The Asian Star - February 7, 2026

3 Punjabi youth on temporary visas arrested by extortion patrol

Police in Surrey, B.C., say three men arrested on Sunday by officers on an anti-extortion patrol are all foreign nationals and have been charged after bullets were fired at a home. Continued on Page 7...

Thursday was another unsettling day for families in the Tri-Cities. For the second day in a row, schools in Coquitlam were targeted with unsubstantiated threats, prompting a police response.

While there’s an element of relief there hasn’t been actual violence, some parents are frustrated about the speed of communication.

“Your level of anxiety goes up, and you just don’t know what to do,” said Jon, a parent of two Centennial Secondary School students who asked not to use his last name. “You feel helpless as a parent.”

Parents like Jon have been locked to their phones since the series of threats at Centennial

members meet local MPs

South Asian Business Association (SABA) of BC met with local Members of Parliament to formally present a letter urging urgent policy action on key issues, including opening foreign investment in the housing market, strengthening small businesses through an expanded immigration workforce, and enhancing enforcement and accountability to improve public safety. SABA requested MPs to review the concerns and forward the letter to the relevant ministries and the Prime Minister’s Office for

immediate consideration. The letter was officially presented by SABA President Lakhvinder Gill.

MPs present at the meeting included Randeep Sarai (Surrey Centre), Sukh Dhaliwal (Surrey–Newton), Gurbax Saini (Fleetwood–Port Kells), Jill McKnight (Delta), and Ernie Klassen (South Surrey–White Rock). SABA Directors in attendance were Lakhvinder Gill, Jatinder Sandhar, Victor Lal, Dilbagh S. Mann, Rubi Bains, Ravi Cheema, Waris Purewal, Arvinder Sodhi, Narinder Sabharwal, and Dr. Jaspinder Ghuman.

Indian truck driver who caused Humboldt Broncos bus crash loses refugee bid

A lawyer for the truck driver who caused the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash says his client is one step closer to being deported to India.

began last week. The latest phone threat came Thursday morning at Centennial and at Gleneagle secondary.

The situation reached its peak on Wednesday, with eight schools in the Tri-cities targeted—prompting a large-scale police response to what were ultimately deemed unsubstantiated threats.

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Seven Toronto police officers and one retired member of the service are facing charges related to violent incidents involving tow trucks and operators across the Greater Toronto Area, York Regional Police announced Thursday.

News of the charges broke late Wednesday, with multiple sources about the arrests.

The officers are accused of trafficking, leaking addresses to hitmen, and leaking police officer addresses, the sources said.

Lawyer Michael Greene says the Immigration and Refugee Board has rejected a request for Jaskirat Singh Sidhu to stay in Canada as a refugee. Greene says that decision means the Canada Border Services Agency is now under a legal obligation to remove Sidhu from Canada as soon as possible.

The investigation also uncovered a conspiracy to kill a unit commander at the Toronto South Detention Centre, the sources said.

Sources also told two of the officers appeared in court Wednesday.

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Carjacker arrested after rollover crash in Vancouver

Police in Vancouver say an alleged carjacker was arrested Thursday after a rollover crash shut down a major intersection during the early morning commute.

At least two vehicles were involved in the collision at the intersection of Granville Street and West Broadway at approximately 5:30 a.m.

An eyewitness told CTV News that the driver of the rolled-over SUV was yelling when he exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.

The Vancouver Police Department says the incident began when a driver stopped their vehicle to help a person who appeared to be in distress near the intersection of Granville and West 37th Avenue. The Good Samaritan agreed to drive the stranger to a police station, however once inside the vehicle, the man allegedly produced a weapon

and forced the driver out of the SUV before driving away.

The suspect headed north on Granville before colliding with another vehicle at Broadway, flipping the stolen vehicle onto its roof, police said in an update Thursday afternoon.

Investigators say an off-duty police officer witnessed the carjacking and helped arrest a 30-year-old suspect near the scene of the crash.

Two ambulances, including one with advanced care paramedics, were dispatched to the intersection. Paramedic spokesperson Brian Twaites says medics provided emergency treatment to one patient at the scene who was then transported to hospital in stable condition. The carjacking victim was not physically injured in the altercation, police said.

ICBC/Personal

The City of Surrey has kicked off the procurement bidding process for its plan to build a new mixed-use entertainment complex in Surrey City Centre, featuring a 10,000-seat indoor arena, a hotel, conference and meeting space, and other complementary commercial uses and potentially some residential uses.

At this initial stage of the bidding process, the municipal government is seeking expressions of interest — ideally from private consortia with proven experience in major mixed-use developments and operating a venue of the kind and size envisioned for City Centre Arena.

The selected single company or the consortium of companies would design, develop, construct, finance, own/lease, and operate the mixed-use space, within air space parcels to be leased or purchased from the City.

As well, as part of this process, the municipal government is looking for professional and amateur sports teams to be the anchor tenants of the arena.

As a key initiative spearheaded by Mayor Brenda Locke, Surrey’s municipal government intends to move quickly on this project.

The request for expressions of interest opened on Jan. 22, 2026 and is scheduled to close on Feb. 13, 2026. The City will create a shortlist of proponents by March 3, 2026, inviting them to participate in the request for proposals (RFP) stage of submitting a detailed bid package. The deadline for the RFP submission is May 22, 2026, and the contract award will be made in August 2026.

After the selection of the successful proponent, the City will create the first detailed plans later in 2026 to show how the arena and surrounding buildings could look and fit on the development site. Construction is currently targeted to begin in 2027. This project was first announced by Mayor Locke in early 2024 and again reaffirmed in Spring

2025 following progress made in the preliminary design and planning process.

In 2024, the City contracted Hunden Partners — a Chicago-based entertainment and destination real estate consultancy — to conduct a preliminary market analysis and assess the feasibility of developing an indoor arena integrated into a mixed-use commercial and entertainment complex. According to the City, by late 2024, Hunden Partners had favourable findings for the market feasibility of such a project, which led to further conceptual design, master planning, cost estimating, economic impact assessments, and funding and business strategies work throughout 2025.

The company also contracted architectural firm Perkins&Will and transportation demand consultancy Bunt & Associates to conduct further preliminary technical design planning work. However, the files for the current procurement process seeking partners note that the City is open to considering other locations within the Surrey City Centre area, with the municipal government owning other major properties that could be alternative strategic locations for such a complex. The City has indicated to prospective proponents that such a complex is expected to require roughly between 4.6 acres and 5.7 acres of land.

The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be reducing the number of entry-level jobs available to young people in Canada, Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem said Thursday.

In a talk titled ‘Structural change — Canada at a crossroads,’ Macklem addressed three structural changes that the Canadian economy will have to contend with in the near-future: the changing trade relationship with the United States, slowing population growth and the rise of AI.

“The impact of these forces on the Canadian economy will not be a temporary cyclical fluctuation,” Macklem said in Toronto.

although separating the effects of AI from the impact of trade and demographic changes is difficult,” he said.

There may be some “hard evidence” that it is getting more difficult to find an entry-level job in a field where the bulk of the work can be performed using AI, he said. He said Canada is also responding to another major challenge — an increasingly protectionist United States.

AI was a “transformative technology,” Macklem said, adding that it has “the potential to put the economy on a higher path and raise our standard of living.”

However, he said economic observers had expressed concern about “over-investment and over-valuation as well as fears of job destruction.”

He said while in some cases, there may be increased demand for workers with AI skills, the “flip side is we may be seeing some early evidence that AI is reducing the number of entry-level jobs in some occupations.”

“This may be boosting youth unemployment,

“As we approach the one-year mark of U.S. tariff threats, supply chains have started to shift. Goods imports from the United States have declined, while those from other countries have increased,” he said.

However, he added that the pivot has largely been focused on existing clients as Canadian businesses “have not found many new clients just yet” outside of the U.S.

Lower population growth, reflected in lower fertility rates as well as slashed immigration levels, have also pulled down Canada’s GDP growth forecast, he said.

“That means fewer new consumers and workers in the economy, which lowers our economic potential,” Macklem said, adding that the Bank forecasts Canada’s labour force “will hardly grow at all over the next few years.”

Metro Vancouver's winter with no snow may snap 43-year record

The calendar might read Feb. 5, but the conditions outside would suggest late spring or early summer.

On Thursday, temperatures once again climbed into the double digits in many parts of B.C.’s Lower Mainland, leaving many wondering if the region will be void of snow this winter.

