There are more calls for caps on the salaries of local politicians, after Global News reported some of their earnings.
Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie took home nearly $400,000 last year.
Municipal Affairs critic Tony Luck said, “I definitely support the provincial government coming and supporting caps. It’s long overdue and it needs to be done for bringing fairness and equity and transparency for the citizens.” Including stipends and expenses, Brodie received $244,000
from Richmond, $64,000 from Metro Vancouver, about $40,000 from TransLink, $24,000 from the South Coast Transportation Authority and $28,000 from the Municipal Finance Authority – totaling $397,482.
New Westminster Councillor Daniel Fontaine consolidated the numbers, noting Brodie is “making far in excess of a B.C. cabinet minister, in fact, he’s making almost as much as the President of the United States.”
Continued on Page 6..
Vancouver-area home sales dropped 9.8 per cent in June but the real estate board says that could signal a recovery after larger declines in previous months.
Greater Vancouver Realtors says residential sales in the region totalled 2,181 units last month, down from the 2,418 sales in June 2024 and about 25 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average. The board’s director of economics and data analytics, Andrew Lis, noted the year-over-year sales drop was roughly half of the decline in May, adding that if momentum continues, “it may not be long before sales are up year-over-year, which would mark a shift (from) the unusually low demand we’ve seen so far this year.”
There were 6,315 newly listed properties in June, a 10.3 per cent increase from last year and 12.7 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average for the month.
Total listings rose 23.8 per cent year-over-year to 17,561.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford wants judges elected by people 2
Ontario Premier Doug Ford hasn't been shy about sharing his thoughts on Canada’s bail system for accused criminals. In a self-proclaimed “rant” earlier this year, Ford teed off on the topic — arguing that judges should be elected, not appointed, and that too many dangerous people are being repeatedly set free while they await trial. “This is absolutely ridiculous, how these judges keep letting people out over and over and over again. I'm just done with it,” Ford said, promising to hire more “tough-on-crime” judges and justices of the peace. During an appearance this week on Village Media’s ‘Closer Look’ podcast, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique was asked to weigh in on Ford’s remarks. Carrique was among the many senior law enforcement officials who pushed for bail reform after the tragic 2022 killing of rookie OPP officer Greg Pierzchala, who was shot by a wanted man out on bail for assault and weapons charges. Continued on Page 10...
RCMP in British Columbia say they have arrested two people in connection with an investigation into extortion attempts in the Lower Mainland.
Police said they arrested the two suspects, both Surrey residents, on Thursday for firearms, arson and extortionrelated offences in Surrey.
“There’s multiple incidents.
The time frame is late 2023 to 2024, but there are actually several different incidents we believe this group was responsible for,” RCMP Lower Mainland District Assistant District Commander and Operations Officer Chief Superintendent Duncan Pound said Thursday.
Continued on Page 6..
AG Nikki Sharma not in favor of the public electing judges
By Umendra Singh: BC Attorney General Nikki Sharma said she does not agree with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) chief that judges should be elected by the public instead of being appointed by the attorney generals on the recommendation of committees.
“I totally disagree with that,” Ms Sharma said.
Ford made the suggestion last week after he was upset by the ease with which people facing serious criminal charges get released on bail by judges despite the accused having lengthy criminal record or facing serious criminal charges.
“I disagree with that because I think, from my perspective, we do need further bail reform but not elected judges.,” Sharma told The Asian Star.
Continued on Page 10...
www.gabaautodetaling.com
Two cousins have been accused of defrauding Canada’s major banks in order to launder more than $40-million from the Middle East through their currency-exchange business, which was popular among Iranian Canadians in cities such as Vancouver and Calgary.
The defunct Canex Forex Ltd. and its former co-owners, Kevin and Saba Sarrafi, are facing a total of 29 fraud and money-laundering offences dating back to 2018.
Kevin Sarrafi, 39, had his court appearance in Calgary adjourned Monday until early August. The RCMP says it does not know the whereabouts of Saba Sarrafi and has issued a Canada-wide warrant for the arrest of the 45-year-old, whose last known address was in the Vancouver suburb of Coquitlam.
currency exchange used “a complex network of shell companies and third-party banks accounts” to deliberately defeat Canada’s Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act and bring millions of dollars in from the United Arab Emirates.
The RCMP declined The Globe’s interview requests. Kevin Sarrafi, who is representing himself according to court files, did not answer a cellphone associated with him or respond to requests for comment sent to one of his e-mail addresses. Saba Sarrafi did not answer a cellphone associated with him.
The federal RCMP’s Northwest Region moneylaundering unit announced the charges in a news release Monday, a week after The Globe and Mail asked the force for comment on the charges sworn April 10. The Mounties allege the cousins and their
First conceived more than a decade ago during an earlier frenzy of speculation around the potential for a B.C. LNG industry, its completion coincides with a renewed imperative to diversify Canadian trade in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats.
Another of B.C.’s LNG hopefuls, Woodfibre LNG CEO Luke Schauerte viewed the event as being “transformative for LNG Canada (and) transformative for B.C. LNG.”
“I think it’s a market that we’re absolutely part of the global energy exporter business for LNG,” Schauerte said. “And it’s providing that diversification in international markets that’s so incredibly needed right now.”
If all goes to plan, Woodfibre LNG, under construction at the old Woodfibre pulp mill site south of Squamish on Howe Sound, will join LNG Canada in exporting gas sometime in 2027.
How much LNG is the GasLog Glasgow taking to market?
LNG Canada doesn’t disclose details about the “details and ownership” of cargoes, according to a statement from a company spokesperson, but the plant’s two production units, referred to in the industry as “trains”, are designed to produce 14 million tonnes of LNG a year. The next tanker due to call on Kitimat, the Puteri Sejinjang, is scheduled to dock at LNG Canada’s terminal July 7, according to the Pacific Pilotage Authority’s schedule. The next after that, the Diamond Gas
It's been 24 years since Carolyn joined Alcoholics Anonymous.
"I think my drinking started like most people," she told CBC's The Early Edition. "It was experimenting, it was fun. There were lots of good times. I think alcohol is a normal part of our society."
In her teens, she noticed her drinking looked different than her friends. She was struggling at work and in relationships, with her behaviour.
"It gets to a point where you just don't want to live like that anymore. And what a relief that there's a way out." Why this woman created Sober Babes Vancouver, a sobriety group for 'Dry January' and beyond She's one of thousands of people descending on downtown Vancouver this weekend
The case offers a window into the challenges Canada faces in regulating a recent spike in currency-exchange businesses at a time when Ottawa’s escalating sanctions on Iran have made it increasingly onerous for members of the Iranian diaspora to send or receive funds to or from that country through mainstream financial institutions.
Metropolis, on July 13. When in full production, LNG Canada estimates it will export 170 to 175 shipments per year, which will mean a vessel will leave the Kitimat terminal almost every other day. Where is first LNG shipment going?
That is another detail LNG Canada isn’t making public, but the shipping-traffic website Marine Traffic indicates that the GasLog Glasgow is on its way to Incheon, South Korea, where it is estimated to arrive on July 20 as its first stop.
