The blunt-speaking Canadian taking his fight with Trump to Washington
As leaders around the world try to figure out how best to deal with the new Trump administration, one Canadian official has come out swinging.
Continued on Page 6...
With Donald Trump's tit-for-tat tariffs on India looming next month, millions of Americans may have to brace for steeper medical bills.
Last week, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal made an unscheduled trip to the US for discussions with officials, hoping to strike a trade deal. Continued on Page 7...
Canada learns ‘rules of the game’ in meeting with USA, officials say
A high-stakes meeting between Canadian and U.S. officials on Thursday ended without tariffs being removed, but Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the meeting went “very, very well” and that he’s feeling “very positive” as the two sides plan to meet again next week. It’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s last day in power, and his replacement, Mark Carney, said he’s ready to sit at the negotiating table with U.S. President Donald Trump so long as Canada’s sovereignty is respected.
In the Oval Office, Trump said today Canada could keep its anthem if it became a state.
Meanwhile, the trade war continues. Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum are in effect, and so are Canada’s countermeasures on $30 billion-worth of U.S. goods.
Champagne was pressed by reporters if the meeting resulted in any tangible changes.
“I would say the fact that we’re engaging is a tangible outcome,” he replied. Champagne says they left the meeting with a better understanding of the Trump administration’s policies, adding that knowing “the rules of the game” will help Canada win the trade war. Continued on Page 7...
Singh honored
Mark Carney aims for smaller cabinet, team planning to drop over a dozen
Prime minister-designate Mark Carney is aiming for a much leaner cabinet as he prepares to get sworn in on Friday at Rideau Hall.
Sources with knowledge of plans of Carney's team say he and some 15 to 20 cabinet members will be sworn in.
The sources say many ministers will be switching jobs or losing them entirely. Carney's team has been contacting them over the last 48 hours, informing them of the changes.
But key players on the Canada-
ministers: sources
U.S. relations file, including Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, aren't expected to be dropped from cabinet.
The new Liberal leader, who is taking over from outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has promised the transition will be "seamless and it will be quick."
Continued on Page 6...
Trudeau will resign Friday before Carney and new cabinet sworn in at Rideau Hall
Tony Singh of Fruiticana receives the King Charles lll Coronation Medal at the Government House in Victoria.
Tony Singh
Tony Singh
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canadians are great and shouldn’t change, in a final message posted from his office on his last day in it.
Trudeau – in a post captioned: “Hey Canada, one last thing.” – said he is “so proud” of Canadians.
“I’m proud to have served a country full of people who stand up for what’s right, rise to every occasion and always have each other’s backs when it matters most,” Trudeau said.
“This may be my last day here in this office, but I will always be boldly and unapologetically Canadian. My only ask is that no matter what the world throws at us, you always be the same.” Tomorrow, after days of behind-the-scenes preparation, the transition of power between Trudeau and prime minister-designate Mark
Carney will be formally completed.
Trudeau will meet with Gov. Gen. Mary Simon privately, according to a senior government source. In that meeting he will officially resign and recommend that she ask Carney to form government and a new cabinet.
The ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. EDT on Friday. CTV News will have special live coverage.
Carney will be sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister and unveil what is expected to be a substantially smaller cabinet than Trudeau’s current roster of 36 ministers.
Nanos polling released earlier this week showed Trudeau will officially end his tenure as prime minister with his favourability at a 12-month high.
In a surprising and viral moment on Monday, Canada's outgoing prime minister Justin Trudeau was seen leaving the House of Commons in Ottawa carrying a chair, with his tongue sticking out. The humorous scene quickly gained traction across social media platforms, sparking widespread attention. Trudeau’s resignation as leader of the Liberal Party had been announced earlier on January 6. On Monday, Mark Carney, following a decisive landslide victory, officially succeeded Trudeau as the new leader of the Liberal Party and Canada’s next prime minister.
While the viral image captured the public's
eye, it marked a significant shift in Canadian politics, as Carney took the reins of the party after Trudeau's long tenure.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University lays off 70 faculty members
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) says it will be issuing full or partial layoff notices to approximately 70 faculty members amid a reduction in revenue from international admissions.
KPU said Monday that the layoff notices would go out at the end of the week.
The layoffs come as Canadian colleges and universities continue to grapple with the federal government issuing fewer international student permits.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced last year that it would reduce the intake of foreign students over the next two years, including graduate and doctoral students, as well as tightening the eligibility for the PostGraduate Work Permit program.
which starts April 1, on top of 2,000 fewer students this fiscal year.
The layoffs are mostly expected in the arts faculty and business school, the provost said, adding that it is also reducing overtime and reviewing new hires and discretionary spending.
A researcher at the University of British Columbia (UBC) says more and more universities rely on international tuition fees to make up for declining provincial funding, and Canada's higher education now faces a turning point as international students who pay higher fees are not coming in the same numbers. KPU provost and vice-president of academics Diane Purvey says the university is projecting that revenue from international tuition and fees will decline by $49 million over the 2026 fiscal year.
"We have been starved in terms of our funding and we were encouraged to look to international students to diversify our student population," she told.
"And now with the collapse of the international revenue, through the policy decisions of the federal government, we're struggling."
Purvey says 1,500 fewer international students are expected at the university in the next fiscal year,
KPU has over 20,000 students, according to its website, spread across five campuses in the Metro Vancouver suburbs of Surrey, Langley and Richmond.
It is among the largest universities in B.C. to announce layoffs due to international student cuts, which have sent shockwaves through Canadian post-secondary institutions.
Other B.C. universities contacted by CBC News — including the University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University and the University of the Fraser Valley — said they were also affected by the cuts and they were looking at a downturn in revenue. None of them, however, said they were laying off faculty.
"While layoffs are one of many options, we hope to mitigate this with other actions such as stricter controls on discretionary spending, pausing projects, and reviewing posting of vacant positions," said Tally Bains, Capilano University's vice-president of finance and administration, in a statement.
'Several critical safety failures' behind BC worker's death, WorkSafeBC says
WorkSafeBC says a worker killed in Vancouver last year when a mould used for concrete fell 26 storeys should never have been able to stand where she was. The report released by the province's worker safety agency says "several critical safety failures" were to blame for the death of Yuridia Flores at the Oakridge Park development site in February 2024. The accident resulted in about 1,700 workers being evacuated from the five-million-square-foot project that is a partnership between developers Westbank and QuadReal Property Group. It was among a series of crane accidents in Vancouver last year.
The report says CCTV footage revealed "no effective controls in place" and safety protocols not followed, with workers often under suspended loads and entering areas that should have been off-limit "ground control zones." WorkSafeBC says there was a lack of clarity about which
contractor was responsible for the control zones and that ambiguity "contributed significantly," as no single employer took responsibility.
"The ground control zone is a designated area typically identified with barriers and/or red danger tape that workers and other persons should not enter," the report says. The primary contractor, EllisDon, said in a statement that it will "forever be deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Yuridia Flores."
