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VOL 25 - ISSUE 41
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
Punjabi grandfather to be deported after criminally harassing teens A 51-year-old man from India visiting Canada on a temporary visa has been convicted of criminally harassing two teenaged girls outside a Sarnia high school and will be deported and banned from coming back to the country. Jagjit Singh, who is living in the Sarnia, ON while visiting his newborn grandchild, was also given a short jail sentence. “You had no business attending at the property of (that) high school,” Justice Krista Lynn Leszczynski said Wednesday. “This type of conduct will not be tolerated.” Continued on Page 7...
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18 billion-dollar rice question: Why US and Canada are targeting India's rice exports India Rice Export: The debate around India’s rice trade intensified this week after representatives from the United States and Canada raised objections at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Their complaint centred on the worry that India’s growing presence in the global rice market may end up unsettling countries that rely on stable prices and dependable supplies. People in the knowhow of the discussions said both delegations voiced the view that New Delhi’s plan to expand exports in the coming seasons might trigger tremors
across international markets, especially for smaller economies that have little cushion when price trends change. Union Minister Prahlad Joshi acknowledged the concerns but added that India’s intention remains unchanged. The government, he said, wants farmers to earn a fair return while the country continues to meet global demand in a balanced manner. New Delhi has earlier indicated that it plans to double exports over the next few years, a projection that carries weight considering India already accounts for almost 40 percent of the world’s rice trade.
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India-US trade deal nears finish line, Pakistan scrambles to decode what comes next India-US Trade Deal: The long negotiations between India and the United States over a new trade agreement have finally reached the last mile. Officials on both sides say the deal is now in its “final stage”, and there is a strong possibility that it will be signed before the end of November. The expectation inside New Delhi is that the moment this agreement takes effect, the steep US tariff, presently
around 50 percent on several categories of Indian products, will come down. The possible tariff cut has already triggered fresh calculations across South Asia. Pakistan, in particular, is watching every step with unusual intensity. Diplomats in Islamabad believe the agreement will reveal how Washington intends to shape its economic presence in the region over the next decade. Continued on Page 6...
Bollywood's 'He-Man' Dharmendra dies at 89 Bollywood star Dharmendra has died in the Indian city of Mumbai at the age of 89. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the actor, saying his passing "marks the end of an era in Indian cinema". Dharmendra, who often described himself as "a simple man", commanded extraordinary affection and loyalty from his tens of millions of fans. Best known as Veeru, the lovable petty criminal in the 1975 blockbuster
Sholay, he appeared in over 300 films, many hits, captivating audiences for decades. Songs featuring him topped the charts, and his romance and marriage with Hema Malini made headlines. Dubbed the "original He-Man of Bollywood" and "Garam (hot) Dharam", the actor often made it to global lists of "most handsome men" in his heyday and female fans were known to sleep with his photographs under their pillows. Continued on Page 10...
Carney says Canada and India can be ‘reliable trading partners’
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The prime ministers of Canada and India have agreed to launch negotiations towards a new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the news in a social media post Sunday afternoon, claiming the potential new deal “could more than double” the trade between the two countries to $70 billion. On Sunday, Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in South Africa, as both countries work to reset a strained relationship. According to a readout from the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney has also accepted an invitation to visit India in early 2026. Continued on Page 6...
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
Guilbeault resigns from cabinet over Carney’s energy deal with Alberta Steven Guilbeault has resigned from the prime minister’s cabinet, citing his strong opposition to the federal Liberal government’s major new energy agreement with Alberta, accusing Mark Carney of dismantling of climate plans. The dramatic departure comes just hours after Carney signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, laying the groundwork for strengthened cooperation on major energy projects, including a new pipeline and carbon capture. In a lengthy statement posted online, Guilbeault said he informed the prime minister of his decision this afternoon, noting he is also departing from his key political role as Carney’s Quebec lieutenant. While stating he understands the prime minster’s efforts in the face of “profound
disruption,” Guilbeault said he remains “one of those for whom environmental issues must remain front and centre.” “That is why I strongly oppose the memorandum of understanding between the federal government and the government of Alberta,” Guilbeault said, noting he made the decision “with great sadness.” Among the aspects of the MOU Guilbeault takes issue with are the environmental impacts of a new pipeline, the absence of consultation with B.C. First Nations or the provincial government, the prospect of lifting the tanker ban and allowing Alberta to get out of certain regulations. Guilbeault had been serving as the minister responsible for official languages since May, and Carney’s minister of Canadian identity and culture since March.
B.C. lowers deficit projection to $11.2 billion, but BCGEU deal could impact bottom line The British Columbia government says it's now projecting an $11.2 billion deficit this fiscal year, still a record but down from a projected $11.6 billion in its last quarterly report. The Ministry of Finance says in its latest quarterly report released Thursday that the province is projecting revenues to be $512 million more than previously forecast due to more corporate and personal income taxes. But the report says other tax revenues are down, including $150 million less from property transfers, $100 million less in provincial sales tax, and $50 million less in tobacco tax. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey says the province is "undoubtedly" feeling the pinch from U.S. tariffs, and the government is focusing on new trade partners, major projects and reducing inefficiencies as B.C.'s economy is expected to grow at a "measured pace." “We’re diversifying our trade relationships with new partners and approving major industrial projects to provide good jobs for people and economic security, no matter what the world throws at us," Bailey said in a statement. The ministry's first quarterly report, released in September, had projected a record $11.6 billion deficit and was released amid a tumultuous time of "global trade uncertainty," with U.S. tariffs
putting a damper on the province's gross domestic product. The latest report lists several capital projects, worth more than $50 million in spending, added since the last report. They include the Simon Fraser University Medical School facility at $521 million and eight B.C. Hydro projects worth more than $1.2 billion. Bailey said the deficit could get worse as the province starts to feel the impact of a recentlynegotiated deal with the B.C. General Employees' Union. "We respect the rights of workers to organize and strike. That's foundational to who we are as government," she told reporters. "But there is no doubt that the recent mediated labour settlement will also add pressure to government's bottom line in future years." Official Opposition finance critic Peter Milobar said that he worried the province's books would go further in the red as wage growth softens. "Those consumption-type taxes are all dropping, which means that in the here and the now, those income taxes and those corporate taxes are likely dropping," he told. "So in another quarter or two, you'll start to see those filter through, which means we'll start to see a true hemorrhaging of that deficit number."
Canada and India agree to restart trade talks, says Indian government
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Canada and India have agreed to restart stalled talks for a new trade deal, the Indian government said on Sunday, after discussions between the two countries paused following a diplomatic spat two years ago. Prime Minister Mark Carney met with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a bilateral discussion on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. "The leaders agreed to begin negotiations on a high-ambition Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aimed at doubling bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030," the statement from India's Prime Minister's Office said. "Prime Minister @narendramodi and I met at the G20 Summit today, and launched negotiations for a trade deal that could more than double our trade to more than (C) $70 billion," Carney said in a post on X. "India is the world’s fifth largest economy, and that means big new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses." Both sides reaffirmed their longstanding civil nuclear cooperation and noted the ongoing discussions on expanding collaboration, including through long-term uranium supply arrangements, it added. The restart of talks highlights thawing relations between the two countries as Carney pushes to expand trade ties beyond the U.S., its biggest trading partner. Carney has vowed to double Canada's non-U.S. exports over the next decade. Canada paused negotiations for a broad trade pact in 2023 after relations soured when Ottawa accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of a Canadian Sikh separatist. New Delhi has denied involvement. Despite the diplomatic row, trade between Canada and India has grown but trade experts say
it is quite small relative to the size of India's economy. Two-way goods and services trade touched about C$31 billion ($21.98 billion) in 2024, largely in Canada’s favor due to its C$16 billion in services exports. In contrast, Canada's total bilateral trade with China was almost four times bigger in 2024. Relations between Canada and India began to improve following Modi's meeting with Carney on the sidelines of the G7 summit in June. Earlier on Sunday, Carney said he considers India a reliable trading partner, although he acknowledged there could be some "source of friction." He said Canada and India have a strong commercial relationship and he would be keen to scale that up. "What we're looking to do is to put that (commercial relationship) on a sound footing through a potential trade agreement between the two countries, which gives protections to our businesses, protections to Indian businesses, a clear set of rules, dispute mechanisms, and others, and build on those opportunities." Carney also met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the G20 summit and the leaders agreed to intensify negotiations on a Canada-Mercosur free trade agreement. Mercosur includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
B.C. communities see sudden spike in overdoses and an animal drug may be to blame Communities across British Columbia are reeling from a sudden spike in overdose cases and, in some other cases, breaking records. According to the Vancouver Fire Department, it responded to 54 overdose calls in the city last Friday. Just a few months ago, the service said it was responding to 16 overdoses a day. Vancouver fire said due to the exposure to “extreme levels of human suffering”, firefighters are limited to 81 shifts at Firehall 2 to try and limit compassion fatigue. Firehall 2 is located close to the Downtown Eastside. “This is really felt in the DTES, and the neighbouring fire halls all coming in to assist for that urgent need for a number of extremely urgent
South Asian man charged with 2nd-degree murder in death of sister-in-law
requests for immediate life-threatening help,” Matthew Trudeau, spokesperson for Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, said. Island Health says on Nov. 18, there was a “dramatic increase” in toxic drug poisonings in the Cowichan area. Front-line workers called it one of the worst episodes in the ongoing toxic drug crisis. “It was happening in clusters, so individuals were using a substance and essentially dropping flat right after they used it,” Kassidy Holt, who works at the Warmland House Shelter’s Cowichan Valley branch, told. That advisory has now been extended for another week. B.C.’s health minister says the province is focused on expanding access to treatment and recovery options.