Korea’s gas utility Kogas is one of the minority partners in the LNG Canada consortium, along with Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp. and PetroChina.
Major petroleum producer Shell holds a 40-percent stake, and Malaysian state-owned Petronas is the next biggest owner. Both are major producers of natural gas in B.C.’s Montney Shale region in the province’s northeast.
How did LNG Canada get here?
The first version of LNG Canada’s consortium submitted its application to export LNG to what was then known as the National Energy Board almost 15 years ago and received its export permit in February of 2013. The permit, which allowed for a plant to export 670 million tonnes of LNG over 25 years, touched off the development process, which involved an environmental review and benefit agreement with the Haisla First Nation. It took until September of 2018 for the LNG Canada consortium to reach a final investment decision.
for an international conference for Alcoholics Anonymous, as the organization celebrates 90 years.
Kerry Meyer, an organizer for the conference and a friend of AA — which means she is not an alcoholic, but instead someone who acts as a public face for the organization — said more than 30,000 people from 90 countries are expected at the event, which lasts from Thursday until Sunday.
It will include all kinds of meetings, including a special gathering for "old timers" who have been sober for upwards of 50 years. Formed in 1935 in the United States, Alcoholics Anonymous is a 12-step program for people who have trouble with substance use. It's been criticized for being too religious, something Meyer denies.
Services at Canadian airports back to ‘normal’ after bomb threats
Normal service has resumed after bomb threats that caused delays and evacuations at multiple Canadian airports earlier Thursday, NAV Canada said in a statement Thursday.
NAV Canada provides air traffic control operations to Canadian airports. On Thursday morning, their facilities in Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver were the target of bomb threats.
The agency now says normal service has resumed but cautioned travellers all over the country to check with their airlines for potential delays.
“Following this morning’s security threat at multiple NAV CANADA sites, all operations have now returned to normal. Travelers are encouraged
to check directly with their airlines for the latest updates, as delays may still occur,” the statement said.
“We sincerely thank the airlines and passengers for their patience, and we commend our employees and law enforcement for their swift response,” it added.
NAV Canada said it cannot reveal the exact nature of the threat. A spokesperson at the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport told Global News some flights were affected after the NAV Canada control tower was evacuated, but service had now resumed.
Earlier in the morning, Reuters had reported investigations into security incidents at Ottawa International Airport and Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport, which could disrupt operations.
Border crossings from BC to Washington state down for 5th consecutive month
Border crossings from British Columbia to Washington state are down for a fifth consecutive month, amid ongoing trade talks between Canada and the U.S.
Data from the Whatcom Council of Governments shows southbound travel from B.C. into Washington state was down 43 per cent in June compared to the same time last year.
The data shows there were 88,686 fewer recorded crossings at the Peach Arch, Pacific Highway, Lynden and Sumas points of entry throughout the month. Southbound travel has been significantly down since February, when U.S. President Donald Trump began seriously talking about tariffing Canadian goods and threatened to annex the country. That triggered a wave of anti-U.S. sentiment and prompted multiple levels of government, including B.C. Premier David Eby, to encourage Canadians to support local — including through their travels.
June's drop comes amid the resumption of trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S., after the federal government scrapped its tax targeting large U.S. technology firms. Border traffic had been down heading into 2025, but data shows the gap between 2024 and 2025 grew after Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. Data also suggests many British Columbians chose to spend their spring break vacations locally.
Municipalities south of the border, including Blaine and Bellingham, have previously expressed their concerns over the drop, with Canadian visitors contributing significantly to their economy.
In May, the president of Bellingham's city council, together with the mayor, wrote a letter to B.C. cities voicing their "commitment" and "connection" with Canada.
Those include hotels in Vancouver as well as Victoria, Kamloops, Kelowna, Whistler and Richmond.
RCMP accidentally sparked wildfire near Lytton, which is now 155 hectares
The RCMP has confirmed that an accident involving one of its trailers led to the ignition of the Izium Creek wildfire near Lytton on Tuesday afternoon.
In a statement, RCMP said that at approximately 2:20 p.m., an “equipment failure” of an RCMP trailer started the fire alongside Highway 12 near Lytton.
“It appears that the right side wheel ejected from the trailer, ultimately causing a fire in the grass-filled ditch,” RCMP said in a statement.
“The officer stopped to engage the flames with their issued fire extinguisher but the conditions were not favourable and they were unable (to) contain the fire.” The Izium Creek wildfire is now an estimated 155 hectares in size, as of Thursday afternoon, and has been classified as a wildfire of note.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has
issued an evacuation order and an evacuation alert due to the fire. The Lytton First Nation has also issued an evacuation alert.
RCMP said the underwater recovery team was in the area for a search for a missing swimmer in Seton Lake, and was returning to the Lower Mainland when the equipment failure occurred.
“This is a tremendously unfortunate set of circumstances that demonstrates the need for extreme caution and fire awareness during our long wildfire season,” RCMP said in a statement.
B.C.’s publicly funded in vitro fertilization program will be income-tested and first come, first served until the money set aside for this year runs out, B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne said Wednesday, raising fears that not everyone who applies will receive funding. Applications for the new program, announced last year, opened on Wednesday.
Would-be parents may be eligible for up to $19,000 for a single standard cycle of IVF treatment at three participating B.C. fertility clinics, with the clinics submitting the funding application, according to the Ministry of Health. Applications will be reviewed “in the order they are received,” with the funding expected to cover between 1,100 and 4,500 IVF cycles this year. Fertility coach Laura Spencer said there was both a sense of relief
and frustration at finally learning the details of B.C.’s new program, which was announced as in the province’s 2024 budget, but delayed until this week. “There’s relief. It’s here, and it’s going to positively affect people. There will be babies born that wouldn’t otherwise be here without this program,” she said.
But Spencer said she doesn’t understand why the province took so long to let people know the eligibility requirements, waiting until the “last minute” to reveal the program will be income tested. “There may be some people out there who were waiting, thinking they were eligible for the $19,000, and finding out today that they will only get $5,000. Knowing that, they might have started the process a long time ago, instead of waiting,” she said.
The NDP government is making changes to development cost charges that builders say could help reduce the burden they face as material and labour costs continue to increase and the number of projects under construction drop.
Starting in 2026, builders will only have to pay 25 per cent of their fees to municipalities up front and will be able to defer the remaining 75 per cent for four years or until people move into the building.
The fees help cover the cost of infrastructure such as community centres, roads, sewers and parks. The changes will also allow developers to use bonds instead of irrevocable letters of credit as financial guarantees, allowing them to preserve access to capital throughout the project.
“It’s all about certainty, and that’s the biggest hurdle that the industry is facing, or was facing is that the different charges, different schedules and different tools really didn’t make it easy for builders to do business.”
A June report by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation found B.C. housing starts fell from 53,118 units in April to 37,455 in May, a reduction of just under 30 per cent. Additionally, B.C.’s housing starts are over 4,000 units lower than they were at the same time last year.
Wendy McNeil, CEO of the Homebuilders Association Vancouver, said the changes will allow builders certainty when it comes to the cost of the project and the timeframe for making payments to municipalities.
