-715-3847 Shamir Doshi 604-649-7827 Harminder Kaur 778-708-0481 Parminder Dhillon 604-902-2858 Pre-Press: Avee Waseer Production: Ozmo Media
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The Middle East's geopolitical landscape is no longer being shaped solely by military alliances or shifting balances of power. Today, economic corridors, technological partnerships, resilient supply chains, and strategic connectivity are redefining the region's future. At the center of this transformation stands India, quietly emerging as one of the few countries capable of linking the United States, Israel, the UAE, and, increasingly, Saudi Arabia. For Israel, this evolution represents far more than another diplomatic milestone. It presents an opportunity to anchor itself within a broader strategic framework that brings together Israeli innovation, Gulf investment, American leadership, and India's economic weight. The rise of the India-Israel-United Arab EmiratesUnited States grouping (I2U2), alongside the IndiaMiddle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), reflects a growing recognition that economic integration and regional security are becoming inseparable. As Washington looks for dependable partners to uphold regional stability while reducing its direct military footprint, India has emerged as a trusted actor capable of maintaining strong relationships across political divides without demanding ideological alignment. ndia's unique strategic position Few major powers today enjoy strong, simultaneous ties with Israel, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and other key regional players. That diplomatic flexibility has become one of New Delhi's greatest strategic advantages. India and Israel, in particular, have built a partnership that extends well beyond defense procurement. Over the past three decades, cooperation has expanded into counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, agriculture, water management, artificial intelligence, space technology, healthcare innovation, and startup ecosystems. India remains one of Israel's largest defense partners, while Israeli companies
increasingly see India's technology sector as a platform for co-development rather than simply another export market. The Gulf has undergone a similar reassessment. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia now see India not merely as a major energy consumer but as a long-term strategic partner. India offers one of the world's fastest-growing large economies, an expanding destination for investment, a dependable foodsecurity partner, and a vast pool of skilled professionals who continue to contribute to Gulf economies. As Riyadh pursues Vision 2030 and Abu Dhabi accelerates its ambitions in advanced manufacturing and technology, India's industrial
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growth offers natural economic complementarity. This convergence has positioned India as the bridge connecting Israeli innovation, Gulf capital, and American strategic interests. The United States has increasingly embraced the view that long-term regional stability will depend as much on economic resilience as on military deterrence. I2U2 embodies that philosophy. Rather than serving as a traditional security alliance, it brings together partners with complementary strengths in food security, renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, emerging technologies, and innovation, providing a practical framework for regional cooperation.
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Brenda Locke Surrey Connect council slate includes one elected with rival in 2014 Mayor Brenda Locke now has a full slate of eight council candidates behind her as she seeks re-election in Surrey. The final two Surrey Connect candidates are former councillor Vera Lefranc and lawyer/ realtor Michael Dunn, introduced Tuesday (Aug. 11) at Reflections Banquet Hall in East Newton. For the fall municipal election campaign they join incumbent Connect councillors Gordon Hepner, Harry Bains, Pardeep Kooner and Rob Stutt, along with newcomers Noemi Victorino and Rona Tepper. LeFranc was a single-term councillor elected in 2014 with the Surrey First party now led by rival Linda Annis, mayoral candidate. “Surrey First is no longer the party of (former mayors) Dianne Watts or Linda Hepner. It is no longer the party I ran with in 2014,” LeFranc charged. “Mayor Locke has proven herself as a leader. She has made tough decisions, shown up for her community and led a talented team that is getting things done for Surrey.” Locke said Dunn spent years building a large law practice before becoming a realtor based in South Surrey in order to spend more time with his two children. “Over the last four years I have seen the work that Surrey Connect has put into building
Surrey, and it is clear that they have the plan to continue delivering for Surrey,” said Dunn, who took aim at the “financial mess” of the previous administration. “Doug McCallum and his Safe Surrey Coalition put Surrey in a financially desperate position, selling off hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer land to fund their fiscal malfeasance. That is not the leadership we need. We need integrity, accountability and ethics at City Hall.” Responding to questions from journalists, Locke said a Surrey Connect-led council would keep property taxes low but would not commit to a freeze on such taxes for four years, as other candidates have promised. “Freezing property taxes, that means we’d have to do things like cut services, cut staffing. We will not do that. We have to build the city.”
