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VOL 26 - ISSUE 28
Burnaby senior killed by stray bullet
Nearly three weeks since two men were stabbed inside a Sikh temple in Edmonton, police have laid criminal charges in the case. In a news release Thursday, police said Austin Sim-Pelletier, 27, has been charged with two counts of assault causing bodily harm, one count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and mischief. Sim-Pelletier was charged on Sept. 4 and his next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18, police said. “This investigation is complex and involves numerous investigative steps that we are still diligently working to complete,” Staff Sgt. Eric Stewart, with the EPS Investigations Branch, said in the statement. Continued on Page 10...
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Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke outlines four-year development plan
To lose him in such a shocking way has shattered our hearts." Cho’s death has been linked to early morning reports of shots fired near 18th Avenue and Humphries Avenue on Aug. 30. His body was discovered by Burnaby RCMP during a well-being check several hours later. No arrests have been made. IHIT investigators say they've identified a group of youths connected to the shooting and have issued a public appeal for the individuals and their parents to come forward. Cho immigrated from Korea to Canada where he built a life “grounded in faith, integrity, and service to others,” said the sons. Continued on Page 4...
Man charged in stabbing inside Edmonton Sikh temple
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The family of the Burnaby, B.C., senior who was killed in his home by a stray bullet say they are devastated by the loss. Chang Yong Cho, 85, was found dead of a gunshot wound in his Kingsway apartment on Aug. 30. Police say the fatal bullet came from gunfire that originated a block away. “We are struggling to understand how something so senseless could happen to a man who lived with such gentleness and grace,” said sons Justin and David Cho in a statement released by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT). "Our father was a man of deep Christian faith, gentle spirit, and unwavering kindness.
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Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke speaks to approximately 200 residents during a Surrey civic election campaign meeting held at the residence of Parminder Thind in the Fraser Heights area of Surrey. Locke outlined her vision and key development priorities for Surrey over the next four years, while engaging with residents on issues affecting the community and the city’s future.
$3M loss for 19 victims in fraud case against Vancouver cop, police allege
Vancouver Police Department Chief Steve Rai speaks to Media
A longtime Vancouver Police Department officer has been charged with multiple counts of fraud, theft, and breach of trust following a comprehensive twoand-a-half-year covert investigation that found 19 victims had lost a total of $3 million. The Vancouver Police Department’s (VPD) chief constable announced more details Friday morning (Sept. 4) about the investigation in Vancouver Friday (Sept. 4). Continued on Page 10...
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
Man flees road rage incident near Vancouver that ended with him being chased with a knife
Robin Nuber was in Los Angeles on the weekend, but it was after he returned home to British Columbia that he found himself in a scene he likened to an "action movie," speeding in reverse to escape a man with a knife who was chasing a frightened victim clinging to the outside of Nuber's Tesla. "I just got back, so I literally felt like I was at Universal Studios where they do the staged remakes of movies, and everything's kind of like an action movie," the Surrey, B.C., photographer said on Thursday "It felt like I was at an actual movie set, but nope, it was not — it was very real." Nuber had been heading to a photo shoot in Redwood Park in Surrey on Wednesday when
he encountered the scene of a man with a knife clambering over a pickup truck in pursuit of another man, who ran toward Nuber's Tesla. A video captured by Nuber's vehicle shows the assailant chasing the car as it reverses away, the other man hanging onto an open back door as
Nuber tries to put distance between them and the pursuer. Nuber can be heard telling the victim to "hold on" before the vehicle stops and the man climbs inside when they are far enough away from the attacker. He said the victim suffered multiple injuries, including a bloody mouth, gouged right eye and cuts on an arm. Surrey police said a 37-year-old man was facing multiple charges, including assault with a weapon, criminal harassment and uttering threats and he remained in custody. He was due in Surrey Provincial Court on Thursday to set a next appearance date. "The victim attempted to drive away in his Ford pickup truck when the suspect drove his Jeep
Wrangler into it," Surrey police said in a statement on Thursday. "The victim then ran from the truck as the suspect allegedly brandished a knife and chased after him. Fortunately, a nearby witness driving a Telsa provided the victim safety until SPS officers arrived. The statement said several police officers were called to the scene at about 4:44 p.m. and took the suspect into custody without incident. Nuber said he had turned up at a parking lot when he saw a pickup truck and a Jeep had collided, with both cars' airbags deployed. "I thought that it might be a road rage incident. So, I slowed my car down, and then I took my phone out and started to film what started to happen," said Nuber.
Honveer Singh Randhawa and team pitches change for Surrey By Jasmine Kaur Kochhar: Surrey mayoral candidate Honveer Singh Randhawa says public safety and rebuilding the city's infrastructure would be among his top priorities if elected, as
Honveer Singh Randhawa and Ricky Bajwa (Navdeep)
he campaigns alongside council candidate Ricky Bajwa with the Conservative Party of Surrey. Randhawa is a Surrey-raised lawyer and had previously entered provincial politics as the
Conservative Party of B.C. candidate in SurreyGuildford during 2024 election. Bajwa has been a Surrey resident for almost two decades, he’s also an international-level badminton player and coach. He also serves as the director of the non-profit Jeeway Punjab Adabi Sangat Foundation Randhawa argued that over the last 10 years the taxes have doubled but the services have not kept pace. He pointed to swimming lessons as an example; kids have been waiting in line but have been unable to access them. “We will bring a new outlook, not only energy,” Randhawa said. “Being young does provide one thing, which is the time and the energy we can bring to the table.” Randhawa also said that his council team has signed an affidavit committing to not take any salary hikes in their Continued on Page 8... four-year term.
Surrey mayor first to tear into building, starting demolition for new 10,000-seat arena Areas of Practice ICBC/Personal Injury Immigration Law Corporate / Commercial Real Estate / Property Development
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Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke was the first to start tearing down the old Safeway to make room for a 10,000 seat arena, as demolition on the downtown site began Thursday. "This is an exciting step forward for one of the most significant city-building projects in Surrey's history," noted the mayor. The project has an estimated net cost of $360 million and is being funded through Surrey's five-year budget in part with a $198-million investment. The city also swapped three parcels of land it owned, valued at a total of roughly $116 million, with Wesgroup Properties. In its entirety, the development's plans include a luxury hotel, conference space and housing, the city said, in aim to create a new sports and entertainment hub in one of the province's fastestgrowing cities. The Western Hockey League's Vancouver Giants, currently in Langley, will be the arena's anchor tenants. The city says the project is expected to generate $2.4 billion in "economic benefits" over the next decade, and create 2,700 jobs in the region. On Thursday, Michael Bublé was side by side with the Surrey Mayor to "celebrate" the moment. "This is going to be a huge addition to the community," he said. "I think [there will be] a lot of unforgettable nights, not only for Surrey, or for B.C., but for Canada." Through his roughly 30 year career, Bublé said,
he understands how arenas can change a city, and said this one will "become a part of memories." But other mayoral candidates have been more critical of the project. In a Tuesday press release, the Imagine Surrey municipal party described the project as a "deal done in the dark, on land the city overpaid for." Mike Starchuk, mayoral candidate for the party, said he would have built the arena "in the
right place at the right time." Adding that every commitment would be made "in writing," letting the public "hold us to every word." Meanwhile, the Surrey City Development Corporation is more optimistic. "This project represents an important investment in Surrey's future, creating a facility that will generate lasting economic, cultural, sport and community benefits for residents and the broader region," explained its president and CEO, Bill Aujla. The demolition and site preparation mark the first phase of construction, which is anticipated to be completed in 2030.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
B.C. border signs to declare Canada 'never the 51st state' in province's response to trade war B.C. Premier David Eby said Tuesday that the welcome signs at the U.S. border will make the province’s intentions clear that it’s “all in for Team Canada” in the escalating trade war with America. After the typical “Welcome to B.C., Canada,” new markers will emphatically state the country is “strong, proud and NEVER the 51st state. Sorry.” “This is a uniquely Canadian message, confident, good humour and it’s unmistakably clear,” Eby said. “British Columbia is part of Canada, and Canada is not for sale.”
