Dental Implants Dental Crowns
Canada
names 7 drug cartels and crime groups as terrorists
Canada is listing seven transnational criminal organizations, including multiple drug cartels, as terrorist entities under the Criminal Code, the public safety minister announced on Thursday.
The move was one of the measures the government vowed when U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to a 30-day reprieve from the imposition of sweeping tariffs earlier this month, along with last week’s appointment of a fentanyl czar.
Under the designation, law enforcement such as RCMP and local police will have more authority and powers to “follow the money and to look and see how criminal cartels
are using sophisticated laundering tactics.”
“To rid Canada of this scourge, our government will ensure law enforcement has every tool available to dismantle and disrupt the operations of these organizations in our communities,” Public Safety Minister David McGuinty said.
“The measures we are taking will help keep fentanyl off Canadian streets and from entering the United States.”
He said that the named groups “spread fear in local populations” and are known for drug trafficking, human trafficking and trafficking of illegal guns. Continued on Page 6...
Americans in border town love Canada and hate Trump
A big show of affection from a small American border town left Canadians near tears during tense times over tariffs and calls to boycott U.S. travel.
A crowd of close to 200 Americans, dressed in red and white, lined the ferry terminal in Port Angeles, Washington on Thursday, welcoming Canadian travellers from Victoria, B.C. They carried signs saying, “We Love Poutine” and “Adopt us as the 11th province” among them, waved Canadian flags, and cheered vehicles and
passengers walking off the 90-minute sailing.
“We really respect you. We love you. Our president does not represent us,” Port Angeles resident Tom Peet told CTV News, referring to Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariff threat. “Real Americans love you guys,” he added.
For travellers getting off the first Coho ferry sailing of 2025 connecting Port Angeles with British Columbia’s capital, the outpouring of affection was unexpected and moving, including Victoria’s Sheila Taylor. Continued on Page 6...
An Indian pharmaceutical company is manufacturing unlicensed, highly addictive opioids and exporting them illegally to West Africa where they are driving a major public health crisis in countries including Ghana, Nigeria, and Cote D'Ivoire, a BBC Eye investigation has revealed. Aveo Pharmaceuticals, based in Mumbai, makes a range of pills that go under different brand names and are packaged to look like legitimate medicines. Continued on Page 10...
Pakistani Canadian agreed to extradition to USA to face terror charges
A Pakistani national who was arrested last September in Ormstown, Que. on terrorism charges has agreed not to contest his extradition to the United States where he’s facing charges. Continued on Page 7...
Historic Modi visit to USA
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to America has recently concluded. Modi became the fourth international leader to meet newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump. Since Trump’s election, speculation had been rife that he would reshape America’s economic policy and geopolitics, a stance he had outlined during his campaign. Even after taking office in November, Trump announced several significant policies. His tariff policies have created anxiety among major global economies, forcing each country to reconsider its approach to dealing with his administration.
In this context, Narendra Modi’s U.S. visit proved to be successful, strengthening IndoAmerican relations.
Continued on Page 7...
A Canadian Chamber of Commerce analysis looking at the impact of American tariffs on Canadian cities has identified Abbotsford as the city most affected in British Columbia and 15th most in the country.
The Abbotsford-Mission census metropolitan area was graded with a tariff exposure index ranking of 7.6 per cent. The index score is a sum of a location’s excess U.S. trade intensity and its excess U.S. export dependence (in percentage points relative to the national average).
Saint John, N.B. (131.1 per cent) and Calgary, Alta. (81.6 per cent) were first and second in the analysis. The study shows that 90.7 per cent of all exports from Abbotsford go to the U.S., which ranks the city 12th in the country. There are also 330 exporters to the U.S. located in Abbotsford. That number ranks Abbotsford 19th in the
country. In B.C. it's only Vancouver and Victoria that have more exporters than Abbotsford. U.S.A. president and former reality TV star Donald Trump initially stated on Feb. 4 that he would impose a 25 per cent tariff – with the exception of 10 per cent on Canadian crude oil and energy imports – on all imports from Canada and Mexico unless the countries took steps to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Canada and Mexico then confirmed plans made months prior that plans to curb drug trafficking and illegal immigration were continuing as planned, which led to Trump pushing that date back to March 4.
However, this week Trump signed a memorandum calling for reciprocal trade tariffs on all major trading partners. It's unclear whether or not these will affect Canada.
A young woman is facing criminal charges in connection with a head-on collision in West Vancouver, B.C., that killed two international students last summer. Authorities said there were four Indian nationals – all with temporary student visas, and all between the ages of 19 and 21 –travelling together on the Trans-Canada Highway when their car was struck by a vehicle that was heading east in the westbound lanes.
The two survivors were hospitalized with serious injuries.
On Thursday, the West Vancouver Police Department announced Melesesh Sahalo, 25, has been charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death and two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily charm in connection with the June 26 crash.
“This was a detailed and lengthy investigation into a terribly tragic event, and we are pleased to have charges sworn,” said Sgt. John McCormack, in a statement. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the survivors and to the family and friends of those who were killed that day.”
The B.C. government is making changes to its safer supply program that will require patients to take their doses of medications such as hydromorphone in the presence of a health care worker.
New patients will immediately be required to have their doses witnessed, but there will be a transition period for those already in the program.
The announcement Wednesday from Health Minister Josie Osborne and Public Safety Minister Garry Begg came on the heels of a leaked provincial briefing document that detailed how some pharmacies were offering patients incentives to use their services that allowed the pharmacy to collect dispensing fees.
about these medications being diverted and ending up in the wrong hands. While the diversion of pain medication isn’t new, there is a robust market in very realistic-looking but counterfeit medication that is laced with toxic drugs.”
The briefing also described the extent that prescribed opioids were being diverted.
Along with the changes, Osborne and Begg reiterated that an investigation launched last year into pharmacies alleged to have participated is ongoing.
“Prescribed alternatives were introduced in B.C. as an emergency response during the pandemic, and since then, we’ve heard from people who’ve had their lives saved and stabilized, and they’ve gone on to enter treatment and recovery because of this health care,” Osborne said.
“At the same time, we’ve heard concerns
The acknowledgment of diversion of safer supply is a notable shift from the government’s previous position that there was no evidence the practice was widespread. In March, then-public safety minister Mike Farnworth said the allegations were “simply not true.” Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said in July that more research was needed to assess the extent of safer supply diversion. She has long pushed for an expansion to the safer supply program, which serves over 4,000 of about 115,000 British Columbians with a substance use disorder. Osborne said she had not consulted with Henry, and Henry’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
As for the shift in positioning, the health minister said it is part of “the need to care for and to literally save lives by using prescribed alternatives that prevent people who are at the highest risk of drug overdose from having to use illicit street drugs, and ensuring that these drugs are not being diverted and that they are not going into the wrong hands.”
The House Leader of the Opposition B.C. Conservatives has described the “unsurmountable” price paid by her family in the province’s toxic drug crisis, which she said had claimed the lives of two of her brothers, a niece and a nephew.
A’aliya Warbus said that just last week she attended a memorial for one brother who died from “a lethal dose of drugs” a year ago. “Not only did it take two of my brothers, but also my niece, who died alone in a tent, in one of the tent cities, from an overdose by herself,” she said in question period in the B.C. Legislature on Thursday.
A member of the Sto:lo Nation and the daughter of former lieutenant-governor Steven Point, Warbus paused at several points as she choked on her words.