So far, the weather station at Vancouver International Airport has yet to record any snow this season. If the trend continues into the spring, Vancouver will be on track for its first snow-free winter in 43 years.

on the trail, so that led us to deciding that we could open it safely at this time,” said Tyler Langeloo, Metro Vancouver’s supervisor of park operations.

He went on to say that the reopening of the trial is temporary, and it could potentially be closed again if adverse weather hits.

Typically, Langeloo says, the trail will see around 250,000 visitors per year, but that number will be surpassed if the Grouse Grind can stay open through to the fall.

to open on Wednesday.

The popular trail closes every year for the winter when conditions are too hazardous, and the reopening date is weather-dependent.

Metro Vancouver, which operates the trail, told CTV News that last year the trail opened in April, and it typically opens between mid-April and midMay, making this year unusually early.

“At the moment, there is no snow or ice anywhere

Even though the conditions appear to be springlike, he warns hikers to be cautious.

“It’s really important to recognize that you are traveling in a mountainous environment. The trail may look clear and open down here and without any snow. But as you travel further up the mountain, you may encounter ice (and) snow,” Langeloo told CTV News at the base of the Grouse Grind. The warm and mild conditions sweeping the region have led to questions about the health of the snowpack.

Metro Vancouver field hydrologist Peter Marshall explained that snowpack levels in the watershed areas are at around 60 per cent of their historical average for Feb 1.

“The last few years, we’ve been in a similar place, mid-winter, but we’ve seen a big rebound as we get into March. So we’re certainly hoping for that,” said Marshall. “It is always concerning to have that mountain reservoir be lower than normal.”

Punjab and Alberta govts discuss economic engagement

Finance Minister Harpal Cheema hosted a Canadian delegation for talks on economic engagement between Punjab and the province of Alberta. The delegation was led by Minister of Indigenous Relations for the Government of Alberta Rajan Sawhney, who said technology and innovation were key sectors where Alberta and Punjab can align their strengths.

Richmond MLA Steve Kooner running for BC Conservative leadership

Richmond-Queensborough MLA Steve Kooner has announced his intention to run for the B.C. Conservative leadership. Kooner posted to social media Tuesday (Feb. 3) that he was running to “Bring Back B.C.,” his slogan for the campaign. “After years of economic decline, attacks on property rights and parental authority, and growing disorder in our communities, it’s clear: this government has lost its way,” Kooner said in his post.

“Through hard work, I earned the trust of voters in Richmond-Queensborough, unseating the NDP incumbent and current party president to send a message that B.C. can do better.” He said he’s fighting for a province “where hard work is rewarded, families thrive, parents have a

first MLAs to join the fledgling Conservative Party of B.C. before the 2024 provincial election.

Two other current MLAs have also announced their campaigns for B.C. Conservative leadership: Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar and Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare. Milobar, who was also the former Kamloops mayor, says his goal is to bring “full accountability” to the B.C. government, while says he wants British Columbians to get “value for their money” from government.

Former South Surrey-White Rock MP KerryLynne Findlay announced on Jan. 29 she would be running for leadership. Her husband is the Conservative MLA for Surrey South.

voice and opportunity flourishes.”

Black Press Media has reached out to Kooner for comment. Kooner joins – most recently –Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman, who told Black Press Media Wednesday that he was in the running for leadership. He was one of the

Darrell Jones launched his campaign on Jan. 27. The former SaveOn-Foods president is probably best known in B.C. for his years of being the face of the grocery chain and its commercials. Political commentator Caroline Elliott also launched a leadership bid on Jan. 16 with a video on social media. Former B.C Liberal minister Iain Black launched his campaign in midJanuary. He previously served as a minister under former premier

Gordon Campbell.

Capilano University Chancellor Yuri Fulmer announced his campaign at the beginning of the year. He wants to fix what he called a “province in crisis.” Rossland contractor Warren Hamm announced in mid-December his plans to run.

Former Kamloops lawyer found guilty of 1stdegree murder after killing his client in 2022

A former B.C. lawyer who killed his client has been found guilty of first-degree murder in Kamloops, B.C.

Justice Kathleen Ker delivered her verdict after a lengthy recap of the trial in which she referred to the accused as a "fraudster" and laid out the circumstances that proved the killing was both deliberate and planned.

She said the evidence pointed to Rogelio (Butch) Bagabuyo having conspired with his client, Mohd Abdullah, to shield Abdullah's money from his estranged wife.

When Abdullah started asking for the money back, she said, Bagabuyo knew "the jig" was up and began planning the murder, ultimately stabbing him to death and then smuggling the body out of his office.

during Abdullah's separation from his wife. By April of 2018, all of that money was gone, with crown lawyer Ann Katrine Saettler telling the judge that Bagabuyo "squandered the money on his own living expenses and would have been unable to return the funds" to Abdullah as planned.

The automatic sentence for first-degree murder is life, with no chance of parole for 25 years. Bagabuyo, who is no longer a practicing lawyer, came to court on Tuesday with a piece of luggage and spent the majority of the trial staring straight ahead, even when addressed directly by the judge. He shook his head when asked if he wanted to address the court.

Bagabuyo was charged with first-degree murder about a year after the death Abdullah, a 60-yearold Thompson Rivers University instructor who was stabbed at Bagabuyo's office in downtown Kamloops on March 11, 2022. Bagabuyo admitted to the killing but his lawyer had argued it was unplanned, and therefore Bagabuyo should be convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter, which has no set prison term.

Justice Ker noted because there were no eyewitnesses to the stabbing the case and verdict is based entirely on other evidence available.

The trial heard that Abdullah hired Bagabuyo in 2016 and they conspired to hide more than $780,000

Abdullah's wife died in September 2019 before they could divorce, but Bagabuyo convinced him "it was necessary to leave the funds in his care for two more years" to protect the money from his wife's estate or family, Saettler told the judge during the trial. Saettler said that the accused methodically planned the murder for more than a week after he realized he would no longer be able to fool Abdullah, who was getting increasingly impatient about getting his money back.

To show premeditation, the Crown showed a video of the accused buying a plastic tote bag from Home Depot that matched the one where Abdullah's body was later found.

Saettler said that the decision to buy a tote that size to simply store legal papers was unreasonable and supported the Crown's theory that the murder was planned.

She also noted gaps in Bagabuyo's security cameras and the purchase of a propane tank and hacksaw which she argued were intended to be used to dispose of the body before being contacted by police.

Defence lawyer Mark Swartz had said the death was "unexpected" and while his client admitted to killing Abdullah at his office, he maintained it was manslaughter.

But during the sentencing hearing, Ker said it was clear that both Bagabuyo and Abdullah knew hiding the money was illegal and that by March 1, 2022, Bagabuyo knew "the jig was about to be up."

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OPINION

Modi & Carney: The designers of a new global order

How two leaders are stabilising an increasingly volatile world

The return of economic nationalism to the heart of global politics has unsettled longstanding alliances and shaken confidence in the rules-based international order. Nowhere was this more evident than during Donald Trump’s tariff war, which spared neither rivals nor friends. India—once a preferred partner in the United States’ Indo-Pacific strategy—and Canada, a brotherly neighbour and time-tested ally, both found themselves targeted by punitive trade measures. The message was unmistakable: in a world driven by unilateralism, even trusted partners could no longer take stability for granted.

This moment of rupture has forced middle and emerging powers to rethink their place in the global system. It is in this context that the leadership of Narendra Modi and the ideas articulated by Mark Carney acquire renewed significance. Together—one through action, the other through articulation—they point toward a rebalanced global order anchored in cooperation, resilience, and respect for rules.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Carney gave voice to a growing but often under-represented constituency: the “middle powers” of both the developed and developing world. His speech captured the unease felt by countries caught between great-power rivalries and economic fragmentation. More importantly, it offered a new vocabulary—one that named the widening gaps, exposed the false binaries of “us versus them,” and argued for collective responsibility in preserving a shared future. Carney’s message was clear: the rules-based order may be under strain, but it is neither obsolete nor replaceable. It must be renewed, not abandoned.

Prime Minister Modi’s response to the same global turbulence has been quieter, but no less consequential. Rather than rhetorical grandstanding, India has pursued strategic economic statecraft. Since the onset of the trade war era, New Delhi has accelerated the

conclusion of high-quality free trade agreements with partners such as New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. These agreements provide much-needed certainty in international trade, signal India’s commitment to openness, and reinforce its position as a preferred market and destination for global capital. In an age of disrupted supply chains and capital flight, India has emerged as a pillar of predictability.