However, that light moment didn’t overshadow the serious tone of Eby’s remarks, in which he made it clear that the trade war will be costly, but that B.C. is planning its own measures to support Team Canada. “Nobody wanted this trade war,” Eby said. “Canadians sure didn’t start it, and working families on both sides of the border will be worse off because of it.” Eby said measures will include a renewed ‘Buy B.C.’ campaign, which will pull in more products and services than its first round a year ago, to encourage British Columbians to become “our own best customers.” It will extend to continuing efforts to diversify trade so B.C. isn’t as dependent on the U.S. and Eby said he wouldn’t rule out retaliatory measures on top of the ban on U.S. liquor and wine on B.C.
Liquor Store shelves, though he didn’t specify any additional examples of what those might be. Eby delivered his remarks from a podium in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, right next to the B.C. legislature, on the same day that Canada’s reciprocal tariffs on some $28 billion in U.S. exports took effect and not long after Prime Minister Mark Carney posted his own rallying cry in a video message to Canadians. In his message, Carney didn’t unveil any new support measures, but did restate his assessment that the U.S. position in trade talks would undermine key Canadian industries, including forestry, which is why he had to walk away from the deal. For his part, Eby offered a sober assessment about the challenges British Columbians face, while also trying to convey that B.C. will back workers and businesses over the long haul. “The road ahead is not easy,” Eby said. “And while we’ll continue building new opportunities, there is no getting around the fact that people will lose their jobs and businesses will close on both sides of the border.” He added that this will be “the unfortunate reality of Trump’s trade war,” and “we’re all asking British Columbians, my colleagues and I, to do what we always do in moments when our neighbours are in distress. We have to look out for one another.” By the time Eby spoke, Trump had already given an indication that the U.S. side will escalate the trade tiff by ordering government procurement officials to exclude Canadian-origin products from government contracts. The measure came after a long weekend in which Trump ramped up threats, including a threat to ban Bombardier-manufactured aircraft from the American market, and posted numerous belittling memes that targeted Carney.
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B.C. families struggle with child care needs amid kindergarten gradual entry Some B.C. parents say kindergarteners' gradual entry into school is placing a huge burden on families, as they work to find care for their children outside of class hours. "Figuring out child care and pickups and drop offs — I've had to decline some shifts from work because I simply cannot be there, and be there for my child," said Amanda Kurowski, a Kindergarten parent. Gradual entry is practiced in many B.C. school districts. Under this protocol, Kindergarten students attend school for partial days before starting a full-day schedule. The idea is to allow kids and teachers a chance to ease into classes and familiarize themselves with a new routine. A University of British Columbia expert said
finding out how much bang for the buck gradual entry can yield is not a straightforward matter. For working families, juggling jobs, child care, and varying school hours can be a struggle. It's prompting child care advocates to call on the province to expand before- and after-school care on school grounds. Education Minister Lisa Beare wasn't available for an interview, but her ministry sent an email. The ministry added that since 2018, the government has prioritized investment in child care and early learning. The Kurowski family said they're fortunate to have the flexibility to accommodate gradual entry, but hope the province and school districts will consider alternative, adaptable schedules going forward.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
New Vancouver police training academy opens in Woodward’s building The new Vancouver Police Training Academy officially opened on Thursday in the Woodward’s building. Forty recruits already began their studies at the facility, located at 351 Abbott St. in the Downtown Eastside, and the students are expected to start working in the city next June. Another 40 recruits will begin their studies there in January.
“This state-of-the-art Academy represents a new chapter in the history of the VPD and, crucially, in how recruits are trained to become officers who will serve the unique and dynamic policing needs of Vancouver,” Vancouver Police Department (VPD) Chief Steve Rai said in a statement. The Vancouver police last had its own training program in 1978. The training academy spans 30,000 square feet over three floors and occupies the former London Drugs space. “The Academy is a foundational addition to the Woodward’s building and to the Downtown Eastside community,” Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim
said in a statement. Greater police presence in the area is already showing a positive public safety impact with the addition of District 5 operations and will only continue to improve now the Academy is running.” The City of Vancouver provided $4 million for the work, which included $2.8 million for the establishment of District 5 and $1.2 million for the academy. Additional costs are fully funded within the approved Vancouver police budget. The academy features: A virtual reality room where recruits can work through a multitude of high-pressure policing scenarios, including crisis intervention and de-escalation, mental health, and strategic communications Two large classrooms and two smaller classrooms designed for active learning with smaller cohorts to enhance the instructor-to-recruit ratio - A report-writing room where recruits hone administrative capabilities - A dedicated police radio channel for communications training - A gym that includes a turf floor section for training - An athletic therapy space - A massage, physiotherapy, and first aid room - A cafeteria The Vancouver police museum will also move into the Woodward’s building.
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Online harms are the biggest threat to Canadian children, new report finds A new report is sounding the alarm about the risks that kids face online, ranking online harms as the number one threat facing children in Canada. The report from Children First Canada is calling on the Canadian government to pass a stronger Safe Social Media Act this fall. The report found that for the first time since it was launched in 2018, online harms now reflect the “profound and rapidly escalating impact of the digital world on children’s rights to health, safety and protection from violence.” Each year the report looks at the top 10 threats to children across Canada. “For many years now, we’ve been tracking online harms as a significant concern affecting children and youth across the country,” Children First Canada founder and CEO Sara Austin said. “But this year it’s risen to the very top of the list because the issues that kids are experiencing are no longer confined just to teenagers on social media. We’re now seeing that every kid in Canada, from coast to coast to coast, from infancy all the way through adolescence are being impacted in their brain development, in their mental health, their physical activity and play.” According to Children First Canada, Canada now ranks 22nd out of 37 high-income countries on UNICEF’s Child Wellbeing Index and 72nd out of 194 countries on the 2026 KidsRights Index. “The Canadian Center for Child Protection is now receiving over 100,000 reports every single month of online child sexual exploitation,” Austin said. “Over the past decade, we’ve seen reports of online sexual exploitation increase by over 347 per cent. That’s a significant rise.” Austin said now is a good time for parents and caregivers to talk to their kids about the devices they use, the apps they have access to, and perhaps set some new rules.
“I certainly don’t want to send the message to parents that they need to panic or that they should be punishing their children,” she said. “Our kids are not to blame. Our kids have grown up in a generation where they are exposed to online harms, and really, we need to be holding the tech companies accountable.” Austin added that parents and caregivers can be more vigilant about the time kids spend online at home as Canadian teens spend an average of five to seven hours a day online. “I’m raising a teenager; I didn’t grow up with these things, his algorithm looks very different than mine, so I can ask him questions,” Austin added. “What is he seeing? What are his friends talking about? What are they experiencing? Not from a place of snooping, but really from a place of curiosity, so I can better understand and be better equipped to be able to support him.” Mother of young triplets, Natalia Kubiak, told Global News that it is a delicate balance to make sure her kids grow up knowing how to use
technology safely, but not expose them to it too early. “I really hope that by the time they are old enough, there will be better safeguards in place,” she said. Kubiak said she supports the Safe Social Media Act, which the federal government introduced earlier this year.
MLA calls for review after Surrey police involved in multiple collisions In the last 12 months, six people have died or been seriously injured in collisions involving the Surrey Police Service, prompting a local MLA to call on the Solicitor General to launch a review. The latest incident happened on Labour Day at 3 a.m. Surrey Police Service says it was attempting to stop the driver of a black Chevrolet Avalanche near the intersection of King George Boulevard and 96 Avenue. The two vehicles collided and investigators say the truck driver failed to stop. Authorities say the truck driver later crashed into a concrete SkyTrain barrier and a pedestrian was left with life-threatening injuries. But beyond the investigation by the Independent Investigations Office (IIO), Surrey-Cloverdale
MLA Elenore Sturko would like to see the province conduct its own review. “I think that there needs to be a review and that the minister should, you know, really take up this cause and if they find nothing, they find nothing,” she said. “But this, you know, we can’t just let this go as a bad coincidence or a series of unlucky circumstances. “We need to ensure that you know, with every opportunity that we have here, that there isn’t something more we could address to improve safety for the officers in the public.” The Ministry of Public Safety and the Solicitor General say it is awaiting the outcome of the IIO investigations before determining if further steps are necessary.