Police in Delta, say a 24-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder and indignity to human remains related to the death of his sisterin-law. The incident occurred on Oct. 26 around 11:20 p.m. when Delta Police officers responded to a motor vehicle incident and subsequent vehicle fire in the 7000 block of Highway 17, according to a news release issued by the Delta Police Department on Wednesday. "Tragically, the vehicle’s sole female occupant was pronounced deceased at the scene and has been identified as 30-year-old Mandeep Kaur of Delta," said the release. But the circumstances appeared "suspicious," according to police, which prompted an extensive investigation.
Delta resident Gurjot Singh Khaira was arrested on Nov. 6 and charged the following day with indignity to human remains. He was remanded in custody, according to police. On Tuesday, Crown approved an additional charge of second-degree murder, according to Delta police. Khaira's next court date is Dec. 11. Police say they will not release further details due to the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings.
B.C. premier, federal minister to announce strengthened response to extortion threats B.C. Premier David Eby, Gary Anandasangaree, the federal minister of public safety, provincial and municipal representatives and police leadership will hold an announcement on Friday morning about strengthening the response to extortion threats and support for victims. That press conference is scheduled for 9 a.m. PT. Canada’s South Asian communities, including those in Surrey, B.C., have seen a wave of extortionrelated threats and violence, with British Columbia establishing a team dedicated to such cases earlier in the fall. The city of Surrey has also set up a $250,000 reward fund in a push to gather information that would lead to a conviction in extortion cases in the area. Recently, the Law Society of B.C. sent out a notice to its members saying it is aware of recent incidents involving extortion threats. While no extortion cases have been reported in Vancouver,
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residents said they are still concerned about the rise in incidents. “We don’t want what’s happening south of us in our city, and the only way to prevent that is if the community itself works with the police authorities and cooperates and works together,” Jagdeep Sanghera, vice-president of the Khalsa Diwan Society, said. Earlier this month, the Canada Border Services Agency announced it had deported three people connected to extortion investigations and launched investigations into 78 foreign nationals who could be deemed inadmissible to Canada. “If individuals come into the country with the purpose of perpetrating violent extortion, they will be removed from Canada following all appropriate laws,” said Nina Krieger, the province’s public safety minister and solicitor general.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
Pressure to shut down Granville Street SROs with emergency calls up 822%, HVA says
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Vancouver’s hospitality industry continues to put pressure on the provincial government over the deteriorating situation on Granville Street after what it says was another 10 days of fires, violence and disorder. At a news conference on Thursday, Hospitality Vancouver Association (HVA), along with Mayor Ken Sim and Police Chief Steve Rai, called on the province to immediately close three problematic single room occupancy (SROs) buildings on Granville Street. “We want to draw attention to the ill-advised decision by BC Housing to locate nearly 300 vulnerable people with complex mental health and addiction needs directly within and above Vancouver’s entertainment district,” Laura Ballance, spokesperson for the HVA, said. “In early 2020, we had been told that that decision to purchase a much-needed hotel and convert it to emergency housing for people living on the street was a temporary COVID response. But that SRO is still there, and combined with the other two SROs converted to emergency housing for homeless people, all within two blocks on Granville Street.” Ballance said that four months ago, they called for an inquiry into BC Housing on
the financial and operating oversight of the SROs but have yet to hear back. She said Granville Street is no longer safe. “We give you a snapshot of the past 10 days on this street where we have had a daytime murder in the middle of a busy work week on the middle of our street,” Ballance said. “We’ve had a major fire and resulting flood and other small floods and an escalation in street disorder.” Ballance said they gathered together open-source statistics and found that, since the three SROs were converted, calls to the three buildings are up 822 per cent. Vancouver police workload is up 975 per cent. Between 2020 and 2025, Ballance said Vancouver police have responded to calls at the former Howard Johnson Hotel, now the Luugat Hotel, 4,000 times — an average of 2.4 times a day.
Opposition leader calls for emergency debate on Canada’s rising extortion crisis The Leader of the Opposition requested an emergency debate in the House of Commons on Tuesday (Nov. 18) to discuss the ongoing extortion crisis that continues to “terrorize communities across Canada.” Pierre Poilievre’s request for an emergency debate was denied, with the speaker stating he was “not satisfied that this request meets the requirements of the standing order at this time.” Once an application for emergency debate is heard, the Speaker decides without debate whether the issue is “specific and important enough to warrant urgent consideration by the House,” noted a post on ourcommons.ca about emergency debates. “Although the standing orders give considerable discretion to the Speaker in deciding if a matter should be brought before the House for urgent consideration, certain criteria must be weighed.
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The Speaker determines whether the matter is related to a genuine emergency and could not be brought before the House within a reasonable time by other means, such as during a supply day or a take-note debate.” Poilievre was calling for a strong self-defence law, mandatory minimum prison sentences for extortion and “kicking out” non-citizens connected to extortion. “Mr. Speaker, this is an emergency. We have the answer, let’s restore safety, tranquillity to our streets,” Poilievre said. In a letter posted to Poilievre’s X, he stated there have been extortion threats made against small business communities across the country, including Surrey, Abbotsford and Calgary, along with Brampton, Ont. Surrey Police Service said Tuesday (Nov. 18) there have been 101 extortion-related files, 44 extortionrelated shootings and 74 “unique victims” in 2025. Poilievre called out Prime Minister Mark Carney
for not visiting Surrey last week, when he was in White Rock. “While the Prime Minister toured British Columbia’s Lower Mainland last week, he refused to visit Surrey and take questions on the soft-oncrime laws and open border policies that led to this tragedy,” reads the statement. Poilievre visited Surrey on Saturday (Nov. 15), where he visited with the family of Darshan Sahsi, who was shot and killed outside his Abbotsford home on Nov. 17. Poilievre also called on the government to “kick out and keep out non-citizen extortionists.” In early November, the Canada Border Services Agency removed three people from Canada and stated it was investigating 78 foreign nationals who were allegedly connected to the ongoing extortion crisis. The CBSA is part of the BC Extortion Task Force, which consists of 40 members drawn from various policing agencies, including the CBSA, B.C. RCMP, Abbotsford Police Department, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – B.C., Delta Police Department, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, Surrey Police Service and Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit. Poilievre said the Liberal government has not done enough to tackle this ongoing crisis. He said Conservatives are calling for minimum sentencing for “all forms of extortion.” When a gun is involved, the minimum sentence is increased to four years and five years if tied to organized crime. In late October, Sean Fraser, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, introduced the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, known as Bill C-14, in the House of Commons. The act is currently going through a second reading in the House of Commons. The act would also introduce consecutive sentencing, which would mean longer time spent behind bars, for those convicted of violent crimes such as extortion, auto theft, and break and enter. For example, the proposed amendments state that “a sentence for extortion be served consecutively (one after another) to a sentence imposed for arson.” Currently, most sentences are served at the same time (concurrently).
