Two South Asian men plead guilty in fatal BC hit and run where victim was dragged for blocks
Police say two men have pleaded guilty for their roles in a fatal hit and run last year in Surrey, B.C., in which a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and then dragged for several blocks.
Surrey police say Gaganpreet Singh and Jagdeep Singh were two of the three occupants in a red Ford Mustang that struck the male pedestrian in the early morning of Jan. 27, 2024.
Police say officers found both the vehicle and the pedestrian a few blocks away from where the hit-and-run was reported along 105th Avenue, not far from City Hall, and the victim was declared dead at the scene.
Both Gaganpreet Singh and Jagdeep Singh pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous operation
of a conveyance, failure to stop after an accident with a person and interference with a dead body. Both men are now out of police custody and awaiting sentencing scheduled for May.
The fate of the third occupant of the vehicle, who was also arrested after the crash, has not been released.
Donald Trump announces sweeping global reciprocal tariffs
The United States has announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs on goods entering the country, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday in the Oval Office.
“I have decided for purposes of fairness that I will charge a reciprocal tariff. Meaning whatever countries charge the United States of America we will charge them, no more no less,” Trump said as he signed the executive order Thursday. Trump said the tariff would differ depending on the tariffs individual countries imposed on U.S. goods.
“In almost all cases, they are charging us vastly more than what we charge then, But those days are over,” he said. Continued on Page 6...
A new global survey, conducted across 30 countries and released ahead of Valentine’s Day, reveals that Indians are among the least satisfied with their love lives.
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Trump welcomes PM Modi
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Unprecedented US visit by all 13 Canadian premiers paints China as ‘common economic enemy’
All 13 of Canada's premiers have descended upon Washington in an unprecedented effort to remind American officials that their northern neighbour is a pivotal partner as the US weighs imposing tariffs on Canadian imports.
Led by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the high-profile show of concern features a pitch to enlist Canadian provinces as the US seeks, in Ford's words, a "decoupling from China and its
global proxies".
"Doing so will be no easy task," Ford told a gathering of the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington on Tuesday. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump shared a hug as the latter welcomed the former at the White House on Thursday (local time).
Additional
A man at the center of an ongoing sexual assault investigation that began last July has been charged with additional offences.
Mounties previously reported that a woman said she was woken up by a stranger groping her in her home around 3:15 a.m. on July 20. The woman screamed for help, at which point the suspect left.
According to the RCMP, Jatinder Singh was arrested in connection with this incident on Aug. 16. He was charged with break and enter and sexual assault, and released on a number of conditions. They include having no contact with the victim; not being within 50 metres of
where the victim lives, works, attends school, worships, or happens to be; not being within 50 metres of where the alleged incident happened; and not possessing any weapons or knives.
In an update Wednesday, police say Singh was arrested again on Jan 22. He is now also been charged with two counts each of trespassing at night near a dwelling, and secretly observing / recording nudity in a private place.
He was released again last week on multiple conditions, which includes abiding to curfew, and being monitored electronically and by a bail supervisor.
'Canada
US President Donald Trump reiterated his offer to make Canada the 51st US state while accusing Ottawa of being "very brutal" to Washington in terms of trade.
He questioned why should the US provide subsidies to Canada and offered that if it indeed becomes a US state, it will receive US military and low taxes.
"Canada has been very bad to us on trade. But now Canada is going to have to start paying up. Canada has been tough on the military because they have a very low military cost. They think we are going to protect them with our military, which is unfair. So Canada is going to be in a very serious situation...we don't need their product and yet they survive...we do 95 per cent of what they do," Trump said in a press conference on Thursday (local time).
state? you do that for a state, you don't do that for another country...so I think Canada is going to be a very serious contender to be our 51st state," he added
Trump also slammed the European Union, accusing them of being "very tough" on companies, including tech and airlines.
"The European Union has been very tough on companies. They sued Apple, they sued Google, they sued Facebook, they sued many other companies...so they have been very tough. Airlines have called me up and said 'Could you help us with Europe, they are charging us so many different fees'...European Union has been brutal on us for trade," the US President further said.
Trump argued that Canada's trade policies have resulted in significant financial losses for the US, citing a staggering USD 200 billion annual deficit. He believes that if Canada were to become the 51st state, it would be a more beneficial partnership for the US.
"Their taxes would go down greatly, their security would go up greatly, amazing things happen to Canada. Why would we pay USD 200 billion in subsidy to Canada, when they're not a
Notably, Trump has repeatedly attacked Canada accusing them of imposing higher tariffs on the US. He has offered to make Canada the 51st state of the US, and mocked outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as "Governor of Canada".
Earlier this month, Trump announced tariffs of 25 per cent on imports from Canada and Mexico as well as an additional 10 per cent on goods from China.
However, he later paused the tariffs for 30 days, saying that he has secured new commitments on improving border security from the two countries.
The City of Surrey announced it’s scrapping a proposed contract with a US company amid President Donald Trump’s tariff threats.
The $740,000 contract was for the manufacturing and delivery of eight mobile towable bleachers primarily sourced from an American company, stated the city in a press release.
Mayor Brenda Locke noted the decision was made “in light of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding US tariffs.”
“Given the potentially devastating effects of these looming tariffs, I have decided to reevaluate our sourcing options for critical infrastructure improvements,” stated Locke.
“This challenging situation underscores the need to prioritize Canadian jobs, bolster local businesses, and ensure the economic stability of our communities.”
The mayor added that currently, nearly all (99%) of the City of Surrey’s procurement has been with Canadian companies since 2020, and only 0.58% has been with US suppliers.
However, Locke said the city “can and must do more,” adding that Surrey will champion Canadian interests.
Surrey isn’t the only city taking action against the US. Earlier this week, New Westminster City Council agreed to restrict city staff’s nonessential travel to the US.
Several other cities in the region, such as Burnaby and Vancouver, have also taken action in response to the tariff threats.
On Wednesday, BC Premier David Eby and his fellow Canadian premiers were in Washington, DC, to address the tariffs and the economic impacts on Canada. The group met with US lawmakers and Trump advisors.
The BC premier acknowledged that the overall discussions were “positive” with both Democrat and Republican representatives.
“The common theme among all the meetings is that the elected representatives from all parties understand the importance of the relationship between the United States and Canada,” said Eby, speaking to reporters.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Syria’s interim president today, despite him leading a group Canada still designates as a terrorist organization.
Ahmed al-Sharaa leads Hayat Tahrir alSham, a group Canada has listed as a terrorist organization since 2013.
That group, often called HTS, toppled the regime of Bashar al-Assad last December, ending a brutal dictatorship that was supported by the Russian government. Al-Sharaa now leads the country and has hinted at aiming for a multicultural society, despite pledging for years to install an Islamic theocracy. Trudeau’s office says he spoke today
with Al-Sharaa, and “offered congratulations on the success of ending the Assad regime.”