“I think this is great news. This announcement, it really shows there is appetite and responsiveness to the industry’s concerns,” said McNeil. She said it will also allow builders to invest in future projects instead of having a large portion of their capital tied up in a single project.
Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon said Wednesday that the province has already done significant work to bring down the cost of housing and increase supply by placing restrictions on shortterm rentals, spending on affordable housing, and upzoning near transit stations and in single-family neighbourhoods.
He acknowledged there is more to do to encourage construction, which is why the government is now making changes to development cost charges.
“It’s hard to move forward on projects because the costs were built in at a different price point. And so that means we have to innovate. We have to find new ways to ensure that we’re able to lower costs.”
Education & Skills Summit 2025
BC-India Business Work organized its annual Education and Skills Summit at SFU’s Segal Centre in Vancouver on June 20th. The well attended event emceed by Jatinder Dhir and Anna Mathews started by acknowledging the unceded ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Peoples and welcomed education sector leaders, institutional heads, academics, students, government officials and others.The main theme this year was Reimagining the Future of Education.
Guests were officially welcomed by Dr. Vivek Savkur, Founder and President Emeritus of BCIBN and Dr. Savkur received a citation from the BC Government’s Speaker Hon. Raj Chauhan. The Consul General of India in Vancouver, Mr. Masakui Rungsung, made opening remarks that was followed by a keynote from James Mandigo, President of the University of Fraser Valley.
A panel discussion on Reimagining the Future of Education moderated by Tina Balachandran included:
Dr. Randall Martin Ajay Patel
Dr. Philip Laird Supriya Devgan
The event also included a Special Address by Dr. Joy Johnson (Vice Chair Universities Canada & President, SFU).
One of the highlights of the Summit was having an accomplished Harikatha and Indian classical Carnatic musician - Sharvari Somayaji performing. She was accompanied by Kiran Sunil, an international pianist. The closing keynote was by youth speaker Monisha Mothilal.
Vive Dhume in his vote of thanks, thanked all guests, speakers, sponsors, volunteers and performers for their excellent contributions and also acknowledged the Board of BC-IBN for their hard work.
“The annual Education and Skills Summit helps us get a pulse of the education sector and brings in experts who are passionate about education and want to reimagine it for society’s good. BC-IBN is grateful for their invaluable contributions”, said Dr. Vivek Savkur.
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Pantless Tesla driver altercation on BC Ferries latest in ‘negative interactions,’ union says
BC Ferries workers are calling for more safety measures for staff when on board vessels, after recent incidents have resulted in altercations and injuries.
On Canada Day, North Saanich RCMP officers were called on board a vessel after a man was seen yelling and being abusive toward staff.
The Queen of Cumberland was travelling to Swartz Bay from the Southern Gulf Islands around 11:30 p.m. when the incident happened.
The man appeared to be driving erratically and trying to drive onto the ferry deck before it had docked, police said.
Eric McNeely, provincial president of the BC Ferry Marine Workers Union, said he has heard from workers and union members that the man got out of the vehicle during the crossing and then picked up a sledgehammer from the anchor compartment and then used that to break the lock off the gate at the front of the ferry.
He said the man then got back into the vehicle, a Tesla, and was trying to drive it around.
“At that point, the crew responded,” McNelly said.
Passenger Pratham Khowala caught what happened next on video.
“As I went towards the window of the upper deck, I saw that the person was trying to run over a BC Ferries crew (member) with his car,” he told Global News.
Khowala said the man in the Tesla was confrontational and abusive. The man gets back in the Tesla and that’s when RCMP officers can be seen removing him and putting him in handcuffs.
The man appears to only be wearing a shirt, socks and either underwear or short shorts. BC Ferries said it does have security on board its bigger vessels but not on the smaller routes that this passenger was on.
This comes after a violent incident happened on board the BC Ferries Spirit of British Columbia last Saturday morning.
The union says that on the 7 a.m. sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, a deckhand was punched and kicked by a shirtless man on the vehicle deck.
The ship’s second officer and security tried to intervene, the union said, but the man ended up racing through the galley and biting the second officer, drawing blood.
Montreal mom who abandoned daughter on Ontario highway charged with criminal negligence
A Montreal mother accused of abandoning her three-year-old child on the side of a highway last month is back in court Thursday and is facing an additional criminal offence.
The 34-year-old woman was arrested June 16 after reporting her daughter missing the day before in Coteau-du-Lac, Que., triggering a massive police search. She was later charged with child abandonment.
The young girl was found alive on June 18 on the side of Highway 417 near St. Albert, Ont., about 150 kilometres west of the family home in Montreal.
The girl’s mother returned to the Valleyfield courthouse Thursday for a bail hearing and was charged with the more serious charge of causing
bodily harm by criminal negligence, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. According to a charge sheet, she is accused of failing to “provide the necessaries of life for a child” under the age of 16 as a parent. She broke down in tears as she listened to the testimony of a Quebec provincial police officer.
The name of the woman cannot be published in order to respect the privacy of the child, whose identity is protected by a publication ban. There is also a standard publication ban prohibiting any information relating to evidence presented in court from being released.
The Crown prosecutor is opposed to releasing the mother from custody.
Her bail hearing continues Friday.
Alberta government names provincial police force, appoints former Calgary officer as first chief
Alberta’s government has named its own provincial police force and announced its first chief.
Former deputy Calgary police chief Sat Parhar has been tapped to lead the new force, which the province says it intends to call the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service.
Premier Danielle Smith said Wednesday that the new service, which will be based in Calgary, isn’t meant to replace the RCMP entirely, though municipalities will have the option to contract the new service for their policing needs instead of the Mounties.
The agency will also support RCMP detachments and pick up the slack where they’re falling, she said. “We want to make sure that everybody feels that they’ve got the policing that they need close to home,” she told a Calgary news conference, adding the province has already had “a couple” of inquiries from municipalities.
Smith also said that by creating the force, Alberta is preparing for a reality where Ottawa ends contract community policing in 2032, when the RCMP’s existing contracts across Canada are set to expire.
“Alberta’s government is preparing and acting instead of waiting and reacting,” she said. “Our goal is to put solutions in place before serious challenges develop.”
Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis, speaking alongside Smith, said Alberta’s new force would be a viable option to replace the RCMP come 2032.
Ellis also said the new agency will report to a civilian oversight board and not the provincial government, despite being a Crown corporation.
As of April, Alberta had a little more than 1,200 sheriffs taking care of — among other things — inmate transportation, enforcing traffic laws and investigating problem properties used for drug trafficking and gang-related crimes.
Vancouver firefighters launch crackdown on banned lockable butane torches
Firefighters in Vancouver say they’re launching a crackdown on the sale of lockable butane torches.
The City of Vancouver banned the sale of lockable butane lighters and torches last summer, after Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) linked them to at least 80 fire-related injuries and six deaths.
But VFRS says the number of fires sparked by the devices hasn’t fallen since the bylaw was implemented.
In late June, they blitzed retailers in Vancouver and found nearly half of the 168 vendors they inspected (83) were still selling the lockable torches. Two were issued tickets, while the rest were warned. “The team delivered strong messaging,” Asst. Chief Justin Mulcahy said in a media release.