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www.TheAsianStar.com US court sentencing in Pannun murder plot in Nov Continued from Page 1... While court filings do not name the victim, Pannun's counsel has publicly identified himself as the target of the alleged murder-for-hire plot. In a letter filed before the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, prosecutors stated the unnamed victim "wishes to participate in the sentencing" and requested the September 25 hearing be adjourned because he would be out of the country at that time. Judge Victor Marrero granted the request, rescheduling Gupta's
sentencing to November 20 at 10 am. On February 13, Gupta pleaded guilty to all three counts: murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with the plot to kill Pannun. The charge of murderfor-hire carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, conspiracy to commit murderfor-hire attracts a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and conspiracy to commit money laundering carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Canadian wildfire that forced 20,000 to flee may signal ‘new normal’ Continued from Page 1... Officials have begun damage assessments, but the area remained unsafe Wednesday and there was no timeline for residents to return. Crews were clearing vegetation to help slow the fire’s spread as officials warned that thunderstorms could bring erratic winds and increase fire activity. Highway 97, a major route through the area, remained closed. Eby visited an evacuation reception center in Penticton, where he said he met people devastated by the loss of their homes. “A lot of emotions in there, obviously,” he told reporters, calling the woman’s death a “tragic loss.” Summerland pharmacist Jonathan Kiesman said
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he was worried about displaced patients getting their medications and said seeing the fire approach the community “almost brought tears to my eyes.” Officials said they were withholding broader details on property losses until residents could be notified directly. “The last thing that I would want is somebody to have the shock of finding out on social media or on television about their home being lost,” British Columbia Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene said. Eby said the province would review the response, including whether changes are needed to wildfire planning, building standards and vegetation management near communities.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026
'Love for all, hatred for none': Ahmadiyya Muslim convention set to focus on peace and unity
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As conflicts abroad continue to fuel global uncertainty and Alberta’s separatism debate intensifies, thousands of Ahmadiyya Muslims from across Western Canada are set to gather in Calgary this weekend with a simple message in mind — peace. The 42nd annual Jalsa Salana Western Canada convention will be held Aug. 8 and 9 at the Genesis Centre, bringing together an expected 5,000 attendees from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, B.C. and the Northwest Territories for two days of prayer, spiritual reflection and community building. The event will also feature keynote speeches on global security, a public exhibition about the Ahmadiyya Muslim faith and a Dialogue Cafe for facilitating open conversations. Basheer Islam, a community outreach volunteer for the convention and a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community West chapter, said the convention’s central message this year is one of unity in an increasingly divided world. “We are seeing a lot of turmoil. We are seeing a lot of conflict,” Islam said. “We’ll be talking a lot about peace in our own household, peace in our own self, peace around our communities. The central message really is to be the ambassador of peace, and do all we can to remove chaos and pave the way for peaceful coexistence.” While Islam said the convention is not intended as a political event, it falls during a politically turbulent moment for Alberta as the separatism debate continues ahead of the October referendum. He added that the community’s teachings emphasize serving one’s country and neighbours regardless of political differences. “Our understanding of core Islamic teaching is to always try to find ways to serve your homeland, serve mankind around us,” Islam said. “So we feel it’s very much our responsibility to listen to everybody who has some ideas on how to better serve Alberta, but I think service to Alberta and service to Albertans, remaining loyal to Canada
and being part of a united front in all this chaos is probably the best way to go forward.” According to Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamā’at Canada, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a revival movement within Islam whose followers believe Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was the Promised Messiah. Founded in 1889, the community shares the core beliefs and practises of Islam, including the Five Pillars, while differing from most other Muslim denominations in its belief that the promised messiah has already come.