The convergence between these two approaches—Carney’s intellectual framing and Modi’s pragmatic execution—creates space for a powerful partnership. Carney’s visit to India in March, with a major energy deal reportedly on the table and negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) underway, reflects this alignment. A wellstructured India–Canada free trade agreement would be a clear win-win: securing energy cooperation, diversifying supply chains, and

deepening investment flows at a time when both countries seek resilient growth.

More broadly, India and Canada are well placed to act as stabilising forces in a fractured world. Both are pluralistic democracies, beneficiaries of globalisation yet acutely aware of its inequities. By stepping up together—economically, diplomatically, and normatively—they can help keep faith alive in a rules-based order that serves not just the powerful, but the many.

In uncertain times, global leadership is no longer defined by dominance alone. It is defined by the ability to build bridges, restore trust, and offer stability when others retreat into zero-sum thinking. In different ways, Modi and Carney are doing precisely that—quietly shaping the contours of a new global order.

Lovleen Gill Barrister & Solicitor

Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday announced a new program to give rebates to Canadians who buy electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as part of a five-point plan to “transform” the Canadian auto sector.

Carney says he will also repeal the electric vehicle mandate and put in place new emissions standards.

Speaking in the Greater Toronto Area, Carney said the program, which he called the Electric Vehicle Affordability Program, will include $2.3 billion in funding for these purchases.

Carney said Canadians who purchase or lease a battery-electric or fuel cell electric vehicle will receive up to $5,000 and up to $2,500 for plug-in hybrids priced up to $50,000.

“To support the Canadian auto industry, this $50,000 cap will not apply to Canadian-made EVs and plug-in hybrids,” Carney said.

“And these incentives will only apply to vehicles produced in countries with whom Canada has a free trade agreement.”

Carney said the five-point plan, which includes major spending on electric vehicle charging infrastructure and tax credits to incentivize domestic production, “will shape the future of mobility and advance manufacturing in Canada as part of the co-ordinated plan to build a stronger, more competitive, more independent country.”

Canada’s automotive sector currently faces steep tariffs of 25 per cent from U.S. President Donald Trump and the president has threatened further tariffs on “all goods” from Canada over a trade deal with China. Carney said Ottawa’s plans to “transform” the auto sector amid the ongoing trade war with the U.S. rest on five key pillars, which include updating national policies on emissions

reduction “to focus on outcomes,” including by driving up electric vehicle sales in Canada through these incentives.

“We’ll drive down emissions by more than doubling the stringency of Canada’s vehicle GHG [Greenhouse Gas] standards by 2035, achieving the equivalent emissions reductions of a 75 per cent EV [Electric Vehicle] adoption,” said Carney.

“We won’t stop there. By leveraging new investments in EV production, consumer

incentives and charging infrastructure, we’ll work towards achieving the equivalent of a 90 per cent EV adoption rate by 2040.” This comes after Carney, in September, announced Ottawa was pausing plans to impose minimum EV sales requirements on car companies for 2026 model years and said the government would launch a 60day review of the current EV mandate program.

“The more stringent emissions standards will enable the Government of Canada to repeal the electric vehicle accessibility standard, so-called EVAS. Replacing EVAS with those stronger vehicle emission standards focuses on the results that matter to Canadians, while avoiding placing undue burdens on the Canadian auto industry,” said Carney.

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“Our daughter’s classroom was told to barricade the door, turn out all the lights and not make any sound,” Jon said of what his child went through on Wednesday. “Another parent, a friend of ours, their daughter’s class was told the same thing and they pushed a fridge in front of their door. So the kids, obviously, are scared. They don’t know what’s going on.”

But Jon says there was a big gap between the hold-and-secure issued at the school—and a

notification to parents.

“We got a text message from our daughter at about quarter after 12 yesterday saying they were in lockdown,” said Jon. “We didn’t hear anything from the school until about 2:30 in the afternoon… if a school goes into lockdown, I think parents should be informed immediately.”

As for who is behind the threats to the schools, rumours are spreading online, but little in the way of information on a potential suspect or person of interest has been shared by police.

“We are aware of the information circulating on social media about this investigation,” said Insp. Todd Balaban, Coquitlam RCMP acting officer-incharge. “We are asking anyone who has information about this investigation to contact Coquitlam RCMP.”

Given the situation, some parents told CTV News they plan to keep their kids home on Friday.

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He says he’s not sure when that might be but plans to ask for a deferral.

The board is still considering a previous application to restore Sidhu’s permanent resident status.

That application argues Sidhu should be allowed to stay on humanitarian grounds because he has a child with complex medical issues.

Sidhu drove through a stop sign and into the path of a bus carrying the junior hockey team at a rural intersection near Tisdale, Sask., in April 2018.

Sixteen people died and 13 more were injured.

Camping fees increase for 59 B.C. parks, non-residents to pay a surcharge

It is going to get more expensive to camp in B.C. this year.

BC Parks says it is introducing a new camping surcharge for people living outside of B.C. and updating camping fees for the first time since 2016, following an increase in visitors and extreme weather events.

Camping fees will be updated in 59 high-demand frontcountry parks and four backcountry parks, while fees remain unchanged in 388 parks.

“As British Columbians, we care deeply about our parks and recreation areas, and we recognize the significant cultural, economic and recreational roles they have for communities,” Minister of Environment and Parks Tamara Davidson said in a statement.

“At the same time, they have seen challenges, from extreme weather impacts to significant increases in visitors. By renewing the parks and recreation system, we are creating a more sustainable operating model that strengthens stewardship and long-term protections of the natural spaces people cherish.”

Beginning May 15, 2026, non-B.C. residents will pay an additional $20 flat rate for staying in frontcountry campgrounds, trips to backcountry parks, renting a cabin and using mooring buoys and docks. Camping fees will be updated in 59 high-demand parks and four popular backcountry

parks: Garibaldi Park, Golden Ears Park, Joffre Lakes Park and Mount Assiniboine Park.

For B.C. residents, updated camping fees in the 59 parks include an average increase of 40 cents per night during shoulder season, an average increase of $13.29 per night during the summer and an average nightly rate of $30.81 in shoulder season and $42.91 in the summer.

The fee updates for backcountry camping in Garibaldi Park, Golden Ears Park, Joffre Lakes Park and Mount Assiniboine include an average fee increase of $13.62 per night and nightly fees ranging from $17 to $25 per night, depending on the park.

Fees for 388 parks will remain unchanged, according to BC Parks.

This year, camping reservations will be available three months ahead of a desired arrival date.

7 Toronto police officers charged in tow-truck violence

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A source says they were released on a promise to appear, which is a signed legal document promising to return to court on a specific date.

Sources said the other officers have a court appearance scheduled for Thursday.

The sources also said York Regional Police led the investigation.

York police has not responded to calls from CBC Toronto on Wednesday evening — however, the service is set to hold a 10 a.m. news conference Thursday about "a lengthy investigation into organized crime and corruption."

Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw is set to attend that news conference.

Toronto police are not commenting on the matter at this time, and instead referred CBC News to York police's scheduled news conference, spokesperson Nadine Ramadan said in an email. In a statement, the Toronto Police Association said it was aware several of its members were arrested Wednesday, and the organization will "ensure our members receive due process and wellness support as required."

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow's office said she

wouldn't comment on the story on Wednesday night. Towing-related violence has been a major issue in Toronto. In 2024, there were 63 shooting and firearm discharge incidents related to towtruck disputes, accounting for almost 13 per cent of all such incidents that year.

Toronto police launched a task force last year to address a rise in crime and violence linked to the tow truck industry. The former director of the province's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) says the number of officers reported to have been charged is particularly concerning.

“It’s beyond one ... rogue cop. This appears to be much more of a systemic issue,” said Ian Scott, who served as the director of Ontario's police watchdog from 2008 to 2013. “No matter how you cut it, it indicates some big problems in the police service.” He compared the investigation to a case decided in 2012, in which five Toronto drug squad officers were convicted of obstructing justice for falsifying notes in relation to a search carried out without a warrant. But the alleged connection to the towing industry in this instance is worrisome for its possible connection between police officers and organized crime, Scott said.

3 Punjabi youth on temporary visas arrested by extortion patrol

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Harjot Singh, Taranveer Singh and Dayajeet Singh Billing face one count each of discharging a firearm, and all have been remanded in custody until Thursday.