OPINION
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
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SURREY – The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) is welcoming the new Ottawa–Alberta Memorandum of Understanding on energy, infrastructure, pipelines, rail, power generation, and ports that will support energy and natural resource development in Western Canada – and urges Premier David Eby to be a constructive partner in making these important nation-building projects a reality. “Canada has an abundance of energy the world desperately needs, world-leading environmental standards, and a skilled construction workforce that’s ready to build,” said Chris Gardner, ICBA CEO. “This is a sweeping change in policy - the MOU is the first time in a decade that Ottawa and Alberta have been rowing in the same direction on energy. British Columbia needs to be part of ‘Team Canada,’ not on the outside looking in trying to block other provinces getting their resources to world markets through ports on the West Coast.” Gardner cautioned that Eby’s intransigence on energy risks repeating the Trans Mountain (TMX) experience. “We’ve seen this movie before,” Gardner said. “The NDP famously used ‘every tool in the toolbox’ to stop TMX – and we ended up with years of delay, provincial-federal conflict, and a massive bill dumped on taxpayers. If B.C. repeats that playbook, it will drive away investment, undermine the very idea of a national economic strategy and weaken our ability to chart greater economic independence from the United States.” Ultimately, the approval process for these national projects is a federal matter, and rightly so, if we let one province block other provinces from getting their resources to market, we weaken our country and end up with ten provinces asserting absolute control over their land. A new energy corridor to the B.C. coast, Gardner said, is exactly the kind of project Canada needs.
“If a new responsibly built pipeline to tidewater were to come to fruition, it will mean billions in private investment, tens of thousands of family-supporting construction jobs, more independence from the whims of the White House, and more revenue to pay for health care, education and the transit and transportation infrastructure our communities so desperately need,” Gardner said. “David Eby has a habit of supporting ‘Team Canada’ only when the project is one, he supports. Opposing this kind of nationbuilding opportunity isn’t just anti-jobs, anti-investment, and anti-growth – it’s antiCanadian.” “When governments work with Indigenous and local communities – as we’ve seen on projects like Coastal GasLink, LNG Canada,
Site C, and the expansion of the Port of Vancouver – we get innovation, investment in jobs, skills training, and shared prosperity,” said Gardner. “That’s the model B.C. needs to embrace, not frivolous lawsuits and ideological nonsense. Contractors in B.C. and Alberta are ready to build these projects and help position Canada as a global energy power. Our message to David Eby is simple: we need prosperity, not roadblocks.” Mike Martens, President of ICBA Alberta, said investors are watching closely. “Aligning Ottawa and Alberta on energy is a powerful signal to both our global competitors and customers, that Canada wants to get back in the game,” Martens said. “What they need to see now is that B.C. will be a willing partner in building Canada.”
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
Ottawa and Alberta agree to new pipeline deal: report Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have agreed to the broad terms of a deal that would support a new oil pipeline to Canada’s west coast, the CBC reported Monday. Currently, Canada has rules which Smith and industry observers say deter investors from committing to a new conduit to ferry Alberta’s oil to the coast of British Columbia, and then to Asian markets. The most obvious legal block is a ban on tankers carrying oil off the northern B.C. coast. The federal and provincial leaders are set to announce a milestone deal granting special exemptions and “political support” to a new pipeline at a press conference in Calgary, Alta., on Thursday, the report said, citing anonymous sources. Carve-outs would be contingent on commitments to stricter carbon pricing and a “multi-billion-dollar investment” in carbon capture from a group of oil sands companies called the Pathways Alliance, the story added. Such a deal would mark a breakthrough in the tense relationship between the Ottawa-based federal government, which strengthened environmental protections under previous Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and the conservative oil-rich province. A new oil pipeline is totemic for some Albertans who say the federal government holds back their province’s economic potential. The idea has gained wider support as Canada attempts to diversify its exports away from the U.S., after President Donald Trump’s tariffs and remarks about
making Canada a U.S. state. Currently, most all of Canada’s oil — among the country’s largest exports — is sent south. But adding export capacity runs up against the country’s ambitions to cut greenhouse gas emissions. “We hope to have more to share in the coming days,” a spokesperson for Premier Smith’s office said by phone, declining to elaborate on specifics. The Prime Minister’s office declined to comment. British Columbia Premier David Eby has expressed vehement opposition to a new pipeline, and cites Indigenous leaders from the region who are also against the idea. He’s said forcing through a pipeline could jeopardize Indigenous support for other major projects in B.C., like liquefied natural gas facilities. However, Eby does not have a legal veto power. B.C. was unsuccessful when mounted court challenges to the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline, which was completed last year and can carry 890,000 barrels of oil per day to the Vancouver area.
Continued from Page 1... This development comes just hours after Carney made it clear, in response to a question from CTV News, that “yes,” he does consider India to be a reliable trading partner. Carney went on to add that, not dissimilar from other nations, issues can arise, but there are mechanisms and systems in place to adjudicate. “We can be both a reliable trading partner, and there will be some sources of friction. What I will say, with respect to India is that we don’t have a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies,” Carney said. “The ability to have more effective trade with them, to scale that trade with them, would be greatly helped by that.” After years of tension, Carney has sought to reset relations with India amid U.S. trade uncertainty. Sunday’s sit-down between the two leaders was their second one-on-one in the last six months. Modi and Carney last had a bilateral at the G7 summit in Kanansaskis, Alta. in June. Both leaders also met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in South Africa on Saturday, along with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to announce a new trilateral partnership in technology and innovation. Strained relations
This reset comes more than two years after former prime minister Justin Trudeau stood up in the House of Commons and said there were “credible allegations” that agents of the Indian government were involved in the assassination of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. A year later, the RCMP and the federal government accused Indian diplomats and consular officials based in Canada of engaging in clandestine activities linked to serious criminal activity in this country, including homicides and extortions. In response to those allegations, Canada expelled six diplomats, while India kicked out six Canadian diplomats in retaliation and denied the accusations. After relations soured, Canada paused negotiations for a broad trade pact in 2023. On Sunday, the prime minister said Canada already has a “strong commercial relationship with India,” but that his government is now looking to put that on “sound footing” through a potential new trade pact. “Which give protections for businesses, protections to Indian businesses, a clear set of rules, dispute mechanisms and others, and build on those opportunities.” Asked about CSIS recently saying the threat from India remains, prime minister said: “With respect to any forms of foreign interference, we have to remain vigilant. We are vigilant.”
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In the 30 years that recall petitions have been around in BC, not one has successfully removed an MLA from their position. While one campaign presumably attained enough signatures to remove an MLA from their position, the MLA resigned before the petition was verified and it technically failed. Still, constituents in the Kelowna-Lake CountryColdstream riding are hoping to make history this spring when they launch a petition against OneBC MLA Tara Armstrong. “I really think that a recall is an opportunity to reset the conversation,” said organizer Wilbur Turner. “It's an opportunity for the constituents to really elect someone that has a mandate to represent the area based on
their platform and not a bait and switch situation that we have now.” Armstrong was elected in the 2024 fall election as a BC Conservative, but then left the party in March after MLA Dallas Brodie was ejected over her comments about residential schools. Eventually, Armstrong and Brodie formed the OneBC party in the summer, a switch that has created concern among residents in the KelownaLake Country-Coldstream riding. “We're a large and diverse electoral district here with a lot of diversity, and it seems that the representation is very, very niche, and the ideology and platform that Tara Armstrong is promoting is definitely not ringing bells with the majority of the constituents," explained Turner.
India-US Trade Deal Nears Finish Line, Pakistan Scrambles To Decode What Comes Next – Here’s Why Continued from Page 1... If the deal moves forward smoothly, IndiaUS trade could rise to $500 billion by 2030, something that has caught the attention of every neighbouring capital. The official added that Islamabad wants Washington to extend the same level of economic engagement to smaller South Asian economies that it offers India. According to the official, this is one of the reasons the joint US-Pakistan statement on bilateral trade is still on hold. Pakistan’s diplomats have been in discussions with the Office of the US Trade Representative, trying to settle the last details before making anything public. Both sides continue to work on what officials describe as “loose ends” that must be tied up before the statement is released.
Pakistan Watches Every Move The key concern in Islamabad is how to benefit from the American tariff concessions on goods made from raw materials imported from the United States. Pakistani officials are examining whether the same relaxations, once extended to India, could be used to increase Pakistan’s own exports to the American market. For now, Islamabad prefers to stay silent. As one source said, “Pakistan is avoiding any immediate announcement. They are waiting for the India-US agreement to take its final shape.” Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, had travelled to the United States in October for World Bank meetings. During that visit, he said that an official statement on Pakistan-US trade would be released “within a few weeks”.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
Saskatchewan firm's plan to export through Washington state instead of B.C. has David Eby fuming VICTORIA — Premier David Eby expressed dismay on Monday that Saskatchewan-based Nutrien Ltd. has chosen Washington state over B.C. for a $1 billion potash export terminal. “I was really disappointed,” the premier told reporters when asked about Nutrien’s decision to go with Longview, Washington, on the Columbia River over Prince Rupert or Vancouver. The premier said the whole country would benefit from the investing in port expansion on the West Coast. Plus the U.S. location means that Saskatchewan potash will be hostage to the “whims” of President Donald Trump, who could impose tariffs on the exports or shut them down altogether. “It is the worst of both worlds,” said the premier. The premier first cited a concern about Nutrien’s decision last week. He was responding to the news that Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe had been in discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith about an oil pipeline through B.C. Talks from which Eby was excluded. “I almost fell out of my seat when I heard Scott Moe say that he was part of these conversations — which I was completely unaware of — about what happens in B.C.,” Eby told the CBC’s David Cochrane, Thursday.