“Our motto is love for all, hatred for none,” Islam said. “The primary purpose (of this gathering) is to strengthen our relationship with the creator and be aware of our creator, ponder over various attributes and invite his attributes in our personal life.” Beyond its spiritual programming, Islam said the annual convention serves as a reunion for members, many of whom stay with Calgary families they have known for years. “It is an opportunity for our membership that’s spread across Western Canada to come together once a year . . . and rejuvenate themselves with the message of peace and hope and develop bonds of friendship,” Islam said, adding that many have formed multi-generational friendships. The convention is open to the public through advance registration and will begin Saturday morning with a flag-raising ceremony featuring the flags of Canada, the western provinces and territories, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community flag.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026
SABA Annual Golf Tournament 2026 a Great Success
The South Asian Business Association (SABA) Annual Golf Tournament 2026 was a tremendous success, with 144 players enjoying a day of golf, fellowship, delicious food, and networking. SABA proudly donated $20,000 to the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation. The evening dinner and awards banquet was attended by nearly 200 players and guests, with trophies presented to winners and numerous gifts awarded through exciting draws. Special thanks to the SABA Golf Committee and President Lakhvinder Gill for their dedication and hard work in making the event a memorable success.
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FIJI
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Rokotunidau further remanded in custody over alleged bail breach Saimoni Rokotunidau, who is charged with the attempted murder of Police Constable Senoveva Tikoduadua, has been further remanded in custody by the High Court in Suva. Mr Rokotunidau appeared before Justice Dane Tuiqereqere today after being arrested on a bench warrant for failing to appear in court as required under his bail conditions. Justice Tuiqereqere said Mr Rokotunidau would remain in custody while the court considers the issue of his bail. The
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judge also directed police to take Mr Rokotunidau to hospital today for medical assessment of his face. Justice Tuiqereqere said Mr Rokotunidau’s condition appeared to require specialised treatment and directed police to take him to see a doctor immediately. The matter has been adjourned to August 25 at 9.30am. The court also directed Mr Rokotunidau to file an affidavit explaining why he failed to appear in court and why he allegedly breached his bail conditions.
PRB boss sent on leave PUBLIC Rental Board’s general manager Timoci Naleba has been sent on administrative leave pending an independent investigation into allegations of abuse of office and misuse of PRB resources. PRB board chairperson Asenaca Nawaqalevu confirmed the decision, saying the board resolved to place Mr Naleba on leave following a special meeting after formal allegations were referred to it by the Ministry
of Housing. Ms Nawaqalevu said the board had appointed Manager Properties and Development Maloni Daurewa as acting general manager. She said the board would await the outcome of the investigation before deciding on any further action. “The investigation is undertaken by our line ministry, the Ministry of Housing and the board now awaits the result of the investigation.”
Man dies in road mishap A 30-year-old man from Sabeto died after being struck by a vehicle along the Queens Road in Martintar, Nadi, early on Saturday morning. Police identified the victim as Immanuel Harold Wallace of Aziz Road. The incident occurred shortly after 1am. Police said the victim was crossing the road when he was struck by a vehicle driven by a 32-year-old man. The victim was taken to Nadi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police investigations into the incident continue. The victim’s family declined to be interviewed when approached by this newspaper yesterday.
Old Fiji banknotes to lose legal tender status from January Businesses will no longer be required to accept Fiji’s old flora and fauna banknotes as payment after December 31, 2026, as the Reserve Bank of Fiji moves to complete the transition to the country’s new polymer currency. The RBF said the old-design banknotes have now been gazetted for demonetisation, effective January 1, 2027. This means the old notes can continue to be used for payments until the end of this year, but businesses will not be obliged to accept them for goods and services from January 1. The move follows the introduction of Fiji’s new polymer banknotes into circulation on January 2 this year. RBF Governor Ariff Ali said a significant proportion of the old currency had already been removed from circulation. As of July 31, 72.3 per cent of the old banknotes in circulation had been recalled. Ali acknowledged members of the public for supporting what he
described as a smooth and gradual transition to the new polymer notes. He said recalling old banknotes was an important process for central banks as it helped prevent public confusion, maintain the quality of banknotes in circulation and reduce counterfeiting risks. The RBF has reminded people who still hold old flora and fauna banknotes to take note of the December 31 deadline. The demonetisation forms part of Fiji’s transition from the previous flora and fauna series to the new polymer banknotes introduced at the beginning of 2026.