The suspects aged 19 to 21 were arrested by patrol officers after an early morning report of shots fired and a small fire outside a home in Surrey's Crescent Beach neighbourhood.

Police say the men were detained shortly after the shooting while in a ride-hail vehicle.

One of the suspects suffered injuries, including two black eyes that could be seen in a photo provided by police.

Surrey police Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton said on Monday that the suspect had refused to comply with instructions to get out of the ride-share vehicle and started to "actively resist."

"As we were trained, he was taken to the ground and safely handcuffed," said Houghton.

A second suspect with a black eye was also injured in the arrest after refusing to comply, Houghton said.

The arresting officers were part of Project Assurance, an initiative that patrols neighbourhoods that have been targeted by extortion violence.

Surrey Police say they are investigating 46 extortion cases so far this year, while the British Columbia Extortion Task Force says there were 32 active files across the Lower Mainland as of last month.

"This crisis has all of our attention," Houghton said.

"Project assurance continues to ramp up in terms of how many officers are assigned," he said.

Houghton said they include permanent and reassigned officers and others working overtime.

Surrey investigators will be sharing information

about the three men with other investigators across the country.

Houghton said the Canada Border Services Agency is also involved because the men are foreign nationals, and the trio may face additional charges. It's not clear if the men are in the country on tourist visas, a study permit, or a work permit, but Houghton said CBSA has started its own investigation into the men's status.

Police say they are releasing the photos of the men with the hope of getting more information about them from the community.

"This may not be the first time they've gone out and done something like this. That is information that we need to know," said Houghton.

Surrey has seen a number of shootings at homes and businesses over the last several months, but there's been an escalation since the new year.

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke last month called on the federal government to declare the extortion violence a national emergency, and the city's council has passed a motion to urge Ottawa to take steps, including naming a commissioner on extortionrelated crimes.

Last week, the federal government committed to sending an additional 20 RCMP officers to Surrey to fight extortion-related violence, and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has said that helicopters would also be deployed.

Several Toronto officers arrested as police plan to discuss results of corruption investigation

Several Toronto police officers have been arrested and a neighboring police force said it will announce details of an investigation into organized crime and corruption on Thursday.

Clayton Campbell, president of Toronto’s police union, said Wednesday he is aware of “several of its members who were arrested” but declined to provide further details.

York Regional Police said it will announce the results of a lengthy investigation into organized crime and corruption on Thursday.

York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween will

be joined by Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw at a morning news conference.

The Toronto Police Association, the union, noted it represents over 8,500 uniformed and civilian members of the Toronto Police Service, “whose dedication to public safety and commitment to the values of our organizations should not be disputed or questioned in the face of these allegations.”

A spokeswoman for Toronto police declined to comment but referred to the York police’s announcement Thursday.

North Vancouver girl awarded $3.6M in damages after crash at crosswalk

A girl has been awarded $3.6 million in damages after she was hit by a car and suffered traumatic brain injuries, with a judge finding the District of North Vancouver was partially liable.

The incident happened in 2015, when she was seven years old.

Justice Elin Sigurdson said in a judgment posted Monday that the district was liable for the crash because it didn't properly maintain and clear vegetation from the crosswalk on East Braemar Road.

The court heard that the girl, referred to as H.D. in the judgment, suffered from mental and physical health issues including anxiety, depression, fatigue and more after the crash.

While the court found that the district bore a significant degree of liability in the crash, it also

found that the driver of the vehicle was likely driving above the speed limit and was also partially liable. The crash happened on June 12, 2015, as H.D. was headed to Carisbrooke Elementary for sports day.

The crosswalk in the middle of East Braemar Road, features stairs leading up to St. Mary's Avenue. The road is separated by a boulevard with little in the way of sidewalks.

deaths, inquest hears

An official with the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development says police told her office that a couple and their two young sons had died of a suspected murder-suicide in Prince Rupert, days after the father was released from detention under the Mental Health Act.

The testimony at a coroners inquest by Julie Furlaino, director of operations for the ministry in the region, offers the first description of how Christopher Duong, Janet Nguyen and their children Alexander and Harlan might have died in 2023. Duong had been detained under the Mental Health Act and brought to Prince Rupert Regional Hospital after being pulled over with his family in a pickup truck at 2 a.m., telling police they had to keep driving or they would be killed in a "hit."

The inquest heard Duong was released a few

hours after he was admitted, but on June 13, all four members of the family were found dead.

Furlaino, who was asked to clarify what information police had provided for the ministry's "case review" form, testified that the family was suspected to have died "of the murder-suicide."

A doctor told the inquest that Duong told him he had no suicidal or homicidal intent, three days before their bodies were found.Dr. Gerald Belgardt, who was Duong's longtime family physician as well as a doctor at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, told the inquest that Duong was "very friendly and calm and co-operative" in a psychiatric assessment at the hospital on June 10, 2023. Inquest counsel Steven Liu said on Wednesday that the hearing would be told that a search of "painless ways to kill yourself" was found on Duong's device after his death.

B.C. Hydro says thieves made off with 1.3 kilometres' worth of copper cables after opening manholes in Surrey over the span of two months.

The utility said that the theft first came to light on Christmas Eve last year, when someone driving along 64 Avenue in Surrey ran over a manhole with its lid removed.

When crews investigated, they found copper cables had been cut in 14 maintenance holes and

had been stolen from three manholes on the stretch — amounting to 1.3 kilometres and 8,000 pounds.

B.C. Hydro says that reports of copper cable theft have spiked — more than 300 per cent over the last 18 months — and it can be very dangerous.

"Open and unsecured holes, they obviously pose a significant risk to drivers and pedestrians," said spokesperson Susie Rieder in an interview.

"[Thefts] can also cause life-threatening electrical shocks from the exposed or damaged wiring," she added. "Also, of course, major, major safety risks for our crews."

Rieder said the rising value of copper makes it attractive for thieves.

"These are organized thieves. And what they're doing is they're using vehicles such as trucks and winches to pull these really heavy cables from the underground infrastructure," she said.

The Coquitlam School District says two secondary schools in the city are no longer under a hold and secure order on Thursday.

The school district stated that Centennial and Gleneagle secondary schools were impacted and the order for a hold and secure was at the request of the RCMP, who were present at both schools for hours.

“I’d like to start off with letting the community know that students and staff of the Coquitlam School District are safe,” Insp. Todd Balaban, acting officer in charge of the Coquitlam RCMP, said at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

“Thanks to the quick actions of the schools implementing their hold and secure protocols, our officers were able to quickly attend and verify the safety and security of the school.”

The two incidents on Thursday followed similar incidents on Wednesday.

Eight schools across Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam were also placed under a hold and secure on Wednesday after numerous threats were called into the schools. An elementary school in Port Moody was also affected.

“Through our ongoing investigation, we confirmed that these instances are connected,” Balaban said. “We can confirm the nature of the alleged threats have varied, but in order to protect the integrity of the investigation, no information will be provided.

These threats were received by phone.”

Balaban added that police are aware of information circulating on social media about the investigation and are asking anyone who may have information to contact them at 604-949-5054.

“We take every threat seriously, because it’s a child, it’s family,” he added.

Ex-leader Harper says Canada should make ‘any sacrifice necessary’ to preserve independence from US

Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Tuesday the country should make “any sacrifice necessary” to preserve the independence of the country in the face of threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Harper, a Conservative prime minister for nearly a decade from 2006 to 2015, made the remarks in a speech during his official portrait unveiling.

Harper described the times as perilous and thanked current Prime Minister Mark Carney for attending the unveiling “at a time when challenges are unprecedented during our lives.”

Trump has talked about making Canada the 51st state and has threatened the country with tariffs.

to trigger a referendum for independence from Canada.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said separatist support is about at 30%. Smith is pressuring the federal government and the British Columbia provincial government on the Pacific coast to approve a new oil pipeline to the Pacific.

The Republican president’s push to acquire Greenland strained the NATO alliance, alarming Canada, which shares a 3,000-kilometer (1,864 mile) maritime border with Greenland in the Arctic.

Harper didn’t mention Trump by name but urged Canada’s two major parties, the Liberals and Conservatives, to unify in the face of threats to the country’s sovereignty.

“We must make any sacrifice necessary to preserve the independence and the unity of this blessed land,” Harper said. Harper said he hopes his portrait is only one of the many portraits of prime ministers of both parties that will continue to be exhibited for decades and centuries to come.