“I was especially surprised because there’s a lot we should be doing with Saskatchewan,” the premier continued, noting the news about the potash terminal, which had broken the day before. “Nutrien, one of their big potash producers, just announced that they want to ship potash out of Washington state,” Eby told the CBC audience. “He (Premier Moe) and I should be working together to make sure that potash moves out of West Coast ports in Canada to protect Saskatchewan residents and Canadians. “Instead, he’s having secret conversations with Danielle Smith and, allegedly, the prime minister about what’s happening in B.C. Why Scott Moe is not focused on getting potash out of B.C. ports instead of Alberta’s oil is beyond me. I guess he can explain that to people in Saskatchewan.” The B.C. premier revisited his Saskatchewan counterpart’s lapse on Monday. Eby told reporters that he has had many conversations with Moe. Never once did the Saskatchewan premier bring up the need to work with Nutrien on its choice of locations for the potash terminal. Another controversy, not mentioned by Eby, is why the $1 billion potash terminal did not make it onto the list of major projects promoted by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
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www.TheAsianStar.com Indian man to be deported after criminally harassing Sarnia teens Continued from Page 1... Singh, who arrived in Canada in July on a six-month visa, frequented the smoking area of a Sarnia high school between Sept. 8 and Sept. 11. In that time, he approached young girls and repeatedly tried to communicate with and take pictures with them. One girl, who initially refused a photo, relented in hopes that he would leave, but instead he placed himself in her personal space. He sat between two girls and gestured to take another photo. After another photo was taken, he put his arm around a girl, who felt uncomfortable,
stood up and pushed his hands away. Singh, who speaks no English, was arrested Sept. 16 and charged with sexual interference and sexual assault. He was granted bail a couple of days later, but was rearrested after a new complaint surfaced from the same day. He received bail again a day later, but had to spend one more night in custody as no interpreter was available at the time. “The treatment he received and the experience he had in jail himself was a shocking experience and long lasting,” Singh’s lawyer, Terry Brandon, told the judge.
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Vancouver city council approves $2.39 billion operating budget with property tax freeze Vancouver city council’s decision Tuesday on the 2026 operating budget was no surprise. But it was still significant, marking the biggest change in approach to municipal finances in many years. As expected, council’s approval of the $2.39 billion operating budget — and its accompanying property tax freeze and hundreds of expected job cuts — fell along party lines, with ABC Vancouver’s seven members in support and the four other councillors opposing. The majority party has been signalling this direction since June, when ABC Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim directed city staff to find “efficiencies” to avoid the six-to-seven-per-cent property tax hike they estimated would be needed to maintain existing service levels. Vancouver city council’s decision Tuesday on the 2026 operating budget was no surprise. But it was still significant, marking the biggest change in approach to municipal finances in many years. As expected, council’s approval of the $2.39 billion operating budget — and its accompanying property tax freeze and hundreds of expected job cuts — fell along party lines, with ABC Vancouver’s seven members in support and the four other councillors opposing. The majority party has been signalling this direction since June, when ABC Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim directed city staff to find “efficiencies” to avoid the six-to-seven-per-cent property tax hike they estimated would be needed to maintain existing service levels. Speaking to reporters at city hall minutes after Tuesday’s budget vote, Sim said: “This is a change. We’re changing the direction of the city.” “That’s why we were voted into office, people did not want the status quo,” Sim said. “They didn’t
want governments to just blindly increase the budgets without being thoughtful.” For many years now, the city’s budgets have grown far faster than inflation or population growth. The city’s operating budget roughly doubled between 2015 and 2025, from $1.2 billion to $2.34 billion, growing several times the rate of inflation. During that same period, Vancouver’s workforce grew by about 25 per cent, far outpacing population growth. Speaking during Tuesday’s budget meeting, ABC Coun. Mike Klassen said
Vancouver’s proposed 2026 budget represents the city’s first zero-per-cent property tax increase he could recall in 25 years following municipal politics. In recent decades, the city expanded to expend more resources in areas outside of its jurisdiction, Klassen said. “This happened slowly and often with very good intentions, but the cumulative effect has been significant. Vancouver has been carrying responsibilities that belong to other levels of government. Full stop. And our systems have become stretched in ways they were never designed to manage.”
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Stopping overdoses like bailing a boat with a thimble, B.C. court hears VANCOUVER — The co-founder of a Vancouver “compassion club” that bought heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine so it could be tested and sold to save lives said he wanted to stop the dangerous street drugs from killing people. “It’s like you’re trying to bail out a boat with a thimble,” Jeremy Kalicum told a B.C. Supreme Court Monday, describing the crisis where he would see hundreds of overdoses. Kalicum was testifying on the first day of a constitutional challenge after he and Eris Nyx, the other co-founder of the Drug User Liberation Front, were convicted of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking. The convictions earlier this month have been suspended until the constitutional argument is decided. Their lawyers say the criminal charges that shut down the compassion club, violated the Charter rights of people looking to use its tested drugs
instead of those of the risky street market. Kalicum told the court of his years of work in harm reduction starting in 2016, including setting up an overdose prevention site in Naniamo, working at the Insite safe injection site in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and being hired by Vancouver Coastal Health to test drugs for safety. Kalicum, who has a master’s degree in public health, said the driver of overdose deaths is the unpredictability of the drug supply and that there wasn’t a tangible response from the government to address the root of the issue. In 2021, he and Nyx Incorporated the Drug User Liberation Front and applied to Health Canada for an exemption to Canada’s drug laws that would
allow them to run a compassion club that tests and sells drugs at cost to a small group of users to track its effectiveness. He said they originally wanted to work with a pharmaceutical company to get the drugs but that didn't materialize. Kalicum described a lengthy process of attempting to get Health Canada to grant an exemption, repeatedly reminding officials in letters that "people were dying." Health Canada rejected the application, saying DULF's plan presented too many public health and safety risks. The group went ahead with the dark web plan anyway, believing it would save lives, he said Their lawyer Tim Dickson told the court in his opening statement on Monday that the risk from the street supply of drugs is "grossly
disproportionate" to any benefit of shutting down the club. "The Drug User Liberation Front, its compassion club was an efficacious means of reducing the severe risks of overdose, injury and death arising from the toxic drug crisis," Dickson said as dozens of the organizations' supporters watched from the gallery. Dickson said the closure of the club violates users' Section 7 rights to life and security of the person and their Section 15 rights to equality on the grounds of disability — in this case severe addiction. He said Section 7 is engaged when the actions of the state increase the risk of death for a person, either directly or indirectly, and that the Charter guarantees that people have control over their bodily integrity, free from state interference. Dickson told the court the charges were “completely out of sync” with the public health goals of Canada's drug laws and the club was effective in reducing overdoses and deaths.
One woman injured after shots fired at Surrey home Police are investigating after a North Surrey home was shot at Sunday night, injuring a person inside. Surrey police officers received a call about possible shots fired outside a home in the 12100-block of 101B Avenue just after 9:10 p.m. on Sunday. There were several people inside the home at the time, said the Surrey Police Service. One woman was injured and taken to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. The motive remains under investigation. At this time, police haven’t linked the
shooting to the continuing rash of extortionrelated violence in the region. The police said officers are expected to be at the property Tuesday to gather evidence. Investigators will work with other police agencies to determine if the shooting is connected to other cases. Anyone with information about the shooting, or who was in the area between 8:30 and 9:15 p.m. and witnessed any suspicious activity or has dashcam video, is asked to contact the Surrey police at 604-599-0502.
B.C. woman sentenced to 18 months in jail for money laundering in "milestone" case Securing a guilty plea in a British Columbia money laundering case that dates back to 2019 involved undercover officers and multiple search warrants, and organized crime investigators say they hope an 18-month jail sentence handed down this month is the first of many. B.C.'s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit said Monday that Alexandra Joie Chow's jail sentence is a "major milestone" in police efforts against organized crime in Canada. "I would point out that there are very few investigations in B.C. that are done on money laundering, let alone making them actually to a courthouse," said Sgt.
Sarbjit Sangha, spokeswoman for the unit which targets organized crime and gang activity. The unit's illegal gaming investigative team started looking into suspected money laundering and loan sharking in 2019, and it's the first time in a decade that a money laundering investigation in B.C. has resulted in a jail sentence on a charge of laundering the proceeds of crime. "I think that's significant and it speaks volumes to the type of investigations that are taking place now," Sangha said. Chow, 37, was arrested in November 2021 after the investigation that involved more than $828,000 in laundered cash.