“Just last fall, we buried my 13-year-old nephew, because he found a wallet with drugs in it, which he did that night in his bed while
his mom slept in the next room. And he was not an addict,” she said, before renewing calls for a public inquiry into what she called the “failed experiment of safe supply.”
She said family members of those who had died deserved a transparent and accountable public inquiry “to expose who knew what, when.”
The issue of the government’s safer-supply drug program, in which addicted people are prescribed alternatives to street drugs, has dominated debate in the B.C. Legislature which is sitting this week for the first time in nine months.
On Wednesday, the NDP government announced a major revamp of the program, converting it to a “witnessed-only” model in which users are watched as they consume prescribed opioids, instead of being allowed to take them away. Osborne said this was to prevent diversion of the drugs onto the street.
Sahalo is scheduled to appear in North Vancouver provincial court next Wednesday.
NDP Bleeds Support to Carney as Liberals and Conservatives Nearly Tied in Federal Vote Intention
The federal political landscape in Canada is shifting as the Liberal leadership race takes shape, with five candidates in the running. New polling from the Angus Reid Institute suggests that former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney has emerged as a strong contender, tightening the race between the Liberals and Conservatives.
With Carney as the hypothetical Liberal leader, support for the party has increased to 37%, compared to 40% for the Conservatives.
Highlights of the Poll:
- The Prime Minister’s approval rating has climbed to 34%, the highest since 2023, following his decision to step aside and rising national pride amid U.S. tensions.
- If Carney leads the Liberals, vote intention tightens to a three-point gap between the Conservatives (40%) and the Liberals (37%).
- The New Democrats see a significant drop in support, from 21% to 10%, as nearly half (42%) of their 2021 voters indicate they would switch to the Liberals under Carney.
- The CPC maintains a strong lead in British
Columbia, but the margin narrows with Carney as leader (+8 CPC) compared to Freeland (+15 CPC).
- Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre faces his highest unfavorability rating yet, at 56%.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has the lowest net favorability among all party leaders, with a -25 rating (favourable-unfavourable). Poilievre’s net favorability is -19.
- With Chrystia Freeland as the hypothetical Liberal leader, the party’s support drops to 29%, and the NDP retains more of its base (16%).
This surge appears to come at the expense of the New Democrats, whose support has dropped from 21% to 10% since December. Under Carney’s leadership, 42% of previous NDP voters indicate they would now vote Liberal, while 44% would remain with the NDP. If Chrystia Freeland were leading the Liberals, their support would decline to 29%, while NDP support would rise to 16%. The Angus Reid Institute surveyed 2,011 Canadian adults online (Feb. 13-18, 2025). The margin of error is ±1.5 percentage points.
Liberals questioning Ruby Dhalla campaign over $21K in donations
Liberal leadership candidate Ruby Dhalla is denying any wrongdoing as the party withholds $21,000 in contributions to her campaign.
The funds are being held as the party probes whether 12 of Dhalla's donors surpassed maximum contribution amounts.
"When multiple maximum donations are processed on the same credit card, the party reaches out to those donors directly to confirm that these donations were made on the credit card issued from a joint bank account held in the
names of both co-donors," the Liberal Party said in a statement to CBC News.
Under Canadian election law, couples are allowed to make separate donations using the same credit card. On Tuesday, Elections Canada published the donation data it received from the party over the course of its leadership race so far. However, Elections Canada also published a list of 12 donations under a tab called "Statement of Contributions returned to Contributors or Remitted to the Chief Electoral Officer."
Passengers on crashed Toronto plane offered US$30,000 each
Delta Air Lines is offering US$30,000 (£23,792) to each person on board a plane that crash-landed in Toronto on Monday - all of whom survived.
As it landed in the Canadian city, the plane skidded along the runway in flames before flipping over and coming to a halt upside down. Passengers described their amazement as most of them walked away without injuries.
It remains unclear what caused the incident, which is under investigation.
There were 76 passengers and four crew on the flight, which had travelled from the US city of Minneapolis before making its crash-landing in Canada.
A spokesperson for Delta said the money offer had no strings attached and did not affect customers' rights. Toronto law firm Rochon Genova says it has been retained by certain passengers and their families over the crash-landing. Lawyer Vincent Genova said the group expected a "timely and fair resolution", highlighting that his clients "suffered personal injuries of a serious nature that required hospital attention". In an email to the BBC, Mr Genova said the $30,000 compensation is an "advance" payment meant to assist plane crash victims with short-term financial challenges, and the airline will seek to deduct it from any later settled claims.
Uninsured BC Tesla driver claims coverage ‘too expensive’ during traffic stop
A Tesla driver in Metro Vancouver who told police that insuring the vehicle was too expensive was handed a hefty fine and had his licence plate seized, according to the RCMP.
The uninsured Model 3 driver was pulled over in Richmond on Jan. 31 after Automated Licence Plate Recognition technology identified an “unlicensed vehicle,” Mounties said in a news release.
“The officer engaged police emergency lights and stopped the vehicle. The male driver produced a valid B.C. drivers’ licence and was identified as the owner. The driver stated that because the insurance was too expensive for him and he did not drive the vehicle often, he did not purchase insurance,” the statement from police said.
In addition to being handed a $568 fine for driving without insurance, the car was towed and its plates were removed and returned to ICBC.
The incident was among those outlined in the Richmond RCMP’s January road report.
Other notable traffic stops included one where a truck driving erratically was stopped on suspicion that the driver might be impaired.
“The officer pulled up beside the vehicle and saw a man driving. When he pulled the vehicle over, he noticed a shuffling going on inside the vehicle and a woman moved into the driver’s seat,” the release from the detachment said.
“The officer had the actual driver, the man, step out and demanded he provide a sample of his breath, which registered FAIL.”
That driver was issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition, had his vehicle impounded for 30 days and was fined a total of $776.
In another notable traffic stop, the driver of a pink BMW – who had a learner’s licence and was driving without a supervisor – was handed an eight-month prohibition due to his “extensive driving record and recent convictions.”
In total, Richmond RCMP handed out 832 tickets in January, including 187 for speeding, 64 for distracted driving, and 34 for impairment.
Homeowners expect monthly mortgage payments to rise upon renewal in 2025: survey
As more than one million mortgages come up for renewal in Canada this year, a new survey says the majority of those homeowners expect to pay more in their monthly borrowing costs.
A Royal LePage survey released Thursday, conducted by Hill & Knowlton, said 57 per cent of Canadians set to renew a mortgage on their primary residence this year expect their monthly payment to increase.
That includes 22 per cent who expect it to rise “significantly” and 35 per cent who think their payment will go up “slightly.” One-quarter said their monthly mortgage payment will remain about the same and 15 per cent expect it to decrease upon renewal.
Royal LePage said 1.2 million mortgages are up for renewal in 2025. Around 85 per cent of those were secured when the Bank of Canada’s key policy rate sunk to historically low levels — at or below one per cent — during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re now five years from when those mortgages first became available so we’re getting those rolling over,” said Royal LePage president and CEO Phil Soper in an interview.
“While rates have been coming down rapidly, they’re still well above what those super low pandemic mortgages were and people are concerned.”
Among those who expect their monthly payment to rise, 81 per cent said the
increase would put financial strain on their household. Many of those said they will reduce discretionary spending such as on restaurants and entertainment, or cut back on travel to help cope with the increased costs.
Meanwhile, 10 per cent of respondents said they are considering downsizing, relocating to a more affordable region or renting out a portion of their home in response to higher borrowing costs.
Soper said a potential trade war with the U.S., and the harm the Canadian economy could endure from President Donald Trump’s threat of 25 per cent tariffs, is adding to Canadian homeowners’ anxiety.
