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Yahya Sinwar's death opens pathways to end the war Will Israel seize them?
Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader behind the deadly October 7 attacks on Israel, was reportedly killed in what appears to be an unexpected encounter with Israeli forces. For over a year, Sinwar managed to evade one of the largest manhunts in modern history, orchestrated by Israel after he masterminded the attacks that killed over 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of 251 hostages. His death, however, came not through targeted intelligence but during a routine Israeli military patrol in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza.
On Wednesday, Israeli soldiers, part of a routine patrol, engaged three suspected militants in a
building, likely unaware that Sinwar was among them. After a firefight, they cleared the rubble and found the body of Sinwar, whose death was confirmed by Israeli authorities. The significance of this discovery sent shockwaves across Israel and the international community, as Sinwar had been considered one of the world's most wanted men.
Yahya Sinwar was a central figure in Hamas and known for his extreme militancy. After spending 22 years in an Israeli prison for killing two Israeli soldiers, he was released in a prisoner swap in 2011.
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U.S. charges ex-Indian intelligence official in plot to kill Sikh separatist
The recent charges against Vikash Yadav, a former Indian intelligence officer, highlight escalating tensions between the U.S. and India over allegations of foreign plots targeting individuals on American soil. The indictment, which was unsealed in New York, asserts that Yadav played a role in a failed assassination attempt against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist leader who holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Canada.
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Conservative Party Leader John Rustad visits Surrey-Fleetwood, receives overwhelming support
Avtar Gill, Conservative Party of B.C. candidate for Surrey-Fleetwood, welcomed Conservative Party leader John Rustad to his campaign office today, where an enthusiastic crowd of supporters gathered to show their commitment to positive change in the community.
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Nawaz Sharif after S Jaishankar's visit: ‘India and Pakistan should bury the past’
Former prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that external affairs minister S Jaishankar's visit to Islamabad was a “good opening” to break the ice between the neighbouring countries. S Jaishankar travelled to Islamabad on Tuesday for a nearly 24 hour trip to attend a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), becoming the first Indian foreign minister to visit Pakistan in the last nine years that came amid continuing strain in ties.
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Former Canadian Olympian charged in connection with cocaine bust, alleged murders
A former Canadian Olympic snowboarder and 15 others are facing criminal charges for allegedly operating a drug-trafficking network that smuggled large quantities of cocaine from Colombia to Canada, using violence, including murder, to achieve their objectives, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Thursday.
Ryan James Wedding, 43, who represented Canada in snowboarding at the 2002 Winter Olympics and was once based in Coquitlam, B.C., is named as the
lead suspect in the case. Recently residing in Mexico, Wedding is still at large. Meanwhile, Andrew Clark, a 34-year-old Canadian citizen and associate of Wedding, was arrested on Oct. 8, according to an announcement made by the FBI at a news conference in Los Angeles.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada accused Wedding of heading a violent, transnational criminal organization involved in cocaine trafficking and orchestrating murders to maintain control.
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First Nations vote down resolution to endorse $47.8B child welfare reform offer
The rejection of the resolution by First Nations chiefs and proxies at the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) special meeting highlights significant concerns about the $47.8 billion settlement agreement on long-term reform of child and family services. This agreement, which was reached with the Canadian government in July, was aimed at addressing historic injustices and reforming the First Nations Child and Family Services Program.
Despite the magnitude of the proposed settlement, the opposition to it was clear, with a majority of 267 voting against the resolution, while 147 supported it, and one abstained. Leaders like Khelsilem from the Squamish Nation voiced strong
opposition, citing deep flaws in the final settlement agreement (FSA) and calling for its rejection. He urged undecided chiefs to vote against it, highlighting that amending the resolution wouldn't resolve the fundamental issues with the FSA.
The debate reflects competing perspectives on whether the current settlement sufficiently addresses the needs and rights of First Nations children and families.
Some chiefs pushed for reform but felt the current version of the agreement fell short,
while others wanted a delay to make further adjustments, although a resolution to delay for 90 days was withdrawn. The decision signals that significant work remains to reach a consensus on meaningful, equitable reform.
4 more Trudeau cabinet ministers won't seek re-election
Four more federal cabinet ministers will not run for re-election, Radio-Canada has learned, meaning Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will reshuffle his cabinet at a time when his leadership is increasingly fragile.
Marie-Claude Bibeau (National Revenue), Carla Qualtrough (Sports), Filomena Tassi (Economic Development for Southern Ontario) and Dan Vandal (Northern Affairs) have informed the prime minister they won't be running in the next federal election.
