www.theasianstar.com Vol 21 - Issue 33
CBSA reviewing scores of refugee cases handled by disgraced former BC immigration lawyer The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is investigating scores of cases handled by a disgraced former B.C. immigration lawyer, in a probe that could lead to deportations. Balraj “Roger” Bhatti was sentenced to 22 months in jail earlier this year after pleading guilty to 17 offences including forgery, misrepresentation and uttering forged documents. The offences took place between 2005 and 2014, and involved collaboration with a Hungarian Continued on page 6
Adani’s elder brother becomes the richest NRI His wealth has increased by 850 per cent from Rs 151,200 crore to Rs 169,000 crore in the last five years as he climbed two ranks to claim the sixth position in India’s top 10 rich list. Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani’s elder brother Vinod Shantilal Adani is now the richest NRI (non-resident Indian), according to IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2022 released on Wednesday. His wealth, the report says, has increased by 850 per cent from Rs 151,200 crore to Rs 169,000 Continued on page 6
Saturday, September 24, 2022
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India angry with Canada over Khalistan referendum In one of its sharpest comments on separatist activity in Canada directed against India, the Foreign Office said it found it “deeply objectionable” that a politically- motivated exercise by extremist elements are allowed to take place in a friendly country. “You are all aware of the history of violence in this regard,” said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi here on Thursday while describing the so-called Khalistan referendum as a “farcical exercise
held by extremists and radical elements”. The MEA’s response came after three diplomatic messages from the South Block saw little action by Ontario to stop the so-called “referendum” in Canada’s Brampton on September 19 asking whether Indian Punjab should not be a separate country. Canada had reportedly said its citizens had the right to assemble and to express
Covid-19 cases in BC hospitals at 11-week low but admissions rise The number of patients with COVID-19 in B.C. hospitals has fallen again, but the number of weekly admissions with the virus ticked upward for the first time since m i d - Au g u s t , a c c o r d i n g to data released on Thursday. According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), as of Sept. 22 there were 305 COVID-positive patients in hospital, down nine from last Thursday, with 22 in critical care.
Thursday’s update reported the fewest COVID patients in hospital since June 30. B.C.’s hospitalization model counts all cases in hospital, regardless of their reason for admission.The province-wide test positivity rate as of Sept 17 was 6.7 per cent — the lowest it has been since late March. However, weekly tracking for the week ending Sept. 17 showed the number of COVID-positive Continued on page 7
their views peacefully and lawfully. The Canada Government has also said it respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India and that they will not recognise the so-called referendum. But the MEA remained unsatisfied with the response. “Nevertheless the Government of India will continue to press the Government of Canada for action in this matter,” said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi here on Thursday.
Biden wants India, Germany & Japan as permanent members of reformed UNSC U. S. President Joe Biden supports Germany, Japan and India as permanent members of a reformed United Nations Security Council, a senior official of his administration has said. At the same time, a lot of work needs to be done in this matter, the official told reports on Wednesday on condition of anonymity. “We have historically and continue to stand behind the idea that Germany,
Japan and India should be permanent members of the Security Council,” the official said in response to a question. Earlier on Wednesday, President Joe Biden in his address at the U. N. General Continued on page 7
MANMOHAN SEKHON M.Sc., M.Phill Life and Health insurance Advisor
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