"We are firmly committed to providing a safety culture that prevents significant incidents from occurring in the future," it said. The company said it was reviewing the WorkSafeBC report, but had "not yet had the opportunity to present our position on these matters to WorkSafeBC." The report says Flores "had not received any training or instruction pertaining to ground control, traffic control or spotting."
Barinder S. Sanghera
Canadians now have to pay a new surtax at the border
If you live in Canada and like to visit the U.S. to shop, you might want to factor in a new expense at the border.
The federal government has slapped a surtax on certain American goods bought by shoppers when re-entering Canada.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said the 25 per cent surtax (in addition to other applicable duties) has been effective since March 4. “These countermeasures will apply to commercial shipments, goods imported by mail or courier, and goods imported by individual travellers above their personal exemptions,” stated CBSA spokesperson Rebecca Purdy. “Surtaxes will remain in place until the U.S. eliminates its traderestrictive measures against Canada.” Canada’s border officers are administrating and enforcing the surtax on individual travellers, commercial
shipments, mail, and couriers.
The CBSA says all goods entering Canada, regardless of how they enter and whether they’re eligible for duty and tax-free exemptions, must be reported. The surtax for personal goods will be assessed by the CBSA at the port of entry.
She adds that the surtax will be applied to U.S. products subject to it if a traveller doesn’t qualify for or exceeds their personal exemption.
Travellers’ exemptions let returning Canadian residents bring back goods up to a certain dollar amount on a duty and tax-free basis. This varies depending on the time spent outside of Canada, with limits set for tobacco, alcohol and vaping products. If you need a reminder for personal exemption limits, check out the CBSA’s guide.
If you are hit with the extra charge, you can pay the surtax like customs duties and taxes are paid.
Federal Liberals and Tories now in a dead heat, new poll indicates
OTTAWA — The federal Liberals and the Conservatives are running neck-and-neck in voter support, a new Leger online poll suggests.
The poll of Canadians’ voting intentions has both parties sitting at 37 per cent.
It shows a drop of six points for the Conservatives and a seven per cent jump for Liberals since Feb. 24, while the NDP is down two per cent to 11 per cent. Leger surveyed 1,548 Canadians between March 7 and March 10 — which means the poll wrapped up just after Liberals picked Mark Carney as the new party leader and prime minister-designate.
Because the poll was conducted online, it can’t be
assigned a margin of error.
The Liberals have rebounded in the polls after lagging behind the Conservatives for nearly two years. But Canadians are still hungry for change — the poll suggests more than half of all Canadians, 53 per cent, want a change of government in the next election. Andrew Enns, Leger executive vicepresident for central Canada, said the movement in voting intentions and the “cross-current of issues that Canadians are grappling with” are unprecedented.
He said U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and threats to make Canada the 51st state have captured the attention of Canadians.
3 BC Conservative MLAs quit party?
The party that was just a couple dozen votes away from forming the B.C. government in the last election could be crumbling.
Just hours after BC Conservative Party leader John Rustad expelled Vancouver MLA Dallas Brodie for comments about residential schools, two more MLAs have up and left. Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy announced Friday afternoon he was leaving the party.
Just a couple hours later, KelownaLake Country-Coldstream Tara Armstrong also announced she was leaving. Kealy says he left because he was disgusted by Rustad’s treatment of Brodie.
Prior to Armstrong’s announcement, Kealy said he thinks he’s far from the last who’ll decide to jump ship. “There are definitely more Conservatives that are going to come, and I believe that when they see something that’s stable and safe, that we will see a
“I know that when I see a teammate, whether or not her beliefs are different, when I see her getting bullied by six other people, I’m not going to sit idle,” he told 1130 NewsRadio. “I’m not going to let somebody get abused that way.”
lot more embrace that,” he said. “It finally got time for this kind of change to happen. I didn’t want this to happen, but I will not be bullied.”In addition, sources have told us that more resignations are coming.
Trump threatens to acquire Canada, Greenland while next to NATO chief
U.S. President Donald Trump repeated his frequently-voiced desire to acquire Canada and Greenland on Thursday — this time with the leader of NATO sitting next to him.
“I think it will happen,” Trump said when asked by a reporter about the U.S. taking over Greenland during an Oval Office meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
“I’m sitting with a man that could be very instrumental — you know Mark, we need that for international security,” he continued, turning to Rutte. The secretary-general said he did not “want to drag NATO into” a conversation about
the U.S. acquiring Greenland, but acknowledged the importance of Arctic security and northern countries working together “under U.S. leadership” to combat China and Russia.
Asked about tariffs on Canada, Trump spoke of his grievances with Canadian trade and returned to his call to make Canada the 51st U.S. state.
“This would be the most incredible country visually,” he said. “If you look at a map, they drew an artificial line right through it, between Canada and the U.S., just a straight artificial line.
Somebody did it a long time ago, many many decades ago, and it makes no sense.”
Three
BC cities are among the most expensive to rent in all of Canada
While asking rental prices across the country continue to trend downwards, residents in three B.C. cities can still expect to pay the most expensive rent in Canada.
Zumper, a digital marketplace for renters and property managers, has released its latest rent report, which tracks asking rent prices on sites with apartment listings.
Vancouver remains in the top spot for the priciest one-bedroom rentals at $2,540 per month, down 0.4 per cent in February. Twobedroom rentals did see a slight month-overmonth uptick to $3,490, up 0.9 per cent.
In second place is Burnaby, with average asking rent coming in at $2,370 and $3,000 for one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, respectively. Tied for fourth place in the list of most expensive cities to rent is Victoria, which saw rents jump 1.5 per cent for both apartment types. Renters can expect to pay
around $2,060 for a one-bedroom and $2,750 for a 2-bedroom.
Other B.C. cities on the list include Kelowna in eighth place and Abbotsford at 14th.
The Zumper Canadian Rent Index indicated that rents across the country have dropped for five months in a row.
One-bedroom rent dropped 0.3 per cent monthly to $1,850, and two-bedrooms dipped by 0.5 per cent to $2,285. One and twobedroom rents are also down 2.4 per cent and 2.6 per cent year-over-year, respectively.
Joly says G7 foreign ministers ‘must meet the moment’ as she floats maritime projects
Ministers representing some of the world’s most powerful countries gathered in a show of unity for liberal democracy Thursday, with Canada proposing maritime co-operation as the G7 splits on Ukraine and U.S. tariffs.
“We must meet the moment,” Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly told her counterparts from the U.S., Europe and Japan as she opened the Group of Seven foreign ministers' meeting in the Charlevoix region, northeast of Quebec City. “We should not be daunted by the task.”
Earlier, Joly promised to raise American economic coercion and U.S. President Donald
But she limited her public remarks Thursday to shared priorities, noting that the G7 has made strides recently on defending Ukrainian sovereignty and countering foreign interference operations.
She called on the G7 to co-operate on addressing “the maritime dimension” of security threats, including “growing shadow fleets, dark vessels, sabotage of critical undersea infrastructure, illegal fishing and the loss of maritime biodiversity.”