However, he said the Bank of Canada could loosen monetary policy in response to tariffs in order to ease the burden on the economy.
“We’ll see rates dropping, and we potentially could see unemployment picking up,” he said.
“We could see GDP trending downward, and at the same time because our industry is so rate sensitive, all that pent-up demand we have from the post-pandemic market correction … could be unleashed based on very low borrowing costs.”
Minister confirms BC trucking company licence suspended after overpass strike
An investigation is underway into another overpass strike in Metro Vancouver.
A tractor-trailer hauling pre-formed concrete clipping the CP Rail overpass near Glover Road along Highway 1 in Langley just after 9 a.m.
BC Highway Patrol initially said two overpasses were hit.
Damage to the CP Rail overpass is minimal but debris on the road partially shut down the highway for a few hours.
B.C.’s Minister of Transportation confirmed to Global News that the trucking company’s entire fleet has had its licence
suspended, pending an investigation, and that could take several weeks.
“This is incredibly frustrating,” Mike Farnworth said.
While most households with pending renewals plan to maintain the same type of mortgage product they have, the report said more Canadians are exploring the option of signing variable-rate mortgages. Monday-Friday - 12:00pm - 9:30pm & Saturday-Sunday -
“You really have to question what kind of stupidity is it in terms of not making sure that you are following the prescribed route. It’s never been easier…. The company needs to make sure that they are properly measuring the load, the shipper, before it goes on the road and the driver has got to follow instructions… because one thing I know, the overpasss are not lowering themselves.”
Ph: 604-591-5423
Fax: 604-591-8615
editor@theasianstar.com
Editor: Umendra Singh
Associate Editor: Harvinder Sandhu
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 www.theasianstar.com
Publication Mail Agreement No 428336012
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Dept. # 202 - 8388, 128 St., Surrey, BC V3W 4G2
With Trump looming, Pierre Poilievre tries to wrap himself in the flag
Donald Trump now seems to loom over everything — almost as overwhelmingly as the giant Canadian flag that loomed behind Pierre Poilievre at his "Canada First" rally last weekend.
If not for Trump, it seems unlikely Poilievre would have been celebrating Flag Day so enthusiastically. For that matter, if not for Trump, it seems likely that this Flag Day — inaugurated in 1996 to mark the adoption of the red maple leaf as this country's national flag in 1965 — would have passed with little to no notice.
But the 29th annual Flag Day was said to be of particular importance to Poilievre. His speech was touted variously as a "shift" and a "rebranding." It was said to be "the pivotal moment of his career" and "one of the most important speeches" he had ever given.
One of Poilievre's tasks seemed to be simple reassurance — or catching up to the national discourse. Standing before that giant Canadian flag, the Conservative leader acknowledged the threat and the challenge posed by the new American regime and vowed to respond and fight if the United States targets this country's goods with tariffs.
"We will bear any burden and pay any price to protect the sovereignty and independence of our country," Poilievre said, borrowing from John F. Kennedy's inaugural address in 1961. Poilievre has more fully embraced the slogan of "Canada First." But in the Conservative leader's own estimation, his broader message is unchanged.
"You know, the media is now saying that I should change my entire platform because of the tariff threat," Poilievre said, though that's perhaps not exactly what pundits have been saying.
"In fact, the Trump tariff threats have proven Conservatives right on everything."
As Poilievre put it in a tweet on Tuesday, "Everything Conservatives said BEFORE the Trump tariffs is even MORE correct now." He fairly delighted in noting how the leading contenders for the Liberal leadership now stand closer to his pre-existing positions on issues like the carbon tax (they'd repeal it), the capital gains tax (they would cancel the government's planned changes) and pipeline construction (they're at least open to it).
Continued from Page 1...
Taylor’s husband lives on the U.S. side of the border. “It’s so heartwarming and I just appreciate all of these people taking the time,” she said. “It’s very emotional, I come all the time, and this is scary, you know?”
Trump’s tariff plan and the ensuing threats from Canadians to boycott U.S. travel are putting an economic scare into many border towns, and new data from Washington State indicates many Canadians may be making good on their promise.
Border traffic numbers released by Whatcom Council of Governments show February 2025 traffic at border crossings between B.C. and Washington is down between 20 and 40 per cent, including a big dip over the recent long weekend. In Port Angeles, if those numbers continue to drop, town officials fear disastrous consequences.
“It’s a very unsettling time,” said Sam Grello, the executive director of the town’s waterfront
district. Grello says an extended drop in Canadian visits would lead to business closures and affect hundreds of jobs.
“It’s surreal. It doesn’t feel normal. It’s not normal,” Grello said, adding he hopes this is a chaotic but brief blip in Canadian-American relations.
“We hope it goes away. We want to return to a time we’re fighting about stupid stuff like Ryan Reynolds. Take him back. We’re sick of him. We’ve had enough of him. He’s overexposed in our country,” Grello laughed.
The president of the Vancouver Police Union is one of the two byelection candidates running under Mayor Ken Sim’s ABC party.
Sgt. Ralph Kaisers will campaign alongside Jamie Stein, who briefly ran with B.C. United in last year’s provincial election before his party withdrew from the race.
“I couldn’t be more excited and more optimistic and more honoured as we launch two incredible individuals in this byelection journey,” Sim said Thursday while announcing their candidacies.
not to take notes about what happened, as they are normally required to do under department policy. Kaisers did not become union president until 2019, though one of the officers alleged he was present at that meeting – something he denied when asked about the scandal on Thursday.
Both men cited improving public safety as their top priority for Vancouver.
“Public safety is not just about enforcement, it’s about prevention, compassion and building a city where everyone can thrive,” said Kaisers, a 34-year veteran of the Vancouver Police Department.
“It’s about ensuring that our first responders have the resources they need, that our communities are supported, and that we take action.” At one point during the news conference, Kaisers was interrupted by a shout of “Justice for Myles Gray,” the man who was killed during a violent encounter with Vancouver police back in 2015. Four of the officers involved claimed they were instructed by the Vancouver Police Union
Continued from Page 1...
Of the groups listed, five are based in Mexico, including the Sinaloa cartel, which is the country’s oldest criminal group. Tren de Aragua in Venezuela and MS-13 in El Salvador were also listed.
The full list of criminal groups now deemed terrorist entities are:
The Gulf Cartel (El Cartel del Golfo)
The Michoacán Family (La Familia Michoacana)
MS-13 (La Mara Salvatrucha)
The United Cartels (Carteles Unidos)
TdA (Tren de Aragua)
Jalisco Cartel New Generation (Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación)
India is set to become a high-income country by 2047 with a projected GDP of USD 23 trillion to USD 35 trillion, buoyed by the services sector, a report has said.
By 2047, the services sector is projected to make up 60 per cent of India's GDP, while manufacturing will account for 32 per cent, both becoming crucial drivers of economic growth, the report by Bain & Company and Nasscom said. A sectoral
“The funny thing is, I was actually not present that day at that incident and did not instruct any of our members as to what they should or should not do,” Kaisers said.
A public hearing into the officers’ conduct was announced by B.C.’s Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner in December, but no dates have been set.
“If I am called as a witness and I am subpoenaed, I obviously will be attending to provide my evidence,” Kaisers said. Under Kaisers’ presidency, the VPU endorsed Sim for mayor back in 2022, citing his promise to hire 100 additional police officers. It was the first political endorsement in the union’s history, and drew some controversy. Since ABC formed government that year, with former police spokesperson Brian Montague among the elected councillors, the city has increased its annual policing budget from $367 million to $453 million.