“They issued warnings and gathered evidence for future site visits, during which municipal
tickets ($1000) will be issued in instances of noncompliance.” According to VFRS, 38 fires were attributed to lockable torches in 2024, while 24 were linked to the devices in the first half of 2025. It estimates torch-related fires since the start of 2024 are responsible for $7 million in damage, along with 23 injuries and one fatality.
VFRS is also calling for provincial and federal changes to restrict the import, distribution and sale of lockable torches.
Caps on salaries of Metro Vancouver politicians is ‘long overdue’ critics say
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Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley took home $377,560. Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West’s compensation totaled $376,233 and Delta Mayor George Harvie made $317,401. Those figures include payments from boards, stipends and expenses. When asked Brodie if he is paid too much, he wouldn’t say.
He responded, in part, “Levels of remuneration will be addressed by Metro Vancouver’s new Governance Committee…”
A Deloitte report for Metro Vancouver has
recommended that the province legislate a maximum remuneration threshold for total income from all local government-related appointments.
The province says it will await completion of a governance review at Metro Vancouver and plans to be involved. Municipal Affairs Minister Ravi Kahlon said, “We actually are likely going to put somebody on the governance review to make sure we’re keeping an eye on what’s happening and we’ll see what comes from that discussion, but clearly something needs to happen.”
2 arrested in connection with 2024 Surrey extortion attempts
Continued from Page 1...
The suspects remain in custody but have not been charged. Police have not released their identity, and would not answer questions about their age, gender or status in Canada.
The two suspects may be released without charges, he acknowledged, adding that Crown prosecutors must still approve charges.
“The goal of the arrests today was to gather additional information,” Pound said. “All of that will then be put together into a report to Crown counsel, we will work closely with the B.C. Prosecution Service, and they have already committed to making it a priority.” Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke hailed the arrests in a social media post.
“Our city has been under siege, and these actions send a powerful message that violence and criminal activity will not be tolerated in our community,” Locke wrote.
“I commend the RCMP for their vigilance and unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our residents.”
In June, the brazen murder of an Abbotsford man with no known criminal ties reignited extortion fears in the Lower Mainland.
Police across the Lower Mainland have been investigating a string of extortion attempts, primarily targeting the South Asian business community, since late 2023. Since then, the number of reported extortion attempts and of violent incidents — including gunfire targeting homes — have piled up.
Pound revealed Thursday that Mounties have been coordinating those investigations under a new Joint Force Operation (JFO) led by the RCMP Lower Mainland District since the start of 2025.
The JFO is made up of veteran investigators from Federal, Surrey and BC RCMP units; the Abbotsford Police Department; and a crime analyst from the Surrey Police Service.
“This operational aspect is now wide open, and it had been kept under wraps in order to ensure the investigative objectives were able to be met,” he said.
Richmond man jailed 11 years for fentanyl, cocaine trafficking
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has sentenced a Richmond man who pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking to more than 11 years in prison.
Justice Andrew Majawa passed sentence on Jason Thomas Howard Conrad, 45, after receiving a joint submission from Crown and defence lawyers.
Conrad's 455 days of pre-sentence custody meant he received 683 days of credit against his 11-year sentence. The sentence left to serve is nine years, one month and 20 days.
Majawa said a police investigation beginning in January 2023 targeted a Richmond home on McLeod Court.
“Ultimately, that home was searched and police confirmed that it was being used to produce fentanyl,” Majawa said.
“The quantity of fentanyl in this case can be fairly described as enormous,” Majawa said. “The 15.6 kilograms of fentanyl was of a high purity and it would almost certainly have destroyed a very large number of lives.”
The judge said Conrad was first observed at the McLeod Court home on Jan. 25, 2023.
He was again observed attending the home on Feb. 7, 2023, arriving carrying nothing, and departing carrying a backpack that appeared to
Toronto business owner says customer used point of sale terminal to issue himself $2,000 refund
Thousands of dollars have been taken from businesses on Queen Street East in Toronto over the past few weeks as thieves use the very machine the businesses use to accept money from customers to rob them.
At one business, the family-owned Souvlaki Hut in The Beaches, a security camera was rolling as a customer innocently picked up the point of sale terminal and issued himself a refund of $2,000.
“It was shocking,” said Artie Jorgaqi, the son of the Souvlaki Hut owner. “Honestly, my mom works very hard here, so to hear that she just got that taken from her – it was a shock."
“He had picked up the machine so we wouldn’t see anything, and he processed a manual refund. It’s very easy. This is something that a lot of small business owners are vulnerable to,” he said. At another business, Pippins Tea Company, owner Barbara Deangelis told CTV News a few weeks ago a young man came in saying he wanted to buy a teapot for his grandmother – and instead refunded himself $4,900.
“It was just sick,” Deangelis recalled. “That’s a lot of money for a small, freestanding, independent retail store.”
Both are pointing to vulnerabilities in their point of sale terminals they had never expected – vulnerabilities one security expert says are “severe”.
“Most of the time, these POS terminals are misconfigured from day one,” said Claudiu Popa, who said the flaws come through either default passcodes that can be exploited by thieves, or through lax default settings that are never updated by the users.
“This is a scam that’s essentially akin to
leaving your locked iPhone and then finding out somebody was able not to just access your iPhone but to get into mobile payments and help themselves to a bunch of paid apps,” he said.
Police say they haven’t linked the two cases, but they appear to be part of a wave of thefts in another part of the city that concerned Toronto Deputy Mayor Mike Colle so much he hosted a summit on the problem last year.
“Almost every business on Bathurst Street, Dufferin, Eglinton, Avenue Road, Lawrence, St. Clair, they all got hit, and they never talked to each other about it,” he said.
Colle said he went door to door explaining the situation to businesspeople and also put up stickers in the windows to tell potential thieves the point of sale terminals had been locked down.
“Essentially, lock the point of sale terminal up at night. And when you’re not in there, don’t leave it on the front counter. Put it underneath the counter. And then when the customer comes, you put it on the counter. Change the pin code every week,” Colle said.
The Beach BIA has also warned its members about the POS terminal vulnerabilities in an email.
The Beach BIA Manager Lori Van Soelen said she’s not aware of a theft like this – a sign that the thieves are moving and trying new tactics on new areas.
“I think we’re hitting a new level,” she said. “Be very aware of your machines and what people can and cannot do.”
In the case of Pippins, their POS vendor, Moneris, did refund the money and Deangelis said she felt well taken care of.
be full and weighted. Police followed him to an underground parkade in Coal Harbour where Conrad met with an unknown male.
“This time he arrived carrying what looked like an empty black duffel bag. He left the property empty handed,” Majawa said.
On March 21, 2023, Conrad was at the McLeod property again, this time carrying a canvas bag that appeared lightly weighted. He left carrying a heavy looking shopping bag.
“Mr. Conrad was arrested and the shopping bag was found to contain 15.6 kilograms of fentanyl that was 68 to 79 per cent pure,” Majawa said. “The bag emitted a very strong chemical order, and he was also carrying three cellphones.”
When police searched the McLeod Court residence later that day, they found a bag like the one Conrad was seen carrying earlier.