The Prime Minister’s Office has been asked whether Canada plans to remove HTS from the terror listing.
Vancouver mayor unveils details of $5 million Downtown Eastside crime crackdown
Vancouver’s mayor and police chief have revealed the details of a new $5 million plan to crack down on gangs and crime in the city’s troubled Downtown Eastside (DTES).
Mayor Ken Sim first announced the plan, with few details, in January as a part of a broader project to reshape the neighbourhood which includes a freeze on new supportive housing.
Along with the police plan, Sim said the city has already begun deploying “integrated response teams” that include law enforcement, firefighters, bylaw officers and city engineers that will increase efforts to clear sidewalks and improve sanitation.
Palmer said the police initiative involves a threepronged strategy.
“Number one will be additional high-visibility officers to reduce street crime and violence, two will be additional complex and coordinated investigations to target gangs and organized crime groups in this area, and three, improved community partnerships to address social needs
and improve community safety,” Palmer said.
“Starting today, you will see more uniformed officers patrolling on foot in the Downtown Eastside.” Palmer said the initiative is not aimed at targeting people struggling with drug or mental health issues or “everyday residents” of the DTES, but rather will focus on chronic offenders, people with outstanding warrants or who are breaching release conditions and organized crime groups.
He acknowledged that violent and property crime rates were down across the city, but said those statistics hide the violence happening in the neighbourhood.
“What we are doing now that’s different is there is going to be more of an effort put into the longterm investigations, there is going to be higher beat visibility in the Downtown Eastside, and with the integrated response teams we mentioned we are going to have both.”
A funding request for the project is slated to go to city council later this year.
Heating issue leaves Vancouver seniors in the cold
Vancouver seniors living in supportive housing say they’re fed up after a heating issue has left their apartments colder than city bylaws allow.
“It feels like being outside,” said 77-year-old Carol Martinez, who is a resident of Southwynd Place on Yukon Street.
Temperatures in Vancouver dropped to -7 C on the night of Feb. 11. With the wind chill, it felt like -13 C.
“It wasn’t too bad until the cold snap came. It’s horrendous [and] really, really cold,” said Martinez. Southwynd Place is owned by the Kiwanis-Soroptimist Senior Citizens Housing
Society and receives partial annual funding from BC Housing. More than 90 people call it home. Martinez has lived in the building for 18 years in a bottom-floor unit. She told Glacier Media she has to wear layers to bed in order to stay warm.
"My nose is cold at night. I have to wear my hoodie to bed and I wear three blankets,” she said. During an interview at her home Tuesday night, Martinez counted the six layers she had on.
“It's like walking outside, when you change your clothes, you're just shaking… you’re shaking with the cold.”
Trump approves 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Canadian Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India
US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the extradition of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India and said he will face justice.
He made the announcement during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their bilateral meeting.
"I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters (Tahawwur Rana) and one of the very evil people of the world, having to do with the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack to face justice in India. He is going back to India to face justice," Trump said. The US State Department had said last month that it is evaluating the next
steps regarding Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India.
A spokesperson from the State Department told ANI that the US has long supported India's efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks case." In view of the recent Supreme Court decision, and consistent with applicable US law, the Department of State is currently evaluating the next steps in this case, the statement said.
"We have long supported India's efforts to ensure the perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attacks face justice," the statement added.
Answering queries at a press conference last week Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said
that India is in touch with US authorities for Rana's extradition.
"On the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, from recent developments, you would be aware that he has exhausted all legal avenues in the United States with the US Supreme Court also dismissing his appeal and therefore we are now in touch with US authorities to work on the logistics of his surrender to Indian authorities," Misri had said.
Pakistani-origin businessman Tahawwur Hussain Rana was convicted for his role in the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai. Rana's co-conspirators included David Headley, who pleaded guilty and cooperated against Rana.
On January 21, the US Supreme Court denied a petition for a writ of certiorari filed by Rana, seeking to prevent his extradition to India. The petition, filed in November 2024, was against an earlier order of a lower court that had ruled in favour of his extradition. A writ of certiorari is a legal document that allows a higher court to
review a case from a lower court.
The 26/11 attacks resulted in the death of 174 people, including 20 security personnel and 26 foreigners, and over 300 others were injured in the horrific attacks that took place at Mumbai's Taj Hotel on November 26, 2008.
In his remarks, President Trump lauded the "special bond" between the US and India, he said that both nations are also announcing the framework to further strengthen the ties.
"Starting this year, we will increase military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We are also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F35 Stealth fighters. In 2017, my administration revived and reinvigorated the Quad security partnership...Prime Minister and I reaffirm the strong cooperation among the United States, India, Australia and Japan, and it's really crucial to maintain peace, prosperity, tranquillity in the Indo-Pacific," Trump further said.
Trump welcomes PM Modi
Continued from Page 1... Trump and PM Modi warmly greeted each other and shook hands. While meeting PM Modi, Trump said, "We missed you, we missed you a lot." US President introduced PM Modi to other officials, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk. White House Deputy Chief of Staff shared a picture of PM Modi and Trump on X. While sharing the picture on X, Dan Scavino stated, "Behind Scenes in the West Wing lobby -- @POTUS Trump welcomes Prime Minister @NarendraModi of India to the @WhiteHouse."
The Indian delegation including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and India's Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra arrived at the White House soon after PM Modi's arrival. Ahead of PM Modi's arrival, Indian flags were being put up at the White House. The Prime Minister is among the first few world leaders to visit the United States following President Trump's inauguration. He has been invited to visit within three weeks of the new administration
taking office.
Since November 2024, PM Modi and Trump have spoken on the phone twice. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the inauguration ceremony of Trump as PM Modi's Special Envoy. During the visit, EAM Jaishankar also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and participated in the QUAD Foreign Ministers' meeting in January 2025. Ahead of his meeting with Trump at the White House, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard. PM Modi landed in the US at the invitation of Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time). He travelled to the US after concluding his three-day visit to France.
Trump's citizenship order leaves expecting Indian immigrant parents in limbo
Neha Satpute and Akshay Pise felt ready to welcome their first child.
Having worked in the US for more than a decade, the Indian couple who are engineers on H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers, expected their son - due on 26 February - to be born an American citizen.
Employed at a large tech firm with a supportive parental leave policy, they had carefully built their life in San Jose, California.
But President Donald Trump recently threw a wrench in their American dream by announcing a rule that would deny automatic US citizenship to children born to temporary foreign workers. Until now, birthright citizenship had been a given regardless of parents' immigration status.
Two federal judges have blocked the order, which means the ruling cannot take effect until the cases are resolved in court, although there remains a possibility of a higher court overturning any decision.