Surrey Police Service, RCMP disagree on when support ends The Surrey Police Service and the provincial RCMP unit that supports the fledgling force during Surrey’s policing transition are having difficulty coming to terms on when they will part ways. The SPS became the city’s police of jurisdiction (POJ) on Nov. 29, 2024. When the torch got passed from Surrey Mounties who, since May 1, 1951 had been the city’s official police force, the Surrey RCMP slipped into the past to become the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit (SPOSU) unit, supporting the SPS as the latter ramps up its ranks and frontline policing territory. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, of the RCMP, stated in a Nov. 19 press release approaching the first anniversary of the POJ transfer that RCMP officers will provide this temporary support in Guildford and Cloverdale until the RCMP’s “full withdrawal by November 2026.”
Brian Sauvé, president and CEO of the National Police Federation – Canada’s largest policing union, representing 20,000 RCMP Mounties serving across Canada and internationally – says the reality is that RCMP members have continued to carry much of the operational burden throughout this transition as they did for the past 74 years. “As we begin the second and final year of this transition, our position is direct and unchanged – all RCMP members must be fully demobilized from Surrey by November 2026,” Sauvé insisted, echoing McDonald. “This is the timeline publicly set by the provincial and federal governments, and we expect all partners—the SPS included—to align with and support that commitment. Any suggestion of extending RCMP operations into 2027 is not acceptable, and the NPF will continue to oppose any delay that leaves our members in prolonged limbo.”
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
Bollywood's 'He-Man' Dharmendra dies at 89 Continued from Page 1... Bollywood stars weren't immune to his charms either - over the years actress Madhuri Dixit described him as "one of the most handsome people I have seen on screen", superstar Salman Khan said Dharmendra was the "most beautiful looking man" and actress Jaya Bachchan called him "a Greek God". Dharmendra always said he was "embarrassed" by talk of his good looks and attributed it to "nature, my parents and my genes". Born on 8 December 1935 in Nasrali village in Punjab's Ludhiana district in a middle-class Jatt-Sikh family, he was named Dharam Singh Deol by his schoolteacher father. In a 2018 interview with BBC Hindi, he said his father wanted him to study, but he fell in love with films early on and wanted to be a hero. "I watched my first film when I was in the ninth standard and I was hooked. I was wondering, where is this heaven where all these beautiful people live? I thought I must find my way there. I felt like they were mine and I belonged to them." But when he told his family, they were appalled. "My mother said, 'you are our eldest child, you have family responsibilities'. I was very sad. So when we heard about the All India Talent Contest by Filmfare magazine, to humour me, she said, 'ok, send in your application'. We didn't think I would be selected." But then he won the contest and moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) and the rest, as they say, is history. For three decades - after debuting with Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere (The heart is yours and so am I) in 1960 - he ruled Bollywood, delivering several hits a year. Dharmendra first rose to fame with Bimal
Roy's 1963 film Bandini, earning praise for his elegant portrayal of a prison doctor who falls for a convict. He soon became a romantic hero, pairing successfully with top actresses like Nutan, Meena Kumari, Mala Sinha, and Saira Banu. In 1966, he did his first action role in Phool Aur Patthar (Flower and rock), but it was the 1971 hit Mera Gaon Mera Desh (My village, my country) which cemented his reputation as an action hero. Tall and well-built, Dharmendra often did his own action scenes, involving daring stunts, even taking risks. Besides romance and action, the actor also delivered thrillers and comedies that were hits. Critics praised him "for his impeccable comic timing" in the hilarious 1975 film Chupke Chupke.
Former Surrey finance clerk charged with defrauding city out of $2.5 million A former City of Surrey finance clerk and parttime pastry chef accused of diverting taxpayer funds to her boutique cake-baking business has been charged with cooking the books at city hall. Six months after CBC News revealed the existence of an investigation into allegations of wrongdoing in Surrey's finance department, Sunny Catlin has been charged with breach of trust, fraud, theft and forgery in relation to nearly $2.5 million worth of missing money. The Surrey Police Service issued a news release Wednesday about the charges, which come more than a year after an investigation that began in January 2024 after Catlin allegedly quit her job when she was questioned about what appeared to be a forged signature on some paperwork. According to a search warrant obtained by CBC News, that irregularity allegedly led to the discovery of 183 fraudulent cheques written out to Catlin's former legal name, her mother and her side business — drawing on funds kept in accounts that had been dormant for years. A warrant issued in March to search Catlin's work computer claims Surrey city CFO Kam Grewal told police she "had been committing fraud since 2017, by exploiting her position and had defrauded the city of more than $2 million." The court documents give an overview of the civic deposit process Catlin is accused of manipulating to reward herself. "The City collects deposits from developers, construction companies and individuals. The deposits are then returned to them once they complete their projects and/or meet certain conditions set by the City," the search warrant says. "The City collects thousands of deposits every year and some deposits have been with the city for over 20 to 40 years, as projects can be delayed, abandoned or the company has some other issues." Grewal allegedly told police Catlin "had access to
the City databases that had allowed her to see the details about deposits and allowed her to change the names of the payee for the cheques to be issued." According to the search warrant, Catlin was initially suspended without pay after being confronted about the forgery. The following day, a replacement sent to pick up cheques normally handled by Catlin was allegedly "given 2 extra cheques that she was not expecting" — one made out to Catlin's mother and the other to her business. "It was common knowledge in the office that Catlin also had a cake baking business on the side," the search warrant says. "It was also well known that she was an avid gambler. Catlin would often talk about the experiences she had." According to the search warrant, Catlin's supervisors ultimately discovered a total of 183 cheques for a total of $2,537,599.67 written out to the three associated accounts between 2017 and 2024. They tracked her user ID through the payment system to see where Catlin allegedly made changes to addresses and payees linked to deposit account holders in order to issue cheques to herself. In the wake of the CBC's reporting on the alleged fraud, the City of Surrey insisted that the irregularities were discovered in response to the mayor's "mandate to ensure fiscally responsible government and to safeguarding every taxpayer dollar."
Praise, discontent, resignations follow Carney-Smith agreement on future pipeline In a statement, Carney confirmed that Guilbeault will stay on as a Liberal MP, while defending his climate strategy. The prime minister said that, while he was “deeply grateful” for his ex-minister’s contributions, “a climate strategy based solely on regulations and prohibitions will not achieve our climate objectives not least because it will fail to generate the alignment of interests required for this historic undertaking.” Carney also said that while the two men “may have differing views at times on how exactly we make essential progress,” he’s glad Guilbeault “will continue to offer his important perspectives.” Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney called the deal between the respective federal and provincial governments a “historic agreement.” “The agreement is not a substitute for actual shovels in the ground, but it is a big repudiation of the astonishingly stupid, self-defeating energy policies of the Trudeau era,” Kenney said. “There is no denying that today’s agreement is huge progress, and at least points the way to a more prosperous future driving by Canada’s largest creator of jobs, tax revenues, and wealth.”
Several environmental groups provided their thoughts on the signing. Anna Barford, an oceans campaigner with Stand. earth, says the MOU wipes out any progress made to improve the conditions for wildlife “Today Prime Minister Carney has torpedoed decades of work in salmon and fisheries recovery and wildlife protections to gamble the future livelihoods in the region by designating the West Coast a tar sands tanker sacrifice zone.” Sierra Club Canada released a statement, saying “there is no economic case for a new pipeline as the world shifts away from oil and gas.” Guilbeault published a statement on his resignation on X. “I remain one of those for whom environmental issues must remain front and center. That is why I strongly oppose the Memorandum of understanding between the federal government and the government of Alberta,” reads the statement. Canadian Identity and Culture Minister and former environment minister Steven Guilbeault is resigning from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet.
NAME CHANGE I, son of Harwinder Singh, holder of Indian Passport z3192839, issued at Chandigarh, on 30/04/2015, permanent resident of Village Kumbhra, Mandi Gobindgarh, Fatehgarh Sahib, PIN-147301 Punjab , India and presently residing at 220- 1735 Agassiz Rosedale Highway, Agassiz, BC Canada V0M 1A2 hereby change my name from Jobanveer Singh to Jobanveer Singh Deol with immediate effect.