“But that will require that in these perilous times that both parties, whatever their other differences, come together against external forces that threaten our independence,” he said.

Harper also warned against “domestic policies that threaten our unity.” A separatist moment in Alberta could garner enough votes this spring

Harper approved of Carney’s resume when Carney applied to be the head of Canada’s central bank during Harper’s time as prime minister. He joked the then-young man “has apparently gone on to enjoy some success.”

Carney later became the head of the Bank of England in 2013 and prime minister of Canada last year.

Carney thanked Harper for denouncing those who are threatening Canada’s sovereignty as Canada was confronted with unprecedented attacks and trade pressures.

“He called on us to build a stronger Canada less dependent on the U.S.,” Carney said. “He also took the time to advise me which I have greatly appreciated.”

Carney also commended Harper for his economic stewardship during the 2008 financial crisis.

“He came to Ottawa as a balanced-budget conservative. He believed rightly that governments should live within their means. Yet when the financial crisis struck, he did not let ideology prevent him from doing what was necessary, running deficits for five years to support the Canadian economy through the worst global downturn in generations.,” Carney said.

“Mr. Harper understood that you build up strength in good times to have the capacity to act in bad times.”

West Vancouver landlord ordered to pay tenant $38,000 for wrongful eviction

A West Vancouver landlord will have to pay his former tenant more than $38,000 in compensation after a B.C. Supreme Court justice found the landlord did not prove he occupied the rental unit following the eviction of his tenant.

The decision, handed down Jan. 27, came after Justice Anita Chan rejected landlord Davood Nekoi-Panah’s challenge of a residential tenancy branch decision ordering him to pay his former tenant, Bahador Mohajerrey, 12 months’ rent.

The dispute involved a lower-level rental unit at 602 St. Andrews Road in the British Properties, which the tenant began renting in August 2022 for $3,100 a month. The rent later increased to $3,208.

In March 2024, the landlord served the tenant with a two-month eviction, stating he was going to occupy the unit. The tenant asked to remain until the end of the school year so his children could finish classes, but the landlord refused.

The tenant moved out at the end of March, after he found a new place to live.

In a later residential tenancy hearing, the tenant said real estate viewings were taking place while he was still living in the unit, and by the time he moved out there was a “sold” sign on the lawn, despite the landlord’s stated plans to live there. He said he returned to the unit in late April 2024 and saw no one living there. He said he was told by a woman renting the upper floor that she did not know the landlord.

also argued the decision should be rejected for procedural unfairness, saying he couldn’t attend the residential tenancy hearing for medical reasons.

The landlord submitted evidence including a sale contract for the property, along with a later addendum stating the landlord would rent the unit back from the new owner from May 1 to Sept. 30, 2024. The landlord also submitted a letter from his Realtor and copies of e-transfer payments for rent made during that period.

But the judge agreed with the original rental tenancy decision, noting there wasn’t enough to prove he lived in the unit, including a lack of supporting evidence like utility bills, mail, or other documents showing he lived there for six months. She added even if he had, he may not have qualified as a landlord, as the property was sold before the

Under the Residential Tenancy Act, a landlord who evicts a tenant for personal use must occupy the unit for at least six months. If that does not happen, the tenant is entitled to compensation.

The tenant later applied to the residential tenancy branch, arguing the landlord did not live in the unit as required. The landlord was ordered to pay him a year’s rent.

In his request for a review of that decision, the landlord said the decision ordering him to pay his tenant should be overturned, arguing that he had lived in the unit, renting it back from the new owners for six months after the sale. He

six months were up.

The judge also rejected the landlord’s arguments about not being able to attend the hearing because of a medical emergency, agreeing with the original arbitrator who said the medical note did not appear to be signed by a doctor, had no address or phone number and did not refer to an emergency. In her decision, the judge upheld the residential tenancy decision, ordering the landlord to pay his tenant $38,596.

According to B.C. Assessment, the house at 602 St. Andrews Road sold March 20, 2024 for $2.89 million.

Vancouver home recently sold for $1.1M less than it did in 2017

The owner of a Vancouver home that recently sold lost a decent chunk of change on the property compared to the 2017 purchase price.

1949 W. 37th Ave. sold for $5,765,000 in April 2017. Within the last two weeks, the same property sold for $4,570,000, slightly above the listed price of $4,380,000.

It also sold for a fair bit below the most recent assessed value of $4,815,000. The land value is assessed at $3,345,000 as of the most recent assessment on July 1, 2025.

Mortimer, a prominent social media real estate analyst, shared news of the sale, suggesting that homes that were “overpaid” for in 2016 and 2017 are going to see, in some instances, some significant losses in Vancouver.

In response to the post, many have felt that even the sale price of $4,570,000 was too high for the property. Thome is located near Shaughnessy and is a short drive to the VanDusen Botanical Garden. It features five bedrooms, six bathrooms and around 3,860 sq. ft. of total living space.

“Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the main living areas with natural light and showcase stunning views, complemented by a sleek gas fireplace and designer Bocci lighting,” the listing touts. Other luxury touches include a primary suite that features a fireplace and a spa-like ensuite, plus a private deck.

The home also contains a rec room and what the listing calls an “impressive wine room.”

“This home delivers elevated Westside living,” the listing adds.

The sale and the steep drop in value reflect tough market conditions for sellers in the region.

A recent report from Daily Hive Urbanized outlined how home prices in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley have slipped back to levels last seen before the surge induced by the pandemic. Primary drivers behind that change include a slowdown in sales and a buildup of listings.

In January 2026, properties in the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) area were on the market for an average of 55 days for single-family detached homes, 50 days for townhomes, and 53 days for condominiums. In the Greater Vancouver Realtors (GVR) area, single-family detached homes averaged 61 days on market, townhomes 47 days, and condominiums 49 days.

GVR also shared that home sales in January 2026 reached 1,107 transactions, representing a decline of about 29 per cent compared to January 2025, and 31 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average.

PM says he will consider resigning if appeal fails

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has opened the door to stepping down, conceding he personally made the decision now under legal scrutiny as pressure mounts following today’s court ruling.

Facing calls to resign over decisions that have since been reassessed and the latest case, Mr Rabuka acknowledged resignation was firmly on the table.

“I will consider it. I am considering it,” Mr Rabuka said when asked whether he would step aside.

Pressed on whether resignation was a real option, the Prime Minister was blunt: “Yes. That is an option.”

‘The

Mr Rabuka went further, taking personal responsibility for the advice at the centre of the case and distancing others from blame.

rule of law has been applied’

“The rule of law has been applied.”

These were the comments of the RFMF Commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai following yesterday’s High Court ruling on the “unlawful” dismissal of the former FICAC commissioner Barbara Malimali.

In an interview with The Fiji Times, Major General Kalouniwai said while he had not closely examined the court’s findings, confidence in the legal process remained critical. “I haven’t really looked into the findings from the court proceedings, but we are confident that the rule of law has been applied, and I think that’s the important part,” he said.

He said the appeal process now open to the Prime Minister was part of that framework.

“And again, it’s an opportunity also for an appeal by the Prime Minister and his team so that process is in place and it’s something that I feel is important for Fiji – understanding that the democratic process still exists and it provides an equal opportunity for everyone.

Asked about current court cases that touch on constitutional processes, the RFMF Commander said the military was closely monitoring

developments, particularly as the country heads toward an election period.

“We are maintaining a situation awareness of what’s happening. That’s important for us – to understand what is happening.

“Looking at it from a security perspective, things can cascade into a different situation, we are going into the election period, we’re listening to so many vibes that are coming out.

Major General Kalouniwai said staying informed allowed the RFMF to make sound decisions when required.

US women allege free spa treatments for politicians in Grace Road case

Two American women who escaped a doomsday sect in Fiji say they are ready to return to the Pacific island country to testify against the group, seeking to revive a long-stalled human trafficking investigation.

The two women separately fled Fiji for the U.S. after enduring what they allege were years of violence and abuse — including slave-like work conditions — at the hands of Grace Road. They filed separate complaints with local police in late 2024, and early 2025.

Among the most sensitive claims in the complaints is an allegation by one of the victims that she gave free treatments, such massages, to prominent local Fijians while she was in the cult.

OCCRP has previously reported how Grace Road, a 300-strong organization largely made up of ethnic Koreans, had tapped political connections to become one of Fiji’s most powerful business conglomerates.