The looming uncertainty, along with the multiple lawsuits and legal challenges, have left Akshay, Neha and thousands of others in limbo.
"This impacts us directly," says Akshay. "If the order takes effect, we don't know what comes next - it's uncharted territory." Their biggest question: What nationality will their child have?
Their concern is valid, says New York-based
attorney Cyrus
"US law has no provision for granting non-immigrant status to a person born here."
With their baby's due date fast approaching, they consulted their doctor about an early delivery. The advice? If all goes well, they could induce labour in the 40th week, but they've chosen to wait.
"I want the natural process to take its course," says Neha. Akshay adds: "My priority is a safe delivery and my wife's health. Citizenship comes second."
Dr Satheesh Kathula, president of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), reached out to obstetricians of Indian origin in the US after media reports of families seeking early C-sections. Except for "a few instances in New Jersey", most doctors reported no such inquiries.
"In a country with strict medical laws, I strongly advise against preterm C-sections just for citizenship," said the Ohio-based doctor. "Our physicians are ethical and won't perform them unless medically necessary."
US citizenship is highly coveted, especially by skilled H-1B visa holders. Indians are the secondlargest immigrant group in the US.
A birthright citizenship order would hit Indians hard - more than five million Indians in the US hold non-immigrant visas.
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BC cancels $1,000 grocery rebate, freezes hiring over tariff threats
The B.C. government is cancelling a promised $1,000 grocery rebate and will freeze hiring of some public service positions to “find dollars” in its budget as it prepares for “four years of unpredictability” from the U.S., Finance Minister Brenda Bailey says. Bailey said Thursday that the impacts of the “reckless” and “destabilizing” tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump are impossible to predict.
The moves come as B.C.’s budget is set to be tabled on March 4, the same day a month-long pause on Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods is set to expire and just over a week before tariffs on all foreign aluminum and steel could also begin. The province is already seeing economic effects, even though tariffs aren’t in place yet, and it would be “wrong to underestimate” their potential impact, Bailey said in a news briefing.
In the campaign for the October election, the governing NDP had promised the $1,000 grocery rebate to be delivered to all households this fiscal year ending March 31. Premier David Eby had touted the pledge as offering immediate relief, in contrast to Opposition B.C. Conservative tax-relief pledges that he said would not deliver until 2026.
Bailey said she’s disappointed the government can’t keep its election promise on the rebate, but it would be a $2-billion expense when economic circumstances are incredibly difficult. “This was a commitment that we very much wanted to make. We made it with the intention of doing it, but the world has changed,” she said.
“It is our responsibility to make sure that we protect the core services for people in British Columbia, that we protect health care, that we protect education, that we protect social services, that we protect safety in our streets.” She said the budget took into account the “best estimates” of 13 senior economists from across the country, who make up the B.C. Economic Forecast Council.
Bailey said the hiring freeze affects the province’s public service, which includes people who work within the government ministries and directly for the ministries.
Jobs like health care workers, which are part of the broader public sector, as well as specific “core” public service jobs like correctional and social workers, would not be affected, she said.
Continued on Page 6...
BC cancels $1,000 grocery rebate, freezes hiring over tariff threats
Continued from Page 5...
“It’s our objective to find dollars that haven’t perhaps landed exactly as we hoped they would. That’s our first approach and most hopeful piece,” she said.
“We’ll also be looking at things like travel and consultancy costs and places where we might be able to find efficiencies across government.”
Paul Finch, president of the B.C. General Employees’ Union, said in an interview that the union was not told about the freeze ahead of time and has not seen the list of “core” jobs that will be protected.
“The civil service plays an incredibly important economic function, not only with public safety, but also with seemingly mundane tasks, such as the policy analysts that work on natural resource permitting and other key economic projects that we need to ensure keep going, especially now in the face of a trade dispute,” he said. He said
the government needs to take “a measured and careful approach” undertaking these types of moves and should be looking at the ratio of nonunion managers to front line workers, which he said is now 1:3 after being 1:4 15 years ago.
Trump has said he plans a 25 per cent tariff on most Canadian goods, and 10 per cent for energy.
The U.S. also announced a 25 per cent tariff on all foreign aluminum and steel earlier this week that Trump said would be stacked on the Canadaspecific tariffs starting in mid-March.
Bailey said economic modelling for the tariffs, and Canada’s retaliation, shows B.C. could lose $69 billion in GDP over four years and tens of thousands of jobs.
“We could never imagine a situation where our closest neighbour has essentially declared economic warfare on Canada. It’s unimaginable, and the implications could be enormous,” she said.
A notice published Wednesday by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada gives border guards the “explicit” authority to revoke temporary resident visas and electronic travel documents in certain circumstances.
Border guards have always been able to turn people away if they believe someone will overstay their allotted time in Canada, and this
order is meant to “clarify” they are able to revoke a temporary visa for that reason.
Border and immigration officers are also now able to revoke documents if a holder is deemed inadmissible to Canada or if it’s lost, stolen, destroyed or abandoned.
Immigration lawyer Zool Suleman sees this change as a clarification of the powers that border guards have, noting they have long been able to deny non-residents entry to Canada.
Still, he said there may be a need for additional oversight. “For instance, if there
Continued from Page 1...
The tariffs were not going into effect on Thursday but could begin to be imposed within weeks as Trump’s trade and economic team study bilateral tariff and trade relationships, a White House official told reporters on a conference call, according to Reuters. The executive order said the newest tariff approach “will be of comprehensive scope, examining non-reciprocal trade relationships with all United States trading partners.” The order described “non-reciprocal trade relationships” in very broad terms, including any tariffs on U.S. products, taxes and non-tariff barriers on U.S. businesses, workers, and consumers and “policies and practices that cause exchange rates to deviate from their market value.”
A non-reciprocal trade relationship, the executive order said, would be one which “in the judgment of the United States Trade Representative… imposes any unfair limitation on market access.”
It added that a “nontariff barrier” would be described as “any government-imposed measure or policy or nonmonetary barrier that restricts, prevents, or impedes international trade in goods.”
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in a
are certain border officers who are repeatedly revoking visas, that needs oversight,” Suleman said.
“The problem is when people are coming into Canada, they usually don’t know their rights. They do not have a lawyer by their side. And often, while they’ll be unhappy, they will accept the decision. And if you’re outside the country, it’s much harder to appeal your rights.”
Temporary resident visas are issued to visitors, students and workers coming to Canada and do not guarantee entry to the country.
Immigration and border officers are also able to cancel these documents if a holder becomes a permanent resident, dies or finds they were issued through an administrative error.
An official in Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s office says the recent changes will help remove temporary visas that have become redundant when the federal government does an inventory of existing visas.
They said that for example if someone comes to Canada with a work visa, but then later becomes a permanent resident, their visa may still be counted as active if it is not cancelled.