“That bag contained $38,700 in bundled cash,” Majawa said.
$47,000 found in Tesla
“Conrad's Tesla was also searched and $10,000 cash in $100 bills was found in the centre console. In the trunk of the Tesla was $37,800 cash in a shopping bag, and underneath the cash were two one-kilogram bricks of cocaine that were 92 to 94 per cent pure,” Majawa said.
Also found in the car were two cellphones and a conducted energy weapon described as a jolt stun baton. As for the fentanyl, Majawa said it was highly pure and would be diluted before sale.
"The fentanyl was in bulk quantities and of such a purity that it obviously came directly from the production source," the judge said.
He said a typical user would use approximately 0.1 grams of fentanyl at a time.
“The number of doses to be produced from the nearly 16 kilograms of fentanyl that Mr. Conrad was involved in trafficking is nothing short of staggering,” the judge said.
Notorious BC pimp, trafficker has sentence reduced on appeal
Reza Moazami, a B.C. man who was convicted of 30 crimes involving the trafficking, pimping, sexual assault and exploitation of 11 young female victims, has had his prison sentence reduced.
Moazami’s 23-year-sentence – originally handed down in 2015 – was reduced to 20 years and eight months by B.C.’s Court of Appeal Thursday. Moazami was the first person ever convicted of human trafficking in B.C. His victims ranged from 14 to 19 years old, his crimes spanning a two-anda-half-year period.
“It is important to point out, and indeed to stress, that the appellant’s criminal conduct was grave and morally reprehensible. He engaged in predatory and exploitative criminal behaviour toward a large number of vulnerable young victims. His conduct was punctuated by coercion and sexual violence toward a number of them,” Justice Janet Winteringham wrote in a unanimous decision of the three-judge panel.
“Every one of the appellant’s victims was an individual who suffered indignity at the hands of the appellant. All were traumatized, some severely, to the point that they continued to struggle years
afterward.” Moazami appealed his sentence on multiple grounds and sought to introduce “fresh evidence” about the misconduct of the lead detective on the case, Jim Fisher – who pleaded guilty of breach of trust and sexual exploitation involving one of the victims. The application to introduce this evidence was dismissed, as was Moazami’s bid for a “sentencing remedy” on constitutional grounds due to “egregious misconduct by state agents,” according to the decision.
Moazami claimed the sentencing judge made a number of legal errors, citing six grounds for appeal – all but one of which was rejected.
Three injured, one critically, on Canada Day in Surrey crash
Three people were injured, including one in critical condition, in a car crash on Canada Day in Surrey.
According to the Surrey Police Service, the collision happened shortly after 4 p.m., in the area of 120th Street and 97th Avenue.
Car catches fire after driver crashes into tree in South Surrey
A man was taken to hospital from Crescent Road after he crashed his car into a tree, causing a vehicle fire.
In the early morning hours of Monday (June 23) around 1:30 a.m., Surrey RCMP's provincial operations support unit responded to reports of a vehicle fire on Crescent Road and 140 Street. Surrey Fire crews extinguished the fire that ensued after a driver crashed his vehicle into a tree, the fire department confirmed. Police on scene located the male driver, who was conscious and was then treated for injuries by ambulance services and taken to hospital.
Surrey Police said impairment is not believed to be a factor and the driver was issued a violation ticket.
According to a Reddit post, including footage of the car fire by user
Advanced_Draw_9850, the driver heard "loud bursts coming from the engine while driving. "Before he could pull over, flames started coming from the hood. He got out and ran, and then the fire spread to the tires and eventually the gas tank. It was pretty intense."
Police say two people who died in Abbotsford murder-suicide were 80 years old
A man and woman, both 80 years old, are dead in what police say was a murder-suicide in Abbotsford, B.C.
home. They say they believe the deaths involved intimate-partner violence.
Police have not yet said what caused the crash.
The road was closed late Tuesday but had reopened by Wednesday morning.
Emergency crews attended and treated three people. One person was transported to hospital in life-threatening condition and two people were transported to hospital with minor injuries, police said in a news release.
Police say the bodies were found Monday night when officers responded to a report of a dispute in a home in the city.
A statement from the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team says the man and woman lived together in that
The team says there are no outstanding suspects and no ongoing risk to the public.
Sgt. Freda Fong of the homicide team says this is a tragic case that has shocked the community.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2025.
AG Nikki Sharma not in favor of the public electing judges
Continued from Page 1...
She said we need to strengthen bail reform laws in order to protect society, particularly from habitual criminals.
She said if anyone was charged and went before an elected judge, there would be any concerns about a judge’s impartiality.
“I don’t think electing judges will inspire confidence in the system,” she said.
She said there needs to change to criminal code and need to strengthen bail law.
Sharma said electing judges in United Staes has not brought down the crime rate
She said persons who are habitual criminals and have shown they do not respect the law should not be released into the society easily
She agreed that an elected politician (Attorney General) appoints judges but said
it is a merit based system and cant be compared to a system of judges being elected by the public.
First cargo puts Canada on the map of LNG exporting nations
The new LNG Canada export facility is located in Kitimat, British Columbia, in the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation. It is a long-life asset that will initially export LNG from two processing units or “trains” with a total capacity of 14 million tonnes per annum (mtpa).
“Today is a historic moment for LNG Canada and our five joint venture participants (JVPs), Haisla Nation, the District of Kitimat, British Columbia and all of Canada,” said Chris Cooper, LNG Canada President and CEO. “We began with a clear vision: To work side-by-side with First Nations and local communities as the catalyst for a thriving new energy sector in Canada, and to set a new standard for safe and responsible LNG production. As world events continue to demonstrate, a reliable supply of responsibly produced energy should never be taken for granted. We’re proud to be part of the effort to help Canada diversify its export markets and to deliver lower carbon energy to the world, for many decades to come.”
On making its final investment decision in October 2018, LNG Canada agreed to meet the Government of British Columbia’s conditions for LNG development in the province, to provide jobs, training opportunities and additional benefits to residents.
Some of the benefits LNG Canada has delivered to British Columbians and Canadians over the span of construction include:
More than 50,000 Canadians have directly contributed to building LNG Canada Phase 1. The
connecting Coastal GasLink pipeline employed more than 25,000 Canadians. In operations, more than 300 full-time, permanent LNG Canada jobs have been created.
The cumulative value of LNG Canada’s contracts and subcontracts to local, Indigenous and other businesses in B.C. to date has exceeded CAD$5.8 billion; this includes more than CAD$4.9 billion to Indigenous-owned and local area businesses. It includes a CAD$500 million contract with HaiSea Marine, a joint venture between the Haisla Nation and North Vancouver-based Seaspan providing harbour and escort tugboat services to LNG Canada with its innovative fleet of batterypowered and low emissions vessels.
LNG Canada has to date invested more than CAD$10 million in workforce development programs—meaningful trades training and development programs designed to increase the participation of local area residents, Indigenous communities and British Columbians in trades and construction-related activities including but not limited to the LNG Canada project.
