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VOL 26 - ISSUE 31
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
‘City Hall will be open to everyone’:
Brenda Locke seeks another term, cites better transportation and public safety
Doug McCallum seeks return to Surrey City Hall
By Jasmine Kaur Kochhar: Brenda Locke says another term as mayor would allow her team to continue and complete the City Centre Arena project and the 72 Avenue extension toward Langley. Locke, who serves as Surrey’s mayor, was elected mayor in 2022 after serving as a city councillor from 2018 to 2022. “There are so many projects just starting and we need to have another term to finish them and make sure we are continuing to grow our city and economy in a positive way,” said Locke. Continued on Page 4...
By Jasmine Kaur Kochhar: McCallum led the city as a mayor for 13 years in the past and is once again leading the Safe Surrey Coalition. “We have a game plan and the team,” McCallum said. McCallum is one of the seven declared candidates for mayor in Surrey’s Oct. 17 election. Continued on Page 10...
Linda Annis outlines vision for Surrey By Jasmine Kaur Kochhar: Surrey First mayoral candidate Linda Annis promises a more accessible city hall, faster business permits and greater transparency. Annis was elected to Surrey council in 2018. In an interview with The Asian and Punjabi Star, Annis mentioned that she aims to improve the permit approval process, speed up construction and introduce better initiatives for seniors. Continued on Page 10...
Indian captain 'fights off' Omani co-pilot who tried to crash Israel-bound plane An Indian captain of a Dubai-Tel Aviv Flydubai flight "fought off" his co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft, which had to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, Israeli media reports said on Wednesday. News website Ynet, citing Israeli officials, reported that the copilot was an Omani national and was suspected of trying to crash Continued on Page 15... the aircraft.
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B.C. election call crushed victims' hopes of being heard by committee reviewing ICBC's no-fault policy NDP Leader David Eby’s snap election call this week pulled the plug on a legislative review of ICBC’s nofault insurance plan, leaving some accident victims feeling their and the committee’s work may be wasted.
The election call meant the committee of MLAs reviewing ICBC’s “enhanced care,” or no-fault model, ceased to exist on the second day of a week of scheduled hearings. A crash victim who has lived with a brain injury since being hit by a fishtailing car on an icy, hilly road in Kelowna almost five years ago learned the committee was dissolved hours before he was scheduled to make his oral presentation on Tuesday. Continued on Page 10...
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
2 people killed at Tsawwassen Mills Mall in B.C. were First Nations elders, Carney says Delta police say two people are dead after a collision in the parking lot of Tsawwassen Mills Mall in Delta, B.C. on Wednesday morning. Prime Minister Mark Carney later shared on social media that the two victims were First Nations elders. Around 5:40 p.m., Delta police also confirmed the two people killed were elders with the Tsawwassen First Nation. Police said around 10:25 a.m., preliminary information indicated the driver of a vehicle may have experienced a medical emergency and struck four pedestrians outside the mall. Two people died from their injuries and others were treated at the scene, police said. Two people were taken to the hospital, along with the driver who was treated at the scene and then transported, police added. They confirmed the incident is not related to the Truth and Reconciliation walk that was taking place on Tsawwassen First Nation lands at the time. The collision forced the event’s cancellation and prompted an alert directing people to avoid the area. In a statement, the First Nation said it is “deeply saddened to confirm that an incident occurred during today’s Truth and Reconciliation Walk. “Out of respect for Tsawwassen First Nation families and ongoing response efforts, we will not be providing additional details at this time. Further information will be shared when appropriate.” There is no ongoing risk to public safety, police said. The truck involved in the incident had the company name Alpine on the side. In a statement, the company said “Alpine Building Maintenance (Alpine) is aware of an incident that took place September 30th at Tsawwassen Mills Mall in Delta, BC. People were being asked to avoid the area and stay away from the scene, however, the mall remained open.
British Columbia NDP Leader David Eby was at the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and told an audience that the collision is “very difficult news” during an “already challenging day.” Wednesday’s incident happened as politicians in British Columbia’s election campaign are marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, committing to work with Indigenous Peoples by acknowledging the past while taking steps for the future.
B.C. Conservative interim leader Lorne Doerkson said in a statement reconciliation means learning from the past and taking constructive steps for the future, and he’s committed to doing his part, including on economic reconciliation. He said the national day is a time for reflection and encourages everyone to take part in events in their communities. The party said in a statement that it would remove the uncertainty and ambiguity that exists around the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, commonly known as DRIPA, by fully implementing it through legislation. The Greens, led by Emily Lowan, also promised to enact legislation to guarantee Indigenous language rights and create a task force to investigate cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women, children and two-Spirited people.
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After B.C. NDP Leader David Eby called a snap election, voters in B.C. are preparing for elections at both the municipal and provincial level — just a week apart. Local and provincial elections in B.C. haven't been this close together since they were a few weeks apart in 1986. The provincial election will take place on Oct. 24, one week after local elections conclude on Oct. 17.
The Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) says more than 3,500 local government candidates are running across 189 local bodies in B.C., which include municipalities and regional districts. Local elections get complicated fast, as local parties generally don't map neatly onto provincial parties across B.C., and depending on where you live, they can include elections for other bodies like school boards and park boards. In Vancouver, for instance, voters will vote for one mayor, 10 city councillors, seven park board commissioners and nine school board trustees. In provincial elections, on the other hand, voters choose one candidate to represent their riding as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
The 93 MLAs elected across B.C. collectively make up the Legislative Assembly, the province's elected law-making body. The Constitution Act divides legislative powers between the federal and provincial governments. Provinces grant powers to municipalities through provincial legislation, including the Local Government Act and the Community Charter, with Vancouver having its own charter. Those laws allow local governments to have authority over issues that affect day-to-day lives — such as land use and development, services like policing, infrastructure like libraries, roads and sidewalks — as well as business licences and property taxes. The province funds and oversees major public systems, like health care and education, as well as energy, natural resources and social supports. It also sets provincewide laws and standards that can also shape municipal decisions. Provincial governments can overrule cities on a wide range of issues, almost always win challenges if cities sue them, and even change regulations around things that are traditionally municipal issues. "Provincial legislation can reshape municipal choice," said Tamara Krawchenko, an associate professor of public administration at the University of Victoria (UVic). She pointed to housing targets the province has set for municipalities since 2023 as an example. In Vancouver, for example, the park board and city council recently approved plans to replace the Vancouver Aquatic Centre with a new facility that includes a 25-metre lap pool instead of the existing 50-metre pool — a change that drew community opposition and a legal challenge.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
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FBI offers $1M reward for information on suspect in Surrey gurdwara killing One of the men charged in the assassination of Surrey Sikh temple president Hardeep Singh Nijjar is now on the FBI’s list of 10 most-wanted fugitives. Satinderjeet Singh is wanted for a variety of federal violations, including murder, extortion and drug distribution, FBI Los Angeles field office assistant director in charge Patrick Grandy announced Monday (Sept. 28). Singh is also known as Goldy Brar and other aliases. He is wanted for his alleged involvement in the Lawrence Bishnoi gang that the FBI says is allegedly engaged in a variety of violent acts in Southern California and across the United States and Canada. Public Safety Canada lists the Bishnoi gang as a current terrorist organization. The FBI says those acts include targeted assassinations – including Nijjar in June 2023 – shootings, murders, kidnappings, extortions, assaults, and the trafficking of narcotics and weapons. Both Singh and Bishnoi are charged in ordering the assassination of Nijjar when two gunmen are alleged to have shot and killed him
outside the Surrey temple. Deputy commissioner of federal policing for the RCMP Lisa Moreland said that Brar and his network “have wreaked devastating havoc on countless lives—through high-profile murders, shootings, death threats, extortion, arson, and drug trafficking.” The FBI is offering up to $1 million USD as a reward for information that could lead to the arrest of Singh, who is based out of the U.S. The FBI says Singh is allegedly the leader of the group in North America. Singh, according to the FBI, is considered to be “extremely violent, armed and dangerous.” He’s known to live in California and various parts of Canada. If anyone has information about Singh/ Brar, contact the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). People may also contact their local FBI office, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov/home.