Sinaloa Cartel (Cartel de Sinaloa)
Asked about whether those named are operating in Canada, RCMP Comm. Mike Duheme confirmed there is intelligence of different cartels operating in Canada, but there is also evidence of Canadian involvement.
“There’s also strong intelligence that Canadians have actually moved to Mexico and South America to facilitate the transport of certain commodities into Canada,” Duheme said.
Last month, Toronto Police reported its largest cocaine seizure in the service’s history with more than 835 kilograms seized. Chief Myron Demkiw said the drugs seized have alleged ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
technology roadmap could play a pivotal role in enabling this transformation, it noted. Advances in Al-driven chip design, touchless manufacturing, and backward integration into component manufacturing and design could enhance cost competitiveness and innovation, driving the sector's export share from 24 per cent to 45 per cent-50 per cent by 2047 and its GDP contribution from 3 per cent to 8 per cent-10 per cent.
BC construction industry warns of increased costs as Trump talks tariffs against lumber
The looming trade war with the United States has sparked uncertainty in B.C.'s housing market, with developers worried that the already sky-high cost of new construction is about to be driven up even further.
Carla Guerrera, CEO of Purpose Driven Developments, said the threatened U.S. tariffs are making it difficult to anticipate prices for things like appliances and plumbing fixtures, making it impossible for builders to project final costs and keep projects on track.
"Right now, we and our partners are frantically trying to look at where we can source Canadian products and divert away from some of the U.S. suppliers," she said.
There are tens of thousands of active housing
projects at various stages of development in B.C., all now grappling with the uncertainty, not to mention the potential viability of projects planned for the future.
"There are escalating costs where purchasing power is already constrained, and so the viability of projects comes into question," said Ryan Berlin, a senior economist at real estate firm Rennie.
"To the extent that those conditions remain, we will see fewer projects come to market or launch than we already would have."
Fewer projects moving forward in the present raises the potential for even worse supply problems in the future. Unless, of course, there's a swift and diplomatic resolution to the Trump tariff threats.
Historic Modi Visit to USA
Continued from Page 1...
Before Trump’s presidency, India's relations with the Biden administration were strained.
While Biden's government engaged with India and discussed an economic corridor at the G20 summit, tensions arose over issues such as Bangladesh, alleged U.S. funding of Indian opposition parties through businessman George Soros, and support for pro-Khalistan elements. Additionally, the alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu and legal actions against Indian businessman Gautam Adani in the U.S. indicated that not everything was smooth between India and the Biden administration.
During the Indian elections, Modi had explicitly accused foreign forces of attempting to undermine him. This claim gained credibility when influential American figures, including Elon Musk, revealed that Biden’s administration had spent $22 million on Indian elections. Given this backdrop, establishing cordial ties with Trump became even more crucial.
One of the primary reasons for the tension between India and the U.S. was Washington’s desire for India to halt its crude oil and arms purchases from Russia to pressure Moscow amid the Ukraine war. However, with Trump’s return, global political equations appear to be shifting. Trump has expressed his intent to build strong ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and has advocated for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Trump’s primary focus is on his "Make America Great Again" vision, aiming to keep the U.S. at the center of global trade. To achieve this, he is leveraging tariffs to force industries—whether chip manufacturing in Taiwan, automobile production, or China's vast manufacturing sector—to relocate back to America, boosting the U.S. economy and job market. India, too, faces the risk of tariffs, as Trump has repeatedly stated
that India imposes significant tariffs on American goods.
In such a sensitive climate, Modi’s visit to the U.S. was of immense significance, as engaging with Trump’s administration was a necessity. The visit appears to have been successful, with both leaders reaching agreements on various fronts. While India seeks technology transfers from the U.S. to fulfill Modi’s "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (selfreliant India) vision, America views India as a major market.
Key agreements between the two nations include defense collaborations, with India negotiating the purchase of advanced fighter jets like the F-35. Meanwhile, American companies are being encouraged to invest in India's nuclear energy sector. The U.S. has also agreed to export crude oil to India, strengthening economic ties further.
Both nations have taken a united stand against global terrorism, with Modi securing the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. This marks a significant diplomatic victory for India, as previous administrations had failed to deliver justice to the attack’s victims. Addressing the Khalistani issue, Trump reaffirmed that the U.S. would extradite Rana and consider pending extradition requests, signaling strong cooperation between the two nations against crime.
With Modi and Trump displaying a united front, it appears that Indo-American relations will strengthen further in the coming years, posing a challenge for elements seeking to disrupt these ties. Their joint statement also emphasized strict action against those threatening the security of Indian diplomats. Trump's alignment with Modi suggests that his administration will maintain a strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific region, and Indo-U.S. relations are expected to reach new heights
Pakistani Canadian agreed to extradition to USA to face terror charges
Continued from Page 1...
Twenty-year-old Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, who was living in Toronto, was arrested as he was about to cross into the United States.
The RCMP alleges he was plotting to attack a Jewish centre in Brooklyn, N.Y. According to police, he allegedly wanted to shoot as many Jews as possible on the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Six months after Khan’s arrest, the young man agreed not to oppose his extradition at a Montreal courthouse Thursday.
“His wish was to be extradited as soon as possible to face trial,” his lawyer, Gaetan Bourassa, said after the brief court appearance.
Khan, who was dressed in a blue tracksuit and bore bushy hair and beard, answered “yes” when
the judge asked him if he agreed to waive his right to a hearing to oppose his extradition.
Khan was on the FBI’s radar in November 2023, when he was alleged to have posted messages on social media, where he expressed sympathy for radical Islamic group, ISIS.
He was allegedly shopping for weapons and made contact with people willing to help him, U.S. authorities alleged. It turns out Khan’s alleged accomplices were in fact undercover police officers. Although Khan will be tried in the U.S., his lawyer claims the undercover officers likely violated his client’s rights.
The extradition order first needs to be signed by Canada’s justice minister. Once the paperwork is done, U.S. authorities will bring Khan to the States to be tried.
Two men charged in
double hit-and-run in Coquitlam crosswalk
The drivers of two separate vehicles accused of hitting the same pedestrian and fleeing the scene in Coquitlam last year have been charged.
The collisions happened at the intersection of Pinetree and Guildford ways on Jan. 27, 2024, shortly before 10 p.m. Coquitlam RCMP said it appeared the woman had the right of way and was legally crossing the street.
Mounties said she was struck by one vehicle, then, while unconscious on the ground, was struck a short time later by a second vehicle. Both vehicles drove away. An RCMP patrol vehicle
ultimately found a bystander tending to the victim at the scene for serious injuries.
“The pedestrian victim continues to recover from this serious and senseless incident,” Coquitlam RCMP spokesperson Const. John Graham said in a media release.
The B.C. Prosecution Service has now charged the alleged drivers of the two vehicles, Chin Tung Cheung of Coquitlam and Gurdeep Singh Dhanoaa of Abbotsford, each with a single count of failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm.
Bodies found in torched SUV identified in Abby
Homicide investigators have identified two people found dead in a torched vehicle in Abbotsford, B.C., in January.
Emergency crews were called to Sumas Mountain Regional Park on the afternoon of Jan. 3, where they found the Mitsubishi Outlander engulfed in flames.
On Thursday, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team identified the people found inside as Christopher Carter, 44, and Sandy Raposo, 48. Both were residents of the Lower Mainland. “We believe there are individuals
who know what happened to Chris and Sandy, and we are asking them to do the right thing by contacting IHIT,” spokesperson Sgt. Freda Fong said in a media release.