Sons of Burnaby senior killed by stray bullet speak out Continued from Page 1... “He loved golfing, dancing, sharing meals with friends, and spending time with his family. The greatest joy of his life began when he married our mother,” they said. “We take solace in knowing that he is now reunited with our mother in eternal rest.”
The sons are appealing for anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. “We especially urge the youth identified by investigators, and their parents, to do the right thing. Please turn yourselves in to police,” they said.
OPINION
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
B.C.'s forestry sector on verge of collapse, industry leaders warn as they urge province to act
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A coalition of 15 forest industry groups sent an urgent letter to the B.C. government last week — — released publicly Wednesday — calling on the Premier’s Office to form an action plan within 30 days to address the issues plaguing the sector. The letter is co-authored by groups representing contractors, manufacturers, unions and others dependent on forestry, including the B.C. Council of Forest Industries, B.C. First Nations Forestry Council and the Truck Loggers Association. The groups acknowledge that international trade pressures are beyond the premier's control, but say many challenges are "homegrown." The letter asks Premier David Eby to take swift action to form a crisis group with a mandate to cut costs, remove regulatory barriers and get economically viable wood moving. Richply, a plywood producer in Richmond, B.C., halted sales to the U.S. after recent Section 338 tariffs covering plywood took effect, explained its chief financial officer Bhavjit Thandi. He said the U.S. market represents about 20 per cent of his company’s sales. "Due to the tariffs, we’ve reduced one day of production," said Thandi. He adds it means three fewer shifts for the roughly 400 workers Richply employs. The Truck Loggers Association represents independent timber harvesting contractors and road builders across the province, with more than 400 members. Its executive director, Peter Lister, said the forest industry is on the "verge of completely shutting down." "People are out of work. Businesses are shutting down. Our members employ lots of people in small communities across B.C. and they’re laying off their workers," Lister said. Just last week, a major employer in Prince George and northern B.C. announced it is scaling back operations, cutting the number of employees from 85 workers to approximately 30. Lister noted that while efforts are being made to diversify trade, other markets are unlikely to replace the volumes traditionally sold to the U.S.
"A lot of them are just deciding that the risk isn’t worth it and they’re exiting the industry permanently." Gary Bull, a professor emeritus in forest and resource economics at the University of British Columbia, says this is the broadest coalition of forestry industry groups he’s seen, responding to a crisis he says is unprecedented in recent history. "This is the biggest challenge of our time, in terms of the industry. I think you’d have to go back at least 100 years to find similar challenges." Industry representatives say the expanded tariffs are just the latest pressure in a long history of issues that have made harvesting and processing wood more costly and less profitable. The coalition says increasing the annual harvest from roughly 30 million to 45 million cubic metres could generate more than $600 million in additional annual revenue for the province.
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But Bull said increasing the harvest alone would not address the broader problems facing the sector, which he expects will lead to an acceleration of mill closures if they go unaddressed. "There’s still far too many cases of delay of two and three years in the permitting process and that is just unacceptable," he said. The coalition is urging the province to move faster on issues within its control, according to the Council of Forest Industries (COFI). COFI CEO Kim Haakstad pointed to lengthy permitting processes, fees, taxes and other costs facing the sector. "We’ve seen cost increases in our tenure management, costs of over 50 per cent since 2017, far exceeding inflation," she said. Haakstad said about 95,000 people depend on B.C.’s forest sector for their jobs, while those directly employed in the industry earn an average salary of about $106,000 a year.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
The Queen of Garba, Falguni Pathak enthralled Vancouver with historic Pre-Navratri extravaganza
Legendary artist Falguni Pathak took center stage for Dandiya Dhoom 2026. Held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the Cloverdale Agriplexin Surrey, the event marked a historic milestone for the local South Asian community. It brought the undisputed "Queen of Dandiya" to the Greater Vancouver area for the very first time. The high-octane cultural celebration was organized by Yash Karia of Inspire Event Company. The evening seamlessly blended pre-Navratri excitement with a grand Midnight Krishna Janmashtami Mohotsav celebration. A Night of Non-Stop Energy and Culture From the moment doors opened at 7:30 PM, the Agriplex was transformed into a sea of vibrant traditional attire, glittering chaniya cholis, and colorful kurtas. Garba enthusiasts from across
Canada's Army formally made one of the biggest changes to its structure in decades Thursday by shifting from divisions based on geography to ones built around specific purposes. Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton held a signing ceremony and parade to stand up the 1st Canadian Division, which will serve as the main force responsible for deploying on large-scale combat operations and responding to crises. Headquartered in Edmonton, the "manoeuvre division" will bring multiple capabilities together under one roof, including tanks and other armour, artillery, light infantry, paratroopers and engineers. The idea is to prepare the army to rapidly deploy a large force and sustain prolonged operations.
British Columbia gathered to witness the icon live. delivered an powerhouse performance alongside her live band, Ta Thaiya, keeping the massive crowd moving for hours. The arena echoed with timeless 90s nostalgia and high-energy Garba rhythms.
Jigardaan Gadhvi brings early Navratri magic to Surrey with "Vhalam Navratri 2026"
By Vibhooti Vaishnav: Gujarati music sensation Jigardaan Gadhvi (affectionately known as Jigrra) delivered an unforgettable night of music and garba on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Cloverdale Agriplexin Surrey, BC. Organized by Goldmax Events, the highly anticipated PreNavratri concert drew Garba enthusiasts from across the Vancouver Metro area, dressed in stunning traditional attire like chaniya cholis and kurtas. Once Jigrra took the stage, the atmosphere became electric. Backed by an exceptional live band and a high-end visual production, he performed a dynamic lineup of his signature hits, including the fan-favorite track “chania choli”and "Ramo Re". The spacious venue allowed massive, synchronized circles. The event proved to be a major success for Goldmax Events, pulling a nearly sold-out crowd and solidifying its reputation as one of Vancouver's premier cultural celebrations of the year. The night perfectly set the tone for the upcoming Navratri season, leaving local community members energized and eagerly waiting for the next big celebration.
First phase of Army restructuring creates division focused on defending Canada
Physio therapist by profession, he chose music, with song writing, singing and composing independent music as well as his carrier goals. Jigra ended the night by singing audience requests from Gujarati movie songs like vhaalam aavo ne and chaand ne kaho.
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Rutland said the threat environment has changed and the world is returning to large-scale combat operations with hundreds of thousands of soldiers, like the ones in Ukraine. Alongside the manoeuvre division, the army is setting up a support division, which will be run out of Kingston, Ont. The army also is standing up a "defence of Canada" division based out of Montreal, to be known as the 2nd Canadian Division. It's made up largely of part-time soldiers and will focus on national emergencies and domestic defence. The 3rd Canadian Division — which traces its history to the First World War and took part in the 1944 D-Day landing at Juno Beach — is being retired to the supplementary Order of Battle.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
Perminder Chohan’s fundraising dinner draws B.C. premier unveils new border welcome signs B.C. Premier David Eby unveiled new welcome again. Canada's counter-tariffs took effect Tuesday, huge crowd in Surrey signs for U.S. border crossings at a Tuesday press and B.C. will uphold its ban on stocking U.S. alcohol conference, which he says reflect a message from his government: "Welcome to British Columbia, Canada. Strong, proud, and will NEVER be the 51st state. Sorry!" He pointed to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, saying that when 8,500 passengers were stranded at Vancouver International Airport, Canadians opened their doors to their southern neighbours. "Now here we are 25 years later, as President Donald Trump has hurled insults, unfair tariffs and continues to threaten our independence as a country." Eby said even in the face of the ongoing trade war between the two nations, Canadians wouldn't hesitate to step up
Around 400–500 supporters attend the Surrey City Council candidate’s event; MP Sukh Dhaliwal joins as special guest while mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk promises to make Surrey better. Surrey, BC (Khandoli)— A fundraising dinner hosted by Surrey City Council candidate Perminder Chohan of Imagine Surrey drew a large turnout on Wednesday evening, with an estimated 400 to 500 people attending the event. The venue was packed as supporters, community members and guests gathered for an evening focused on Surrey’s future and the upcoming municipal election. A special highlight of the evening was the presence of Surrey–Newton MP Sukh Dhaliwal, who joined the gathering as a special guest. Mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk also addressed the crowd and spoke about his vision for Surrey. Starchuk assured those in attendance that, if elected, he and his team would work to make positive changes across Surrey and deliver better outcomes for residents. The strong attendance reflected the level of community interest surrounding
the upcoming Surrey municipal election, with candidates and supporters continuing to connect with residents and discuss issues affecting families and communities. Perminder Chohan thanked everyone who attended and supported the fundraising event, emphasizing the importance of community participation in building a stronger future for Surrey. Event Highlights: • Around 400–500 people attended • Venue was packed with supporters and community members • Surrey–Newton MP Sukh Dhaliwal attended as a special guest • Mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk addressed the gathering • Starchuk assured residents that the team would work to make Surrey better • Perminder Chohan thanked supporters for their participation This report is based on information provided about the event and observations from the gathering.