Canada, EU to finalize partnership next month The EU and Canada will consummate their expansive new partnership at a Montreal summit next month, Politico reported, furthering Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to shore up cooperation between the world’s “middle powers.” Brussels and Ottawa plan to reduce trade barriers and collaborate on supply chains and minerals projects. Standing up to US President Donald Trump has won Carney carte blanche to significantly increase military spending, streamline industrial and infrastructure projects, and diversify
Canadian trade away from Washington, The Wall Street Journal reported: “I cannot remember, in my adult life, a prime minister having this good an 18 months,” the head of polling firm Ipsos said. “There has been very little pushback against any of the things that he’s proposed.”
He was charged in federal court in Los Angeles with: racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations conspiracy; conspiracy to interfere and attempted interference with commerce by extortion; and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Grandy said Singh is a dangerous individual and that’s why the FBI has made it a priority to arrest him.
VOTE IN THE CITY OF SURREY MUNICIPAL ELECTION SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 8AM TO 8PM
The amount of attention this list will bring to his face and description cannot be overstated; his photo will be found on every FBI-affiliated website and social media platform, and will be publicized on every phone around the world until he’s caught.” Back in July, the U.S. attorney’s office announced Operation Hardball and unsealed three indictments that charged 37 people connected to three Indiabased transnational organized crime groups.
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15996 84 Ave
Frank Hurt Secondary
13940 77 Ave
Fraser Heights Recreation Centre 10588 160 St Guildford Recreation Centre
15105 105 Ave
Kwantlen Park Secondary
10441 132 St
Princess Margaret Secondary
12870 72 Ave
Semiahmoo Secondary
1785 148 St
surrey.ca/election
200 – 6245 - 136th St., Surrey, B.C. V3X 1H3
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
Brenda Locke seeks another term, cites better transportation and public safety
Continued from Page 1... When questioned about the rise in extortion cases in the city, she said, “The city would be hiring 560 additional public safety officers that are police,
fire and bylaw.” Locke said, “A large public safety campus would also be built that would be dealing with all kinds of advanced training like drones, ballistics, dogs and all of the things that will make our public safety officers better equipped to handle all the challenges moving forward.” “We are also making sure that the police department is well funded so that they can respond when needed,” she said. According to Locke, access to public transit has increased from 29 per cent when her team was elected in 2022 to almost 50 per cent currently. “We have been doing a lot of road construction. There is no doubt about that,” she said. Locke said the transportation network has not received the attention it needs. She added that the people need to be able to get around and pointed to Bus Rapid Transit as one measure being introduced. “We are going to do more and we are going to do better to continue to lobby TransLink,” Locke said.
2 South Asian men convicted of 1st-degree murder in gang-related shooting in Whistler Two men have been found guilty in a fourweek jury trial over a double homicide in 2022 in Whistler, B.C., according to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT). The jury found Gursimran Sahota, 29, and Tanvir Khakh, 25, guilty of first-degree murder for the killing of 28-year-old Meninder Dhaliwal, according to an IHIT news release Tuesday. Sahota was also found guilty of second-degree murder in relation to the death of 36-year-old Satindera Gill. Before the jury began deliberating, the judge directed the acquittal of Khakh in relation to the homicide of Gill, IHIT said.
The incident occurred around 12:19 p.m. PT on July 24, 2022, when two men were reported shot in the 4300 block of Sundial Crescent in Whistler Village. One victim died at the scene, and another died after being transported to hospital, according to the IHIT release. "Investigators determined that the shooting was targeted and related to the ongoing gang conflict," IHIT said. It said the trial ended on Sept. 25. A first-degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence with no parole eligibility for 25 years in Canada. A second-degree murder conviction also carries a life sentence.
‘City Hall will be open to everyone’: Linda Annis outlines vision for Surrey Continued from Page 1... “We want to engage more with the residents here in Surrey,” she said. She also proposed extended hours, so if someone is working during the day, they can still come and do business at city hall. Annis proposed having a session before council meetings where people can come and talk about any concerns the residents might have. “Time is money for businesses, and we need to give guaranteed times for processing business licences,” said Annis. Public safety would also be a priority for Annis, executive director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. “We need to get the police transition done,” she said, adding that the process has been dragging on for eight years. Adding to that, she said “We also need to staff up our Surrey Police Service members for example Surrey’s population is almost as big as Vancouver. Geographically we are as big as Burnaby, Richmond and Vancouver combined.” Annis added that the number of police officers also has to be increased. “We have over 800 officers and Vancouver has 1,400. So, it means that the police cannot be around the city as much as they need to be,” she said. When talking about her team, she mentioned that they are equipped to oversee a $2-billion
budget and the candidates are from all around Surrey. Asked about the increased extortion cases, she said that police need to be given real-time access to all traffic cameras. “We need to look at how we can connect our cities and communities around Surrey, so that residents from Newton can go to Cloverdale easily from the City Centre down south to Newton,” said Annis. Annis also talked about making recreation facilities free of charge for all youth under 19. “We will also be encouraging youth to get involved in things like more team sports.” She also highlighted the issue of youth violence and said that her party plans on working to reduce crime by arranging funding. “If kids have a place to go to after school, they’re less likely to get involved in gang activity,” said Annis. During her first six months in office, she plans to create more jobs and review municipal services to identify any gaps. She described her party as cohesive and said it reflects Surrey. She said that the team has a wide range of talent from lawyers to businesspeople. “Please review all of the candidates’ credentials and make sure that you have the right team in place,” said Annis.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
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A group of lawyers has filed a legal challenge against a newly adopted City of Montreal bylaw that prohibits people from insulting police officers and municipal employees. The lawyers argue in a court filing that the bylaw violates people’s fundamental rights to freedom of expression and that the hefty fines that come with it infringe on the right to protection against cruel and unusual punishment. The bylaw was adopted by Montreal city council on Sept. 21. It bans insults, harassment, threats, abuse and intimidation, as well as offensive and aggressive behaviour. Violators can face fines of between $300 and $1,000 for a first offence, with subsequent offences carrying fines of up to $2,000. The legal challenge was filed in Superior Court on Tuesday by the Saint-Michel Legal Clinic (CJSM) and the Association des juristes progressistes (AJP). In it, they argue that the Supreme Court of Canada has already ruled that expressions that could be characterized as “abusive, insulting, offensive, aggressive, provocative, or even humiliating are protected by freedom of expression.” The two groups argue that the anti-insult bylaw is unconstitutional and it is not “justifiable in a free and democratic society.” They filed an application to ask a judge to declare the bylaw invalid and to immediately stay the application of the regulation until a judgment is rendered, arguing in the court filing that a denial of the request for a stay “would result in serious or irreparable harm.” The City of Montreal did not respond to CTV News’ request for comment Wednesday evening. According to the 27-page application, Montreal’s bylaw effectively prohibits political speech, including statements used to denounce racial profiling. The plaintiffs give the example of the expressions some activists use at the antipolice brutality protests held each year in Montreal — such as “ACAB,” “1213,” and “Fuck the police” — which could be deemed offensive to the police.