This is part of the government’s broader immigration plan, which includes limiting the number of temporary visas being issued over the next two years. The department is looking to clear our redundant documents to ensure accurate records.
statement, said Trump’s move would be a “step towards dismantling a rules-based international trade order that has made much of the western world, especially the United States, more prosperous and productive.”
“Disrupting long-standing, mutually beneficial trade patterns with self-defeating tariffs makes no sense for American or Canadian economic success. Tariffs are taxes. They raise the cost of goods and services. They are not — as the President claims — a source of endless revenue.
The pursuit of an American industrial model from the past will result in rising costs of goods, long-term economic decline, and job losses,” Candace Laing, the president and CEO of the chamber, said in a statement. After weeks of focus on retaliatory tariffs, many may wonder what the term “reciprocal” means.
Trump has not specified in detail how he defines the term.
There remains uncertainty about whether his order would apply only to matching tariffs or to including other foreign taxes that he views as a barrier to exporting American goods.
Broadly speaking, a reciprocal tariff would appear to be aimed at matching either the value or the spirit of any tariffs in place by other countries on American products.
BC real estate sales off to a slightly stronger start in January 2025
Real estate sales across British Columbia were up in January compared with the year before, but average prices went down slightly.
The B.C. Real Estate Association says in a statement that the 4,221 residential sales in January were up 6.4 per cent from January 2024, although unit sales were 12 per cent below the 10-year average.
The association’s chief economist Brendon Ogmundson says an increase in both sales and listings may foreshadow a stronger year, with a caution that global uncertainties might trigger higher or lower rates from the Bank of Canada.
Active listings jumped by 27 per cent to almost 31,000, in what the association says is a normalization of trends for homes being placed on the market.
The statement says it will be crucial for supply to keep pace with growing demand to see markets balanced and prevent a rampant price increase.
The average residential price on the Multiple Listing Service in B.C. last month was down about one per cent to $949,560 from $959,191 in January last year.
Here are some of the average sale prices around the province:
Northern B.C.— $396,187, up 3.4 per cent
Chilliwack — $694,700, down 3.7 per cent
Greater Vancouver — $1,208,415, down 3.7 per cent
Okanagan — $736,479, up 2.7 per cent
Kamloops — $536,082, down 3.8 per cent
Kootenay — $505,729, up nine per cent
South Peace River — $281,028, up 30.5 per cent
Vancouver Island — $722,305, up 11.4 per cent
Victoria — $986,258, up 5.3 per cent
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 13, 2025.
Unprecedented US visit by all 13 Canadian premiers paints China as 'common economic enemy'
Continued from Page 1...
"It will require long-term thinking, it will require dedication, and most of all, it will require friends and allies like Canada and Ontario, and I can tell you, Canada is here to help," he said.
Calling China the "common economic enemy", Ford invoked familiar US proposals for Canada to adopt, such as ending Chinese transshipments through Mexico as well as matching or exceeding American tariffs on mainland products, including EVs, batteries, aluminium and steel. He also urged protections against Chinese investment and ownership in strategic sectors like critical minerals and energy, including a "robust" coordinated investmentscreening process.
"It's China that wants to ship in cheap steel, cheap aluminium and undermine American and Canadian jobs," Ford said. "Let's work together and protect ourselves from the likes of China."
The trip by all the leaders of Canada's 10 provinces and 3 territories is unprecedented, underscoring the stakes for the country's economy, which depends on the US for more than three quarters of its exports. Almost half of Canada's imports come from the US.
Beginning on Tuesday and continuing throughout the week, the premiers are meeting in Washington with business leaders, think tanks and US lawmakers to highlight the deep and often overlooked ties binding the countries.
They are also expected to meet Trump advisers at the White House, according to a Wednesday press release from the Council of the Federation, contrary to earlier statements that no meetings with administration officials were planned.
In a demonstration of unity on Wednesday, 12 of the 13 posed for photos together before embarking on their first meetings as a group.
Ford, chair of the group of 13 premiers known as the Council of the Federation, struck a conciliatory note despite US President Donald Trump's announcement on Monday that the US would impose 25 per cent tariffs on all imported steel and aluminium - a move that would hit Ontario hard.
Ford had said he would rip up a contract with Trump adviser Elon Musk's Starlink internet service, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau threatening retaliatory tariffs and Canadians cancelling US holidays and circulating 'buy Canadian' product lists.
This week, Ford opted to reinforce some of Trump's other stated priorities, such as combating fentanyl smuggling and having allies devote more to shared defence. Speaking on Tuesday, the premier vowed to work to audit any financial institution suspected of funding gangs or cartels and to push the Canadian federal government to exceed Canada's current Nato defence spending commitment of 2 per cent of GDP.
BC addiction doctor worries diversion of significant portion of 22.4 million doses of prescribed opioids is 'out of control
A leaked audit that revealed that the diversion of opioids prescribed through the province’s safer supply program is raising concerns among local addiction experts.
“It worries me a great deal that it has gotten so out of control,” said Dr. Caroline Ferris, an addictions physician with more than a decade of experience in Surrey and Victoria.
On Wednesday, a leaked briefing distributed by the opposition B.C. Conservatives revealed the B.C. Ministry of Health has been investigating an alleged scheme involving incentives offered by dozens of pharmacies to patients, doctors and housing providers, and that prescribed drugs were being trafficked provincially, nationally and internationally.
According to the document that was originally prepared for police, more than 60 pharmacies
have offered incentives to encourage doctors and patients to use their services as a way to maximize their dispensing fees, which are valued at approximately $11,000 a patient per year. Additionally, some community housing staff have allegedly directed tenants to specific pharmacies. It shows that from 2022 to 2024, approximately 22.4 million doses of opioids — primarily hydromorphone and oxycodone — were prescribed to about 5,000 clients in B.C. “A significant portion of the prescribed opioids being freely prescribed by doctors and pharmacists are not being consumed by their intended recipients,” the PowerPoint presentation states. With the recent developments, Ferris suspects funding for B.C.’s prescribed safer supply rollout could be withdrawn.
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Man charged after brazen distraction theft in Richmond
Police in Richmond are advising the public to be cautious of distraction-style thefts after a man was charged in a brazen theft from someone’s car earlier this month. Police were called to the 8300 block of Lansdowne Road shortly after 10:15 p.m. on Feb. 6, for reports a man had stolen a woman’s phone, Richmond RCMP said in a statement Thursday.
The victim told police a woman had knocked on her car window and pointed out one of her tires had been punctured. When she left the car to check the tire, a man reached into the vehicle and grabbed her purse from the front seat. When confronted, the suspect dropped the purse and began to flee but was captured by Good Samaritans,
who called 911 and held him until police arrived, the statement said. Cpl. Adriana O’Malley. said police commend the Good Samaritans who came to the victim’s assistance and promptly called 911, “their swift action was instrumental in enabling the officers’ quick response,” she said.