They were all elected in the 2015 election. Ministers Bibeau and Qualtrough have held ministerial positions since then. Bibeau is considering a run for mayor of Sherbrooke, scheduled for fall 2025.
The four ministers will be removed from cabinet in a reshuffle scheduled for
the coming weeks, sources told RadioCanada.
The prime minister has yet to set a date for the shuffle. Some of his advisors believe it would be better to wait for the outcome of the U.S. election on Nov. 5 before finalizing the new ministerial team. This brings the number of ministers who have opted not to stand for re-election since the start of the summer to six, following the
loss of two big names close to Trudeau: Seamus O'Regan and Pablo Rodriguez.
According to Radio-Canada's count, 24 elected members of the Liberal caucus don't intend to seek re-election. That's not counting the seven MPs who have resigned since the last election, including former ministers Marc Garneau, David Lametti and Carolyn Bennett.
A major reshuffle in the summer of 2023 was supposed to give the government new life and replace ministers nearing retirement. Since then, the prime minister has been unable to gain ground against Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in the polls. This new wave of departures risks fuelling the perception of a government in disarray.
Air India flight leaves Iqaluit after
Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan said he approved a request for the Canadian military resources, as Iqaluit was "not equipped to house these passengers" and the airline "hasn't
In a statement, Canadian Armed Forces spokesperson Kened Sadiku said the military received a request for assistance from Public
It determined that "rapid relocation of an RCAF aircraft to bring the passengers to their original destination in Chicago was the best way forward to all involved, including the passengers,"
Green Party could again carry balance of power
social issues back in 2017. Furstenau released the party’s 2024 election platform recently which included lofty promises like taxing the rich, ensuring everyone in this province can afford a home by either owning or renting by 2035, and there was an obvious focus on the environment.
“Climate change is a now problem. I don’t think we thought that we would see an atmospheric river, and a heat dome and the kind of wildfires we’re seeing in this province — I don’t think we imagined those would come in our lifetime,” she
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Conservative Party Leader John Rustad visits Surrey-Fleetwood, receives overwhelming support
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The event was marked by a strong turnout, reflecting the growing momentum behind Avtar Gill’s campaign.
Supporters from all walks of life attended, demonstrating their trust in the Conservative Party’s vision for a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Surrey-Fleetwood.
“We are thrilled to see such overwhelming support from the community,” said Avtar Gill. “Today’s gathering is a clear indication that the people of Surrey-Fleetwood are ready for change. They want a leader who will prioritize safety, economic growth, and the well-being of families, and I am honored to be that voice for them.”
During his visit, Mr. Rustad spoke about the Conservative Party’s commitment to lowering taxes, supporting small businesses, and ensuring better services for families across British Columbia. He expressed confidence in Avtar Gill’s ability to bring positive change to Surrey-Fleetwood and emphasized the importance of electing a strong, dedicated leader for the community.
“I am proud to stand with Avtar Gill, a passionate and committed advocate for Surrey-Fleetwood,” said John Rustad. “He understands the challenges facing this community, and he has the vision and determination to make a real difference. Together, we will work to build a brighter future for all residents of British Columbia.”
The event also served as an opportunity for Avtar Gill to thank his supporters and volunteers for their tireless efforts in building a movement for change. “Our campaign is about more than just politics; it’s about bringing people together to create a community where everyone can thrive,” he said. “With your continued support, we can make this vision a reality.”
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Once free, he quickly rose to prominence within Hamas, directing both its political and military strategies. His legacy reached a peak on October 7, 2023, when he coordinated a largescale surprise attack on Israel, killing civilians and military personnel, and taking hundreds of hostages.
Sinwar’s death is seen by many Israelis as a crucial milestone in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Amir Ohana, Speaker of Israel's Knesset, took to social media to declare that Sinwar’s elimination marked a turning point and urged Hamas fighters to lay down their weapons. Ohana suggested that, without Sinwar's leadership, continuing the armed struggle was pointless. His remarks hinted at a broader desire to weaken Hamas’ resolve after losing its top leader.
In Israel, Sinwar was often viewed as a symbol of malevolence, and his elimination is perceived as not just a military success but also a psychological blow to Hamas. For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Sinwar’s death offers a significant political victory, especially after intense domestic criticism over the government’s preparedness for and response to the October 7 attacks. Political analysts in Israel note that Netanyahu stands to gain considerable credit for Sinwar’s death, which many believe "had to happen" to resolve an ongoing wound within Israeli society.
However, while Sinwar's death represents a symbolic victory, it's less clear how it will affect the broader dynamics of the war. Netanyahu's
initial remarks following the announcement made it clear that Israel’s military operations in Gaza are far from over. The prime minister vowed that the mission would not conclude until all Israeli hostages held by Hamas are returned, though many are feared dead.