FIJI
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
‘People feel alienated’ – Balgovind wants PRB to sell, not rent houses
An architect has called for the implementation of an interest-free home ownership scheme to assist low income earners. Ashok Balgovind and Associates managing director Ashok Balgovind said having witnessed the social degradation in Suva’s Raiwaqa and Raiwasa communities, the Public Rental Board has to get out of the idea of letting houses out on rent. “They should get into the idea of selling very low-cost buildings, selling them to the owners,” Mr Balgovind said, adding that people living under rent conditions “are alienated, they come from all different parts of Fiji and there’s no sense of community”. Mr Balgovind proposed that homes could be sold at extremely low to no interest. “So, basically if the house costs, say, $10,000, the person will be paying about $20 a month for 25 years and at the end of that time they’ll own it. “The point is, $20 a month is half a carton of beer. It’s two packets of cigarettes.”
Housing Minister Maciu Nalumisa said there was a new rent-to-own policy which was recently put in place by the PRB, and that the Government was trying to promote home ownership. “We are discouraging people from renting,” he said. “If you look across these rental board estates, most families have been renting for a while.” Mr Nalumisa cited an example of one family in particular that had been renting for 33 years which he said was about three generations renting the same property. “So, we are trying to change that mindset. “We are telling people if you want to buy the flat that you have been staying in for seven years, you have the liberty to apply for that. “I think some flats have been offered to those that have been living on those properties for so long, so while they are renting, you are also paying the purchase price for that particular flat.
Joyce Aviation CEO renews allegations of corruption as CAAF declines renewal of airline maintenance certificate The CEO and Managing Director of the Joyce Aviation Group (JAG), Captain Tim Joyce, has renewed his longstanding calls for an independent investigation into what he alleges to be “systemic corruption and abuses of power” within the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF). Captain Joyce claims these issues have contributed to serious aviation safety failures, including the 2019 Savusavu helicopter crash that killed three people. His comments come as CAAF confirmed that a domestic airline’s Aircraft Maintenance Organisation Certificate—issued under Air Navigation Regulations Part 145C—for the company that expired on 22 November 2025 and was not renewed following what the regulator described as “significant and recurring safety noncompliances”. Captain Joyce says his experience with CAAF intensified in 2015 after raising safety concerns about the alleged use of “inadequately qualified or unsuitable” CAAF testing officers. “Since then, I have been subjected to relentless, targeted victimisation,” he claimed. “This includes orchestrated attempts to criminalise me, protracted delays in licences and approvals, and disruptions that have led to flight delays and cancellations.” He alleges that the recent non-renewal of the Sunflower Aviation maintenance facility’s certificate is retaliation, not a safety-driven decision. “I do not believe the delays are based on genuine safety concerns,” Joyce said, adding that the
situation follows his refusal of CAAF’s demand to inspect two Australian-registered aircraft abroad, and delays in returning critical aircraft logbooks that have grounded an aircraft since October 2024. Joyce further argues that CAAF has resisted harmonising Fiji’s aviation regulations with New Zealand’s standards—something he says was committed to more than 15 years ago. “Clear and unambiguous regulations would remove opportunities for officers to entrap or penalise operators who question them,” he said. He says the “persistent abuse of power” now warrants a full, independent investigation by FICAC. In a detailed statement, CAAF said the non-renewal of the certificate was grounded solely on safety findings. “This decision follows a comprehensive regulatory assessment in which CAAF identified significant and recurring safety non-compliances by the operator,” the authority said. The Fiji Government reinforced the regulator’s position, saying public safety “remains our highest priority and cannot be compromised under any circumstances.” The statement noted that aviation plays a critical role in Fiji’s connectivity, tourism, and training sectors, and maintaining a credible safety system is essential to the nation’s economic reputation. “No operational or commercial consideration can override the requirement to meet safety standards set out in Fiji’s aviation laws,” CAAF said. “Our determination has been made independently, in strict accordance with our statutory mandate.”
Charged couple plans marriage TWO of the three individuals charged over the discovery of methamphetamine in Suva intend to formalise their marriage. Ginna Mukunghoa Choi, a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, and Peniasi Delai informed Magistrate Yogesh Prasad of their intentions in the Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The pair are charged alongside Lagomarsino Baules, 38, the son of a Palau politician who was arrested with Ms Choi and Mr Delai at a Suva residence. The trio are charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs after they were found with 0.345 grams of methamphetamine. Mr Baules is the son of Hokkons Baules, the president of Palau’s senate. He faces an additional charge of being a prohibited immigrant after overstaying his visitor’s permit by 16 days.
Ms Choi faces an additional charge of being in possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime after police found Fijian and US currency in her possession. According to Ms Choi, they were in the process of finalising their marriage before being remanded. In response, Mr Prasad said it was their right and advised them to liaise with their lawyer, Mesake Waqavanua from the Legal Aid Commission, regarding their request. The case has been adjourned to November 28.
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Supreme Court rejects appeal bid in $472K accident compensation case The Supreme Court has dismissed an application for leave to appeal filed by Pritishna Lata Bhan, the owner of a vehicle involved in a 2008 accident that left passenger Gabriel Singh seriously injured. The ruling, delivered on 30 October by Justices Brian Keith, Terence Arnold and Alipate Qetaki, leaves intact earlier findings by the High Court and the Court of Appeal that Bhan was vicariously liable for the negligence of the driver, Nitin Ronresh Mishra. Justice Arnold, delivering the Court’s primary judgment, said the petition raised no issue of public importance or far-reaching law that would justify the Supreme Court’s intervention. “Car owners often allow other people to drive their cars. Sometimes, a driver who is driving a car with the owner’s permission has an accident. Occasionally, the accident is the result of the
driver’s negligence,” said Justice Arnold. While the negligent driver may well be personally liable for any property damage or personal injuries caused by their negligence, they may not have the financial capacity to make good any claims.” “So the question will arise whether the owner has any liability for the driver’s actions, as that may give rise to a claim under the owner’s third-party liability insurance. This requires consideration of the circumstances in which a car owner will be vicariously liable for losses caused by the negligence of a driver who has the owner’s permission to drive the car at the time of the accident.” The accident occurred on 7 September 2008, when Mishra lost control of Bhan’s car during an overtaking manoeuvre. Singh, a passenger at the time, suffered major injuries.
Depot land reduced A bus company in Suva claims surveyors from the Ministry of Lands reduced by almost 200 square metres the size of the land where its depot sits. The new boundary cuts through the company’s garage and places its fuel tank outside of its premises. Relocation of the fuel tank will now cost about $400,000, says Central Bus Company director Mahendra Nair. He said the scheme plan issued when he bought the company two years ago showed the business, which was established in 1965, had a land area of 870 square metres. “But the title we eventually received from the ministry reflected only 671 square metres and excluded the area where the fuel tank sits,” he said “The company was using this land for decades and the fuel tank alone has been there for a minimum of 25 years,” he said.
“The estimated cost to relocate the fuel tank and the loss of bus space would cost the company around $400,000.” Mr Nair said the company had made several attempts to draw attention to its predicament for months. “We wrote to the surveyor general and later to the minister. The minister acknowledged the letter, but nothing happened.” Mr Nair said time was of the essence and the company had documents to produce to the bank. Lands Ministry permanent secretary Paula Cirikiyasawa said the ministry had received the complaint and followed the required processes. “The directives from the minister or Director of Lands require us to conduct an internal investigation and table the report to management,” he said.
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India & Afghanistan to appoint trade attaches; Kabul commits to lower air-cargo rates for Indian imports New Delhi: India and Afghanistan are set to appoint commercial attaches within the next month, Taliban’s acting Commerce and Industry Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi said Monday. Speaking at a press conference at the Embassy of Afghanistan here, Azizi added that Kabul is seeking ways to reduce tariffs and freight costs on Indian exports to boost trade. “The commercial attachés will be appointed both here in New Delhi and in Kabul within the next one month… We are focusing on reducing the air-cargo rates for Indian businesses exporting to Afghanistan,” Azizi said. The acting minister added: “Security wise, Afghanistan is the most secure country. Companies from India have come for our exhibitions. Companies from Turkey have been operating in Afghanistan.
They are happy with us.” Azizi is the second senior official from the Taliban regime to visit India in as many months. Last month, the acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India for a five-day visit, marking the highest interaction between India and the Taliban since the latter took control over Kabul in August 2021. Azizi’s visit comes at a time when tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan remain high. Last month, Islamabad struck at Kabul using its air force while Muttaqi was in New Delhi. Pakistan has closed the trading posts since 11 October. The Taliban has made it clear that they seek to diversify their trading partners and India is a potential source for investments, especially in the mining and healthcare sectors.