Marco Bryans Neyra Sanchez has been charged with one count of theft, while others who may have been involved in the incident are still being sought by police. “We have seen similar distraction thefts in the past escalate into a series of incidents. While an arrest has been made, we believe other suspects may still be at large,” said O’Malley, adding that are urging drivers to be cautious of similar, distraction-style thefts.
3 Montreal men accused of running human-trafficking ring between western Canada, Quebec
Alberta police have arrested three Montreal men who they allege ran a human-trafficking operation between the prairies and Quebec for more than a decade. The case, dubbed Project Endgame by authorities, was opened in May 2023 after a 911 call in Edmonton about a sex worker being violently assaulted. Over the course of their investigation, police say they learned of a human-trafficking ring operating in the Alberta communities of Edmonton, Calgary, Lloydminster, Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray and Cold Lake, as well as Vancouver, B.C., and Estevan, Sask.
“This was a unique investigation and we relied on very specific investigative techniques to gather the evidence, as we didn’t have victims who were willing to provide us information. They were all too scared,” Staff Sgt. Chris Hayes told CTV News Edmonton
on Thursday, noting the alleged traffickers coerced and forced victims to perform multiple sex acts on multiple people every day, assaulting and threatening them if they didn’t cooperate.
He is hoping other victims come forward.
“We’ve identified upwards of 10 individuals (who were victimized), but like I said, we’ve been able to track these guys back to exploiting females for the better part of a decade,” Hayes said.
Vancouver taxi driver used his cab to make cocaine deliveries: judge
It was a Thursday night in the summer of 2021 and a man was in the backseat of a taxi going through downtown Vancouver on a supposedly "normal" ride.
Only that passenger was found by police to be carrying 211 grams of cocaine in his backpack and the taxi driver had more than $1,600 in cash in his wallet and shirt pocket.
This week, a B.C. Supreme Court judge found the driver, MD Rafiqul Islam, guilty of one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Justice Heather MacNaughton further found that Islam was knowingly involved in a "dial-adope" trafficking operation and actively facilitated it by driving two men to and from their drug deliveries.
She dismissed Islam's arguments that he had no knowledge of any drug trafficking and that the activities in his taxi were "normal."
"His evidence is patently excusatory, stretches
credulity, and has an obvious air of fabrication. I find that the general thread of Mr. Islam's evidence does not accord with common sense or human experience," MacNaughton said in her decision.
The court decision reveals details of a nearly two-week police surveillance operation, condos that were used to stash fentanyl, meth and hundreds of thousands of dollars, and a "hierarchical relationship" between the taxi driver and the two men.
Trump complains about Canada — but new data shows spike in U.S. drugs and guns coming north
President Donald Trump claims he's targeting Canada with punishing tariffs on all our goods because he's concerned about the country's supposedly lax approach to fentanyl and migrants.
But new data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) shows Canada has a reason to worry about what's pouring in from the U.S.
There's been an influx of illegal American drugs and guns, which experts and law enforcement say are fuelling crime, death and addiction on this side of the border, too. CBSA is seizing many more drugs, prohibited weapons and firearms than they were just two years ago, according
to figures compiled by the border agency and shared with CBC News. In fact, when looking at weight alone, Canadian officials seized more illegal drugs coming from the U.S. last year than what the Americans captured on their side of the 49th parallel. "There are transnational criminal organizations profiting from substances that are causing great harm to our communities," Aaron McCrorie, CBSA's vice-president for enforcement and intelligence, said in an interview. "It's a public safety and security emergency — not just in the United States — it's killing people here in Canada," he said.
BC fentanyl superlab property owner says he was just the landlord
The Abbotsford man who owns the Falkland property where Canada’s largest-ever fentanyl superlab was discovered in October says he was just the landlord and unaware of what was going on there. Michael Driehuyzen filed a statement of defence this week in response to a lawsuit filed by the B.C. government saying the property should be forfeited for its links to criminality.
The director of civil forfeiture filed its claim against the 66-hectare rural property at 5011 Hoath Rd. on Jan. 31. Also named as a defendant was Gaganpreet Singh Randhawa, the only person so far facing criminal charges in the case. He remains in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for Feb. 21. The claim said that between January and Oct. 25, 2024, the Hoath Road property was used in the production, storage and processing of illicit drugs.
When police raided the property on Oct. 25, it found “a large sophisticated clandestine
laboratory” capable of producing large quantities of drugs including fentanyl, methamphetamine and MDMA.
But Driehuyzen said in the response that he “as landlord, did not participate or acquiesce in any unlawful activity at the property done by his tenant or his tenant’s agents.” He doesn’t name the tenant or the agent that he rented the property to.
UVic student’s death from fentanyl poisoning to be examined in coroner’s inquest
A BC Coroners Service inquest will be held in the death of a Vancouver Island student who died from a fentanyl overdose last year.
Sidney McIntyre-Starko, 18, a student at the University of Victoria, died in January 2024 of fentanyl poisoning.
McIntyre-Starko died after she and her friend collapsed in a dorm room. Her friend survived.
The public inquest will begin on Mon., April 28 and will determine the facts related to McIntyreStarko’s death and make recommendations, where appropriate and supported by evidence, to prevent deaths in similar circumstances and to ensure the public that the person’s death will not be overlooked.
In an open letter published last May, her mother, who has been an emergency physician for 25 years, said her daughter’s death was preventable. “Witnesses heard Sidney and another student collapse and did exactly what they were told to do for emergencies at the University of Victoria. They called campus security immediately,” the letter stated. “Campus security never contacted 911.
The only person on campus to contact 911 was an impaired student who had difficulty following simple instructions. Campus security showed up in about 3 1/2 minutes, with enough time to save our daughter.”
However, Caroline McIntyre wrote that the security officers did not administer naloxone until nine minutes after they arrived and started CPR almost 12 minutes after they arrived. “Sidney was an organ donor five days later,” she wrote.
“Naloxone, when administered quickly, reverses the effect of an opioid overdose. Simple CPR will keep the person alive while waiting for the naloxone to work or waiting for help to arrive.”
Indians are among least satisfied with their love lives: Survey
Continued from Page 1...
The ‘Love Life Satisfaction 2025’ survey results were led by countries such as Colombia (82 per cent), Thailand (81 per cent), Mexico (81 per cent), Indonesia (81 per cent), and Malaysia (79 per cent). India at 63 per cent, South Korea at 59 per cent, and Japan at 56 per cent were at the bottom.
It was conducted by leading market research and polling company Ipsos with a sample size of 23,765 adults across 30 countries and more than 2,000 in India.
“Indians largely live in joint families and those in nuclear families have familial responsibilities, work pressures, career and societal pressures, leaving less time for romance, physical intimacy and love,” Ashwini Sirsikar, group service line leader, Ipsos UU & Synthesio, Indi, said in a statement.