Fijian rugby player dies after suffering suspected heatstroke in Japan Professional Fijian rugby player Saimoni Vunilagi, 26, died after suffering suspected heatstroke during training with his team in southern Japan, the side said in a statement on Saturday. The back rower was sent to hospital on Monday with symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke after training with his Fukuoka-based side Kyushu Electric Power Kyuden Voltex — known as Kyushu KV. He passed away on Friday morning, the club said. Japan has experienced an intense heatwave in recent weeks, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in some cities in what the government has newly designated as a “brutally hot day.”
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026
Tibetans in-exile hold Tattoo protest against China's Ethnic Unity Law Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 13 (ANI): On the 42nd Day Commemoration of Lobga Rangzen, the Tibetan Youth Congress organised a unique and symbolic protest action, 'Tibet Tattoo Protest' in Dharamshala. In protest against China's Ethnic Unity Law, Lobga Rangzen self-immolated on 2nd of July, just a day after China implemented this law. Martyr Lobga set himself on fire in front of the headquarters of the United Nations, and Tibetans all over the world have been holding protests and campaigns since then. Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) is also observing a worldwide chain protest and, in Dharamshala, is holding a chain hunger strike, which is on its 26th day as of Thursday. The TYC is holding various types of campaigns to condemn China's Ethnic Unity Law. In this context, the Tibet Tattoo protest initiative aims to transform remembrance into
a lasting symbol of solidarity, ensuring that the message of Lobga Rangzen lives on for the cause of a free Tibet. Tenzin Dhesal, spokesperson of Tibetan Youth Congress, told ANI, "It marks the 42nd day since Lobga Rangzen self-immolated in front of United Nations, and the Tibetan Youth Congress have organised different kinds of non-violent protests across the world. Today, we have organised a tattoo-making protest in front of the main temple, Tsuglagkhang, in Dharamsala, and we are trying to convey a message that the sacrifice of the recent self-immolation can't be erased from the world and the United Nations' history; similarly, a tattoo can't be erased from our body. So it is a tribute to Lobga Rangzen, who fought for the socalled Chinese ethnic unity law, and we want the United Nations to speak up for the cause of Tibet."
SOUTH ASIA
Nepal's ex-PM Deuba, beaten in Gen-Z protest, returns after months abroad for treatment, receives grand welcome Deuba, 80, had flown to Singapore on February 25 along with his wife and former minister Arzu Rana Deuba for medical treatment. He returned to Nepal alone on Thursday. On his arrival, Deuba was welcomed at the airport with musical bands and cultural pageants. Party cadres from across the country, who had arrived in Kathmandu to attend the national gathering of the non-establishment faction of the Nepali Congress, also gathered at the airport to welcome him. Speaking to ANI while waiting for Deuba at Tribhuvan International Airport, senior Nepali Congress leader Bimalendra Nidhi said the former Prime Minister had gone abroad for treatment after he and his wife were injured during the protests. "He had gone to Singapore for his treatment. As we all know, in the last incident, he was brutally beaten and his wife and he were
injured, with injuries to their heads, and today he is coming back to Kathmandu. Thousands and thousands of Nepali Congress friends are here to welcome him; he will go home, and tomorrow we are convening the national convention of the Nepali Congress, where he will be the chief guest and address our party," Nidhi said.