on its shelves, said Eby, to "punch back" against Trump's "unfair" trade war. He added that his government is working closely with the federal government and is identifying additional counter-measures to protect Canadians.
Police say man threatened to shoot someone in Calgary grocery store in fight over U.S. tariffs A man is facing charges following a grocery store dispute about tariffs in southwest Calgary, where police say he threatened to shoot a man in front of his family. “This was an extremely dangerous situation that could have turned out much worse than it did,” Staff Sgt. Joe Hebert said in a news release. The incident happened just after noon on Sept. 3 at the Woodbine Safeway located at 2525 Woodview Dr. S.W. Police say a man was shopping with his wife and child, when they were approached by a 49-year-old man they didn't know, making comments about tariffs. The suspect became visibly agitated and started shouting anti-Canadian and pro-American remarks, police said. From there, the situation escalated, with police alleging the suspect threatened to go get a shotgun
and shoot the man in front of his wife and child. Employees intervened, police were notified, and the man was eventually escorted from the store. Police found him at his home in the neighbouring community of Woodlands, in the 400 block of Woodside Road S.W., after hearing reports from witnesses. They spotted a man with a gun, and officers heard a gunshot in the home, but no one was hurt. Police arrested the suspect within an hour from the time it's said he first approached the family. Police seized two firearms from the home, including a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, as well as ammunition and a BB gun. The man faces several charges, including uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, possession of an unlicensed weapon and careless storage of a firearm. He's due in court on Sept. 17.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
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‘Young, energetic and accountable’: Randhawa pitches change for Surrey Continued from Page 2... “I’m sorry, there is no reason that an accountable government has to do behind the door deals, “Randhawa said. He proposed transparency that during transactions related to property there will be a subject period and people would be made aware of the happenings by the city hall and their input would be appreciated. Randhawa and Bajwa also highlighted the shortage of accessible public washrooms. Randhawa said that during conversations with senior
citizens, many have raised concerns about the lack of accessible washrooms, particularly around bus loops and other public places. Bajwa also said that council members would
remain in constant touch with residents rather than limited interactions to the city hall. The party also plans to establish “connection hubs’ across
Surrey this would help in building a stronger communication between the citizens and city hall. Randhawa added his administration would also be working on the speeding up process to issue
permits, including a proposed one-week permit guarantee. This would help reduce delays for construction.
taxes. Traffic congestion and lengthy construction projects were also among the key issues his administration would look to address.
Randhawa said that he has also spoken to many gas station workers to make their washrooms publicly accessible. Owners were willing to do so and only asked for some reduction in the property
“I will be bringing in construction during nighttime, so a lot of congestion will be taken care of, " Randhawa said. The Conservative Party of Surrey will also be introducing sports scholarships and subsidising coaching plans for kids seeking support and guidance in sports. Bajwa said this initiative would help young athletes seek guidance, support especially when they compete at higher levels and represent the province and the country. When asked about his team Randhawa described them as “young, energetic and accountable.’ The 2026 Municipal Elections would be taking place on October 17, 2026.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
U.S. changes registration rule for over a million Canadian snowbirds
The Canadian Snowbirds Association has notified Canadians heading to the United States for long stays this winter that a rule change to the Alien Registration Act is now in force. This federal immigration law has long required non-American citizens and those who live in the U.S., both legally and illegally, to register with the U.S. government. The rule also applies to Canadian snowbirds; however, it was rarely enforced. In February 2025, the Trump administration began stricter enforcement, leaving some Canadians surprised
when they were fingerprinted at the border and charged registration fees. The latest amendment to the registration rule now exempts some Canadians from this registration process, but not all. But will it entice snowbirds to flock South for winter 2026? Last year's trends, combined with Canada's recently renewed boycotts, could point to an answer. The Alien Registration Act of 1940 has existed for decades. In short, it requires non-U.S. citizens to register with the American government for stays of 30 days or longer. Technically, it applies to Canadians, particularly snowbirds who enjoy spending winters in warm states such as Florida and Arizona. The rule has scarcely been enforced in practice, though. That is, until April 11 last year. President Donald Trump issued an executive order tightening enforcement. From that date on, registration with the U.S. government was
confirmed mandatory for every visitor aged 14 and older staying in the country for 30 or more days, including Canadians. Fingerprinting and photographing are required, along with a $30 fee. Fines up to $5,000 USD and prosecution await those who fail to register. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its guidance on the U.S. alien registration requirement, and with it comes a change for Canadian snowbirds who use NEXUS to travel to the U.S., as well as other Trusted Traveler Programs. Canadian snowbirds who have entered the U.S. via NEXUS or any of the above-listed Trusted Traveler Programs no longer have to submit Form G-325R just because their U.S. visit is 30 days or longer. The update could affect approximately 1.6 million to 1.7 million Canadians who are members of the joint U.S.Canada NEXUS trusted traveler program. The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act was introduced as a way to entice Canadian snowbirds to stay in the U.S. for longer. Elise Stefanik of New York, Laurel Lee of Florida, and Greg Stanton of Arizona are behind the bill, which would extend Canadians' visa-free stays from the current 180 days to 240 days. Only Canadians over 50 or those with property in the U.S. would be eligible. Tighter enforcement of the Alien Regulation Act in 2025 also came during President Donald Trump's first tariff debacle with Canada and his remarks that America's neighbor should become the "51st state." That rhetoric offended many Canadians, sparking their travel boycott that resulted in a 22% visitation decline last year compared to 2024, or around four million fewer Canadians, according to the U.S. Commerce Department's National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO). $3.3 billion in visitation revenue was lost as a result.