“By having the effect of prohibiting any insulting, abusive, offensive, humiliating, or aggressive speech or behaviour, the bylaw infringes upon freedom of expression in a manner that is discriminatory with respect to the political convictions of certain individuals, including those who, as part of social movements fighting against police brutality and repression as well as against racial and social profiling by the police, use expressions such as those cited above,” the court filing alleges. “These fines are, in fact, grossly disproportionate to the prohibited acts and have disproportionate financial consequences for a significant number of the people who will receive them, including those experiencing homelessness.” When the bylaw was before city councillors earlier this month, the debate lasted over half an hour, with the official opposition at City Hall calling the regulation “half-baked.” It was passed by a vote of
35-25. During the debate of the bylaw, opposition councillor Martine Musau Muele said that council was asked to vote on the rule without adequate information. She said the documents councillors received did not provide statistics and reports to support the need for the bylaw. Meanwhile, Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada defended the new rule at the time, insisting that her administration “needed to act,” adding that instances of inappropriate behaviour have increased dramatically and made it more difficult to recruit new employees. “We are simply saying that there is a line between challenging an institution and engaging in behaviour that is inappropriate toward the people who work for it,” said the mayor. “The thousands of women and men who work every day to serve Montreal have the right to protection from their employer, which is us.”
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Nanaimo encampment in place for 20 years should be cleaned up, neighbours say Concerns are growing in a Vancouver Island community over a nearby encampment that neighbours say has been there for almost two decades. Mike Gogo, who runs Gogo’s Christmas Tree Farm in South Nanaimo, told Global News that the encampment is about four miles away from his property. “People are afraid to go up there and it is not a good scene,” he said. The property off Nanaimo Lakes Road is not accessible from the road, but video taken by a drone shows campers, vehicles and what appears to be piles of debris littering the area. According
to the Regional District of Nanaimo, there was an active file on the property between 2014 and 2019, but nothing since. Gogo said that just because there have been no complaints since 2019 doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be dealt with. Gogo said he has yet to lodge a formal complaint, but would like the regional district to deal with the issue. “They should come in there and clean it up,” he said. “And whatever the cost is, shouldn’t come out of the public purse. It should come out of the owner of the property; that’s only fair.”
Carney says LNG Canada expansion offers ‘secure’ supply for Asia, Europe Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney announced in Vancouver on Tuesday that LNG Canada is moving forward with the Phase 2 expansion project in Kitimat, B.C. “Today’s $33 billion investment in LNG Canada 2 will make LNG Canada the second-largest facility of its kind in the world. It will create thousands of new jobs,” Carney said. “It will connect low-cost, low-carbon Canadian energy to global markets, providing the secure supply our partners in Asia and Europe need.”
The expansion comes as global energy markets have been in turmoil amid the war in the Middle East and the closures of the Strait of Hormuz over recent months, sending prices soaring. Carney added that this is a “great” day for Canada. “The scale of this investment shows it,” he said. “The partnership proves it. The speed confirms it. Canada is working. Canada is building big again” BC NDP leader David Eby called the announcement a “big deal.” “I want to recognize a few people who are very key to getting us here today,” Eby added. “But I also want to take a moment to reflect on what it means to have the partners that we have committing to Phase 2 of this project in British Columbia and in Canada. “We have very high standards, unapologetically. Workers have to be treated right. Indigenous partners need to be at the table. We need to ensure
that when we build a project like this, that it has world-leading environmental standards and there has to be a fair return to Canadians and to British Columbians.” Eby said he visited Kitimat and spoke to those working in Phase 1 and they wanted to know when Phase 2 would become a reality. “This project means 4,000 in just the Phase 2 project, 4,000 high-paid jobs,” he added. “It doesn’t talk about all the ancillary jobs that come with that. It means $28 billion over the life of the project in revenue for governments to pay for the services that people depend on.” Former B.C. premier Christy Clark said she was thrilled by Tuesday’s announcement. “We started talking about LNG in 2011. Everybody made fun of us, and me in particular. And I think John Horgan and David Eby both said that I was like some kind of crazy dreamer just making stuff up. And I’m glad they both turned out to be so wrong. “This is so good for workers and for our economy.” Clark added that if B.C. had embraced LNG years ago, the province would not be in the position that Carney is now trying to fix. “He says we don’t have diversified markets, we don’t have partners in Asia, we’re not selling enough of our natural resources,” she said. “That was the whole point of LNG. Create jobs at home and diversify our market so that we’re no longer so dependent on the United States. If we’d been allowed to just, you know, by other levels of government, federal government in particular, but then subsequently the NDP governments of Horgan and Eby, we’d been allowed to go ahead, we would be way ahead of the game right now, much better protected from the aggressive moves from the American government against us on tariffs.” BC Green Party Leader Emily Lowan was not excited, however, about the Phase 2 announcement. “LNG Canada is an entirely foreign-owned project,” she said in a statement.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
PLANS FOR SURREY ADVANCE VOTING AND Zero percent property tax increases for 4 years
OCTOBER
8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Zero tolerance and more boots on the ground SkyTrain to Newton via King George Surrey Centre Opportunity Zone SPS helicopter and drone fleet within 90 days New swimming pools for Clayton Heights and City Centre, and a new Newton community centre with a pool Designate Crescent Beach and Ocean Park as protected heritage zones New swimming pools for Clayton Heights and City Centre, and a new Newton community centre with a pool. Delivering long-standing community needs across the city Farm Local: Surrey's food affordability plan An independent forensic audit of city hall's land deals Withdrawing Surrey from the Metro Vancouver Regional District Residential building permits approved in 60 days, guaranteed Business licence fees waived for the first 2 years of every new business
McCallum, Doug
Safe Surrey Coalition
Cloke, Cheney
Guerra, Laurie
Safe Surrey Coalition
Safe Surrey Coalition
Elford, Doug
Nagra, Mandeep
Safe Surrey Coalition
Safe Surrey Coalition
Gill, Meera
Patton, Allison
Safe Surrey Coalition
Safe Surrey Coalition
Gill, Suhana
Simpson, Beau
Safe Surrey Coalition
Safe Surrey Coalition
VOTING DAY OCTOBER
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RCMP refuses to say why it won't share details on firearms used in Tumbler Ridge shooting RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says in a recent letter that information about firearms used in the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., will stay under wraps for now because it's still part of an active investigation. The Sept. 23 letter from Duheme to PolySeSouvient and four other gun control advocacy groups echoes a statement from an RCMP spokesperson earlier this month about the deadly February shootings at a home and school in the small B.C. community. PolySeSouvient made a copy of Duheme's letter available to CBC News and The Canadian Press. In a Sept. 14 letter to Duheme, the groups said that as the new school year begins, students, parents, teachers and communities deserve verified information that could help address
failures in gun control law or its enforcement before another shooting happens. Eighteen-yearold Jesse Van Rootselaar killed eight people in the Feb. 10 shooting before taking her own life. A consortium of media outlets is taking legal action to obtain information about the guns used in the mass shooting and weapons seized from Van Rootselaar's home. Information about the firearms "is subject to an active investigation, which will conclude only once all investigative avenues have been exhausted and the evidence suggests there are no additional leads to follow," Duheme said in his letter to the gun control groups. "The specific timeline for the investigation depends on the progress of gathering and analysis of digital and physical evidence and so cannot be determined in advance."