BYC alleges two forcibly disappeared Baloch youth killed in staged encounter in Panjgur Balochistan [Pakistan], August 13 (ANI): The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has raised serious concerns over the alleged killing of two forcibly disappeared Baloch youths in a staged encounter in the Chedgi area of Panjgur, Balochistan, claiming the incidents reflect a continuing pattern of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the region, according to a report by The Balochistan Post (TBP). According to the report, the two youths have been identified as Shoaib, son of Muhammad
Ayub, and 23-year-old Peerjan Baloch, son of Kachkol. The BYC alleged that both men had previously been forcibly disappeared before their families were informed that they had been killed in an alleged encounter in Chedgi on August 10, 2026. Shoaib, a resident of Panjgur and a shopkeeper by profession, was allegedly forcibly disappeared on February 8, 2023. His family
waited for more than three years, hoping for his return. However, on August 10, they were reportedly informed that Shoaib had been killed during an alleged staged encounter in Chedgi. Similarly, Peerjan Baloch, a resident of the Rahi Nagor area of Panjgur, was allegedly
taken away by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) at around 3 pm on June 9, 2026. According to the BYC, no alleged offence was communicated to his family at the time of his arrest, nor was any warrant or FIR presented. Peerjan's family reportedly waited for 66 days for his return before being informed on August 10 that he had also been killed in an alleged encounter in Chedgi. The BYC said the family had continued to hope that the 23-year-old driver would return safely, but ultimately received his body.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026
PUNJAB
Punjab draft electoral roll for 2027 Assembly poll to be out today Punjab's draft electoral roll for the 2027 Assembly election, with 20.66 lakh fewer voters, will be published and released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) today. The total number of voters in the draft list will shrink from 2.14 crore in June 2026, before the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), to 1.93 crore. The draft roll will exclude 20.66 lakh voters found to be absent, dead, having duplicate entries or having permanently shifted. However, it will include 12.80 lakh voters whose details could not be mapped with the electoral roll prepared after the first SIR. These 12.80 lakh voters will now have to appear before officials assigned to SIR duty at the date and time specified in the notices being issued to them from today. The ECI has given
them one month to file their claims along with the relevant documents. The highest number of uncollectable forms relating to voters left out after the first phase of the SIR were reported from Ludhiana (4.16 lakh), followed by Amritsar (2.42 lakh), Jalandhar (1.84 lakh), Mohali (1.53 lakh) and Patiala (1.38 lakh).
After heavy online gaming loss, 3 friends in Nawanshahr consume poison, 2 die Three friends from Garh Padhana village of Nawanshahr reportedly consumed a poisonous substance yesterday after one of them, Dilpreet Singh (21), allegedly suffered a loss in online gaming. According to reports, Dilpreet’s two other friends, Paramjit Singh and Maninder Singh, both aged 15, who were very close to him, also consumed the poisonous substance. While Paramjit Singh reportedly died on the spot, Dilpreet Singh died late last night. Maninder Singh is said to be out of danger. The police are also checking whether Paramjit and Maninder were also involved in gaming activities. Police officials said that nobody has blamed anyone in
connection with the incident so far. “We have checked the phones of Paramjit and Maninder. But Dilpreet’s phone has been sent to the technical team, as it is locked. We could lose its entire data if we open it on our own,” Satnam Singh, SHO, Aur police station, said. The police are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether the alleged online gaming loss had any role in the incident. The police said Dilpreet’s paternal uncle, who lives abroad and used to look after him and send him money, is expected to arrive in a day or two. “We will ask him if he knew anything about this,” said the police.
Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal attacked at gurdwara in Maharashtra's Nanded Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked in Nanded Sahib in Maharashtra on Thursday. Badal sustained an injury to his hand and was rushed to a private hospital, where his condition is learnt to be stable. A video showed the SAD chief walking inside a building with a cloth wrapped around his right hand. A security guard accompanying Badal was also injured while trying to save the leader. The incident took place around 2 pm when Sukhbir Singh Badal, along with his supporters and security personnel, was visiting Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur in Nanded. The gurdwara is located on the outskirts of the city and is surrounded by forest. Talking to the media, Teja Singh, chief sevadar of Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devaan Ji, said that in the
afternoon, Badal, along with others, had come to pay obeisance at the gurdwara. As he was coming out of Gurdwara Sahib after paying obeisance, an elderly man standing in front of him attacked him with a sword. The attacker was caught by the gurdwara management and security personnel on the spot.
Phillaur youth held hostage in Kenya for ransom, rescued after Centre’s intervention A youth from Phillaur who had travelled abroad hoping to reach Italy was allegedly held hostage by a criminal gang in Kenya. The kidnappers demanded USD 70,000, around Rs 58 lakh, for his release and sent a video of his assault to his family on WhatsApp as a threat. According to the family, Rakesh was to be sent to Italy through two agents for a total of Rs 9.50 lakh. The family paid Rs 2 lakh in advance, with the remaining amount to be paid after his arrival
in Italy. The agents allegedly told the family that Rakesh would first be sent to Kenya and then flown to Italy. Rakesh’s father, Kashmir Lal, said they contacted two agents for the travel. One of them, Paramjit Singh, is reportedly based in Italy, while his female associate is from nearby Bharsinghpur village. Following the agreement, Rs 2 lakh was allegedly handed over to the woman agent’s brother as advance payment.