The killing of Sinwar may not only impact Hamas and Israel's conflict in Gaza but could also influence regional dynamics, including Israel’s tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon and its adversarial relationship with Iran. Despite the symbolic victory, some analysts caution that it might not de-escalate these broader conflicts, which remain dangerously volatile.
The impact of Israel's military actions over the past year has been devastating in Gaza. Over 42,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks, with more than 76,000 injured, and at least 1.5 million people displaced from their homes. Much of Gaza’s infrastructure has been reduced to rubble, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Sinwar’s death, while a key moment, doesn’t signal an end to the conflict. Israeli officials have made it clear that military operations will continue until their objectives, including the release of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas' military capabilities, are achieved.
In essence, while Sinwar’s elimination represents a key turning point in the war against Hamas, the broader conflict remains far from resolved. The path ahead for Gaza, Israel, and the broader region remains uncertain, as tensions continue to simmer on multiple fronts.
A Toronto court has ordered an assessment to determine if a woman accused of killing three people in three Ontario cities over three days is fit to stand trial at this time.
Prosecutors applied for the assessment Thursday as Sabrina Kauldhar, 30, appeared in a Toronto court on a second degree murder charge related to a death in the city, one of the three murder charges she faces.
Defence lawyers had initially asked for the assessment, but withdrew their application saying Kauldhar had instructed them to oppose it.
In ordering the assessment, Ontario Court Justice Edward Kelly said the prosecution had satisfied the court that "there are reasonable grounds to doubt the fitness of the accused at this point in time."
Kauldhar was arrested
earlier this month and charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second degree murder.
The charges relate to three deaths police say took place over three consecutive days in Toronto, Niagara Falls and Hamilton.
Investigators say Trinh Thi Vu, 66, was found dead inside a home in west Toronto on Oct. 1. It's alleged she and Kauldhar knew each other.
Police say 47-year-old Lance Cunningham died in a Niagara Falls park the following day, and 77-year-old Mario Bilich died in Hamilton the day after. Police have said they believe Cunningham and Bilich were randomly attacked.
Kauldhar's case is set to return before courts in St. Catharines, Ont., and Hamilton, Ont., on Friday in relation to the other two deaths.
Delivering on our promises, an economic update from your Liberal Member of Parliament
As you may know, the Bank of Canada lowered its overnight interest rate to 4.25% in September. What this means is that British Columbians will see reduced interest rates on variable mortgages, car loans and on their credit cards. This was welcome news for Canadians and reflected our plan to responsibly create the economic conditions for interest rates to come down.
While the Conservatives have focused their communications on simple slogans that are designed to misinform you, I’m here to share the facts.
Canada was the first G7 country to cut interest rates in June and is the first G7 country to cut interest rates twice. This interest rate cut also follows the rate of inflation falling to 2% from its peak of 8.1% in June 2022. This marks the eighth straight month that inflation has remained below 3% and shows that our government’s work to stick to responsible fiscal targets is working.
The Bank of Canada is also forecasting that as borrowing costs ease, GDP growth in Canada will increase in the second half of 2024 and through 2025.
What does this mean for British Columbians?
Well, for starters, British Columbians with variable-rate mortgages will see an immediate reduction in their next payment. This rate cut is also a sign of relief for homeowners who are coming up on their mortgage renewals, as this is an indication that lower interest rates are on the way. For buyers that are looking to purchase their first home, this is a positive sign that they will be able to qualify for a larger amount.
On the topic of mortgages, this month your Liberal government announced the boldest mortgage reforms in decades. We increased the price cap for insured mortgages from $1 million to $1.5 million to keep in line with the rising
house prices. Mortgage insurance allows you to qualify for a mortgage with a down payment of less than 20%, enabling people to buy homes in pricier areas such as Vancouver, Toronto, and others. I can’t talk about mortgages without mentioning our work on helping Canadians shop for the best mortgage, we’ve made it easier for you to switch lenders so that you can find the most affordable rate. Previously, Canadians would have to undergo a mortgage stress test when switching providers. Now, you’re free to switch to the best and lowest interest rates.
You may have heard that we expanded eligibility for 30-year mortgage amortizations to all first-time homebuyers and to buyers of new build homes. This will reduce the cost of your monthly mortgage payments and help you buy the best home for you and your family. To ensure that the banks are wellequipped to support you, we’re providing them with the technical advice needed to offer first time buyers mortgages with lower monthly payments. Now, you can start talking to your bank to get your first mortgage application ready for December 15th, which is when these changes will be implemented. If you’re a renter, we also introduced something for you with the newly released blueprints for the Renters’ Bill of Rights, which are designed to protect renters such as yourself while you save for a down payment.