“We are interested in speaking with anyone who may have been in contact with Chris and Sandy in the days leading up to their death.”
Police have not said what the relationship between the victims was, or if there was a suspect in the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Highway closed after fatal crash between car, semi-truck in Nanaimo
An early morning collision in Nanaimo, B.C., has left two people dead and prompted the multihour closure of a stretch of Highway 19.
Nanaimo RCMP said the crash happened around 4 a.m., on Highway 19 at Jingle Pot Road. Police said a northbound car turned left on a red light and was struck by a southbound semi-truck.
Both the driver and passenger in the car were killed.
RCMP said their Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service was investigating the crash scene, and that the highway would remain closed between Cedar Road and the Northfield Interchange into the afternoon.
Toronto couple charged after defrauding hundreds of Canadians out of millions of dollars: police
A Toronto couple is facing charges after allegedly defrauding hundreds of Canadians out of millions of dollars.
The RCMP alleged in a news release on Thursday that the pair used technology to hide their phone number in order to pose as bank, government or police employees and trick people into handing over money.
Police said the suspects, who are 29 and 31, used a spoofing website to make phone calls while displaying a false caller ID.
The RCMP alleged that the two people were among the "most active" subscribers to iSpoof.cc, a website that was used by subscribers around the world to make unauthorized phone calls while displaying a caller ID falsely indicating that they were legitimate callers. The website had as many as 38,000 subscribers.
"This particular technology allowed criminals to purchase a subscription in order to use the service to impersonate trusted corporations," RCMP said
in the release.
RCMP said they searched the couple's home and seized a "trove" of items, including electronic devices.
Police said at least 570 people were defrauded, though that number may increase after the devices seized in the search are analyzed.
According to the RCMP, the couple allegedly used a variety of different spoofing, phishing and smishing schemes to target their victims.
The pair have been charged with fraud, unauthorized use of a computer, laundering the proceeds of crime, unauthorized possession of credit card data and possessing the proceeds of crime. The accused were arrested on Wednesday and remanded to Maplehurst Correctional Complex and Vanier Centre for Women and will appear remotely in a Toronto courtroom on Feb. 21.
Last year, Canadians lost $638 million to fraud, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
New Westminster break-and-enter suspect linked to multiple offences, police say
A suspect arrested after a break-and-enter in an apartment building in New Westminster, B.C., has since been linked to almost 20 similar offences.
Police were alerted by a resident to someone breaking into their condominium’s mail room on Jan. 19, New Westminster Police Department said in a release Thursday.
According to police, the suspect has been charged with 17 offences, including possession of stolen property and car theft.
Mark Forrest, a 39-year-old from Surrey, has been charged with twelve counts of break-andenter, one count of mail theft, two counts of
possession of a break-and-enter instrument, and one count of possession of identity documents.
Sgt. Andrew Leaver said the arrest sends a clear message that “crime doesn’t pay” in New Westminster.
“The Street Crime Unit’s dedication and investigative work ensures that criminals will be identified and arrested. It’s only a matter of time,” he said.
In the statement, the NWPD said the incident should serve as a reminder about the importance of calling 911 when residents witness what they believe to be a break-and-enter in progress.
Vancouver mayor slams federal government over inaction on bail reform
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed his frustration Wednesday at the lack of action by the federal government on making it more difficult for people with a history of violence and crime to be released from custody.
Sim said calls from his office to the federal government for bail reform have gone unanswered in relation to an incident in Vancouver in September where a man was murdered and another had his hand severed in an attack.
“That [suspect] had 60 interactions with the police, and we can’t do anything about it,” the mayor told a Greater Vancouver Board of Trade audience. “I remember the day after we asked for help, they called us and told us the 25 reasons why they couldn’t do anything, and they haven’t returned a call since.”
Added the mayor: “Excuse my language, but that's bullshit. Just tell us you're not going to do
something. Don't ignore our calls.”
He received applause from a packed room of guests at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where he gave his annual “state of the city address.”
In a sit-down interview format with Board of Trade CEO Bridgitte Anderson, Sim said from a podium that he would “probably get in trouble” for his criticism of the federal government.
Both Sim and Palmer have pushed for mandatory, involuntary care of people who have severe mental health and addiction challenges. Sim put the number Wednesday at an estimated 400 people who fit that description in Vancouver.
“We have no other tools,” he said. “We literally have to go and say this stuff in front of a bunch of [television] cameras.” Meanwhile, the mayor’s ABC Vancouver party is expected to announce Thursday the two candidates to represent the party in the April 5 byelection. ABC currently holds seven of the 11 seats on council.
Teen charged with 4 counts of first-degree murder in Carry the Kettle homicides
A 15-year-old male youth has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder in connection with a triple homicide on the Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation.
The youth was taken into custody by Saskatchewan RCMP Feb. 18 on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation.
His identity cannot be revealed under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The charges stem from the deaths of Tracey Hotomani, Sheldon Quewezance, Shauna Fay and Terry Jack, who were found dead in a home on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation southeast of Regina on Feb. 4. The youth’s charges mirror those of 18-year-old Darrius Racette, whose four counts of first-degree murder were confirmed by
RCMP in a news conference Wednesday. Police say the killings were targeted. “This was not a random act of violence as such, we did not believe there to be an imminent risk to general public safety, and did not proceed with issuing an emergency alert,” RCMP Assistant Commissioner
Provincial Court Thursday morning.
Exposing an Indian pharma firm fuelling West Africa's opioid
Continued from Page 1...
But all contain the same harmful mix of ingredients: tapentadol, a powerful opioid, and carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant so addictive it's banned in Europe.
This combination of drugs is not licensed for use anywhere in the world and can cause breathing difficulties and seizures. An overdose can kill. Despite the risks, these opioids are popular as street drugs in many West African countries, because they are so cheap and widely available.
The BBC World Service found packets of them, branded with the Aveo logo, for sale on the streets of Ghanaian, Nigerian, and Ivoirian towns and cities.
Having traced the drugs back to Aveo's factory in India, the BBC sent an undercover operative inside the factory, posing as an African businessman looking to supply opioids to Nigeria. Using a hidden camera, the BBC filmed one of Aveo's directors, Vinod Sharma, showing off the same dangerous products the BBC found for sale across West Africa.
In the secretly recorded footage, the operative tells Sharma that his plan is to sell the pills to teenagers in Nigeria "who all love this product". Sharma doesn't flinch. "OK," he replies, before explaining that if users take two or three pills at once, they can "relax" and agrees they can get "high". Towards the end of the meeting, Sharma says: "This is very harmful for the health," adding "nowadays, this is business." It is a business that is damaging the health and destroying the potential of millions of young people across West Africa.
crisis
created a voluntary task force of about 100 local citizens whose mission is to raid drug dealers and take these pills off the streets.
"The drugs consume the sanity of those who abuse them," says Maham, "like a fire burns when kerosene is poured on it." One addict in Tamale put it even more simply. The drugs, he said, have "wasted our lives".
The BBC team followed the task force as they jumped on to motorbikes and, following a tip off about a drug deal, launched a raid in one of Tamale's poorest neighbourhoods. On the way they passed a young man slumped in a stupor who, according to locals, had taken these drugs. When the dealer was caught, he was carrying a plastic bag filled with green pills labelled Tafrodol.
The packets were stamped with the distinctive logo of Aveo Pharmaceuticals.