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Doug McCallum seeks return to Surrey City Hall Continued from Page 1... Safe Surrey Coalition’s commitments include extending the SkyTrain to Newton from King George, zero property tax increases for the next four years, new swimming pools for Clayton Heights and City Centre and a new Newton community centre with a pool. “I have four generations of my family living in Surrey. The city has been very good to me and my family and I want to give it back,” he said. When asked how the “2026 Doug” would be different he said, ‘I am more energetic than before.” “My goal is to help the citizens and listen to their problems,” he said. Safe Surrey Coalition’s 2026 team includes previously elected council members Doug Elford, Mandeep Nagra and Laurie Guerra. The new representatives are Allison Patton, Beau Simpson, Suhana Gill, Meera Gill and Cheney Cloke. Transit, housing and development are among the key areas that the Safe Surrey Coalition says it would focus on. McCallum has guaranteed the approval of residential permits in 60 days. Council candidate Meera Gill said public safety, infrastructure and affordability would be among the Safe Surrey’s Coalition’s top priorities. “I want City Hall to be approachable,” Gill said, adding she would in the the office for residents to come and share problems. Gill also highlighted the needs of Surrey’s senior population. She said that seniors tend to become isolated and that affects their mental and physical health. She suggested that the Safe Surrey Coalition would be looking into creating covered gathering spaces in parks with heating and attached washroom facilities. Councillor Doug Elford
addressed concerns about the ongoing extortion cases in Surrey, saying those responsible should be dealt with more severely and such behaviour should not be tolerated. When asked about making the Safe Surrey Coalition team different, Elford said,” our group moves faster and follows up with the promises made.” “I make decisions based on what is best for the people of Surrey,” he said. Beau Simpson, former journalist and longtime editor with Surrey Now-Leader, said that when he covered City Hall, he got a close look at how the parties operated, “They do what they say they are going to do,” said Simpson. He said that the current team has more than 40 years of experience combined, later he added that the goal is to make Surrey a global city. He described the coalition as a team with “big ideas” and “bold ideas”. Suhana Gill said that one of her main priorities is ensuring young people and families have a voice at City Hall “My goal is very clear- to represent and be a voice for them,” Gill said, S Gill said approximately 45 per cent of Surrey’s population is made up of youth and young families. “We need to implement the right resources at the right places to see better outcomes,” she said. Gill said that she chose the Safe Surrey Coalition because it gets things done. Surrey’s 2026 municipal election will be taking place on Saturday, Oct. 17, with voting opening from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents will elect one mayor, eight councillors and six school trustees. Advance voting will be available on Oct. 7,10, 14 and 15 also from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
B.C. election call crushed victims' hopes of being heard by committee reviewing ICBC's no-fault policy Continued from Page 1... Dean Ferrer, 54, a sheet-metal worker, was working toward his retirement when the accident happened. He was forced to transfer all his efforts to recovery and to fighting ICBC, despite its nofault insurance being touted on B.C. government websites as a faster, easier way to getting insurance to pay for medical expenses and income losses. “What was printed there is not the reality I’m facing,” he said. His ICBC adjuster once cut him off his migraine medication and twice suspended him from benefits, he said. He’s appealed to ICBC’s “fairness officer” and the B.C. ombudsperson, neither of which helped, he said. He was hoping he would finally have his claim experiences heard by the committee. The committee had been appointed to fulfil the government’s mandate to review no-fault after the program’s first five years and was to have filed a report by February. Ferrer wanted others to know what it was like to go up against a giant insurance corporation when “you have no influence,” which for him has been “nothing but harassment for years.” Julia Kwan near her home in Richmond. She was severely injured after being run down by a dump truck while she was walking across an intersection. Part of a makeshift memorial for victims of the 2025 attack on the Lapu Lapu Day festival. The experience of the victims needs to influence changes to B.C.'s no-fault insurance scheme, the government has recommended. Government suggests adding advocates to help victims navigate ICBC's no-fault insurance “People don’t understand what ‘enhanced care’ is and that the people that are in it are suffering,” he said. “This was going to be the first meaningful opportunity to give me a little bit of help to effect
change for others and for myself.” The committee chairperson was NDP MLA Stephanie Higginson (Ladysmith-Oceanside); the deputy chairperson was Conservative MLA Brennan Day (Courtenay-Comox); and the other five members were three NDP, one Tory and one Green party MLAs. Ferrer was among 144 individuals, mostly victims, who sent submissions to the committee before the deadline in June. Thirty organizations representing victim advocacy, health provider and lawyer associations also made submissions. A small number, including Ferrer, were asked to make oral presentations. The submissions are posted to the committee’s website and Ferrer has read them all. “Every submission has the same tone and the same experience, and none of us had talked beforehand,” he said. Dean Ferrer of Kelowna was disappointed when the election call ended the work of a B.C. legislature special committee reviewing the first five years of ICBC’s no-fault insurance model. Photo by Handout/Dean Ferrer He’s been told by the committee’s clerk that it’s uncertain what will happen to the submissions or the committee’s work as it depends on who wins the election and whether a new government would want to continue the committee. New members would have to be appointed. “This is just a major delay and more people are going to suffer,” he said. Government workers, including those in Crown corporations like ICBC, are in election caretaker mode and won’t comment about anything but matters of public safety. Higginson said in an emailed statement that, if re-elected, an NDP government would resume the committee and any changes to laws or regulations “would be informed by the review.”
FIJI
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
Women’s titles not our decision – GCC THE inclusion of women holding chiefly title into the Great Council of Chiefs is not decided by the Bose Levu Vakaturaga. Responding to recommendations made by the Constitution Review Commission on the BLV in its report for a proposed new Constitution, GCC chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula said this decision was made by each traditional household. “The GCC welcomes the recommendation made by the commission however the GCC reiterates time and again that women of chiefly title are nominated from Bose Vanua of each province which is then recommended to the GCC,” he said. “The GCC cannot interfere with that traditional process as that is hereditary and decided by a number of votes. “That process is not of democracy or voting rights, it is of traditional rituals and practices.” Ratu Viliame also welcomed the CRC’s suggestion that the GCC be recognised once again by Fiji’s supreme law.