“I want Grace Road to know that I’m not afraid of them anymore,” one of the women told OCCRP. “They have no power over me.”

A lawyer for Grace Road, Nilesh Prasad, said the group “categorically denies… any allegation of human trafficking, slavery, servitude, forced

labour, unlawful compulsory labour, debt bondage, assault, or any cruel, degrading or coercive practice.”

Grace Road “further denies any claim that any person was compelled to provide unpaid services to any public official including those that you name,” he added.

OCCRP reported in December that Fiji has until March to show progress on dealing with human trafficking or face an automatic downgrade to the U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Persons report’s lowest tier. That could put at risk millions of dollars a year in U.S. development aid.

Both American women told OCCRP they are prepared to travel back to Fiji and assist law enforcement in bringing charges against Grace Road. They declined to be named out of concern for their families’ privacy.

The case was forwarded by police to Fiji’s director of public prosecutions last year, but no charges have yet been filed. The agency did not respond to questions about the status of the case.

The first woman alleged in a criminal complaint filed to local police in November 2024 that she was forcibly separated from her children, subjected to public beatings, and forced to work for long hours for no pay in the cult’s network of businesses.

“I’m ready to go back to Fiji as soon as possible to give evidence,” said the woman, who fled Grace Road in late 2024 and eventually managed to win custody of her two children.

The woman’s complaint to police included the allegation that she gave treatments to a former Prime Minister while living and working at a cultowned beauty salon. She told OCCRP the gift was given on the instruction of Grace Road leaders.

Officers accused of theft

TWO people accused in a case involving the $1billion worth of cocaine seized at Vatia, Tavua, have accused police of taking more than $7000 from them.

The complaints were raised in the High Court in Ba yesterday as 11 individuals linked to the case appeared before Justice Samuela Qica.

Defence lawyers told the court that constitutional redress applications had been filed or were being prepared following allegations of oppressive police conduct during investigations, including claims that officers had taken cash and personal items from some of the accused.

about the conditions in which her client had been remanded. She told the court she had filed a constitutional redress application on Monday and requested an investigation into a police officer at the Nadi Police Station who allegedly took $3000 and a power bank from her client. The court also heard that admissions were made during Mr Hill’s caution interview, which the defence alleged resulted from oppressive investigative practices.

Merewalesi Qolimaiwasa’s lawyer, Unaisi Baleilevuka, also told the court her client was detained from 10am to 6pm on January 17 and alleged that a police officer from the Nadi Police Station took $4200 from her.

The 11 accused — comprising local and foreign nationals — are facing charges connected to the seizure of more than 2.6 tonnes of cocaine found last month.

Jonathan Hill’s lawyer, Lavenia Bogitini, alleged oppressive police conduct and raised concerns

In further submissions, John Taotawa’s lawyer, Edwin Wainiqolo, said he would also be filing a constitutional redress application. Yogend Kumar, lawyer for Munendra, told the court he was still awaiting his client’s medical report regarding injuries allegedly sustained during the arrest.

Bank head leaves Fiji for Europe

ANZ Group country head for Fiji Rabih Yazbek will be concluding his role in the country in early April this year to take up his new appointment as ANZ’s head of Client Coverage for the United Kingdom and Europe.

According to the banking group, Mr Yazbek has played a pivotal role in strengthening the bank’s presence in Fiji and the Pacific, guiding the business through the country’s post-COVID recovery, and delivering strong growth across both the commercial and retail banking segments.

Under his leadership, the bank stated it had deepened relationships with key clients and stakeholders, accelerated its digital banking agenda

and delivered strong home lending growth; and his focus on developing local talent and championing sound risk management had positioned the bank as a resilient business, well placed for future growth.

ANZ Pacific regional executive Sarah Stubbings said Mr Yazbek had made an outstanding contribution to the banking group and the Pacific region. She said his leadership had not only strengthened their business but also supported Fiji’s economy through a critical period of recovery and growth.

“Rabih leaves behind a legacy of deep customer relationships, strong regulatory engagement, and a values-led culture that will serve us well into the future,” Ms Stubbings said in a statement.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2026

At least 216 terrorists, 36 civilians and 22 personnel killed in Balochistan: Pakistan Army

Pakistan's military said on Thursday that it had concluded a week-long security operation against separatists in Balochistan, killing 216 militants in targeted offensives across the troubled southwestern province.

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and poorest province, was brought to a virtual standstill on Saturday when the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) stormed schools, banks, markets and security installations across the region in one of their largest operations ever.

The military said 22 security personnel and 36 civilians were killed in the attacks.

The BLA's coordinated strikes in over a dozen locations began after the military launched its "intelligence driven" Radd Al-Fitna 1 (countering chaos) operation, which the army said began on January 29.

"Through meticulous planning, actionable intelligence, and seamless joint execution Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies with support of intelligence agencies under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 responded with precision and resolve," the military said in a statement, adding that 216 militants had been killed in all of Balochistan since the operation began. Security officials and witnesses said the insurgents seized government buildings and police stations in several locations, including taking over the desert town of Nushki for three days before they were pushed out.

Helicopters and drones were deployed to Nushki to end the siege, security officials said.

Mineral-rich Balochistan borders Iran and Afghanistan and is home to Beijing's investment in the Gwadar deepwater port and other projects.

SOUTH ASIA

Pakistan in full panic after India increases its defence budget by 15 percent

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday presented the Union Budget. Modi government has allocated Rs 7.85 lakh crore for defence, a sharp rise from Rs 6.81 lakh crore last year, underscoring the government’s focus on military modernisation in the post Operation Sindoor security environment. According to official figures, the defence outlay for 2026–27 stands at Rs 7,84,678 crore, compared with Rs 6,81,210 crore in the previous financial year. The allocation amounts to about 2% of the estimated GDP for the coming year and represents a 15.19% increase over the Budget Estimates of FY 2025–26.

The budget has drawn attention from experts in Pakistan. Pakistani commentator Qamar Cheema has said that the kind of focus India has given to defence in this year’s budget is not routine. It reflects India’s efforts to rapidly strengthen its military capabilities.

In a video posted on Sunday, Qamar Cheema

said, “This time, the defence budget has been increased by up to 15 percent. India has spoken about spending more on national security and the armed forces. Along with this, India has decided to procure Su-57 fighter jets from Russia. If this happens, Pakistan’s challenges could certainly increase.” Cheema further said, “Since India has allocated a large amount for defence, it is clear that it will purchase advanced fighter aircraft like the Su57. There could also be increased procurement of the S-400 air defence system from Russia. In defence deals, Russia is likely to remain India’s most trusted partner. Despite pressure from Donald Trump, India’s reliance on Russia for weapons will continue.” Qamar Cheema has further added that India has increased its focus on purchasing weapons from France, Russia, Australia, and other countries. Meanwhile, Pakistan believes that China will come to its aid if the need arises. Pakistan shares a different kind of comfort and understanding with China.

'Mover, shaker, and beggars': Pakistan's national meltdown over the India-US trade deal

This week, Pakistan didn’t lose a trade negotiation. It lost the plot -- online, in real time, via memes. When Donald Trump announced a trade deal with India that lowered tariffs on Indian exports to 18%, Pakistan noticed something immediately: its own rate was still 19%. One percentage point. Barely a decimal. And yet, it detonated the timeline.

If you were anywhere near Pakistani social media, you didn’t need to read policy briefs or tariff schedules. You could feel it. The sarcasm. The gallows humour. The sudden, uncomfortable selfawareness.

One viral line captured the mood perfectly: “Mover, shaker, and beggars.” It spread like wildfire not because it insulted India or the US -- but because it felt painfully self-directed.

The India–US deal landed in Pakistan like a plate smashing in a quiet room. Loud. Awkward. Impossible to ignore.

Details of the agreement are still fuzzy, but the symbolism was crystal clear. India, which had spent months resisting Trump’s theatrics, walked away with better terms. Pakistan, which had spent months flattering him, didn’t. For weeks, Pakistan’s elite discourse had convinced itself that things were

finally turning around in Washington. Trump was being praised. Trump was being indulged. Trump was being nominated -- repeatedly -- for the Nobel Peace Prize. Pakistan joined his various “peace” initiatives, echoed his language, and leaned hard into personal diplomacy.'