Sindhi leader backs Rajnath Singh; signals willingness for reunification with India amid Pakistan’s repression Berlin, Shafi Burfat, Chairman of the Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM), reiterated that Sindh remains open to forming a confederation with India, based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and the shared historical, cultural, and civilisational ties, citing continued repression in Pakistan. This comes a day after Singh had said that although Sindh is not within India's political borders today, the region remains integral to India's civilisational and cultural memory. "Sindh may not be with us geographically, but civilisationally it has always been a part of India," he remarked. Welcoming Defence Minister
Rajnath Singh's recent remarks at an event in New Delhi, hinting that Sindh may, in the future, become a part of India, the Sindhi leader said, "We strongly acknowledge and appreciate his remarks made at the event organised by the Vishwa Sindhu Foundation." Burfat accused Pakistan of perpetuating state terrorism, repression, and inhumane violence, alleging that mutilated bodies of Sindhi political activists continued to be dumped across Sindh. He stated that Pakistan has become "a lethal poison for the very existence of the Sindhi nation".
SOUTH ASIA
Pakistan denies launching air strikes on Afghanistan that killed at least 10, mostly children Afghanistan's Taliban government vowed on Tuesday to "respond appropriately" to deadly overnight air strikes it blamed on Pakistan, a claim Islamabad denied, as tensions spiked a day after a suicide bombing in a Pakistani city. An air raid on Khost province "martyred" nine children and a woman, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted on X, blaming Pakistani forces and saying the target was "the house of a local civilian resident". Residents of the targeted area near the Pakistan frontier searched through the rubble of a collapsed
house and prepared graves for victims, an AFP correspondent saw. "Our request from the government of Pakistan is this: do not bomb ordinary people," said Sajidulrahman, a resident of the Jige Mughalgai area. "Civilians have done nothing wrong." Mustaghfir Gurbuz, a spokesman for the governor of Khost, said the strikes were carried out by aircraft that included drones. The nearby border regions of Kunar and Paktika were also hit, wounding at least four people, government spokesman Mujahid said.
Pakistan’s army chief consolidates power, advancing a cycle of military rule When Field Marshal Asim Munir takes his new position as Pakistan’s first-ever “Chief of Defence Forces” Thursday, he will cement his status as the most powerful man in the country. The new job was created after parliament passed a constitutional amendment this month that puts Field Marshal Munir also in control of Pakistan’s navy and air force, and grants him lifelong immunity from prosecution. But though the title is new, there is a sense of history repeating itself. Since gaining independence in 1947, Pakistan has oscillated between civil and military rule. Military dictators have governed directly for 33 of the country’s 78-year history. For
the other 45, the military has wielded its influence from the shadows, by making and breaking governments and manipulating politicians. Under Field Marshal Munir’s leadership, the army has manipulated elections and unleashed a brutal crackdown on Pakistan’s most popular political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), whose leader, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, is languishing in jail. The army and its backers – euphemistically known as “the establishment” – got a popularity boost following the conflict with India earlier this year. Now, this amendment inches Pakistan closer toward direct military rule. “What we’re witnessing now,” says historian Ayesha Jalal, “is a military, which has been strong, becoming even stronger.”
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Punjab, HAL look at manufacturing aircraft components in state A three-member HAL team, including two Deputy General Managers from Bengaluru, is scheduled to arrive in Chandigarh on Friday for discussing the modalities of this venture. A prospective list of products that the HAL wants to manufacture in Punjab has been drawn up. Besides, representatives of BrahMos, the firm that produces the supersonic precision cruise missile, are also expected to hold talks with the state government to examine the feasibility of producing weapon components in Punjab. This was brought out at a seminar, 'Defence dialogue: How can North India contribute to the growing military industrial complex in India', organised by the Gyan Setu Think Tank in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry here on Thursday. The Punjab Government is establishing a 1,200acre industrial park in Rajpura in partnership with the Centre, which will provide 85 per cent funding for the project. About 200-250 acres in the park will be earmarked for the defence industry. As part of its sectoral thrust on the aerospace and defence sector, Punjab is also developing drone testing infrastructure
at the flying club in Patiala and establishing a Remote Pilot Training Organisation for drone operators. Though Punjab has introduced several sops for defence manufacturers as part of its industrial development policy of 2022, the contribution of the state towards the military-industrial complex is “negligible”, as was highlighted by the Additional Director General, Army Design Bureau, Maj Gen CS Mann in his virtual address at the seminar. He said out of the thousands of industries listed in the Army’s database, only 18 were in Punjab accounting for barely 0.01 per cent in the military industrial complex. He added that of the 1,327 responses received to the Army’s compendium of problem definition statements issued this year, only seven came from Punjab, which included four government institutes and one student. He said in the past two years, about 116 contracts worth about Rs 1,08,000 crore have been signed by the Army, out of which only one was from Punjab. The ongoing research and development projects being handled by the Army Design Bureau are worth Rs 2,10,000 crore, in which Punjab has just one project valued at less than Rs 1 crore.
SGPC lays stone for Guru Tegh Bahadur Memorial Complex near Golden Temple SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami explained that the memorial complex will be a large-scale project featuring more than 1,000 rooms for pilgrims, 25 halls, a market arena and spacious parking facilities. Dedicated blocks will honour Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji and Bhai Dyal Das Ji, who were martyred alongside Guru Tegh Bahadur. The project, long delayed due to tenant disputes, aims to accommodate the increasing number of devotees visiting Darbar Sahib. An initial budget allocation of Rs 10 crore was made in 2018-19 for the
project's first phase. Meanwhile, Dhami pointed out that the SGPC has historically marked major Sikh centenaries by establishing educational and commemorative institutions like Guru Gobind Singh Tri-Centenary College in Amritsar and the Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University in Fatehgarh Sahib. He lamented that constructing such memorials should have been the state’s responsibility, but the present administration was “more invested in politics than in meaningful community projects.”
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962 gangster module busted, 3 cops martyred Punjab Police has recorded 324 encounters with gangsters since April 2022, resulting in the neutralisation of 24 dreaded criminals and the arrest of 515 others, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav disclosed on Thursday. In a first-time disclosure of such figures, the DGP said Punjab Police has busted 962 gangster modules, arrested 2,536 criminals and recovered a large haul of arms, drugs and cash over the past three-anda-half years. The data assumes significance amid renewed concerns over rampant gangsterism in Punjab,
with the state government recently suspending an SSP in Amritsar Rural district for alleged inaction against gangsters. DGP Gaurav Yadav said police teams seized 2,086 illegal weapons, 564 vehicles used in criminal activities, 79 kg heroin and ₹4.69 crore in drug money from the possession of the arrested accused. “Of the 515 gangsters arrested during encounters, 319 had sustained bullet injuries. Sadly, three brave police personnel laid down their lives and 41 others were injured in these operations,” the DGP said.
AAP suspends Moga Mayor Baljit Singh Channi over drug peddler links The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday took stringent action against Moga Mayor Baljit Singh Channi, suspending him from the party with immediate effect after serious allegations surfaced regarding his alleged involvement in shielding a drug peddler.Party sources said the high command first sought Channi’s resignation from the mayoral post, which he submitted earlier in the day. His membership was then suspended, marking a notable shift in the local political scene.Channi faces accusations of helping a drug trafficker evade police custody and allegedly demanding money in exchange. Insiders revealed that videos and photographs related to the incident reached senior leaders, prompting disciplinary measures.
The allegations have stirred AAP’s Punjab unit, particularly as Channi was the party’s first Mayor in the state and had led various social initiatives in Moga. Channi confirmed his resignation from the mayoral post but declined to comment on the reasons or the charges against him. Municipal corporation sources indicated that internal disputes and mounting complaints had been under scrutiny for weeks. The disciplinary committee reportedly examined multiple pieces of evidence before recommending stern action. Meanwhile, political observers believe the suspension could have ripple effects in Moga’s civic politics, as Channi had been a prominent figure and had enjoyed strong local support.
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INDIA
India’s strategic autonomy is now reading as aloof Nothing captures India’s long-standing commitment to strategic autonomy more than the country hosting the leaders of three major global powers—Russia, China, and possibly the United States—in short succession. Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India in December, making it his first visit to the country since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to be in India next year when the country hosts the BRICS summit. This year’s summit of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue—a grouping that includes the United States—was scheduled to take place in India this month but was postponed amid the downturn in India-U.S. relations. If the meeting is rescheduled to next year, U.S. President Donald Trump could also visit
India. There is a flip side to this narrative, however. India’s equidistant foreign policy is often perceived as distant or aloof. This became apparent when Trump levied 50 percent tariffs on India, punishing the country for its trade imbalance and purchases of Russian crude. Meanwhile, other countries that maintain a larger trade surplus with the United States or a significant dependence on Russian crude were not targeted to the same degree because of their importance to global supply chains (e.g., China) or their status as U.S. alliance partners (e.g., Japan, Turkey). The differing treatment reflects India’s lack of strategic indispensability in the international system. A key lesson for India is the need to develop a more proactive, rather than passive, strategic autonomy.