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$3M loss for 19 victims in fraud case against Vancouver cop, police allege Continued from Page 1... Kalwinder (Kal) Singh Dosanjh has been with the Vancouver Police Department for more than 25 years and has served in many roles, including senior detective in the Financial Crimes Unit and most recently in the traffic section. He was charged Thursday (Sept. 3) with four counts of fraud, four counts of theft over $5,000 and breach of trust by a public officer. A spokesperson for the B.C. Prosecution Service said the alleged offences occurred between Dec. 8, 2017 and July 25, 2025 “at or near Vancouver, Surrey, and/or other locations in British Columbia.” The majority of the victims are members of the community and investors of Dosanjh and his coaccused, Sarabjit Singh Gill, police said. Both men are Surrey residents. Police said Gill and Dosanjh were business associates at the time of the alleged offences and that the majority of charges relate to “housing developments.” Gill is charged alongside Dosanjh with the Jan. 2017 offences for three counts of fraud and three counts of theft over $5,000. Raj said the “protection of the victims” remains a top priority. “We want them to know – we hear you. Your voice matters, and you have made a difference not just for yourselves, but for the safety of our communities,” VPD chief Steve Rai said. “We recognize that there may be additional individuals and victims with information about Mr. Dosanjh’s alleged conduct who have not yet come forward.” Police have created a dedicated phone line, and they ask anyone with information to contact investigators at 604-717-2601. A reporter asked the chief if Dosanjh “preyed upon members of the Sikh community,” to which he responded, “That would be fair to say. When you speak the same language, sometimes it’s easier.” Dosanjh was arrested in a “controlled traffic stop” in Surrey Thursday and later appeared at the Justice Centre at 5 p.m. He was released from custody on several conditions, which include that he is no longer allowed to “act as a police officer and has no authority or powers of a police officer.” Police also took his “service weapon.” His next court appearance is at Vancouver Provincial Court on Sept. 17 to fix a date. None of these allegations have been proven in court. The investigation started in December of 2023; the Vancouver Police Department received information from multiple victims alleging criminal activity involving Dosanjh, VPD chief Steve Rai said. The B.C. Civil forfeiture office has also been involved in the investigation. The Office
of the Police Complaints Commissioner (OPCC) was also notified at the start of the investigation. “The arrest of a VPD officer strikes at the heart of the public trust we work hard every day to earn and maintain,” Rai said. “Incidents like this are profoundly troubling and inconsistent with the values of our organization, and demand a thorough, transparent, and unwavering response. These allegations are deeply troubling, not only because of their seriousness, but because they have the potential to undermine the trust that our members work very hard to build and maintain with the public.” Police could not say whether any of Dosanjh’s past cases will be compromised, but said they were looking into it. This is the first time Dosanjh has faced criminal charges, but court records also show several civil lawsuits against Dosanjh. Reporters questioned if there was a conflict of interest in the VPD conducting the investigation. Rai said that an investigation this large and complex takes “a lot of resources and expertise,” and in B.C. that is either the VPD or the RCMP. “We had discussions with the RCMP and with you know what’s going on in the region with transition bodies and resources. It was determined with collective judgment that we would maintain the file for the expertise required and the resources,” Raj said. Police also executed search warrants Thursday (Sept. 3) at the charity in Surrey that Dosanjh started, KidsPlay Foundation. Police confirmed that some of the charges relate to KidsPlay, but would not expand further. Dosanjh founded KidsPlay in 2015, after spending 15 years of his career on patrol in the Downtown Eastside. During that time, he saw many kids from underprivileged backgrounds who were not afforded the same opportunities as kids elsewhere in the city. Dosanjh wanted this to change and to be a part of that change, so he started running organized sports programs under the police athletic league after work for inner-city kids. Dosanjh has won various awards for his work with KidsPlay, including King Charles III Coronation and Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medals. His wife, Sandy Dosanjh, was running for city councillor with the Conservative Party of Surrey until Friday (Sept. 4) when the party annouced she is no longer running. “As Sandy is no longer a candidate for public office, we ask that her privacy be respected at this time so that she is able to focus on her family,” reads a statement from the party Friday (Sept. 4).
Man charged in stabbing inside Edmonton Sikh temple Continued from Page 1... In a news conference Thursday, Stewart said the accused remains in custody in a federal institution. Stewart said the charges against him were not announced immediately as the investigation continued. He noted that there was no concern for public safety as the accused remained in custody on a previous warrant for his failure to report to an Edmonton halfway house in the hours before the attack. "We first wanted to work with the community, we want to work with our victims to ensure that we are providing them the support they need," he said. "And also we wanted to make sure that we conducted a thorough investigation." He said police have been in contact with both victims in the stabbing and have confirmed
they are recovering from their injuries. He said the attack has been traumatic for members of the temple community and he thanked their staff for being exceptionally helpful during the course of the investigation. Stewart said police continue to investigate a possible motive, but there is no evidence to support hate crime related charges at this time. 'Like any other investigation, we work by obtaining evidence," he said, "This investigation is still ongoing."
FIJI
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
Mohammed Saneem’s Multi-Million-Dollar Lawsuit Set for First Court Appearance Former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem’s multi-million-dollar civil action against several current and former State officials following his acquittal in a high-profile criminal case has been listed for its first call on September 16. A Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim filed in the High Court in Suva on June 29 under Civil Action No. 193 of 2026 states that Mr Saneem is seeking $5 million in general damages, in addition to aggravated and exemplary damages. Mr Saneem has named six defendants in the proceedings, including former acting Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku, whom he claims unlawfully sanctioned and authorised the charge against him. Mr Saneem claims Mr Rabuku’s appointment as acting DPP was itself unlawful, citing a Supreme Court ruling concerning eligibility requirements for the ODPP. Current acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva is also named as a defendant in her capacity as the prosecutor who conducted the proceedings
against him in both the Magistrate’s Court and the High Court. Former acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew is accused of authorising and directing the investigation, arresting, and charging Mr Saneem without a reasonable basis. The writ also accuses Mr Juki Fong of failing to adequately supervise Criminal Investigation Department Officers Detective Sergeant Suliasi Dulaki and Detective Constable Tomasi Lagikula, who are also named as defendants for their roles in arresting, charging, and detaining him. The Attorney-General is named as the sixth defendant as the nominal representative of the State, based on vicarious liability. Mr Saneem and former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum were acquitted of all criminal charges relating to a variation agreement concerning Mr Saneem’s remuneration in June. The State has appealed the High Court’s decision to the Court of Appeal.
Nine women unite to fight illegal dumping A 65-year-old resident of Wailea St, Vatuwaqa has taken a stand against illegal rubbish dumping, volunteering with Trashboom Pacific to educate residents and help keep the community clean. Lavenia Volaukitoga said a group of nine women had been working together to discourage residents from dumping rubbish in the creek and surrounding areas. “Our group has nine women, and we try and educate the residents here not to throw rubbish around or in the creek,” she said. The group also photographs people dumping rubbish and sends the evidence to Trashboom Pacific for further action.
Ms Volaukitoga said a recent sewer line leak prevented Trashboom Pacific workers from accessing the trashboom and removing accumulated waste. “Because of the sewer line leak, workers from Trashboom Pacific were not able to pick the rubbish and clean the trashboom.” She said workers had resumed cleaning the trashboom, but she was saddened by what they were finding. “The waste includes plastic bottles, cans, kitchen waste, diapers, household rubbish and dangerous items such as needles. Ms Volaukitoga welcomed the $200 spot fine for littering and hoped it would deter offenders.
Fiji must stay prepared – Pio FIJI cannot always predict the challenges that may confront it but it could prepare itself to respond with greater coordination, says Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua. While commending security agencies involved in the multi-agency program, Exercise Bougainville, Mr Tikoduadua said Fiji’s national security extended beyond its shores. “On Tuesday, 25th August, I had the opportunity to return to witness the culmination of the exercise as it moved into its final Deployable Condition (DepCon), based on a simulated maritime incursion at Serenity Island,” he said.
“The exercise scenario involved a group taking control of the island and using it as a point for transportation of illicit drugs and weapons. “This triggered our defence and policing forces to deploy and test their interoperability and response across governance, capacity and capability.” He said exercises such as Bougainville allowed security agencies to train together, test the systems and capabilities, and strengthen the coordination that would be essential when responding to a real crisis. “For me, seeing this exercise unfold was also a reminder that our national security responsibilities extend well beyond our shores.
Fijian appointed new Air Vanuatu Airports CEO Former Fiji Airways executive Shalendra Maharaj has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL). Maharaj, who previously served as Executive Manager Operations at Fiji Airways, will take up the five-year appointment on October 1, 2026. His appointment follows a competitive recruitment process that attracted candidates from Vanuatu, the Pacific and internationally. Maharaj is currently Manager Aviation Services at Newman, Marble Bar and Nullagine airports in Australia, overseeing airport operations, safety, security, regulatory
compliance and performance. His aviation career includes senior roles with Fiji Airways, Emirates, Qantas Airways, dnata and Pionair Australia. At Fiji Airways, Maharaj provided strategic leadership across flight scheduling, ground operations, maintenance and logistics. The AVL Board said his extensive airline and airport experience, together with expertise in infrastructure redevelopment, risk management and regulatory compliance, makes him well suited to lead the organisation. He succeeds Jason Rakau, who has served as AVL chief executive since 2016.