“The GCC was and has always been recognised in the Constitution until the most recent years under the previous administrations where they illegally removed the GCC. “People fail to remember that. “The GCC did not choose to walk out of Fiji’s Constitution but was removed. What the GCC is doing now, is just requesting to be returned its rightful recognition that was stripped off them. “As for respecting the rights and constitutional protections of all citizens, we have always been complying and encouraging our people to do the same.”
Lawyer barred until compliance LEGAL practitioner Vinisoni Filipe has been publicly reprimanded and ordered to pay a $1000 fine after admitting to professional misconduct for failing to respond to statutory notices from the Chief Registrar. The Independent Legal Services Commission (ILSC) delivered its sanction decision in Suva on September 11, 2026. Filipe, the principal of Redwood Law, admitted to breaching the Legal Practitioners Act 2009 by failing to answer a notice issued on September 30, 2025, and a subsequent reminder notice on November 4, 2025, regarding a complaint lodged by Prestige Sealink Fiji Pte Ltd. In written mitigation, Filipe explained that he believed the complaint involved a civil dispute that was being addressed
through civil court proceedings. However, ILSC commissioner Justice Daniel Goundar clarified that civil proceedings do not displace a lawyer’s statutory obligation to respond to regulatory notices. Justice Goundar considered Filipe’s early admission, apology, personal mitigation, and first-offender status, noting that his practising certificate had lapsed on March 27, 2026. In addition to the public reprimand and $1000 fine, Filipe was ordered to pay $500 in costs and provide a full written response to the Chief Registrar’s notice by September 30, 2026. The commission further ordered that Filipe shall not be granted a new practising certificate until all fines, costs, and response requirements are fully satisfied.
PM rules out permanent presence of foreign troops FIJI has ruled out any permanent presence of foreign military personnel under its security partnership with Australia. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said Australian personnel could only be embedded when there was a specific operational need, including cooperation to combat transnational drug trafficking. “That’s not part of it,” Mr Rabuka said when asked whether Australian officials were being embedded in Fiji’s military under the Vuvale Partnership. He said Fiji had its own national interests and was primarily focused on maintaining peace, security and stability within the Pacific. “Most interested now in creating peace, comfort,
security among Pacific nations and those already in the Pacific.” He said Fiji’s co-operation with Australia and New Zealand remained important, particularly in addressing security challenges affecting the region. He said the deployment or embedding of personnel would depend on the circumstances and the needs of the host country. “When co-operation is needed, especially transnational drug trafficking, officers can be embedded. Otherwise, there’s no need.” He said Fiji would continue to pursue arrangements that served the country’s interests while working with regional partners on shared security challenges.
No proof of Prasad’s election, court hears FORMER National Federation Party president Tupou Draunidalo told the Suva Magistrate’s Court she could not provide evidence confirming the formal appointment or election of Professor Biman Prasad as the party’s leader in 2014. Testifying in the FICAC trial against Prof Prasad before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad, Ms Draunidalo said party members regarded him as the leader. However, under cross-examination by defence lawyer Richard Naidu, she conceded she could point to no evidence showing how or when he was formally elected under sections 12 and 13 of the NFP constitution. Prof Prasad is charged under Sections 24 and 27 of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013 with failing to disclose his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts PTE Limited between December 30, 2015, and January 31, 2016 and providing false
information in a statutory declaration, while being an officeholder of the National Federation Party. Earlier, prosecution witness Manase Talemaipapalagi, an executive officer from the Registrar of Companies, testified regarding company filings for Platinum Hotels & Resorts. Under cross-examination, Mr Talemaipapalagi admitted that the Registrar’s office merely checks whether submitted forms are completed and signed but does not independently verify the accuracy of the details supplied or visit registered offices. He acknowledged receiving documents with inconsistent spellings of a director’s name without independent verification. Following Ms Draunidalo’s testimony, Elections Office manager legal Mesake Dawai began giving evidence on the regulatory framework governing political parties. The trial continues.
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Customary rights over foreshore, seabed and reefs protected under Constitution Bill Customary ownership and rights over foreshore, seabed, reefs and riverbeds would receive explicit constitutional protection for iTaukei, Rotuman and Banaban communities under the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026. Section 48 provides that ownership of iTaukei land, together with customary rights over the foreshore, seabed, reefs and riverbeds, would remain with the customary owners. The same constitutional protection is separately extended to Rotuman and Banaban land and customary rights. Under the proposed provision, these lands and customary rights cannot be permanently alienated through sale, grant, transfer or exchange, except to the State in accordance with the Constitution’s provisions governing acquisition for a public purpose. Importantly, land acquired by the State for a public purpose would have to revert to the
customary owners once it is no longer required by the State. The reversion requirement applies separately to iTaukei, Rotuman and Banaban land. The Bill also provides additional protection for traditional access and usage rights. It states that all iTaukei, Rotuman and Banaban customary rights of use and access to the foreshore, seabed, reefs and riverbeds are “inalienable”. Those rights would not be extinguished even where associated land is alienated to the State in accordance with the constitutional acquisition provisions. For the purposes of section 48, the definition of “land” is broad and specifically includes foreshore, seabed, reefs, genetic resources and riverbeds. The provision is among a series of land and resource protections contained in the Constitution (Amendment) Bill tabled in Parliament this week.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
SOUTH ASIA
Human rights defender Javed Beigh urges UNHRC "People of Tibet seek freedom", says US probe into rights violations in PoJK, PoGB representative Mast after delegation meets Lama
Members of the US Congress met Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala on Wednesday, with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast saying the “people of Tibet seek” freedom and reaffirming the delegation’s support for the Tibetan people. Speaking to the media after meeting the Dalai Lama, Mast said that China and the freedom of the Tibetan people were among the top issues discussed during the meeting. “Certainly China was among top issues, the freedom of the people of Tibet, his representation of freedom across the globe just as we believe that the United States of America is representation of freedom across the globe. We discussed a great many things,” Mast said. Mast said the threat of transnational repression from China was far-
reaching, alleging that Beijing could extend such activities to other countries. “The threat from China in terms of transnational repression is far-reaching. China will reach anywhere they can. They've proven that,” he said. He also said the US and China had fundamental differences over freedom and democracy, adding that these were also connected to what the Tibetan people seek.
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Human rights defender from Jammu and Kashmir Javed Beigh, speaking after attending the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, urged the UN body to take cognisance of human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Pakistan-occupied GilgitBaltistan (PoGB), calling for an independent inquiry and fact-finding missions to the two regions. Speaking to ANI, Beigh alleged that activists, political workers and journalists in the two regions face restrictions, while claiming that people have been detained without trial and that families have been left without information about
the whereabouts of their relatives. “Absolutely, UNHRC should take cognisance, and they should initiate an independent enquiry into all these human rights violations in both PoJK and PoGB,” Beigh said. Referring to what he described as the Rawalakot massacre, Beigh said the killings and the reported handling of the victims’ bodies required international scrutiny. “The Rawalakot massacre cannot be ignored. More than a hundred Kashmiris were killed, innocent people, and their dead bodies were not handed over to their families,” he said, alleging that such actions were contrary to international humanitarian and human rights principles.