Before giving her opening statement, Joly spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio one-onone. She later posted on social media that they
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OPINION
Trump's Trade War With America's Neighbors Is All Cost and No Benefit
Amid this week's escalation of a North American trade war, the stock market has been sending a clear signal: Stop doing this.
Stocks rise and fall for a wide variety of reasons, of course, but this week's downward spiral was largely driven by one man: President Donald Trump. Trump's announcement on Monday of new 25 percent tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico caused the markets to drop instantaneously. The drop continued on Tuesday as Trump vowed in an address to Congress that he'd impose even more tariffs, and over the past two days even as the White House retreated. By the end of the day on Thursday, Trump had postponed tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico that comply with the trade deal he negotiated during his first term.
"That move effectively walked back much of the original plan. But the market still sold-off, with uncertainty mounting over the long-term policy," CNBC reported, noting that the S&P 500 was down 3.6 percent for the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down nearly 3 percent, and the Nasdaq composite was down 4.1 percent heading into Friday morning.
The stock market's performance is often used as a shorthand for the relative strength of the economy. That's not quite correct. A more accurate way to think about the stock market is as a reflection of what investors believe the economy will look like in the future—because, at the most basic level, buying or selling a stock is a bet on the future performance of that asset. This week's selloff, then, is more than just a reaction to the tempestuous trade policy coming from the White House. It is also a signal that many investors believe the instability (at best) and significantly higher taxes (at worst) will continue to drag the economy for the foreseeable future.
It's hard to fault them for thinking so. Trump has been obsessed with imposing tariffs for years. He campaigned on a promise to hike tariffs on nearly all imports. Since taking office six weeks ago, he's threatened, imposed, postponed, and withdrawn tariffs on nearly a weekly basis, only to turn around and start the cycle all over again. It's irrational and economically illiterate, but there's no indication that it's going to stop anytime soon—and so businesses and investors are responding accordingly.
Continued from Page 1...
A total of 37 people are part of Trudeau's cabinet. He will officially resign as prime minister on Friday, thereby dissolving his cabinet. In a news statement published Wednesday, Rideau Hall confirmed Carney and his cabinet members will then be sworn in at 11 a.m. at Rideau Hall, the Governor General's official residence. Gov. Gen. Mary Simon will preside over the ceremony. As has been previously reported, former public safety minister Marco Mendicino, whom Trudeau removed from cabinet in 2023, is Carney's chief of staff during the transition. Radio-Canada has learned that former Quebec finance minister Carlos Leitão is in talks with Carney's team about becoming a Liberal candidate in the next election.
Leitão has made no secret of his interest in a possible return to politics. He and Carney have known each other for more than 15 years.
According to Radio-Canada sources, former
Quebec premier Jean Charest has also been approached by the Carney camp. It's unclear exactly what was offered, but Charest has no intention of becoming a minister and would not accept an offer from Carney unless the Liberals win the federal election.
Since his landslide victory on Sunday, Carney has held a series of meetings to prepare for his new role. He met with the Liberal caucus on Monday, and Canadian ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman and Chief of the Defence Staff Jennie Carignan on Tuesday. He had breakfast with Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Wednesday.
As part of the preparations for the transition between Carney and Trudeau, Mendicino met the outgoing prime minister's staff for an hour on Tuesday afternoon. Although Trudeau and Carney belong to the same political party, the two teams are treating the transition as a brand new administration.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has slammed the BC NDP for throwing a lavish party for bureaucrats in Victoria while British Columbians suffer financially.
Documents obtained by the CTF revealed that the Premier's Innovation and Excellence Awards on November 26, 2024 cost nearly $118,000.
"It's crazy to spend more than a hundred grand on a party for bureaucrats when British Columbia has a huge deficit and families are lining up at food banks in record numbers," CTF BC
Director Carson Binda said.
"Eby obviously isn't trying hard enough to find ways to save money if he can't even say no to a runaway party bill like this."
Invoices included $21 cocktails, threecourse dinners at $99 per person, and a $57 apiece "custom sandwich lunch buffet." In total, $75,376 was spent on food and drinks alone, with a further $15,075 for a food and beverage service charge.
hosting the reception five minutes away at the legislature or down the road at Government House," he said. To host the bureaucrats, the government rented out Carson Hall, Level 1, and Level 2 for the whole day.
BC's fall economic statement was published just three weeks later, showing a projected $1.5 billion addition to the deficit.
"Normal British Columbians are tightening our belts while the government spends our tax dollars on $21 cocktails and $57 sandwiches,"
Binda lamented. "Eby needs to show some respect for taxpayers and cut this kind of outrageous spending."
The event, which "recognizes public servants on a provincial level," was held at the Victoria Conference Centre, a move Binda argued was unnecessary.
"The province could have saved $14,000 by
The budget, tabled earlier this month, confirmed that the deficit would be around $10.9 billion, the highest in provincial history.
"Taxpayers have a message for the premier," Binda concluded. "Stop wasting our money."
The blunt-speaking Canadian taking his fight with Trump to Washington
Continued from Page 1...
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, a regular on major US networks where he has addressed Americans directly, was among the first in Canada to pull US alcohol off the shelves as a trade war between the two neighbours ramped up.
Ford has also ripped up a multi-million dollar contract with Elon Musk's Starlink, and has been unafraid to use energy exports to the US as a bargaining chip - all in a bid to get Trump to withdraw his tariff threats against Canada.
The right-wing, plain-spoken politician admitted he was initially delighted Donald Trump won re-election and viewed him as an ally. But then, Ford said, using an expletive, the US president pulled a knife and "yanked it into us". This week, it appeared that Ford's unusual tactics had grabbed Trump's attention.
Speaking to reporters on the White House lawn on Tuesday, the US president described Ford as a "very strong man" as he addressed Ontario's threat to slap a 25% surcharge on US-bound
electricity.
Ford has since shelved that plan pending further discussions with the Trump administration. But his threat to hike the price of electricity on Americans seems to have earned him a grudging nod of respect from Trump, who later backed off from doubling tariffs on aluminium and steel to 50%. It also helped Ford score a meeting with US officials in Washington to discuss the future of the Canada-US trade relationship.
Ford sat on Thursday with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The meeting was also attended by Canada's Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc. The meeting was "very, very productive" though "bumps in the road" remain, he said afterwards.
It is unclear whether Ford's defiant stance will earn Canada more favours from Trump. It is also an approach that is not unanimously agreed on, with Premier Danielle Smith of the oil-rich Alberta vehemently refusing to withhold any of her province's energy exports to the US.
How Trump's threats have changed everything about Canada's
If you had asked Canadians a few months ago who would win the country's next general election, most would have predicted a decisive victory for the Conservative Party. That outcome does not look so certain now.
In the wake of US President Donald Trump's threats against Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party has surged in the polls, shrinking the double-digit lead their Conservative rivals had held steadily since mid-2023.
The dramatic change in the country's political landscape reflects how Trump's tariffs and his repeated calls to make Canada "the 51st state" have fundamentally altered Canadian voters' priorities.