With the easing of inflationary pressures, borrowing costs, and broad price pressures, our economy is showing signs of strengthening as we prepare for the future. With that said, we understand that these numbers do not immediately ease the economic anxiety many British Columbians face. This is why our entire team remains focused on tackling rising grocery costs, addressing housing affordability, and improving the lives of all Canadians.
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I, Karamveer Singh s/o Manmohan Singh, holder of Indian Passport No. M2602065 issued at Chandigarh, on 01810/2014, from VPO Siana Saidan, Tehsil Pehowa, Kurukshrtra (Haryana) India 136128 and presently residing at 11866-100 Avenue Surrey BC, Canada V3V 2W1, do hereby change my name from Karamveer Singh to Karamveer Singh Bains with immediate effect.
3 teenage girls charged after 2 violent assaults in Surrey
Three teenage girls are facing charges in relation to two violent attacks on a SkyTrain and bus in Surrey in July.
The Metro Vancouver Transit Police (MVTP) says the girls have each been charged with two counts of assault causing bodily harm after allegedly attacking another teenage girl and a young woman in July.
Around 9 p.m. on July 11, police say a 16-year-old homestay student caught the attention of the three suspects when she tried to stop one of them from prying open the doors of a moving SkyTrain.
“The suspects encircled the student and allegedly punched her, kicked her, and dragged her by her hair. The student was able to get help thanks to passengers on board the train and two SkyTrain attendants at Surrey Central Station who called police and an ambulance,” said Const. Amanda Steed.
Steed says the student was taken to Surrey Memorial Hospital.
Shortly after midnight on July 12, the teen suspects boarded a bus at 160 Street and 100 Avenue and allegedly assaulted an 18-year-old
woman after a “verbal exchange.”
“The suspects allegedly punched and kicked the victim and pulled out clumps of her hair. The bus was stopped, and police were called,” Steed explained.
The Surrey Police Service (SPS) and MVTP arrived and arrested three girls: a 13-year-old and 15-year-old from Surrey and a 17-year-old from Abbotsford.
“Thankfully, the victims didn’t sustain any serious physical injuries, although they are still quite traumatized from the incident,” Steed said.
She confirmed to 1130 NewsRadio that the victims were strangers to the suspects.
Steed says the incidents aren’t indicative of a rise in crime on transit specifically, but rather of a rise in crimes committed by youth — though her statement was not substantiated by recent statistics.
Police say all three suspects are currently in the custody of their guardians, awaiting their next court appearance. MVTP encourages anyone who feels unsafe on transit to text 8777-77 or call 911.
Surrey RCMP seizes illicit drugs, weapons in Whalley neighbourhood raid
Mounties reportedly arrested more than a dozen people and seized weapons and illicit drugs in a day of targetting the “open drug trade” in Surrey’s Whalley neighbourhood.
On Oct. 3, the Surrey RCMP says its North Community Response Unit arrested 14 people — some with outstanding warrants.
Police also seized the following items: 16 weapons, including a pellet gun, brass knuckles, a billy club, a baton, a bear mace, and a
variety of knives; 41.24 grams of suspected cocaine; 56.08 grams of suspected fentanyl; and 37.1 grams of suspected methamphetamine.
“The quantity of drugs and weapons seized from open-air drug traffickers is concerning to us,” staid Staff Sgt. Nigel Pronger.
Anyone who wishes to report suspicions of drug trafficking is encouraged to call the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.
Highway patrol seeking witnesses to Massey Tunnel crash that forced hours of closures
A two-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon forced the closure of lanes in the George Massey Tunnel between Delta and Richmond well into the evening.
Though it took place in the only northbound lane, both directions were temporarily blocked. One southbound lane was quickly opened, but the tunnel stayed in that condition until just before 8 p.m., causing big delays.
In a release Wednesday, the BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) says it’s now asking for the public’s help to investigate the collision. “A white Toyota Sienna and a white Mazda 3 went head-on while one of the northbound lanes was being used as a counterflow,” said Corp. Michael McLaughlin.
“Anyone who saw the collision or has dashcam video of the events leading up to
the collision is asked to call BC Highway Patrol as soon as possible.”
BCHP says both drivers were alone in their vehicles at the time of the crash and both suffered “non-life-altering injuries.”
Investigators can be reached at 604-526-9744 and callers are asked to quote file 2024-1716.
Texas judge blocks execution of man in shaken baby case
A Texas judge has blocked the execution of the first man to be put on death row in the US for murder charges related to "shaken baby syndrome", less than two hours before the capital punishment was due to be carried out.