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Goundar Shipping’s new fast ferry MV Captain Inoke The High Court in Suva has granted Goundar Fast Ferries Pte Limited (GFF) leave to issue judicial review proceedings against state authorities regarding the delayed registration of its vessel, MV Captain Inoke. Justice Anjala Wati delivered the ruling today granting GFF leave to file judicial review proceedings within 28 days. The court also awarded GFF costs of $3500, payable by the respondents within 14 days.
The respondents in the case include the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), the Minister of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, the Prime Minister, and the Attorney-General. GFF applied for leave to
challenge the continuous delay by the Minister in acting upon the recommendation of the MSAF Chief Executive Officer to approve the registration of the second-hand vessel. The vessel, purchased from the Republic of Korea, arrived in Suva in January 2025. Although MSAF initially refused the vessel’s registration on June 4, 2025, citing missing dry dock and survey reports, subsequent court documents revealed a significant shift in position. Justice Wati noted that on September 1, 2025, the MSAF CEO had recommended that the Minister endorse and approve the vessel’s registration. However, the court found that the Minister failed to act on the CEO’s recommendation, causing an unreasonable delay of over six months without justification. The CEO’s assessment noted that the ship had undergone thorough safety and technical surveys culminating in a four-hour sea trial—and that 38 out of 39 identified defects were successfully resolved.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
India crush Pakistan at T20 Asia Cup with record-breaking bowling display
India produced a dominant display to defeat Pakistan by seven wickets in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup in Dubai, bowling their rivals out for their lowest total in the format before rattling off their target inside nine overs. Pakistan, having won the toss and elected to bat at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, made a promising start but collapsed spectacularly after an opening partnership of 27. India eventually dismissed them for just 55 in 18.1 overs, with their spinners responsible for much of the damage. Shree Charani and Prema Rawat were the stars of the bowling attack, taking three wickets apiece. Charani finished with remarkable figures of 3 for
7 from four overs, while Rawat returned 3 for 9. Deepti Sharma added two wickets for only five runs. Pakistan’s innings initially appeared under control. Muneeba Ali made 13, and Shawaal Zulfiqar scored 14 for the first wicket. But Shafali Verma broke the partnership by bowling Muneeba, and Charani then struck twice in the sixth over. She dismissed Gull Feroza for a duck before removing Zulfiqar, leaving Pakistan 29 for three.
The collapse continued almost immediately as Pakistan slipped to 32 for four in the eighth over before Rawat and Deepti Sharma intensified the pressure. By the 13th over, Pakistan were 45 for seven, and there was no prospect of recovering to a competitive total. The final three wickets eventually fell with Pakistan on 55, giving India an exceptionally modest target. The total was Pakistan’s lowest in women’s T20I cricket, surpassing their previous low of 63 against India in the 2012 Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup. India survive brief wobble Despite requiring only 56, India did not have everything their own way at the start of the chase. Pakistan’s bowlers claimed three wickets, giving their opponents a brief glimpse of an unlikely route back into the contest. Fatima Sana was Pakistan’s most successful bowler, finishing with 3 for 17. The target, however, was simply too small. India reached 57 for three in 8.4 overs, completing a seven-wicket victory with Harmanpreet Kaur unbeaten on 18. The Indian captain ensured there was no late drama and guided her side across the line with plenty of deliveries to spare. The victory maintained India’s perfect start to the tournament. They now have six points from three matches and have already secured their place in the semifinals. For Pakistan, meanwhile, the defeat leaves their qualification hopes dependent on their final group match against Hong Kong. They remain on two points and need a victory to give themselves a chance of progressing.
SOUTH ASIA
Racist comments targeting Indians ‘shameful’ and cross the line, police looking into them: Shanmugam The police are looking into racist and xenophobic comments relating to the Nepal floods and Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India, Senior Minister K. Shanmugam said on Sept 5. Speaking to the media at Social Space @ Chong Pang, Shanmugam noted that some online comments to these issues have been “shameful, nasty and totally unacceptable”, with references to snakes, curry, prata, black magic and other racist stereotypes. The Coordinating Minister for National Security said he decided to call out people making such comments so that this behaviour does not become normalised, which then debases public discourse and affects social harmony. “These people should be unmasked and dealt with, rather than be allowed to hide behind online anonymity,” he said. The Ministry of Digital Development and Information will also ask platforms to take such comments down as they are in breach of guidelines, he added. Noting that nine Singaporeans are among those missing from the Aug 26 flash floods in Nepal that have killed more than 1,200 people, Shanmugam called out comments that said the missing “are not our own”. He also singled out a comment that said “all ABNNs look the same”, the abbreviation being a derogatory term for Indians. “What kind of people are these, who will come out and say these things about missing persons?” he asked. “It really requires a type of person (who is) very ugly. And I think we need to call it out.” The minister also drew attention to the way Temasek’s chief executive officer, Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, and the investment giant’s senior management were attacked online after it was reported that Air India was seeking about US$1.5 billion (S$1.9 billion) of investment from its
shareholders, which include SIA. Temasek Holdings has a majority stake in Singapore’s flag carrier.
Shanmugam said the attacks were “vile”, and included comments that said the Temasek CEO would favour Air India because he is of Indian ethnicity. Following his interview, the Ministry of Home Affairs followed up with a list of 20 examples of racist comments it had come across. Most were posted in the comments sections of local news outlets’ social media feeds. The comments used a variety of slurs to refer to people of Indian origin, including the term “CECA faces”. CECA is the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, a bilateral free trade pact signed between Singapore and India in June 2005. Responding to media queries, SPH Media said it will work with the authorities to ensure regulatory compliance on its platforms. SPH Media publishes nine newspaper titles, including The Straits Times. “As the national news company, SPH Media and its titles are committed to responsible discourse, as reflected across our newsrooms’ editorial positions,” said its spokesman. “We denounce inflammatory and denigratory remarks that run counter to our national core values.”
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
PUNJAB
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Bhagwant Mann, Harpal Cheema enter top panel, 2 MLAs exit as AAP readies for Punjab poll Two Punjab MLAs, Sarvjit Kaur Manuke of Jagraon and Baljinder Kaur of Talwandi Sabo, who is also the party’s chief whip, have been dropped from the national executive. Party sources said that Punjab AAP chief Arora was included in the reconstituted national executive as its ex-officio member as part of the party strategy to include party presidents as ex-officio members. The changes come at a politically crucial time for AAP as it prepares to defend its only bastion Punjab where Assembly elections are due in the coming months. AAP is hoping to replicate its 2022 landslide victory—winning 92 of the 117 seats—even as Opposition parties, including the Congress, BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal and other Akali factions, seek to capitalise on antiincumbency, drug menace, unemployment and other factors to challenge the ruling regime. Former Delhi minister and Punjab co-incharge
Ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party has revamped its organisational setup by inducting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, a prominent Dalit face, into its 10-member political affairs committee (PAC), while Punjab unit chief Aman Arora has been moved from being a member of the national executive to being its exofficio member. As part of the organisational reshuffle announced on Tuesday night, the party inducted Mann’s OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman and national convener Arvind Kejriwal’s close aide Bibhav Kumar into its 23-member national executive. Ghuman’s name had recently figured in the Enforcement Directorate’s investigation into the alleged cash-for-transfer and land fraud case, which is currently being heard by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Faridkot medical varsity puts NRI quota MBBS, BDS admissions in abeyance amid HC case The Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) on Thursday kept in abeyance the allotment of 214 MBBS and 217 BDS seats reserved under the NRI quota across 28 colleges — 12 medical and 16 dental — in the state for the 2026 session, citing the pendency of a writ petition before the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) challenging its admission process. BFUHS Registrar said the further process for allotment of NRI quota seats would be undertaken only in accordance with the outcome and directions of the High Court. In the first round of admissions, the university had already allotted 47 NRI quota MBBS seats and three BDS seats before the abeyance came into effect. The abeyance follows a petition moved by an aspirant after the university allegedly declined to consider his candidature under the NRI quota despite his father's sister (bhua), a citizen of the United States, furnishing certificates and an
affidavit in the prescribed format. The candidate claimed that the university's own prospectus stated admissions would be made as per guidelines of the Punjab and Central governments, the National Medical Commission, the National Dental Commission and the Medical Counselling Committee. He also cited a BFUHS notice dated May 27 to contend that candidates brought up by specified NRI relatives were entitled to consideration under the quota. At the hearing on September 7, counsel for the BFUHS submitted before the court that against the 214 MBBS seats reserved for NRI candidates, only 63 applications had been received. Noting that the number of applicants was lower than the number of available seats, the High Court directed the university to take a decision and apprise it whether the applicants could be considered against the vacant seats. Following this order, the BFUHS deferred counselling and admissions on NRI quota.