It's not just in Tamale that Aveo's pills are causing misery. The BBC found similar products, made by Aveo, have been seized by police elsewhere in Ghana.
In the city of Tamale, in northern Ghana, so many young people are taking illegal opioids that one of the city's chiefs, Alhassan Maham, has
We also found evidence that Aveo's pills are for sale on the streets of Nigeria and Cote D'Ivoire, where teenagers dissolve them in an alcoholic energy drink to increase the high.
Rhonda Blackmore explained Wednesday. The youth is scheduled to appear by phone in Regina
Civil servants reminded to be productive – Prof. Prasad
Civil servants need to be productive so that the standard of service delivery can improve as there is an indication of a significant lapse in labour productivity.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad highlighted this during the State of the Economy Breakfast Talanoa session after a question was asked if there is a possibility to tighten the civil service as their service delivery has dropped. He says one of the employers told him that he plans his everyday production on
average, assuming that 40 percent of his people won't turn up for work several days a week.
The Deputy Prime Minister says they will conduct a holistic review of bureaucratic processes across the economy to drive greater efficiency and ease of doing business. Professor Prasad says productivity is key for long-term economic growth as it influences national wealth and living standards and the Government will work with stakeholders to improve productivity.
Flash Flood Alert issued for western half of Viti Levu and parts of Vanua Levu
A Flash Flood Alert remains in force for small streams and low-lying, flash flood prone areas of the western half of Viti Levu including from Nadi, through Sabeto, Vuda, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki and other parts of Vanua Levu from Dama, through Lekutu, Dreketi, Seaqaqa, Labasa, Nadogo and Namuka.
The Nadi Weather Office says a Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the northern division and Yasawa group. They say occasional rain,
heavy at times and few thunderstorms over Cakaudrove Province, Southern Bua and Yasawa group.
No Fijian deported so far under Trump’s executive order
NO Fijian has been deported to Fiji yet following US President Donald Trump’s executive order to clamp down on illegal immigrants. Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto said to his knowledge, there were none
so far. “There’re none that have been coming back deported so far,” he said.
“We haven’t received any notice if they are coming, when and how many will be deported, we haven’t received any information from them (US).
“We are hoping that they will let us know in advance if they (Fijians) are coming but for now, there is nothing.”
He said Immigration Department staff had already made arrangements so that officials at home could be notified if Fijian citizens were being deported.
Statistics from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier showed that 353 Fijians had final orders of removal as per the ICE docket.
‘Rogue’ officers - Police aware of informants tipping off drug suppliers
The Fiji Police Force (FPF) is aware that some officers have been acting as informants, tipping off drug suppliers ahead of planned raids.
Speaking at the Governance Training for Melanesian Communities in greater Suva on Monday, Acting Superintendent of Police Patemosi Uawate said the was a need for public cooperation to identify drug networks, while also warning people to exercise caution when sharing sensitive information.
“I believe we are all aware of the drug threat in the country, and we (FPF) don’t have much information on what’s happening on the ground,” Mr Uawate said. “We request members of the public to reach out if they have any information that could help us dismantle and disrupt these networks, but people have to be wary of officers involved in this illegal activity.
Don’t come running to me if your child is arrested – COMPOL Rusiate Tudravu to parents
Police have confirmed they had to avert another possible street fight this morning involving “young people” in Nadua.
Eight students from the same school are being questioned for their alleged involvement in a brawl yesterday afternoon.
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu is calling on parents to talk to their children about the consequences of their actions before police step in and it’s too late. “Parents talk to your children. Don’t test the law thinking that their young age will be a factor in softening our approach, because it will not happen under my watch,” said Mr Tudravu.
“I will not entertain any parent or guardian that pleads for intervention or assistance when
their child is caught on the wrong side of the law.”
“This applies also to our youths, particularly those who are still relying on others for their everyday survival.”
Police officers have visited the school, believed to be Nabua Secondary School and addressed senior students and held meetings with officials from the Public Rental Board.
“These incidents don’t just happen. Based on initial information gathered it had been brewing, and the brawl was a spillover from a fight between two students on Sunday.”
“This is when we as a society must step in. Correct youths and children when they need to be corrected and not wait for when things get worse.”
place. “Sometimes we receive tip-offs about a house, or a farm involved in illegal activities; by the time we reach the location, the suspects are already gone,” he explained.
“It’s clear that they were informed by officers.”
He stressed the importance of trusting the right officers when sharing vital information.
“So, when you provide a tip-off, make sure to trust the officer you give that information to.
“We bear witness to it, and we won’t deny it.”
Mr Uawate said there had been incidents where suspects were tipped off before raids took
Further addressing the issue, Mr Uawate reiterated the FPF’s commitment to identifying rogue officers involved in illegal activities, which remains a critical objective in the fight against drugs in the country. “Some we have apprehended, and it pains us – the loyal officers who work hard day in and day out for the betterment of Fiji – to see these rogue officers undermining our efforts. “They tarnish the reputation of the force, as well as the reputation of all the hardworking and loyal officers.”
Paank calls for justice as Baloch educators face targeted killings, enforced disappearances
Balochistan [Pakistan], February 20 (ANI): Baloch National Movement's human rights wing Paank in its investigative report revealed instances of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and deliberate assaults on educators and intellectuals. Paank has sought international intervention and oversight to guarantee the protection of human rights in Balochistan.
On February 4, Allah Dad Wahid Baloch, an MPhil student at Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, was shot dead at the Al Naeem Hotel in Turbat. He was a historian and translator committed to safeguarding Baloch's history and political dialogue, according to Paank.
Paank report highlighted that before his passing, Wahid Baloch endured continuous intimidation and threats from Pakistan's security forces, such as the ISI and Military Intelligence. He frequently faced pressure to make appearances at military offices, which hindered his academic advancement. On the evening of his assassination, two armed individuals, reportedly associated with security forces, shot him, resulting in his immediate death. Hayat Sabzal Baloch, a resident of Turbat's Meeri Bohag, was taken by Pakistani security personnel on July 3, 2024. Despite his family's frantic search for information, they found no leads until February 11, when they discovered his mutilated body in Panjgur, according to Paank report.
Pakistan: Government employees stage protest against pension reforms in Islamabad
Islamabad [Pakistan], February 20 (ANI):
Hundreds of government employees held protests in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad on Wednesday, calling for the withdrawal of recently introduced pension reforms that according to them will adversely affect their financial security,
The Express Tribune reported.
Protesters gathered at Secretariat Chowk and blocked both entrances to the government secretariat. Police personnel, including senior officers, were deployed there to control the situation, resulting in clashes between police and protesters.
Government employees demanded an end to what they termed as discriminatory policies, including the abolition of dual pensions and changes to the pension calculation formula. In addition, they demanded a 10 per cent rise in disability allowance. According to the Pakistan government, the reforms implemented on January 1 will reduce financial liabilities and bring the country in line with international fiscal standards. As per the new system, pension of government employees will be calculated on the basis of an average of the past two years salaries, instead of the final salary drawn.