Trump's rhetoric has "pushed away all of the other issues" that were top of mind for Canadians before his inauguration on 20 January, notes Luc Turgeon, a political science professor at the University of Ottawa.
It has even managed to revive the once deeply unpopular Trudeau, whose approval rating has climbed by 12 points since December. The prime minister, of course, will not be in power for much longer, having announced his resignation at the start of the year.
On Sunday, his Liberals will declare the results
politics
of the leadership contest to determine who takes over a party running a precarious minority government. The new leader will have two immediate decisions to make: how to respond to Trump's threats, and when to call a general election. The answer to the first dilemma will surely influence the second. A federal election must be held on or before 20 October, but could be called as early as this week.
Polls indicate that many Canadians still want a change at the top. But what that change would look like - a Liberal government under new leadership, or a complete shift to the Conservatives - is now anyone's guess, says Greg Lyle, president of the Toronto-based Innovative Research Group, which has been polling Canadians on their shifting attitudes.
That is because the centre-right party led by Pierre Poilievre, has been effective in its messaging on issues that have occupied the Canadian psyche for the last few years: the rising cost of living, housing unaffordability, crime and a strained healthcare system.
Poilievre successfully tied these societal problems to what he labelled Trudeau's "disastrous" policies, and promised a return to "common sense politics".
Canada learns ‘rules of the game’ in meeting with USA, officials say
Continued from Page 1...
When asked to describe the “vibe” of the meeting, Champagne repeated that it was “constructive,” but admitted that there were disagreements. He insisted that as long as there was dialogue, “you’re making progress.”
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ford was asked if the U.S. will stop imposing tariffs on Canada and he replied: “No.”
“We were having very productive conversations, and it turned out very, very well,” Ford said. ”I just look forward to again, continue communicating next week.
“We got a lot on the table, back and forth, but it was very, very good, very civil, very going back and forth,” he added. The meeting lasted for nearly two hours. Federal ministers Dominic LeBlanc and François-Philippe Champagne were also part of the Canadian contingent. Ford added that another talk is set to take place next week. Every summer, Arthur Elston and his wife travel from Delaware to spend their vacation north of the border. This year will be no different, even as trade war tensions rise between Canada and the U.S.
“Our best friend live up there and we’re going to come up and visit them for a couple of weeks, and we enjoy being with them,” Elston said.
Elston is blocking out the things Trump has said about Canada.
“I’m not a big fan of what he’s doing,” Elston said. “It’s not going to affect what I do. I don’t have much time left, so I want to enjoy what I’ve got.”
Elston won’t be alone visiting Canada. Travel bookings are up, and Nova Scotia is expecting a heavy volume of American visitors this summer.
“Group travel and cruise ship travel is increasing from the United States,” said tourism operator Sean Buckland. “We are at a 40.5 per cent increase in sales over last year, to date.”
The Canadian dollar’s exchange rate appears to be too good for Americans to pass up, says Halifax Chamber of Commerce CEO Patrick Sullivan. Moments before sitting down for a meeting with a Canadian delegation in Washington, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick appeared for an interview on Fox News.
He made similar claims to his previous appearances, accusing Canada of being “not respectful” and “not thankful” for its economic relationship with the United States.
He pledged to ask Ontario Premier Ford, who will take part in the meeting, “what are you doing for us?”
The journalist, Martha MacCallum, then asked him – why not drop the tariffs altogether?
Lutnick responded by accusing MacCallum of asking a question that would more appropriately fit on “Fox Canada,” which does not exist.
Continued from Page 1...
It followed Trump's announcement that he would impose tariffs - which are government taxes on foreign imports - on India by 2 April, in retaliation to India's tariffs on American goods.
Goyal wants to stave off tax increases on India's critical export industries like medicinal drugs.
Nearly half of all generic medicines taken in the US come from India alone. Generic drugs - which are cheaper versions of brand-name medicationsimported from countries like India make up nine out of 10 prescriptions in the US.
This saves Washington billions in healthcare costs. In 2022 alone, the savings from Indian generics amounted to a staggering $219bn (£169bn), according to a study by consulting firm IQVIA.
Without a trade deal, Trump's tariffs could make some Indian generics unviable, forcing companies
to exit part of the market and exacerbating existing drug shortages, experts say.
Tariffs could "worsen the demand-supply imbalances" and the uninsured and poor will be left counting the costs, says Dr Melissa Barber, a drug costing expert from Yale University.
The effects could be felt across people suffering from a range of health conditions.
Over 60% of prescriptions for hypertension and mental health ailments in the US were filled with Indian-made drugs, according to the IQVIA study funded by the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA).
Sertraline, the most prescribed antidepressant in the US, is a prominent example of how dependent Americans are on Indian supplies for essential drugs.
Many of them cost half as much as those from non-Indian companies.
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Driver involved in Pattullo Bridge crash that left three dead arrested by Surrey police
The driver of a vehicle involved in a crash on the Pattullo Bridge on Valentine’s Day that left three people dead and one injured has been arrested and released.
“The investigation is ongoing at this time and no charges have been forwarded to Crown counsel for approval,” Sgt. Tige Pollock, a spokesperson for the Surrey Police Service, said in an email Friday.
Pollock said the case is “a very complex and high consequence” investigation that will require time to compile information to present to prosecutors.
The collision happened shortly after 10 p.m. on Feb. 14. Police said two passenger vehicles and one semi-trailer truck crashed on the east end of the bridge. Surrey Fire Service and paramedics tried to save the lives of three people but they died.
The fourth person was transported to hospital in critical condition. Police said Saturday that the injured person is expected to survive. Photographs show extensive damage to two vehicles and to the front end of a semi-truck. Police say the cause of the crash is unknown.
Chinese Narco Suspect Caught in Private Meeting with Trudeau, Investigated by DEA, Linked to Panama, Caribbean, Mexico – Police Sources
VANCOUVER — Shocking new details are emerging about a major Chinese organized crime suspect who met privately with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, according to a police source who confirmed recent reporting from The Globe and Mail. The individual, Paul King Jin, is allegedly implicated in money laundering operations spanning the Western Hemisphere and has been
a target of multiple failed major investigations in British Columbia. These investigations sought to unravel the complex interrelations of underground casinos and real estate investment, fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking, and financial crimes that allegedly funnel drug proceeds from diaspora community underground banks throughout North America and Latin America, with connections to Chinese and Hong Kong financial institutions.
The failed investigations into Jin have involved both the RCMP and U.S. agencies. These operations stretch from Vancouver to Mexico, Panama, and beyond, multiple sources confirm.
BC looks to seize Surrey property allegedly linked to Mexican drug cartel
B.C.'s director of civil forfeiture has filed a claim to seize property, vehicles and items owned by Surrey residents connected to a Mexican drug cartel. The notice of claim was filed in the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver on Tuesday (March 12) against the owner of the 16767 77 Ave. property, James Sclater, two other individuals who resided at the home and two others associated with them. The claim alleges that Sclater, Hector Armando Chavez-Anchondo, and John Brian Whalen Jr. were members of the same drug trafficking organization that used violence or "threats of violence to achieve its aims."