The survey also looked at different parameters separately to assess how Indians stacked up. While 64 per cent of Indians polled said they feel loved, only 57 per cent of Indians claimed to be satisfied with their romantic/sex life.
However, as per the findings, more Indians (67 per cent) were satisfied with the relationship shared with their spouse.
“Interestingly, happiness with sex life and partner was seen to be co-related. People in countries that are more satisfied with their relationship with their partner are more likely to be satisfied with their romantic/sex life.
“Some countries were outliers, like Brazil, South Korea and India, people are less satisfied with their partner compared to their level of satisfaction with their romantic/ sex life,” it added.
The findings also suggested those on a higher income were more likely to feel loved and be happier with their romantic/sex lives.
For instance, it suggested that “83 per cent of high-income earners across 30 countries say they are satisfied with the love in their life compared to 76 per cent of those on a middle income and 69 per cent on a low income”.
The same trend holds true for their romantic and sexual satisfaction as well.
“Sixty-seven percentage of people with a high income are satisfied with their sex life compared to only 51 per cent of low-income earners,” it said.
The sample in India, which consisted of approximately 2,200 individuals, of whom approximately 1,800 were interviewed face-toface and 400 were interviewed online.
Suspects identified in explicit video of MP
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mesake Waqa has confirmed that two suspects have been identified in investigations on member of Parliament Lynda Tabuya’s explicit video which went viral on social media in late December 2024. The video was leaked to various groups on Facebook in December and also sent to Ms Tabuya’s senior male counterparts in The People’s Alliance Party (PA).
While the confirmation by Mr Waqa came more than a month after the complaint was made the wheel of justice is slowly turning for Ms Tabuya and a bigger question still exists. Are there more efforts needed in bringing justice and providing support to victims of cybercrimes and cyberbullying in Fiji?
ridicule for something that was not of her doing or intention. Circumstances, initial reactions and dismissal
The video first appeared on social media platforms on December 24, 2024.
While it is unknown how it reached the public domain, Editor of Fiji Leaks site Victor Lal posted on his platform that he had received a copy of the video from “an anonymous Santa Claus”.
Because even though she did not leak the video, Ms Tabuya not only lost her ministerial portfolio as Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, but she also faced public
Fijian to play for Kenya at Vancouver Sevens
Fijian-born Jone Kubu has been named in the Kenyan side at the Vancouver Sevens on February 21-23.
Kubu currently plays for the Kabras Sugar club as halfback.
The 36-year-old has been training with the Kenya Sevens team ahead of the squad announcement.
Kubu first arrived in Kenya in 2015 with the Samurai Rugby team for the Safari Sevens.
“Unlike our revelation through our own text messages in Room 233 at Windsor Hotel in Melbourne, we adopted a different tactic and sent the viral video to Tabuya, (Prime Minister) Sitiveni Rabuka, (AttorneyGeneral) Graham
Leung, (Minister for Justice) Siromi Turaga, and (Fiji Women Crisis Center coordinator) Shamima Ali,” Mr Lal said on his post.
“We also copied in (deputy Prime Minister) Manoa Kamikamica, a co-chair with Tabuya on the Coalition’s Anti-Porn Taskforce.”
Nadera, Muanikoso ‘high-risk’ crime areas
Nadera and Muanikoso have been flagged as high-risk areas in the Eastern Division, according to Acting Superintendent of Police Patemosi Uawate. Speaking at an official event on Monday, Mr Uawate shared that Eastern Division police received numerous complaints from both communities, day and night.
He confirmed concerns about the rise in aggravated robberies and the presence of drugs in these areas. “We are working to establish a crime prevention committee by March,” Mr Uawate said. “The government’s initial idea was to collaborate with the public in identifying individuals involved in crime.”
could be eradicated. “The same applies to Muanikoso, where crime rates are rising,” he added.
He emphasised that criminal activities in Nadera, a large neighbourhood, were overwhelming and police were stretched thin with the constant calls. However, he expressed hope that with public cooperation, these issues
“Muanikoso has been identified as a red flag area. Aggravated robberies have increased from 4 in 2023 to 12 in 2024.”
Mr Uawate also noted the presence of drugs in the area and mentioned that the Tui Kalabu had addressed the issue with the community.
“We are actively working to address this,” he said. “Police are available for community policing, and we encourage the public to report any concerns.” He also reminded young people to avoid committing crimes, as it could affect their future opportunities.
“We have records of anyone involved in criminal activities, and people need to be mindful of their future,” he said. “A police clearance is required for some jobs or opportunities abroad.”
PM presented with plans of Airbnb project in Sigatoka by USA entity
A company in the USA led by a Fijian has plans to start an Airbnb business in Maui, Sigatoka. Divine Fijian Group (DFG) chief executive officer, Poasa Koroitamana presented their plan to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in the USA.
The property will feature six double story buildings including a reception area, a restaurant and 20 two-bedroom apartments.
“We want to give back to the Fiji economy
by creating opportunities like this,” said Mr Koroitamana.
“Fijians are natural caregivers; it is in our blood. We want people overseas to experience our level of care.”
He said their aim was to make Fiji the ultimate destination for Americans considering retirement, especially given the growing reputation of Fijian caregivers in the care industry.
After the competition, he settled in Kenya, joining Kabras Sugar, where he won four Kenya Cup titles.
Kenya has been placed in Pool A at the Vancouver Sevens, where they will face tough competition from Perth Sevens champions Argentina, Cape Town Sevens finalists France,
and Great Britain, who are ranked just above Kenya in 8th place.
Pakistan Army's crackdown in Tump sparks protests as enforced disappearances rise in Balochistan
Tump [Pakistan] February 13 (ANI): Pakistan Army helicopters have been flying over the Tump neighbourhood of the Kech district of Balochistan since Friday night, where four people have reportedly forcibly disappeared, The Balochistan Post reported. Local sources claim as quoted by TBP, that after an attack on Pakistani forces between Tuesday and Wednesday night, Pakistani security forces arrested four individuals and moved them to an undisclosed location while the helicopters remained in the town's sky.
TBP reported that the missing persons have been identified as Ibrahim, son of Ali, Farooq, son of Abdul Hameed, Ilyas, son of Abdul Hameed, and Faris, son of Muhammad Karim. They are all from Dazin, a town of Tump. Notably, Ilyas and Farooq had previously been released after being forcibly abducted. Meanwhile, a heavy contingent of Pakistani forces is reportedly advancing in Tump while helicopters continue to operate in the area, according to a report by TBP.
Earlier, protests demanding an end to suspected enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the abduction of Baloch women took place in several Baloch cities.