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Pay Rs 1.44 lakh-crore water dues in 30 days or face legal action, Punjab tells Rajasthan The Punjab Government has issued a final demand notice to Rajasthan, asking it to pay Rs 1.44 lakh crore towards cost and compensation for river water supplied to the state. The government warned that legal proceedings might be initiated if the dues were not cleared within 30 days. In a parallel move, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha has written to Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, seeking Rs 312.59 crore owed to Punjab for the operation and maintenance of common carrier channels in the Bhakra Canal system. In a letter to Rajasthan’s Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Water Resources, Punjab said the neighbouring state had ignored previous correspondence and failed to pay royalty on riverwater used between 1961 and 2025. Earlier reminders were sent on March 18 and
May 4. Punjab’s claim is based on a water-sharing agreement signed at Shimla on September 4, 1920, between the rulers of Bikaner, Bahawalpur and Punjab. Rajasthan had paid royalty until the Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960. At that time, a cess of Rs 6.50 per acre per annum was imposed on Bikaner for the water supplied to it through the Punjab rivers.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026
India’s ricin plot bust exposes ISIS push towards bioterrorism
India’s foiling of an alleged ISIS-linked plot to develop the deadly toxin ricin assumes wider significance amid a fresh international warning that Al-Qaida and Islamic State (ISIS) networks are sustaining efforts to acquire the capability to develop chemical and biological weapons. The warning comes from the latest report of the UN Security Council’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, which says the two groups have shown “a sustained interest” over several years in developing such weapons, although they have so far struggled to overcome the technical challenges involved. For India, the concern is not merely theoretical.
In November 2025, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Hyderabad-based doctor Dr Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin along with two Uttar Pradeshbased associates in a case that investigators subsequently linked to an ISIS-directed bioterror conspiracy. The National Investigation Agency, which took over the case in January, chargesheeted the trio in May, alleging that they planned to use ricin for mass poisoning in public spaces. The agency said Mohiuddin had allegedly converted his Hyderabad residence into a clandestine laboratory for preparing the toxin and was working under the direction of a foreign-based ISIS handler.
China: Situation along borders with India is ‘generally stable’ at the moment China on Wednesday said the situation along its border with India is “generally stable” at the moment, citing the recent meeting of the border consultative mechanism between the two countries, where both sides agreed to “maintain communication”. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun was responding to questions on the “military situation” along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh when he said, “China-India border situation is generally stable at the moment.” Jiakun was responding to queries about Indian social media claims of stepped-up Chinese military
activity in the disputed border state. He cited the August 6 meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs and added, “The two sides agreed to maintain communication via diplomatic and military channels and jointly uphold peace and tranquillity in the border areas.” On Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs, while responding to the “military situation” along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh, had said these issues were “most serious” and that the state of border affairs “will reflect” on larger bilateral ties.
INDIA
Adopted Indian women find 'missing piece' when DNA test reveals they are biological sisters Meena and Minal were left as infants at orphanages in India and grew up in different adoptive families in the Netherlands, just a short drive apart. Now, 40 years later, a DNA test has shown that the childhood friends are biological sisters. Growing up, neither was aware that they had a sister. Then, as teenagers in 1996, while living just 100 miles (130 km) apart, they crossed paths at a gathering for adopted children and felt an unusually strong connection. Their friends were amazed by their likeness and the girls swapped addresses. In correspondence, they jokingly called each other 'sis' before losing touch for 15 years. "For years, I felt a hole in my heart," said Meena Geltink, 43, a mother of three, struggling to put words to her overwhelming feeling of joy. "It's like a missing puzzle piece has been found." Geltink told her sister on Tuesday at an emotional reunion in the Netherlands: "When I see you, it's like I'm home." Since discovering their relationship through a MyHeritage DNA test in April, which yielded a rare 100% match, the sisters spend hours every day talking and messaging. Minal Tijssen, 44, said she had no record of any birth relatives. She felt loved growing
up with Dutch parents and siblings, but at the same time described a deep loneliness. Tears, hugs and laughter punctuated their first meeting since finding out they are related, followed by their first selfie together. Tijssen, who lives in France with her partner and two sons, was sitting on the couch in April when a pop-up on her phone said her DNA results were in. "'Mina: Sister.' I couldn't believe it." "We were friends before we were sisters," Tijssen said. "We were sisters the whole time, but we didn't know." At first, Tijssen didn't realise it was the same teenage girl who had clung to her when they first met 30 years ago. It only sank in when she found her on social media and looked at photos. "Now it's for real."