Punjab leaders unite in grief over demise of veteran BJP leader Chunni Lal Bhagat Bhagat Chunni Lal, former state minister and a BJP veteran, known largely for his clean and noncontroversial image, passed away on Thursday after a prolonged illness. He was 94. The demise of Chunni Lal Bhagat marks the end of an era in Punjab politics. Following his death, condolences poured in from across the political spectrum, while the AAP government declared a halfday holiday as a mark of respect. Chunni Lal served as the Local Bodies Minister in the Prakash Singh Badal-led Akali-BJP government and held several other portfolios, besides serving as Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. The Bhagat family remained associated with BJP in the Jalandhar West constituency for more than three decades, before Chunni Lal’s son, Mohinder Bhagat, joined AAP in 2023. Bhagat Senior was part of a BJP trio that collectively held sway over the electorates of Jalandhar’s three urban constituencies — West, North and Central — for a considerable period. Chunni Lal began his political career by contesting the 1985 election as an independent candidate, but lost. He subsequently joined BJP and won the Jalandhar South seat, as Jalandhar West was then known, in 1997 and 2007. Following delimitation, he won the Jalandhar
West constituency in 2012. In 2023, his son Mohinder Bhagat joined AAP and emerged victorious in the 2024 election. He was inducted into the Punjab Cabinet later that year. Chunni Lal remained a loyal BJP member despite his son’s dramatic shift to the AAP in 2023. He is understood to have expressed his emotional misgivings to party colleagues following Mohinder’s sudden departure from BJP. However, in a departure from tradition, Chunni Lal later campaigned for his son and sought votes for him during the 2024 election. Chunni Lal Bhagat was respected for his nonconfrontational and conciliatory style of politics, as well as for his characteristic restraint in the face of opposition. Following Chunni Lal Bhagat’s demise, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann wrote on X: “Received the sad news of the passing of former Minister and senior leader from Jalandhar, Chunni Lal Bhagat Ji. He was the respected father of my colleague in the Punjab Cabinet, Sh. Mohinder Bhagat Ji. In this hour of grief, my deepest condolences are with Mohinder Bhagat Ji and his entire family. May the Almighty grant the departed noble soul a place at His holy feet and give the family the strength to bear this loss.”
Satyendar Jain has also been inducted into the PAC. Mann, who was previously a special invitee to the committee by virtue of being the Chief Minister, has now been made a permanent member. The appointments give Punjab’s leadership a direct role in decision making on organisational strategy, candidate selection and campaign planning ahead of the elections. The inclusion of Cheema, who is facing the Opposition ire over a suicide case in his constituency Dirba, adds another senior voice from Punjab in the PAC. With Mann and Cheema’s induction, the top Punjab leadership would be looking to highlight its record of fulfilling all pre-poll promises, including a range of freebies, despite financial constraints. Jain, who has been involved in policymaking in Punjab behind the scenes, is expected to continue playing a key role in coordinating between the party’s central leadership and its government in the state.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
The Iran war looms large as BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi
As diplomats prepare for the BRICS Summit in New Delhi this weekend, the Iran war is looming large. India, which assumed the BRICS chairmanship in January, was already facing the difficult responsibility of securing consensus to achieve concrete movement on a variety of trade, economic, and financial objectives. Now, the U.S.Israeli campaign against Iran has dramatically complicated this effort, throwing the global economy into uncertainty and dividing BRICS countries, including some that are actively participating on either side of the conflict. The tensions within the bloc are far more significant than they were leading into last year’s summit in Brazil, which took place shortly after the 12-Day War against Iran. At that meeting, leaders condemned “the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025, which constitute a violation of international law.” In addition, they called for an “immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.” The situation in 2026 is more complicated. India — one of the five original BRICS members, alongside Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa — continues to strengthen its relationship with Israel just as the war in Iran exacerbates other BRICS members’ relationships with Tel Aviv. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just a few days before Israel and the United States attacked Iran in February 2026. As the Guardian notes, the visit marked a continuation of “India’s evolving relationship with Israel, and it has deepened as conflict swept across the Middle East.”
Given such overtures to Israel, one may understand if the majority of BRICS countries are uncomfortable with India’s chairmanship during this year’s summit. This was not the case last year in Brazil. Another aggravating factor is the fact that several BRICS members are now rival combatants. Iran, which joined the grouping in 2024, has damaged relations with many of its neighbors by attacking infrastructure and U.S. bases located on their territory. This includes the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, both of which are also BRICS members. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, “the UAE has been attacked by more Iranian projectiles than all other [Gulf Cooperation Council] states combined and incurred by far the greatest and most varied damage within the group.” As a result, the United Arab Emirates announced an indefinite trade embargo on Iran, saying “all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran have been halted until further notice.” At the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in May, the bloc released a comparatively weaker outcome document than that of the previous year, encouraging the international community “to continue supporting the Palestinian people in their pursuit of independence and sovereignty.” Moreover, the ministers were unable to produce a unified statement supporting Iran’s calls for “nations to condemn the U.S. and Israel over what they described as their unlawful aggression.” Therefore, we should expect that any final BRICS declaration will steer clear of any mention of the war in Iran.
INDIA
PM Modi speaks with German Chancellor, vows to deepen Strategic Partnership Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the phone and reaffirmed the commitment of India and Germany to further deepen their Strategic Partnership across key areas, including trade and investment, defence, clean energy, advanced technologies and talent mobility. The conversation comes as India and Germany mark 75 years of diplomatic relations this year, with the two leaders reviewing the progress of the bilateral Strategic Partnership and discussing regional and global developments of mutual interest. In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi described his conversation with Merz as "warm and productive" and said the two countries would continue to strengthen their partnership for the benefit of their people. "Had a warm and productive conversation with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. As India and Germany celebrate 75 years of our diplomatic relations, we reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening our Strategic Partnership across trade & investment, defence, clean energy, advanced technologies, talent mobility and other key areas," PM Modi said in a post on X. "Germany is an important pillar of India’s engagement with Europe and a valued partner for promoting global peace, stability and prosperity. Together, we will continue to deepen our forward-looking Strategic Partnership for the benefit of the people of our countries," it added. According to a release, the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the substantial progress made in key areas of bilateral cooperation and noted the sustained momentum in high-level exchanges between New Delhi and Berlin. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation across trade and investment, advanced technologies, clean energy, defence, education and talent mobility.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and agreed to continue working closely to promote global peace, stability and prosperity. The latest conversation follows growing momentum in India-Germany economic relations, with both sides seeking to expand trade and investment and deepen industrial cooperation. During Chancellor Merz's two-day official visit to India in January, Prime Minister Modi had highlighted the importance of closer economic engagement between the two countries.
Merz had arrived in India in January for a twoday official visit at the invitation of PM Modi, as the two countries marked 75 years of diplomatic relations and 25 years of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. The latest conversation between PM Modi and Chancellor Merz builds on that engagement, with both sides looking to broaden cooperation in emerging technologies, clean energy, defence, education and skilled talent mobility alongside traditional economic ties.