Nepal sticks to traditional measures to control forest fire as threat looms high
Dakshinkali [Nepal], February 21 (ANI): Nepal is set to face a catastrophic forest fire incident in the coming days, but the local authorities have been less prepared and reliant only on the traditional method despite repeated stances over the years. Dakshinkali [Nepal], February 21 (ANI): Nepal is set to face a catastrophic forest fire incident in the coming days, but the local authorities have been less prepared and reliant only on the traditional method despite repeated stances over the years. Drone shots revealed the extent of the damage caused by the fire, which has engulfed about 30 hectares of arid slopes and has been billowing smoke into the air around the clock. Flora and fauna, along with the Shorea robusta, commonly known as 'Sal,' have burned to
the ground, damaging the habitat of animals and birds. "We have the disaster management committee, the locals help of the Nepal Police, Metropolitan Police are mobilised, this kind of event takes place every year. We also have set up 'line of fire' to prevent blaze from reaching the residential areas but in winter it doesn't work, flammable objects cover that area which kills the essence of it. As it is the community forest, we also dug some ponds within the perimeter but it is only filled during monsoon but not in winter. That's why the locals and the police have been working to douse out the forest fire," Pushkar Khadka, the ward chairperson of Dakshinkali Municipality, told ANI, highlighting the traditional approach of firefighting and control.
Pak: Baloch youth killed as state-backed militias continue targeted attacks
Balochistan [Pakistan], February 20 (ANI): A Baloch youth has reportedly been killed by statesupported militias, often referred to as 'death squads', in Tump, which is part of Balochistan's Kech district, on Thursday. According to a report by The Balochistan Post (TBP), the victim, named Karim Dad, son of Manzoor and a resident of the Gomazi area in Tump, was fatally shot by armed individuals in the Kohad area. Local sources informed The Balochistan Post that Karim was in a vehicle when he was attacked and killed. Local sources assert that the attackers are affiliated with a government-supported armed militia group commonly known as a 'death squad.' Earlier, Karim's relative, Miraj Baloch, was also
killed just three days prior in the same tehsil of Kech, heightening concerns regarding the rising violence in the region. The murder has triggered widespread outrage and denunciation, with human rights advocates and political factions condemning the ongoing targeting of Baloch youth. The Baloch National Movement (BNM) and its human rights arm, PAANK, expressed their condemnation of the incident via the social media platform X. In their statement, they stressed that the ongoing targeting of individuals by state-sponsored death squads, occurring with impunity, constitutes a serious violation of basic human rights and needs to cease immediately, TBP highlighted in their report.
2 Kapurthala agents charged following US deportee’s complaint
An FIR has been registered against two travel agents of Kapurthala on a complaint by a US deportee. The Dhilwan police registered the case on the complaint by Nishan Singh, 20, of Chakoki village in Dhilwan.
It is the second such FIR registered by the Kapurthala police on the deportees’ complaints. In all, four agents have been booked.
The police booked Sukhjinder Singh Soni of Lakhan Ka Padde village and Lakkhi of Kishan Singh Wala village, both in Kapurthala district, under the BNS.
In a complaint to the SSP, Nishan alleged that he had been sent to the US illegally by the duo. While Nishan had been promised to be taken to the US directly, he was instead dropped in the jungles of Mexico. Nishan said he wandered in
the forests for 16 days.
Nishan alleged that the two agents asked his family for Rs 35 lakh to send him to America. His family gave them Rs 22 lakh in cash and deposited Rs 13 lakh in their bank accounts. The agents assured the family of sending Nishan to the US directly via flight. But they took him to Suriname, from where he walked to Mexico on foot. He crossed the wall of Mexico and entered America, where the US law enforcement agencies arrested him, he cclaimed,
He said the agents again charged the family Rs 10 lakh to get him across the wall of Mexico; therefore, duping them of Rs 45 lakh.
Dhilwan police station SHO Manjit Singh said the agents were booked on Wednesday and they had not been arrested so far.
AAP leader shoots dead Sarpanch’s husband in Abohar, protesters block highway
An AAP leader allegedly shot and killed the husband of a village Sarpanch in the Kallar Khera village, 27 km from Abohar, on Thursday. The suspect, Manoj Kumar, is reportedly the block president of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The victim, Shankar Jalap, succumbed to his injuries while being taken to Sri Ganganagar. His body was later taken to Civil Hospital Abohar for the postmortem examination. His wife, Poonam, who is also a member of AAP, was elected Sarpanch in last year’s
Initial reports suggest that a dispute arose in the village regarding the construction of a drain. While the village Panchayat was attempting to resolve the matter, Manoj Kumar reportedly lost his temper when his demands were disregarded. He allegedly drew a weapon and shot Jalap.
The police are investigating the incident, and SSP Varinder Singh Brar has assured that teams will do their best to trace the suspect. However, protesters have blocked the Abohar-Sri Ganganagar highway, disrupting interstate traffic, and are demanding the
The Punjab Police have dismissed 52 personnel over the past 10 days for involvement in corruption, criminal activities or prolonged absenteeism, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Wednesday. Addressing the media here, the DGP said the action aligned with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s directions for ensuring transparency, accountability and integrity in public service. Of the 52 dismissed cops, one is inspector, 5 assistant sub-inspectors, four head-constables and 42 constables
Highest 7 dismissals are in Ludhiana, 5 in Patiala and 4 each in Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur
Following the Aam Aadmi Party’s poor performance in the Delhi Assembly elections,
the Mann government in Punjab has intensified crackdown on corruption. The AAP had won the 2022 Assembly poll in Punjab on the promise of eradicating corruption, particularly among the “black sheep” in uniform. However, the latest dismissals are limited to officials up to the rank of inspector. Yadav said the dismissed officials included one inspector, five assistant sub-inspectors, four head-constables and 42 constables across various districts. The highest seven dismissals are in Ludhiana —four under the Commissionerate of Police and three in the Ludhiana-Rural wing. Five police personnel have been dismissed in Patiala, followed by four each in Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur.
Jalandhar Rural police arrests Bambiha gang shooter with ‘sophisticated’ weapons
In a significant breakthrough against organised crime, the Jalandhar Rural police has apprehended a shooter of the notorious Bambiha gang and seized ‘sophisticated’ weapons. The arrest was made during a strategic operation in the Lidhran village under the Maqsudan police station.
The accused has been identified as Aman Kumar alias Golden, son of Gulab Chand, originally from Padraunan village, Khushinagar police station, district Gorakhpur (UP), currently residing in New Beant Nagar, Jalandhar.
Divulging details, SSP Harkamalpreet Singh Khakh said that following specific intelligence a special operation was conducted on February 19 under the supervision of SP Investigation Jasrup Kaur IPS and DSP Investigation Sarvanjit Singh. The operation was executed by Sub-Inspector Amandeep Verma, in-charge Crime Branch Jalandhar Rural.
The police team intercepted the accused near Onkar Cold Store in Lidhran village, where they
cartridges from his possession.
During preliminary investigation, the accused revealed his connection to Harmandar Singh, son of Satnam Singh, a Bambiha gang leader currently lodged in Rohini Jail, Delhi. The arrest has prevented a potential serious crime, as the weapons were reportedly intended for use during Harmandar Singh’s court appearance in Jalandhar.
The arrested shooter has been involved in several serious crimes in the past. In June 2018, he was booked for sexually assaulting a minor at the Rama Mandi police station in Jalandhar. His violent criminal record expanded in May 2022 when he attempted murder and participated in a riot in Kabirpur, Kapurthala, where illegal weapons were also seized from his possession. Investigations have revealed that the accused is an active member of the Bambiha gang, working directly under the instructions of designated terrorist Arsh Dalla. This arrest has exposed the ongoing attempts of the Bambiha group to expand
71 per cent of newly sworn-in Delhi ministers face criminal cases
Five, including the chief minister, out of seven newly sworn-in ministers in Delhi have declared criminal cases against them, while two are billionaires, according to poll rights body Association for Democratic Reforms.
The findings are based on the self-sworn affidavits submitted by the ministers ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections.