The director claims that allegedly the drug trafficking organization trafficked controlled substances, including ketamine, methamphetamine, alprazolam, oxycodone, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (“MDMA”) and fentanyl into Canada with the intent to distribute it. It states that since June
21, Sclater, Chavez-Anchondo, and Whalen Jr. had attempted and conspired to import cocaine into Canada from Mexico. The drug trafficking organization they were a part of allegedly made arrangements to purchase the cocaine from the Cártel de Sinaloa (“Sinaloa Cartel”) in Mexico. This included negotiating with the head of the cartel, Ismael Garcia (known as El Mayo).
The Government of Canada listed the Cártel de Sinaloa as a terrorist organization on Feb. 20, 2025. "A terrorist listing means any property of that group in Canada can be frozen and gives Canadian law enforcement more tools to prosecute terrorist offences, including those related to financing, travel and recruitment," notes the release from Public Safety Canada.
El Mayo was arrested by law enforcement in the United States on July 25, 2024, which impacted Sclater, Chavez-Anchondo, and Whalen Jr.'s efforts to import cocaine into Canada.
Canadian woman detained by ICE being used as
‘example’
immigration experts warn
Immigration experts are warning Canadians to make sure they have the correct forms and documentation if they want to cross the border into the United States.
This comes after a Canadian woman was detained by U.S. border officials earlier this month. Jasmine Mooney, originally from Vancouver, tried to enter the U.S. from Mexico at the San Diego border last Monday.
“I was reapplying for my work visa and with no warning about what was about to happen I was taken by ICE,” Mooney told an ABC News 10 San Diego reporter from the detention centre where she is being held.
ICE stands for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and officers enforce federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration.
Sharma Family in Shock, Mata Kamla Rani Passes Away
The well-known Sharma family of Vancouver was deeply shocked when the head of their family, Mata Kamla Rani Sharma, passed away. Mrs. Sharma, who was a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and companion leading her family, was born in the village of Chhokran, Jalandhar district (Punjab). She moved to Vancouver in the 1960s. She had five children. Despite losing her husband and four children in various tragic incidents at a young age, she remained strong and led her family with courage and determination. She worked tirelessly to keep her son, Rameshwar Sharma, daughter-in-law, Sandy, and grandsons, Dylan and Max, connected to Indian traditions. Now, Kamla Sharma’s passing has created a great void in the family.
Her final rites were held on Thursday, March 13, at 9:00 AM at Riverside Funeral Home, 7410 Hopcott Road, Delta (B.C.). A prayer service in her memory took place at 5:00 PM at Hindu Temple, 5420 Marine Drive, Burnaby.
BC's advantage of USA 'chaos,' trade war to attract more doctors and nurses
The "chaos" in the United States provides an opportunity for British Columbia to recruit more American doctors and nurses, the province's health minister said as she announced changes aimed at fast-tracking the recognition of their credentials.
Josie Osborne said "now is the time" for U.S. health workers to make the move.
"Whether it's because their federal government is withdrawing from the World Health Organization, cutting public services or attacking reproductive rights, health professionals in the U.S. have a good reason to be alarmed," she said Tuesday.
"We will welcome you to our beautiful province, where together we can strengthen public health care … and build healthy communities," she told a news conference. Osborne said the province is working with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC on a direct process to enable U.S.-trained doctors to become fully licensed in B.C. without the need for further assessment, examination or training.
It is similarly working with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives to make it faster and easier for American registered nurses to work in B.C., the minister said.
Osborne said B.C.'s efforts to recruit American health workers will include a targeted campaign in Washington, Oregon and California this spring.
"This campaign will also highlight the job opportunities in areas where health-care workers are needed most in B.C., like cancer care and emergency departments."
She said the province would also promote opportunities in rural and remote communities facing shortages of health-care workers.
Osborne rejected concern that the campaign may risk further aggravating U.S. officials during an escalating trade war between Canada and the United States.
"It's a great time for people to consider moving to a place where they feel supported, where they feel welcomed, and where they know that they're going to have the kind of colleagues beside them to support them in this work," she said.
Canada gives $272M in aid to Bangladesh, IndoPacific as USAID shuttered
Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, unveiled $272.1 million in new funding on Sunday for foreign aid projects in Bangladesh and the Indo-Pacific region.
“Canada continues to fiercely strengthen our long-lasting friendship with Bangladesh and the wider Indo-Pacific region with our long-standing people-to-people ties,” Hussen said in a statement. “By supporting vulnerable communities’ healthcare services, empowering women and addressing climate change, we are creating a brighter tomorrow for the global community.”
The money, to be spent alongside contributions from other foreign partners and donors, will provide new funding for 14 different projects in Bangladesh and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
Trump and his new government efficiency czar, businessman Elon Musk, froze U.S. foreign aid for 90 days after he took power, shutting down aid programs around the world and triggering furloughs of thousands of
employees inside the government and among its contractors.
The federal Liberal government’s move highlights a dramatically different Canadian approach to foreign development assistance compared to American Republican President Donald Trump’s government, which halted funding through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Trump and his Republican appointees view foreign aid programs as a waste of taxpayers’ money, arguing they support liberal political agendas. Their detractors say such spending boosts American standing in the world, and counters foreign interference by other countries.
Bribery claims by Inia Seruiratu in the controversial Constitution vote
Opposition members were offered “enticements and inducements” that were on the verge of bribery to vote for the Constitution Amendment Bill 2025, Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu has alleged. In a statement released last night, it has come to their attention that the government has been engaging in “underhanded tactics.” He added there were “tempting our members to their side with promises and other enticements and inducements that verge on bribery.” “The four members who initially supported the
suspension motion did so to see what the bill had to say,” he said.
“When they saw that the voice of the people would be removed, they had to make a stand with us.” Mr Seruiratu said “we are not the bitter losers.” “In fact, we outmanoeuvred the government when we learned they were playing dirty games, clearly showing they really had no intention for true dialogue.”
“We are open to a proper procedure to review the Constitution, but it must be done correctly and transparently.”
No objection for High Court interpretation in Bainimarama Qiliho case
Defence lawyer Devanesh Sharma has no objections in having the interpretation of civil service and public service be dealt with in the High Court.
This is in the case of former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former commissioner of police Sitiveni Qiliho and the constitutional issue relates to the particulars of Mr Qiliho’s charge.
The duo appeared this morning before Suva Magistrate Jeremaia Savou for pretrial conference. Both parties in 14 days will confirm on whether the definition of civil servant and public servant will be challenged and dealt with
in the High Court. Appearing for the state is lawyer Pooja Mishra and Moira Konrote.
The case has been adjourned.
Woman charged for allegedly hacking bank account and stealing $3,200
A 34-year-old woman has been charged for allegedly hacking a bank account and stealing $3,200 from the victim.
Police say the woman allegedly obtained $3,200 from the victim through online bank transfer between March 29th and March 31st, 2023.