Bangladesh unveils security plan for festive celebration of Durga Puja Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday announced enhanced security measures, increased government funding and an extended holiday for the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja. "Responsibilities for ensuring security and smooth celebrations have been assigned across government agencies at the national, divisional, district and upazila levels," he said. The minister came up with the plans following a high-level coordination meeting at the Home Ministry on security arrangements for the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja. Senior officials from law enforcement agencies and representatives of major Hindu community organisations, including the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, Puja Front, Kalyan Trust and
Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee, attended the meeting. Salahuddin said religious and social harmony in Bangladesh had improved significantly compared to previous years. About security risks, the minister said intelligence agencies had not identified any mandap as particularly vulnerable or high-risk so far. However, he said law enforcement agencies would remain on heightened alert throughout the celebrations and take immediate action if any threat emerged. Government funding for Durga Puja mandaps has been increased to BDT 5 crore from BDT 4 crore following directives from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Salahuddin said. The number of mandaps has also increased by nearly 1,500 from last year, he added.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
PUNJAB
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LPU unrest a conspiracy to dent Hindu-Sikh unity; ‘No one will give your kids drugs after December 31, sexual assault claims 100 crore per cent lies: Mittal 2029’: Amit Shah’s one-issue pitch in Jalandhar Four days after students went on a rampage on the premises of Lovely Professional University (LPU), Rajya Sabha MP and LPU Chancellor Ashok Mittal, speaking for the first time on the entire fiasco during Home Minister Amit Shah’s rally here, termed the happenings at the university as a “conspiracy” against LPU. He also said the sexual assault allegations made regarding a girl student at the university were “100 crore per cent” lies. Speaking to the press on the sidelines of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s rally, when asked whether he thought LPU was targeted, Ashok Mittal said, “Why only LPU and Chitkara saw such incidents? There is indeed a huge conspiracy behind it. It is a conspiracy to damage Punjab, dent Hindu-Sikh unity, destabilise the university, defame Punjab, hurt Punjab's economy and target jobs, as LPU provides many.” He added, “Someone posts just two lines on Reddit and then starts provoking others after calling them, asking others why they are sitting quiet on the issue. You just post something and it becomes true?” Responding to other charges and allegations levelled by students against LPU, Mittal said, “These allegations are all planted ahead of such
an ‘updrav’ (rampage). There is possibly no other university in India which listens to students as much as LPU.” Asked whether the charges of sexual assault were false, he responded, “It is all in front of you. These are not 100 per cent but 100 crore per cent lies. Anyone can claim anything.” Responding to whether he thought this was vendetta by AAP for leaving the party and joining BJP, Mittal said, “It would not be right for me to comment on this presently. When facts come to light, I will speak.” Asked whether previously ousted students could be behind the incidents, he said, “It seems many are those. Those who had been expelled or got low marks, etc.” Mittal said the university had itself also lodged complaints against those who indulged in arson. “We hope the probe will reveal what the conspiracy is and why these incidents were carried out. We have sought strict action against those who caused damage. If students are also found to be culprits, we ourselves will act against them and call for them to be arrested,” he said. When questioned, he said the LPU issue was not discussed between him and Home Minister Amit Shah during the rally.
Ropar man sentenced to death in Saudi drug case; family appeals to Centre, Punjab govt to intervene A pall of gloom has descended on Patti Lower village near Nangal after news that Gurpreet Singh alias Babbi, who had gone abroad in search of a livelihood, has been sentenced to death in a narcotics case in Saudi Arabia. The family received the information after the Ropar Deputy Commissioner got a communication regarding the death sentence from the Indian Embassy in Muscat on September 24. The Nangal Tehsildar subsequently informed Gurpreet’s family about the development. Gurpreet, son of late Jarnail Singh, had gone to Muscat around four years ago to earn a livelihood. According to his mother Jaswant Kaur, Gurpreet’s father had already died and he is her only son. The family has now appealed to the Central and Punjab Governments
to intervene urgently and seek commutation of his death sentence. According to the family and villagers, Gurpreet had been working as a truck driver and used to travel from Muscat to Saudi Arabia. Around two years ago, narcotic substances were allegedly recovered from the truck in which he was travelling, following which a drug smuggling case was registered against him. He remained in jail for nearly two years before being sentenced to death. The family, however, maintains that Gurpreet is innocent and alleges that someone had deliberately placed narcotics in his truck to implicate him. Villagers described him as a religious-minded young man and expressed concern over the fate of the family, particularly his elderly mother.
Below-normal rain forecast for India in October; Punjab remains deficient since June India is likely to witness below-normal rainfall in October 2026, with most parts of the country expected to receive deficient showers, while the Southern region is likely to record normal rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). India recorded 12.6 per cent deficient rainfall from June to September. Against the normal of 868.6 mm, the country recorded 759.4 mm of rains. The Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Meghalaya meteorological subdivisions recorded
deficient rainfall continuously from June to September. The IMD has forecast that rainfall over the country as a whole in October is likely to be below normal, at less than 85 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA). The IMD said most parts of the country are expected to receive below-normal rainfall during the season, except some areas of Northwest India and southern parts of Peninsular India, where rainfall is likely to be normal to above normal. October is also likely to remain warmer than normal across most parts of the country. Above-normal maximum temperatures are expected over most regions, except some areas of Northeast India and isolated pockets of central and Northwest India, where normal maximum temperatures are likely. Minimum temperatures are also expected to remain above normal over most parts of the country. However, most areas of Northeast India are likely to experience normal to below-normal minimum temperatures.