We have also contributed more than CAD$13 million to programs and equipment benefiting Kitimat, Terrace and First Nations communities, and enabled and supported the addition of new long-term housing in the Kitimat and Terrace region. LNG Canada and its JVPs continue to explore pathways for a potential Phase 2 expansion, which may include the construction of two additional LNG trains, resulting in a total plant capacity of 28 mtpa.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford wants judges elected by people
Continued from Page 1...
His murder was the driving force behind Bill C-48, a federal law that made it more difficult for certain criminal suspects to secure bail.
“There is more that absolutely needs to be done,” Carrique said on the podcast. “We are still seeing too many repeat offenders being released on conditions for which they have no intentions of following, continuing to commit crime and violent crimes. They are putting our officers at risk. They're putting our communities at risk. Enough is enough.”
Is Ford correct that Ontario needs more “tough” judges?
“We certainly need to ensure that there are consequences to actions,” Carrique replied. “If there are no consequences for crime or violent crime, it means there's no deterrence. And a society that does not deter crime is a society that is susceptible to violence and victimization, and I don't think any of us want to raise our kids or live in a country that is susceptible to violence and victimization.”
“We cannot have a free and democratic society without law and order,” he continued. “And the time is now to ensure that bail is ministered appropriately, that we have current, up-to-date laws that police can rely upon, and that people are held accountable for their actions before the courts.”
Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, this new daily podcast goes beyond the headlines with insightful, indepth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.
Reopening of Pacific Harbour Cultural Centre will promote Fiji's rich hertiage - Gavoka
During a site visit to the Pacific Harbour Cultural Centre, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka reaffirmed the coalition government’s commitment to revitalising Fiji’s cultural tourism sector to promote the nation’s rich heritage.
Damodar Group CEO, Div Damodar welcomed Gavoka and they witnessed a live rehearsal of traditional Fijian dance and dramatic performances, which will be part of the centre's regular cultural presentations. Gavoka says these live performances provide an immersive experience
of Fiji's heritage which will be a major draw for both domestic and foreign tourists. He says that to bring Fiji's rich customs and ancestors' stories to life, these reenactments promise to be an engaging and instructive event that will serve as the focal point of the recently renovated Cultural Centre. He further says that this is an important turning point in Fiji's efforts to boost cultural tourism in conserving and celebrating Fiji's identity.
The Pacific Harbour Cultural Centre is undergoing major modifications and renovations in preparation for its official opening in September.
13 of the 14 victims of serious sex offences in June under the age of 18 years
13 of the 14 victims of serious sex offences in June this year were under the age of 18 years.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions says there were 20 counts of rape, 2 cases of attempted rape, and 8 cases of sexual assault. There were 14 accused persons charged with a total of 30 counts of sexual offences.
Of the 14 accused persons, two were juveniles. There were five incidents where the victims and the accused were related to one another. A 34-year-old man was charged with the rape of his 7-year-old daughter. A 67-year-old was charged with two counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault of his 9-year-old granddaughter.
In another incident, a 63-year-old man was charged with four counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault of his 15-year-old stepgranddaughter.
A 19-year-old man was charged with the rape and sexual assault of his 14-year-old cousin while in another incident, a 16-year-old boy was charged with the rape and sexual assault of his 6-year-old niece. A 17-year-old boy was charged with three counts of rape of a 17-year-old girl.
In another incident, a 42-year-old man was charged with the kidnap, breach of the Domestic Violence Restraining Order and rape of his 25-year-old former girlfriend.
A 30-year-old man was charged with the rape and attempted rape of a 17-year-old girl while in another incident, a 24-year-old man was charged with the rape and sexual assault of a 16-year girl.
There was one incident where a 64-year-old man was charged with two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl from his village.
$12 million required for Labasa bypass road project
As talks continue on the proposed Labasa bypass road which is expected to ease traffic congestion in Labasa, an estimated $12 million is needed to carry out the project.
While speaking during a meeting Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh says the government is focused on addressing the challenges faced by the people of Vanua Levu. Singh says major development is underway in Vanua Levu, and the proposed road
plays a vital role in enhancing the transport and export of goods and services across the region.
Luveniyali also highlighted that construction is expected to begin next year and be completed by the end of February 2028.
He adds that if all planning goes smoothly, the work will start on time, but this will ultimately depend on the availability of funding.
A Ministry of Finance representative confirms that the project will be funded through the FRA's grant allocation.
More than 1,000 to witness installation of Tui Nayau on Tubou Village
Hundreds of people will converge in Tubou Village on Lakeba Island to witness the installation of the new Tui Nayau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara. Tubou Village Headman, Waqavonovono Temo says preparations are underway with different clans and villages joining hands for this historic occasion.
He says one of their main challenges was water, but now, the team from the Water Authority of Fiji has managed to connect it to a water source.
Temo says they can now access water from the comfort of their own homes. He adds that everyone is on high alert to make this occasion a fruitful one. Temo says he is blessed to be alive to
witness the installation of the Tui Nayau.
Meanwhile the Warrior clan of Yadrana on Nayau Island are standing guard as they will be the ones who will bring the Turaga Na Tui Nayau to Lakeba.This will include 20 men from Yadrana.
According to the Lau Provincial Administrator, Iakobo Waqanidrola, around 52 police officers have been deployed to Lakeba Island to provide security. He says the team from the RFMF and government officials have left for Lakeba to carry out maintenance works on roads and other infrastructure. Today, the Yavusa of Vuanirewa will travel to Nayau Island to confirm the traditional title.
Man in 40s to appear in court for alleged murder of wife
A man in his 40s will appear in the Labasa Magistrates Court today after being charged with the alleged murder of his wife following an argument inside a hall in Uma Village, Rabi. Police earlier confirmed to fijivillage News that the incident occurred last Friday night.
The woman was taken to the Rabi Health Centre where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
The man has been charged with one count of murder.
Islamabad HC overturns 10-year sentences of four Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf members in May 9 riots case
Islamabad [Pakistan]: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday overturned the 10year prison sentences of four Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) members who had been convicted for attacking a police station during the violent riots on May 9, 2023, as reported by the Dawn.
As per Dawn, the PTI supporters on that day protested the arrest of party founder Imran Khan, resulting in widespread violence across the country. The protests involved vandalism of military sites and government buildings and an attack on the residence of the Lahore corps commander, with thousands of protesters, including party leaders, being subsequently arrested. An Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad earlier on May 30 sentenced PTI MNA Abdul Latif and 11 other party members for their involvement in the attack on the Ramna police station in Islamabad. Four of those convicted-Mira Khan, Muhammad Akram, Shahzeb, and
Sohail Khan--were taken into police custody following the verdict, as reported by Dawn. However, during Thursday's hearing, Justices Azam Khan and Khadim Soomro acquitted the four individuals, citing the prosecution's failure to prove their presence at the scene of the protest based on witness testimonies.
The accused had faced charges under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), including rioting with deadly weapons (Section 148), unlawful assembly (Section 149), obstructing official duty (Section 186), disobeying public servants' orders (Section 188), attempted murder (Section 324), assault on public servants (Section 353), arson (Section 436), and mischief (Section 440), the Dawn reported.
They were also charged under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 1997.