They say the victim clicked a link on Facebook, which led to his bank account being hacked, and
Police Internal Affairs investigating alleged
assault case in Sigatoka
Police have confirmed an investigation is underway in the alleged assault of a man by a police officer in Sigatoka.
A picture of the alleged assault victim is now viral on social media.
Fiji Police said a police officer lodged a report at the Sigatoka Police station that he was allegedly assaulted by a group of drunken youths.
“A cross report was lodged by health officials after the 24-year-old victim was brought to the hospital, claiming he was assaulted by the officer,” said Fiji Police Force. “The Fiji Police Force’s Internal Affairs Department is handling the investigations and is expected to submit their initial findings to the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu soon.”
The Commissioner of Police said that while he
understands emotions run high when allegations are made against police officers, the priority will always remain on ensuring justice through the conduct of a thorough investigation.
the money was automatically transferred to the woman’s bank account.
Police say the woman withdrew the money and used it, after which the matter was reported to the Namaka Police Station.
She has been charged by the Fiji Police Cyber Task Force with two counts of obtaining financial advantage and one count of possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.
PM dismisses Rolex watch allegations, says he has the right to remain silent
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says he has the right to remain silent after questions were asked regarding receiving a $150,000-plus gold Rolex watch from a local businessman.
Rabuka says those making the allegations must provide proof.
He also addressed concerns about his health and fitness for office which was raised by the media, assuring the
public that despite using a walking stick today, he remains well and fit to lead.
Rabuka says with two titanium knees and previously broken collarbones, he does not need to run 100 metres in 11 seconds to be Prime Minister. He adds that the allegations are simply a distraction from the important issues he is focused on.
A marathon of open-heart surgeries planned for March
A marathon of open-heart surgeries is all set to carry on in March at Fiji’s largest stateof-the-art 130-bed specialty private hospital. Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr Sanjeev Khulbey who has been giving heart patients a new lease of life since the commissioning of a world-class cardiology department and operations theatre at Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH Hospitals) since November 2024 with his team of highly trained cardiology specialists is looking forward to another round of successful surgeries for patients from Fiji and other regional countries in the Pacific. Riding on the back of thirty-years of experience, Dr Khulbey and his team has already created history by carrying out a quadruple graft
heart bypass surgery on two separate patients so far. Such a delicate procedure was previously unheard of in Fiji until now and is therefore dubbed as a medical breakthrough and milestone achievement for the country and the entire region.
“Following the initial open-heart surgery in November last year, PSH Hospitals has been inundated with enquiries from patients not only in Fiji but across the Pacific Island nations,” Dr Khulbey informed.
PSH Hospitals founder and chief executive officer Parvish Kumar said heart patients who do not require complex open-heart surgeries can also get treated via angioplasty which is a non-invasive procedure commonly known as stenting.
London [UK], March 13 (ANI): Pakistan's Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder and leader Altaf Hussain has described the recent Jaffar Train hijacking as a wake-up call for both Pakistan's ruling establishment and the people of Punjab.
In his 221st address on TikTok, Hussain urged authorities to acknowledge the deepening crisis in Balochistan before it becomes irreversible. He argued that the hijacking was not an isolated incident but a direct consequence of the decades of oppression and injustice faced by the Baloch people. Hussain warned that the conflict has escalated beyond just Baloch men, with women now actively joining the resistance. He emphasised that this marks a critical turning point in the struggle, underscoring that military force has never been an effective solution to suppress resistance movements. Citing historical
examples like the Vietnam War and the collapse of the Soviet Union, he argued that such tactics only prolong unrest rather than address the root causes of the conflict.
Addressing the people of Punjab, Hussain cautioned against remaining silent in the face of escalating tensions. He warned, "Time is running out. If you do not act now, soon you will have nothing left but prayers for the departed."
He criticised the Pakistani government for prioritising arrests, enforced disappearances, and election manipulation instead of addressing the legitimate grievances of the Baloch people. Hussain posed a thought-provoking question to the public: "How would you feel if your loved ones were arrested simply because authorities couldn't find the actual suspect? If your family members were tortured for crimes, they didn't commit?"
Thousands rally in Hague to mark Tibetan National Uprising Day
Hague [Netherlands], March 13 (ANI): Over 3,000 Tibetans and supporters from across Europe gathered in The Hague to mark the 66th Tibetan National Uprising Day at the Fifth Edition of the 'Europe Stands With Tibet Rally,' as reported by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), showing their unwavering commitment to the Tibetan struggle for freedom against China.
The rally, held in the heart of Europe, brought together a coalition of passionate voices, including prominent political figures, international celebrities, and human rights advocates.
According to CTA, the event was headlined by Kelsang Gyaltsen, former envoy to the Dalai Lama, who delivered a powerful keynote address.
Gyaltsen spoke candidly about China's growing influence on European security, describing the country as a "threat to peace and security in Europe."
"There is no hope of China becoming a responsible stakeholder in the international community unless there are major fundamental changes in China. This is our political imperative," Gyaltsen said, stressing the need for Europe to ally with Tibetans, Uyghurs, Chinese democracy activists, and other marginalized groups from China. He continued, "This imperative creates a conducive basis for strategic discussions and cooperation on China, accepting us as stakeholders in this common cause."
Imran Khan asks Supreme Court against transfer of judges
Islamabad [Pakistan]: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the recent transfer to judges, calling it "unconstitutional and unlawful," The Express Tribune reported. The petition, submitted under Article 184 (3) of the Constitution, argues that the transfer notification breaches the independence of the judiciary. Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has urged the court to declare the notification null and void. The federal government and the registrars of the high courts in Lahore, Sindh, Balochistan and
Islamabad have been mentioned as respondents in the case, The Express Tribune reported. Through the petition, Imran Khan has requested a directive from the Supreme Court to ensure compliance with legal precedents, including the landmark Al-Jehad Trust case, which set guidelines for judicial appointments and transfers. The petition emphasised that judicial transfers must follow constitutional principles and must not be influenced by external pressures. It also requested a strict observance of judicial autonomy, The Express Tribune reported.
Kathmandu turns rainbow-hued as locals and tourists unite for Holi
Kathmandu [Nepal], March 13 (ANI):
The streets of Kathmandu transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors as locals and tourists joined forces to celebrate the vibrant festival of Holi at Durbar Square.
The ancient palace courtyard of Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was abuzz with revelers smearing colors, dancing to traditional drums, and greeting each other with "Happy Holi", dancing along the beat of traditional drums and other music in the premises of the ancient palace.
The Kathmandu or Basantapur Durbar Square a common place for Kathmanduites to gather and celebrate the festival of colors.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, previously the royal palace, has witnessed major turmoil and changes in Nepal, is also referred
as the "Holi Junction of Kathmandu". Every year, people observing the festival of colors usually visit the historical courtyard for recreation.
Hundreds of foreign tourists, including visitors from Germany and Austria, immersed themselves in the festivities, donning colorful attire and sporting vibrant hues on their faces. "The mood is fantastic. As you go around, people are having fun, everyone are so colorful," Eliaz, a tourist from Germany told ANI.