“I am here to exhort the mothers and youth of Punjab, support BJP in this election and Punjab will be free from the scourge of ‘chitta’ by December 31, 2029,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in a forceful address directed at the people of Punjab in his first pre-poll rally here today — making it emphatically clear that BJP will contest the election “kewal” (only) on one issue this year — drugs. Arriing in Jalandhar two months after the Prime Minister’s recent rally, the Home Minister’s speech was a war cry against drugs ahead of the upcoming elections in the state and emphasised repeatedly that ridding Punjab of the chitta scourge was the “only” focus of BJP. Everything else came later. Issuing a scathing condemnation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the state’s AAP government for aggravating the drug problem in the state, he reiterated that only BJP could rid
Punjab of drugs as all other parties had failed. In his 20-minute speech, focusing primarily on the drug issue, Shah’s rally bore exhortations to people to support BJP, targeted the state government for systemic inaction on chitta and promised eradication of the menace before 2029 — in keeping with the party’s pan-India anti-drug roadmap — which will start with a “Nasha Mukt Punjab”.Shah also targeted “Kejriwal and company” and CM Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of not allowing NCB to open an office in Punjab. The ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab’ rally followed the culmination of BJP’s 13-day “Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra” across the state. The Home Minister also said he met the families of drug victims, adding that a mother who lost two sons to drugs only had one appeal — that her sons couldn’t be saved from drugs, but others’ sons must be saved.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
INDIA bloc demands CEC's ouster, return to ballot-paper voting
Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of being the “real masterminds” behind what the Opposition calls “vote chori”, the INDIA bloc on Wednesday announced a nationwide campaign demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and a return to ballotpaper voting. The Opposition alliance also appealed to the Supreme Court to expedite pending cases relating to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and other alleged electoral irregularities. After a three-and-a-half-hour meeting attended by 20 Opposition parties, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said Opposition MPs will march to the Election Commission on October 6 and would meet the President in the second week of October over alleged irregularities in SIR. Announcing district-level “Save Democracy” marches from October 2 to 8, he said the bloc planned five major rallies across the country during October-November, including a major mobilisation in Delhi on November 1. Flanked by ongress leaders Sonia Gandhi
and Rahul Gandhi and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Kharge said the alliance had unanimously decided to “fight against the killing of democracy”. He alleged that the EC was functioning like a “puppet”, with Modi and Shah controlling the strings. He said the district-level marches between October 2 and 8 would culminate in demonstrations outside district magistrates’ offices. The October 6 march to the EC office was originally planned for Wednesday, Kharge said, but was deferred so that all Opposition MPs from both Houses could participate in short notice. The Congress president said all members of the INDIA alliance had reached a consensus on replacing EVMs with ballot papers. Every election should be conducted through ballot papers, he said, adding that the INDIA bloc would repeal laws enacted by “stolen government” formed through rigged elections. Rahul said the discussion focused on the central issue of 'vote theft'. He asserted that the Opposition would ensure that those responsible for the destruction of Indian democracy were punished, irrespective of their position.
PM Modi, Benjamin Netanyahu hail Indian flydubai pilot as hero The leaders of Israel and India hailed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as a hero for saving passengers after he was stabbed by his colleague in an alleged attempt to crash a flydubai plane on Wednesday. Passengers on the flight reached Israel safely on Wednesday after passengers and crew foiled the copilot's attempt to crash the aircraft, Israeli officials said. The struggle began when he stabbed the pilot and sent the jet plunging nearly 14,000 feet (4,267 m) in less than 30 seconds.
Machchhar was covered with blood on the floor when he managed to click the release to open the cockpit door, a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Reuters. That allowed passengers and crew to overpower the copilot and enable a second pair of flydubai pilots who were on board to land the jet in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. "He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals," Netanyahu said in a post on X.
INDIA
PM Modi, Trump discuss trade, energy ties amid tariff concerns over Russian oil purchase Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled US President Donald Trump on Wednesday to assess cooperation in key areas such as trade, energy and defence and to discuss regional and global issues against the backdrop of New Delhi’s concerns over a US sanctions law on Russia. India has said the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which gives Trump the power to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five purchasers of Russian oil, can have implications for bilateral relations and the global energy market. Concerns about the US law have grown at a time when India and the US remain engaged in negotiations on a bilateral trade deal. Modi described his conversation with Trump in a social media post as productive and said they reviewed bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy, critical technologies and other areas. “We agreed to maintain close engagement to take our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership forward,” he said. The two leaders also discussed regional and
international issues, including ongoing efforts to advance global peace and security, Modi said. People familiar with the matter said the phone call was initiated by the Indian side. A readout from the Indian government said the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and agreed to “maintain close engagement to deepen cooperation for the benefit of the people of both countries”. The leaders agreed to remain in touch, the readout said. Modi and Trump last met on the margins of the G7 Summit in France in June, though they have spoken on phone several times this year. Concerns have grown on the Indian side over the new US sanctions law on Russia, especially because of the way the Trump administration has used tariffs since last year, when Indian goods were hit with 50% tariffs, including a 25% levy over Russian oil purchases. Russia has accounted for more than 50% of India’s oil purchases in recent months.
This nonsense has to stop: SC pulls up Uttar Pradesh Police for ‘shielding’ accused; summons officer The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Uttar Pradesh Police for registering an FIR against an “unknown” person in a motorcycle theft case despite the complainant having apprehended the thief on the spot. A Bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva warned that it might transfer all the cases being probed by the Uttar Pradesh Police to the CBI. “In everything you have an agenda. How will people trust you if this is how you proceed with matters? It is better if we ask CBI to step in all UP Police investigations. We might as well disband the UP Police. This nonsense has to stop at some point,” the Bench said. “Toeing the line is one thing but bending over backwards? …And this kind of cover up job? …
Less said the better,” the Bench said. “The FIR was registered against unknown persons? Why did you write “unknown” if the person was caught at the spot? Why did you register an FIR against an unknown motorcycle rider if he was caught on the spot? How will people trust the police?” the Bench asked the Uttar Pradesh Police. The court’s outburst came after it perused the UP Police’s affidavit that exposed loopholes in the FIR as alleged by the complainant. Terming an affidavit filed by Shobhit Kumar, Circle Officer of Khurja, Bulandshahr “utterly uninspiring,” the Bench asked him to appear before it on the next date of hearing. The Bench asked him to explain why the FIR was registered against an unknown motorcycle rider when it’s an admitted fact that the said motor cycle rider was apprehended at the spot.
Ahead of Diwali, Supreme Court rules out total ban on crackers; favours balanced approach Ahead of the festive season, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled out a total ban on firecrackers, as it favoured a balanced approach during Diwali by allowing the bursting of permissible types of firecrackers within a specified time. “We make it very clear. Neither we are going to agree with you for total ban, nor are we going to allow them to do it 24 hours. For two reasons, a total ban will have some sentimental effect… number one. Number two, allowing them throughout the day will have a huge impact on every other living being, including old people, sick people and children. We need to find a solution whereby we can give specified time and we can specify what crackers to be used are”, a Bench led by Justice MM Sundresh said. The Bench was hearing a case arising from a 2015 proceeding in which the top court has been issuing directions restricting use of firecracker Delhi and other air pollution affected states between October and January. In October 2025, the top court, however, relaxed the ban in the Delhi-NCR Region for Diwali, permitting the use of green crackers on the day of the festival. Asking the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to consider relaxing restrictions on firecrackers, the Bench said it would specify which firecrackers could be allowed to be used after the CPCB submits a report on the impact of bariumbased firecrackers. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati sought time until October 15 to
place on record the Central Pollution Control Board’s report on the use of barium-based firecrackers, noting that outdoor testing of such crackers is yet to be conducted. The Bench said it was inclined to
accept her suggestion to allow the manufacture of joint firecrackers or larri, which involved a string of individual firecrackers linked together by a single fuse to go off consecutively. One of the advocates raised concerns over the possible rise in pollution levels in Delhi in the coming months due crackers and crop burning, creating havoc in the environment. However, the Bench made it clear that it will not allow unrestricted use of firecrackers and would examine if permission can be given during specific timings. On behalf of firecracker manufacturers, senior counsel K Parameshwar requested the Bench not to single out Delhi while examining restrictions on firecracker use.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
INDIA
India is rising into a world that is falling apart Emmanuel Macron’s final appearance before the United Nations General Assembly felt less like a farewell than an obituary for an international system. Warning of a global “return to the law of the jungle”, he rejected the “new order of impunity” before ending with an almost defiant appeal: “Long Live the United Nations!”