Baloch Women Forum condemns surge in state atrocities, calls for global intervention
Balochistan [Pakistan] February 13 (ANI):
The Baloch Women Forum has strongly denounced the recent spike in "state-sponsored terrorism, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances" in Balochistan, especially in the Makran region.
The group has demanded immediate international intervention and has referred to these acts as part of a continuing genocide campaign against the Baloch people, The Balochistan Post (TBP) reported.
The Baloch Women Forum issued a statement highlighting several recent events that show the serious human rights abuses taking place in Balochistan, as reported by The Balochistan Post. Sharif Zakir, a renowned scholar and educator, has endured numerous attacks and harassment. The recent abduction of his son and cousin demonstrates the state's flagrant contempt for civilian safety and human rights, The Balochistan Post reported.
The Balochistan Post further reported that Hayat Sabzal was forcibly disappeared by security personnel in Turbat on July 3, 2024. On February 11, 2025, his mutilated body was found in Panjgoor.
Adani withdraws from Sri Lanka power project amid mounting scrutiny
Adani Green Energy, the renewable arm of billionaire Gautam Adani's conglomerate, has withdrawn from two proposed wind power projects in Sri Lanka, following the Island nation's new government deciding to renegotiate tariffs.
“Adani Green Energy has conveyed its Board's decision to respectfully withdraw from further engagement in the renewable energy (RE) wind energy project and two transmission projects in Sri Lanka,” the firm said in a statement. The company was to invest a total of USD 1 billion in generating electricity from wind at two projects and laying transmitting
lines to take it to users. The plan came under the scrutiny of the newly elected administration under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake who wanted to reduce electricity costs. “However, we remain committed to Sri Lanka and are open to future collaboration if the government of Sri Lanka so desires” AGEL said. Adani group, however, continues to be invested in a USD 700 million terminal project at Sri Lanka's largest port in Colombo. AEGL was originally supposed to develop two wind farms with a total capacity of 484 megawatts in Sri Lanka's Mannar and Pooneryn regions, with an investment of USD 740 million.
Bangladesh Islamic groups obstruct cultural festival
Dhaka [Bangladesh], February 13 (ANI): The commemoration of philosopher and Sufi saint Lalon Fakir in Bangladesh has been cancelled following objections from various Islamic groups, local media reported on Thursday.
"In Madhupur of Tangail district, the commemoration of Lalon was cancelled due to the objection of Hefazat-e-Islam, Bangladesh's largest Islamic group. The festival was scheduled to be held at Madhupur Upazila Bus Stand area from 8 pm on Wednesday. Madhupur Lalon Sangha organized the cultural festival to celebrate the 134th death anniversary of Fakir Lalon Saiji," Samakal, a Bengali-language daily newspaper published in Dhaka, reported.
"Lalon Festivals were held several times earlier without any hindrance, but this time committee canceled the event in the obstructions. In the afternoon, they expressed regret for cancelling the event due to unavoidable circumstances," Samakal reported. Bibartan Cultural Centre, a cultural
group, also condemned the incident.
"We strongly condemn this incident. Hefajat Islam and Ulama Parishad (Madhupur branch) these two Islamic parties will not allow 'false ideology to propagate' in Madhupur. The organizers of the event had promised that there would be no discussion of Lalan's ideology for the sake of the event, but they did not keep it," Mofijur Rahman Laltu, General Secretary of Bibartan Cultural Centre, said in a statement.
Rs 75 lakh liquor smuggling attempt from Punjab to Gujarat foiled HC slams Punjab Govt for failing to curb drug menace
The police have foiled an attempt to smuggle liquor worth approximately Rs 75 lakh from Punjab to Gujarat. The smuggling attempt was thwarted when a truck with Rajasthan registration was stopped and searched near Jakhranwali village on the AmritsarJamnagar Bharatmala highway.
According to Hanumangarh SP Arshad Ali, the truck was carrying English liquor hidden under stubble. The driver, Vijayinder Singh alias Vijay Jat (21), was arrested and 845 boxes of Royal Challenge, Royal Stag, McDowell Number One, and Thunderbird beer were seized.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the consignment was loaded in
Punjab, and the police are interrogating the driver to identify those involved in loading the illicit liquor and its intended destination in Gujarat. OC
Punjab gears up for Zila Parishad, Panchayat Samiti elections by May 31
Punjab is prepared to hold the next round of elections for Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samitis. A notification for conducting the elections has been issued on Thursday, instructing the state to hold the elections by May 31. Although the final date of the elections has not been determined yet, government sources have informed The Tribune that these elections will be held only after the wheat harvest is complete in late April. State Election Commissioner, Raj Kamal Chaudhari, told The Tribune that they will conduct the elections as soon as possible. These elections have been overdue for more than a year. It is understood that the government will
teachers who are assigned election duty will be occupied during that period. Immediately afterward, wheat harvesting will commence. It is noteworthy that the elections to these two civic bodies – 23 Zila Parishads and 153 Panchayat Samitis, also known as Block Samitis, were last held in September 2018. With the election process now underway, these elections will be the new "electoral battleground," particularly between the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress.
In the previous election, Congress held sway over these bodies and will attempt to maintain its position. The Aam Aadmi Party, riding high after its victory in the urban civic polls, is also anticipated to make
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has made it clear that a startling surge in bail pleas, particularly in heroin-related cases, during the past month indicated the state’s inability to address the critical issue.
Rapping the state for its failure to effectively combat drug trafficking and addiction, Justice Sandeep Moudgil dismissed an anticipatory bail plea after asserting that the drug crisis was “eating the future of the country like a termite” and posing a significant threat to the nation’s youth and socio-economic fabric. “This court would note that in the past one month, there is unexpected surge in the petitions for the grant
of bail, particularly involving heroin, which indicates the state government’s failure to curb the menace,” Justice Moudgil said.
In a detailed order, Justice Moudgil called for unwavering resolve and stringent action against the masterminds behind drug trafficking networks. The court asserted that the modus operandi of the kingpins, often operating from the shadows, was required to be met with the full force of law.
The sanctity of the rule of law needed to be upheld at all costs and leniency was not to be granted, regardless of the quantity of contraband involved.
Thousands attend mahapanchayat, farmers will talk with Central team
In an apparent show of strength hours before their crucial talks with a Central team at Chandigarh, farm unions on Thursday held their third kisan mahapanchayat at the Shambhu border to mark the first anniversary of the Kisan Andolan 2.0. The mahapanchayat drew thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Similar mahapanchayats were held at Ratanpura in Rajasthan and Khanauri on February 11 and 12, respectively.