Pak hockey team gets assent to play in India
The Centre has cleared the decks for the Pakistan hockey team to participate in both the Asia Cup and the Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup to be held in India. The Asia Cup, which is a qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup, is scheduled to be held in Rajgir, Bihar, in August, while the Men’s Junior World Cup is to be held in November. The participation of the Pakistan team in these tournaments was hanging in the balance amid the border tensions between
the two neighbours after the Pahalgam attack on tourists. However, on Thursday, sources in the Sports Ministry said the Pakistan team could travel to India for both the tournaments.
A Sports Ministry official said the decision was taken as these hockey tournaments were multi-nation events and stopping any country might invoke sanctions from the International Olympic Committee as it might be construed as a violation of the Olympic Charter.
Pakistan: Negligence by several departments uncovered in Swat drowning incident
Islamabad: The head of the inquiry committee investigating the recent drowning tragedy in Swat river in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province informed the Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Thursday that several government departments were found to have shown negligence in the incident, as reported by Geo News.
As per Geo News, during a hearing, officials involved in the probe appeared before the court to present the latest findings related to the drowning of tourists in the Swat River.
The inquiry chairman stated that clear signs of departmental negligence had surfaced. In response, PHC Chief Justice Mohammad Ibrahim Khan directed that all individuals responsible for the lapses be identified without delay, as reported by Geo News.
The incident occurred on Friday, when 17
Dhaka [Bangladesh]: Foreign Affairs Advisor to Bangladesh's Interim Government, Md
Towhid Hossain, on Thursday, indicated that the country's interim government is actively pursuing the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, a year after her ousting from the country.
Responding to questions about the lack of progress on the extradition process and whether the current interim government had any regrets about not being able to bring Hasina back to the country, Hossain stated that they had sent a letter to India requesting the same and noted that
members of a family from Sialkot were swept away by a sudden rise in the Swat River during an outing near its bank.
As per Geo News, citing videos shared on social media, the family was seen stranded on a shrinking patch of land in the river, pleading for help for nearly an hour as no immediate rescue efforts were visible. So far, 12 bodies have been recovered.
necessary follow-ups would also be made. "We have sent a letter. We will follow up if necessary," he stated. Sheikh Hasina was ousted on August 5 last year, after a student-led uprising. She is now living in India in self-imposed exile.
After Sheikh Hasina's fall, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Earlier on Wednesday, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), a Bangladesh court designated for the trial of international crimes, sentenced Hasina to six months in prison in a contempt of court case. A three-member tribunal led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder gave this order.
HC to hear Majithia’s plea against arrest
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday fixed July 4 for hearing a petition filed by former minister Bikram Singh Majithia against “illegal arrest and subsequent remand” days after the Vigilance Bureau registered an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The hearing was adjourned for a day to enable his counsel to place before Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya’s Bench fresh remand orders issued in the case. Majithia, among other things, had challenged the initial remand orders after terming it as illegal.
His remand on Wednesday was extended by four days. Among other things, Majithia submitted in his petition that the FIR was a result of “political witch-hunting and vendetta initiated by the present political dispensation with the sole object of maligning and harassing him as he has been a vocal critic and political opponent”. The petition
was filed through Sartej Singh Narula, Damanbir Singh Sobti and Arshdeep Singh Cheema. Majithia submitted that the FIR dated June 25 at the Vigilance Bureau police station in Mohali was “patently illegal” and his arrest the same day from his residence was carried out in “gross violation of settled legal procedures”. Majithia added he was kept in illegal custody for over two hours prior to his official arrest at 11.20 am as evident from multiple video recordings and the remand order passed the next day. “This custodial detention from 9.00 am to 11.20 am was not only illegal and arbitrary, but also in direct contravention of the constitutional and statutory requirement of producing the arrestee before a magistrate within 24 hours, as enshrined under Article 22(2) of the Constitution and Section 187 of the BNSS,” the petition read.
Badal announces 97-member working panel
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday released a list of the party’s working committee members, which includes educationists and experts on Sikh affairs. The working committee of the party will have 97 members. Additionally, 20 senior leaders have been included as special invitees. For the first time, 16 senior women leaders have been inducted into the party’s highest decision-making body. The committee also includes several young leaders.
Baldev Singh Khehra, senior leader from Phillaur, Tajinder
from Sangrur, and Principal Ranjit Singh from Ludhiana have also been named as special invitees. With this, the total number of special invitees comes to 22.
Centre calls fourth round of SYL mediation on July 9
The talks for mediation between the chief ministers of Punjab and Haryana on the issue of construction of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal will be held in Delhi on July 9.
The state government had been informed about the meeting by Union Ministry of Water Resources Secretary Debashree Mukherjee. A letter has been sent to Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, stating that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his Haryana counterpart Nayab Singh Saini will be present in the meeting to be held in Delhi on July 9. The meeting will be chaired by Union Minister CR Patil.
This will be the fourth round of talks between the chief ministers of Punjab and Haryana on the issue in which the Centre is playing the role of a mediator. The matter will be heard by the Supreme Court on August 13. The Union Ministry of Water Resources is making efforts to
build a consensus between the two states on the issue and the progress report of these meetings will be presented in the Supreme Court by the Centre at the next hearing.
Earlier, the meeting was to be held on July 8, but the Punjab Government had requested to fix it on another day. The Centre has now scheduled the meeting for July 9.
The last three meetings between the two states have remained inconclusive.
IMD issues multiple alerts as Chandigarh braces for intense rainfall till July 9
After receiving the region’s heaviest and June’s highest rainfall during the last few days, Chandigarh is likely to get another spell of heavy to very rainfall for the next five days, beginning Saturday, the weathermen have said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow and orange alerts for thunderstorms and lightning on Friday; heavy rain on Saturday; heavy to very heavy rain on Sunday and Monday; and again a spell of heavy rain from Tuesday to Wednesday next week.
Issuing the weather forecast and warning, the IMD has predicted light to moderate rain likely at most places in Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana on July 6 and 7, and at many places on July 8 and 9. “Heavy rainfall (7cm or more) is very likely from
eastern parts of Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana during this spell,” the weather department said, while forecasting very heavy rain (12 cm or more) likely at isolated places from July 6 to 7 over parts of Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula.
Even as Tricity remained dry for the second consecutive day on Thursday, the IMD observed light to moderate rain at isolated places in Punjab and Haryana. “The chief amount of rainfall was recorded in Khawaspur at 6cm; Athwal, Jandiala, Dasuya and Rayya 4cm each; Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Dilawalpur 3cm each; while thunderstorms occurred at isolated places in Punjab and Haryana,” it added. Meanwhile, the day temperature in Chandigarh today dipped slightly after rising by 6.5 degrees on Wednesday, while the night temperature
PM Modi receives Guard
of Honour in Trinidad and Tobago, welcomed by Caribbean nation's PM, 38 Ministers and 4 MPs
Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago], July 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time) with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the caribean nation.
This is PM Modi's first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit comes at the invitation of Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar.
countries. The High Commission in Port of Spain welcomed him with a post on X: "Welcome to Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji!!"