António Guterres, delivering his own final General Assembly address as Secretary-General, was equally bleak. “The fault lines in our world are widening. Cracks have become canyons,” he said. Wars, attacks on civilians, and declining trust reflected the same underlying problem: how power is exercised and distributed. Then, Donald Trump stepped onto the stage. Speaking from an organisation founded in the aftermath of World War II, he considered the possibility of annihilating the Islamic Republic if diplomacy with Iran failed. However, he also mentioned that a deal might be possible after the American midterm elections. Trump framed his position around preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Yet hearing an American president discuss annihilation at the United Nations captured something disturbing about the moment. The organisation was founded on the proposition that international disputes required institutions capable of restraining force. Eight decades later, force is again becoming an increasingly explicit currency of international relations.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan offered an institutional critique, arguing that the UN was “no longer able to fulfil” its mission and repeating that “the world is bigger than five”. Whatever one thinks of Turkish foreign policy, dissatisfaction with a Security Council dominated by five permanent members extends far beyond Ankara. For India, this matters enormously. Since independence, New Delhi has argued that global institutions inadequately reflect realities beyond Europe and North America. It sought strategic autonomy, a stronger voice for developing nations and recognition of the redistribution of power towards Asia and the Global South. Now, as India acquires the weight to exercise greater influence, the system it spent decades seeking to reform appears to be losing coherence. That is the paradox of India’s arrival. It is becoming one of the states without which central questions of the emerging international order cannot easily be settled, just as that order grows less predictable. India's economic transformation is substantial. The International Monetary Fund recently described India as the world’s fastest-growing major economy and a key driver of global growth. Challenges involving employment, productivity, infrastructure and energy exposure remain considerable, but the shift in India’s economic importance is unmistakable. Its relevance to global manufacturing is also becoming more tangible. Applied Materials announced this month that it plans to invest $5 billion in India over the next decade, as semiconductor companies diversify production amid technological competition and geopolitical uncertainty. India has committed substantial incentives to a domestic semiconductor ecosystem, although large-scale fabrication remains an unfinished project rather than a completed success.
Indian captain 'fights off' Omani co-pilot who tried to crash Israel-bound plane Continued from Page 1... The Indian captain fought with him to prevent the aircraft from crashing, with Israeli passengers later helping subdue the co-pilot, the report said. In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said one of the pilots stabbed the other and apparently attempted to crash the aircraft with passengers on board. Netanyahu said an Israeli passenger told him that the aircraft went into a spin and began descending, after which the passenger and a crew member managed to break into the cockpit and, together, they overpowered the pilot who had carried out the stabbing while he was attempting to sabotage the aircraft's systems. According to Netanyahu, another crew member then entered the cockpit and helped stabilise the aircraft. "I salute these heroes who demonstrated extraordinary resourcefulness and courage. They saved many lives and prevented a major disaster," he said. The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia and all passengers were out of danger, said Netanyahu, who met his security chiefs to discuss the situation. He also said the pilot who carried out the stabbing had been arrested and was being questioned by Saudi authorities. Th Flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, had transmitted emergency signals and made a sharp descent before diverting to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children. Flydubai confirmed that the aircraft had experienced an in-flight incident and landed safely in Tabuk. "The aircraft was successfully secured by on-duty Flydubai crew travelling on the flight, who diverted and landed the aircraft safely at Tabuk
Airport (TUU). All passengers and crew are safe and accounted for," it said. The airline said it was cooperating with the relevant authorities and that all passengers were safe. The airline has not released the identity or nationality of the pilots. "At this early stage, the underlying reasons and motives behind this event are unknown and remain subject to a formal investigation. We urge all parties to refrain from premature speculation while authorities gather the facts," the airline said. Tabuk airport authorities said the captain and the first officer were injured and taken to hospital. Israeli authorities feared a possible hijacking and scrambled fighter jets. The incident remains under investigation. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the incident aboard the plane "was a jihadist terrorist attack attempt, which was thwarted only thanks to the bravery of several Israeli passengers who broke into the cockpit and overpowered the terrorist". Flight-tracking data analysed by BBC Verify showed the aircraft cruising at about 34,000 feet before descending more than 17,000 feet in less than two minutes. The aircraft subsequently transmitted emergency signals, including a code indicating possible unlawful interference. In a video circulated on Israeli social media, a man, who has blood on his face, is filming himself while saying, "We're here – the plane – we've just taken control of the terrorists. We're about to land. Anyone who hears me: we need help. We're landing in Tabuk." Another passenger, Dalia Shpigel, told Israeli newspaper Haaretz that there were "terrible screams throughout the plane" before "three to five guys burst into the cockpit" and subdued the attacker.
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Iranian boat ‘Azad’ carrying 526 kg drugs had Pakistan-to-Tamil Nadu delivery plan An Iranian dhow that was intercepted by the Indian Coast Guard carrying 526 kg of narcotics worth Rs 3,000 crore in the Arabian Sea had plan to deliver the consignment from Pakistan to India's southern state Tamil Nadu, Gujarat ATS DIG Sunil Joshi said on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference in Ahmedabad, Joshi said the operation was launched after the Gujarat ATS received information about a longwanted accused from Gujarat who had allegedly contacted a Nigerian national in connection with bringing a large consignment of narcotics into India. “On September 10, Police Inspector JM Patel of the Gujarat ATS received information that a longwanted accused from Gujarat had contacted a Nigerian national; at the latter's behest, the Nigerian had met an individual in Gujarat,” Joshi said. Based on the intelligence, the ATS learnt that a consignment of more than 500 kg of narcotics was to be brought into India on the Iranian boat "Azad". Joshi said an advance payment had also been transferred in connection with the alleged operation. “The final intelligence indicated that five accused had departed from the vicinity of the Konarak port on the Iranian coast, and a smaller boat had approached the ‘Azad’ off the coast of Gwadar, Pakistan, to deliver the narcotics consignment,” he said. The Gujarat ATS subsequently coordinated with the operations wing of the Coast Guard headquarters and formed a joint team. Due to technical reasons, the team was deployed from Kochi, Joshi said.
The operation continued for approximately 17 days across a vast maritime area. On September 25, the suspected boat was spotted approximately 160 nautical miles northwest of Lakshadweep and 490 nautical miles southwest of Mumbai. The vessel was intercepted and searched, following which the boat and the apprehended persons were brought to the Mumbai coast for further investigation. The detainees have been identified as Mohammad Yaqub Baluchi, Shakirullah, Faridullah, Ahmed Khan and Wahidullah Khan,
all residents of Pakistan. According to the ATS official, the accused had commenced their sea journey from Konarak port. A small fishing boat from Gwadar allegedly approached Azad and loaded the narcotics consignment onto the vessel. The accused were subsequently tasked with delivering the shipment to a boat from Tamil Nadu, Joshi said. “Interrogation revealed that the total consignment weighed 526 kg, comprising approximately 400 kg of methamphetamine and 126 kg of heroin,” he said.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026