Robert Roberson, 57, was sentenced to death in 2003 for the death of his two-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, after a post-mortem examination concluded she died of injuries from abuse.
Roberson, his lawyers and supporters have long maintained the child died of complications from pneumonia.
Prosecutors, however, have insisted that new evidence does not disprove their case that the child died from injuries inflicted by her father.
Roberson was due to be executed at 18:00 local time (23:00 GMT) on Thursday.
But only 90 minutes beforehand, a Travis County judge issued a temporary restraining order to stop it going ahead, so that Roberson
can testify in a hearing at the state legislature next week.
The decision came after a Texas House panel issued a highly unusual subpoena for Roberson late on Wednesday, hoping that authorities would have to send him to appear at a hearing on 21 October.
The Texas attorney general has filed an appeal against the temporary restraining order.
Ahead of the planned execution, a bipartisan group of 86 Texas lawmakers, dozens of medical and scientific experts, attorneys and othersincluding best-selling author John Grisham and pro-death penalty Republicans - called for clemency.
The group argued that the conviction was based on outdated science, before authorities gained a proper understanding of "shaken baby syndrome".
"In Robert’s case there was no crime and yet we’re about to kill somebody for it in Texas,"
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Grisham told reporters in September.
Robertson's lawyers have also argued that his autism - which was undiagnosed at the time of Nikki's death - was used against him after police and medical staff became suspicious at the lack of emotion he displayed.
Autism can affect how a person communicates with others.
Shortly after the Travis County judge issued the last-minute reprieve on Thursday, the US Supreme Court declined to intervene to cancel the execution outright.
In a statement about the decision, Justice Sotomayor, a liberal, said it was up to Texas Governor Abbot whether to stop the execution.
Roberson's supporters include Brian Wharton, the lead detective who investigated the incident in Palestine, Texas. Earlier this week, Texas' Board of Pardon and Paroles denied Roberson's clemency petition, voting 6-0 against recommending that his death sentence be delayed or commuted to
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The FBI's firm stance, articulated by Director Christopher Wray, underscores its commitment to protecting individuals in the U.S. from violence and intimidation, particularly those exercising their rights to free speech and assembly.
This case aligns with broader concerns about India's actions regarding Sikh separatists abroad, which have strained relations with both the U.S. and Canada.
The situation has intensified following Canada’s expulsion of Indian diplomats over allegations connected to the murder of another Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in
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“Instead of using the opportunities he had as an Olympic athlete for good, he chose a darker path,” Estrada stated. “He became a major drug trafficker and is now accused of being responsible for several killings.”
Estrada claimed that Wedding would order the killings of anyone who posed a threat to his criminal enterprise, describing the group as "ruthless and violent."
Some of Wedding’s alleged victims were Canadians, including two believed to be innocent bystanders, according to Estrada. Canadian police, working with U.S. authorities, allege that Wedding and Clark ordered the murders of two family members in Caledon, Ontario, on Nov. 20,
life in prison.
Governor Abbott could have also granted a one-time 30-day reprieve. He has only done so once in nearly a decade in office.
In an October interview with NBC, Roberson urged Abbott to "do the right thing" because "I'm innocent".
According to Roberson's account, his daughter fell out of bed on 31 January 2002.
Hours later, he said he realised she was not breathing and took her to an emergency room, where she was pronounced dead.
2023. India’s classification of Sikh separatists as terrorists reflects its longstanding internal conflict over the Khalistan movement, which seeks an independent Sikh state. This geopolitical backdrop adds complexity to international relations, especially as the U.S. and Canada have historically seen India as a strategic ally in counterbalancing China’s influence.
Overall, the charges against Yadav and the ongoing diplomatic fallout illustrate the delicate balance of international relations, national security, and the rights of individuals within the context of transnational activism and conflict.
2023, as revenge for a stolen drug shipment passing through Southern California.
The victims, Jagtar and Harbhajan Sidhu, both in their 50s, were visiting from India to see their daughter, Jaspreet Kaur Sidhu, who was seriously injured in the attack. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns confirmed that the family had no connection to the criminal network.
“This was a tragic case of mistaken identity,” Kearns explained. “Two lives were senselessly lost, and a young woman now faces life-changing injuries.”
The investigation into the double homicide remains active, and police are still searching for suspects.
Striking USP union workers want VC Ahluwalia out – Colata
The striking members of the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff and the USP Staff Union are calling on the USP Council to take immediate action and suspend Vice Chancellor Pal Ahluwalia pending investigations.