Red Fort blast carried out by Al-Qaida offshoot The November 2025 terror attack near Delhi’s Red Fort was carried out by Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), according to a latest report of the United Nations Security Council. The finding provides a clear international attribution of the deadly attack to the Al-Qaida offshoot and underscores the emergence of a more decentralised terror architecture in the region. The report, submitted pursuant to UNSC Resolution 2734 (2024) on ISIL (Da’esh), Al-
Qaida and associated individuals and entities, says AQIS has continued to evolve from a fragmented outfit into a regional terrorist entity. Rather than operating through large formations, the group has
developed logistics and financial networks built around small, scattered and decentralised cells. “The attack in November 2025 on the Red Fort in Delhi was officially attributed to AQIS,” the report says. The assessment assumes significance nearly nine months after the blast, which plunged the national capital into panic and triggered a major security response. The explosion near the iconic Red Fort killed at least 15 persons and injured more than a dozen, prompting an immediate security lockdown across parts of the capital. The attack marked Delhi’s first major terror strike in more than a decade and revived memories of some of the darkest episodes in the capital’s recent history. The last major terror attack in Delhi before the Red Fort blast was the 2011 Delhi High Court bombing, which killed 14 persons. In September 2008, a series of synchronised explosions in Karol Bagh, Connaught Place and Greater Kailash left 25 persons dead. The choice of location also carried a grim historical resonance. The Red Fort was itself targeted in December 2000, when Lashkare-Taiba terrorists carried out an attack, killing two soldiers and a civilian.
Indian-origin teen kills mother, younger brother in Massachusetts home, ‘used AI to explore dark stories’ A 17-year-old Indian-origin boy has been charged with murdering his mother and younger brother in their suburban home in Massachusetts, officials said. Arjun Aravind, a resident of Acton, has been charged with two counts of murder, two counts of assault and battery on a household or family member, two counts of assault and battery, use of a vehicle without authority, and theft of a motor vehicle in connection with the deaths of his brother Siddharth Aravind, 14, and mother Sudha Venkatesan, 45. It is alleged that Arjun fatally assaulted his mother and brother inside their home on Tuesday before fleeing the scene. Both victims were found with “obvious trauma”, but the Chief Medical
Examiner has yet to release information on the exact cause and manner of death. The type of weapon used in the killings is also still under investigation. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Acton Police Chief Douglas Sturniolo said the deaths occurred on Tuesday inside the family’s Martha Lane home in Acton, about 48 km from Boston. Authorities said on Wednesday that shortly after 6.37 pm on August 11, Acton Police received a call from Arjun’s father, who had been unable to reach his family members. A tutor who was expected at the home had also been unable to make contact with anyone inside.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026
INDIA
Singapore's Indian-origin opposition MP struck off as lawyer over case of lying in parliament Singapore's leading opposition politician Pritam Singh was on Thursday struck off the roll of advocates over his criminal conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee. The striking-off was handed to the 50-yearold Indian-origin politician by the the Court of Three Judges — the city-state's highest disciplinary body for the legal profession, The Straits Times newspaper reported. Singh, the secretary-general of the Workers' Party (WP) and a Member of Parliament (MP), is a non-practising lawyer. On March 4, the Law Society of Singapore started disciplinary proceedings against Singh in compliance with the Legal Profession Act. Under the Act, a lawyer can be struck off, suspended from practice for up to five years, censured, fined up to SGD 100,000, or given a combination of these sanctions. The proceedings were based on information received from the Attorney-General's Chambers that Singh had been convicted of offences involving "fraud or dishonesty", according to the report. Singh, a former Leader of the Opposition, was convicted by a district court in February 2025 on two counts of lying under oath to the Committee of Privileges. This was related to his colleague and a
former WP MP Raeesah Khan's lie in parliament in 2021 about details of a sexual assault case that she alleged was mishandled by the police in Singapore. In December 2025, Singh lost his appeal to the High Court against his conviction and paid his SGD 14,000 fine. Singh was stripped of the LoP
title in January this year. Delivering the court's judgment, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon said it was undisputed that dishonesty was an "integral element" of Singh's offences. Singh has led the WP since 2018. The party has 10 elected MPs and two Non-Constituency MPs in the 108-seat parliament. The rest of the seats are held by the People's Action Party, which has ruled Singapore ever since independence.