One social media post put it crudely. Donald Trump, it said, treated the Field Marshal like a mistress — useful for the dirty, illegal work, indulged in private, but disowned the moment it was time to make a public commitment. The assumption was simple: this time, the loyalty would pay off.

The first reaction online was disbelief. Then came laughter. Then came the dragging -- mostly self-inflicted.

Pakistani users began posting lists. Actual lists. Everything Islamabad had done to stay in Trump’s good books, laid out like evidence in a courtroom drama. The Nobel Peace Prize nomination became the punchline of the week. The “Board of Peace” references didn’t fare much better. One widely shared post summed it up brutally: Pakistan did everything to please Trump -- praise, prizes, cooperation, minerals -- while India resisted him at every turn and still walked away with lower tariffs.

After Amritpal’s 1%, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa logs lowest 37% LS attendance among

Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, Independent MP from Faridkot, is the worst performer among Punjab MPs in the Lok Sabha followed by AAP’s Raj Kumar Chabbewal in terms of attendance, asking questions and participation in debates.

The data available on PRS Legislative Research (which documents performance of MPs, their profiles, criminal cases and controversies), excluding the ongoing Budget session, shows Congress MP from Fatehgarh Sahib Amar Singh with the highest attendance of 98 per cent. Only three other MPs — Congress’ Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, and AAP’s Malvinder Singh Kang — have more than 90 per cent attendance.

Lone Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has 68 per cent attendance while former Punjab Chief Minister and Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi has the third-lowest attendance at 59 per cent.

MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa defended his low

Punjab MPs

attendance by talking about prejudice against him. “There is huge bias against me as I am an Independent and Panthic candidate. They try to silence us at every turn. I have to fight just to be heard, once even rushing to the Well of the House to demand time. My protest video went viral, yet even my questions were ignored. I have struggled against a wall of bias, pleading again and again with the Speaker for the right to speak,” he said.

Hoshiarpur AAP MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal said, “My attendance — now in the midst of the Budget session — stands at 62 per cent. Earlier, it was a bit on the lower side. I have mostly tried to attend Parliament but there have been some compelling times. I could not attend sessions when my son Dr Ishank Chabbewal’s was contesting byelection from Chabbewal Assembly seat in 2024 or when there have been Municipal Corporation elections or other election duties assigned by the party.”

BJP demands apology for Rahul Gandhi’s ‘traitor’ jibe at

Ravneet Bittu

State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president Ashwani Sharma on Thursday sought an apology from Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his “traitor friend” remark against Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu. Sharma said the incident proved that the Gandhi family’s thinking was the same as 1984. “Using such language against a Sikh leader from Punjab and a Union Minister exposes the real mindset of Congress. He alleged that from the time of India’s Independence till today, the politics of the Gandhi family has given Punjab only pain and wounds. The partition of Punjab, the attack on Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the anti-Sikh riots of 1984, and now the insult of a Punjabi leader are clear examples of this,” he wrote in a post on ‘X’.

but patriots. He said it was because of their sacrifices that the Gandhi family enjoyed power for years before reiterating his call for an unconditional apology.

Referring to Gandhi’s “traitor” jibe at Bittu, Sharma said the people of Punjab were not traitors

BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliewal accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of misleading farmers on Indo-US trade deal. He denied any agreement being signed between India and the United States regarding duty-free trade of dairy or agriculture products. He alleged that the opposition was spreading misinformation by claiming that the proposed trade agreement would harm Punjab’s agriculture and dairy farming sectors, whereas in reality no final proposal has been prepared so far. He said the AAP government was creating an atmosphere of fear in the state without any supporting documents. He challenged the ruling party to produce a copy of any such agreement in public.

Punjab Govt aims to push excise revenue up by Rs 1,000 crore

The state government is aiming to increase its revenue from liquor sales by over Rs 1,000 crore in 2026-27, taking total excise collections to around Rs 12,500 crore in the coming fiscal. If achieved, the Aam Aadmi Party government will have doubled excise revenue within five years.

As preparations begin for drafting the Excise Policy 2026-27, expected to be unveiled by the end of February, the focus is firmly on boosting revenue. The government is keen to project excise as a key achievement of its current regime. A meeting to give final shape to the draft policy is expected to be held on Friday.

In 2021-22, Punjab’s excise revenue stood at Rs 6,254.74 crore. Government sources said collections had remained largely stagnant for several years earlier. However, after the new excise policy was implemented in 2022-23, revenue rose by over 40 per cent in that year.

This year, against a target of Rs 11,200 crore by March 31, 2026, the state is expected to earn around Rs 11,300 crore from liquor sales.

Sources in the liquor trade said meetings were

held in late December with excise officials to discuss suggestions for the new policy. Traders and contractors reportedly sought a reduction in the size of licensing groups, arguing that the current structure places heavy financial pressure on licensees and discourages small players.

“The large group size leads to cartelisation and monopolistic practices. We asked the government to reduce the size of each group from the present Rs 40-50 crore to Rs 15-20 crore. This will also help the government earn more revenue,” said a liquor contractor. At present, there are 207 licensing units comprising over 6,300 vends.

Government sources said feedback on reducing the size of licensing units has been received, but no decision has been taken. “Last year, e-tendering was introduced for allotment of vends. Traders have also sought alignment of quotas of Indian made foreign liquor and Punjab medium liquor to control pricing. All these issues are under discussion. The government’s priority is to maximise revenue,” sources said.

Joint statement signing in 5 days, India-US deal by mid-March

India and the US are set to operationalise the first tranche of their long-awaited bilateral trade agreement by mid-March, with Washington expected to significantly lower import duties on Indian goods, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday, indicating that negotiations have entered the decisive phase.

Goyal said the two sides were likely to finalise and sign a joint statement within next four–five days, after which the US tariffs on Indian exports would be reduced to 18 per cent from the existing 50 per cent. “The first tranche of the bilateral trade agreement is almost ready. Once the joint statement is signed, the first phase of this partnership will begin,” he told reporters.

At present, Indian goods face a 50 per cent duty, comprising a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff and an additional 25 per cent levy linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil.

Goyal said the reduced tariffs would be implemented through a US executive order, likely to be issued within days of the joint statement. The formal legal agreement, he said, was under drafting and was expected to be concluded by mid-March. He clarified that the pact did not include any investment commitments at this stage.

The minister said the agreement was expected to provide further concessions after the legal

framework was finalised. He also highlighted that the two countries were working towards achieving a $500 billion bilateral trade target, set in February 2025, which would require significant expansion in both exports and sourcing between the two economies. The minister said India’s rapid economic expansion was driving demand across sectors such as energy, steel, aircraft, ICT products and data centre infrastructure. He noted that India’s steel production capacity was projected to increase from the current 140 million tonnes to nearly 300 million tonnes in the coming years. India’s aircraft demand alone, he said, including existing and expected orders from Boeing, was estimated at $70–80 billion, which could rise to nearly $100 billion after accounting for engines and spare parts. He also pointed to the growing push for digital infrastructure, stating that significant concessions announced in the Union Budget for data centres could attract $100–150 billion in investments, which would require largescale imports of equipment and technology.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said India would reduce tariffs on American goods only after the legal agreement was signed, explaining that India’s tariffs were based on the most-favourednation (MFN) principle, while US tariffs were imposed through executive action. He said all items India had committed to source from the US—such as oil, LNG, LPG, aircraft, ICT products, laptops, smartphones and data centre equipment—were already part of India’s global import basket.

Separately, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the historic India-US trade deal was in the final stages of detailing and would be completed very soon. Concluding his visit to the US, Jaishankar described his engagements as productive and positive and said the agreement would open a new phase in bilateral ties, with expanding cooperation across trade, defence, energy, strategic affairs and critical minerals.

Tripartite pact clears way for creation of Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority

The Centre on Thursday signed an agreement with the Nagaland Government and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) for the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).

The formation of the FNTA will fulfil a longstanding demand for a new administrative body within the state aimed at addressing the demands of eastern Nagaland.

The FNTA will comprise six Nagaland districts: Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator. Also, there would be devolution of power regarding 46 subjects to the FNTA, official sources said.

The pact was signed in the Capital in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and members of various Naga tribes were also present on the occasion. The agreement provides for a minisecretariat for the FNTA, to be headed by the Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary, and sharing of development outlay for eastern Nagaland proportional to population and area. However, the agreement does not affect in any manner whatsoever, the provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.

This unique arrangement envisages overall development of eastern Nagaland through financial autonomy and enhanced decisionmaking, leading to accelerated infrastructure development, economic empowerment and optimum resource utilisation, the official sources said.