USP Staff Union General Secretary, Reuben Colata says they want action as they are seeing deliberate delays. The unions have expressed deep dissatisfaction following the recent release of the Special Council meeting outcome, which they say misleadingly framed serious grievances as mere HR issues to be investigated rather than investigating Ahluwalia.
The unions say they are clear : Vice Chancellor Ahluwalia must be removed as no credible investigation can take place as long as he remains in control of the institution.
They find it unacceptable that a person under investigation for leadership failures is still allowed to continue in the role as this is gross poor
governance. They say it has now been almost four weeks since the Special Council 2024 meeting, and the Terms of Reference for the independent investigation have yet to be finalized.
The unions says the Council Secretariat, which reports directly to the Vice Chancellor, has failed to move the process forward, raising concerns about alleged deliberate manipulation to stall the investigation.
They say it is important to note that even when the Terms of Reference is approved, the expressions of interest need to be called; the appropriate Council Committee needs to meet, select and appoint the most appropriate applicant before the investigation can begin.
They add this failure in finalizing the terms of Reference means further delays in calling for expressions of interest and convening of the Council Committee to brief the successful applicant.
Whippy and O'Connor granted extension for plea
Carpenters Fiji Managing Director Daniel Whippy and former National Fire Authority Board Chair John O’Connor, have been granted more time to enter their plea in the 2018 MH warehouse fire case.
The two appeared before Magistrate Sufia Hamza in the Suva Magistrates Court.
O’Connor is charged with one count of abuse of Office, while Whippy is charged with one count of counselling for the omission of the offence.
FICAC says these charges were filed by them in relation to the fire at Carpenters Fiji property, the MH warehouse in Walu Bay.
Both defence teams requested an extension for their plea, citing late disclosures of key documents.
FICAC’s Senior State Counsel, Sera Fatafehi, informed the court that the prosecution had only just received Whippy’s bail variation application.
Whippy is seeking permission to travel abroad for medical treatment, either to India for knee replacement surgery or to the United States
for stem cell therapy.
The prosecution opposed the bail variation, requesting time to verify the supporting documents and to obtain a second opinion from another orthopaedic surgeon.
Whippy's counsel, Stephen Stanton, confirmed that his client prefers stem cell treatment in the US.
Magistrate Hamza directed the prosecution to respond to the bail variation by the 28th of this month.
The case has been adjourned to the 28th of October this month for the bail variation and O’Connor will take his plea on the 13th of January, 2025.
Reconciling the past will further Fiji's contribution to global peace - British High Commissioner
Reconciling the past will further enable Fiji to contribute to global peace with clear eyes and reconcile with its own history, which is hugely important at this time of global insecurity.
This was stressed by the British High Commissioner to Fiji, Dr Brian Jones, while closing the 3-day RFMF Reconciliation and Restoration Workshop at the Peninsula International Hotel in Suva.
He says Fiji is one of the proudest and most significant nations of peacekeepers, both the
Fiji Police and the RFMF.
Dr Jones says peace is important at this time in the world as we look to our Fijian peacekeepers serving in the Middle East.
The Commissioner also highlighted to the participants the importance of having pride in the institutions they come from and trust between communities, which is underpinned by good governance in all the institutions.
Dr Jones assured the participants that they will support, alongside international partners, this program.
Pio: Say no to drugs
Traditional leaders in the province of Tailevu have been urged to join government in its battle against drugs.
Speaking during a talanoa session, Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua said Fiji was not a rich country to be able to control the inflow of illicit drugs.
Encouraging youths to say no to drugs was one way traditional leaders could assist government in their fight, he added.
Echoing Mr Tikoduadua’s plea was iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu who called on the leaders to carry out their traditional roles in protecting their people.
He said the iTaukei’s were on many occasions pointed out for being involved in
a lot of illegal activities.
Mr Vasu said they were challenging leaders to sit and talk to their people.
“Its time to speak the truth,” he said.
“A lot of things that we need to be talking about should now be coming up.
“Let us not leave it to other groups to talk about it because a lot of the things that are happening are happening right in our villages.
“It is our role beginning in our homes, our villages, our districts and our province.
“When we speak to them they are opening to talking about it because we are kinsmen.
“If we leave it with government it will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Widespread protests erupt across Pakistan over rape of college student
Protests erupted across Pakistan after the alleged rape of a college student in the country.
The agitation, organized to demand justice for the victim, turned violent in Lahore and Rawalpindi/
Reports of vandalism and arson in public and private institutions in various cities across Pakistan also started doing rounds.
Videos of thousands of students engaging in an impromptu protest in Rawalpindi against the rape of a female student in PGC Lahore went viral on Thursday.