Holi, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the arrival of spring and the harvest season. The celebration is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The festival begins with Holika Dahan, where a bonfire is lit to mark the death of Holika, a symbol of evil and a special Puja to burn evil spirits is performed.
Boy rescued, kidnapper killed in Nabha gunfight
The Punjab Police on Thursday rescued a seven-year-old boy from his three kidnappers after a high-intensity operation that culminated in a 15-minute exchange of gunfire, which resulted in the death of one of the accused, at Mandaur village, near Nabha.
The victim – identified as Bhawkirat Singh, the grandson of Gurjant Singh, an arhtiya (commission agent) from Seehan Daud village in Khanna -- was abducted by two masked men on a motorcycle while he was playing outside his
home on Wednesday evening. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore from the family. A statewide alert was issued and a coordinated operation involving the Khanna, Malerkotla and Patiala police led to the arrest of Harpreet Singh and Ravi Bhinder of Amargarh. DIG (Patiala Range) Mandeep Singh Sidhu said during interrogation, they confessed to handing the child over to Jaspreet Singh (31), the mastermind behind the crime. They also told the police that Jaspreet took the victim in a white Toyota Fortuner.
“The duo confessed that they had decided to kill the child to eliminate evidence. A massive combing operation was launched and the accused was surrounded near Mandaur village,” the DIG said, adding that a gunfight ensued in which the accused and three police personnel sustained bullet injuries.
Punjab govt. says it will follow rules while razing property in drug cases
The Punjab Government on Thursday assured the Punjab and Haryana High Court that due process of law will be followed before initiating coercive steps -- including demolition of immovable property -- against accused in drug cases.
Following the state’s assurance on adhering to the due process, the Bench disposed of a petition in this regard. “In view of the assurance given by the state counsel, this court does not deem it appropriate to proceed with this matter and disposes of the petition with the hope and expectation that due process of law shall be followed by the state and its functionaries before taking any coercive steps under Chapter 5-A of the NDPS Act against the petitioner,” the court asserted.
The order has broader implications and applicability amidst allegations of Punjab following the “bulldozer” model seen in some
other states during crackdowns on drug peddlers.
The developments took place during the hearing of a petition filed by an accused apprehending state action. Appearing before the Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel, petitioner Raj Kumar contended that coercive steps might be taken by the state, including the demolition of his property, as he was an accused in a trial under the NDPS Act. Citing a recent Supreme Court judgment, the petitioner contended that such measures not be taken arbitrarily.
Senior Deputy Advocate-General Sartaj Singh Gill, on the other hand, assured the Bench that the apprehension raised by the petitioner was unfounded. “The state and its functionaries shall follow due process of law, as prescribed in Chapter 5-A of the NDPS Act, before any coercive action is taken,” he added.
Punjab Budget session from March 21-28,
presentation on March 26
The Punjab Cabinet has decided to hold the Budget session from March 21 to 28, with the state's Budget proposals scheduled for presentation on March 26.
The decision was made during a meeting of the Punjab Council of Ministers, chaired by Chief
To ensure adherence to the ecotourism regulatory framework, the Punjab Government has issued notices to owners of nearly 100 farmhouses on the periphery of Chandigarh. Among those served notices are several influential figures, including prominent politicians and former IAS and IPS officers.
The Ecotourism Development Committee (EDC), which is headed by the Secretary of Tourism, has asked the farmhouse owners to appear before it on March 17 and provide relevant record.
The committee will assess whether the farmhouses comply with the Eco Tourism Policy 2019 and decide on granting permissions accordingly.
The EDC includes representatives from the Forest, Tourism, Local Government, and Housing Departments, among others. The farmhouses are located in Karoran, Nada, Parch, Jayanti
Majri, Seonk, Nagal, Parol, Sultanpur, Siswan, Majra, Dulwan, Palanpur, Murzapur and 2023 and 3,062 in 2024 while Himachal Pradesh lodged 1,518, 2,045 and 1,634 cases in these years respectively. Neighbouring Rajasthan has shown an increasing trend with 3,738, 5,098 and 5,462 cases, respectively. Sharing an international border with a hostile country, Punjab is highly vulnerable to cross-border smuggling of narcotics as well as other contraband, including weapons, ammunition and fake currency, which are trafficked though various means, including the increasing use of drones.
So far this year, the Border Security Force (BSF), which is responsible for the peacetime management of the international border, has seized 35 kg of narcotics in the vicinity of the border and neutralised over 45 drones originating from Pakistan. In reply to questions by Members of Parliament Shambhu Sharan Patel, Baburam Nishad and Randeep Singh Surjewala, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai stated that border-guarding forces, including the BSF, Assam Rifles and Sashastra Seema Bal, have been empowered under the NDPS Act to carry out search, seizure and arrest for illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs at the international border.
Further, Railway Protection Force has also been empowered under the Act to check drug trafficking along the railway routes.
Minister Bhagwant Mann.
In addition to the Budget discussions, the Cabinet also decided to open 40 new skill development schools, besides approving the departmental reports of eight departments. The meeting had a delayed start, initially scheduled for 11 am at the residence of CM Mann. Three ministers – Aman Arora, Laljit Singh Bhullar, and Dr Baljit Kaur – arrived at the CM residence but left after a 30-minute wait when the meeting was postponed by an hour.
They, along with other cabinet colleagues, reconvened at 1 pm, and the meeting lasted a little over an hour.
Tamil Nadu’s move to replace rupee symbol promotes secessionist sentiments: Sitharaman
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has reacted sharply to the DMK-led government in Tamil Nadu removing the rupee symbol from the state budget papers.
In a strongly worded reaction on Thursday night, Sitharaman asked the DMK as to why it didn't protest in 2010 when the symbol was officially adopted during the then Congress-led UPA government at the Centre, of which the DMK was part.
“The DMK government has reportedly removed the official rupee symbol from the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 documents, which will be presented on Friday,” the FM said, adding, “The symbol was designed by D Udaya Kumar, son of former
DMK MLA N Dharmalingam. “By erasing it now, the DMK is not only rejecting a national symbol but also utterly disregarding the creative contribution of a Tamil youth.” Sitaraman said the Tamil word ‘Rupaai’ itself has deep roots in the Sanskrit word ‘Rupya’, meaning ‘wrought silver’ or ‘a worked silver coin’. This term has resonated across centuries in Tamil trade and literature, and even today, ‘Rupaai’ remains the currency name in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
“In fact, several countries, including Indonesia, the Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Seychelles and Sri Lanka, officially use ‘rupee’ or its 'equivalent/derivatives' as their currency names,” she noted.
President approves filing of FIR against Sisodia, Satyendar Jain in classrooms 'scam'
President Droupadi Murmu has given her approval for the registration of an FIR against AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in an alleged scam of Rs 1,300 crore in the construction of classrooms in Delhi government schools, sources said. In 2022, the Delhi government's vigilance directorate recommended a probe into the alleged scam and submitted a report to the chief secretary. The President
has given her approval for registering the FIR against Sisodia and Jain in connection with the alleged scam during their tenure as ministers in the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government, sources said.