INS Mysore arrives at Lumut, Malaysia to participate in 4th edition of exercise Samudra Laksamana Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mysore arrived at Lumut, Malaysia, on Wednesday to take part in the fourth edition of the bilateral naval exercise Samudra Laksamana alongside the Royal Malaysian Navy. In a post on X, the Indian Navy announced the warship's arrival and highlighted the core objectives of the joint drills. "The bilateral exercise with the #RoyalMalaysianNavy will feature professional engagements in harbour and at sea to enhance interoperability and strengthen operational synergy," the Indian Navy stated. The deployment reflects ongoing efforts between New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur to expand defence exchanges and bolster security across critical sea lanes. "The visit aims to deepen bilateral engagements and advance #India–#Malaysia maritime cooperation," the Navy added. According to the Ministry of Defence, the ship and her crew were warmly welcomed by personnel of the Royal Malaysian Navy and officials from the High Commission of India in Malaysia. Exercise Samudra Laksamana comprises of professional engagements in harbour and at sea, including cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sporting engagements. These activities will provide opportunities for personnel of both navies to exchange professional experiences, enhance interoperability and foster greater mutual understanding. Building upon the momentum generated by recent bilateral engagements, including the 12th India-Malaysia Sub-Committee Meeting held on
July 1, the visit underscores the strong and enduring maritime partnership between India and Malaysia and reflects the expanding scope of cooperation between the two navies. The visit represents another important step in advancing maritime cooperation and strengthening professional exchanges between the two countries, the Ministry stated.
The engagement is aligned with the Government of India’s vision of MAHASAGAR and the ASEAN– India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026. Earlier in 2024, the Indian Navy and Malaysian Navy took part in joint drills as part of the third edition of Exercise Samudra Laksamana. The joint exercise is aimed at strengthening bonds and enhancing interoperability between the two navies, according to an official release. The Indian Naval Ship Kiltan and Royal Malaysian Ship KD Lekir were involved in the joint drills under Exercise Samudra Laksamana, which began on February 28 and will conclude on March 2 at Visakhapatnam. At the harbour, the crews of both ships will have various professional interactions, including subject matter expert exchanges on topics of mutual interest, sports fixtures, and other interactions, the release stated further.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
INDIA
Andhra Pradesh becomes first state to check IT information to list welfare scheme beneficiaries Andhra Pradesh has become the first state to get a formal mechanism to check income-tax information for identifying beneficiaries of its welfare schemes, a move that assumes added political significance as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led state government is part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with the BJP itself a partner in the Andhra government.
The Centre on Wednesday notified the Secretary of Andhra Pradesh's Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Department as the state authority for receiving income-tax payer information for identifying eligible beneficiaries under various welfare schemes. The move has been made under Section 258(1)(b) of the Income-tax Act, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had described the Andhra government as a TDP-Jana Sena-BJP government when N Chandrababu Naidu took office in June 2024. More recently, PM Modi said in August this year that the NDA governments at the Centre and in Andhra Pradesh were working together for the state's progress. Why does Andhra need income-tax data? The reason is relatively simple: several Andhra Pradesh welfare schemes have income-based
eligibility conditions, including the exclusion of income-tax payers. For example, the state's ‘Jnanabhumi’ eligibility criteria specify that a family must meet an income ceiling and that no member should be an incometax payer. The same principle exists in other state schemes. The eligibility conditions for the Thalliki Vandanam education assistance scheme, for instance, exclude households where a member is an income-tax payer, subject to specified exemptions. The problem for the state is therefore straightforward: how does it reliably establish whether a person applying for a welfare benefit is actually an income-tax payer? The answer now being created is to allow Andhra Pradesh to check that information against the Income Tax Department's database. There is a paper trail going back several years. At the 48th meeting of the GST Council held on December 17, 2022, the Andhra Pradesh representative supported the sharing of GST data between government departments and went a step further, asking for the sharing of databases from the Income Tax Department, Customs and NHAI toll systems as well. The request at that time was made in the broader context of government data-sharing and was not specifically recorded as a demand for welfarebeneficiary identification. In fact, the GST Council chairman clarified that Income-Tax and Customs data were outside the Council's authority. That makes Wednesday's notification significant: the Centre has now created a separate legal route for Andhra Pradesh to obtain the specific tax information it needs for welfare administration.
India turns diplomatic hotspot as BRICS leaders to share stage The national capital is set to become the centre of global diplomacy this weekend as Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrive for the 18th BRICS Summit, placing India at the centre of discussions on the Russia-Ukraine war, the West Asia crisis and the evolving global economic order. The summit, scheduled for September 12 and 13 at Bharat Mandapam, will bring together representatives of the BRICS' 11 member countries-Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE and India. It will also be attended by 10 partner countries--Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam--besides the heads of regional organisations and international institutions, including the UN, WTO, WHO and New Development Bank. The diverse composition of the grouping presents India with a diplomatic challenge as it seeks to keep BRICS focused on development and cooperation while navigating sharp geopolitical differences among members. Xi’s presence will be closely watched as he makes his first visit to India in seven years. His participation is also expected to provide an opportunity for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chinese President to hold bilateral talks and build on the recent improvement in IndiaChina ties. Putin’s visit will bring the RussiaUkraine conflict and Moscow’s growing economic engagement with India into focus. The Russian President is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Modi on September 11, ahead of the main summit, besides addressing the BRICS Business
Forum. Pezeshkian’s presence assumes particular significance amid the continuing crisis involving Iran and wider instability in West Asia. Iran's membership alongside Saudi Arabia and the UAE underscores the challenge for BRICS of addressing regional tensions while maintaining internal cohesion. The summit will, therefore, test India’s ability to manage a grouping that has expanded rapidly but whose members have widely differing political, strategic and economic priorities. India is keen to position BRICS as a platform for cooperation among developing nations and a stronger voice for the Global South rather than an anti-Western bloc. Its priorities include economic cooperation, digital payments, technology, critical supply chains, energy and food security, climate resilience and reform of global institutions. The September 12 meeting of BRICS leaders will focus on strengthening the strategic partnership in politics and security, economics and finance, and cultural and humanitarian ties, besides exchanging views on international and regional issues. An expanded meeting on September 13 will bring together BRICS members, partner countries, invited states and heads of international organisations. The absence of Bangladesh’s top leadership is likely to draw attention as well. India had invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the BRICS outreach session in his capacity as chair of BIMSTEC. His non-participation comes against the backdrop of strained India-Bangladesh ties, particularly over Dhaka’s demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India since her ouster in 2024.
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Trump admin removes controversial 'Mr Singh' self-deportation post; terms backlash 'nonsensical drive'
The US Department of Homeland Security on Thursday (local time) removed an X post featuring a Transformers-themed cartoon confronting an Indian Sikh man with the phrase “Get off our roads, you don’t know how to drive Mr. Singh” following fierce condemnation. The deleted post portrayed a facialhaired man wearing a bandana opposite the Transformers character Optimus Prime adorned with the DHS seal on his armour. The poster also read, "Self deport or find out." According to The New York Times, the image drew immediate backlash from Indian American organisations and Democratic lawmakers, who condemned it as racially discriminatory toward Sikh Americans and harmful to millions sharing the common surname. Addressing the post, NYT reported that DHS said in a statement that the graphic depicted Harjinder Singh, an Indian national facing vehicular homicide and manslaughter charges after pleading not guilty in a fatal Florida turnpike crash that claimed three lives. The federal agency dismissed the public outcry as “nonsensical drivel” and asserted that
“Harjinder Singh is an illegal alien from India who should never have been in our country,” according to the NYT. It added that the department offered no immediate explanation for why the post was taken down. NYT further highlighted that the timing of the incident, occurring alongside the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, heightened public outrage. Sikh men, who traditionally keep beards and wear turbans, were repeatedly targeted in violent, anti-Muslim hate crimes following the 2001 attacks due to mistaken identity, NYT reported.
The controversial graphic also sparked an immediate online clash between state leadership and federal authorities. California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticised the US President Donald Trump administration on social media, writing, "This is disgusting. Trump’s government is trafficking in racist propaganda targeting the Sikh community." Responding directly to Newsom, DHS posted a video alongside the reply, "Hey Gavin, YOU gave him his CDL and then he killed three people with his tractor-trailer."
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026