Over 200 students have been arrested so far in connection with the alleged violence.
In Lahore, students gathered at Punjab College's Campus 11, igniting fires in the parking area, breaking windows, and causing extensive damage. Some protesters wielded iron rods and clubs as they stormed the campus, as reported by Dawn News.
Protests also occurred on Burki Road in Lahore, where students blocked traffic, demanding accountability from the college administration for allegedly hiding the incident.
Organizations like Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT), Red Workers Front, and Progressive Students Collective, also stood with the protesters.
In the Gujrat district of Punjab, a security guard lost his life while several protesters were left injured after violence escalated during confrontations at the PGC boys' campus.
Media reports also suggested that a group of protesters, comprising both local and outside students, launched a protest rally and initially attacked the girls' campus on Rehman Shaheed Road, causing significant damage.
Violent protests also erupted in other towns in the Gujrat district, including Lalamusa, Kharian, and Jalalpur Jattan, where protesters damaged PGC campuses and stole valuables.
Pakistan, Russia agree to pursue robust dialogue, cooperation in diverse areas
The agreement was reached as the two leaders had a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House, at the margins of the 23rd SCO summit in Islamabad.
The two prime ministers discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation and noted the positive momentum in Pakistan-Russia relations over the last two decades.
PM Sharif fondly recalled his first foreign visit to Moscow, expressing a desire to transform these warm memories into a lasting friendship with Russia. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening political, economic, and defence ties with Russia. The two sides agreed to enhance
cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Mr Sharif also thanked Russia for supporting Pakistan’s BRICS membership bid, marking a step towards deeper collaboration on the global stage.
The prime minister recalled his productive meeting with President Vladimir Putin in July this year in Astana during the course of which they had agreed to meaningful enhancement of relations between the two countries. He also emphasised the need for direct flights between Russia and Pakistan for enhanced connectivity between the two countries.
‘Did not run to Dubai, here because…’: Byju Raveendran claims he’ll return to India
Byju Raveendran, founder and CEO of crisishit edtech firm Byju’s, has said that he has not run away to Dubai and plans to return to India soon.
Speaking to the media for the first time in four years, Byju Raveendran cleared the air around his rumoured move to Dubai, which occurred as trouble began brewing at Byju’s.
In his virtual press conference, Byju Raveendran blamed investors for his company’s troubles and expressed his intent to revive the brand.
away," he stated in his first press conference since trouble began brewing at Byju’s.
The edtech firm is currently facing a host of legal and financial challenges, leading many to speculate that Raveendran left India to avoid creditors, regulatory authorities, and the anger of its customers.
He also revealed the reason behind his prolonged stay at Dubai, where he has reportedly been staying since 2023.
“People think I ran to Dubai”
"It's very unfortunate that people think that I ran to Dubai because I had to... I came to Dubai for a year for my father's treatment, which led to our ongoing stay. But let me be clear, I did not run
“I will come to India and I will fill stadiums...
The timing has not been decided, but it will be soon,” the 44-yearold promised. He was speaking from his residence in Dubai. "I only need to see a one percent chance to make it work. I am not worried about what order will come. Whatever comes, I will find a way out," he added.
Once valued at $22 billion, Byju’s valuation has plummeted to zero, its founder claimed. He blamed investors for ditching the startup at its time of need.
Nayab Singh Saini stakes claim to form BJP govt in Haryana
Hours after being unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party leader, Nayab Singh Saini met Haryana governor Bandaru Dattatreya at Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh on Wednesday and staked claim to form the government in the state.
Saini, 54, will take oath as the chief minister of Haryana at Parade Ground in Sector 5, Panchkula, on Thursday morning in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh besides other senior party leaders.
Earlier on Wednesday, Saini was unanimously elected as the leader of the Haryana BJP legislature party, clearing the decks for his second innings as chief minister. The Haryana BJP legislature party meeting lasted less than
an hour at the party office, Panch Kamal, in Panchkula under the supervision of Union minister Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav.
Narwana legislator Krishan Kumar Bedi proposed Saini’s name after which Ambala Cantt MLA Anil Vij endorsed it and all MLAs unanimously backed the choice.
Saini, who replaced Manohar Lal Khattar as the chief minister of Haryana in March, was the BJP’s chief ministerial face in the assembly elections.
The BJP secured its third consecutive term in the assembly polls in Haryana, results of which were declared on October 8. It won 48 seats against the Congress’ 37 in the 90-member assembly in the state.
CBI books Maharashtra IPS for forgery in 1200 crore scam case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) booked IPS officer Bhagyashree Navtake on charges of forgery and criminal conspiracy, the probe agency announced on Thursday. The case pertains to instances of forgery and flawed documentation in an alleged ₹1200 crore scam investigation.