According to the analysis by the ADR, five out of seven ministers (71 per cent) have declared criminal cases against them, while two ministers (29 per cent) are billionaires.
The report highlighted that five ministers, including Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, have declared criminal cases against them.
Among them, one minister, Ashish Sood, faces serious criminal charges.
On the financial front, two ministers, accounting for 29 per cent of the cabinet, are billionaires. The minister with the highest
declared total assets is Manjinder Singh Sirsa from Rajouri Garden with assets worth Rs 248.85 crore and the minister with the lowest declared total assets is Kapil Mishra from Karawal Nagar constituency with assets worth Rs 1.06 crore.
The average assets of the seven ministers stand at Rs 56.03 crore. All seven ministers have declared liabilities, with Parvesh Sahib Singh of the New Delhi constituency having the highest liabilities at Rs 74.36 crore.
Six ministers (86 per cent) have declared educational qualifications of graduate level or above, while one minister has completed only the 12th standard.
In terms of age, five ministers (71 per cent) are between 41 and 50, while the remaining two (29 per cent) are aged between 51 and 60. The cabinet includes only one woman minister -the chief minister herself.
"Textile sector is growing," PM Modi says
With each thread, a new story unfolds, turning yarn into stunning textiles from garments to wall hangings. Weaving into India's thriving economy, the textile industry has created vast opportunities at home and abroad..
As India nears a USD 5 trillion economy, aiming for USD 7 trillion by 2030, the sector is poised for rapid growth and innovation.
To drive the textile industry toward its growth targets, Delhi hosted Bharat Tex, India's largest textile trade fair, showcasing the latest innovations and advancements.
The event also brought together global leaders in textile technology and engineering for a transformative experience.
In an interview, CEO and Founder of TORAJAMELO of Indonesia, Dinny Jusuf, said "I believe India is at the forefront of the textile industry, with exceptional capacity and expertise in natural fibers and dyes. That's why I have come to India--to learn from its rich heritage that spans hundreds of years. India has both the
resources and the knowledge, which are lacking in Indonesia." Visitors explored a diverse range of fabrics, from traditional cotton, silk, and wool to innovative jute and eco-friendly textiles, blending heritage with modern advancements.
Bhawna, a visitor, said, "It's actually pretty nice here. I have seen a variety of garments, textiles, and different manufacturers, as well as exporters from various places."
Ashish, another visitor, told ANI, "This is India's growth story, and it is a collaborative one. It is not just about India alone--the entire world is coming together. This progress is driven by our Prime Minister's vision and leadership, under which our textile industry is expanding rapidly."
According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, India's textiles and apparel market is projected to grow at a 10 per cent CAGR, reaching USD 350 billion by 2030. As the world's thirdlargest textile and apparel exporter, India ranks among the top five in several categories, with exports expected to hit USD 100 billion.
Indian court finds 31-year-old man guilty of raping and murdering Irish backpacker
A court in India on Friday found a 31-yearold man guilty of raping and murdering an Irish woman at a popular tourist resort in 2017.
Vikat Bhagat was found guilty of the crimes by Judge Kshama Joshi at the District and Sessions Court in western Goa state. He will be sentenced on Monday. The body of 28-year-old Danielle McLaughlin was found by a farmer on a beach popular with holidaymakers in the western state of Goa in March 2017.
An autopsy showed that cerebral damage and constriction of the neck caused her death. Usually, rape victims cannot be named under Indian law. In this case, the victim's family spoke to the media to raise awareness of her case. The crime highlighted persistent violence against women in India despite tougher laws against sexual assault imposed after the 2012 death of a young woman who was gang-raped on a bus in New Delhi. "They have treated her like their daughter
and tirelessly fought for her," the family said in a statement, according to Press Trust of India news agency. A separate statement posted on behalf of the family on the "Truth For Danielle McLaughlin" Facebook page said her "truth has finally been heard".
"We have lost nearly 8 years of our lives fighting for Danielle and we are so thankful that we now can start grieving her immeasurable loss. She was so much more than a daughter, sister and best friend. She lit up every room she entered and touch the lives of all who met her. She brought so much good into this world and he so quickly took her from this world with his cruelty," the statement said.
Ireland's foreign ministry — in a statement on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris — paid tribute to McLaughlin's family, in particular to her mother, "for her determination and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy."
Mumbai police on Thursday received mails threatening to blow up Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's car, an official said.
According to the official, mails threatening to bomb Shinde's car were received at Goregaon and JJ Marg police stations in the morning, after which a probe began in the case.
"The IP address of the sender is being traced. All angles are being probed," the official said.
A senior Mumbai police official had earlier said a threat call had been received.
The US Senate has approved Indian-origin Kash Patel’s nomination as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as per C-Span.
Patel secured the confirmation with a 51/47 vote, as per C-Span. This came despite opposition from the Democrats, who warned that Patel, a staunch Republican, could use the agency to target the president’s perceived political enemies, as reported by CBS News.
FBI directors serve 10-year terms but can be removed by the president. FBI directors serve 10year terms but can be removed by the president. Chris Wray, appointed in 2017, resigned at the end of former US President Joe Biden's term after President Donald Trump pledged to fire him,
CBS News reported.
On Tuesday, Patel cleared a key procedural vote in the Senate with strong Republican backing, as reported by The New York Post. The Senate voted 48-45 along party lines to advance the nomination, triggering a 30hour debate before Patel would have received final approval on Thursday, The New York Post reported, citing sources.
During the Senate confirmation hearings on January 30, while referring to the January 6 Capitol Riots, reiterated his firm stance against violence, emphasizing that such actions must never be tolerated.
He stated that anyone who engages in violence against law enforcement should be investigated, prosecuted, and imprisoned.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Johannesburg. During the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warm greetings and reaffirmed India's support for South Africa's G20 priorities.
"Honored
to call on President @CyrilRamaphosa of South Africa on the sidelines of the G20 FMM in Johannesburg."
He added, "Conveyed the warm greetings of Prime Minister @narendramodi. Assured India's support for South Africa's G20 priorities." Jaishankar on Thursday also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Johannesburg, where they discussed the ongoing progress of bilateral cooperation between India and Russia.
During the meeting, the two discussed the Ukraine conflict and Lavrov's recent meeting in Riyadh. Sharing a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Glad to meet FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia this evening in Johannesburg. Reviewed the continued progress of India-Russia bilateral cooperation."
The post added, "Discussed recent developments pertaining to the Ukraine conflict, including his Riyadh meeting. Agreed to remain in touch."
Norwegian Ambassador to India, May-Elin Stener, visited the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj on Thursday, accompanied by her husband, Espen. Expressing gratitude for the spiritual experience, Stener thanked Spiritual Leader Swami Chidanand Saraswati for his blessings. Meanwhile, devotees continued to arrive in large numbers at Triveni Sangam on Thursday to take a holy dip during the ongoing MahaKumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing the Assembly on Wednesday, emphasized the grandeur of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and condemned the spread of misinformation against Sanatan Dharma, Maa Ganga, and India.
"While we are participating in the discussion here, more than 56.25 crore devotees have already taken their holy dip in Prayagraj... When we make baseless allegations or spread fake videos against Sanatan Dharma, Maa Ganga, India, or the Maha Kumbh, it is like playing with the faith of these 56 crore people," he said.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Tejasvi Surya attended the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj on Wednesday.
The ongoing Mahakumbh 2025, the world's largest human gathering, has witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with over 550 million devotees taking the holy dip until February 18, officials said on Tuesday.
Sharing a post on X, Jaishankar said,