During his two-day stay from July 3 to 4, Modi will hold meetings with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar to strengthen ties between the two
Earlier, ahead of the PM's visit, India's High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit, said there was a strong desire among both the people and the government of Trinidad and Tobago for deeper cooperation with India. "There is a lot of enthusiasm and excitement among the people... Everyone is looking forward to this visit... There is already an intense desire in Trinidad and Tobago for greater engagement and collaboration in a range of areas, and in this context, people and the government both are highly desirous of getting into a longstanding partnership, a broadbased partnership between India and Trinidad and Tobago..." Rajpurohit told ANI.
Fuel ban on overage vehicles not feasible due to tech challenges: Delhi Government
The Delhi Government has written to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), arguing the fuel ban on overage vehicles is not feasible due to technological challenges and has requested the panel to put it on hold with immediate effect. Addressing a press conference here, Delhi Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Thursday said that there was discontent among people due to the move and the government stood with them.
Sirsa also said the Delhi Government is trying to find out a solution to the ban on end-of-life vehicles, including 10 years and older diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles.
“We are trying to ensure that the vehicles are not
banned according to their age rather on the basis of pollution caused by them,” Sirsa said.
The minister citing various challenges and problems faced in implementing the ban on refuelling of overage vehicles since July 1, said, “We have told CAQM that we are not able to implement this.” The Delhi Government from July 1 banned fuel for end-of-life vehicles--10 years or older for diesel vehicles and 15 years or older for petrol vehicles—that are deregistered and not allowed to ply on the roads, following a court order.
In his letter to the CAQM chairperson, Sirsa also suggested that fuel ban on overage vehicles should be implemented across the National Capital Region (NCR).
The transport Department and the traffic police since July 1 have been impounding end-of-life vehicles stopping at fuel pumps.
Sirsa, writing to the CAQM on the behalf of the Delhi Government, urged the Commission to put on hold enforcement of its April 23 direction.
As far as the implementation of fuel ban, there are several critical operational and infrastructural challenges, and it will not be “feasible to implement this order at this juncture,” Sirsa said in his letter.
The move could even be potentially counterproductive, he said.
Shubman Gill becomes 1st Asian Test skipper to score double hundred
in England, pips Gavaskar’s 221
Shubman Gill became the first Indian and Asian captain to score a double hundred in a Test match in England when he reached the milestone on the second day of the second match at Edgbaston on Thursday.
The skipper also posted the highest individual score by an Indian batter on English soil, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar’s 221 scored at the Oval back in 1979. The previous best was 193 by Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan at Lord’s in 2011.
Gill, who scored 147 on his debut as Test captain at Leeds, completed his maiden double hundred in the traditional format when he pulled Josh Tongue towards deep fine leg for a single.
He took 311 deliveries to reach his double hundred
which earned him a place alongside MAK Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni as captains with double hundreds for India.
Virat Kohli holds the record with seven double centuries as skipper for India.
Before Gill, the highest score by an Indian skipper in a SENA country was 192 by Mohammed Azharuddin against New Zealand in Auckland back in 1990. Azharuddin’s 179 in Manchester in 1990 was the highest score by an Indian skipper in England. En route his double ton, Gill smashed 21 fours and two sixes and became the third Indian batter to score a double ton in Old Blighty after legendary pair of Sunil Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid.
PM Modi pushes for Global South voice in historic Ghana Parl address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday made a strong push for a greater voice to the Global South as he addressed Ghana Parliament, a first for any Indian PM. Recalling shared colonial legacies and democratic traditions of the two nations, Modi batted for credible and effective reforms in global governance and said, “Progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South.”
In a speech that invited frequent applause, Modi quoted the first Ghana President, Kwame Nkrumah, who had said “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.”
Noting that the world order created after the Second World War was changing fast, Modi said, “The changing circumstances demand credible and effective reforms in global governance.”
The PM detailed India’s journey and growth as the fastest growing emerging economy set to
overtake Germany as the world’s third and said, “A strong India will contribute to a more stable and prosperous world.” During his address, Modi thanked Ghana President John Mahama and Ghana people for the national honour — Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana — they conferred upon him and stressed shared democratic values of the two nations.
He said, “For us, democracy is not merely a system; It is a part of our fundamental values.”
Speaking of histories of India and Ghana bearing the scars of colonial rule, the PM said the challenges of colonialism had not ended, they had only altered in shape.
Earlier today, India and Ghana agreed to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership. In a bilateral meeting, Modi and Mahama discussed global issues of mutual interest, including UN reforms and reaffirmed timetested ties.
Only Dalai Lama can take call on successor: Govt
In the first official reaction by the Centre to the succession plan announced by the Dalai Lama, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday endorsed it saying no one else but the Tibetan spiritual leader himself had the right to take the decision.
The remarks, seen as a rebuttal to China’s “our approval is a must” assertion, came a day after the Dalai Lama authorised the Trust established by his office to decide on his reincarnation.
“The Dalai Lama is the most important and defining institution for Buddhists. And all those who follow the Dalai Lama feel that the incarnation is to be decided by the established convention and as
per the wish of the Dalai Lama himself. Nobody else has the right to decide it except him and the conventions in place,” Rijiju said.
The Dalai Lama had on Wednesday, days ahead of his 90th birthday, announced: “I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation. No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.” China, however, asserted that the Nobel Peace laureate’s successor must receive its approval. Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, a fellow Union minister, are representing the Centre on the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday event in Dharamsala on July 6.
No Bihar vote deletion without probe, EC tells Cong
As the opposition Congress on Thursday attacked the Election Commission (EC) for ordering a special intensive revision (SIR) of the Bihar voter list just a few months ahead of the Assembly elections, the poll panel clarified that no vote would be deleted from the draft electoral roll without a proper inquiry and giving the complainant a fair hearing.
The Congress also alleged that the EC move was meant to disenfranchise nearly 2 crore of its key voter base comprising mainly the poor, Dalits and migrant workers. The EC, for its part,
maintained that the final electoral roll would be published on September 30 after disposing of all claims and objections.
“Any elector aggrieved by the decision of the electoral roll officer (ERO) may appeal to the District Magistrate within 15 days of the order. A further appeal may be filed with the Chief Electoral Officer within 30 days,” the EC said in a statement. Hard and soft copies of the final roll would be provided free of cost to all recognised political parties and published on the EC website, it said.
Concerns over US’ 500% tariff Bill flagged: EAM
In the backdrop of a controversial Bill in the US Senate which, if passed, threatens to derail the ongoing India-US trade negotiations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said New Delhi’s concerns have been shared with US Senator Lindsey Graham over his Bill proposing a 500 per cent tariff on nations buying oil from Russia. Replying to a query during a media interaction in Washington DC on Wednesday, Jaishankar said, “We have been in touch with Senator Graham. The Embassy and the Ambassador have been in touch. Our concerns and our interests on energy,
security have been conveyed to him.”
“We’ll then have to cross that bridge when we come to it, if we come to it,” said the minister, hinting at a wait-and-watch approach.
On how India sees this, the minister said, “Any development which is happening in the US Congress is of interest to us if it impacts our interest or can impact our interest.” A legislation proposed by Graham calls for imposing 500 per cent tariff — largely on India and China — for buying oil, gas and uranium from Russia if Moscow refuses to participate in peace negotiations with Ukraine.