Farm leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said 43 farmers had lost their lives during the recent stir. Shubhkaran Singh (22) was shot at Khanauri on February 21, 2024. Over 450 farmers had sustained injuries, with 35 suffering serious wounds, five losing vision in one eye, and 17-year-old Jaskaran losing his right arm due to a gunshot wound. The unions have decided to observe the first “barsi” (death anniversary)
village, Ballo, in Bathinda on February 21. Farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose indefinite fast entered the 80th day on Thursday, reaffirmed his commitment to attending the meeting. Abhimanyu Kohar confirmed that Dallewal was likely to participate in the talks with the Central team on February 14.
Sources said the SKM (Non-Political) and the KMM had finalised their respective 14-member delegations to attend the discussions and present their demands before the government panel. These delegations would be led by Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher.
Rishabh Pant's rescuer after car crash fights for life after suicide bid
The man who helped save the life of cricketer Rishabh Pant following a car accident in 2022 is battling for life at a hospital near here after consuming a pesticide.
His girlfriend also allegedly consumed the pesticide in a suicide bid. Rajat Kumar, 25, and Manu Kashyap, 21, allegedly consumed pesticide three days ago when their families opposed their marriage citing caste issues. His girlfriend died
but he is fighting for life at a private hospital in Jhabrera, a doctor treating him told PTI. In Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar, Manu's family alleged that she was poisoned by Rajat. A complaint had been filed with the local police, they said.
According to the medic, Rajat’s condition is improving. The cricketer may come to Jhabreda in a day or two to visit Rajat, the doctor said quoting the cricketer’s PA.
India, Indonesia ink milestone pact for quality assurance in traditional medicine: Ayush Minister
New Delhi [India], February 13 (ANI): The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, stated that the MoU exchanged between India and Indonesia in the field of traditional medicine quality assurance between Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homeopathy, Ministry of Ayush and Indonesian Food and Drug Authority.
The deal was struck on January 25, 2025, and is set to elevate global standards, as per an official statement. While highlighting the significance of the MoU, the Minister stated, "This collaboration will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of traditional medicines, setting the stage for a more
integrated and scientifically regulated approach to this valuable healthcare system." Underlining the key features of the MoU, the Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha stated, "Through this strategic collaboration, we are fostering greater knowledge exchange, capacity building, and strengthening the role of traditional medicine in global healthcare.
PCIM&H is an IS/ ISO 9001:2015 certified institution for Quality Management Systems (QMS) dedicated to establishing and maintaining standards for Indian medicine and homoeopathy. This partnership between the premier institutions will significantly benefit all stakeholders, the statement observed.
India, US to sign new defence framework, says Trump admin official
Washington DC [US], February 13 (ANI): India and the United States will be signing a new defence framework during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing visit to the US, which will give a further fillip to the partnership between the two countries, a senior White House administration official said on Thursday.
"Today's meetings with PM Modi and his government will build up on the accomplishments of the last Trump administration and the two leaders will focus on key areas of defence, trade, energy infrastructure, regional partnerships. Relating to build on defence sales to India, to ensure they are prioritising the use of American technology, the President is also focussed on unleashing American energy to the rest of the world and will prioritise India as the key importer of America's natural resources to power their economy," the US official said.
Ahead of Prime Minister Modi's meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House today, the White House official said that the two sides are also having conversations about new procurements which will help in reducing US' trade deficit with India. "The defence portion of the partnership is
strong, and my anticipation will continue to get stronger under this administration...Indians were our first United States major defence partner. I can tell you we are moving towards signing a new defence framework between the United States and India which will portend good things for the partnership," the White House official told reporters.
"Yes, we're having conversations with them about a number of new procurements which will add to the relationship and also bring down the trade deficit. I can confirm those talks are ongoing and are moving in a positive direction," the official added.
Trade war would be in nobody's interest; India must play bigger global role, says top Swiss official
New Delhi [India], February 13 (ANI): Amid a difficult external economic environment facing various countries, Switzerland's State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Alexandre Fasel has said that trade wars "are never a good idea" and such a scenario would be in nobody's interest.
In an interview with ANI, Alexandre Fasel said the situation is very fluid in the wake of tariffs
sought to be imposed or increased concerning international trade and pitched for free trade and open markets. He spoke on geopolitical challenges, tariff threats, and possible trade wars and expressed confidence in the path forward for the India-Switzerland bilateral economic partnership with the conclusion of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
Washington, DC [US], February 14 (ANI): Members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside Blair House in Washington, DC and shouted slogans - "Vande Mataram", 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and "Modi Modi." The Prime Minister is staying at Blair House during this visit to the US. People also carried flags of India and the US and posters which said "America welcomes Narendra Modi." Located at 1651 Pennsylvania Avenue, directly across the street from the White House, Blair House is no ordinary guest house. It is a luxurious, 70,000-square-foot extension of the White House. It is a complex of four interconnected townhouses.
PM Modi is on a two-day visit to the US at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. This is PM Modi's first visit to the US since Trump assumed office in January for the second term.
PM Modi will meet Trump at the
White House later today. Ahead of his meeting with Trump, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard.
New Delhi [India], February 14 (ANI): The first India-Australia Senior Officials' Consultation (SOC) on Antarctica took place in virtual mode on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
The SOC was led by Paramita Tripathi, Joint Secretary, Oceania and Indo-Pacific Divisions, Ministry of External Affairs, from the Indian side and Adam McCarthy, Chief Counsel and First Assistant Secretary, Legal Division, and Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asia Division from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade from the Australian side.
areas opening up new possibilities, both at bilateral as well as global level, as per the MEA.
India and Australia have partnerships in the areas of energy, science, technology and space.
PM Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese held a meeting in November last year on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil. The two leaders had shared the ambition to move faster, work together and deploy our complementary capabilities to drive climate action.
"Productive discussions were held between the two sides across a wide range of issues. The SOC also saw participation from representatives of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, and the Australian Antarctic Division, Government of Australia," the MEA statement read. In recent years, the India-Australia relationship has charted a whole new trajectory of transformational growth. Bilateral cooperation has seen exponential growth in existing frameworks of cooperation and further expanded across a wide spectrum of new
During the meeting, the Prime Ministers welcomed the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP) which would provide the framework for practical cooperation in priority areas such as solar PV, green hydrogen, energy storage, two-way investment in renewable energy projects and allied areas; and upgraded skills training for the renewables workforce of the future, according to the MEA.
The leaders underlined the role of research and innovation, skills development, and professional exchange, including participation in each other's conferences, and sustainable practices in developing the critical minerals sector in support of the global clean energy transition, including as inputs to technologies such as batteries and rooftop solar. (ANI)
(The story has come from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by the Tribune Staff.)
President’s rule imposed in Manipur
President's rule was imposed in Manipur on Thursday, four days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his position.
The assembly has also been put under suspended animation.
Announcing the proclamation of the central rule, a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs said President Droupadi Murmu is of the opinion that "a situation has arisen in which the government of that state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution". "Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, and
of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I – assume to myself as President of India all functions of the Government of the State of Manipur and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of that State," the notification said.