India intensifies crackdown in disputed Kashmir after New Delhi bombing
NEW DELHI (AP) — Hours after police in Indian-controlled Kashmir released shopkeeper Bilal Ahmed Wani but kept his son in custody in this month’s deadly New Delhi blast investigation, Wani set himself on fire, members of his family said. The 55-year-old dry fruit seller was treated at three hospitals but died a day later. His relatives, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they feared reprisals from authorities for talking to media, said stress and humiliation over the detentions drove him to self-immolation. Police said Wani died due to “self-inflicted burn injuries.” The Nov. 10 explosion near New Delhi’s historic Red Fort killed at least 10 people and wounded
32 others. Indian investigators quickly focused on Kashmir, launching sweeping raids, detaining suspects and questioning thousands for possible links to what authorities called a “heinous terror incident.” Hundreds still remain in custody.
Who killed our children? Indian parents ask as 'house of horrors' convict acquitted Nearly 20 years after police found the bodies of 19 women and children near a bungalow dubbed India's "house of horrors", the case is back in the spotlight - because Surinder Koli, the last of the two men convicted, has walked free. On 12 November, the Supreme Court acquitted him in the final case pending against him, accepting his claim that his confession - which included admissions of cannibalism and necrophilia - had been extracted under torture. The case dates back to December 2006, when police identified a bungalow in Noida, a suburb of the capital Delhi, as the site where women and children were killed and dismembered, and some allegedly raped. Businessman Moninder Singh Pandher and Surinder Koli, his servant,
were arrested after body parts were found near their home. The revelations triggered national outrage. Parents accused police of ignoring complaints that children had been going missing for more than two years. The case also exposed India's deep social divides: this occurred in an affluent enclave, while the victims were mostly from the neighbouring slums of Nithari, home to poor migrant families. The two men were convicted of rape and murder and spent years on death row. Moninder Singh Pandher was freed in 2023, with the court eventually finding there to be a lack of evidence. Now his servant is out of jail too, bringing to an end the long judicial process in one of India's most disturbing criminal cases.
USD 450 million BrahMos deals after Operation Sindoor proved its deadly power Something extraordinary is happening in global arms markets right now and it's all because of what the world witnessed during Operation Sindoor. Multiple countries are racing to secure deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars for a weapon system that demonstrated capabilities so devastating, so precise, so overwhelming that it has fundamentally changed the conversation about India's defense exports. The weapon that left Pakistani air bases crippled for days has now
become the most sought-after missile system on the planet.
Ethiopian volcano eruption sends ash to Delhi, hitting flight operations
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A plume of volcanic ash from Ethiopia has swept across the Red Sea through Oman and Yemen and reached Delhi, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said. The eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia - which was dormant for several thousand years - began on Sunday morning, sending an ash column thousands of feet into the atmosphere. Several flights have been cancelled, delayed or rerouted in India because of the ash, with the country's aviation regulator asking airlines to "strictly avoid" affected areas. The level of ash contamination is unclear, experts said, but it is unlikely to affect Delhi's air quality, which was "very poor" as per official readings on Tuesday. Volcanic ash is a cloud of tiny, abrasive particles released into the atmosphere during an eruption. It can damage aircraft engines, contaminate airfields and reduce
visibility, making it hazardous to flight operations. "The affected altitude is between 8.5km (5.2 miles) and 15km above the sea level," Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of IMD, told the BBC.
"It will temporarily affect satellite functions and flight operations. But it is unlikely to affect weather conditions or air quality. It reached northern India last night and seems to be headed towards China," Mr Mohapatra said.
Modi government targets insurance, insolvency, securities and nuclear power in massive policy push
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New Delhi: India’s upcoming winter session of Parliament is expected to be one of the most reform-heavy in recent years, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government preparing a comprehensive set of legislation aimed at accelerating economic growth. According to a report by Bloomberg, more than a dozen major bills are slated for introduction between December 1 and December 19, covering critical sectors such as insurance, financial markets, insolvency rules and even atomic energy.
The scale of the proposed reforms underscores the government’s intent to fast-track structural changes that can strengthen India’s investment climate and support its long-term development goals. One of the centrepiece proposals is the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to raise the foreign direct investment (FDI) cap above the current 74 percent. As highlighted by Bloomberg, this move is designed to deepen the insurance market by bringing in more global capital and expertise.
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Guwahati Crowd Erupts With 'Gambhir Hai Hai' After India Endure Crushing Whitewash Vs South Africa The Indian cricket team suffered one of its darkest red-ball moments on Wednesday as South Africa completed a brutal 2-0 clean sweep, sealing the series with a staggering 408-run victory in Guwahati, India’s biggest defeat in Test history. The result not only handed the Proteas their first Test series win in India since 2000, but also marked only their second ever triumph on Indian soil, underscoring the scale of the upset. For India, the repercussions are severe. This is the second home whitewash in just 13 months, a collapse that has dramatically weakened their position in the race to reach the World Test Championship final. Under head coach Gautam Gambhir, India have now fallen to five Test defeats at home against New Zealand and South Africa, a statistic that has intensified scrutiny around the team’s direction and preparation. Emotions ran high at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, where frustrated supporters voiced their anger. Chants of “Gautam Gambhir hai hai” echoed around the stands after the defeat, and cameras captured Gambhir on the field hearing the backlash firsthand. The reaction reflects growing public dissatisfaction, with many questioning tactical calls, player rotation, and
lack of stability in the squad. The decisive Test showcased South Africa’s complete command. What began with cautious accumulation turned into a defining innings through Senuran Muthusamy’s patient 109 and Marco Jansen’s imposing 93, lifting the total to 489. Jansen then delivered a devastating spell with the ball, ripping through India for 201 with figures of 6/48. South Africa didn’t ease up. A composed 94 from Tristan Stubbs guided the visitors to 260/5 declared, setting a target that bordered on impossible. Simon Harmer, who had already tormented India in Kolkata, produced another match-winning performance with 6/37, completing a demolition few expected on Indian soil.
Trade unions in India stage nationwide protests against new labor codes NEW DELHI— A coalition of 10 major Indian trade unions mounted nationwide protests Wednesday against the government’s rollout of new labor codes, saying the sweeping changes were “deceptive fraud” against workers. Demonstrations were held in several parts of the country as unions representing millions of laborers and farmers accused the government of pushing through the overhaul despite widespread concerns
that the new framework erodes job security, weakens collective bargaining and heightens employer control. It is the first coordinated labor action since the codes took effect last week, underscoring deep tensions between unions and the government over the direction of economic reforms. While Indian officials said the new framework will modernize outdated laws, improve efficiency and expand social protections, unions argued it would strip essential safeguards and favor employers at a time of rising job insecurity. “Workers’ rights are being bulldozed, and the government is justifying the move with a barrage of lies that the codes will benefit laborers,” said Tapan Sen, general secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, which is aligned with the communist party and a key trade union in the group that called for the strike.
India and China trade barbs after passenger detained at Shanghai airport The detention of Pema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian citizen living in the UK, at Shanghai airport has fuelled a diplomatic row between Delhi and Beijing. Ms Thongdok said she was detained by immigration officials while travelling from London to Japan via Shanghai last Friday because her passport lists her birthplace as the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. China disputes India's claim over the region and considers Arunachal its territory, calling it "South Tibet" - a claim India firmly rejects. On Tuesday, India said it had lodged a protest against Ms Thongdok's detention and reiterated that Arunachal was an "integral and inalienable" part of India. Ms Thongdok, who called the experience "humiliating", contacted the Indian embassies in Shanghai and Beijing for help. She was released from detention after 18 hours when Indian officials arrived at the airport and spoke to the authorities. India's foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called Ms Thongdok's detention "arbitary" and said the issued had been taken up strongly
with China. "Chinese authorities have still not been able to explain their actions, which are in violation of several conventions governing international air travel. Their actions also violate their own regulations that allow visa free transit up to 24 hours for nationals of all countries," he said in a statement. Mr Jaiswal's statement came hours after China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that China's border inspection authorities had "carried out checks in accordance with laws and regulations" "The law enforcement was impartial and non-abusive, the lawful rights of the individual [Ms Thongdok] were fully protected, no compulsory measures were taken on her, and there was no so-called 'detaining' or 'harassing'," she told India's PTI news agency. She added that the airline - China Eastern - had provided Ms Thongdok resting facilities and meals. But she insisted that Arunachal was China's territory. "The Chinese side has never recognised the socalled 'Arunachal Pradesh' illegally set up by India," she said..
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