The Central Vigilance Commission, in a report dated February 17, 2020, highlighted "glaring irregularities" in the construction of over 2,400 classrooms in Delhi government schools by the Public Works Department.
“Each vote matters...”: SC orders recount in UP Gram Pradhan Election 2021 over ‘irregularities’
Noting that each vote matters in an election, the Supreme Court has ordered a recount in Uttar Pradesh Gram Pradhan Election 2021 after it found that certain crucial documents were missing and there was an unexplained gap in the votes announced, casting doubts on the integrity of the electoral process.
“Each vote has its own value irrespective of its effect on the final outcome of the election. Its sanctity has to be protected... If the Presiding Officers’ records are missing and cannot be verified, it can be found that the final conclusion is within the realm of questionability. Each and
have a recount of the votes cast in Uttar Pradesh Gram Pradhan Election 2021, the top court said that the absence of the Presiding Officer’s diary — a key record of polling — and a 19-vote mismatch between oral and official tallies of votes warranted judicial intervention.
The order came on a petition filed by one Vijay Bahadur, who lost the Gram Pradhan election to his rival Sunil Kumar by 37 votes in the Chak village of Prayagraj.
While the Presiding Officer orally stated 1,194 votes were cast across three booths, an election form (Form 46) later reflected 1,213 votes having been cast, leaving a gap of 19 votes between his oral account and the total number of votes cast mentioned in the election form, Bahadur alleged.
every document pertaining to an election is important and all efforts should be made to preserve the same,” a bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice N Kotiswar Singh said.
“Registry is directed to communicate a copy of this judgment to the Registrar General, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, who shall ensure passage of the same to the concerned Magistrate, enabling them to set a date for recount of the result after hearing the parties,” it said in its March 6 order.
Restoring a sub-divisional magistrate’s order to
The sub-divisional magistrate ordered a recount of votes in October 2022 but the same was quashed by the Allahabad High Court in January 2023 for want of sufficient documentary evidence.
Holding that there were sufficient grounds to hold a vote recount, the top court noted that three of the four candidates supported a recount and the Presiding Officer’s diary also remained untraceable, rendering the election process within the realm of questionability.
“When the officer was present there and he informed the candidate, appellant herein, of the number of votes cast, why should there be any difference? Important documents pertaining to the election are missing and such absence is unexplained, we are of the view in the present facts that a recount would be justified,” it said, reversing the high court’s decision.
A video showing an Indian traveller expressing his frustration over another Indian passenger speaking loudly on the phone has gone viral on the internet.
The man in the video, seemingly annoyed, remarks on how such behaviour affects the perception of Indians abroad.The rant video, shared by Ankush on his Instagram @moreoutdoorsmore, gathered around 162K views and was flooded with comments. In the clip, he is heard saying: "I speak as a fellow Indian, this gentleman sitting over there, I am sitting at the lounge of Abu Dhabi airport waiting for my next flight, on the way to Seoul, and the bartender has repeatedly told this man to lower his voice. He is speaking extremely loudly,” while the man in the background continues his conversation at a volume that disrupts those around him. “I think this is my huge reflection after now living in the US for the last 10 years and the past six months in Seoul, Korea, and I don’t
speak for all Indians obviously, but it’s been an observation that we have zero civic sense or public sense,” added Ankush.
The video, widely shared on social media, has sparked a debate on public etiquette.
Users agree with Ankush arguing that such behaviour reinforces negative stereotypes.
“Finally someone brings up the most uncomfortable and embarrassing reality! Totally unacceptable behaviour!” commented a user.
Another commented, “He’s so loud I can barely hear you.”
The incident has reignited discussions about self-awareness in public spaces, particularly among Indian travellers abroad.
Many social media users believe that maintaining decorum in public areas is essential and shared their own experiences as well.
“It was the same in Japan, we actually found ourselves whispering because everyone was so quiet!,” commented a third user.
Deported Haryana man reached US through 11 countries, paid Rs 35 lakh
A Haryana man paid Rs 35 lakh to agents and began his ‘dunki’ route journey to reach the US, but despite passing through 11 countries in his six-month-long ordeal, he was nabbed as soon as he reached America and deported back to India, police said.
The man, Pankaj Rawat, a native of Panipat in Haryana, has lodged a complaint with the Gujarat police against the two agents, accusing them of human trafficking and cheating. Based on his complaint, the police have launched an investigation, a Surat crime branch official said on Tuesday. The ‘dunki’ or ‘donkey’ route is a term largely used by traffickers to refer to a perilous multi-hop journey undertaken by illegal migrants to reach the western countries, especially the US.
Rawat’s ‘dunki’ route journey had started in August 2024 and ended in February 2025 when
A seven-year-old boy, belonging to a peasant family of Seehan Daud, was allegedly kidnapped by two motorcycle-borne suspects when the boy was playing outside his home on the outskirts of the village.
Separate teams of Payal and Amargarh police launched a search operation to trace the kidnappers, who were seen on the MalerkotlaKhanna road after the incident. An encounter took place near Mandour village on Nabha road in Patiala. Police have recovered the child while an accused has been shot dead as the joint teams of Patiala and Khanna cracked the case. “The accused were traced to be travelling near Patiala. When the teams tried to nab the accused, they opened fire on the police,” a senior police officer said. Gurjant Singh, a farmer and commission
he reached America. But his ‘American dream’ got shattered as the authorities nabbed him and deported him back to India days later.
“As per their pre-planned conspiracy, the agents - Abdulla and Pradeep - sent the complainant abroad under the pretext of providing him work and accommodation in the US, and illegally took Rs 35 lakh from him for the purpose,” the FIR said.
The complainant had to go through 11 countries in South America, Central America and North America—Guyana, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Mexico— before entering the US illegally through the Tecate border. But he was nabbed by the US police, and kept under detention for 15 days before being deported back to India on February 16, it said.
agent of Seehan Daud, had informed the police control room that his grandson Bhavkirat Singh, a Class I student, was kidnapped by two unidentified motorcycle-borne miscreants when he was playing outside his home in the evening.
Patiala Range DIG Mandeep Singh Sidhu will hold a press conference at 6pm today at the conference hall of Police Line Patiala to present more details of the case.
Undergoing a significant energy transition, rising credit-to-GDP ratio, and expanding manufacturing sector, India is poised to become the world’s most sought-after consumer market, Morgan Stanley’s latest report has said. According to the report released on Thursday, India is gaining a greater share in global output due to strong foundational factors such as robust population growth, a functioning democracy, macroeconomic stability, better infrastructure, a growing entrepreneurial class, and improved
The financial services giant expects India’s economic growth to recover following a slowdown in the second half of 2024.
Forecasting GDP growth at 6.3 per cent in FY2025 and 6.5 per cent in FY2026, driven by fiscal and monetary policy support, as well as a recovery in service exports, the report emphasises that macroeconomic stability should remain within a comfortable range, providing policymakers with flexibility.