Indian Navy moves to acquire ship-launched ‘kamikaze’ drones The Ministry of Defence has formally opened the search for a new class of ship-launched ‘kamikaze’ drones, and has issued a Request for Information (RFI) – the first stage of the tendering process. Called the medium range loitering munition, however, in military terminology these are referred to ‘kamikaze’ drones – derived from the Japanese World War II analogy for ‘suicide attackers’, pilots who would deliberately crash aircraft laden with explosives into warships.
The RFI signalling an intent to add a sea-based loitering ammunition capability to the Indian Naval warships. The drone can be launched from ships, fly to a target area, circle overhead while searching for targets, and then dive into the target in a terminal attack, blurring the line between a reconnaissance drone and a precision-guided missile. Among the broad performance benchmarks listed in the RFI's technical appendix, the Navy is seeking systems capable of ranges of at least 1,000 km, loitering endurance of nine hours or more, and cruising speeds above 75 knots. The terminal attack dive speed is specified at more than 200 knots. The specification also calls for an operating ceiling of 15,000 feet and a low radar cross-section design. The RFI document further specifies that each ammunition would carry an electro-optical and infrared seeker— combining forward-looking
infrared system imaging with a day camera — for navigation, surveillance and target identification in both day and night conditions. It would carry a forward-mounted warhead for the terminal strike. To guard against jamming or signal loss, the Navy wants a drone which can navigate autonomously between pre-set coordinates, automatically return toward the last known position of their control terminal if the data link drops, and divert to a predesignated safe termination point if contact cannot be restored — a standard safety feature meant to prevent an uncontrolled weapon from continuing toward a populated or unintended area. The Navy wants the ability of the drone to strike both maritime and land targets. The requirements describe a package built around several components The requirement from the Navy also calls for the ability to hand off control of a munition already in flight between different ships and stations, meaning one vessel could launch a weapon that is then guided to its target by the sensors and operators aboard another ship — or a shore-based unit. India’s move follows a broader pattern among navies worldwide toward integrating loitering munitions — sometimes called ‘suicide drones’ — into surface fleets, a shift accelerated by their prominent use in recent conflicts including the war in Ukraine. Ship-mounted variants offer navies a lower-cost, longer- strike option that can be launched and redirected against opportunistic targets without committing a manned aircraft or a more expensive cruise missile. The acquisition would proceed under India's Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), with preference categories — Buy (Indian-IDDM), Buy (Indian), and Buy & Make (Indian) — reserved for domestic industry participation, reflecting a continued push to localize defence production under its "Atmanirbhar Bharat", or self-reliant India, initiative.
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‘Staunch Hindu or simply a believer?’ Ram Temple CEO aspirants grilled on faith, food Are you a staunch Hindu or simply a believer? Do you eat non-vegetarian food? Do you wear a janeu (sacred thread)? Do you drink alcohol and eat meat? Can you manage crowds ranging from 20,000 to 5 lakh? These are some of the questions being asked from candidates seeking to become the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya. Interviews for 18 shortlisted candidates for the post have begun, with reports claiming former IAS and IPS officers, and four former military officers are on the list. The candidates were asked to fill out a Google form seeking details about their administrative experience, as well as religious beliefs and personal lives. During the interviews, panel members also
went through details mentioned in their CVs and questioned them about their likes and dislikes, interpersonal skills and conduct. Questions also covered their families, previous work experience and their handling of crowds during large religious events. Candidates were asked about their faith in Lord Ram and their understanding of the temple’s religious and social significance.
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