The bureaucrat has been charged under sections 120-B, 466, 474, and 201 of the Indian Penal Code against Navtake, ANI reported.
According to the agency, Navtake had led the investigation into an alleged ₹1,200 crore scam related to the Jalgaon-based Bhaichand Hirachand Raisoni Credit Society from 2020 to 2022.
The Pune police registered the first case against Navtake in August, based on a CID report that flagged procedural lapses in the scam investigation and other unidentified persons, on directions from the Maharashtra Home Department.
Navtake was heading the Special Investigation Team as DCP (economic offence wing) in 202121 to probe cases related to the alleged scam involving Bhaichand Hirachand Raisoni Credit Society in the Pune district.
The alleged scam, dating back to 2015, involved the alleged cheating of numerous individuals through promises of attractive interest on fixed deposits.
Nawaz Sharif after S Jaishankar's visit:
‘India and Pakistan should bury the past’
Continued from Page 1...
In an interaction with a group of Indian journalists, Nawaz Sharif, a three-time prime minister and president of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N), said both sides should now engage and move forward.
Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surprise trip to Lahore in December 2015, Nawaz Sharif said he was not happy with the “longpause” in the ties between the two countries and hoped that both sides should look ahead with a positive approach.
“We can’t change our neighbours, neither can Pakistan nor can India. We should live like good neighbours,” the 74 year-old leader said.
“We have spent 70 years in this way (fighting) and we should not let this go on for the next 70 years... Both sides should sit down and discuss how to go forward,” Nawaz Sharif told reporters after S Jaishankar's visit. Nawaz Sharif also blamed the current breakdown of communication between the two countries on former prime minister Imran Khan, especially comments made by the latter against prime minister Modi.
"Imran Khan used words that destroyed the relationship - as leaders of the two countries and neighbours, we should not even think, let alone utter such words," Nawaz Shari said, referring to a post by Imran Khan in September 2018, supposedly targeting Modi.
‘Missing’ Jakhar makes appearance at Saini show
After remaining absent from party activities for around two months, Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar was seen active while welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mohali airport on Thursday.
Jakhar was not only seen receiving Modi along with other dignitaries at the airport but also received all the chief ministers of the NDA when they arrived at The Lalit to attend a meeting of the chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of NDA-ruled states.
He garlanded all the dignitaries in the meeting as Punjab BJP chief as the state BJP was given the responsibility to oversee this meeting.
All the NDA leaders, including the Prime Minister, were in Panchkula on Thursday to attend the swearing-in of the third consecutive government of the BJP in Haryana. Jakhar also attended the swearing-in ceremony.
With Jakhar preferring to keep mum on all issues and getting out of touch with the party workers, the state contested the recently concluded panchayat polls without any leader.
The state BJP chief, who was in the national capital, hasn’t even congratulated the BJP for its historic win in the Haryana assembly polls.
Jakhar, after deciding not to attend any party meeting, had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home minister Amit Shah and national BJP chief JP Nadda last month to convey his resentment on certain issues concerning Punjab politics. However, even those meetings have failed to pacify Jakhar.
On Thursday, he was seen welcoming the guests with full enthusiasm. According to BJP insiders, Jakhar was conveyed the party high command’s wish to be in the meeting by party general secretary Vinod Tawde.
Punjab farmer unions term Centre’s wheat MSP hike as peanuts
According to leaders of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) and BKU (Dakaunda), the actual cost of production is much higher than what the Central committee has mentioned.
A day after the Centre hiked the minimum support price (MSP) for wheat crop by ₹150, farmers unions in Punjab on Thursday termed it peanuts, claiming it does not account for the actual cost of production.
The cabinet committee on economic affairs has increased the wheat MSP by ₹150 (7%), revising it from ₹2,275 to ₹2,425. The committee also mentioned ₹1,182 as expected cost of wheat production per quintal than last year’s ₹1,128. Effecting an increase of ₹300, the MSP for mustard has also been hiked from ₹5,650 to ₹5,950 with
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) (Ugrahan) state general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokri said the Central government plays a joke with farmers every year by meagerly increasing the MSP of rabi crops, especially of wheat, as the central committee fails to take note of inflation. The actual cost of production is much higher than the expected cost mentioned by the committee, he said.
Jagmohan Singh, state general secretary of the BKU (Dakaunda), said farmers have been asking the Centre to adopt a formula recommended by noted agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan. “The government is not offering MSP on the C2 (comprehensive cost) and 50% profit,” he said, adding that the prices of labour, diesel, pesticides,