The Home Minister said he wanted to assure the representatives of the ENPO, an apex body representing eight recognised Naga tribes of six

eastern districts, that the Centre would assist in the development of the region and also shoulder its responsibility. Shah added that every year a fixed amount would be decided and released. The Ministry of Home Affairs will also provide the initial expenditure for the establishment of the FNTA.

Shah said in 2021-22, he had told ENPO representatives that the Centre was committed to finding a solution to every dispute. He had assured them to keep faith and participate in the democratic process.

Shah said, "MHA officers worked for a long

time as a bridge between the ENPO and the Government of Nagaland. Now, we have been able to resolve the dispute."

"We all are very well aware of the ENPO region and its strategic importance. Ever since the creation of Nagaland, citizens of eastern Nagaland have continuously felt in their hearts that they are not receiving justice. I had spoken with Chief Minister Rio, who happily stated that he would discuss and accept all demands of the ENPO," he said.

Congratulating the people of eastern Nagaland and the ENPO, Rio said, "Today, we have taken one more step forward in the direction of ending all disputes in Nagaland."

Energy security of Indians top priority: MEA on Russian oil

India on Thursday made it clear that its energy sourcing decisions are guided solely by national interest and the imperative of ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people. The statement came in response to claims by US President Donald Trump that New Delhi had agreed to stop buying Russian oil as part of a major India-US trade deal.

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Addressing media queries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government’s position on energy security had been stated publicly on several occasions and remained unchanged. “So far as India’s energy security or energy sourcing is concerned, ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the supreme priority of the government,” he said.

Jaiswal emphasised that diversification of energy sources, in line with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics, was at the core of India’s energy strategy. “All of India’s decisions are taken and will be taken with this in mind,” he said, underlining that policy choices were driven by commercial considerations and national requirements.

The clarification comes after President Trump, while announcing a major India-US trade deal, claimed that India had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil and instead would increase imports of energy and other goods from the US and “potentially, Venezuela”.

Venezuela until 2019-20, before purchases were halted due to sanctions. Imports briefly resumed in 2023-24 but were again stopped following the reimposition of sanctions.

Jaiswal pointed out that public sector undertakings had established partnerships with Venezuela’s national oil company PDVSA and had maintained a presence in the country since 2008. “Consistent with our approach to energy security, India remains open to exploring the commercial merits of any crude supply options, including from Venezuela,” he said.

India’s response signals that while New Delhi

On Venezuela, the MEA spokesperson noted that the country had been a long-standing energy partner of India, both on the trade and investment fronts. He said India had imported crude oil from

remains open to diversifying energy imports, no single country or geopolitical consideration dictates its sourcing decisions, which continue to be anchored in affordability, availability and longterm energy security.

Pakistan left watching, India seals $10B German submarine deal

India is close to sealing a defence agreement with Germany that could boost its underwater naval strength. Talks between the two countries have reached an advanced stage for a deal valued at around $10 billion to build next-generation conventional submarines for the Indian Navy. Formal signatures between the two sides are expected soon.

Officials familiar with the development say the agreement has been going on for over the past months, with most technical and financial details already settled. The plan centres on constructing six advanced submarines in India through Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in partnership with German defence major Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. The project is expected to include technology transfer, training of Indian personnel and long-term industrial cooperation.

According to reports, the inter-governmental agreement needed for the project has been finalized. It has cleared the way for the final contract. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is expected to visit India later this month. The visit is seen as crucial for putting the final stamp on the agreement.

Once signed, the main contract will be executed between the the Ministry of Defence and Mazagon Dock, with the broader government-togovernment pact covering technology sharing, approvals and operational support.

The planned submarines will use airindependent propulsion, which will let them stay underwater for long periods without needing to surface. This capability is seen as vital for stealth operations and sustained patrols in contested waters. The first submarine is expected to enter service roughly seven years after the contract comes into force. The remaining vessels will be delivered in phases.

For Germany, the partnership offers an opportunity to expand its naval footprint in Asia and position India as a long-term production base for advanced warships. German industry sees

Indian shipyards as cost-effective and capable, opening the door for future joint exports to friendly countries in the region.

For India, the deal strengthens domestic shipbuilding, supports thousands of skilled jobs and adds a critical layer to naval preparedness.

The urgency around the project shows the Indian Navy’s current submarine shortage. Several ageing platforms are nearing retirement, while only a limited number of new submarines have joined the fleet over the past two decades.

Budgetary provisions for the ongoing financial year already account for initial payments linked to the deal. It highlights the Navy’s readiness to move ahead.

The agreement also carries regional significance. Pakistan has earlier shown interest in acquiring similar German submarine technology, including the Type 214 platform. Berlin works with Pakistan on areas like energy, climate projects and skill training. It is backed by long-term development support.

Defence sales, though, have followed a different trajectory, with India now emerging as Germany’s primary partner for advanced submarine construction in South Asia.

Designed originally by Germany’s Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft and now part of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, HDW-class submarines are known for reliability, stealth and versatility. These diesel-electric vessels are widely used for coastal missions, intelligence gathering and anti-submarine warfare. It makes them a strong fit for India’s maritime needs.

At least 18 miners were killed in a blast and several others feared trapped in an illegal coal mining site in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, prompting the government to order an investigation, officials said.

Rescue teams have been engaged in search operations, Director General of Police I Nongrang said, adding that the incident occurred in the Thangsku area in the morning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured would be given Rs 50,000.

“Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) quoted Modi as saying in a post on X.

better treatment. “The exact number of labourers present inside the mine at the time of the explosion is yet to be ascertained. More people are feared trapped,” the DGP said.

The explosion occurred at an illegal coal mine at Mynsyngat in the Thangsku area under Umpleng Police Outpost, Kumar said.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed grief over the incident and announced a probe. During rescue operations, a total of 18 bodies were recovered from the site, East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said.

One person who sustained injuries in the blast was initially taken to Sutnga Primary Health Centre before being referred to a Shillong hospital for

He said that information about the blast was received in the morning, following which senior officers and other staff reached the spot. Upon verification, it was confirmed that an explosion had taken place inside the illegal coal mine and several persons were suspected to be trapped, the SP added.

Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and a Special Rescue Team (SRT) have been deployed at the site, and rescue and recovery operations are continuing, the police said.

A suo motu FIR was registered in connection with the incident at the Khliehriat police station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the Explosive Substances Act, the SP added.

Home Minister Amit Shah launched the India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform “Bharat Taxi” here on Thursday. It will start services in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat initially and pan-India in the next three years.

The move is being seen as a significant milestone in strengthening the cooperative sector and promoting citizen-centric mobility solutions.

According to the Ministry of Cooperation, the platform will operate on a “zero-commission” and “surge-free” pricing model, with profits distributed directly to drivers. It said Bharat Taxi will prioritise social security for ‘sarathis’ (drivers) through health insurance, accident coverage, retirement savings and a dedicated driver support system. Around 200 women drivers have already joined the service. Under the initiative, drivers will be placed at the centre of ownership, operations and value creation, enabling them to break free from what officials describe as exploitative aggregator-based models.

While the service is backed by the Centre, Bharat Taxi is not a government-run platform. It is operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, a driver-owned cooperative that has drawn leadership support from professionals associated with NABARD and Amul, widely regarded as one of the world’s most successful cooperative models.

“Under the model, each driver holds five shares in the cooperative. Unlike private aggregators, no commission is deducted per ride. Instead, drivers pay a fixed daily app access fee of Rs 30 — a structure aimed at addressing long-standing complaints over high commissions and limited control on platforms such as Ola and Uber,” an official said.

Reports suggest Bharat Taxi’s fares could be up to 30 per cent cheaper than private competitors, as savings from the zero-commission model are passed on to passengers. Traditional ridehailing apps typically deduct Rs 30-50 per ride as commission. Bharat Taxi has said it already has over four lakh registered drivers on its platform.

The app also incorporates safety features, including a dedicated helpline. In collaboration with the Delhi Police, 35 special booths have been set up to address customer complaints and concerns. All drivers undergo a verification process as part of onboarding.

The platform offers multiple ride categories — AC and non-AC cabs, XL cabs, autos and bike taxis — mirroring the flexibility provided by established players.

Bharat Taxi had its soft launch last year in Delhi and Gujarat, where it recorded an average of 5,500 rides daily, including 4,000 airport trips.